The best vegan protein powder (2024)
Table of Contents
Here is the best vegan protein powder
In recent years, the market has seen an influx of new vegan protein powders, and demand has significantly increased.
The demand is fueled by an understanding of the health benefits of vegan protein powders and their effects on performance and recovery. A long-standing misconception was that vegan protein powders were not as effective as, for example, whey protein. However, this notion is incorrect, as the best vegan protein powders contain as much protein and all the essential amino acids.
A common issue with vegan protein supplements has been their poor taste or texture. Many vegan protein powders feel gritty in the mouth because not all plant protein particles dissolve in water as efficiently as, for example, whey protein isolate. However, new vegan protein powders have been introduced to the market, which dissolve well in water and taste excellent.
Super Proteins aims to earn the title of the best vegan protein powder. Specializing in vegan protein products, Super Proteins prioritizes taste in all its products. The products taste very good, and the texture is pleasant, as the powder dissolves well in water. They have not forgotten about high protein content and essential amino acids. A serving of Super Proteins protein powder contains 20 grams of protein.
Available Super Proteins products:
Super Proteins is a domestic company, and the products are made in Finland. The main ingredient is fava bean, and Super Proteins products are Finland’s first protein supplements made from fava bean protein isolate. The products do not use any artificial sweeteners and are gluten-free.
- Vanilla flavored vegan protein powder, Super Proteins Vanilla
- Chocolate flavored vegan protein powder, Super Proteins Chocolate
- Unflavored vegan protein powder, Super Proteins Unflavored
How does vegan protein powder affect muscle growth and recovery?
Vegan protein powder supports muscle growth and recovery in the same way as other protein sources when used as part of a balanced diet and training regimen. Protein is a building block for the body, and its intake is crucial for optimal performance as well as muscle growth and repair.
The best vegan protein powders contain all the essential amino acids needed for protein synthesis (muscle growth). In addition to consuming protein supplements, it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough protein from your daily diet.
In summary, vegan protein powder can be an effective and healthy option to support muscle growth and recovery when included as part of a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, it’s important to follow an appropriate exercise program and give muscles enough rest and recovery time.
What types of protein sources are commonly used in vegan protein powders?
Various plant proteins can be used to make vegan protein powders. The amount of protein and essential amino acids varies among different sources. There are also differences in solubility, absorption, and taste.
Common protein sources in vegan protein powders include:
- Pea protein
- Rice protein
- Hemp protein
- Soy protein
- Almond protein
- Nut protein
- Chickpea protein
- Chia protein
- Fava bean protein
- Combinations
How much protein does vegan protein powder typically contain?
The protein content in vegan protein powders is usually 80-90%, and one serving generally contains about 20-25 grams of protein. Some products may have only 60% protein, so carefully check the protein content of the product. A lower protein content doesn’t necessarily mean the product is inferior. For example, a product consisting only of hemp protein often contains up to 60% protein but is an excellent source of dietary fiber and healthy fats.
If you want to increase your protein intake, choose a product with a high protein content.
How does vegan protein powder compare to other protein sources in terms of nutritional values?
Vegan protein powders often have diverse and high nutritional values. In addition to high protein content, the product may contain more fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to other protein sources, like whey protein. Vegan protein powders do not contain any saturated fat or cholesterol.
Is vegan protein powder easily digestible and absorbable?
There is little difference in the absorption of vegan protein powders compared to whey protein when it comes to protein isolate. The absorption of proteins and amino acids is measured by the PDCAAS value (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score), and the differences between whey protein, soy protein, pea protein, and fava bean protein are small.
What’s crucial for digestibility and absorption is consuming protein isolate, making the powder in an efficiently absorbable form.
What flavors are available in vegan protein powders?
Protein powders can be sweetened and flavored in many different ways, and everyone can find their favorite. The most common flavors are vanilla and chocolate. Additionally, the market offers at least strawberry, banana-chocolate, mudcake, nut, caramel, mint chocolate, and coffee-flavored protein powders.
What other nutrients can vegan protein powder contain?
Besides the main ingredient, protein isolate, protein powders use sweeteners (e.g., banana powder, stevia, sucralose, aspartame, sugar), thickeners (e.g., xanthan gum), and flavorings (aromas, powders). Some protein powders may also use enzymes to enhance absorption.
Many want to avoid artificial sweeteners and flavors, as they may cause stomach issues. Artificially sweetened and flavored protein powders are often cheaper.
Super Proteins products are sweetened with real banana powder, and the flavor comes from natural ingredients like vanilla powder and cocoa, making the product taste more authentic and natural.
What are the most common uses for vegan protein powder?
Vegan protein powders can be used in a variety of ways. They can be consumed as is, mixed with water. The powder can be added to smoothies, porridge, pancakes, or yogurt. Protein powders are also suitable for various dishes and baked goods, such as brownies.
Why choose vegan protein powder?
Vegan protein powder offers several advantages that may encourage making a better choice:
- Ethical reasons: Vegan protein powder does not contain animal-derived ingredients, which can be an attractive option for those who want to avoid animal production.
