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Why We Like It
Drink Wholesome Vegan Protein Powder doesn’t use the traditional pea, soy, or blend of plant proteins; it only uses almonds as a protein source. I like this powder because it only has almonds, coconut, vanilla, monk fruit, and nothing else. I don’t do well with pea or soy-based protein powders, so I tend to stay away from vegan protein powders. But, this one does not give me any stomach issues, and I love the subtle, sweet flavor. While it doesn’t completely blend when stirred in water, it tastes good with either just water or mixed in a smoothie. And it smells delicious—like almonds and vanilla.
As an added bonus, each serving also provides five grams of fiber and a surprising 33% DV of vitamin D.
It’s Worth Noting
Because of the almonds and coconut, it is higher in fat than other protein powders—8.5 grams per serving.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Nutrition info: | 160 calories per serving, Protein 15 g, Carb 11 g, Fat 8.5 g |
| Protein sources: | Almonds |
| Sweeteners: | Monk fruit |
If you don’t eat enough protein regularly, have higher-than average protein needs, or need to eat your protein on the go, vegan protein powders might be helpful. They could be especially beneficial for:
- Athletes: People who move their bodies a lot, especially doing strength training, have higher protein needs than less active individuals. For vegetarian or vegan athletes in particular, it can be hard to keep up with diet alone, especially if they need a convenient means of getting protein after workouts.
- Older adults: Getting enough protein from foods may be challenging for this age group, especially if they have a reduced appetite. Protein powders may be especially helpful to boost protein intake.
- Pregnant individuals: Meeting increased protein needs during pregnancy can be difficult, especially if you have nausea. If a healthcare provider has recommended using a protein powder as part of a well-balanced diet, always choose one independently verified for contaminants and heavy metals.
Vegan protein powders are generally safe for most people, but if you have kidney issues, aren’t active, or already eat enough protein, you probably don’t need them.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. However, protein needs vary significantly between individuals based on multiple factors, including physical activity, pregnancy or lactation, and other medical conditions. Athletes’ protein needs can be 1.4 to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight–over double that of a sedentary person. Getting more than this amount isn’t beneficial, and some people may need to be on a lower-protein diet for medical reasons.
Taking vegan protein powder daily can be safe for most people and help you meet your daily protein needs. Just remember to eat a variety of high-protein foods, which contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fiber that most protein powders don’t. It’s also important to consider any other ingredients in the powder. Getting a lot of fiber, thickeners, or sweeteners in protein powders could cause unpleasant digestive issues when eaten in large amounts.
Vegan and non-vegan protein powders can contain some heavy metals (like arsenic, cadmium, and lead) naturally found in soil. However, there are ways to protect yourself. When possible, choose protein powders that have been independently tested for purity and potency, and only have one or two servings a day. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, when you and your fetus are vulnerable.
A 2025 report found organic and chocolate protein powders at higher risk for heavy metals. So if you really want to minimize your exposure to heavy metals from vegan protein powders, opt for non-chocolate flavors.
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