Vegan Plant Based Protein Powder Review: Vega, Nutiva, Gainful, Sakara
Are you exploring new vegan plant based protein powders, and wondering if Vega Protein, Nutiva Protein, Gainful Protein or Sakara Organic Protein + Super Greens is right for you? Well, I’ve tried many Vegan protein powders (and a few other high quality non-vegan proteins) and here’s my review of the vegan proteins I’m in love with. I’m also including a side-by-side comparison to help you select which option is best for your health needs.
First, I do want to be fully transparent. I’m not a Vegan or a Vegetarian, but before you click out, I have a unique diet and a consciousness to the environment where I’ve decreased my meat consumption by around 50%. The meat choices I make are also more health and environmentally conscious. I get the imperfect produce fish ends for fish not endangered, and I’ve reduced my beef to only a couple times a month.
Whenever someone is decreasing or eliminating meat, they need to make sure they’re getting all the amino acids they need. Animal proteins such as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and poultry are complete proteins with all the essential amino acids that humans need. There are no plants that contain all the amino acids, but you can get a complete amino acid chain from eating the right variety of amino acids from plants.
There are 20 amino acids, but only 9 are essential for the human body to function properly. Those 9 amino acids and their functions are:
Phenylalanine: Essential for the neurotransmitters functions tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. It plays an important role in the composition and function of proteins and enzymes and the production of other amino acids.
Valine: Valine is one of three branched-chain amino acids, which means it has a chain branching off to one side of its molecular composition. Valine helps stimulate muscle growth and regeneration and is involved in the production of energy.
Threonine: Threonine is an integral part of the formation of proteins such as collagen and elastin, which are essential components of connective tissues and skin. It also plays a role in the metabolism of fat and immune function.
Tryptophan: Not just a drowsiness trigger, tryptophan has many important functions. It’s a precursor to serotonin and essential for proper nitrogen balance, both triggering sleep and mood components.
Methionine: Very important for metabolism and detoxification, and required for tissue growth and the absorption of zinc and selenium, minerals that are vital to the human body.
Leucine: Another branched-chain amino acid that is central to protein synthesis and muscle regeneration, as well as regulation of blood sugar levels, wound healing, and it’s essential for growth hormones.
Isoleucine: The last of the three branched-chain amino acids. Involved in muscle metabolism and is densely found in muscle tissue. It’s also important for immune function, hemoglobin production and energy management.
Lysine: Essential for protein synthesis, hormone and enzyme production and the absorption of calcium. It’s also important for energy production, immune function and the construction of collagen and elastin.
Histidine: Used to produce histamine, a neurotransmitter that is vital to immune response, sexual function and sleep-wake cycles, and healthy digestion. It’s important for maintaining the myelin sheath, a defensive barrier that surrounds your nerve cells.
More info on amino acids can be found on Healthline either here AND here.
Now that we understand the basics of amino acids and why we need an essential protein balance in our protein powders when they’re replacing meat, how does Vega Protein Powder, Nutiva Protein, Gainful Protein, Sakara Protein and Four Sigmatic Plant Based Protein Powder measure up?
Vega One Protein Powder - It appears that Vega is offering a complete amino acid offering in their Vega One, but it’s not explicitly outlined. This is what it says on their website: “Organic pea protein, organic sunflower seed protein, and organic pumpkin seed protein combine for a complete multi-source plant-based protein blend.”
Vega Sport Protein Powder - In a blog post on Vega’s website, it states the following: “Multi-source plant-based protein powders, like Vega Sport Protein Powder also contain all the essential amino acids, including branched chain amino acids that support protein synthesis.”
Four Sigmatic Plant Based Protein Powder - One of the many things I love about Four Sigmatic is that they have so much content available on their website regarding their ingredients. This is what they outline on their website about the protein in the Four Sigmatic Plant Based Protein Powder: “We spared no expenses putting together this full-body-benefit blend. There’s five pure, organic plant proteins here, from four different continents. Hemp and pumpkin seeds from Europe, chia from South America, coconuts from Southeast Asia, and peas grown in the USA. It’s an international all-star team for rebuilding, repairing, and supporting overall wellness.”
