If you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just trying to follow a more plant-based diet, you might be wondering what is the best vegan protein powder Australia has to offer, as you embark on your fitness journey.
Protein powders commonly use whey, a dairy by-product, as their protein source. However, as demand for more animal and environmentally-friendly products has increased in recent years, so has the availability of whey protein alternatives. These offer a similar nutritional value, but don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Instead, these alternatives rely on peas, rice, soy and other plant-based proteins, to deliver all of the essential amino acids and muscle building nutrients you require from your supplement. Many of these impressive vegan-friendly options are available to purchase now from FIT Nutrition, in our Vegan Protein section.
To help you choose the best plant-based protein powder for you, we’ve put together this handy guide with our top 4 recommendations, as well as answers to your FAQs.
BEST PICK: Vegan All-In-One Pea Protein by White Wolf Nutrition White Wolf
Nutrition’s superfood pea protein blend is one of the best vegan protein powders in Australia, and one we’d recommend as a great, all-round solution for most customers. It contains an impressive 22.2g of protein per serve, sourced from Belgian golden-yellow peas with a high bioavailability, ensuring quick absorption into your body.
The precise blend of essential and non-essential amino acids helps the protein synthesise within your muscles, and improves recovery time following a workout. Also present in the formula are nutrient-packed superfoods - including flaxseed, acai berry and blueberry - Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) to help boost your energy levels, and a vegan probiotic, to aid digestion. Consumers of this plant-based protein powder consistently praise the lack of bloating they experience.
The taste and texture of this pea protein powder really make it stand out from the crowd – it’s smooth and creamy, and available in a choice of delicious flavours, including Smooth Chocolate and Salted Caramel for those with a sweet tooth, and Iced Coffee for those who prefer their protein shakes with a kick. All the flavours are sourced from Australian farms, so you can rest assured that you’re supporting local workers, every time you work out.
Protein Switch by Switch Nutrition
For another nutrient-packed, lactose-free alternative to whey protein, that’s also kind to your digestive system, we highly recommend this organic formula from Switch Nutrition. Protein Switch is made up of a carefully balanced combination of plant proteins, including organic sprouted pumpkin seed, watermelon seed and hemp seed, alongside pea and algae, all of which provide 22.1g of protein per serve.
Hemp seed offers you a unique bioavailable protein, Edestin, which is high in fibre and easy for your body to break down, whilst also helping to ensure the essential amino acid profile is well-balanced. On top of this, the formula also contains DigeZyme (digestive enzymes), to further enhance digestion.
The creamy texture of this protein powder avoids the graininess that can sometimes be associated with vegan-friendly formulas, and you should find it pleasant to drink mixed into a smoothie, or even just with water. The Peanut Butter Toffee flavour comes particularly highly reviewed, and is naturally sweetened with stevia. There are no artificial colours or preservatives in this organic supplement.
Plant Based Protein by Macro Mike
If you’re looking for a cheap vegan protein powder, this plant-based protein by Macro Mike is the most affordable of all our picks. At 25g of protein per serve, it’s also the most protein-packed, and the highest calorie option on our list, so it’s ideal for those looking to achieve mass muscle gain. The dairy-free formula is made from pea, rice and peanut protein, and is perfect for anyone who likes the great taste of peanut butter! It also contains the usual mix of amino acids, fibre, vitamins and minerals, to help with absorption and muscle growth. We recommend mixing it with almond or coconut milk, to create a delicious, nutty milkshake that’s packed with health benefits.
Natural + Lean Protein Vegan Protein Blend by White Wolf Nutrition
Another great plant-based offering from popular brand White Wolf Nutrition is their Natural + Lean Vegan Protein blend, which is ideal for those looking for a lower calorie option, perhaps to aid weight loss. The formula combines organic pea, watermelon seed and pumpkin seed, for a comprehensive protein profile. It also includes DigeZyme enzymes, to boost digestion, and LactoSpore Probiotic, to help tackle harmful gut bacteria.
The recipe doesn’t contain the superfoods and MCTs from White Wolf’s all-in-one formula, but with 22.7g of plant-based protein per serve, it’s still a solid choice for anyone looking to supplement their nutrition, and undoubtedly one of the best vegan protein powders in Australia today. Plus, the flavours are enough to make your mouth water – Choc Mint Crisp is a must-try.
Vegan Protein Powders FAQs
What should I look for in a vegan protein powder?
We advise looking for a high protein content per serve (above 22g is great), a good balance of essential amino acids, and any added extras that are important to you – for example, digestive enzymes, if you struggle with bloating. Choose one with an appealing flavour, but try to avoid formulas with added sugar or artificial colours.
What is the best tasting vegan protein powder in Australia?
This depends on personal preference, but we’d definitely recommend sweet-lovers try the Peanut Butter Toffee flavour of Protein Switch. For chocoholics, the Chocolate Malt flavour of White Wolf’s Natural + Lean Vegan Protein might remind you of Maltesers, and the Strawberry and Cream is similar to strawberry milk. If you’re unsure, choose a vanilla option as a base, and add your own flavours when you mix up your protein shake.
What is the best vegan protein powder for weight loss?
At a comparatively low 105 calories per serve, the Natural + Lean Protein Vegan Protein Blend by White Wolf Nutrition is one of the best vegan protein powders for weight loss in Australia, when combined with an effective exercise plan.
What is the most affordable plant-based protein powder?
For those on a budget, we recommend the Plant Based Protein by Macro Mike. This comparatively cheap vegan protein powder offers a high protein content, good balance of amino acids, and great taste, so there’s no compromise on quality.
What is the best pea protein in Australia?
In our opinion, the best pea protein available is the Vegan All-In-One Superfood Pea Protein by White Wolf Nutrition. This comprehensive formula not only contains a high concentration of pea protein and essential amino acids, but also a rich blend of superfoods, MCTs and probiotics, making it a great all-round supplement. If you’re still unsure which is the best vegan protein powder in Australia for you, try this one!