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Top 5 Protein Powders
The most effective protein powders to add to your weight loss routine.
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Most people hear the words, "protein powder" and picture bodybuilders, grunting workouts, and tubs of protein powder galore. But protein isn't just for bulking up, it's essential for energy, sleep, and nutrient transport. It can even help with your weight-loss regimen.
Protein helps kickstart the metabolism, keeps fat-burning muscles in tip-top shape, and curbs food cravings between meals. It's clear why protein popularity is on the rise, but not all protein powders deliver the same results.
That's why we did the research to find the best protein powders on the market. We'll break down which ingredients to look for and what to avoid—plus find out which 5 protein powders are worth your money.
Why You Need A Quality Protein Powder:
Whey Isn't Pulling Its Weight
Pea protein contains all 9 essential amino acids, and in a 12-week clinical study, actually outperformed whey for muscle recovery. Plant proteins support metabolism, energy, and recovery, without the heaviness or bloat of low-grade whey.
Fuel, Not Filler
Low quality protein powders are often packed with sugar, fillers, and empty calories, leaving you hungry an hour later. However, brown rice protein is highly absorbable and known to promote satiety, making it ideal for recovery, managing cravings, and healthy weight management.
You're Missing Key Amino Acids
Some plant proteins offer a complete amino acid profile, making them great for muscle recovery and tissue repair. Unlike whey, these plant proteins can offer beneficial fats, fiber, and essential micronutrients, giving your body more than just protein.
Your Diet Leaves Major Gaps
Modern diets are often low in diversity and rich in processed foods. If you're not getting protein from clean, nutrient-rich sources, you're missing a key pillar of overall health. A plant-based protein can help fill those gaps, no meat or dairy required.
What Are The Different Types Of Protein?
There are many foodstuffs in the world that contain protein, from meat and fish to eggs, nuts, and dairy. But when it comes to supplemental protein, there are two that dominate the market: whey and plant-based.
Whey Or Nay?
Whey and its close cousin, casein, are the most common types of dairy-derived protein powders on the market and the protein of choice for "getting swole."
But it's not all it's cracked up to be, especially for those who are sensitive to dairy and managing weight. Whey powders often contain added sugar — up to 20g/serving! — as well as milk sugars that can cause cramps, bloating, and stomach irritation.
Lean, Green, (Complete?) Protein
The best plant proteins combine all nine essential amino acids to create a complete protein. These amino acids are critical for balancing weight, sustaining muscle tone, smooth digestion, and promoting satiety between meals.
While mostly found in meat and dairy, finding the right plant-based complete protein is so important for women's health and a healthy weight management routine. They're rich in fiber, and supply key vitamins and minerals, like iron and calcium.
Start Today, Thank Yourself Later
Based on our research, plant-based protein powders have a clear edge over whey and casein when it comes to supporting weight management while building muscle.
But, it doesn’t happen overnight. Your body needs time to absorb and utilize protein effectively, gradually strengthening and replenishing from within. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll feel the difference & see the results.
So why wait? Give your body the nourishment it needs now, and let the results speak for themselves in the weeks and months to come!
Best Sources Of Plant Protein
Pea Protein
Peas are one of a handful of plant sources that contain all 9 essential amino acids. In a 12-week study comparing the effects of pea protein and whey on muscle recovery, scientists discovered pea protein slightly outperformed whey.
Brown Rice
Brown rice protein is highly absorbable, making it ideal for a speedy post-workout recovery. It's also hypoallergenic and contributes to healthy weight management.
Pumpkin Seed
These protein-rich superfoods are packed with antioxidants and plant fiber, and a good source of magnesium to boot.
Sacha Inchi
This Peruvian superfood is no joke. In addition to protein, sacha inchi is packed with omega fatty acids and vitamin E and has been linked to healthy weight management.
What's missing from your protein is just as important as what goes into it. Here are a few tips on what to avoid in your plant protein.
What To Avoid
Only One Plant Source
The best way to ensure you get a complete amino acid profile is to opt for a plant protein blend.
Hydrogenated Oils
High intakes of hydrogenated oils have been linked to insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control.