Nutiva Protein - Nutiva was the very next vegan protein powder I tried after having Vega, and I immediately loved the level of sweetness. Nutiva seems very similar to Vega in so many ways, except, if you think Vega is too sweet then Nutiva may be your protein powder. Nutiva also contains mushrooms but adaptogens aren’t highlighted. No stevia used at all and I’ve tried both the vanilla and chocolate and both were delightful!
Gainful Protein - What I absolutely LOVE about Gainful Protein is that it’s customizable by body type, weight goals, fitness goals, dietary restrictions etc and the ingredients are still very high quality. I must note that Gainful Protein isn’t exclusively vegan, but you can select vegan as one of your options. They do use eco packaging though by using a bag, which I really like and respect and they have the most flavor options like Strawberry Cream and Cookies and Cream, as well as Madagascar Vanilla and Chocolate.
Sakara Organic Protein + Super Greens - Sakara has the sexiest branding and design by far. I feel like I’m living in a goop article when I’m on their website purchasing items. I’ve never done Sakara’s meal plans, but I’ve tried the Sakara Protein Powder. It’s good. Not my favorite, but they state openly that they have the full chain of amino acids in their vegan protein powder, which I really liked. It’s the only one that was green in color from these powders. I know that’s because of the Super Greens, but my mind can’t get past it when making a peanut butter smoothie. Still, a very high quality product, with a beautiful online experience, and I’ll give Sakara major props for the sexy-appeal while still providing the eco-packaging.
We’ve established that all three are doing a good job on the essential amino acid front. Let’s delve into the whole overview of three really popular vegan protein powders. Which one is my winner? Read below to find out! FYI, the measurements below are for the recommended dose of one scoop or two scoops each.
Vega One Protein Powder:
PROTEIN: 20g
FAT: 3.5g
CARBS: 10g
NET CARBS: 4g
SUGAR: 1g
CALORIES: 140
FIBER: 6g
INGREDIENTS: Includes pea protein, organic sunflower seed protein, and organic pumpkin seed protein, organic chard, kale, broccoli, spinach, carrot, lettuce, cherry, spirulina, blueberries and pomegranate. Not an exhaustive list.
PURITY: USDA organic plant-based protein powder, Non-GMO Project verified, gluten-free, vegan certified, with no grains, no added sugar, and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
SWEETENERS: Stevia
VITAMINS/MINERALS: 1 serving of Vega One Protein Powder has similar amount of vitamin A than 1/2 cups of carrots and similar iron to 5 cups of fresh spinach... and vitamin K than 3/4 cups of kale.
PROBIOTICS/PREBIOTICS: (2 billion CFUs bacillus coagulans) Shelf-stable bacillus coagulans that can survive in harsh environmental conditions, including stomach acid, allowing the cultures to enter and thrive in your gut.
ADAPTOGENS: Mushrooms are listed in the ingredients list, but it doesn’t specify which ones or an amount of each to measure.
GUMS/FILLERS: Xanthan Gum is listen in the ingredients
LOCATION: Vega manufacturing and packaging facilities are in the United States and Canada
PACKAGING: Big plastic thick containers that are recyclable.
ALLERGENS: Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, dairy, soy, egg, and tree nuts. Please contact them directly before buying if you have a severe allergy.
TASTE: I’ve tried Vega One French Vanilla, Chocolate, and Berry, and I’ve used Vega One throughout the last 8 years. My only real complaint is the sweetness level, which is a common complaint with Vega products. They use way too much Stevia. When I do use Vega products, I tend to only use a half-scoop, which does defeat the purpose of the high protein, but it does stretch it out and make the taste more tolerable. My favorite of the three flavors I’ve tried is the Vanilla, but the Chocolate is essential if you like a good Peanut Butter Smoothie. In that. You can get away with only a half-scoop anyway.
