Protein is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports supplements on the market. Both novice hobbyists and professional athletes enjoy it. But what to do if for some reason you can't use classic whey protein? It doesn't matter if you're vegan, have health problems, or just don't like whey for some reason. For all of these cases, there are an increasing number of plant-based proteinsthat use, for example, peas or rice instead of whey. To help you find your way around the vegetable proteins and choose the best one, we have prepared a ranking of the best vegetable proteins on the market.
The 8 best vegan proteins
| Ranking | Image | Product | Main advantages | Price | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
|
Vilgain Plant Based Protein | 1000 grams, 33 doses per pack, per dose | $599,00 | Best price More information |
| 2. |
|
Plant Based Protein Reflex Nutrition | 600 grams, 20 doses per pack, per dose | $21,96 | Best price More information |
| 3. |
|
BiotechUSA Vegan Protein | 2000 grams, 80 doses per pack, per dose | $45,16 | Best price More information |
| 4. |
|
Vegan Select Protein PEScience | 756-918 grams, 27 doses per pack, per dose | $39,56 | Best price More information |
| 5. |
|
BrainMax Vegan Protein | 1000 grams, 28 doses per pack, per dose | Best price More information | |
| 6. |
|
Vegan Protein Weider | 750 grams, 25 doses per pack, per dose | $27,84 | Best price More information |
| 7. |
|
Protein Classic Plus Bio Sunwarrior | 750 grams, 30 doses per pack, per dose | Best price More information | |
| 8. |
|
Vegan 80 Extrifit | 2000 grams, 57 doses per pack, per dose | $40,76 | Best price More information |
| 9. |
|
Vegan Blend Myprotein | 1000 grams, 33 doses per pack, per dose | $18,72 | Best price More information |
Detailed comparison of 9 vegan proteins
The rightful winner of our comparison of the best vegan proteins is the protein with the simple but catch-all name Plant Based Protein from Vilgain. It has a complete amino acid spectrum, offers a quite pleasant taste and, most importantly for many people, comes out very well in terms of price/quality ratio.
Benefits:
- Complete amino acid profile
- Combination of pea and brown rice protein
- Excellent solubility
- Pleasant taste
- Natural flavor and thickener
Disadvantages:
- Frequent complaints about consistency
Who makes it:
The company behind this product is Vilgain, which you probably could have registered some time ago under the name Actin. However, due to expansion, the name has been changed and is now in the brand's repertoireYou can find not only sports nutrition, but also cosmetics or clothing. We have featured this brand in our review of Vilgain Energy Bar or comparison of the best fat burners, for example.
- 24.4 grams of protein derived from a combination of pea protein and brown rice protein
- The addition of the amino acid L-methionine to make the amino acid profile as optimal as possible
- Steviol glycosides, natural flavouring, xanthan gum
- Chocolate flavour also contains 3% cocoa powder
Plant Based Protein is perhaps the ideal vegan product in terms of composition. Thanks to the combination of two protein sources, it offers a very solid amino acid profile, which is brought to perfection by the addition of the otherwise under-represented methionine. In addition, it contains only natural ingredients such as steviol glycosides, natural flavours or xanthan gum. If you choose the chocolate flavour, you'll have about two tenths of a gram less of white cocoa powder in each serving.This is not a problem, of course, and we have nothing to criticize with this formulation.
Final assessment:
Although we rate the product positively, it is of course fair to admit that the various websites (among others. In addition to the taste, there are also negative reviews on the consistency of the product. However, it should be noted that taste is very subjective and for us the product is definitely not as distinctive in taste as rawon the other hand, it at least tastes quite natural, not unnecessarily over-sweetened or suspiciously under-sweetened. However, it will suit everyone differently. In terms of consistency, people sometimes complain about a certain sandy consistency, but that is absolutely typical for any rice protein product. And if you've ever drunk another product with this protein source, you might agree with us that Vilgain masks this undesirable aspect quite well. All in all, if you want to get a product with the most pure ingredients and at a good price, Vilgain is the optimal choice. If you don't mind extra additives and want the best possible taste from your protein, perhaps you might be better off looking at one of the other products in this ranking.
In second place in our ranking is Plant Based Protein from Reflex. This manufacturer is very well known on the market mainly due to its premium quality. In this case, Reflex relied on a combination of three protein sources - pea, rice and pumpkin protein.
