So I recently compared the three most popular plant-based protein powders to see which one was the best.
I compared price, quality and content. And there is definitely a winner.
Note: This is completely unbiased. I am not being paid to endorse any product over the others.
I didn’t mention taste in the video, because taste is subjective.
As far as taste and texture goes, don’t expect a Wendy’s Frosty.
Vega and Sunwarrior taste a little better than Garden of Life, but I suspect it’s because they have less ingredients and more sweetener in them. Quality is much more important than taste for me. I’ve grown very accustomed to drinking strange tasting health concoctions over the last 9 years and none of these even registered on my funk scale.
Also the taste really only matters if you are drinking it straight. I always mix them into to smoothies with lots of other ingredients like berries, bananas, etc. In that context it’s really hard to tell any of them apart.
And just to be clear, I’m not making the claim that “the winner” is the best plant-based protein ever created in the history of humankind, only that it’s better than the other two for a variety of reasons which I state in the video.
Get Garden of Life Protein here Get Sunwarrior Warrior Blend here
What to look for in a high quality plant-based protein powder:
-Is it Raw?
-Is it Organic?
-Is it Non-GMO?
-Is it made from whole food ingredients? (no isolates).
-Is it Gluten-free?
-Is it Soy-free? (Fermented soy like Natto is ok)
-Is it sweetened naturally? (Stevia is ideal)
-Added Probiotics and Enzymes are a plus too.
-And finally calculate the cost per ounce, not per serving.
If you know of any other plant-based protein powders that meet those high standards,
please share them in the comments section.
Related post:
Why I don’t take whey protein
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Thanks! That was great! You should consider putting Healthforce warrior food and elite green proteins to the test
I agree I would like to see both Healthforce and elite green compared to Garden of Life.
The information about Vega isn’t very clear or 100% true. Vega doesn’t use GMOs and strives for organic ingredients. It’s the labeling process that is the problem.
From the site:
re the ingredients in Vega One non-GMO?
As always, we work with our suppliers to source ingredients that are not genetically modified. As the non-GMO certification process is still relatively new—and cost prohibitive, especially to smaller scale, cooperative farmers of crops like SaviSeed (Sacha inchi)—very few ingredient suppliers have officially certified non-GMO status. Without the official certification of ingredient suppliers—even if the ingredients they produce are actually non-GMO—we cannot list the non-GMO status of each ingredient on the label. Our long-term goal is to work toward 100% certification so that we can communicate this on-pack.
Are the ingredients in Vega One organic?
To certify all ingredients can be cost prohibitive to some of the smaller famers we work with, however we choose ingredients that are organic, non-GMO and pesticide-free where we can.
How much of Vega One is certified organic?
The only certified organic ingredients in Vega One are maca and the kale in the green blend.
This is akin to going to the farmer’s market and getting food that isn’t certified but grown organically and without GMOs.
I have used Vega for years, and recommend it to my clients.
Hi Hope
Thanks for sharing that.
My intention wasn’t to bash Vega, but the fact that they actually state on their site
“…we choose ingredients that are organic, non-GMO and pesticide-free where we can”
actually makes me like them even less.
That kind of vague statement is intended to make conscientious consumers “feel better” about the brand, but with no accountability for the producer.
Ok so one batch MAY have some organic, non-gmo, pesticide-free ingredients…
Well does it or doesn’t it?
Also the other two brands found a way to source organic and non-gmo ingredients,
so Vega’s excuse about it being cost prohibitive just doesn’t hold water with me.
Especially since Vega is the most expensive.
They are asking a premium price for a product that is not premium quality.
G.O.L. and Sunwarrior hold themselves to a higher standard of accountability by committing to only use organic and non-gmo ingredients and they deserve recognition for it.
And just so you know, I’m not an organic snob or anything, but if the organic option is affordable (or in this case cheaper), I’m going with it for sure.
Caveat Emptor. Let the buyer beware. If organic, non-gmo isn’t stated on a product label, you should assume it isn’t.
Hi Chris,
I’m a first timer (Fellow Cancer Survivor) to your site and I can’t help but leave a thank you and a little input :)
Loving my accidental stumble to your site today. Thrilled by the lack of gray area in the responses/advice you give.
Personally, No one that knows me would ever believe I would even have a thought like this but,
Sometimes I can’t help think that if everyone were given Cancer for just a few weeks or so… The GMO labeling would change over night(Not years), assuming cost would certainly cease to be an issue at that point…
Dark as that may sound to some I can’t help the thought. I look at most food labels like a pack of cigarettes now (of course I do not smoke.
Point is… on a cigarette container there is a tiny label that reads” this product may contain”… funny, isn’t it???
Never again will I put an item in my shopping cart that reads this way.
I don’t want to contribute to companies who think that misleading you is good business.
Thank you Chris for all the work you put into this site. And even though we don’t know one another, I am happy you are still out there surviving :)
Thank you so much Deborah!
