Top 5 Plant-Based Protein Powders Of 2021
Updated 04/17/2025Plant-based proteins can go the distance — here's what you need to know about finding the right one
Consumers looking to pack on muscle and shed weight are flocking to plant-based proteins in record numbers — and the supplement industry is taking notice.
But as more companies jump on the plant-wagon, it pays to know how to spot a premium-quality product (and how to avoid getting ripped off).
Fortunately, we've got you covered.
We put everything you need to know about finding a premium plant-based protein powder into a quick and easy guide, including our top 3 picks of 2021.
.jpg)
Benefits of a High-Quality Plant-Based Protein:
Promotes muscle recoveryContains all 9 essential amino acids
Good source of vitamins & minerals
Lactose free
Typically hypoallergenic
Rich in fiber & antioxidants
Environmentally friendly
Why Plant Blends Are Key
One of the biggest challenges consumers face when shopping for a plant-based protein powder, is knowing what kind of plant sources to look for.
Plant proteins can be derived from a variety of different sources, and not all of them are complete proteins, meaning they lack one or more of the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) found in meat and other animal protein.
The best way to ensure you're getting a complete protein is to find a product that uses a plant blend. Unlike single-source products, blends combine multiple plant proteins to compensate for low or missing amino acids.
Pea protein is a good starting point since it has all 9 EAAs. However, the best way to ensure you're getting a complete protein with a robust amino acid profile is to find a product that blends multiple plant-based proteins.
What To Look For In A Premium Protein Blend
Pea ProteinPea protein is an excellent source of essential amino acids. For best results, look for products that combine pea protein with one or more ingredients on this list.
Brown RiceBrown rice protein is highly absorbable, making it ideal for a speedy post-workout recovery. It may also contribute to healthy weight management.
Pumpkin SeedsThese protein-rich superfoods are packed with antioxidants and plant fiber, and are a good source of magnesium to boot.
Sacha InchiThis Peruvian superfood is packed with omega fatty acids and vitamin E and is often used to aid in healthy weight management.
Hemp SeedsHemp seeds provide high-quality protein and are brimming with essential vitamins including iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, and phosphorous.
Avoid The Following In Your Protein:
- Only One Plant Source The best way to ensure you're getting a robust, complete protein, is to choose a product with a diverse plant blend instead of a single-source protein.
- Hydrogenated Oils This includes trans fats and other partially hydrogenated oils, which have been linked to poor cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.
- Artificial Ingredients These often come in the form of "flavor enhancers," which can become toxic over time. Research has also shown that artificial sweeteners can be more addicting than sugar!
Now that you know what to look for and what to avoid in a quality plant-based protein powder, here are a few other points to consider before buying a product.
What Else To Look For When Choosing A Protein
-
Organic, non-GMO
Organic, non-GMO ingredients are grown without pesticides or other toxins that can damage your health.
-
Calorie Content
If weight management is a priority for you, consider a low-calorie product. For a supplement that offers 15g of protein, look for a calorie range between 70 and 90 cal.
-
Strong Money-Back Guarantee
It’s always a good idea to invest in a supplement that offers a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee. Look for brands that offer at least a 90-day money-back guarantee.
-
Great Taste
For many consumers, taste is a big factor. If you plan on taking a protein supplement every day, make sure it's one you like!
The Results Are In...
After investigating the top-selling plant-based proteins on the market, we've narrowed our list down to include only the best of the best. Check out which proteins made it into our top 3 and who we crowned best of 2021.
Top Picks are updated monthly based on testing and analyses:
Top Pick
Consumers Survey Recommended
- 15g of protein
- Only 80 calories
- Organic, non-GMO
- Sugar, soy & gluten free
- Vegan
- Keto & paleo friendly
- 365-day money-back guarantee
Call Live Conscious Toll-Free:
1-866-949-7799
#1: Organic Protein By Live Conscious
Best Plant Protein Powder
Live Conscious’ Organic Protein is made with a blend of organic plants and superfoods, including yellow pea, brown rice, pumpkin seed, and sacha inchi superfoods.
