Similar to our prior reviews, we did a formal, side-by-side review of some of the most popular plant-based protein powders on the market. We chose flavors that we thought sounded delicious! Our goal was to see which protein powders delivered on taste and nutrition, and which ones weren’t worth the hype (to save you the time and money of doing your own research).
THE GROUND RULES //
Results //
First place: Vega Protein & Greens Salted Caramel ProteinSecond place: Amazing Grass Peanut Butter Superfood Protein PowderThird place: Nuzest Chai Turmeric Maca Clean Lean ProteinFourth place: Nuzest Wild Strawberry Clean Lean ProteinFifth place: Nuzest Vanilla Matcha Clean Lean ProteinSixth place: Nuzest Coffee Coconut & MCTs Clean Lean ProteinSeventh place: Amazing Grass Chocolate Peanut Butter Superfood Protein PowderEighth place: GoldenSource Organic Blueberry-Açaí Plant-Based Protein MixNinth place: Bob’s Red Mill Chai Protein PowderTenth place: Lean Hemp Peanut Butter Maca Protein PowderEleventh place: Amazing Grass Wild Berry Hibiscus Protein Powder
Protein 101 //
Why is protein important? Protein is a component of all of the cells in our bodies. It supports the production of enzymes, hormones, and so much more to keep us feeling good! How much protein do we need? The Institute of Medicine has recommended that adults consume 0.80 grams of protein daily per kg of body weight. For example, it’s recommended that an adult weighing 150 pounds (68 kg) consume ~54 grams of protein per day. The protein powders tested in this review contain between 17 and 20 grams of protein per serving. Why protein powders? Chances are, if you are eating a nutritionally balanced diet, you are probably consuming enough protein. However, for some (such as those following a vegan or vegetarian diet), it may require a little extra attention to ensure adequate protein intake is achieved. Not to mention, sometimes you’re just too busy for cooking — that’s when protein powders come in extra handy. Though we prefer to have most of our meals closer to their “from the farm” roots, we find protein powders to be a great option when traveling, on-the-go, needing something simple, or when the fridge is low! What about heavy metals? There has been increased concern about potential for heavy metal contamination in protein powders. Unfortunately, not all of the brands on the market have been tested so it is hard to know whether this is a problem with protein powders in general or specific brands. Our understanding is that manufacturers are “prohibited [by the FDA] from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded.” We did our best to select brands with integrity and high-quality ingredients.
The Review //
#1: Vega Protein & Greens Salted Caramel Protein
Sweetness: 5 – really goodOverall flavor: 4.5 – seriously good and very apparent caramel flavor although noticeably artificial tasting. A slight hint of coffee, which is pleasant.How well it blended with non-dairy milk: 5 – very smooth and creamyHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4.5 – Smells too sweet. Salted caramel flavor is really apparent, even over the banana. Slightly too sweet, but overall really good (a little too good, like…“How’d they do it?”).Protein base: Pea protein, Brown rice protein, Sacha inchi proteinProtein / serving: 20 gApproximate cost per serving: $1.18Type of sweetener(s): Stevia leaf extractAdditives: Pea starch, Natural flavors, Xanthan gumQuality of ingredients: Non-GMOOther perks: Spinach powder, Organic kale powder, Sea salt, Papain powder, Organic alfalfa grass, Broccoli powder Overall score: 19/20Overall impressions: The caramel flavor is apparent. And although slightly manufactured, it’s surprisingly tasty. The coffee flavor is very slight and pleasant. Although not the most “natural” option, overall really impressive. If you’re trying to replace your caramel frappuccino habit with something healthier, this is it.Would we repurchase? Yes
#2: Amazing Grass Peanut Butter Superfood Protein Powder
Sweetness: 5 – perfect sweetness with minimal Stevia aftertasteOverall flavor: 5 – really delicious peanut butter flavor; exactly what you’d hope forHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 4.5 – you can see slight graininess, but very smooth on the palateHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4.5 – slightly too sweet with banana, but the peanut butter flavor is nice. Creamy. No bitterness.Protein base: Organic peanut flour, Organic pea protein, Organic hemp protein, Organic chia, Organic quinoaProtein / serving: 20 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.50Type of sweetener(s): Organic SteviaAdditives: Natural flavor, Xanthan gumQuality of ingredients: OrganicOther perks: Green food blend, Fruit & vegetable blend Overall score: 19/20Overall impressions: Really nice flavor and smooth texture with a very slight Stevia aftertaste. Really good!Would we repurchase? Yes
#3: Nuzest Chai Turmeric Maca Clean Lean Protein
