What is plant-based protein?

Protein is an essential building block for a healthy body and brain. While many people get their protein from meat and dairy, plant-based protein is an excellent alternative if you want to avoid animal products, have a sensitive stomach, or just want to try something different. Find a wide variety of top-tier plant-based protein powders and shakes in unique, powerful, and perfectly delicious formulas for pre-workouts, post-workouts, between meals, and more!

What's in plant-based protein powder?

Plant-based protein products typically come in powder form, with a range of different main ingredients. The type of plant protein you choose often depends on the amount of protein you're looking to add to your diet, as well as any dietary restrictions you may have.

With both vegetarian and vegan protein powder formulas available, common protein sources for plant-based products include:

• Pea protein. Pea protein made from finely ground peas is high in essential amino acids, particularly leucine. Pea protein powder is a popular choice for pre-workout and post-workout users.
• Hemp. Hemp protein includes all nine essential amino acids. Hemp is an excellent plant-based protein for specialty diets and individuals looking to supplement their regular diet.
• Rice protein. Made by isolating the proteins from various forms of white, brown, and wild rice, rice protein is often used as a dietary aid, especially when fortified with antioxidant-rich ingredients like spirulina.
• Soy protein powder. A long-standing favorite of exercise enthusiasts, vegans, and vegetarians, soy protein helps promote cardiovascular health and bone strength while helping you bolster your diet. Get the purest form by looking for soy protein isolate, specifically.
• Combination protein powders. Many plant-based protein powders use a combination of ingredients, like a mix of pea protein, rice protein, and soy protein. Combination plant-based powders provide a broad range of nutrients and protein-packed power for your workouts and daily nutrition goals.

Plant-based protein for specific health and nutrition needs

Choosing a plant-based protein supplement can seem a little tricky the first time. Here are a few tips:

• Lactose intolerant? Soy and other lactose-free plant proteins make a great alternative to popular milk-based proteins like whey or casein and provides similar muscle recovery support.
• Sensitive stomach? Try pea protein, which includes all the essential amino acids your muscles crave with less risk of tummy rumbles.
• Want to support heart health? Hemp protein includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can help promote heart health, but you may end up with less protein per serving than with some other options – check the fat and carb contents to ensure you're getting the right balance.
• Vegan or vegetarian? Vegan and vegetarian protein sources such as rice proteins are often the main ingredient in plant-based blends.
• Want to build muscle? You don’t need animal-based protein to bulk up. Instead, try plant-based protein to maximize gains and work towards the results you want.

Can I get plant protein for specialty diets?

Allergies and dietary restrictions can make it hard to get enough protein – we make it easy. Refine your results by specialty diet to find plant-based protein products that are free from gluten, wheat, soy, eggs, peanuts, fish, starch, wheat, dairy, milk, sugar, yeast, and other ingredients you don't want.

How do I use plant-based protein?

Just like other powdered protein supplements, plant-based protein powders can be mixed with water or turned into tasty shakes. Buy 1-lb containers for at-home use, or filter for packs and packets that provide the perfect amount of plant-based protein when you're on the go. Check out tasty plant-based protein flavors to make getting your vegetarian and vegan protein as easy as it is delicious.