With whey protein concentrate facing tight supply and higher prices, a plant-based protein powder may be worth a closer look if you usually reach for whey. Recent reports show whey protein concentrate has been harder to source, with some suppliers sold out for the year and prices staying high. (2)
That doesn’t mean everyone needs to switch from whey. But it does make this a good time to compare plant-based options more closely. Some protein powders are simple supplements. Others are closer to meal-style shakes. Here’s what MyFitnessPal dietitians looked for, and how to choose one that fits your needs.
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How To Choose a Plant-Based Protein Powder
Use the table below as a quick label check for comparing protein powders, not a strict ranking. However, before you choose a powder, focus on three things: how you plan to use it, what it is made from, and which certification, testing, or allergy-label claims matter for your needs.
1. Decide how you’ll use your protein powder
Lower-calorie protein powders are usually better for adding protein than replacing a meal. Meal-style options like Huel Essential and Ka’chava provide more calories and a broader nutrient profile. (11,13,23)
Logging a few typical days in MyFitnessPal can help you see whether a powder would fill a real protein gap, or whether your meals are already doing the job.
2. Check the protein source
Some powders use one main plant protein, while others use a blend. For example, Vega Essential uses pea protein, Orgain uses a blend of organic pea, brown rice, mung bean, and chia protein, and Transparent Labs uses organic rice and pea protein. (9,10,17)
You do not need to choose based on protein source alone. The better choice is the one that fits how you plan to use it, your dietary needs, and any ingredients you need to avoid.
3. Match certification and testing claims to your needs
Not all testing claims mean the same thing. NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport are sport-focused certification programs that include supplement testing. These may matter most if you compete in sports or may be drug-tested. (5, 6)
A general “third-party tested” claim can still be useful, but it does not automatically mean a product is certified safe for sport. It is also worth checking the exact product, not just the brand, because Informed Sport notes that a certified brand may not have its full product range certified. (7)
If you need to avoid allergens, read the ingredient list, “contains” statement, and any advisory statements like “may contain.” Packaged food labels must identify major food allergens, and advisory statements may appear when there is possible cross-contact. (24)
If you take medications, use other supplements, or have a health condition, consider checking with a health care provider before adding a supplement. (4)
Quick Comparison: Plant-Based Protein Powders Reviewed by Dietitians
| Product | Protein and calories | Certifications and testing notes |
| OWYN Plant Based Protein Powder | 20g protein; 140 calories. (8) | Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and tested for top allergens, according to the brand. (8) |
| Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder | 21g protein; 150 calories. (9) | USDA Organic, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. (9) |
| Vega Essential Protein | 25g protein; 170 calories. (10) | Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and no sugar added. (10) |
| Huel Essential | 20g protein; 400 calories. (11) | Huel states that its manufacturing site is accredited to Informed Sport, but this does not automatically mean every Huel product is Informed Sport Certified. (12, 7) |
| Ka’Chava Superblend Shake Chocolate | 25g protein; 240 calories. (13) | Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free; contains sesame. (13) |
| Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake | 20g protein; 120-130 calories. (depending on the flavor) (14) | NSF Contents Certified, Clean Label Project Purity Award, Non-GMO Project Verified, ClimeCo Certified, and third-party tested for heavy metals and microbes. (14) |
| Gainful Everyday Plant Protein | 23g protein; about 120 calories. (15) | Brand says products are third-party tested and made in NSF-certified facilities that follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. The product page also includes a California Prop 65 warning for lead exposure. (15) |
| Truvani Plant Based Protein | 20g protein; 130 calories. (16) | USDA Organic, Vegan, gluten-free, stevia-free, non-GMO Project Verified, and third-party tested. (16) |
| Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein | 24g protein; 140 calories. (17) | Transparent Labs states that its products are certified by Informed Choice and Informed Protein; the product page also posts third-party test results and certificates of analysis. (17, 18) |
| Legion Plant+ Plant-Based Protein Powder | 24g protein; 130-140 calories. (19) | Third-party lab tested and Labdoor Certified Brand, according to the brand. (19) |
| Ora Organic Protein Powder – So Lean & So Clean | 23g protein; 130 calories. (20) | USDA Organic, gluten-free, no added sugar, no stevia, and third-party tested. (20) |
Product details are based on MyFitnessPal dietitian label review and brand pages accessed June 2, 2026. Prices, formulas, serving sizes, and certifications can change, so check the current label for the most up-to-date information.
How the MyFitnessPal Dietitians Reviewed These Options
Instead of ranking every product from “best” to “worst,” it may be more useful to match the powder to the reason you need it.
For allergen-conscious shoppers: OWYN
OWYN is a useful option for shoppers who need to avoid several common allergens. Each serving provides 20 grams of protein and 140 calories, with their signature blend of pea protein concentrate, pumpkin protein and chia, and added flaxseed. (8)
Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, Head of Nutrition at MyFitnessPal, considers it a good fit as a plant-based protein supplement for people managing common food allergies. While you can simply mix with water for a quick protein supplement, you can amplify the nutrition further by blending it into a smoothie with your favorite fruits, vegetables, and plant-based milk or yogurt. Or, try pairing your protein shake with fruit and whole grain toast for a more balanced meal.
