Vegan Protein Powders

Yes, vegan protein powder is good for you and has a wealth of health benefits! However, to ensure you get all the possible benefits from a vegan protein powder, it’s important to choose one that’s high-quality, third-party tested, and uses high-quality ingredients. Vegan protein powder derives protein from plant sources (like peas) instead of animals (like whey). Here are some of the benefits of vegan protein powder:

• Building muscle - plant-based protein is actually effective for building muscle mass. In particular, pea and rice protein blends—like the one in Nourify® PLUS—are highest in leucine, which is an amino acid that helps stimulate muscle growth. 
• Balancing meals - when you don’t have a healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbs, you’re often left feeling hungry shortly after a meal. High-quality vegan protein can help add those nutrients to any smoothie or recipe, giving your meals a more balanced macronutrient content.
• Iron - most vegan proteins are high in iron! For example, Nourify® PLUS vanilla protein powder boasts 2.5 mg per scoop of protein powder, and 5 mg if you use 2 scoops, which equates to 28% of the recommended daily value for iron.
• Easy to digest - vegan protein powders are lactose-free, which makes them easier to digest—particularly for those struggling with lactose intolerance. Vegan proteins are also dairy-free, so those with dairy allergies or sensitivities can digest them easier as well. 

The best vegan protein powders are going to be organic, pharmaceutical-grade, third-party tested, and preservative-free. When looking for a vegan protein powder, you want to focus on those with high-quality ingredients. Some popular organic vegan protein powders are:

• KOS - their chocolate organic superfood plant protein powder contains 12 vitamins and minerals, 20g of protein per serving, and no erythritol. It is USDA organic, plant-based, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. However, this protein powder does have gums—acacia gum in particular—which is an emulsifier. 
• Sprout Living - their vanilla lucuma organic plant protein is USDA organic and certified vegan. It boasts 20g of protein per serving and contains no sugar alcohols, gums, flavoring, fillers, or additives. It is mildly sweetened with stevia leaf extract and is packed with superfoods. 
• Nourify® PLUS - available in vanilla or chocolate, this vegan protein powder is pharmaceutical grade, third-party tested, and preservative and junk-free. Also boasting 20g of protein per serving, Nourify PLUS® contains no additives, emulsifiers, or sugar alcohols. 

It’s important to look for pharmaceutical-grade protein powder because it indicates a higher level of purity, and those protein powders are rigorously tested to be free from contaminants. It’s also important to choose a protein that is third-party tested because it ensures there is no bias in the classification of the type and quality of ingredients.

It’s important to make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet. Incorporating vegan protein powders can help with that! But, it can’t be your only strategy. It’s important to plan your meals around nutrient-dense foods like tofu, beans, legumes, nuts, etc. However, if you are not already vegan, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of a plant-based diet before you dive head first, as some who eat a strictly vegan diet can struggle with protein intake and nutrient deficiencies. But the best way to reach 120g of protein per day is going to be by combining protein-dense, balanced meals with vegan protein powder.

Yes! Just like with non-vegan protein powder, it’s possible to lose weight while consuming vegan protein powder. It helps with weight loss by increasing protein intake, reducing calorie consumption, and making you feel fuller, and longer, especially if it also has high-quality fats and carbohydrates (which when combined with high-quality protein, increases satiety). Since plant-based proteins take longer to digest than traditional proteins, they can help your body become more efficient at metabolizing food. As long as you’re pairing vegan protein powder with proper nutrition and exercise, it should not inhibit your weight loss journey. However, consult a medical professional if you have questions or concerns about losing weight.