We often hear that protein-based diets help athletes shed pounds, build muscle, and feel healthier overall. Aside from eating chicken during every meal, knowing how to add more protein to your diet can be confusing. First, what’s enough? Secondly, what if you don’t like chicken? To answer these questions and more, we’ve turned to plant protein, which provides the benefits of regular protein powder and supplements, plus much more.
Protein helps athletes train harder and recover faster. Whey has been leading the protein charge for years. However, with plant protein, users can skip most of the processing required to make whey protein while still getting all the necessary amino acids and nutrients needed to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Whey also includes dairy, which can be difficult for many people to digest and can’t be consumed by vegans. On the contrary, plant protein fits into almost any diet and includes fiber that helps with digestion. Plant protein is also better for the environment because it requires less water, land, and energy resources compared to producing animal protein.
If you’re ready to make the switch to plant protein, we have some great options that will help you feel your best.
1. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
For those with several dietary restrictions who want to increase their protein intake, we recommend the Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder. This powder checks just about every dietary box. It’s free from dairy, gluten, lactose and soy. It’s also low in carbs and has no added sugar. The Vanilla Bean flavor adds a slightly sweet taste that makes this a great powder to use on its own in water or milk or added to shakes. Each serving packs an impressive 21 grams of plant protein made from pea, brown rice and chia seeds, as well as five grams of organic dietary fiber for improved digestion. Available in several flavors, Orgain can also be used with baking.
Pros: Organic, suitable for several dietary restrictions, 21 grams of protein per serving.
Cons: The powder has a gritty and chalky texture that requires a large amount of liquid to create a smooth consistency.
2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant Based Protein Powder
Need to pack in some serious protein before or after a big workout? We recommend the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant Based Protein Powder, which includes a whopping 24 grams of protein in each serving thanks to organic ingredients like peas, rice and sacha inchi. The vanilla-flavored powder also features a high amino acid profile that helps aid in fast muscle recovery after a strenuous session at the gym. Made without any artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, the GMO-free powder features ancient grains and is gluten-free. We also like that Optimum has 90mg of vitamin C in every serving to help keep users healthy.
Pros: Organic ingredients, 24g of protein in each serving, high in vitamin C.
Cons: Optimum has only 2g of fiber in each serving.
3. 7-Day Protein Cleanse by Raw Generation
If you’re looking for a no-brainer way to up your protein and shed some pounds, we recommend the 7-Day Protein Cleanse by Raw Generation. Six daily drinks are included in the week-long cleanse, with a yummy daily offering of three plant-based smoothies and three juices. Raw fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and spices are combined to make a variety of distinct and delicious drinks, including Vanilla Cashew, Cacao Hemp, Peanut Butter, Citrus Carrot, Sweet Roots and Sweet Greens. Dairy and soy-free, the cold-pressed, 100 percent plant-based non-GMO drinks pack a total of 40 grams of protein per day. The Raw Generation cleanse still gives users enough energy to take part in daily workouts and helps to restart a healthy diet. The bottles arrive flash-frozen and can be thawed whenever customers are ready to detoxify, burn fat and feel more energized without the use of caffeine.
Pros: Premixed energizing juice and smoothies, dairy and soy-free, helps burn fat and reduce bloating.
Cons: Customers will need enough freezer or fridge space to store the drinks until they’re ready to begin the cleanse.
4. PBfit All-Natural Peanut Butter Powder
Want a powder that can do more than just shakes? Try the PBfit All-Natural Peanut Butter Powder. Add the delicious, plant-based powder to water or milk for a traditional shake or use it for baking. We also like adding a small amount of water and stirring the powder into a paste that can be spread on toast or fruit. The PBfit acts as a healthy peanut butter alternative that has 87 percent less fat than traditional peanut butter. We also like that each serving contains three grams of fiber. Made with real roasted and pressed peanuts, coconut palm sugar and salt, PBfit is natural and gluten-free.
Pros: Can be used as healthy peanut butter, tastes great in shakes, gluten-free.
Cons: At only eight grams per serving, the PBfit offers less protein than the other options on our list.