- Health reasons: Vegan protein powder contains less saturated fat and cholesterol compared to animal-derived proteins, supporting heart health and overall well-being.
- Environmental friendliness: The production of plant-based protein causes less environmental impact than animal protein production.
- Food allergies: Vegan protein powder provides an alternative for those allergic or sensitive to animal-derived proteins, like milk proteins.
- Versatility: Vegan protein powders offer more diverse nutritional values and often contain additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health.
All in all, vegan protein powder can be an attractive option for those who want to enjoy protein without animal products while supporting health, the environment, and ethical values.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that vegan protein powders promote performance, development, recovery, and muscle mass growth in the same way as animal-derived protein powders.
Vegan protein powder and essential amino acids
Proteins consist of amino acids. And different sources of protein contain varying amounts of amino acids. Proteins can be ranked based on the amount of amino acids they contain. The human body has dozens of amino acids, but 20 of them are essential. Out of these, 11 can be produced by the body, and 9 must be obtained through diet.
The term “essential amino acids” refers to these nine amino acids that must be obtained through diet and are used to produce the remaining 11 amino acids.
List of essential amino acids:
- Histidine
- Tryptophan
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Valine
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
In addition to being needed for protein and tissue building, essential amino acids have many other important functions.
Vegans and amino acids
It’s often incorrectly stated that some plants or plant proteins lack all essential amino acids. However, this is not true. All plants contain all essential amino acids. However, many plants have low or very low amounts of certain essential amino acids, referred to as the limiting amino acid.
The same applies to vegan protein powders. Not all vegan protein powders contain all essential amino acids in ideal amounts, often having a low amount of a few amino acids. However, many vegan protein powders compensate for this by being a blend of several different protein sources.
On the other hand, it’s important to remember that a protein supplement is intended to complement a daily diet. If a vegan consumes enough energy and protein from various sources throughout the day, they will undoubtedly get a sufficient amount of all essential amino acids. A serving of vegan protein powder merely supplements the intake of protein and all essential amino acids.
Regarding muscle growth, studies show that leucine is an important essential amino acid, as one of leucine’s roles is to initiate protein synthesis (muscle growth). Super Proteins products contain a lot of leucine.
Summary:
Vegan protein powder is an excellent choice when you want to ensure adequate intake of protein and essential amino acids. Vegan protein supplements are safe and a better choice for health and the environment.
When buying vegan protein powder, ensure the product contains a lot of protein (over 80%).
Try different vegan protein powders and find the best option for you in terms of nutritional content and taste.
Super Proteins products’ main ingredient is fava bean protein isolate, and they contain a lot of protein and all essential amino acids. The products focus especially on taste and texture. The products are gluten-free and do not use any artificial sweeteners.
Read more here: https://superproteins.co/products/
What is a vegan protein powder made from?
Vegan protein powders are typically derived from plant-based sources such as peas, brown rice, hemp, soy, and seeds or nuts. Super Proteins is one of the only protein powders that is made from fava beans. Fava bean protein isolate is rich in protein and it is non gritty and it tastes good.
Does vegan protein powder contain all essential amino acids?
Most vegan protein powders contain all nine essential amino acids, making them complete proteins. Usually, vegan protein powders combine two or more plant protein sources to ensure all amino acids are present.
Is vegan protein powder as effective as whey protein?
Yes, vegan protein is as effective as whey protein for muscle building and recovery when consumed in adequate amounts. Just make sure that you choose a vegan protein powder that is rich in protein and packed with all essential amino acids. Vegan protein powder is also a better choice for your health and for the planet.
Can vegan protein powder help with weight loss?
Vegan protein powder can be a helpful component of a weight loss diet, as it can promote satiety and help manage calorie intake. However, it should be used as part of an overall healthy diet.
Are there any common allergens in vegan protein powder?
Vegan protein powder may be a good choice for people with allergies because it is free from dairy and eggs. If you are allergic to, for example, soy or nuts, check that the product does not contain them or their traces
Can vegan protein powder cause digestive issues?
For some individuals, legumes may cause gas, bloating, or other digestive issues due to high fiber content or starch. However, if the protein powder is made from legumes (like soy and fava bean), the protein content is derived from the bean, leaving all the carbohydrates, fiber, and starch away. That’s why protein powders made from legumes are usually fine for people who cannot consume legumes.
How much protein do I need, and can I get enough from vegan protein powder?
Protein needs vary based on age, gender, activity level, and health goals. Vegan protein powders can significantly contribute to meeting these needs, especially for those with higher requirements.
Is vegan protein powder natural and organic? Are they more safe than whey?
Some vegan protein powders are certified organic and natural, but not all. It depends on the ingredients and the manufacturing processes used by the brand. Vegan protein powders are generally more safe than whey. Animal-derived proteins like whey significantly more often contain residues from, for example, drugs and anabolic substances (doping).
Are there any ethical or environmental benefits to using vegan protein powder?
Vegan protein powders generally have a lower environmental footprint than animal-derived proteins, contributing to less land use, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions. They are also more ethical concerning animal welfare.
