15 best vegan protein powders to help you build muscle, with huge savings

<h2 class=”body-h2″>Is Whey Protein Vegan? </h2><p><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/uk/building-muscle/a756812/mh-tried-tested-whey-protein/” target=”_blank”>Whey protein</a> isn’t vegan. It’s derived from milk, which contains both whey and <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/a757459/casein-what-it-is-and-why-you-need-it/” target=”_blank”>casein proteins</a>. Vegan protein, however, is made using a variety of protein sources including pea, rice, hemp and algae.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Is Vegan Protein as Effective as Whey Protein?<br></h2><p>Put simply, yes, vegan protein is as effective as whey. <a href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358922/” target=”_blank”>A 2019 study</a> that looked at the effect both whey and pea protein had on body composition and exercise performance found that, whichever protein men opted for, there was little to no difference in their body composition, muscle gain, performance or strength.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What to Look for in Your Vegan Protein Powder </h2><p>First things first to get more protein into your <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/a25841449/vegan-protein-best-protein-sources/” target=”_blank”>vegetarian or vegan diet</a>, you have to go beyond vegan protein shakes. If you look hard enough, your local supermarket will be loaded with <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/food-drink/g25842137/best-vegan-snacks/” target=”_blank”>vegan-friendly meals and snacks</a> such as tofu, tempeh and seitan that will build muscle without any ethical (or financial) qualms.</p><p>However, it’s equally important to know what’s going into your vegan protein powder. Below, explore three of the most important ingredients to look out for, before you invest. </p><p><strong>Pea Protein: </strong>We’re not talking Green Giant here. Instead, pea protein powders are made from field peas which are nearly four times higher in protein than sweet peas helping them pack up to 80% protein content. Handily, pea protein is allergen-free too, meaning it’s suitable for vegans and those with food allergies, as well as being free from dairy, egg and soy.</p><p><strong>Soy Protein</strong><strong>:</strong> This vegan protein has been used for decades and comes from defatted soy flour. After processing, it can contain up to 90% protein content and has a neutral flavour, meaning it’s suitable for mixing into <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/a27938943/healthy-protein-smoothie-recipes/” target=”_blank”>smoothies</a>, shakes and other protein recipes.</p><p><strong>Hemp Protein: </strong>Suitable for those trying to follow a diet plan rich in whole foods, hemp protein contains 20 amino acids and provides healthy omega fatty acids and fibre. It has also been found to improve heart health, cull sugar cravings and bolster your immune system. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Men’s Health Lab Approved</h2><p>Over the past couple of years, the market has exploded with vegan protein supplements, making shopping tricky. Thats where the <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/uk/nutrition/a40585279/mens-health-lab/” target=”_blank”><em>Mens Health </em>Lab </a>comes in.</p><p>We recruited a panel of over 200 fitness fanatics and industry experts and asked them to put a variety of vegan protein powders to the test for four weeks.</p><p>They provided in-depth feedback on each products nutritional value, impact on exercise performance, ease of use, texture and, importantly, flavour (because were all fed up with plant-based protein supplements that taste grainy and disgusting).</p><p>Our winning whey protein powders have the <em>MH Lab</em> <em>Approved</em> badge displayed proudly above their picture below. The remaining entries on our list have been carefully chosen by our editors, all of whom know a thing or two about what makes a good vegan protein powder too.</p><p>Here are the vegan proteins powders that pack a punch. </p>” />