Would you like to include a plant-based protein powder into your regimen but you also follow a gluten free and/or soy free diet? Sometimes it can be tricky to do both but if there’s anything I’ve learned after working with so many vegans with so many dietary preferences and restrictions, it’s that where there’s a will, there’s a way!
When it comes to plant-based protein powders, many use soy as the primary protein source. I find if the protein powder doesn’t have soy, it often has a gluten derivative. Thankfully that landscape is changing quite a bit as demand for soy free and gluten free products increases.
Plant-based proteins are great to use in smoothies, shakes, and protein bar recipes. I find my favorite way to use vegan protein powder is in the morning for breakfast blended into a fruit, nut, and greens smoothie bowl to help give me a big protein boost to nourish my body.
As a vegan dietitian, I wanted to provide you with a list of the 5 best soy free and gluten free protein powders that are widely available. These protein powders are devoid of animal products but are high in protein and nutrition. You’ll notice slight variations with each one, so you’ll see that I was sure to highlight what we (myself, the dietitian and my husband, the omnivore eater) think of each of these powders – the good and the things to consider.
With that being said, let’s dive into the 5 best gluten free and soy free vegan protein powders….
5. Evolve Protein Powder – Classic Chocolate – 160 calories and 20 grams of protein
What we love: Evolve protein powder is straight forward and simple without a lot of added fillers or fruit and vegetable extracts. The pea based protein powder uses non-GMO peas that are grown in North America and the plant-protein was certified as one of the cleanest plant-based proteins from the Clean Label Act. It tastes great and isn’t gritty at all. If you are an environment lover and reside in North America, this is a great vegan protein option available on Amazon that’s also certified gluten free and soy free.
Considerations: Unlike some vegan, gluten free, soy free protein powders, Evolve is only available in Chocolate and Vanilla but both mix well and taste great – just don’t expect to get a ton of variety unless you change up what you blend with the protein powder.
4. Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder – Vanilla Bean – 150 calories and 21 grams of protein per serving
What we love: Orgain is quickly becoming a household name for producing high quality vegan (and non-vegan) protein products including this protein powder that is just sweet enough, mixes well, and provides a whopping 21 grams of protein per serving. Boost your daily protein intake without dairy, gluten, or soy with the Orgain Protein Powder available on Amazon.
Considerations: Orgain uses sugar alcohols to keep the amount of sugar added and total carbohydrates low. Some individuals may have GI distress if consuming a considerable amount of sugar alcohols.
3. 22 Days Nutrition Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Vanilla – 110 calories and 20 grams of protein
What we love: 22 Days vegan, soy free, gluten free protein powder is perfect when you want something a little different. With pea protein, sachi inchi protein, and flax seed protein, it has a unique taste. Plus, since it’s sweetened only with stevia, there is no added sugar unlike some plant-based protein powders. Find this great vegan protein powder on Amazon and we suggest trying the vanilla first.
Considerations: If you aren’t a big stevia fan, you may not enjoy this protein powder as stevia is the primary and only ingredient used to sweeten the protein powder.
2. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein – Premium Pea Protein Powder – 90 calories and 20 grams of protein
What we love: Nuzest protein powder lives up to its name as a “clean and lean” protein. With only 3 ingredients including pea protein and vanilla flavor, it’s great if you’re a purest when it comes to protein powders and you’d prefer your powder to be devoid of fillers, natural/artificial flavors, fruit and vegetable extracts, and superfoods. The Nuzest Clean Lean Protein is straightforward and a great addition to your plant-based pantry and available on Amazon.
Considerations: Sometimes people with soy or gluten sensitivities also have sensitivities to pea protein. If that is you, this would clearly not be the best choice as the main and practically only ingredient is pea protein.
1. PlantFusion Complete Plant-Based Protein Powder – Vanilla Bean – 120 calories and 21 grams of protein
What we love: PlantFusion understands that not all stomachs are created equal. With their addition of digestive enzymes, amino acids, and whole plant-based foods, you’re getting a complete protein that is easy to digest (even if you have a sensitive stomach). PlantFusion mixes well and has a great taste (and we’ve tried a lot of protein powder in our vegan protein powder days!). Find PlantFusions Complete Plant-Based Protein on Amazon as I find most brick and mortar health food stores do not carry it.
Considerations: PlantFusion can be on the pricer end for plant-based protein powders but I find the overall taste and lack of GI upset with this protein powder makes it more than worth it.
I hope you found this list of 5 gluten free, soy free vegan protein powders helpful. Whether you are looking to increase your protein intake on a plant-based diet or you need to follow a gluten free and/or soy free diet, these protein powders will be great additions to your day to ensure that you’re getting complete nutrition without compromising taste or time. If you have any questions about protein powders, comment below and I can’t wait to hear which vegan protein powder is your favorite!