PRICE: $33.99 for 9 Servings… Visit MyVega.com to purchase Vega Protein Powders.
Vega Sport Protein Powder:
PROTEIN: 30g
FAT: 3g
CARBS: 6g
NET CARBS: 3g
SUGAR: 2g
CALORIES: 170
FIBER: 3g
INGREDIENTS: Includes pea protein, organic sunflower seed protein, and organic pumpkin seed protein, alfalfa protein, cherry. Not an exhaustive list. Cherry is the only fruit/vegetable on the list.
PURITY: Non-GMO Project verified, vegan certified and gluten-free. This one is NOT 100% Organic. It does have an NSF Sport Certification though.
SWEETENERS: Stevia, although Vega claims no artificial sweeteners are used.
VITAMINS/MINERALS: 20% daily calcium and 25% daily iron.
PROBIOTICS/PREBIOTICS: Vega Sport Protein Powder doesn’t appear to be a probiotic based protein powder.
ADAPTOGENS: None are listed or advertised anywhere
GUMS/FILLERS: Xanthan Gum is listen in the ingredients
LOCATION: Vega manufacturing and packaging facilities are in the United States and Canada
PACKAGING: Big plastic thick containers that are recyclable.
ALLERGENS: Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, dairy, soy, egg, and tree nuts. Please contact them directly before buying if you have a severe allergy.
TASTE: I’ve tried Vega Sport Vanilla only. Again, my complaint is the sweetness level. Vega uses way too much Stevia in all of their products. I do love a peanut butter smoothie though, and Vega Sport does have a Peanut Butter Flavor. Of course, this one does incorporate Peanut Protein for those with peanut allergies. I’ve been cutting out peanuts for the last year to test for this allergy and sensitivity so I won’t be trying it anytime soon, but it has great reviews and won consumer awards.
PRICE: $34.99 for 14 Servings… Visit MyVega.com to purchase Vega Protein Powders.
Four Sigmatic Plant Based Protein Powder:
PROTEIN: 18g
FAT: 9g
CARBS: 11g
NET CARBS: 3g
SUGAR: 4g
CALORIES: 190
FIBER: 0g
INGREDIENTS: Includes pea protein, hemp protein, pumpkin protein, chia protein, and coconut protein. Other ingredients include maple syrup (one of the healthiest sugars), real organic vanilla, pink himalayn salt, monk fruit extract. Not an exhaustive list.
PURITY: Vegan and plant based, gluten-free, and organic. No artificial anything.
SWEETENERS: NO Stevia or artificial sweeteners. Four Sigmatic does add a little maple syrup (2g per serving) to increase the sweetness, and there is Monk Fruit, which is not artificial at all. Stevia is debatably an artificial sweetener, but Monk Fruit is a fruit that tastes sweet with zero sugar.
VITAMINS/MINERALS: 7% daily calcium, 11% daily iron, 14% of daily sodium, and 4% daily potassium.
PROBIOTICS/PREBIOTICS: Not clearly stated, but adaptogens can be gut supporting.
ADAPTOGENS: Tons of adaptogens are in this protein powder! Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Ashwagandha, Eleuthero… All Organic!
GUMS/FILLERS: No gums or fillers whatsoever!
LOCATION: Santa Monica, CA (Los Angeles, CA area). Manufactured in the US with foreign ingredients.
PACKAGING: Cardboard canisters that are made mostly of paper and are easy to recycle. Small plastic lit. Think, oat containers but a little thicker.
ALLERGENS: Tree nuts (coconut). Please contact them directly before buying if you have a severe allergy.
TASTE: I’ve tried Four Sigmatic Plant Based Protein with Superfoods, Sweet Vanilla flavor. I LOVE it! The sweetness level is perfect and the vanilla is just divine. This protein powder is my new favorite. Perhaps my only complaint is that they removed the fiber to make room for all the Adaptogens and I need to be adding fiber to my diet, but that’s my only complaint. I don’t mind getting it in other ways, or adding fruit and veggies to a smoothie to get the fiber back in. Did I mention, the sweetness level is perfect? I even made a homemade yogurt from the Four Sigmatic Sweet Vanilla Protein powder, which you can check out on my instagram page if interested.
