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My Favorite Plant-Based Protein Powders

My Favorite Plant-Based Protein Powders

July 26, 2012 By Brittany Mullins 67 Comments

Want to start using a plant-based protein powder but not sure which one to try? Here are my favorites — they’re all gluten-free, organic, non-gmo and plant-based. 

One question I get asked a ton is what protein powder I use!

Let me start by saying that I don’t think you need protein powder to eat healthy and lose weight. I find that protein powder is perfect for quick snacks and on the go meals, but I try to get most of my daily protein intake from whole, minimally processed foods like fish, dairy products, eggs, beans, grains, nuts and seeds.

I’ve found that oftentimes people, myself included, can get too caught up in buying all the right supe foods, supplements, powders, etc. These things are great and I definitely love them for creating healthy recipes, but I also know that they can get pretty expensive.  When it comes down to it, you don’t have to have fancy products to be healthy or lose weight. In college, when I lost over 20 lbs, I didn’t know about any of these things (much less have the money to buy them) — I just ate healthy foods and guess what, it worked! So, if you can’t afford/don’t have access to protein powder, chia seeds, cacao powder, goji berries and the like, please know that it’s okay!

OUR LATEST RECIPES

Back to the point of this post… protein powders.

Almost all my recipes that include protein powder call for plant-based protein powders because my body doesn’t process whey protein very well.

Besides good flavor (which is one of the big factors for me), this is what I look for when choosing a protein powder:

  • Complete protein with all of the essential amino acids.
  • High in protein (obviously) — at least 15g per serving.
  • Low in sugar — less than 5g per serving.
  • No artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame.
  • Free of soy, milk, yeast, wheat, and other allergens that often cause allergic reactions.

In terms of brands and specific products, I have a few that I like:

IdealRaw

My picks: Peanut Butter Chocolate, Chocolate and Vanilla 
  • Short ingredient list
  • Great nutrition facts
  • Vegan, gluten-free, organic, non-gmo
  • Easy to digest
  • The chocolate flavor is SO GOOD! It reminds me of the Vegan Chocolate Shakeology but costs way less!
I like the vanilla IdealRaw as well, but the chocolate flavor is definitely my favorite in terms of taste! You can order a sample pack to see which flavor you like best before ordering a full container.
Use code EBF10 for $10 off IdealRaw protein.

Sun Warrior

My picks: Vanilla Classic or Vanilla Classic Plus

Sun Warrior became my favorite a couple years ago when Isaac’s mom introduced me to i. It was the first protein powder that didn’t taste artificial or chalky to me and I’ve been hooked on it ever since.  What I love about it:

  • Short ingredient list
  • Great nutrition facts
  • It’s raw, vegan, gluten-free, non-gmo, 85% pure protein powder
  • Easy to digest
  • Doesn’t contain soy or dairy
  • Works great in recipes
I really like the Chocolate Classic Plus as well, but usually I just buy the Vanilla and add cocoa powder to recipes that I want to be chocolate flavored. You can order a saample pack to see which flavor you like best before ordering a full container.

Tone It Up Protein from Target

My pick: Vanilla

This protein powder is very similar to Sun Warrior in nutrition and taste.

  • Short ingredient list
  • It’s organic, gluten-free, raw, vegan, non-GMO, kosher, non-fat, low in sodium
  • Free of sugar, dairy, lactose, cholesterol, soy, corn, wheat and allergens
  • Sweetened with monkfruit instead of stevia (wanted to mention this because I know many people don’t like stevia)
A note: Perfect Fit only comes in single serving packets right now, but they’re about to launch bigger bags (50 servings) soon.

Which one should you buy? It’s up to you! I use all three brands and would highly recommend them all. When it comes to protein powders it seems like everyone has to try a few before they find one the absolutely love!

I also really like collagen protein powder. See my full post about collagen here.

If you’re in need of some tasty recipes that use protein powder, I have quite a few:

  • Easy No Bake Protein Balls
  • PB Chocolate Protein Bars
  • Protein Pancakes
  • Chia Pudding
  • Banana Carob Protein Bars
  • Protein Overnight Oats
  • The Green Elvis Smoothie
  • Protein Macaroons
  • Coconut Protein Balls

So tell me, what’s your favorite protein powder? What’s your favorite recipe with protein powder? 

