If you are a vegan or just want to follow a plant-based diet, choosing a protein powder can be a challenging task. There are numerous protein powders available in the market, but most of them use animal products as their primary protein source.

However, there has been a recent emergence of multiple vegan plant-based brands that are being chosen by sports enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.

While Choosing the best vegan protein powders, you need to look for certain crucial factors and make sure that your protein powder helps you maintain your weight goals and replenishes your body with the much-needed protein.

It is crucial to understand that even the best vegan protein powders are not 100% plant-based or organic. They may contain other fillers or preservatives that can affect your health.

Read further to know what you should look for in a vegan protein powder.

1.  Complete protein powder

Animal sources of protein like meat, fish, and eggs contain complete proteins which may not be found in plant-based sources. Hence, choosing your protein powder also necessitates checking whether the product contains complete protein.

Products with complete protein contain all nine amino acids (histidine, tryptophan, isoleucine, threonine, lysine, methionine, leucine, phenylalanine, and valine). The body combines these compounds to form protein that helps in tissue repair, muscle growth, and weight maintenance.

A single plant source does not contain all nine amino acids. Hence, it is essential to ensure that your vegan protein powder has an appropriate mix of plant-based ingredients that ensure that your body is supplied with these organic compounds.

Look for a combination of pea protein, rice protein, and chia protein in the ingredient list of your product. This blend can provide you with complete protein.

2.  Protein content

The ideal protein intake for an individual is 0.8 grams per kilogram of their body weight. However, the required quantity of protein for your body also depends on other factors like your activity level and health condition.

Hence, you need to have a clear understanding of the amount of protein your body requires. Also, choose a protein powder that can sufficiently meet your protein requirements.

3.  Source of protein

You must be aware of the source of protein in your product. This is important when you are trying to avoid certain ingredients like soy in your diet.

Also, you may be allergic to certain ingredients, and some protein sources may not work well for your body. Hence, it is essential to know the protein source in your powder and choose accordingly.

4.  Nutrients

When choosing a vegan protein powder, don’t just look for the protein content. A protein powder also contains other nutrients that can improve your overall health.

Animal proteins are rich in essential nutrients. However, you can also achieve your desired nutrients from a plant-based powder if you make the correct choice.

Micronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies can adversely affect your overall health. Hence go through the product label carefully to understand all important ingredients and their nutrient content.

Pea protein contains nutrients like zinc, calcium, iron, and vitamin E. Also, pumpkin protein is a rich source of potassium and magnesium.

5.  Organic and quality ingredients

Many plant-based protein powders have a plant source as their primary protein source, but they contain other ingredients that can be harmful. The added number of artificial sweeteners and fillers can impact your health.

Sweeteners are added to your protein powder to enhance its taste. However, it can increase your calorie intake. Choose a product with natural sweeteners like stevia, or you can also choose unflavoured powder and add it to your smoothie, pancakes, or other baked food.

Also, your protein powder can contain added preservatives. Irrespective of your food choices, you must be aware that preservatives can have an adverse impact on the environment. Hence, it is important to ensure that your product is 100% organic and does not contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and fillers.

These are some of the crucial factors that you must look for in a vegan protein powder to choose the right fit for your need.