A high-quality vegan protein powder is a quick, easy and healthy way to boost the amount of protein you consume. There are many different types of protein powders but choosing a vegan powder simply means the protein source is plant-based (like seeds, hemp, nuts, legumes and grains) instead of animal-based (such as egg, whey, casein etc.).
If you’re looking for 'the best' and cleanest vegan protein powders on the market, it’s important to know that not all are made equal and that what one person loves, another may not.
Soy protein is probably the most common vegan protein base but in more recent times there have been a number of other plant-based protein powder options hit the market that are proving super popular, healthy and affordable as well (such as rice, pea & hemp).
Unfortunately, like most industries, there are a number of vegan protein options on the market that are made from 'questionably-sourced' ingredients (i.e. GMO, contaminated areas etc.) so no matter what your preference for vegan protein is, the most important detail in my eyes is that they are HIGH-QUALITY, ETHICALLY SOURCED & GOOD FOR YOU!
Having worked in the health food industry for many years, and as a lover of vegan protein powder myself, the eight brands I keep going back to are White Wolf Nutrition, True Protein, Momentous, Optimum, Musashi, Tropeaka, Hemp Foods Australia and Sunwarrior.
All eight companies are transparent in their practices and between them, create a number of great options using several plant-based protein styles to create blends that taste great, have excellent texture and pack in high-levels of protein per serve, with well-balanced amino acid profiles.
I've put this article together to help answer some of the most common questions surrounding vegan protein and provide a detailed review of the brands that I think make the best vegan protein powder in Australia.
Check out what you'll find below:
Detailed Review of the Best Vegan Protein Powders
1. White Wolf Nutrition
White Wolf Nutrition, a family-owned business based in NSW, Australia, was established in 2016. They spent a year in R&D before launching their all-natural range. Their commitment to quality is evident in their carefully crafted formulas. All their products are non-GMO and 100% natural, catering to both vegans and non-vegans. They also only use natural sweeteners like Stevia in their powdered products. They source the best Australian-grown ingredients, making them a true local champion. With a core mission to support healthy bodies, White Wolf continues to innovate while maintaining an ethical supply chain.
White Wolf’s Vegan All-In-One Superfood Blend is their more popular protein powder that contains 22.2g of pea protein per serving. It is made from non-GMO organic golden yellow peas and is free from dairy, soy, and gluten. The product is also packed with nutrient-rich superfoods like MCTs and prebiotics. Plus, they have plenty of flavours to choose from!
Creamy Vanilla
- Naturally sweetened, no added sugar.
- Ideal for smoothies, doughs, and pancake batters.
Smooth Chocolate
- The brand's most popular flavour.
- Mixes well with water or plant milk.
Salted Caramel
- Excellent for adding flavour and protein to oatmeal and overnight oats.
Iced Coffee
- Perfect for those who use coffee as a pre-workout.
- Blend with banana and ice for a creamy iced coffee protein hit.
The Vegan Sampler
- A 30g bag of each flavour to help you find your favourite.
Furthermore, if you're looking to really ramp up your overall vegan nutrition plan, they also have a solid range of aminos, greens powders, pre-workout powder & more.
Pros:
- Free standard shipping in Australia for orders over $100 and international shipping is available.
- 30-day return policy for unopened, re-saleable products.
- Australian-owned and operated, supporting local farmers.
- Wide range of products, including aminos, greens powders, and pre-workout powder.
- Sampler packs are available, allowing you to try out all the different flavours
Cons:
- The taste of Stevia may be noticeable in certain flavours.
2. True Protein
True Protein sets a new standard in sports nutrition, sourcing ingredients globally to offer a unique range of effective and tasty products. Established in 2014, they've set new benchmarks by sourcing top-notch ingredients from around the globe. They offer vegan protein options that include ingredients such as peas, rice, faba beans, and pumpkin seeds, ensuring a complete and highly absorbable protein profile. They collaborate with a wide array of experts, from sports dietitians to naturopaths, to provide science-backed, up-to-date information. Their commitment to transparency and quality is evident in their detailed nutritional content and certificates of analysis.
Plant Protein
- A triple blend of Australian yellow pea, Australian faba bean, and organic pumpkin seed proteins.
- Enhanced with probiotics and digestive enzymes for better absorption.
- Offers a complete protein source that is vegan-friendly.
- Smooth texture and natural flavour profile.
Beyond protein, these guys have a staggering range of vegan-friendly supplements and health products including ZMA, pre-workout, greens powder, glutamine, superfood powders, protein bars and many more - head over and give them a look!