Filed Under: Vegan, What's What

categories: Vegan, What's What

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67 comments
Previous Post

Comments

  1. Katie says

    July 26, 2012 at 8:48 am

    Yay for sunwarrior!!!

    Thanks for the love! Protein frosting is the best! <3

    Reply
    • Eating Bird Food says

      July 26, 2012 at 10:12 pm

      You’re welcome lady. xoxo

      Reply
  2. Melissa (Better Fit) says

    July 26, 2012 at 9:20 am

    Congratulations on the guest posting Brittany! I’ll head over and check it out.

    My favourite protein powder is Whey 2 Go (I’m a sucker for a pun!).

    I haven’t tried Sun Warrior despite hearing so many great things about it!

    Reply
  3. Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says

    July 26, 2012 at 9:38 am

    Never heard of Sun Warrior – can’t wait to check it out!

    Reply
  4. Laura says

    July 26, 2012 at 9:48 am

    I make alot of smoothies and use plain greek yogurt for my protein. There are alot of recipes that sound great but have protein powder in them and I can’t stand it. How did you get to like protein powder? I would love to be able to use it in some recipes to make things healtheir! I will say I only tried it twice recently and it was sunwarrior vanilla pp. I used it with berries and almond milk or some other fruit and both times I had to throw the smoothie away because it had a sickning sweet taste and a little chalky. Is it beter when it is baked or in oatmeal? Or is it just gross until you get used to it? I never would of thought I would love spinach and kale smoothies but hate protein powder, but maybe I’m just silly!

    Reply
    • Christin says

      January 23, 2013 at 2:41 pm

      I think Syntha-6 is delicious and didn’t take me any “getting used to.” Good luck!!!

      Reply
  5. nicole @ Making good choices says

    July 26, 2012 at 9:48 am

    congrats on being featured on Tosca Reno’s page! that is so cool! I love Sunwarrior too, but haven’t tried perfect fit yet.

    Reply
  6. Alexia says

    July 26, 2012 at 10:05 am

    sunwarrior protein is my favourite protein powder too! most other protein powders are sweetend with aspartame and other artificial sweeteners, plus they have just a toooo long ingredients list that just CANT be healthy. i havent tried perfect fit, first time i have seen it! great list of recipes by the way! i am especially intrigued by the macaroons!! mhmmm

    Reply
  7. Kim says

    July 26, 2012 at 10:13 am

    I recently bought brown rice protein and am loving it!

    Reply
  8. Eva @ Committed2Nutrition says

    July 26, 2012 at 10:23 am

    I really am happy you posted about this. I keep reading about Sun Warrior and haven’t bitten the bullet to buy it. It’s definitely on the list now. Your recipe’s look awesome!

    Reply
    • Eating Bird Food says

      July 26, 2012 at 10:16 pm

      Thanks Eva! Check out Sun Warrior for sure – I think they even offer samples if you email them. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Erin @ erinberries says

    July 26, 2012 at 10:26 am

    Mmm…protein macaroons. Those are so yummy.

    Reply
  10. Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says

    July 26, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I like sun warrior too and am an affiliate. I also love PlantFusion and Life’s Basics. I’m seriously on a protein microwave cake kick this summer. I can’t get enough of the flavors and deliciousness!

    Reply
    • Eating Bird Food says

      July 26, 2012 at 10:19 pm

      I haven’t tried PlantFusion or Life’s Basics. I’ll have to check those two out – thanks for mentioning them! I tried the microwavable protein cake once and it turned out awful. I think I need to give it another try.

      Reply
      • Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says

        July 26, 2012 at 10:27 pm

        Both of these are blends of different proteins and I love that Plant Fusion has BCAA. Life’s Basics has hemp and chia in it, so if you don’t like hemp, don’t do that one. It does bake well though, which I’m sure has to do with the chia too! Both of these have worked for my microwave protein cakes, but I’ve heard that people are scarred from previous experiences with other protein powders. I do think it matters what you use. I do eat eggs though so mine are super cakey fluffy. I have a chocolate version http://www.thenondairyqueen.com/2012/07/its-friday.html and I make various fruit versions http://www.thenondairyqueen.com/2012/07/blueberry-protein-packed-microwave-cake.html. For my vanilla cakes, I just leave out the fruit.

