Does the thought of a vegan protein shake turn you paler than skim milk? Time to put those fitfully bitter memories of grainy gulps and artificial sweeteners aside. This is your definitive guide to the best vegan protein powders that are so surprisingly good; you wouldn’t even want to put them inside an Instagrammable açai bowl.

Protein powders have long been a staple in the fitness communities, offering a quick and convenient way to up your protein intake. Long owned by whey and casein-based products, the land of protein powders gets a vegan revolution with plant-based options finally hitting their stride. And no, you don’t have to be a vegan to indulge. You may simply prefer the taste or find a plant-based alternative easier on your tummy.

The sources for a vegan protein powder can range from peas, rice, and hemp to soy and a whole host of other plant-based ingredients. They are rich in essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, with blends boasting different amino acid profiles and protein amounts. Whatever floats your dietary boat, there’s a vegan powder with a recipe to suit.

We deluged you with a list of the best vegan protein powders after tasting, testing, and thoroughly researching dozens. Our assessments considered taste, texture, smell, third-party testing, nutrition content, and overall value to help you find the perfect powder for your protein needs. Our durability tests spanned from the classic shake-in-a-bottle technique to blending into a smoothie, rating each product on mixability, and smoothness.

Enter the vegan protein gladiators like KOS Organic Superfood Protein, NOW Sports Pea Protein, Sprout Living’s Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma Powder, and Vega Organic All In One Vegan Protein Shake among many others that we scrutinized. We assessed protein per serving, added sweeteners, synergistic ingredients, potential allergens, and third-party verifications for a comprehensive evaluation.

We are brutally frank. Some powders were just horrible: grainy, clumpy, and strangely flavored while others super smooth, creamy, and pleasantly flavored. Some were versatile and can be enjoyed in both water and smoothies, while others were best suited for the latter. Some scored high in nutrients while others offered a bare minimum. The cherry (tomato) on top were the ones with high sodium; these could be a decent post-workout pick-me-up due to their electrolyte replacement potential.

As with all supplements, it’s always best to consult your doctor before adding anything new to your routine. Supplements are just that – a supplement to a healthy balanced diet, not a replacement. With the right vegan protein powder, you can amp up your health routine without sacrificing taste, wallet, or comfort. Stay tuned as we dive headfirst into our all-encompassing, no-holds-barred review of the best vegan protein powders in the market.