Top Rated Vegan Protein Powders in the UK and Canada
I am looking for a new vegan protein powder and I am tired of wasting money on stuff that tastes like dirt. I want something with a smooth texture and a decent amino acid profile. I am located in London but I have a friend in Canada who can ship me stuff if it is really good.
I have tried MyProtein and Bulk and they are okay for the price but I am looking for something a bit more premium. I have heard good things about Ghost and Vivo Life but they are quite pricey. Are they actually worth the extra quid?
If you have a favorite brand that mixes well with just water please let me know. I usually have one or two shakes a day so the taste is really important to me. I am also looking for something that does not cause too much gas or bloating.
For HealthNut99, I have had great success with Vivo Life Perform protein. It is a bit pricy, but the taste and texture are miles ahead of anything else I have tried. They ship to the UK and Canada, and the amino profile is solid. Definitely worth checking out if you are tired of sandy shakes.
I second the need for a good-tasting vegan protein! I find that blends often have a better texture than single-source proteins. Look for ones with pea, rice, and hemp for a complete amino acid profile. My personal favorite is a Canadian brand called Botanica Perfect Protein, which has amazing flavors.
@A4tech, that is a great recommendation! I have heard good things about Vivo Life. Which flavor do you prefer? I am always hesitant to try new brands without knowing which flavor is a safe bet.
If you are in London, HealthNut99, Myprotein sometimes has good vegan options. Their Pea Protein Isolate is quite smooth, especially if you mix it well. Keep an eye out for their sales, as you can get it for a good price. It is not gourmet, but it is effective and definitely not dirt-like.
@VeganViking, I totally agree about the blends! They are a game changer for both taste and amino profile. I have not tried Botanica, but I will definitely add it to my list. Thank you for the suggestion!
Beyond specific brands, always check the ingredient list for fillers. Some brands add a lot of gums or artificial sweeteners that can cause digestive issues or just give a weird aftertaste. Simple is usually better for vegan proteins.
@LondonLifter, how is the taste of the Myprotein Pea Protein Isolate? I have tried other pea proteins that were just too earthy for me. Does it mix well with just water, or do you need a smoothie?
While protein powder is convenient, do not forget the power of whole food sources for your protein needs! Lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, and nuts contribute not only protein but also fiber and essential micronutrients. A good diet should be the foundation.
@ProteinPanda, that is a good point about fillers. What are some of the specific gums or sweeteners you try to avoid? I am still learning to decipher ingredient labels properly.
For those in Canada, I have been using Progressive Harmonized Vegan Protein for a while now. It is a blend of pea, rice, and hemp, and they have some really nice flavors. The chocolate is my go-to. Good mixability and no gritty texture.
@Dragustav, I completely agree! Progressive is fantastic. Their vanilla flavor is also excellent, not too sweet and mixes into everything. It is a staple in my pantry here in Toronto.
@BigArvin, I found the Myprotein Pea Protein Isolate to be decent with water, but definitely better in a smoothie with some fruit to mask any earthiness. It is a budget-friendly option, so you get what you pay for in terms of taste, but it is not bad.
The amino acid profile is key! Make sure whatever vegan protein you choose has a complete profile, or that you are combining different plant proteins throughout the day to get all essential amino acids. Many single-source plant proteins are incomplete on their own.
@PlantPoweredPro, that is a really important reminder. Do you have any specific recommendations for a vegan protein powder that already has a complete amino acid profile, or a common blend that achieves this well? It is sometimes hard to figure out from the label.
In the UK, Bulk Powders is another solid choice for vegan protein. Their Vegan Protein Powder (which is a mix of pea, brown rice, and hemp) comes in some nice flavors and is very competitive on price. I have found the chocolate peanut flavor to be quite good.
@GymRatUK, how is the texture of the Bulk Powders blend? I have tried some of their other products and found them good, but vegan protein texture can be so hit or miss. Is it smooth or a bit powdery?
To improve texture, always use a blender bottle with a whisk ball, or even better, a full blender. Adding a banana or some ice can also make a huge difference in smoothness. Cold water or plant milk helps too!
@VeganStrength, a little trick I learned is to add the liquid first, then the powder. It helps prevent lumps from forming at the bottom of the shaker. And yes, a good blender makes everything better!
I am a big fan of pea protein. It has a great amino acid profile, is easily digestible, and often mixes well. Just make sure it is a high-quality isolate to avoid that chalky texture.