Breakfast/ Most Pinned Recipes/ Recipes/ Snacks

Hands Down, My Favorite Protein Powder

Update: I’ve reviewed new vegan protein powders since I wrote this. Check out these posts too!

A few weeks ago, my local Whole Foods gave me a new protein powder to try out, PlantFusion. It’s a plant-based protein (not whey – AKA dairy – like many protein powders) plus it’s soy and gluten free. I’m not a big fan of whey proteins since they make me feel kind of icky, plus I think most protein powders have a chalky taste.

But not this one. It tastes great.

Best vegan protein

It blends in water easily without any clumps and it had a great, clean vanilla taste. Usually, if I mix protein powder just with water, I have to gag it down. I was able to easily drink this one with just water and, dare I say, enjoyed it?

The nutrition stats are comparable to other protein powders but this one has a special enzyme blend to help aid with absorption and digestion. And I love the sources of protein in this: peas, amaranth, quinoa, artichoke. Pretty cool!

Plus it has lots of amino acids to aid in muscle building and includes some essential amino acids (“essential” meaning those that the body can’t produce itself and must be obtained through diet).

And on days when I want a little extra flavor, I love this combo for a healthy chocolate “milkshake”:

  • 1 scoop of Plant Fusion
  • half a frozen banana
  • 2 T cocoa powder (or buy the chocolate protein powder and leave this out)
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • a few ice cubes
  • leftover brewed coffee, if desired

Blend until well combined, adding more liquid to create a consistency you like. I am obsessed with my Vitamix blender and 100% think it’s worth the investment (buy refurbished to save money – I did!), but this Ninja blender is solid too, or this Ninja set is a great option if you’re not regularly blending anything too fibrous or hard.

 I have mixed feelings about protein powders and prefer to get protein from whole food sources. But sometimes I struggle to get enough protein in my diet, and it’s nice to have a supplement that I feel good about.

What’s your favorite protein powder?

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53 Comments

  • Reply
    Trudy
    at

    Awesome, i want to try this!

    • Reply
      John Hatanaka
      at

      Hey have you ever tried “My Vega” I haven’t tried this. I was wondering your opinion of difference. I’m always intrigued by new things!

  • Reply
    Carrie
    at

    I’ve never tried protein powder, but as I’m training for a my first marathon, I’m looking for anything that might help my body keep up with the rigorous running schedule. I was wondering when you use it, mainly when the best time is to drink it for maximum affect?

    • Reply
      Teri
      at

      I try to take protein within 1 hour of a tough workout. But it may take some experimenting to see when it works the best for you!

  • Reply
    chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    at

    I really love Sun Warrior. How does this compare?

    • Reply
      Jordan Lynn (Ciao Cow)
      at

      Sun Warrior and Vega Shake-n-Go are my favorites, so I’d be interested in hearing how it compares to Sun Warrior also. This review defenintely made me want to give it shot though.

      • Reply
        Ashley
        at

        Everyone varies SO much on what they like. I found Sun Warrior to be one of the chalkiest I’ve ever tasted! But I also like hemp protein which a lot of people hate. 🙂

      • Reply
        Dora
        at

        I compared the sun warrior chocolate to the plant fusion chocolate and blended them both the same way. so, to plant fusion’s credit, the texture is better. I liked sun warrior, but plant fusion’s texture is spot on. no graininess or chalkiness. I appreciate that because I add peanut flour and cocoa powder when I want a dessert-y milkshake flavor, and if the protein powder leaves a little texture behind then the other powders become overpowering. it’s hard to compare tastes, but i will say, that plant fusion is pepsi to sun warriors coke. i think that’s actually the perfect way to describe it. for me, plant fusion wins the one sip test, it’s surprisingly good, but over the course of the shake (or the week’s shakes) the flavor of sun warrior wins out. but if you’re a hardcore pepsi person, definitely go with plant fusion.

    • Reply
      Teri
      at

      I’ve never tried Sun Warrior but have heard great things!

