The Best Vegan Whey Protein Powders

Updated 2023

This article covers the best vegan whey protein powders out on the market.

(Also called animal-free whey protein.)

Since vegan whey is an up-and-coming form of sustainable protein…

There are only 3 such protein powders available in 2023.

Quick note:

This is not a sponsored post nor an affiliate article.

Let’s begin.

Last updated: Aug. 31, 2023. See our disclaimer.

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An image that compares and summarizes the best vegan whey protein powders as per the information available in the text in this article.

Mooless Animal-Free Whey Protein

An image of a screenshot showing Natreve's Mooless Animal Free Whey Protein on sale at Amazon.com

Summary

Mooless Animal-Free Whey Protein is made with Perfect Day’s yeast-derived whey protein. It provides all essential amino acids and is free from lactose, gluten, and added sugar. Note: since it’s a whey protein, this product contains milk allergens.

We compare Mooless to a popular dairy-based whey protein powder in the following article:

Vegan Whey vs. Normal Whey: Nutrition & Safety

Ingredients

This ingredient profile is for the Chocolate Fudge Brownie version of this product:

Non-Animal Whey Protein Isolate

Non-animal whey protein is a more formal synonym for what others call vegan whey protein or animal-free whey protein.

For more information on the differences between these terms see the following article:

Vegan Whey Protein & Animal-Free Whey: Terms to Know

Non-animal whey protein is produced by microbes like yeast, not by cattle. For more info on how vegan whey protein is made, see the following article:

How is Vegan (Animal-Free) Whey Protein Made? 3 Ways

Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali)

Cocoa powder that’s processed with alkali is also known as “Dutched” cocoa.

Manufacturers alkalize (Dutch) the cocoa in order to reduce its acidity and bitterness and thus make it more palatable.

On the flipside, Dutching the cocoa may significantly reduce its antioxidant content.1–3

DigeSEB (Multi-Enzyme Blend)

DigeSEB is a mix of enzymes that can help with nutrient digestion and absorption. It is vegan and gluten-free. 4

Organic Guar Gum

Guar gum is derived from the seeds of the Cyamopsis tetragonoloba plant. More commonly, this plant is simply called the guar bean or cluster bean. Guar gum has many uses, including as a thickener in processed foods. 5

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is a type of carbohydrate that’s produced by bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. Xanthan gum has many uses, including as a thickener and stabilizer in foods.6

Organic Coconut Milk Powder

At least in test tube studies, coconut milk powder shows that it can protect fats, proteins, and even DNA with its strong antioxidant potential.7

Organic Stevia Leaf Extract

This zero-calorie sweetener is derived from the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana) that’s native to South America.8–10

Organic Monk Fruit Extract

This is a low-calorie sweetener that’s derived from the monk fruit plant (Siraitia grosvenorii).11–13

Miscellaneous Ingredients

Natural Flavor, Sea Salt

Nutritional Profile

This nutritional profile is for the Chocolate Fudge Brownie version of this product.

This image shows the nutritional profile of mooless animal-free whey protein. Serving size = 28g. Calories = 100. Total Fat = 0.5g. Saturated & Trans Fat = 0g. Cholesterol = 0 mg. Sodium = 190 mg. Total Carbs = 5g. Dietary Fiber = 2g. Total Sugars = 1 g. Added Sugars = 0 g. Protein = 20 g. VitaminD = 0 mcg. Calcium = 0 mg. Iron = 2 mg. Potassium = 311 mg.

Amino Acid Profile

For now, Natreve provides a typical amino acid profile for its Vanilla Bean Cupcake flavor only. We presume that this amino acid profile is relatively similar across all of the other flavors.

An image showing Mooless Animal-Free Whey Protein's Amino Acid Profile Per 100 g of Protein. Alanine = 5g. Arginine = 2 g. Aspragine = N/A. Aspartic Acid = 11 g. Cysteine = 2.5 g. Glutamic Acid = 17.5 g. Glutamine = N/A. Glycine = 1.5 g. Histidine* = 1.5 g. Isoleucine* = 1.5 g. Leucine* = 10.5 g. Lysine* = 10 g. Methionine* = 2 g. Phenylalanine* = 3 g. Proline = 6 g. Serine = 4.5 g. Threonine* = 7 g. Tryptophan* = 2.g Tyrosine = 3 g. Valine* = 5.5 g. A * denotes an essential amino acid.