Each serving contains 15 grams of protein plus essential vitamins and minerals. It also has Himalayan salt to aid in nutrient absorption and acacia fibergum, which has prebiotic benefits for optimal intestinal health.
This product comes in two different flavors: Cosmic Cacao (70 cal/serving) and Vanilla Dream (80 cal/serving).
It's also gluten free, sugar and soy free, certified organic, non-GMO, keto and paleo friendly, and 100% vegan.
To top it off, Live Conscious offers an exceptional, 365-day money-back guarantee, which shows us they truly stand by their product.
Rating
Call Essential Elements Toll-Free:
1-888-343-9888
#2: Plant-Based Protein by Essential elements
Great Plant Protein Powder
Plant-Based Protein from Essential Elements is made from a diverse blend of peas, brown rice, and other plant-based proteins, and features a complete essential amino acid profile.
This formula is certified organic, non-GMO, and includes a prebiotic. In addition to being sugar, soy, and gluten free, it's also 100% vegan and keto and paleo friendly.
Each serving contains 15g of protein at 80 calories or less. Plant-Based Protein is available in chocolate and vanilla and is backed by a 365-day return policy.
Rating
Call Truvani:
1-866-878-8264
#3: Plant Based Protein By truvani
Good Plant Protein Powder
Rounding off our list is Truvani's Plant Based Protein. It's made with a nutritious blend of pea, pumpkin seed, and chia seed proteins.
Like others on our list, it's also certified organic, non-GMO, gluten and soy free, keto (bot not paleo) friendly, 100% vegan and available in 4 different flavors. Each serving contains 20g of protein at 130 calories (protein and calorie content varies with flavor).
We appreciate the simplicity of this product and it's an all-around solid choice, especially if you're new to plant-based protein powders. However, it also lacks pre- or probiotics, and may be a turn-off for people looking for an under-100-calorie protein. Unfortunately, Truvani only offers a 30-day return policy.
Rating
#4: Organic Protein & Superfoods by Orgain
Organic Protein & Superfoods uses a proprietary blend of pea protein, brown rice, and chia seeds. And if you get excited over superfoods, this may be the product for you (it contains a staggering 50 of them!)
Like others on this list, it's also certified organic, non-GMO, gluten and soy free, vegan, and has zero added sugar. This product comes in chocolate and vanilla (unfortunately, neither one is keto or paleo friendly).
To be sure, few proteins on this list can compete with the sheer number of superfoods in this product, however, it failed to meet our criteria in some important areas.
For starters, it lacks a prebiotic, which is important for digestive health. It's also a bit on the heavier side compared to others on this list at 160 cal/serving, which isn't too extreme considering you're also getting 21g of protein. Orgain only offers a 30-day return policy.
Shop Now > >Rating
#5: Shake Meal Replacement by 310 Nutrition
Although it's marketed as a "meal replacement," we felt it was only fitting to add Shake from 310 Nutrition to our list since it's still a plant-based protein at its core.
This formula includes hemp, brown rice, and pea protein, plus super greens and probiotics, and each serving contains 15g of protein at just 90 calories.
It's also keto and paleo friendly, soy and gluten free, sugar free, and non-GMO and comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors.
Unfortunately this product is neither certified organic nor vegan. 310 Nutrition offers just a 30-day return policy, which is especially low considering its $70 price tag.
Shop Now > >
While Live Conscious had the best plant-based protein we surveyed, we would still love to hear which products you've tried and swear by. Send us your experiences, comments
Sincerely,
Beverly Gratson
Senior Health Editor
What We Do
ConsumersSurvey uses a unique three-step approach to reviewing the most popular products in the online marketplace
1. Research First we conduct in-house research with a highly qualified editorial team comprised of individuals who specialize in various fields.
2. SurveyWe survey our readers who have tried the product over time in order to learn from their experiences.
3. OpinionWe monitor public opinion in the world’s most popular marketplaces, from Amazon and eBay, to Bizrate and Pricegrabber.
As a consumer herself, Beverly is extremely dedicated to gathering and collecting reports and information and always on the lookout for highly-rated supplements. She's especially passionate about educating consumers in making wise decisions when it comes to purchasing health products.