Pros:
- A 14-day money-back guarantee ensures customer satisfaction.
- Clear nutritional content and certificates of analysis for transparency.
- Free Australian shipping for orders of $99 or more.
Cons:
- Does not ship to all countries
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3. Momentous
Momentous products put a strong focus on performance and quality. With an advanced network of human performance experts, they've set high standards for their products. They offer third-party testing and certifications from NSF and Informed Sport, ensuring that what you consume is safe and effective. Their transparency extends to providing a list of credible studies that back the efficacy of their products.Â
Essential Plant-Based Protein
- A precise blend of rice protein and pea protein isolate, offering a complete amino acid profile.
- Includes ProHydrolase, a clinically researched enzyme blend, for enhanced protein absorption and digestion.
- Low in sugar content and is free from artificial sweeteners, flavours, and colors
- Contains 20g of protein per serving, ideal for muscle repair post-training.
- Benefits may include tissue repair, enzyme production, hormone production, and energy regulation.
Pros:
- 30-day money-back guarantee for customer satisfaction.
- Third-party testing by NSF and Informed-Sport for product integrity.
- Comprehensive list of credible studies for transparency.
- Free shipping within the US for orders over $75 USD.
Cons:
- No free shipping to Australia
4. Optimum
Founded in 1986, Optimum Nutrition (ON) is a pioneering sports nutrition company with a commitment to quality and innovation. They are among the few companies that manufacture products in every category of sports nutrition. ON takes a hands-on approach to maintaining the highest quality standards. Premium raw materials are meticulously selected, and every ingredient requires a Certificate of Analysis and rigorous testing for compliance. Their facilities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and hold registrations from GMP, Informed Sport, Informed Choice, and BRC food. ON's quality control, lab testing, and manufacturing processes are designed to provide the highest quality sports nutrition products.
Gold Standard 100% Plant
- Each serving offers 24 grams of plant protein.
- Vegan formula with 0g sugar, gluten-free, and no artificial additives.
- Combines pea, brown rice, and fava bean proteins to support muscle strength and recovery.
Pros:
- Strict quality control and lab testing at every step.
- Third-party testing for safety, stability, and label compliance.
- Consistently awarded a 'Superior' rating by the American Institute of Baking.
- 14-day return policy for unopened and undamaged products.
Cons:
- Official site doesn't offer free shipping to Australia, but products are available on Amazon.
- Only two flavours to choose from
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5. Musashi
Founded in 1987, Musashi takes its name from Miyamoto Musashi, a renowned Japanese swordsman and philosopher. As one of Australia's most esteemed sports nutrition brands, Musashi's production standards adhere to the Therapeutic Goods Administration's guidelines, ensuring world-class nutrition quality. Musashi's manufacturing facilities, managed by Vitaco, are Informed-Sport certified, guaranteeing the absence of foreign substances in the production process. This is a large reason why many renowned athletes, including Rob Whittaker, Maty Ryan, and Tom Trbojevic, trust and work with Musashi products without apprehension.
Musashi Plant Protein Powder
- Premium blend of pea, brown rice, and chia protein.
- Vegan-friendly formula designed for athletes to optimize lean muscle and recovery.
- Low carbohydrate content, tastes great, and mixes effortlessly.
- Touted as one of the best-priced plant-based protein products in the market, with a reputation for natural ingredients.
Pros:
- Adheres to world-class TGA standards of therapeutic goods.
- Informed-Sport certification ensures product purity.
- Trusted by prominent athletes for its adherence to sports performance testing standards.
- Competitive pricing for a plant-based protein of its calibre.
Cons:
- Some users find the product slightly too sweet
- Flat rate shipping charge on certain orders.
6. Hemp Foods
Hemp Foods Australia, established in 1999 by Paul Benhaim, holds the distinction of being the largest certified organic hemp food retailer in the Southern Hemisphere. Spanning an impressive 11,000 square feet, their hemp farm employs low-temperature processes year-round to cultivate this valuable crop. Committed to environmental responsibility, Hemp Foods Australia's hemp is grown without the use of fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides, and is free from toxins, allergens, and GMOs. Their dedication to quality is exemplified by their recognition as regional finalists in the 2017 NSW Business Chambers Business Awards.
Hemp Foods Australia hemp protein powders are 100% organic and naturally vegan, gluten-free and preservative-free. They are made entirely in the pristine Byron Bay region of Australia from a purely mechanical process - using no heat or chemicals.
As an easily digestible and 'complete' protein with the perfect Omega 3 - Omega 6 essential fatty acid ratio - Hemp Foods proteins are an excellent vegan protein option with a range of other health benefits. Plus, their protein powder is made from Hemp Gold™ blend, which is a grain-free protein that's gut-friendly.