Lactose-Free?

Yes, Mooless is lactose-free.

Gluten-Free?

Mooless Animal-Free Whey protein is gluten free.

Allergy Warnings

Mooless animal-free whey protein powder contains milk protein.

(Related: Is Vegan Whey Protein Safe? What FDA Documents Reveal)

Available Flavors

Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Cookies and Cream

Strawberry Shortcake

Vanilla Bean Cupcake

Cost Per Gram of Protein

$0.12

The price per gram of protein is based on the list price since taxes, shipping, and temporary discounts will vary.

This price is rounded to the nearest whole cent and it’s based on the list price of the Chocolate Fudge Brownie version of this product.

Who Is It Made By?

Natreve

Where To Buy

Amazon Link

Company Product Page

Whey Forward

An image of a screenshot taken from Amazon.com showing Myprotein's Whey Forward Protein Powder On Sale.

Summary

Whey Forward is made with Perfect Day’s animal-free whey protein. In other words, this is a yeast-derived whey protein. Whey Forward states that it provides a complete amino acid profile. It’s also lactose free and contains no added sugar.

Ingredients

This ingredient profile is for the Decadent Chocolate Brownie version of this product:

Non-Animal Whey Protein

Non-animal whey protein is a synonym for what some people call vegan whey protein or animal-free whey protein.

The following article describes the similarities and differences of these terms in greater detail:

Vegan Whey Protein & Animal-Free Whey: Terms to Know

Non-animal whey protein is made by microorganisms like yeast, not by dairy animals. For more information on how non-animal whey protein is made, see the following article:

How is Vegan (Animal-Free) Whey Protein Made? 3 Ways

Cocoa Processed with Alkali

Many people describe 100% pure cocoa powder as bitter or acidic. To lower this bitterness and acidity, cocoa powder is processed with substances called alkali. This process is also called “Dutching”.

While this process improves cocoa’s taste profile, it may significantly reduce cocoa’s antioxidant content.1–3

Cellulose Gum

Cellulose gum is used to make foods thick and creamy.  This ingredient is made from plant cell walls.14

Sucralose

Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener.15

Miscellaneous Ingredients

Natural & Artificial Flavoring (Natural & Artificial Flavor, Modified Food Starch), Salt

Nutritional Profile

This nutritional profile is for the Decadent Chocolate Brownie version of this product.

This image shows the nutritional profile of Whey Froward whey protein. Serving size = 25.2g. Calories = 90. Total Fat = 0g. Saturated & Trans Fat = 0g. Cholesterol = 0 mg. Sodium = 220 mg. Total Carbs = 3g. Dietary Fiber = 1g. Total Sugars = 0 g. Added Sugars = 0 g. Protein = 20 g. Vitamin D = 0 mcg. Calcium = 92 mg. Iron = 0.5 mg. Potassium = 170 mg.

Amino Acid Profile

Whey Forward doesn’t provide a detailed amino acid profile other than to state the product contains “a complete amino acid profile” and 4.7 g of BCAAs per serving.

Lactose-Free?

Whey Forward is free from lactose.

Gluten-Free?

Whey Forward doesn’t provide information on gluten.

Allergy Warnings

Whey Forward contains milk allergen.

(Related: Is Vegan Whey Protein Safe? What FDA Documents Reveal)

Flavors

Cinnamon Cereal

Creamy Mint Chocolate Chip

Decadent Chocolate Brownie

Fruity Cereal

Rich Salted Caramel

Strawberry Banana

Cost Per Gram of Protein

$0.15

The price per gram of protein is based on the list price since taxes, shipping, and temporary discounts will vary.

This price is rounded to the nearest whole cent and it’s based on the list price of the Decadent Chocolate Brownie version of this product.

Who Is It Made By?

