Maintaining a vegan diet and getting enough protein isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With the rise of vegan protein powders, you now have a much simpler way of meeting your daily protein intake goal without compromising your diet.
This is the definitive list of the best clean vegan protein powders. Every protein powder on this list meets the following criteria:
- Certified vegan
- No artificial sweeteners or other ingredients
- Fully disclosed ingredient label
- No added sugar
- At least one of the following:
- Publicly shares 3rd party certificates of analysis (COA) for their products
- Participates in a 3rd party testing program like Informed Sport, Informed Choice, Informed Protein, or Clean Label Project
- Has a mechanism for easily looking up the COA for a product’s lot number
Our top pick for the cleanest vegan protein powder is Organic Vegan Protein Powder by Transparent Labs.
Transparent Lab's Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein Powder is an excellent choice for vegans and anyone seeking a lactose-free protein powder.
Discount codes:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
While Organic Vegan Protein Powder by Transparent Labs easily stands out as the best clean vegan protein powder of 2023, there are other contenders may might align better with your lifestyle. Stick around to discover your perfect match!
Table of Contents
The Best Clean Vegan Protein Powders
- Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
- Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
- Essential Protein – Ritual
- Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Future Kind
- Pea Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
Transparent Lab's Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein Powder is an excellent choice for vegans and anyone seeking a lactose-free protein powder.
Discount codes:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
Organic Vegan Protein Powder by Transparent Labs stands out as the cleanest vegan protein powder. First and foremost, Transparent Labs is committed to transparency, as their name suggests. They publicly provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for all their products, ensuring that consumers can easily access information about heavy metal content and other essential details.
This level of openness is both rare and commendable. Also, their participation in the Informed Choice third-party testing program further shows how dedicated they are to quality and purity. Every ingredient in this protein powder is vegan, aligning perfectly with those who are committed to a plant-based lifestyle.
But it’s not just about what’s included, it’s also about what’s left out. This protein powder boasts no artificial sweeteners and no added sugars. It also has all the essential amino acids you need to reach your fitness goals. It’s sweetened naturally with stevia, a plant-derived sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness without the drawbacks of artificial alternatives.
All these factors combined make this Transparent Labs’s offering a true heavyweight among vegan protein powders, as well as one of the better lactose-free protein powders. Trust us, it’s one of the best vegan protein powders on the market.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Pea protein isolate, Organic rice protein
- Sweetener: Stevia
Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
Squeaky clean vegan protein powder made from organic Canadian yellow peas.
Contains no hormones, GMOs, fillers, glyphosate, gums, glutes, soy, antibiotics, etc.
Vegan Protein Powder by Promix is a shining example of what a clean vegan protein powder should be. At its core is its organic yellow pea protein isolate – a plant-based protein source that’s both nutritious and easily digestible. It’s got a complete amino acid profile, meaning that it contains the nine essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and maintenance.
What sets Promix apart from other manufacturers is its commitment to transparency and consumer trust, which can easily rival that of Transparent Labs. By simply entering the lot number of your product on their website, you can view the detailed test results for the product in your hands, ensuring that you know exactly what you’re consuming.
If, for any reason, you’re not satisfied with these results, Promix offers a generous 90-day return policy, which also shows how much they care about customer satisfaction.
The purity of this protein powder is further highlighted by its absence of sugar and artificial ingredients. Instead, they use natural sweeteners, with monk fruit and coconut sugar as their natural sweetening agents. Monk fruit offers a subtle sweetness without any chemical aftertaste.
All these factors combined are what make Vegan Protein Powder by Promix a top choice for those seeking a genuinely clean and transparent vegan protein option.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Brown rice protein powder, Pea protein powder
- Sweetener: Coconut sugar, Monk fruit
Essential Protein – Ritual
Never forget to stock up on protein powder again with Essential Protein from Ritual! After subscribing, you'll receive your monthly supply of protein powder so you're always hitting your nutrition goals. Recognized as one of the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners.
If you’re the type who prefers whole-food protein powders, this one is for you. Essential Protein by Ritual is way more than just another vegan protein powder, it’s an example of the power of clean, transparent sourcing and production. Its protein comes from organically grown peas, which are a wholesome source of amino acids.
Ritual ensures purity by putting its products through rigorous testing for heavy metals and banned substances.
This aligns well with the Informed Protein testing program and has earned them the esteemed Informed-Sport certification. A visit to Ritual’s site reveals their meticulous approach: Every ingredient and its supplier undergo a strict qualification process, ensuring the highest standards of purity, identity, and composition.
This dedication even extends to what has been left out of the powder: artificial ingredients, sugar, soy, gluten, major allergens, stevia, and sugar alcohols. Instead, it’s sweetened with fermented sugarcane (Reb-m) and organic monk fruit extract, which gives it a natural taste without the usual problems associated with sweeteners.