Organic Hemp Protein Natural (Unflavored)
- Smooth and creamy hemp protein, ideal for when you want other flavours to shine through, such as in smoothies and breakfast bowls.
- 100% organic, vegan, gluten-free, and preservative-free.
- Naturally balanced Omega 3 to Omega 6 essential fatty acid ratio.
- Offers complete protein with additional health benefits.
Organic Hemp Protein Chocolate
- Similar to the unflavored blend but with the delightful addition of cacao and natural chocolate flavour.
- Perfect for chocolate lovers and versatile for desserts.
Organic Hemp Protein Vanilla
- A smooth and creamy protein blend with natural vanilla flavour and vanilla bean extract.
- Offers a subtle vanilla taste, suitable for smoothies, desserts, and straightforward shakes.
100% Organic Hemp Raw Protein Powder
- The most protein-rich blend in the Hemp Foods range, consisting of 100% pure organic hemp protein powder.
- Perfect for those seeking large amounts of complete organic plant-based protein in their diet.
- Ideal for smoothies, desserts, and baking.
Pros:
- Hemp is grown using environmentally friendly, toxin-free methods.
- Wide range of organic, vegan, gluten-free, and preservative-free hemp protein powders.
- Hemp Foods Australia places a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and organic certifications.
- Carbon-neutral production with significant environmental benefits.
Cons:
- Hemp protein is lower in lysine, an essential amino acid, compared to other protein sources
- Some shipping charges may apply on certain orders
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7. Sunwarrior
Steering clear from the likes of synthetics, fillers, and any animal-derived substances, Sunwarrior assure their consumers of a product line that's vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and devoid of soy. The brand is not only committed to personal health but also to the health of our planet. This is evident in their choice to use organic and non-GMO ingredients and their approach to sustainable farming.
Warrior Blend Organic
- An exceptional amalgamation of various protein sources into one potent blend.
- Incorporates medium-chain triglycerides from coconuts enhancing its rich profile of amino acids and BCAAs.
- Tailored for the dynamic individual, aiming not just at muscle growth but an overall optimum performance.
- A diverse flavour palette from chocolate to vanilla, berry, and more, catering to varied tastes.
- Organic, vegan, non-GMO, and free from common allergens, making it a versatile dietary choice.
Pros:
- Rigorous quality testing backed by third-party labs to ensure product purity and safety.
- Committed to environmental sustainability through responsible sourcing and farming practices.
- Offers a wide range of flavours, all made without synthetic additives
- Ensures protection against allergens, having clear demarcations and strict guidelines in their production facilities.
Cons:
- Depending on the location, some international customers may find product availability limited.
8. Tropeaka
Founded with a commitment to promoting health and well-being, Tropeaka is a distinguished health and wellness brand hailing from the vibrant city of Sydney, Australia. Their product range encompasses 100% natural plant-based proteins, teas, and superfoods, all meticulously crafted to support a healthy lifestyle and enhance overall vitality. Tropeaka's dedication to quality and purity is underscored by its prestigious ACO and USDA organic certifications, setting a high standard for the ingredients used in its products.
Tropeaka's protein powders are all vegan, soy-free, and organic. They use a blend of super high-quality rice and pea protein in all their powders.
Lean Proteins - have loads of additional all-natural and nutrient-dense ingredients to help build lean muscle, boost immunity and support post-workout tissue repair.
Lean Protein Vanilla
- Flavoured by natural vanilla bean
- No refined sugars
- Packed with loads of other nutrients for speedy tissue recovery and lean muscle building.
Lean Protein Chocolate
- A delicious protein with a 5-star health rating
- Flavoured with organic cocoa + cacao with a natural sweetener makes this protein a perfect addition for healthy baking and smoothies.
Lean Protein Salted Caramel
- For the decadent...savour the salty caramel flavour, brought out by organic mesquite, maca, lucuma and a touch of Himalayan pink salt.
Pump Proteins are stripped back to the bare essentials and do not contain much more than a pure pea protein isolate, formulated to deliver the maximum amount of slow-release possible.
Pump Protein Vanilla
- Same delightful natural vanilla bean flavouring as the lean protein, a super versatile flavour to work with.
Pump Protein Chocolate
- Smooth chocolate that mixes in well with almost anything if you're a chocolate lover - but who isn't?!
All of the suppliers we've recommended have some incredible recipes and ways to use their protein powders - here's a quick look at Tropeaka's incredible Choc Protein Bliss Balls to get you inspired though!