  • Reply
    Jes Suazo
    at

    Thank you for posting a protein powder review!! I have been vegan for a year now & before I was a vegetarian for many years. I’ve really amped up my workouts in the past year & have struggled with protein intake (i hate tofu).

    I will definitely try this one out!

    • Reply
      Teri
      at

      I hope you like it! I can’t believe you hate tofu though!! Have you tried pressing it or freezing it?

      • Reply
        Jes Suazo
        at

        I know. I’m the weirdest vegan alive. I’ve tried tofu a couple of different ways but I have major food texture issues. It just looks so odd.

        It doesn’t help that the last time I ate tofu was in an Asian dish…it was gelatinous and I was eating with my new boss & co-workers. I was so embarrassed because I was sick to my stomach. I just pretended I wasn’t very hungry.

        Needless to say…I’m scared to try again.

        • Reply
          Emilia
          at

          I am vegan and I don’t eat tofu either. I am allergic to soy and even if I weren’t, soy is not really the best thing for you.

  • Reply
    feener
    at

    i love shaklee’s brand !!!

    • Reply
      Teri
      at

      I’ve never even heard of that! I’ll have to check it out!

  • Reply
    Rebecca
    at

    I am lactose intolerant and avoid dairy at all costs so no whey for me either! I have tried hemp powders but they really don’t taste good and I try to stay away from soy protein powders…I have been using variations of sun warrior or raw protein (I think the band is food for life?) and I love them…I don’t love stevia/added sugars so I usually go towards the “natural” flavor and the new sun warrior blend in the natural flavor is awesome 🙂 all plant based and tastes good in oatmeal, smoothies and baked goods. I am definitely going to look in to this one at whole foods though since I’m always lOoking to try new brands…I just wish more stores carried the sample packets with 1-2 servings so you dot have to spend $20+ on the big container

    • Reply
      Teri
      at

      If you go to Whole Foods and tell them you just want to sample it, they should open one up and let you try it. And if you do buy the whole container and don’t like it, you can always return it, even after it’s open! They have a great return/refund policy!

  • Reply
    Bee Goes Bananas
    at

    I’ve never been able to find a protein powder I actually liked. I usually end up going with Whey protein and it all has the same taste. I should try PlantFushion sometime! Is it expensive?

  • Reply
    Ashley
    at

    I LOVE Garden for Life Raw Protein. I’ve tried a bunch of brands, some being Vega and Sun Warrior, which I really did not enjoy at all. Way too chalky and I despise the addition of stevia. Does this protein powder have that?? It’s next to impossible to find flavored protein powders with no stevia. The Raw protein isn’t flavored, but for some reason I have really grown to love it. It’s also composed of all sprouted/organic/raw grains + veggies. Definitely makes me think of the powder as real food, but I don’t rely on it for my protein, just an added boost. Especially when I’m strength training!

  • Reply
    Lindsey
    at

    I really like Vega and Sun Warrior. But until recently could only find Vega here so usually used it but now a local store sells Sun Warrior so I see a lot more of it in my future 🙂

  • Reply
    Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon
    at

    Sounds promising! I’ve been looking for a new protein powder. Any idea what the price tag is on this one?

  • Reply
    Christina
    at

    I think this is the one I checked out at Whole Foods last week but wasn’t sure about. Thanks for the review, I think I’ll try it! I need all the help I can get as far as protein is concerned.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    at

    Thanks for the info! I’ve been shopping around for a new protein powder that doesn’t make me gag, so I’ll have to give this one a try 🙂

  • Reply
    janetha
    at

    I love hearing about good powders. Thanks for this suggestion! I am going to give it a try.

  • Reply
    BroccoliHut
    at

    Never heard of this variety–thanks for the info!
    My favorite is BioChem Vegan Protein. It makes PERFECT protein pancakes.