Benefits:
- Contains all 9 essential amino acids
- Added probiotic cultures and vitamin B12
- Fully compostable packaging
- Pleasant mild taste
- Available in 3 flavours
Disadvantages:
- Unnecessary presence of thickeners
Who makes it:
Reflex Nutrition has been on the market since 1996, and from the very beginning, the company has built all of its supplements on quality first. Their supplements undergo independent testing for banned substances and actual protein content in every batch. All of the company's manufacturing technologies and pharmaceutical facilities are of the highest standard and therefore can be it is no exaggeration to say that Reflex Nutrition is the absolute top among sports nutrition manufacturers.
- 26.4 grams of vegetable protein (pea, rice, pumpkin)
- 1.5 grams of cocoa powder
- sea salt
- Bacillus coagulans LactoSpore®
- active cultures
- Vitamin B12
Plant Based Protein has a very interesting composition, where in addition to 21 grams of protein there are also active cultures and a good dose of vitamin B12. Although it contains three sources of plant-based protein, you won't find soy in it, which could interfere with allergy sufferers.
Flavours: cocoa/caramel, berry, vanilla pod
Final assessment:
We are already used to premium quality with Reflex and the manufacturers have managed to meet our expectations this time as well. Plant Based Protein is a great choice for any vegan or anyone looking for a really high quality plant-based protein. In terms of price we are above average, but the price/quality ratio is absolutely great in this case. Even the most demanding customer can definitely choose from the available flavours. In terms of taste, it is not a groundbreaking product.but the vanilla pod flavour in particular will surprise you pleasantly. Taking into account all the pros and cons, we have to rank Plant Based Protein among the best currently available on the market with plant-based proteins.
Thirdly, we have Vegan Protein from BioTechUsa, which has bet on a combination of rice and peas in the case of vegan protein. In addition, in the ingredients we find, according to the manufacturer, "3 types of superfoods". The big advantage is the variety of flavours, which is not often seen among vegan proteins.
Benefits:
- Great price per serving
- One pack lasts for 2 months
- Contains L-glutamine
- 6 flavours in total
- Contains no artificial colours
Disadvantages:
- Contains soy, which is a highly controversial food
- Some flavors have poor solubility
Who makes it:
BiotechUSA is a leading American brand dedicated to producing the highest quality supplements. All of the company's supplements offer really good value for money, a wide range of products and an exceptionally good taste. Although the company name is a bit misleading, all products are manufactured in the EU and therefore meet very strict criteria for purity and safety.
- 19 grams of protein
- A combination of pea and rice protein
- Low-fat cocoa powder
- L-Glutamine and L-Arginine
- 0.4 grams of quinoa flour
- 0.26 grams of goji seeds
- 0.15 gram acai seed
Vegan Protein offers a pretty solid formula, with room for supplemental amino acids and exotic plant extracts in addition to pea and rice protein. It is fair to point out, however, that there are only a very small amount of these. Nineteen grams of protein in one scoop certainly won't offend, and it's just a hair less than in the classic whey version. The presence of soy may be an obstacle for those with allergies.
Flavors: chocolate/cinnamon, berry, vanilla cookie, hazelnut, coffee, banana
Final assessment:
Vegan Protein is a great choice for anyone looking for a good price in addition to quality ingredients. The price per serving doesn't even compare to previous products. On the other hand, you can tell that the ingredients are starting to affect the price, although it is still a very high quality protein that delivers what you expect from it. Last but not least, we must highlight the wide range of flavours. Some customers may be put off by the poorer solubility, but it is certainly nothing that would somehow fundamentally spoil the impression of an otherwise well-done protein.
Fourth in our ranking is Vegan Select Protein from PEScience. This manufacturer is known for backing its products with knowledge from scientific studies as well. Vegan Select Protein is no exception. It is the combination of brown rice and peas that has been shown to be the very best for promoting muscle growth according to the manufacturer's studies.
Benefits:
- Very simple ingredients in most flavours
- Sweetened with stevia
- Wide choice of flavours
- Excellent solubility
- Soy-free
Disadvantages:
- Relatively strong aftertaste
- Some may be bothered by the thick consistency
- Each flavor has a differently sized package
Who makes it:
PEScience is one of the world's leading supplement manufacturers that strives to base all of its supplements on premium quality and unique taste. Among other things, this company is backed by a number of scientists who are interested in modern findings and studies to create new supplements. So if you're looking for the perfect blend of science and research with practice and tasty supplements, PEScience is the right choice.
