What’s the best vegan protein powder Canada has to offer?
To answer this question, we’ve done extensive research on the topic and we’ve also put a lot of effort into identifying and testing different brands. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know in order to make the best decision
What is Vegan Protein Powder?
Vegan protein powder is an essential supplement that is made from various plant-based ingredients and uses no animal byproducts.
Typically, it is produced using soy, rice, hemp, pea, or other legume or grain proteins.
Vegan protein powder can be consumed as part of a healthy diet, but it can also be used by athletes, gym-goers, or people trying to lose weight or build muscle.
The most common use for a plant-based protein powder is to make an easily digestible shake for people who need to supplement their protein intake.
This vegan product is also a great alternative to animal-based protein sources like whey and casein powders that can have side effects on your health, animal welfare, and the environment. Vegan protein is much easier to digest and prevents gas that can happen when consuming whey.
How much protein should you consume?
The amount of protein that you should consume each day varies depending on many different factors, including your size, weight, and activity levels.
In general, however, most adults need 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
This works out to about 0.36 grams per pound. In order to stay healthy and encourage muscle growth, you should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day.
A vegan protein powder can be a great way to boost your protein intake. (recommended intake taken from the Mayo Clinic)
What Type of Vegan Protein Powder is Healthiest?
As we mentioned above, the most important factor to consider when choosing the best vegan protein powder in Canada is the quality of the ingredients.
We recommend that you select powders that are organic, plant-based, and contain no artificial ingredients.
This is because the most important aspect of a protein powder is how easily it is digested.
Additionally, you should be mindful of the nutritional value of your protein powder. We recommend that you choose a product that is high in essential amino acids (such as essential amino acids, leucine, and isoleucine).
Vegan protein powders are typically high in fibre, iron, and B vitamins, which are all necessary for good health. They are also generally low in calories, which makes them a great addition to any diet.
Lastly, I would just add that I have been experimenting with fermented powders because fermentation is a process that breaks down the carbohydrates and proteins in plant foods into smaller molecules that are easier to digest and absorb by the body.
Some of the benefits of fermented vegan protein are:
- It may reduce bloating and digestive discomfort that some people experience with regular plant proteins.
- It may have higher bioavailability of nutrients, meaning that more of the protein and other minerals and vitamins are absorbed by the body.
- It may contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help support gut health and immunity. However, not all fermented vegan proteins have probiotics, as some may be killed by heat or pasteurization during the production process
Is Vegan Protein Powder just as Effective?
Many people wonder if vegan protein powder is just as good as whey protein and the answer is that it is not just as effective but it is superior.
There are several potential benefits to using vegan protein powder as a supplement to a plant-based diet. Some of these include:
- Improved muscle building and recovery: Vegan protein powder can help vegans and vegetarians meet their protein needs. Adequate protein intake is important for muscle building and recovery, and vegan protein powders can be a convenient way to get enough protein.
- Weight management: Vegan protein powder can be a useful tool for weight management because they are low in calories and fat, and high in protein. Protein can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can help to reduce cravings and prevent overeating.
- Heart health: Some vegan protein powders are made from plant-based sources that are high in fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that may be beneficial for heart health. For example, pea protein is a good source of arginine, which has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits.
- Environmental sustainability: Plant-based protein sources are generally more sustainable than animal-based protein sources. The production of animal protein tends to have a larger ecological footprint, due to the resources required to raise and feed the animals, and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal agriculture.
- Allergen-free: Many people are allergic to milk or eggs, which are common ingredients in animal-based protein powders. Vegan protein powders can be a good option for people with these allergies, as they are made from plant-based sources that are generally hypoallergenic.
The Best Vegan Protein Powder you can Buy in Canada:
We’ve chosen 5 of the most popular vegan protein powders available today and put them to the test. These are our top picks and they include a wide range of products designed for different types of dieters and athletes.