Pros:
- Upholds the prestigious ACO and USDA organic certifications.
- Environmentally conscious with partnerships like REDcycle and The Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme.
- Offers a comprehensive range of natural, plant-based products to cater to various dietary preferences.
- Provides free shipping on certain orders
Cons:
- High demand often leads to products being sold out.
- International shipping restrictions and stipulations can be a barrier for global consumers.
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Here To Check The Latest Prices WithHow We Chose The Vegan Protein Powder Brands
Transparency
To ensure that we recommend only the best vegan protein powder brands, we adopted a rigorous evaluation process. We prioritised brands that are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing practices. We liked that these particular brands openly share information about their ingredients and production methods.
QualityÂ
We also emphasised the importance of high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. Plant based protein powder brands that use organic, non-GMO, and allergen-free components scored high in our assessment. Third-party testing for quality, purity, and potency was another crucial factor. Brands that have certifications from reputable organisations like NSF International or Informed Choice were also given preference.
Variety
We considered the variety of plant-based protein options offered by each brand. Brands that provide a diverse range of plant-based proteins, such as peas, rice, and hemp, were highly valued. This ensures that consumers have multiple options to choose from, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.
Types of Vegan Protein Sources
Vegan protein powders can be derived from various plant-based sources. The most common types include:
- Pea Protein: Rich in essential amino acids and easily digestible.
- Rice Protein: Hypoallergenic and ideal for those with food sensitivities.
- Hemp Protein: Offers a balanced ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids.
- Soy Protein: High in protein but can be a concern for those with soy allergies.
- Chia Protein: Rich in fibre and minerals but lower in protein content.
Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For instance, pea protein is rich in amino acids but may lack certain essential ones. On the other hand, hemp protein offers a balanced nutritional profile but is generally more expensive.
How To Choose Your Vegan Protein Powder
Quality and Testing
Always opt for brands that undergo third-party testing to ensure the product's quality, purity, and potency. Look for certifications from organisations like NSF International or Informed Choice.
Dietary Preferences
Consider your dietary restrictions and preferences. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, look for powders that are allergen-free. Also, consider the sugar content and the presence of artificial additives.
Budget
While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that you often get what you pay for. Consider the number of servings per container and the quality of ingredients when deciding on a budget.
Taste and Texture
Some people prefer flavoured protein powders, while others opt for unflavoured versions to mix into smoothies or food. Customer reviews can provide insights into the product's taste and mixability.
Is Plant Protein Powder Easy to Digest?
Many people find vegan protein powder to be easier to digest than standard protein powders. This is because most animal-based protein powder is made from dairy products such as whey protein that a lot of people are at least a little intolerant to.
The pea protein powder found in many of the White Wolf Nutrition, Tropeaka and True Protein blends and the organic hemp from Hemp Foods Australia is naturally dairy-free & gluten-free, making it great for coeliacs or anyone who struggles to properly digest gluten.
Not only that, but these types of protein powder are also free from eight of the most common food allergens: tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, cow’s milk, wheat and soy.
If you’ve got a common food intolerance or allergy, pea protein or hemp protein (also called 'hemp seed protein') are great vegan protein options to consider (as long as it’s not peas or hemp you’re allergic to of course!)
Is Vegan Protein Powder as Good as Whey Protein?
According to a study by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vegan protein powder is just as efficient as whey protein powder for building and maintaining muscle.
One of the main arguments people have against plant-based protein powders is that some don't contain the full spectrum of essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) and are therefore aren't a 'complete protein'.
This is where hemp protein such as Hemp Foods Australia's key blends come into their own as they are naturally a 'complete' and plant-based organic protein powder - making them a great option for simple protein shakes.
That being said, getting the full spectrum of amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids, from other plant proteins isn't difficult at all. Many brands very effectively combine several plant proteins (e.g. a blend of pea protein and rice protein) to create a complete protein supplement with the full amino acid profile (e.g. True Plant Protein, Tropeaka Lean Protein, or White Wolf Nutrition's All-In-One Superfood Blends).
Since high-quality plant-based protein powder provides high-levels of easily digestible protein - they are not only as good as whey, many are even much better!
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Do I Need to Take Protein Powder?
The answer to this question is all down to your lifestyle and health goals. Many of us need to, or simply want to, boost our nutritional intake with high-quality supplements such as protein powders, greens powder and other vitamin / mineral rich foods.
When discussing protein though, the recommended amount of protein the average person is 0.8g per Kg of bodyweight. (For example, if you weigh 65kg, you should be consuming 52g of protein each day — 65 x 0.8 = 52). It is more commonly thought now though that this estimate may be on the lower side of things and that you should aim for more than this.