- 20 grams of protein
- Pea and brown rice protein concentrate
- Stevia extract
- Cocoa powder
- Guar gum
- Salt
The simplicity of the formula is particularly commendable. As in the case of Blende's Superprotein, there is almost nothing here that shouldn't be there. The exception is the forest fruit flavour, which, alongside dried strawberries, glucose syrup and modifiedstarch, there is also calcium alginate, better known as E404. Otherwise, however, the sweetening with stevia is certainly pleasing in terms of composition.
Flavours: Vanilla indulgence, Cinnamon, Chocolate Bliss, Peanut butter, Chocolate Peanut, Wild berry
Final review:
In general, Vegan Select Protein definitely deserves praise. It is priced above average, but the ingredients match it. It's a good value for money, but it's in line with its price. What really bothers me, though, is the presence of calcium alginate in the Wild Berry flavor. The manufacturer clearly needed to save money here, but this is definitely not the way to go. Speaking of saving, let's not forget the fact that each flavor is sold in a differently sized package. This makes the individual flavors cost the same, but the more expensive ones have significantly less protein in the package. However, the number of servings is the same, so while one scoop of chocolate flavor contains 34 grams, there are only 28 grams in vanilla.
The next place in our ranking of the best vegan proteins was taken by BrainMax Vegan protein. We were particularly impressed by its very impressive nutritional values, especially its high protein content. It is a combination of pea and rice protein, which has proven to be one of the best options among plant-based proteins.
Benefits:
- High protein content
- Rice and pea protein complement each other
- Sweetened with stevia
- Soy-free
Disadvantages:
- High price
Who makes it:
The Czech brand BrainMax was created as a result of a desire to produce dietary supplements based on the latestlatest scientific findings while providing the natural power of nature. The company focuses on dietary supplements that support brain function and productivity, but its repertoire also includes pre-workouts, proteins and other supplements typical of strength sports. You may have come across the brand's products, for example, in our review of BrainMax 3.0 Anabolic Dagger or in our comparison of the best supplements for sleep.
- 24.43 grams of protein
- 2.61 grams of carbohydrates
- 3.64 g of fat
- 1.68 g of fibre
The base of BrainMax vegan protein is a combination of grain and rice protein. From our point of view, this is a very good combination as both protein sources complement each other. Pea protein contains a very small amount of the essential amino acid methionine, while rice protein has plenty of it. Rice protein, on the other hand, does not contain all the essential amino acids that can be found in pea protein. We must also appreciate the use of stevia for sweetening, thanks to which we do not find any artificial flavourings in the ingredients. Interesting is the presence of coconut milk, which, in addition to the taste, is supposed to improve the consistency of the protein, which is more creamy thanks to it. Ultimately, we have to rate the composition very positively.
Final assessment:
BrainMax Vegan Protein is a high-quality plant-based protein that will definitely not get lost among the competition on the market. Thanks to its excellent nutritional values and hilarious composition, there is almost nothing to complain about. The only problem, however, which can be decisive for many people, is the high price. In fact, compared to competing products, you will have to pay a lot more for it. If you don't mind, you will surely be satisfied with this protein.
The fifth place in our ranking belongs to Vegan Protein from Weider. This representative of German sports nutrition manufacturers decided to create a protein built primarily on pea extract supplemented with rice extract. The use of natural dyes and sweetening with stevia deserve praise.
Benefits:
- 25 grams of protein in one scoop
- Great taste
- Vegetable colouring
- Sweetening with stevia
- Contains quinoa, amaranth and matcha extracts
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
Who makes it:
The Weider brand is one of the absolute leaders among sports supplement manufacturers today. Its history dates back to 1936, when it was founded by a young Joe Weider. Today, the company faces a lot of competition but still manages to maintain the amazing quality of its products.
- 25.5 grams of pea and rice protein
- 3 grams of low-fat cocoa powder
- 0.6 grams of ModCarb™ natural flavor
- Stevia extract
The 25 grams of protein in one scoop is definitely worth mentioning. The natural colouring contains oat bran extract, quinoa, amaranth or buckwheat, for example. In addition, there are also extracts from a plethora of fruits and vegetables that help to enhance both the taste and the resulting colour of the protein.