Sweetness: 4 – not too sweet, but a slight artificial sweetness aftertasteOverall flavor: 4.5 – really good (noticeable chai flavor), but a bit intenseHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 4.5 – really smooth with small spice granulesHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4.5 – really creamy; chai flavor is present over the banana. On the sweeter end, but not overwhelming. Really good overall.Protein base: Pea protein isolateProtein / serving: 19 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.78Type of sweetener(s): ThaumatinAdditives: Chai flavor (natural)Quality of ingredients: Non-GMOOther perks: Turmeric powder, Organic maca powder, Cinnamon powder, Black pepper powder Overall score: 17.5/20Overall impressions: Has a pleasant coconut flavor, nice chai flavor, and good level of sweetness. However, it is slightly artificial tasting.Would we repurchase? Yes
#4: Nuzest Wild Strawberry Clean Lean Protein
Sweetness: 4.5 – about perfectOverall flavor: 3 – slight strawberry flavor, unpleasant (and lingering) aftertaste, a little bitterness, and a slightly medicinal tasteHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 5 – mixes perfectlyHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4 – Really good overall. Has an artificial strawberry flavor. Slightly too sweet. Very creamy. No bitter aftertaste.Protein base: Pea protein isolateProtein / serving: 20 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.67Type of sweetener(s): ThaumatinAdditives: Natural strawberry flavor, Natural vanilla flavorQuality of ingredients: Non-GMOOther perks: Beet powder Overall score: 16.5/20Overall impressions: Smells really good. Looks like strawberry milk when mixed, but quite pale as a powder. It has a slightly bitter aftertaste and the strawberry flavor is off and tastes artificial.Would we repurchase? No
#5: Nuzest Vanilla Matcha Clean Lean Protein
Sweetness: 3.5 – simply too sweet. The aftertaste isn’t unpleasant per-say, but it is over-sweetened.Overall flavor: 4 – if you like matcha, you’ll enjoy this. But the sweetness and artificial vanilla flavor overpower the matcha flavor. If you don’t enjoy matcha, this may taste a bit earthy for you. How well it blended with non-dairy milk: 5 – really smoothHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 3.5 – the matcha / vanilla flavor is present over the banana. Creamy, but definitely too sweet. Slight bitterness / artificial sweetness at the end. Overall good, we just wish it wasn’t so sweet. Protein base: Pea protein isolateProtein / serving: 19 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.78Type of sweetener(s): ThaumatinAdditives: Vanilla flavor (natural)Quality of ingredients: Non-GMOOther perks: Matcha green tea powder Overall score: 16/20Overall impressions: You’ll either like it or not, depending on whether you’re a fan of matcha tea. One taste tester enjoyed it for this reason, the other did not. It’s definitely too sweet, but has no bad aftertaste and boasts a great texture. Unfortunately, the vanilla flavor was overly pronounced and noticeably artificial.Would we repurchase? Maybe (see above)
#6: Nuzest Coffee Coconut & MCTs Clean Lean Protein
Sweetness: 3 – way too sweet with a noticeably artificial aftertasteOverall flavor: 3.5 – fake vanilla flavor apparent, noticeable coffee and coconut flavors, overpowered by sweetnessHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 4.5 – pretty smooth but a little powderyHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4 – Smells like a coconut candle. Creamy. You can taste the coconut and it’s pleasant. But overall too sweet. Protein base: Pea protein isolateProtein / serving: 19 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.78Type of sweetener(s): ThaumatinAdditives: Coconut flavor (natural), Vanilla flavor (natural), Coffee flavor (natural)Quality of ingredients: Non-GMOOther perks: MCT powder, Coffee powder Overall score: 15/20Overall impressions: Coffee and coconut flavors are pleasant but sweetness and vanilla are overpowering and noticeably artificial. Could be really great for those who love blended and/or sweeter coffee drinks.Would we repurchase? No
#7: Amazing Grass Chocolate Peanut Butter Superfood Protein Powder
Sweetness: 3 – too mild of a sweetnessOverall flavor: 3 – almost undetectable chocolate, underwhelming peanut butter flavor with a cardboard aftertasteHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 4 – pretty smooth, a little chalkyHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4.5 – Better blended with a smoothie. Peanut butter flavor is more detectable. The chocolate flavor isn’t very present. Slight greens aftertaste, but not too sweet and very creamy.Protein base: Organic pea protein, Organic hemp protein, Organic quinoa protein, Organic chia proteinProtein / serving: 20 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.20Type of sweetener(s): Organic SteviaAdditives: Natural flavors, Xanthan gumQuality of ingredients: OrganicOther perks: Green food blend, Fruit & vegetable blend Overall score: 14.5/20Overall impressions: Underwhelming considering the peanut butter flavor from Amazing Grass was so good. This lacked strong chocolate and peanut butter flavors and left us wanting more.Would we repurchase? No
#8: GoldenSource Organic Blueberry-Açaí Plant-Based Protein Mix
