Best Protein Powder for Smoothies (Plant-based)

BEST PROTEIN POWDER FOR SMOOTHIES AND VEGANS COMPARISON

What is the best protein powder for smoothies? What is the best protein powder for vegans?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked these questions by email, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest...you name it!

Considering I’ve tried at least 100 protein powders, I can say the question is warranted. 

It comes with the Head Blender Babe title.

If there's one area in the healthy living marketplace (besides power blenders) where there are a bevy of options to choose from, it's protein powders.

Since I am a self-proclaimed protein powder snob who has spent a lot of time weeding out the high-quality powders from the crappy ones, I've finally compiled a list of the best protein powder for smoothies and vegans.

Although I'm not 100% plant-based, I try to limit animal protein in my diet and I believe vegan protein powder is easier for the body to digest — and when you find the right one, it can be genuinely delicious.

BEST PROTEIN POWER COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

This is a comparative guide of what I call "My Fab 4 Best Protein Powders for Smoothies and Vegans."

Below is a quick reference table, followed by a more detailed breakdown of each of my favorites.

If you still have questions, please ask me in the comments!

BEST PROTEIN POWDER FOR SMOOTHIES TABLE

KA'CHAVA — ALL-IN-ONE SUPERFOOD SHAKE

I'll be honest: I started sending Ka'Chava to my mom, and that's the highest compliment I can give any nutrition product.

My mother has diabetes and has difficulty chewing, so getting high-quality, dense nutrition into her in a form she can actually enjoy drinking has been a real challenge. Ka'Chava checks every single box. She loves the taste, and I love knowing she's getting 85+ superfood ingredients, 25 grams of plant-based protein, probiotics, digestive enzymes, greens, adaptogens, and omega-3s in one single shake.

That says everything.

Ka'Chava was founded in 2014 with a mission to create the most nutrient-dense, convenient meal possible. It's not just a protein powder, it's a complete all-in-one nutrition shake that combines what you'd otherwise need from a protein powder, a greens powder, a superfood blend, and a multivitamin. For people who want maximum nutrition in one simple scoop, Ka'Chava is extraordinary.

What makes Ka'Chava stand out:

• 85+ plant-based, organic superfoods, nutrients, and functional ingredients in every serving
• Complete macros: protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs
• Includes greens and vegetables, adaptogenic mushrooms, omega-3s, probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives — sweetened naturally with coconut nectar and monk fruit
• No soy, no gluten, no dairy, no GMOs, no stevia
• Ideal as a meal replacement or a high-nutrient smoothie base

Yes, it is a premium-priced product — and it's worth every penny for the right person. If you or someone you love needs maximum nutrition in an easy-to-drink format (and actually tastes good doing it), Ka'Chava is it.

Ka'Chava All-In-One Nutrition Shake

Key Features: Plant-based; Non-GMO; No artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives; Gluten-free; Dairy-free; Soy-free; No stevia

Key Ingredients: Pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seeds, adaptogenic mushrooms (lion's mane, reishi, shiitake, maitake, king trumpet), organic greens blend, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals

Serving: 2 scoops (62 grams)

Total Protein Per Serving: 25 grams

Flavor(s): Chocolate, Vanilla, Coconut Acai, Matcha, Chai

Calories Per Serving: 240

Cost:

• $69.95 — One-time (15 servings)
• $59.95 — Subscription (15 servings)

Cost Per Serving:

• ~$4.66 — One-time
• ~$3.99 — Subscription

TRUVANI PROTEIN — CLEAN, SIMPLE, AND FROM A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST

I've been following the Food Babe, Vani Hari, for over a decade. Her relentless advocacy for transparency in food and personal care products has been genuinely eye-opening, and it's made me a better, more informed consumer. So when she launched Truvani, I knew I had to try it — and I am so glad I did.

Truvani is the polar opposite of Ka'Chava in the best possible way. While Ka'Chava goes big with 85+ ingredients, Truvani goes intentionally minimal — just 3 to 7 certified organic, real-food ingredients. Nothing fake. No fillers. No artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives. Not even stevia, which is more than most brands can say.

The philosophy behind Truvani is refreshingly simple: use as few ingredients as necessary, sourced from the absolute best places possible. And yet somehow, it tastes incredible. Smooth, not chalky or grainy — because they de-pod the peas before processing, which removes the gritty texture you get from most plant-based powders.

If you want a straight-up, clean, no-nonsense protein powder that blends beautifully into smoothies and doesn't make you read an encyclopedia to understand the label, Truvani is your answer. It's also USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO, and they test for heavy metals — something most brands don't prioritize.

Plus, with an incredibly wide variety of flavors (Lemon Cookie, Mint Chocolate, Vanilla Chai and more), it genuinely feels indulgent without any of the guilt.