  • Reply
    Pure2raw twins
    at

    we have heard of this brand but never tried it. but now seeing how much you liked it we just might have to get it a try! 🙂

  • Reply
    Becca
    at

    I just found your blog… Thank you! I’m so excited! I’ve been trying to eat dairy and gluten free for over a year now and it has been a struggle, but I’m pumped to try your delicious recipes and find some more ideas on being creative in the kitchen. It’s amazing how socially isolated you can feel due to diet restrictions, your blog gives me peace of mind I’m not the only one out there with what some people view as a high maintenance diet… So thank you 🙂

  • Reply
    Les
    at

    Hey Teri, I have been reading your blog for a few months and really enjoy it. This is my favorite protein powder, too!

  • Reply
    Whitney @ The Adventures of Now
    at

    I’ve been trying out different protein powders over the past year or so. I’m stuck on a (large) container of Jarrow’s brown rice powder that I just can’t get down. I actually like the Vanilla Whey protein powder from Trader Joe’s but I might have to give PlantFusion a try next!

  • Reply
    Mary @ Bites and Bliss
    at

    That sounds really good!! My favorite it Matrix 5.0. No artificial anything, it dissolved SO easily, tastes like cake batter, no sugar, low carb, healthy in every other way, and you get a lot for the price. It’s the best I’ve ever had!

  • Reply
    Veronica
    at

    I have just had my first shake of PlantFusion ….. made with almond milk and one teaspoon organic peanut butter …… absolutely delicious …… I have gastroparesis and Barratts and this has gone down a treat, no bloating, no burning ….. a definite winner with me.

  • Reply
    Karen B.
    at

    I am a big fan of Integrated Supplements brand of whey protein. I searched high and low for a powder that didn’t have the too-sweet taste of sugar substitutes. There is nothing artificial – including sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. It is also lactose and gluten-free. I like using the Natural flavor in soup or chili as it does not alter the taste – just makes it a bit creamier. I add the coffee ice cream flavor to my morning coffee, making it an added source of my daily protein intake. Plus, the price for the 2 lb container is comparable to other well-known brands.

    I use Matrix and Nectar as backup powders only, though I am a big fan of Nectar’s Roadside Lemonade flavor. Mix it with cold water for a yummy way to boost liquid intake.

  • Reply
    Linda
    at

    I’m doing fast/ feast and on fast days I have Plant Fusion chocolate with almond milk and ice cubes in the blender. A total of 255 calories. I add an apple and that’s my fast day. So far so good. Two pounds less than last week.

  • Reply
    Davida @TheHealthyMaven
    at

    I’ve been wanting to try out plant fusion for so long! I’m lactose and gluten intolerant so getting to try these out would be great!

  • Reply
    Sharon
    at

    I follow gluten and soy free diet. I’m having a hard time finding a protein powder that agree’s with me. Most of the whey proteins I’ve found have soy. I tried the rice protein, did not like that. I also tried Vega, it says it’s gluten and soy free but when I had my chiropractor do muscle testing on me I blew the test so there’s something in it. I might have to try this plant fusion. I wish there were samples to try so I didn’t have to buy the big container. My chiropractor can test me to see if my body will react, lets hope its a winner.

    • Reply
      Teri [a foodie stays fit]
      at

      Hi Sharon – buy it at Whole Foods. They have a great return policy, so if it doesn’t work for you, you can return the opened container. Just keep your receipt!

      • Reply
        Sharon
        at

        I don’t have a Whole Foods here. I found it at Fred Meyers, maybe they’ll do the same thing.

  • Reply
    Paul
    at

    Sorry for the ignorant question, but is the Whole Food’s plant fusion both a ‘protein powder’ and a ‘greens powder’. My nutrisionist suggested I look have some protein and greens powder in the morning to get my breakfast underway.
    Alos, I saw a few suggestions above, but does someone have anything to mix it with to make it more palatable to drink? I like most berry fruits, banana, pineapple, etc…I never loved almond milk on its own but is was drinkable – I wonder if I could take the taste mixing wih this.

    Trying to get off the sugar and add nutrients and protein to my diet!

    Thanks.