Pina colada, mango/matcha tea,iced cappuccino, vanilla, chocolate, berry mix
Final assessment:
The biggest disadvantage of Vegan Protein is undoubtedly the high price. Although Weider can no longer enjoy such an unrivalled position on the market as in the old days, it has managed to produce a really high quality vegan protein. Personally, I have to praise the offer of exotic flavors that are not usually seen among proteins. For example, such a pina colada will definitely find a lot of fans, although it is definitely not for everyone. If you don't mind paying a little extra for a protein, I see no reason not to give Vegan Protein a try.
Sunwarrior's Protein Classic Plus BIO rounded out the top six in our ranking. The main source of protein in this protein is a blend of brown rice, peas, quinoa, chia seeds and amaranth. All the ingredients are organic and sourced from sustainable farming. Interestingly, you can also buy the protein in an unflavored version.
Benefits:
- It also contains vitamin C and iron
- Balanced amino acid spectrum
- 100% organic quality
- The manufacturer prides itself on being environmentally friendly
- Unflavored version contains only pure protein blend
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
- Only two flavours to choose from
Who makes it:
American company Sunwarrior has been making plant-based dietary supplements since 2008. It selects the best ingredients from around the world and promotes the most gentle processing possible. The company's main goal is to protect the planet by spreading awareness of the benefits of plant-based production. In addition to protein, they also offer supergreens, vitamins and mineral oils.
- 17 grams of protein
- A protein blend containing rice, peas, quinoa, chia seeds and amaranth
- Organic cocoa
- 41 milligrams of iron
- Broad spectrum amino acids
In the composition of Protein Classic Plus BIO, we were primarily pleased with the presence of iron and vitamin C. The latter, however, is only found in the vanilla and unflavored version. The broad spectrum of amino acids is another big plus. On the other hand, 17 grams of protein in one serving is no mean feat. But what Sunwarrior plays into the hands is its 100% organic quality, which the whole company prides itself on after all.
Flavors: chocolate, vanilla, unflavored
Final assessment:
Even though Protein Classic Plus BIO has an interesting composition and contains substances that are not found in competing products.I can't help feeling that one can get better quality products for the same price. But to be completely fair, I have to admit that few can match Sunwarrior in terms of environmental friendliness. This brings us to the question of whether the quality of a product is more important to the end customer or its environmental friendliness.
The seventh place belongs to the Vegan 80 protein from the Czech brand Extrifit. Vegan 80 contains pea and rice isolate in a ratio of 1:1, while enriching them with the enzymes bromelain and papain to achieve the best digestibility and absorption of protein. The low price and the absence of artificial colours are also a big attraction.
Benefits:
- Great price
- One pack lasts almost 2 months
- Contains digestive enzymes
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- No artificial colors
Disadvantages:
- Poorer solubility
- Somewhat artificial taste
Who makes it:
The Extrifit brand has been on the market since 2007, and in that time it has become the leading sports nutrition manufacturer in the country. All of the supplements offered are specifically tailored for all strength athletes and bodybuilders. The company's vision is to produce supplements that will effectively support the growth of muscle mass and strength and effectively fight subcutaneous fat.
- 25 grams of protein
- Enzymes bromelain and papain
- Pea and rice isolate
- Fat-free cocoa
- Stevia extract
The presence of added enzymes is definitely a big plus. We must also praise the 25 grams of protein in one scoop. In other respects, it is nothing groundbreaking, but the absence of thickeners and artificial colours is worth mentioning. Although the manufacturer recommends quite a high dosage, it is enough to dose as you are used to.
Flavours.
Final assessment:
Vegan 80 from Extrifit is a very solid protein that impresses especially with its great price and large packaging. It's a great value for money, with a great size and a great value for money, and it's very affordable, with a great value for money and a great price, and it definitely doesn't offend in terms of composition, but it also doesn't particularly impress. However, for the purpose of post-workout protein replenishment, it will undoubtedly serve reliably. The disadvantage may be a bit of a bad taste, but in this respect the well-known saying applies - a hundred people, a hundred tastes.