Plus, it also has a complete amino acid profile and a solid 20 grams of protein per serving, making it a powerhouse for vegans.
The only catch? It requires a subscription. However, for such quality, many find it’s worth the commitment.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Organic pea protein
- Sweetener: Fermented sugarcane, Organic Monk fruit extract
Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Future Kind
The next plant-based protein powder on our list is Organic Vegan Protein Powder by Future Kind. With a base of organic pea protein isolate, this powder is another easy choice if you’re looking for clean, vegan nutrition.
Future Kind goes the extra mile to ensure transparency and quality. Not only do they publicly share third-party test results, including those for heavy metal testing, on their website, but they also ensure each batch undergoes extensive checks.
Their manufacturing facility produces a COA, which confirms the protein content and purity of the product. But, they don’t stop there. Future Kind sends its protein powder to an independent third party for additional testing, ensuring that you get top-tier quality.
Unlike a lot of other low-calorie protein powders, it doesn’t skimp on the protein content. It’s got a nice 20 grams of protein per serving, is sweetened with organic stevia, and is free from artificial ingredients. This plant protein powder is everything you’ve ever wanted and needed, plus so much more.
It’s easy to see that Future Kind values both quality and safety, making their plant protein powder a standout choice for those seeking the best in vegan nutrition.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 85
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Organic pea protein isolate
- Sweetener: Stevia
Pea Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
Top-shelf, ultra-pure pea protein isolate with one ingredient: peas.
No added sugar, no artificial anything.
Just high-quality protein powder.
To wrap up our list of the cleanest vegan protein powders, we have a solid entry from Naked Nutrition. Crafted from pea protein isolate, this powder ensures that those on a vegan diet don’t miss out on essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair. And, as you might expect, this product has a super clean ingredient list.
Using only vegan ingredients, it stays well away from artificial additives. Instead of artificial sweeteners, it’s sweetened naturally with coconut sugar or can be purchased completely unflavoured. Another noteworthy point is Naked’s participation in the Informed Choice certification program, which is a clear indication of its dedication to quality and transparency.
For those who are vigilant about heavy metals, Naked Nutrition provides testing claims on their website, giving you that extra layer of trust. While the unflavored version boasts no added sugar, the chocolate and vanilla flavors contain a minimal 3 grams.
With its impressive nutritional profile that includes a whopping 27 grams of protein per serving, this protein powder can give even some of the best whey protein powders a run for their money.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Yellow split pea isolate
- Sweetener: Coconut sugar (sweetened), Unsweetened
Our Criteria For This Clean Vegan Protein Powder List
With all the options on the market, how do you determine which ones are genuinely clean and beneficial for your health? To simplify the process and ensure you’re getting the best of the best, we’ve established a set of criteria that every protein powder on our list must meet.
Must meet all of the following criteria:
Every vegan protein powder we recommend must adhere to these foundational principles:
- Natural ingredients only: We don’t compromise on this! No artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavorings are allowed. We believe in keeping it pure and simple because sometimes less is more.
- No added sugar: Sugar might be sweet, but it’s not always the best for our health. Our list exclusively features protein powders without any added sugars.
- Strictly vegan: This one’s a given. Every ingredient used must be 100% vegan. No exceptions. That means there shouldn’t be the slightest trace of ingredients that come from animals.
Must meet at least one of the following criteria:
While the above criteria are essential, we also value transparency and third-party validation. To make our list, a vegan protein powder should meet at least one of the following:
- Publicly share COAs: Brands that publicly share their COAs earn our trust. It’s a sign that they’re confident in their product’s quality and purity. After all, if it’s good, they should have nothing to hide!
- Third-party testing: Participation in recognized testing programs, like Informed Sport, Informed Choice, Informed Protein, or the Clean Label Project, is a testament to a brand’s commitment to quality.
- Easy COA access: Taking part in COA programs isn’t of any use if you can’t actually access the certificate. If a brand offers a mechanism to effortlessly look up the COA for a specific product’s lot number, it’s a big plus for us. It shows that they prioritize consumer awareness and satisfaction.
What Is A Clean Vegan Protein Powder?
Trying to find a nice and clean protein powder can often be a real chore, especially on a vegan diet. But what exactly does it mean when we say a protein powder is “clean”? Let’s break it down:
- Vegan ingredients only: A clean vegan protein powder, by definition, contains only vegan ingredients. This means that it shouldn’t have any components that come from animals.
- No artificial additives: Clean means natural. So, no artificial ingredients, trans fats, or excess sugar should be present.
- Transparency is key: Participation in ingredient transparency programs is a good indicator of a clean product. It’s about ensuring that what’s on the label is genuinely what’s inside the tub.