If you’re following a vegan diet, you can get enough protein content from a healthy and diverse plant-based diet. Take this 1-day meal plan for example:
- Breakfast: whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana
- Snack: almonds and soy yoghurt
- Lunch: baked potato with salad
- Dinner: tofu, bulgur and broccoli
This provides roughly around 65g of protein, which in itself can be enough daily protein depending on your body weight and activity levels.
The recommended amount of protein for someone who exercises regularly is 1.5-2g per kg of body weight - as a minimum. So if you weigh 65 kg and are quite active, you’d need at least 98 -130g of protein each day.
To get this amount of protein from food could require you to eat some pretty massive meals so this is where vegan protein powders really come into their own.
Check out this great infographic below on protein & vegan diets:
How To Take Your Vegan Protein Powder
Taking vegan protein powder doesn't have to be monotonous. You can incorporate it into various recipes to make your meals not only nutritious but also delicious. Here are some sample ideas and recipes for a high-protein vegan breakfast and a vegan protein shake.
High-Protein Vegan Breakfast Ideas
-
Vegan Protein Pancakes
- Ingredients: 1 cup oat flour, 1 scoop vegan protein powder, 1 ripe banana, 1 cup almond milk, 1 tsp baking powder.
- Method: Blend all ingredients and cook on a non-stick pan. Serve with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.
-
Chia Seed Pudding
- Ingredients: 3 tbsp chia seeds, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 scoop vegan protein powder, fruits for topping.
- Method: Mix chia seeds, coconut milk, and protein powder. Let it sit overnight. Top with fruits before eating.
Vegan Protein Shake Recipes
-
Berry Blast Protein Shake
- Ingredients: 1 cup mixed berries, 1 scoop vegan protein powder, 1 cup almond milk, 1 tbsp chia seeds.
- Method: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve chilled.
-
Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake
- Ingredients: 1 banana, 1 scoop chocolate vegan protein powder, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 cup almond milk.
- Method: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately.
-
Green Detox Protein Shake
- Ingredients: 1 cup spinach, 1/2 avocado, 1 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder, 1 cup coconut water.
- Method: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve chilled.
These recipes are not only high in protein but also rich in other essential nutrients, offering a balanced meal to start your day or to refuel post-workout. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and portions to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.
What Is the Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder?
This is obviously a very personal question but as good as protein powder is for you, you're not going to use it if you can't stand the taste or texture.
I'm sure we've all come across a protein powder that we used once and then pushed to the back of the cupboard in disgust. Common complaints are that many vegan protein powders have a 'fermented' and off-putting taste along with a grainy texture.
On the flip side, many of the powders that people enjoy the taste of aren't actually that good for you - often packed with fillers and numbers, and sourced from some questionable suppliers.
I've tested a lot of different powders and spoke to many other customers before settling on the brands that I have.
I like the texture of nearly all the blends listed above, and with a huge range of flavours, I can guarantee there is something there for you whether you're a chocolate-fiend, vanilla-lover or after something simpler - or even more exotic!
Another option is to find a tasteless protein powder. If you're worried about the taste of your vegan protein powder, you can try mixing it with anything from chocolate-flavoured smoothie mix to peanut butter and jelly. You can use it in recipes where the flavour may be masked or enhanced by other ingredients. Of course, if you want to keep it healthy, just be mindful of the ingredients you add in as well.
Texture and flavour are always a personal preference though so the only real way to gauge it for yourself is to give it a try!
Hit the links below the banner to head over and check out what each supplier has on offer. I've also listed some more info and links below on some of the flavours I use regularly.
Where To Buy The Best Plant-Based Protein Powder in Australia?
As mentioned throughout the article - over the years I've tried and tested the many plant-based protein powders Australia has to offer and the brand sI've included here all stand out for their quality, consistency, flavour, texture and their high business standards and ethics.
You can click any of the banners and links throughout this article to jump over and check them out for yourself, but if you've made it this far, I'd like to let you know that you can also jump to the top of this page and 'Join Our Email' to get a unique discount code for many of these brands that will save you some $$ on your purchase too.
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That’s a Wrap!
You might be searching for the best plant based powder because you’re moving to a more plant-based lifestyle, you’re trying to ease digestive discomfort or for another reason entirely — it doesn’t matter. There are now some super high-quality options easily available in Australia to help you nail your health, diet and lifestyle goals.
As always, thanks a tonne for reading. If you’ve got any questions, queries or contributions, don't hesitate to get in touch!