Whey Forward is made by MYPROTEIN

Where To Buy

Amazon Link

Company Product Page

V-Whey Animal-Free Protein Powder

An image of a screenshot taken from Amazon.com showing California Performance Co's V-Whey Protein Powder on Sale.

Summary

V-Whey is Perfect Day’s very own line of vegan whey protein powder, produced under the California Performance Co. brand. This whey protein powder contains all essential amino acids and it’s free from lactose, gluten, and added sugar. Like any other yeast-derived whey protein product, V-Whey contains milk allergens.

Ingredients

This ingredient profile is for the Chocolate Brownie version of this product.

Non-Animal Whey Protein

Non-animal whey protein is a more technical or formal term for what’s commonly referred to as animal-free whey protein or vegan whey protein.

The following article describes these (and similar) terms in greater detail:

Vegan Whey Protein & Animal-Free Whey: Terms to Know

Non-animal whey protein is made by microscopic organisms like yeast, not by dairy animals like cows. For more information on how vegan whey protein is made, see the following article:

How is Vegan (Animal-Free) Whey Protein Made? 3 Ways

Cocoa Powder (processed with alkali)

100% raw cocoa powder is pretty bitter and acidic. The opposite of an acid is a base. People use basic substances (alkali) to process the cocoa powder into something tastier. This process is sometimes called “Dutching”.

While this process improves cocoa’s taste profile, it may significantly reduce cocoa’s antioxidant content.1–3

Guar Gum

Guar gum is derived from the seeds of the Cyamopsis tetragonoloba plant. More commonly, this plant is simply called the guar bean or cluster bean. Guar gum has many uses, including as a thickener in processed foods. 5

Gum Acacia

Gum acacia, also called gum Arabic, is a fiber that comes from the stems and branches of the Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal plants that are common to parts of Africa.

Gum acacia is used as a thickener and stabilizer in food. 16

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is a type of carbohydrate that’s produced by bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. Xanthan gum has many uses, including as a thickener and stabilizer in foods.6

Steviol Glycosides

Steviol glycosides are the main biochemical compounds in the Stevia plant’s leaves, which give Stevia sweeteners their sweetness.17,18

This zero-calorie sweetener is derived from the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana) that’s native to South America.8–10

Miscellaneous Ingredients

Sunflower Oil Creamer [sunflower oil(with natural tocopherols), maltodextrin, modified food starch, mono & diglycerides], Natural Flavor, Sea Salt

Nutritional Profile

This nutritional profile is for the Chocolate Brownie version of this product.

This image shows the nutritional profile of V-Whey vegan whey protein. Serving size = 32g. Calories = 120. Total Fat = 1.5 g. Saturated & Trans Fat = 0 g. Cholesterol = 0 mg. Sodium = 260 mg. Total Carbs = 5 g. Dietary Fiber = <1 g. Total Sugars = 0 g. Added Sugars = 0 g. Protein = 23 g. Vitamin D = 0 mcg. Calcium = 120 mg. Iron = 1.1 mg. Potassium = 280 mg.

Amino Acid Profile

This amino acid profile is for the Chocolate Brownie version of this product.

An image showing V-Whey Protein's Amino Acid Profile Per 100 g of Protein. Alanine = 5.82 g. Arginine = 2.53 g. Aspragine = N/A. Aspartic Acid = 9.43 g. Cysteine = 2.62 g ^. Glutamic Acid = 17.04 g. Glutamine = N/A. Glycine = 1.31 g. Histidine* = 1.44 g. Isoleucine* = 5.1 g. Leucine* = 13.2 g. Lysine* = 10.26 g. Methionine* = 2.62 g ^. Phenylalanine* = 3.34 g ^. Proline = 4.5 g. Serine = 3.03 g. Threonine* = 4.16 g. Tryptophan* = 1.73 g Tyrosine = 3.34 g ^. Valine* = 4.47 g. A * denotes an essential amino acid. A ^ denotes that the ^ Manufacturer provided only the following information: Cysteine + Methionine = 5.24 g; Phenylalanine + Tyrosine = 6.67 g.

Lactose-Free?

V-Whey is lactose free.