For easy everyday use: Orgain and Vega
Orgain is a practical pick if you want a plant-based powder that is easy to find. Each serving is 150 calories and has 21 grams of protein from their blend of organic pea, brown rice and mung bean protein, along with chia seed. (9)
Jaeger notes that Orgain can work well for someone who wants an easy-to-use, organic, plant-based protein powder that also contains fiber in every serving. Like OWYN, it works best as a protein supplement unless you build it into a larger meal with nutrient dense pairings or blending it into smoothie to increase the calories and support your daily macronutrient goals.
Vega Essential Protein is another supplement-style option. It provides 25 grams of protein and 170 calories per two-scoop serving. The product page lists pea protein as the protein source and says it can be mixed with water or a non-dairy beverage, blended into a smoothie, or added to recipes. (10)
Joanna Gregg, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian, sees Vega as a practical choice for someone who wants a simple pea-protein powder.
For meal-style convenience: Huel and Ka’chava
Huel Essential was designed to be a meal-replacement option, providing 400 calories and 20 grams of protein per serving. Its ingredient blend includes oats, pea protein, flaxseed, tapioca, and brown rice protein. (11)
“I’d always recommend prioritizing whole food meals first,” says Emily Sullivan, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian. “That said, Huel can be a solid option when you’re in a pinch and the alternative would be skipping a meal or grabbing something less nutritious.”
At 240 calories per serving, Ka’chava sits between the lower-calorie supplements in this roundup and Huel’s 400-calorie meal-style option. It provides 25 grams of protein per serving from a blend that includes yellow pea protein and brown rice protein. (11,13)
Sullivan says it can work well as a lighter meal or substantial snack. If you want to use it as a full meal replacement, she suggests pairing it with fruit and cheese or a banana with nut butter to increase the calories of the meal.
For testing transparency: Ritual and Transparent Labs
Ritual may appeal to shoppers who want visible testing standards and ingredient traceability. Its Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ uses organic pea protein and provides 20 grams of protein per serving. Gregg describes Ritual as a solid option for someone who wants a responsibly sourced pea-protein powder without sugar or sugar alcohols. (14)
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein provides 24 grams of protein from organic rice protein concentrate and organic pea protein isolate. Katherine Basbaum, RD, MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitian, notes that its testing transparency is a clear strength, but the tradeoff is price. (17)
For customization or simpler ingredient preferences: Gainful, Truvani, Legion, and Ora
Gainful uses an unflavored pea and rice protein base with separate flavor packets. Sullivan likes that flexibility because it can work in shakes, oatmeal, coffee, or baked goods. (15)
Truvani may fit shoppers who want an organic powder with a shorter ingredient list. It uses organic pea, pumpkin seed, and chia protein. (16)
Legion Plant+ provides 24 grams of protein from PURIS pea protein and organic brown rice protein. Basbaum says it may work well for someone choosing plant-based protein due to dietary preference, but people with allergies should check the current allergen statement before buying. (19)
Ora Organic Protein Powder provides 23 grams of protein from an organic pea and rice protein blend. Gregg describes it as comparable to other strong options because it is organic, third-party tested, and made without several common sweeteners or additives. (20)
For extra real-life perspective, the MyFitnessPal Community can be a helpful place to see how others use plant-based protein powders in shakes, snacks, and quick meals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is vegan protein powder a meal replacement?
Not always. Many vegan protein powders are supplements, especially if they provide about 120 to 170 calories when mixed with water. Meal-style options like Huel Essential and Ka’chava provide more calories and a broader nutrition profile. (11,13,23)
- What is the best plant based protein powder?
There’s no single best pick. OWYN may fit allergy-conscious shoppers; Orgain or Vega may work for everyday supplement use; Huel is more meal-like; and Ritual or Transparent Labs may suit shoppers who want more visible testing details. (8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18)
- Should athletes use plant-based protein powder?
They can, but athletes who are subject to drug testing should be extra careful. The concern is not usually the plant protein itself, but the possibility that a supplement could be contaminated, mislabeled, or contain an undeclared banned substance. Look for sport-specific testing like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport, and search the certification database rather than relying only on front-of-package claims. (25, 5, 6, 7)
- Is plant-based protein powder as good as whey?
It depends on your needs. Plant-based protein powder can be a good option if you avoid dairy, follow a vegan diet, or want another option while whey supply and pricing are uncertain. (1, 2)
Some research suggests pea and rice protein can perform similarly to whey in certain resistance-training settings. (21, 22) Choose the powder that fits your diet, allergies, budget, and protein goals.
Bottom Line
Plant-based protein powder can be a practical option if you avoid dairy, follow a vegan diet, or want an alternative while whey prices and supply are uncertain. (1,2)
The best choice depends on how you plan to use it. For a simple protein boost, choose a protein powder with enough protein, a taste you like, and a price that fits your budget. For a meal backup, look for more calories, fiber, and a broader nutrient profile.
Before buying, check the protein, calories, ingredient list, allergens, sweeteners, testing, and current price. Then use it in a way that supports your real meals, not replaces them all. If you are unsure where a powder fits, log it in MyFitnessPal with the foods you usually pair it with. The full day often tells the clearer story.
Consider reading next
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The post Plant-Based Protein Powder: Dietitian-Reviewed Picks and How To Choose appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.
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