Sweetness: 4 – not overly sweet and no artificial sweetness aftertasteOverall flavor: 3 – weak fruit flavor but not unpleasant. Fruit flavors fail to cover up the protein taste.How well it blended with non-dairy milk: 3.5 – chalky, but not chunkyHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 3 – Better in a smoothie, but still chalky with a slightly medicinal taste. Smells like a Flintstones vitamin. Fruit flavor is pleasant and detectable, however a bitter aftertaste quickly overpowers it. Protein base: Raw pea protein, Sprouted & fermented brown rice protein, Golden flaxseedProtein / serving: 14 gApproximate cost per serving: $1.16Type of sweetener(s): Stevia extractAdditives: Tapioca fiber, Pectin, Rice milk powder, Sunflower lecithin, Natural flavorsQuality of ingredients: Organic, RawOther perks: Fruit & vegetable powder blend, Blueberries, Himalayan pink salt Overall score: 13.5/20Overall impressions: Not bad, but not great. We love that it’s a natural blueberry taste (unlike most other fruit-flavored offerings).Would we repurchase? No
#9: Bob’s Red Mill Chai Protein Powder
Sweetness: 4 – not too sweet, but a slight artificial sweetness aftertasteOverall flavor: 2.5 – not offensive, but has an artificial chai flavor and strong lingering aftertasteHow well it blended with non-dairy milk: 4 – very good despite chia seedsHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 2.5 – Smells like a vanilla Christmas candle. Too sweet. Texture is okay but it tastes artificial and off-putting to the point of being unpleasant. Protein base: Pea protein powder, Chia seedProtein / serving: 20 gApproximate cost per serving: $1.78Type of sweetener(s): Monk fruit extractAdditives: Inulin (chicory root fiber), Natural vanilla chai flavor, Organic inulinQuality of ingredients: Non-organicOther perks: Probiotic added (Bacillus coagulans) Overall score: 13/20Overall impressions: Underwhelming. Chai flavor is off and tastes rather artificial, but the texture is good.Would we repurchase? No
#10 Lean Hemp Peanut Butter Maca Protein Powder
Sweetness: 3.5 – not sweet enough, which accentuates the other unpleasant flavorsOverall flavor: 2.5 – maca flavor is too strong, peanut butter flavor is not very apparent How well it blended with non-dairy milk: 3.5 – pretty smooth initially, but grainy toward the bottom of glassHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 3.5 – Smells really good and peanutty. Slightly gritty. Maca flavor is overpowering. Not too sweet.Protein base: Hemp seed powder, Peanut powderProtein / serving: 20 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.50Type of sweetener(s): Coconut sugarAdditives: NoneQuality of ingredients: Organic, Non-GMOOther perks: Maca root powder Overall score: 13/20Overall impressions: Not offensive, but not very pleasant to drink. Wish the peanut butter flavor was more present. Has more potential added to a smoothie than mixed with dairy-free milk. Kind of underwhelming.Would we repurchase? No
#11: Amazing Grass Wild Berry Hibiscus Protein Powder
Sweetness: 2 – sickeningly sweet with artificial aftertasteOverall flavor: 1.5 – very overwhelming fruit / berry flavor. Manages to be tart, a bit bitter, and a little reminiscent of Pepto-Bismol.How well it blended with non-dairy milk: 2.5 – smooth with noticeably grainy bitsHow well it tastes/blends with smoothies: 4 – Way better as a smoothie; more palatable. But the fruit / tartness is still overwhelming, as is the sweetness. Not pleasant.Protein base: Pea protein, Brown rice proteinProtein / serving: 15 gApproximate cost per serving: $2.16Type of sweetener(s): Organic Stevia extract, Organic monk fruit extractAdditives: Natural flavor, Acacia gum, Xanthan gumQuality of ingredients: OrganicOther perks: Organic beet root, Pitaya fruit, Organic acerola cherry, Guava, Holy basil, Lemon peel extract, Organic hibiscus flower, Organic greens blend Overall score: 10/20Overall impressions: Smells amazing but quickly disappoints when you taste it. It’s just all around overwhelmingly sweet and fake tasting. And it has a very strong aftertaste.Would we repurchase? No
Results //
First place: Vega Protein & Greens Salted Caramel ProteinSecond place: Amazing Grass Peanut Butter Superfood Protein PowderThird place: Nuzest Chai Turmeric Maca Clean Lean ProteinFourth place: Nuzest Wild Strawberry Clean Lean ProteinFifth place: Nuzest Vanilla Matcha Clean Lean ProteinSixth place: Nuzest Coffee Coconut & MCTs Clean Lean ProteinSeventh place: Amazing Grass Chocolate Peanut Butter Superfood Protein PowderEighth place: GoldenSource Organic Blueberry-Açaí Plant-Based Protein MixNinth place: Bob’s Red Mill Chai Protein PowderTenth place: Lean Hemp Peanut Butter Maca Protein PowderEleventh place: Amazing Grass Wild Berry Hibiscus Protein Powder
Conclusion //
We tried to be extremely honest in this review, which is why it seems like a lot of the feedback was critical or negative. That’s because we honestly didn’t like many of the protein powders we tried. But the standouts are definitely the top 3! *Despite Minimalist Baker having had a working relationship with Bob’s Red Mill in the past (which has since been discontinued), our relationship with them had nothing to do with this review. We had no communication with them about it. This post is entirely unsponsored.