PRICE: $50 for 15 servings with the buy once option, and $40 with the subscription option, which you have full control over and no minimum purchase obligation before altering.
DISCOUNT: Full transparency, I have become an affiliate for Four Sigmatic, but I reached out AFTER I fell in love with their products. I also use their Adaptogen Blend every morning in my tea. For 10% OFF your order at Four Sigmatic, visit us.FourSigmatic.com and enter the promo code: THEBOSSYSAUCE
MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
Feel the difference or it’s free.
EXTRA 10% OFF with Code THEBOSSYSAUCE
Final Thoughts:
I really appreciate the mission involved with plant based protein foods and any company involved in helping people change their health and the planet. I know that Vega was a company to page the way as one of the pioneers in the industry, and I give Vega mad respect for that. When it comes to Vega, I’ve retired my protein usage with them with one exception; The Vega Gut Health Protein Smoothie Orange Ginger is pretty fantastic. I like it for the probiotic level, the fiber level, and the taste is so so yummy. It’s often on sale for around $25 for 30 servings. I have a hunch it’s because the Orange Ginger isn’t doing as well as other Vega products though. I feel like it’s my little secret.
When it comes to that classic plant based Vanilla Protein Powder or Chocolate Protein Powder though, I’m all in on the Four Sigmatic Plant Based Protein with Superfoods. My second favorite is Nutiva. There may be protein powders with more protein out there, but American culture has us believing we need tons of protein. We don’t. We just need a balanced diet with the right amount of amino acids. Four Sigmatic does that for me, and with great taste.
I’m also incorporating adaptogens in my daily routine for overall stress management and hormone regulation for acne. I suffer with spouts of depression and I have skin issues like acne and eczema. Adaptogens help with all of those. You can read about one medical study on adaptogens here.
Also, Vega has come out with the Vega One Botanical Blends with Reishi or Ashwagandha. I believe this is likely in response to the trend towards adaptogens that companies like Four Sigmatic brought attention to. Also, you have to choose either/or. Four Sigmatic has both Reishi and Ashwagandha.
Full Transparency…
This article is an affiliate post, but I reached out to be a Four Sigmatic Affiliate after becoming a huge fan. I also still purchase some Vega products like Vega Sport Hydrator as a sports drink, and I’m a Vega fan as well. I just prefer the Chocolate and Vanilla Protein Powder experience that Four Sigmatic Protein Powder provides. You can also check out my review on adaptogens by Four Sigmatic here.
Four Sigmatic Discount:
For 10% OFF your Four Sigmatic purchase, visit us.FourSigmatic.com and use the promo code THEBOSSYSAUCE
If you see advertisements for the 20% OFF discount for subscription purchases, you can double down on the discount and use my promo code for an additional 10% OFF. The subscription discount is always available. Sometimes it’s advertised with a bar at the top of the page. :)
Vega Protein Discount:
For 20% OFF your FIRST Vega purchase, visit MyVega.com and use promo code 20WTRJH16
I’m unsure how long the Vega promo code will work, but I’m in a close partnership with Four Sigmatic and you can use the Four Sigmatic promo code indefinitely and beyond your first purchase, so make sure to save it.
Sakara Protein Discount
For 20% OFF your FIRST Sakara purchase, visit sakara.com and use the promo code WELCOME25
Yes, I’m aware that the code for 20% OFF states 25 in it. : )
Gainful Protein Discount
For $10 OFF your FIRST Gainful Protein purchase, visit gainful.com and use the promo code SAVE10
Nutiva Protein Discount
For $10 OFF your FIRST Nutiva Purchase of $75 or more, click this link specifically and use the
promo code LL-SA2TCSO3
Get your organic vegan plant based protein on!