    • Reply
      Teri [a foodie stays fit]
      at

      Hi Paul, it is not a greens powder. These are the greens supplements I take – http://www.balanceofnature.com/new/fruits-veggies/info

      Much easier for me to take in pill form than trying to fit a powder into something without ruining the taste.

      I like adding this to all my smoothies. My favorite combo these days is banana + peach + almond milk + spinach + protein powder. I don’t like almond milk on its own either but it’s great in smoothies.

      Best of luck with the changes in your diet!

  • Reply
    Desiree
    at

    They sell this at health/vitamin store where I live. I absolutely love it. Rice protein was to gritty for me. I’m loving this kind. Whey/Soy tears my stomach up. They only carry the vanilla, chocolate and unflavored. I didn’t know they had 2 other flavors. I might have to ask if they will order me some!! I love how its not chalky or gritty.

  • Reply
    Jessica w
    at

    Thanks for the information! I just found out that diary is causing my acne, and finding a protein powder that tastes good and is without diary of any kind is super hard, I will give this a try!

  • Reply
    Michaela (ma-Kay-la)
    at

    Greetings,

    Just found your blog and I love it! I’m also a foodie who made the decision to be healthy in 2014. I’ve been looking for a protein powder for a while but had given up on finding one that I liked b/c they were all..hmmm, all gross:-) I’ll give this one a try and let you know how I like it.

    cuisine, conversation & companions,
    ~Michaela
    alittlepinchofsalt.com

  • Reply
    Jesse
    at

    I’ve tried many non dairy based protein powders and have been disappointed with their tastes every time, until I found PlantFusion. Finally, a plant based protein powder that actually tastes good. I’m so excited that I can finally kick dairy from my protein shakes.

  • Reply
    Steph
    at

    Your review on this protein convinced me it was a good one. I went and bought it the next day and LOVE it. I look forward to looking at your blog more frequently.

  • Reply
    Stacy
    at

    I just bought some of this today and will be trying it tomorrow morning. I was wondering if they disclose mercurylead any metal levels etc and whether or not any of the ingredients contain extra caffeine. I am almost brand new to protein shakes and want to be sure what I consume is healthy (am illiterate to the ingredients in the label) :0) TY!!!

  • Reply
    Ilana
    at

    My husband is lactose intolerant and he swears by his dairy-free isalean shake. It’s not gritty at all, made from hemp and pea protein, and even though I can handle whey protein, I sneak some of his every chance I get 😉 He tried many brands before, but this seems to be his favorite one!

  • Reply
    Jennifer
    at

    Good Morning, I have enjoyed your blog and all of the comments. I am wondering if anyone has tried RealMeal GF as a protein shake. It is very costly, and I am on a tight budget but I believe I don’t get enough real protein in my diet. My husband tried a product from a local “Healthy Living” type store and it messed him up, complete insomnia for weeks, so I am leery… Any advice???

  • Reply
    Chezqah
    at

    I recently saw this on display at sprouts farmers market and I was about to purchase it when I found another vegan, soy free, gluten free, non go plant based protein powder. I will definitely try plant fusion next time. Question: Is it safe to give to children? My entire family is vegan. I was thinking that it would be ok to mix them up 1/4 of a scoop but I’m not completely sure if I should do that or not. I just want them to get their full daily protein intake as well.

  • Reply
    Catherine
    at

    Has anyone suffered of any breakouts with this protein? I tried the Garden of Life Raw meal and my skin just reacts bad to that. I also think it is due to the probiotics. I suffer from acne prone skin and would like a protein powder that doesn’t make me breakout.

  • Reply
    Paula
    at

    4 grams of sugar is a lot to drink in your shake everyday- at least for me. The sun warrior vanilla warrior blend has 0 grams of sugar. If people like the taste of the plant fusion over the warrior blend my guess is it’s the added sugar which is extremely unhealthy.

  • Reply
    Rifat Tabassam
    at

    My mummy cannot resist gluten enriched foods. She often experience intestinal disorder after eating foods that contain least amount of gluten. However, she has been advised by her doctor to take protein. I will suggest this protein powder to her. Thanks buddy for this amazing article.

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