- Steer clear of pesticides and hormones: A clean protein powder shouldn’t have pesticides, hormones, or any other harmful additives.
- Heavy metal content: The recent talk around heavy metals in protein powders has made many consumers wary. The cleanest options often provide COAs to confirm that the protein powder has minimal heavy metals, or that the heavy metal levels are within acceptable boundaries.
It’s important to remember that the term “clean” is somewhat subjective. While we have general guidelines, there isn’t a universally accepted set of criteria. The definition can vary based on personal preferences and beliefs. Some may prioritize organic ingredients, while others may focus on the absence of artificial sweeteners.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a vegan protein powder that aligns with your values and health goals. Being informed and understanding what to look for is the first step in making the best choice for your body and lifestyle.
How To Successfully Buy Clean Vegan Protein Powder
Read the ingredient label
Vegan or not, whenever you’re deciding on a protein powder, let the ingredient label be your trusty map. Start by avoiding any protein powder with added sugar; it’s an unnecessary addition that can derail your health goals. Artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose or acesulfame potassium, are also huge red flags. Luckily, nowadays there are plenty of protein powders without artificial sweeteners.
Instead, go for products that have organic ingredients. Not only do they promise a cleaner profile, free from synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, but they often also deliver a richer taste.
Lastly, ensure that your choice is genuinely vegan. Look for a “certified vegan” stamp or double-check that the protein doesn’t come from milk sources like whey, casein, or even goat milk. Eggs and bone-based proteins are also off the list. With a careful eye and a bit of label literacy, you’ll be well on your way to being able to effectively sift through all the vegan protein powders out there.
Look for third-party testing
Another way to decide on which protein powder you should get is to look for products that have undergone third-party testing. This is pretty much your lighthouse, guiding you to the most trustworthy products. Certifications like Informed Choice, Informed Protein, Informed Sport, or the Clean Label Project are golden tickets, making sure that what’s promised on the label is what’s inside the tub.
But don’t stop there. Take a closer look by checking if the brand offers COAs. Companies like Transparent Labs wear their COAs as badges of honor, making them publicly available for everyone to see.
Promix takes this a step further by letting you match the COA to your product’s specific lot number. And, if the results don’t meet your standards? They’ve got your back with a return option. Trd-party testing is more than just a stamp, it’s a commitment to quality, transparency, and consumer trust.
Consider the protein source
The foundation of any good vegan protein powder is, of course, its protein source. While plant-based proteins are a fantastic choice for those on a vegan diet, they sometimes come with their own issues, one being a higher likelihood of elevated heavy metal levels.
Not to worry, though, as COAs are here to save the day. By referring to these certificates, you can ensure that you’re choosing a brand that keeps the heavy metal levels in check. Brands like Transparent Labs and Promix are leading the charge in this, offering transparent COAs for their vegan protein powders.
It’s all about making informed choices, and with the right resources, you can do just that.
FAQs
What’s a clean vegan protein powder?
A clean vegan protein powder, the way we see it, lacks anything artificial and any components that come from animals. It’s free from added sugars and aligns with certification or ingredient transparency initiatives. In short, it’s a vegan protein powder that prioritizes natural ingredients and clear communication with its consumers about what’s inside the product.
Do vegan protein powders contain heavy metals?
Yes, quite a few protein powders, including whey protein and vegan protein powders, can contain some heavy metals. These come from their primary sources like grains and vegetables, which interact with metals in the earth. Brands like Promix and Transparent Labs offer COAs to reveal the amount of heavy metals in their product, which then helps consumers make educated choices.
Are some types of protein powder cleaner than others?
Normally, egg protein powders and whey isolate are known to have fewer heavy metals in comparison to plant-based protein supplements. However, certain plant-based options, like those from Puori or Promix, have quite low heavy metal levels. These two brands further boost consumer confidence by providing access to third-party test results for their offerings.
Conclusion
There you have it, we’ve covered the cleanest vegan protein powders out there. But we have to admit that Organic Vegan Protein Powder by Transparent Labs emerges as the cleanest of them all. It flawlessly ticks every box, from ingredient transparency to purity, while still managing to deliver a solid amount of protein per serving, setting the standard for others to follow.
If you’re exploring alternatives, Vegan Protein Powder by Promix is noteworthy for its unmatched transparency, allowing consumers to view test results via product lot numbers. Essential Protein by Ritual, on the other hand, stands out with its rigorous third-party testing, ensuring that every scoop is of the highest quality.
While Transparent Labs leads the pack, both Promix and Ritual offer commendable runner-up options for those on a quest for clean, vegan protein. It’s important to remember that what is the best for everyone might not be the best for you, so choose according to your needs and not someone else’s.
