Women have specific needs. We tend to need more iron and calcium than our male counterparts. We also don’t need a ton of excess protein or additional calories for the most part. There are some protein powders that are better suited for women for this reason. If you are a plant-based eater or vegan, read below to find the best protein powders for women brought to you by a Registered Dietitian (that means none of the false claims or advertisements some other sites provide with their lists). We are genuinely interested in helping you find vegan protein powders that nourish your body and fuel your spirit. Women are capable of oh so much and now it’s time to fuel properly to tackle your to do list with proper nutrition. If you find this list helpful, be sure to click through the links to Amazon to help out a female vegan dietitian who is simply passionate about spreading nutrition.
5. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Unflavored Powder – Gluten-Free, Organic & Non-GMO with Probiotics & Enzymes – 22 grams of plant-based protein per serving
What we love: The Garden of Life raw organic vegan protein is great for women because in only one scoop, you’ll find 35% of the RDA for iron! That’s in part because the protein base is pea protein which has more iron than other protein powder bases. The protein powder is soy free if you are needing to avoid or limit soy for any reason. With 22grams of protein per serving and only 110 calories, it is low in calories but packed with nutrition to keep you full. As an added bonus, this vegan protein powder contains digestive digestive enzymes and probiotics to help female digestion microbiome health. This protein powder has less grittness than others so if you are really trying to minimize calories, this can be a great option.
Considerations: As you’ll see on Amazon, the number one complaint is that the packaging changed sizes a couple of years back and while you get less vegan protein powder in a larger container, the Garden of Life raw organic protein powder is still one of the cleanest and easiest to digest vegan protein powders low in calories and perfect for women and available anywhere including on Amazon HERE.
4. Nutiva Plant Protein Superfood Smoothie Powder- 22 grams of plant-based protein per serving
What we love: Nutiva combines multiple plant-based protein sources (pea, sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp) along with a ton of fruits and vegetables for a well rounded protein powder that gives you an extra boost of micronutrients. Unfortunately, this vegan protein powder may not be the best for women who are anemic as it doesn’t contain iron. However, you will find many other micronutrients that will give you energy and promote health. The vegan protein powder is low in calories and may help you meet your weight loss goals. I love that there’s no added sugar or stevia and each scoop has probiotics (1 billion CFUs). Nutiva has many loyal followers and I recommend giving them a try if you’re looking for a protein powder that has more than just protein. Check out Nutiva Protein Powder HERE.
Considerations: Many vegan protein powders are using monk fruit extract to provide sweetness instead of traditional sugar. Nutiva does that as well so while there are no added sugars, some people find it tastes sweeter than they would prefer because of this fruit extract. Just something to keep in mind.
3. EarthChimp Vegan Protein Powder (Chocolate)- 20 grams of protein per serving
What we love: EarthChimp is a small batch protein powder company out of Ireland formed by a husband and wife duo passionate about health and nutrition. The protein powder comes with a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee and honestly, you won’t be getting your money back. For women, EarthChimp vegan protein powder is great because it’s lower in calories (150 calories per scoop), probiotics, and a fruit and vegetable combination to give you a well rounded option that provides sustainable nutrition. With a bit of calcium (2% RDA) and 36% Iron, this protein powder from Ireland packs the punch! Buy EarthChimp Vegan Protein Powder HERE on Amazon.
Considerations: EarthChimp adds chicory root powder which may be fine for some people but for those of you with IBS or sensitive bellies, it may produce unwanted gas and bloating. You could always start with less to reduce this risk.
2. Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder- 21 grams of protein per serving
What we love: With similar amounts of iron, and calcium, Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder is a competitive choice but we find that it is digested well with the addition of the digestive enzymes and provides substantial protein (21 grams of vegan protein) with a similar composition (pea protein, hemp protein, rice protein) as other vegan protein powders. Honestly, I was partially sold on the packaging as I’m a sucker for great look packaging for a big protein powder tub that sits on top of my fridge and thankfully the overall taste, texture, and lack of grittiness sold me! Check out Ora vegan protein powder great for women HERE.
Considerations: Ora Organic Vegan protein powder is one the more expensive side but you are paying for high quality organic vegan ingredients compared to inexpensive whey protein.
1. KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder – Raw Organic Vegan Protein Blend
What we love: This is the best protein powder we’ve ever had (seriously). It contains a great mix of protein powders for women. KOS protein powder tastes even better in smoothies but equally drinkable mixed with water or your favorite plant-based milk (many other vegan protein powders can’t say that!). The digestive blend in KOS works fantastic and I’ve found that I can make a super packed smoothie with fruits and greens and with this protein powder, I don’t feel any bloat or aftertaste. Check out KOS plant-based protein on Amazon HERE.
Considerations: KOS doesn’t contain gums or other additives to help dissolve and blend the powder in a liquid so you’ll find that it doesn’t blend as easily as others in water/milk but does better in a smoothie consistency. If you drink your vegan protein powders with only milk or water, this may not be the best option for you. Also, KOS contains tree nuts (coconut) if you have any coconut allergy or sensitivity.
There you have it … the best plant-based vegan protein powders for women! We don’t have the same needs as men and it’s important to choose foods including protein powders that will be a better fit for your specific energy, calorie, and micronutrient needs.