        Reply
  11. Kristen says

    July 26, 2012 at 11:00 am

    I’ve seen Sun Warrior in The Vitamin Shoppe stores lately and also at Sprouts 🙂

    Reply
  12. Rachel says

    July 26, 2012 at 11:10 am

    Sunwarror all the way 🙂

    Reply
  13. PerfectFit says

    July 26, 2012 at 11:24 am

    Brittany~ thank you so much for including Perfect Fit in your favs!!! We can’t wait to launch the big bags!! We’d love to share the carob bar recipe too 🙂 Karena will go nuts over those. xxxxo

    ~Katrina

    Reply
    • Eating Bird Food says

      July 26, 2012 at 10:20 pm

      No problem. I love Perfect Fit and I’m excited for the big bags to launch!

      Reply
  14. Emily says

    July 26, 2012 at 11:49 am

    Thanks for the tip! I’ve been wanting to try out protein powder for awhile but I never know which to go with.

    Reply
  15. clare @ fittingitallin says

    July 26, 2012 at 12:12 pm

    CONGRATS!! such an honor – you’re amazing!
    and I <3 sunwarrior and Zrii Achieve

    Reply
    • Eating Bird Food says

      July 26, 2012 at 10:21 pm

      Thanks Clare! I’ve never heard of Zrii Achieve. I’ll have to check it out!

      Reply
  16. Lauren says

    July 26, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    I use Sun Warrior as well, mainly because I bought a HUGE bag of it and I’ve been still working my way through it. I just made overnight oats last night too and added in a scoop of Sun Warrior for more staying power. Love the doughy taste it gives.

    Reply
    • Eating Bird Food says

      July 26, 2012 at 10:23 pm

      Overnight oats are the best! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Heather @ Fit Mama Real Food says

    July 26, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    Sun warrior is delicious! However, I rarely have protein powder on hand since its so dang expensive compared to real food proteins. So good though 🙂 thanks for all the recipe links!

    Reply
  18. Katelyn says

    July 26, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    LOVE SunWarrior. I’ve been a huge fan of Vega for years (so delish, never fails me), but Sunwarrior and PlantFusion are also great options. The latter two are definitely a bit more “plain” tasting, and creamier. AKA, bomb in baked goods.

    Reply
    • Eating Bird Food says

      July 26, 2012 at 10:34 pm

      For some reason I can’t do Vega unless I have a lot of fruit to cover up the taste. Maybe I’m buying the wrong flavors?!?

      Reply
  19. Maria at inredningsvis.se says

    July 26, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    GREAT POST:)
    Your blog is so wonderful and Im following…I hope you follow me also:)

    If you want some cute swedish decor inspiration…check out my new post:)

    Have a great week.

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
    (sweden)

    Reply
  20. Adrienne says

    July 26, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    Great post! What I seem to struggle with is too much protein! Needs for focus on those veggies more!

    Reply
  21. Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says

    July 26, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    I LOVE SunWarrior, but I recently tried Plant Fusion and loved it!

    Reply
    • Eating Bird Food says

      July 26, 2012 at 10:26 pm

      I need to try Plant Fusion!

      Reply
  22. karina says

    July 26, 2012 at 10:00 pm

    Thanks for the post! I’ve had protein powders before and the only one I’ve every really liked was a whey jay robb chocolate protein powder. I got it at a super low price……I’d consider buying it again but its 25 bucks for like 12 servings! I tried a sample of the sunwarrior warrior blend once and enjoyed it…..I’m debated about splurging on one of their powders just so I can make all the yummy recipes I see in the blog world! good idea on buying vanilla and just making it chocolate flavored with coco powder btw!

    Reply
  23. Purely Twins says

    July 26, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    We love perfect fit too! Use it more than sunwarrior these days, but these two our favorites too. We do occasionally use cheaper brown rice for baking although still not as good. We are also huge fans of Vega.

    Reply
  24. lauren says

    July 27, 2012 at 6:36 am

    I have been researching plant-based options (http://hautepasture.com/2012/07/thoughts-on-protein-powders/), so thanks for this! I just ordered Lifetime Life’s Basics plant protein powder, and will try Sunwarrior next.