Truvani Plant-Based Protein Powder

Key Features: USDA Certified Organic; Non-GMO; Vegan; Gluten-free; Dairy-free; Soy-free; No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors; No stevia; No gums or flow agents; Heavy metal tested

Key Ingredients: Organic Pea Protein Concentrate, Organic Pumpkin Seed Concentrate, Organic Chia Seed Protein Concentrate, Organic Monk Fruit Extract (varies by flavor)

Serving: 1 scoop (~29–34 grams depending on flavor)

Total Protein Per Serving: 20 grams

Flavor(s): Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana Cinnamon, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Vanilla Chai, Peanut Butter, Matcha, Mint Chocolate, Strawberry, Lemon Cookie, Unflavored & Unsweetened

Calories Per Serving: 120–130

• Cost: ~$39.99 — 20 servings (verify current price at shop.truvani.com)

Cost Per Serving: ~$2.00

Truvani Protein + Greens

Key Features: USDA Organic; Non-GMO; Vegan; Gluten-free; Dairy-free; Soy-free; No artificial sweeteners or flavors

Key Ingredients: Organic vanilla plant-based protein blend + seven organic dark leafy greens and sprouts, banana powder

Serving: 1 scoop (20 servings per bag)

Total Protein Per Serving: 10 grams

Flavor(s): Vanilla (with greens)

Calories Per Serving: ~90

Sunwarrior offers 100% plant-based, alkaline-forming protein powders that provide a complete, balanced array of essential amino acids.

They're also hypoallergenic, gluten free, non-GMO, and FREE of chemicals, acids and solvents.

As a plant-based superfood protein, it is ideal for our vegan and vegetarian tribe members who want to build muscle, lose fat and increase athletic performance with a wholesome, healthy resource.

Sunwarrior is also a great choice for those who aren't following a plant-based diet though!

It is over 85% pure protein and has a great digestion efficiency rating. And when compared to whey and soy protein powders, Sunwarrior scores pretty high in digestibility.

Its high efficiency rating is due primarily to its formulation. Sunwarrior uses an old-world, low temperature, enzymatic process that includes the whole grain of brown rice, including the germ, endosperm, and bran. This unique process maximizes the levels of bio-activity and creates a protein with a silky smooth texture that mixes well — a marked improvement over other plant-based protein powders that are often gritty, chalky, and yucky in taste.

I like Sunwarrior because it truly is one of the best tasting vegan protein powders that has everything your body needs, for a great price! Plus there are several options to choose from based on your activity level and needs.

Sunwarrior offers six powders that I like a lot: The Warrior Blend, Classic Plus, Classic Protein, Lean Protein, Active Protein and Plant-Based Collagen.

If you're trying to decide which of the Sunwarrior powders is best for you, the key difference between them is the vegan source of protein used.

Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Protein

Key Features: Raw; Plant-based; USDA Organic; Soy free; No Sugar Added; Gluten-free; Dairy free; Vegan; NonGMO

Key Ingredients: Yellow peas, hemp seeds and goji berries

Serving: 1 scoop (25 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 16–20 grams (varies by flavor)

Flavor(s): Chocolate, Vanilla, Natural, Berry, Mocha

Calories per Serving: 100

Cost:

• $26.97 — 17 servings (14.9 oz)
• $44.97 — 30 servings (26.4 oz)

Warrior Classic Plus Protein

Key Features: Raw; Plant-based; USDA Organic; Soy free; No Sugar Added; Gluten-free; Dairy free; Vegan; NonGMO

Key Ingredients: Pea, brown rice, quinoa, chia seed, amaranth

Serving: 1 scoop (25 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 17–20 grams (varies by flavor)

Flavor(s): Chocolate, Vanilla, Natural

Calories per Serving: 100

Cost:

• $26.97 — 15 servings (13.2 oz)
• $44.97 — 30 servings (26.4 oz)

Sunwarrior Classic Protein

Key Features: Raw; Plant-based; USDA Organic; Soy free; No Sugar Added; Gluten-free; Dairy free; Vegan; NonGMO

Key Ingredients: Brown rice

Serving: 1 scoop (21 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 15–17 grams (varies by flavor)

Flavor(s): Chocolate, Vanilla, Natural

Calories per Serving: 80

Cost:

• $26.97 — 15 servings (13.2 oz)
• $44.97 — 30 servings (26.4 oz)

Sunwarrior Lean Protein

Key Features: Raw; Plant-based; USDA Organic; Soy free; No Sugar Added; Gluten-free; Dairy free; Vegan; NonGMO

Key Ingredients: Yellow peas, sprouted and fermented whole grain brown rice, sprouted quinoa, flax and chia seeds, vegetable blend

Serving: 2 scoops (40 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 19–20 grams

Flavor(s): Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, Snickerdoodle, Salted Caramel

Calories per Serving: 160

Cost:

• $48.97 — 20 servings (25.44 oz)

Sunwarrior Active Protein

Key Features: Raw; Plant-based; USDA Organic; Soy free; No Sugar Added; Gluten-free; Dairy free; Vegan; NonGMO

Key Ingredients: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Brown Rice Protein, Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein, Organic Tart Cherry, Organic Maca (root) Extract, Organic Turmeric (root) Extract, Black Pepper (fruit) Extract

Serving: 2 scoops (40 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 30 grams

Flavor(s): PB Choco, Cake Batter, Chocolate, Vanilla Bean

Calories per Serving: 160

Cost:

• $44.97 — 20 servings (31.04 oz)

Sunwarrior Plant-Based Collagen

Key Features: Organic Plant-based Protein & Protein Peptides; Soy free; No Sugar Added; Gluten-free; Dairy free; Vegan

Key Ingredients: Organic brown rice peptides, organic pea protein (fermented), hyaluronic acid (HA), organic biotin, organic sea buckthorn, organic tremella mushroom, silica, organic spirulina, vitamin C; paleo and keto-friendly

Serving: 1 scoop (25 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 15 grams

Flavor(s): Tahitian Vanilla, Chocolate Fudge

Calories per Serving: 100

Cost:

• $38.97 — 20 servings (17.6 oz)

VEGA PROTEIN

Vega has proven (time and time again) to produce nutritional and pretty good tasting plant-based products.

My favorite protein powder in their product line is the Vega One Organic All-in-One Shake, which now carries USDA Organic certification. It provides 50% of your daily vitamins and minerals, 20 g protein, 4 g fiber, 500 mg omega-3s, antioxidants and probiotics.

What I love about Vega is their consistency and reliability. All of Vega's protein powders are vegan and free of dairy, gluten, and soy. They also contain no added sugar, artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.

Vega divides their products into Everyday Nutrition and Sports Nutrition categories, making it easy to find what's right for your goals — whether you're a casual smoothie drinker or a hardcore athlete.

Vega One Organic All-in-One

Key Features: Vegan; Gluten-free; NonGMO; Dairy and Soy free; No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners; 50% of daily vitamins and minerals; Omega-3, fiber, low-glycemic carbohydrates

Key Ingredients: Organic pea protein, organic sunflower seed protein, organic pumpkin seed protein

Serving: 1 scoop (42 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 20 grams

Flavor(s): Chocolate, French Vanilla, Plain Unsweetened, Coconut Almond, Mocha, Berry

Calories per Serving: 150

Cost:

• $42.99 — Small (9–10 servings | 13.2 oz)
• $75.99 — Large (17–20 servings | 24.3 oz)
• $112.99 — Extra Large (42–43 servings | 61.8 oz)

Vega Proteins & Greens

Key Features: Vegan; Gluten-free; NonGMO; Dairy and Soy free; No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners

Key Ingredients: Pea protein, brown rice protein, hemp protein, sacha inchi protein, veggies and greens blend

Serving: 1 scoop (33 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 20 grams

Flavor(s): Vanilla, Chocolate, Berry, Coconut Almond

Calories per Serving: 110–120

Cost:

• $34.99 — Small (16–18 servings | 18.6 oz)
• $46.99 — Large (25 servings | 28.7 oz)

Vega Essentials

Key Features: Vegan; Gluten-free; NonGMO; Dairy and Soy free; No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners; 25% DV of 12 vitamins and minerals; 16% DV fiber; 1 g Omega-3 ALA

Key Ingredients: Pea protein, flax seed, hemp protein

Serving: 1 scoop (36 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 20 grams

Flavor(s): Chocolate, Vanilla, Berry

Calories per Serving: 130–140

Cost:

• $46.99 — Medium (17–18 servings | 21.6 oz)
• $66.99 — Extra Large (approx. 30 servings | 38.2 oz)

Vega Made Simple Protein

Key Features: Vegan; Gluten-free; NonGMO; Dairy and Soy free; No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners

Key Ingredients: Pea, hemp, alfalfa, and pumpkin seed

Serving: 1 scoop (37 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 15 grams

Flavor(s): Dark Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry Banana

Calories per Serving: 130

Cost:

• $24.99 — Small (10 servings | 9.2 oz)
• $58.99 — Large (38–39 servings | 35.7 oz)
• $99.99 — Extra Large (70 servings | 64.1 oz)

Vega Sport Premium Protein

Key Features: Vegan; Gluten-free; NonGMO; Dairy and Soy free; No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners

Key Ingredients: Pea, alfalfa, pumpkin seed and organic sunflower seed proteins

Serving: 1 scoop (44 grams)

Total Protein per Serving: 30 grams

Flavor(s): Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Mocha, Berry

Calories per Serving: 170

Cost:

• $64.99 — Large (19–20 servings | 29.2 oz)
• $99.99 — X-Large (45 servings | 65.8 oz)

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you're looking for the best protein powder for smoothies — whether you're vegan or not — my recommendation is to try a few from this Fab 4 lineup! Everyone has different taste buds, different health goals, and different nutritional needs, so you really want to find the one that tastes great AND works for YOU.

Here's my quick cheat sheet:

• Ka'Chava — Best all-in-one, maximum nutrition, perfect for meal replacement or anyone needing easy, dense nutrition (hello, my mom!)
• Truvani — Best for clean-ingredient purists who want simple, real-food protein with incredible flavor variety
• Sunwarrior — Best for athletes and those wanting multiple protein source options at a great price point
• Vega — Best for everyday nutrition and sports performance with a trusted, reliable track record

If you have any questions or comments, please ask below. Happy blending!