*All links are affiliate links and if you buy any of them I will get a small commission. This really helps me to run this site and is greatly appreciated.*
Garden of Life Raw All-in-One Nutritional Shake
This is a chocolate cocoa-flavored meal replacement shake that is made from organic, raw, whole-food ingredients. It is designed to provide a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fats to help support weight management and overall health. The shake is also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to support digestive health. It is free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors, and is suitable for vegans. This shake can be used as a quick breakfast or lunch option, or as a post-workout recovery drink. I don’t usually go for meal replacers but Garden of Life is a solid brand and I like that it is raw and has live probiotics.
Sun Warrior Vegan Protein Powder is a great choice for those who are looking for a plant-based protein powder that is USDA-certified organic, keto-friendly, soy-free, grain-free, and gluten-free. It contains 30 servings per container and is made with a blend of pea and hemp seed protein with MCT oil and BCAA’s. The vanilla flavor is perfect for those who want a sweet taste without any added sugar.
MCT oil is a type of oil that is derived from coconut oil. It is made up of medium-chain triglycerides, which are metabolized differently than other types of fats. MCT oil has been shown to have several benefits, including boosting the metabolism, improving the strength of the immune system, and reducing appetite.
BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) are a group of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They are essential, meaning they can’t be produced by your body and must be obtained from food. BCAA supplements have been shown to build muscle, decrease muscle fatigue, and alleviate muscle soreness.
Vega All-in-One Vegan Protein Powder is a delicious and nutritious way to get your daily dose of protein. It contains 20g of plant-based protein from pea protein, brown rice protein, and sacha inchi protein. Sacha inchi protein is a complete source of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, to help you build more muscle mass, strength, and improve body composition. Additionally, Sacha inchi contains an abundance of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, ALA which has a wide array of health benefits for your heart, joints, brain, and wellness. It also contains superfood ingredients and vitamins for immunity support. Although this option is not organic it is still a great choice and one of the best vegan protein powders Canada has in its market.
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder in Creamy Chocolate Fudge flavor is a plant-based protein powder made from a blend of organic peas, brown rice, and chia seeds. This protein powder is free from dairy, soy, and gluten, and is sweetened with organic cane sugar and monk fruit extract, rather than artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes. It has a creamy and chocolatey taste, making it a tasty and satisfying option for a protein-packed shake or smoothie. It also has crazy good reviews on amazon with 4.6 stars with almost 55k reviews.
Ghost is a lesser-known brand here but they are very popular in the States and they have one of the best vegan protein powders available in Canada. It’s made from a blend of pea protein isolate and brown rice protein. It is a convenient and nutritious way to add protein to your diet and support muscle recovery and growth. Some of the potential benefits of Ghost Vegan Protein include High-quality protein sources, Easy to digest, and low in calories and fat.
Genuine Health Fermented Organic Vegan Proteins+ is a protein powder that is made from 7 plant-based sources including yellow pea, brown rice, spirulina, flaxseed, hempseed, pumpkin, and mung bean. Last on the list but definitely not least this is a great option that is both fermented and organic. This is the powder I am currently trying and I really like it so far. It’s easy to digest, tastes great, mixes well, and has a lot of ingredients I look for. Each serving contains 20g of protein, which is easy to digest and absorb due to its fermentation. The 600g tub contains 20 servings of this protein powder which makes it a great value for money.
Kaizen Vegan Protein
*Not an affiliate link
Kaizen Vegan Protein is a plant-based protein supplement that contains 25 g of non-GMO multisource plant-based protein per serving. It is dairy-free and contains chia and sprouted quinoa. It has a complete amino acid profile from vegan protein sources and contains 16% of your recommended daily intake of fiber. I have not tried Kaizen vegan protein yet but it seems to be quite popular.
Vegan Protein Powder is the Best Option
Overall, a vegan protein powder is a great product to include in your daily routine. It is important, however, that you choose a product with high-quality ingredients and ideally from a company that cares about its environmental impact. You can’t go wrong with any of these 6 options and we hope that this article has helped you to identify the vegan protein powder that is right for you.
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