    Reply
  25. Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says

    July 27, 2012 at 6:49 am

    I haven’t tried those. I’m currently using a whey, but I’d like to switch to a vegan alternative that isn’t soy or hemp. (I’m not a fan of hemp taste, and the same reasons as you on soy.)

    Reply
  26. Erica says

    July 27, 2012 at 7:46 am

    To anyone that has tried both these powders, is sunwarrior less sweet tasting than Perfect Fit??? I love PF for protein pancakes but find it much to sweet for smoothies and shakes! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Eating Bird Food says

      July 30, 2012 at 4:43 pm

      Hi Erica – the natural Sunwarrior isn’t sweetened. You’d probably like that!

      Reply
  27. Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says

    July 27, 2012 at 9:28 am

    I’m a huge fan of sunwarrior!

    Reply
  28. Gabby @ Gabby's Gluten-Free says

    July 28, 2012 at 8:39 am

    Congrats on the feature – that is so awesome! Tosca is such a role model.

    Reply
  29. Sydney says

    July 29, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    Hey! I live in Canada and haven’t been able to find a website that ships Sun Warrior “all the way up here” hah! Any suggestions of other brands of rice protein? Thanks! Great blog.. so many great tips and recipes 🙂

    Reply
    • Eating Bird Food says

      July 30, 2012 at 4:44 pm

      Perfect Fit ships to Canada! 🙂 http://www.perfectfitprotein.com

      Reply
  30. Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says

    August 1, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    I’ve been loving Plant Fusion, but I can’t find it here…I will have to try the Sun Warrior, since you are not the first person to tell me how great it is!

    Reply
  31. Caitlin @ArtemisPrimeWellness says

    August 1, 2012 at 8:51 pm

    Holy crap, that is awesome! I LOVE her! That is seriously big news.

    Also, I’ve heard tons of good stuff about SunWarrior, I’ll have to check it out!

    Reply
  32. Natasha says

    February 6, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    Hi thanks for the great ideas the novelty of making pancakes and smoothies is running out

    Reply
  33. Kathy Spargo says

    February 12, 2013 at 2:27 am

    Hi,
    I sure didn’t know you could use the protein powder in all those “treats” you make.
    I am a new comer to this stuff, but I am confident that I will enjoy it.

    I am trying to get my health back to where I can enjoy life again after two back surgeries and THR. I have gained some weight, but my joints and fibromyalgia give me a fit. I am trying to do what I can do and trust in God to do the rest.
    So, I do desire everyone’s prayers.

    I am also starting at Anytime Fitness on their elliptical machine. Thanks for all this encouragement.
    Kathy

    Reply
  34. Riane says

    February 27, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    Have you ever heard of Melaleuca? Well, I recently tried their proflex protein powder, which says that it is naturally and artificially flavored. Does that mean it probably isn’t very good? Never have tried brown rice protein powder, but definitely going to now!

    Reply
    • Brittany Mullins says

      February 27, 2013 at 10:25 pm

      I have heard of Melaleuca but I’ve only used their soaps and stuff, not the protein powder. The “artificially flavored” part scares me a bit… Let me know what you think of the brown rice protein powder once you try it.

      Reply
  35. Riane says

    February 28, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    Okay, thanks! I’m not going to use it anymore! I will, thanks again 🙂 Do you also know anything about their access exercise bars?

    Reply
  36. Riane says

    February 28, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    If the access bars aren’t a healthy option,what are some good pre-workout snacks because I usually workout in the am and need something before I workout.

    Reply
  37. Lissy says

    March 12, 2013 at 6:21 am

    Thanks Brittany very delicious stuff in your post. What is your opinion on soy protein? And what is your all time favourite protein cake recipe?

    Reply
  38. Ray says

    April 16, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    Great article–and so nicely designed website too. I like your promotion of rice protein powders. I was a bit reluctant to try them at first because rice protein isn’t a complete protein as, say, whey protein is, but then again, as you’ve emphasized, it’s vegan. Nice to know Sun Warrior Blend has pea protein in it also since pea mixed with hemp would produce complete protein. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  39. Bibi @ Veggie Runners says

    May 24, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Hi Brittany,

    I found this post through searching for ‘Brown Rice Protein Powder’ as through my own research I’d decided that this was the way I want to go forward in protein powders. So, it’s really great to read your positive comments on them.