Sugar
Sugar may help with the taste, but it offers almost no nutritional value. Plus, any sugar you don't immediately use is stored as fat.
Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin is often found in cheap, low-grade protein powders to enhance texture and "creaminess." Most of the controversy surrounding this ingredient stems from the overwhelming majority of U.S. soy crops being genetically modified, containing harsh residual pesticides and disrupting nutrient absorption.
Top 5 Plant-Based Protein Powders Of 2025
1. Organic Protein
Owned by the Smarter Reviews Group of Companies
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Total Ranking
336 votes
9.7/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- 15g of protein
- 80 calories
- Organic, non-GMO
- Prebiotic acacia
- Zero Sugar
- Vegan
- Keto and paleo friendly
- 365-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Sold exclusively online
The Bottom Line
Live Conscious Organic Protein is made from a blend of pea, brown rice, pumpkin seed, and sacha inchi.
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 prebiotics to help support healthy weight management.
Organic Protein is also — (deep breath!) — soy, sugar, and gluten free, certified organic, non-GMO, keto and paleo-friendly, and 100% vegan.
Consumers who tried this product left positive reviews regarding taste and texture. To top it off, Live Conscious offers an exceptional, 365-day money-back guarantee, which shows us they truly stand by their product.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More2. Plant-Based Protein
Owned by the Smarter Reviews Group of Companies
Total Ranking
214 votes
9.5/10
A
Overall Grade
PROS
- 15g protein
- 90 calories
- Made with organic protein
- Non-GMO
- Prebiotic
- Sugar free
- Vegan
- Keto & paleo friendly
- 365-day return policy
CONS
- Sold exclusively online
The Bottom Line
Plant-Based Protein from Essential Elements offers a complete EAA profile derived from a diverse blend of peas, brown rice, and other plant proteins.
This product is made with organic protein and is also non-GMO and gluten, sugar, and soy free, 100% vegan, and keto and paleo friendly. It also includes a prebiotic to support digestive health.
If you're in the market for a low-calorie, low-cost protein, this may be the one for you. Plant-Based Protein delivers 15g of protein at 90 calories or less per serving, and comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors.
Essential Elements backs all of their products with a solid, 365-day money-back guarantee.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. All-In-One Nutrition Shake
Total Ranking
263 votes
8.9/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Diverse protein blend
- 25g protein / 240 cal
- Vegan
- Probiotics
- Gluten & soy free
CONS
- Not certified organic
- No prebiotic
- 30-day return policy
- 4g sugar
The Bottom Line
Ka'Chava's All-In-One Nutrition Shake uses a proprietary blend of pea protein, brown rice, and sacha inchi for their protein sources.
It is gluten free, soy free, vegan, but contains 4g of sugar. This is advertised as a meal replacement, so while it does have a good amount of protein, it also has a lot of other ingredients and a higher calorie count than others on our list.
It lacks a prebiotic, which is important for digestive health, and is not certified organic. Ka'Chava only offers a short 30-day return policy.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
4. Plant Based Protein
Total Ranking
494 votes
8.7/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Diverse protein blend
- 20g of protein 190 cal
- Certified organic
- Gluten free
- Pre + probiotics
CONS
- 60-day return policy
- 2 grams sugar
- Mushroom & greens blend
The Bottom Line
This formula includes pea protein and brown rice protein. Each serving contains 20g of protein at just 190 calories.
While having a strong protein blend, it also contains a mushroom and greens blend as well. That's something to keep in mind if you're looking for a boost in protein without other additions.
Unfortunately, Four Sigmatic offers just a 60-day return policy, which is not as competitive as others on the list.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Plant Based Protein
Total Ranking
571 votes
7.9/10
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Diverse protein blend
- 20g protein / 130 cal
- Superfoods
- Vegan
- Keto friendly
- Gluten and soy free
CONS
- No pre- or probiotics
- 30-day return policy
- Non-paleo
The Bottom Line
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 (but 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.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageOur Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
What You Will Learn:
Estimated Read Time 5 Minutes
CITATIONS
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