Gluten-Free?

V-Whey is gluten free.

Allergy Warnings

V-Whey contains milk proteins (milk allergen).

(Related: Is Vegan Whey Protein Safe? What FDA Documents Reveal)

Available Flavors

Chocolate Brownie

Mixed Berry

Vanilla Sundae

Cost Per Gram of Protein

$0.09

The price per gram of protein is based on the list price since taxes, shipping, and temporary discounts will vary.

This price is rounded to the nearest whole cent and it’s based on the list price of the Chocolate Brownie version of this product.

Who Is It Made By?

V-Whey Animal-Free Protein Powder is made by California Performance Co.

Where To Buy

Update August 2023: The makers of this protein supplement, California Performance Co., have stopped selling their V-Whey Animal-Free Protein Powder.

Amazon Link

Company Page

  1. Razola-Díaz M del C, Aznar-Ramos MJ, Verardo V, Melgar-Locatelli S, Castilla-Ortega E, Rodríguez-Pérez C. Exploring the Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds in Different Cocoa Powders. Antioxidants. 2023;12(3):716.
  2. Katz DL, Doughty K, Ali A. Cocoa and Chocolate in Human Health and Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2011;15(10):2779-2811.
  3. Miller KB, Hurst WJ, Payne MJ, et al. Impact of alkalization on the antioxidant and flavanol content of commercial cocoa powders. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56(18):8527-8533.
  4. DigeSEB – Digestive Enzymes – Bloating, Gas, Milk & Soy Indigestion. Specialty Enzymes & ProbioticsTM. Accessed August 31, 2023. https://specialtyenzymes.com/products/digestive-enzymes/digeseb-line/
  5. Mudgil D, Barak S, Khatkar BS. Guar gum: processing, properties and food applications—A Review. J Food Sci Technol. 2014;51(3):409-418.
  6. Mortensen A, Aguilar F, Crebelli R, et al. Re‐evaluation of xanthan gum (E 415) as a food additive. EFSA J. 2017;15(7):e04909.
  7. Karunasiri AN, Gunawardane M, Senanayake CM, Jayathilaka N, Seneviratne KN. Antioxidant and Nutritional Properties of Domestic and Commercial Coconut Milk Preparations. Int J Food Sci. 2020;2020:3489605.
  8. Ahmad J, Khan I, Blundell R, Azzopardi J, Mahomoodally MF. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.: an updated review of its health benefits, industrial applications and safety. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2020;100:177-189.
  9. Lemus-Mondaca R, Vega-Gálvez A, Zura-Bravo L, Ah-Hen K. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, source of a high-potency natural sweetener: A comprehensive review on the biochemical, nutritional and functional aspects. Food Chem. 2012;132(3):1121-1132.
  10. Samuel P, Ayoob KT, Magnuson BA, et al. Stevia Leaf to Stevia Sweetener: Exploring Its Science, Benefits, and Future Potential. J Nutr. 2018;148(7):1186S-1205S.
  11. Shivani, Thakur BK, Mallikarjun CP, et al. Introduction, adaptation and characterization of monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii): a non-caloric new natural sweetener. Sci Rep. 2021;11:6205.
  12. Younes M, Aquilina G, Engel K, et al. Safety of use of Monk fruit extract as a food additive in different food categories. EFSA J. 2019;17(12):e05921.
  13. Younes M, Aquilina G, Engel K, et al. Safety of use of Monk fruit extract as a food additive in different food categories. EFSA J. 2019;17(12):e05921.
  14. Carboxymethyl Cellulose – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Accessed August 31, 2023. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/carboxymethyl-cellulose
  15. AlDeeb OAA, Mahgoub H, Foda NH. Sucralose. Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. 2013;38:423-462.
  16. Jarrar AH, Stojanovska L, Apostolopoulos V, et al. The Effect of Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Adults at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2021;13(1):194.
  17. Acevedo W, González-Nilo F, Agosin E. Docking and Molecular Dynamics of Steviol Glycoside-Human Bitter Receptor Interactions. J Agric Food Chem. 2016;64(40):7585-7596.
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