    I’m love to support you through the Sun Warrior link but it’s not working! Check it out, want you to be getting all the clicks you deserve.

    Reply
    • Brittany Mullins says

      May 24, 2013 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks for the heads up. I have updated my link. 🙂
      http://www.sunwarrior.com/store?affId=85932

      Reply
  40. Gloria says

    July 2, 2013 at 3:44 am

    Hi Brittany, love your blog 🙂
    I’m breastfeeding at the moment and looking for a protein supplement that helps me get my body back after pregnancy. Would you recommend this product to breasfeeding moms? Thank you

    Reply
    • Brittany Mullins says

      July 2, 2013 at 8:15 am

      Hi Gloria. Just to be on the safe side, I would check the Sunwarrior FAQ page (http://www.sunwarrior.com/resources/faq/) and email them about using their product as a supplement while breastfeeding. Sunwarrior is usually really good about responding. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  41. Bobby Heydari says

    September 3, 2013 at 8:44 am

    Sun Warrior products are NOT certified organic. This is very curious in lieu of how they claim their products are produced. I think your readers should just be aware that Sun Warrior is NOT organic and may choose to opt for an organic option instead.

    Thanks

    Reply
  42. Adam says

    October 15, 2013 at 7:12 pm

    Nice write up Brittany. I was wondering if there is any particular reason why you prefer brown rice protein over hemp protein?

    Just curious…

    Regards,

    Adam

    Reply
  43. jayme says

    November 13, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    Have you tried making protein pancakes or any other Tone it Up recipes with Sun Warrior? If so did it work and taste good? 🙂

    Reply
  44. The Protein Reviewer says

    November 15, 2013 at 8:56 pm

    Awesome recipes!

    Feel free to check out theproteinreviewer.com , it’s got sweet ratings and reviews on all protein powders.

    Reply
  45. Lolo says

    February 22, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    Just as an FYI: Sun Warrior and other healthier brands of brown rice protein powders are testing high for heavy metals like lead. However, Sun Warrior has just recently agreed to work to lower the heavy metals in their powders. Check Natural Health News for more information about it.

    Reply
  46. penny says

    March 24, 2014 at 1:06 am

    I use Nufinna which is collagen protein,it is 95%absorbable,the taste is amazing,I have experienced so many changes using collagen protein.

    Reply
  47. Kasey says

    April 8, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    Brown rice protein doesn’t contain all the essential amino acids, unless they’re added, which some brands do. But pure brown rice protein is missing some of the essential amino acids.

    Reply
    • Brittany Mullins says

      April 8, 2014 at 10:22 pm

      Hi Kasey. Brown rice protein powder is not a complete protein (a protein that contains all 22 amino acids) on its own, but it does contain all nine essential amino acids.

      Reply
  48. Rob says

    August 12, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    I have been having this vanilla protein powder. All natural native whey protein blend, helps me recover much faster than rice protein, which I have tried in the past. Would like to know your thoughts on this?

    Reply
  49. 310 Nutrition Shake says

    April 1, 2015 at 8:03 am

    Vanilla, chocolate, black berry,white berry all are natural protein.

    Reply
  50. MuddyGurl says

    April 21, 2015 at 4:05 pm

    HI, is a quality BR protein, or HEMP protein suitable for a person on low protein diets? NOT bodybuilding. I have Chronic Kidney Disease stage 3-4, must eat easily digestible low protein, (no red meats..so I am mostly vegetarian) I have eggs..but dairy isn’t allowed much. I was considering Warrior and unsweet almond milk/kale/cucumbers for my shakes..getting 20-30 gr a day from Warrior, plus other. Doable for a 1500 calorie diet?

    Also HEMP has all amino acids, but heard it hurts kidneys..any info?
    thanks!!!!

    Reply
  51. Katy says

    August 27, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    I really like the PR3 rice protein from PurePharma. I put it in yogurt, oatmeal and mix it with almond milk. http://www.purepharma.com/us_en/products/pr3.html

    Reply

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