Our ranking of the best vegan proteins is rounded off by MyProtein's Vegan Blend. It belongs to the group of cheaper proteins, but still manages to maintain its quality composition. A combination of peas and fava beans takes care of the protein supply here. There is also vegetable cream, which softens the taste of the protein.
Pros:
- Convenient price
- Good solubility
- Contains no artificial colours
Disadvantages:
- Powdery taste
- Unnecessary thickeners
Who makes it:
MyProtein is a supplement brand that originated in the UK. Since its inception, MyProtein has garnered all sorts of awards and the brand has expanded to America and other continents. What is also interesting is the way it creates quality products at a minimal price: It invests most of its revenue in automating production, which later results in lower production costs.
- 21 grams of protein
- Reduced fat cocoa powder
- 1.3 grams of fiber
- 26.1 grams of pea and fava bean protein blend
Vegan Blend's ingredients certainly won't wow you, but they're plenty sufficient for the needs of the average hobbyist. You won't find anything extra here that would somehow excite a person, but on the other hand, you will get a natural protein without artificial colors and other unnecessary additives. The only flaw is the presence of thickeners, which you usually won't find in competing products.
Flavours.
Final Review:
Vegan Blend definitely does not target the prefion athlete. But that doesn't mean that the average gym-goer couldn't reap the desired benefits from it. The 21 grams of protein content in one serving is definitely not a shame and less than 20 crowns for one scoop is a very decent price. If you can get over the slightly unpleasant taste, you will be satisfied with Vegan Blend.
Which plant protein sources are the best?
Nowadays, there are really a lot of different types of plant proteins. When making a choice, one may have a hard time knowing which one is really good quality. Most often you can find proteins from soy, rice, peas and hemp seeds. Each has its pros and cons, but thanks to more and more studies, we canwe can safely say that not all of them are ideal as a whey protein replacement. The most popular protein source for vegans is soy. While it has great nutritional values, it comes with a number of significant problems. Soy is a very common allergen, making it an unacceptable option for many people. A much bigger problem is that it contains large amounts of isoflavones, substances similar to estrogens. This is also why eating large quantities of soya is not recommended.
Pea and rice proteins are a very good option. Although their amino acid spectrum is not as broad as that of soya, their combination works more than well together. That's why this pair of plant protein sources is the basis for most of our rankings. Peas in particular contain quite a bit of leucine, which is often deficient in other plant sources. The last widespread option is also hemp. This plant is also very popular due to its ability to cure many diseases, but it is not the best option in terms of nutritional properties.

What are the benefits of vegan proteins?
The most obvious advantage of plant-based proteins is, of course, the absence of animal components, which makes them an ideal dietary supplement for vegans. It doesn't matter what reason you have for avoiding animal production. Plant proteins help you to replace the classic whey, which is the most widespread in fitness. This is also related to the conditions in which plant proteins are produced. In fact, the vast majority of them come from companies that have environmental protection as one of their top priorities. As a result, they use renewable resources, reduce waste and are often much more environmentally friendly than manufacturers of conventional proteins.
There are also many myths surrounding plant proteins that they are inferior tothat they are worse than animal proteins, that they are harder to digest and so on. The fact is that today a significant number of people prefer plant proteins to conventional ones. I see no reason why we should avoid one or the other. It is true that some plant sources contain less protein than whey, but if youone adjusts one's diet accordingly, there is no reason why one should feel the difference negatively.
What are other sources of vegetable protein?
It's not just about protein. There are plenty of plant-based sources of protein that vegans can incorporate into their diet to get enough of it. You'll probably come across tofu or tempeh most often. In both of these, you'll find a representation of calcium and magnesium in addition to a solid amount of protein. Quinoa and chia seeds are also very popular, containing iron and calcium in large quantities. Quinoa is also rich in B vitamins. Chickpeas, lentils and beans should not be neglected either. These three contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals in addition to protein and fibre. Nowadays, finding quality sources of vegetable protein is not nearly as difficult as it may seem at first glance.

Sources
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- https://www.svetfitness.cz/clanek/7-nejvetsich-mytu-o-veganstvi/
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BERNACIKOVÁ, Martina, Jan CACEK, Lenka DOVRTĚLOVÁ, et al. Regeneration and nutrition in sport. 3rd, updated edition. Brno: Masaryk University, 2020. ISBN 978-80-210-9725-4.
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