I have to agree with Chris 100% on the GMO aspect. If there is even the chance of part of the ingredients coming from a GMO, I don’t want it. By saying they TRY to keep all ingredients non GMO does not hold any ground for those of use wanting to keep out diets completely free of them. I have to add a big thank you to Chris for making this video. I spent a lot of time at health food stores like GNC where I found very uneducated people pushing products I am not interested in. I went all plant based several months ago and need to add more protein to my diet…usually in a fruit smoothie…and want to know which fits my needs the best. I had been focused on the Sun Worrior brand, but did not come across the Garden of Life brand. Thanks for your work. It’s appreciated. Stay healthy!!
I work in product development for a company called PlantFusion which is similar in some ways to these shakes. Having an insider’s perspective, its interesting to see both of your comments.
I can understand Vega’s statements and what they are saying about working with smaller suppliers of specialty ingredients is true…….some of them are wild-harvested and don’t have organic certs but are still grown to organic standards.
However to Chris’s point, the non-GMO issue is a different story. We actually test all of our ingredients with what’s called a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. Loosely translated its like a DNA test and tells you unequivocally if there are any traces of genetically modified material present. We do this because even though an ingredient supplier might “certify” their ingredients, those ingredients could become cross-contaminated with GMO material in many other ways. The testing I’m describing is extremely expensive (many thousands of dollars per test). But we use these products ourselves and care very much about GMO’s so accountability is very important and its worth the extra expense. Anyway, just some info from a supplement geek.
One really important question I like to ask companies I buy my nutritional products from is……….do they actually manufacture the products themselves? Many consumers are shocked to find out that the majority of these big brands do not. They outsource. And when you leave your quality standards to someone else, that can lead to all kinds of problems.
Awesome site Chris. Keep up the good work!
Biological (BV) is very low for Vega vs Garden of Life’s 13 sprouted seeds and organic sprouted brown rice (98.2 BV for GofL -closest to whey at 100%). Plus, having enzymes and probiotics are a benefit! Not to mention “raw” as they don’t use chemicals or high temperatures! Hands down, I chose Raw Protein! Being certified organic and nongmo verified shows their dedication to efficacy!
Hey Chris ~ great post as always. I use Sun Warrior, but was wondering what you thought of taste for the Garden of Life vs Sun Warrior.
Thanks!
I added this to the post, probably after you read it:
Vega and Sunwarrior are a little better than Garden of Life, but quality is much more important than taste for me. I’ve grown very accustomed to drinking strange tasting health concoctions over the last 9 years and these don’t even register on my funk scale.
Also the taste really only matters if you are drinking it straight. I always mix them into to smoothies with lots of other ingredients, in that context it’s really hard to tell them apart.
Thanks Chris — always appreciate your time to post great articles and respond individually.
Thanks hope!! But it is my understanding that they still use a bunch of synthetic vitamins in their meal replacement products. I use Healthforce vitamineral green for my vitamins as its all whole food based then some of their protein and fruit to make a meal thereby avoiding the synthetic crap
GREAT VID! GoL Raw Protein is on KILLER SALE at Whole Foods right now. Run don’t walk and get yourself some with a coupon! ;)
Thanks for the heads up! Can you provide more details: discount from coupon, regular price at Whole Foods, which Whole Foods you saw this at…
FYI, it’s $31 at my Whole Foods.
If you go to http://www.gardenoflife.com/Home/Extraordinary-Health-Newslettter-Signup.aspx, you should be able to find a $3 coupon for Raw Protein. Good at Retail Stores only; expires on 6/30/2013.
Love this video!! Thanks for taking the time to review for us.
To the best of my knowledge, Sun warrior blend ingredients are not all certified organic.
Thanks for this! I have been using GoL’s Raw Protein as well. But since I”m mostly Paleo, I am not sure whether I should continue it or not, as it’s grain and legume based. What do you think?
Hi Amanda, well it depends on what your goals are.
If your goal is to be 100% paleo then of course it’s against the rules.
But then again the paleo movement is a bit hypocritical.
For example Mark Sisson sells Primal Blueprint whey protein powder.
Pretty sure our ancestors weren’t drinking that…
Legumes have some strong anti-cancer phytonutrients, so I like to eat them.
The main grains I stay away from are wheat and corn, they are the most problematic in my opinion. :)
Please do a comparison on cooking utensils, pots and pans. I already tossed the coated, non stick but at a loss as to what safe pots to buy.
Go raw? All high heat cooking tends to cause increase in glycation/aging.
Unglazed clay? (watch for lead in slow cookers) High quality stainless? Surgical?
Well cared for cast iron cookware?
Each material has it’s own problems when high heat, cleaning, surface damage occurs. Might be worth your while to contact the manufacturer with concerns. Many toxic materials – like LEAD – are allowed to an extent by FDA in cookware. What happens in relation to heat and use? Crap shoot.
Hope this helped. Good luck :)
True Star has a great-tasting, gluten-free, whey protein powder. I have it a few times a week as a part of a fruit and chia seed smoothie for breakfast. Yum.
truestar.com/flourish
I’ve been drinking this for a little while now and love it! I usually have it with 8 oz of coconut water with 4oz of almond milk along with a little stevia. Thanks for this post!
Just a thought, it seems like these are a lot of money, but the ingredient list really simple. Couldn’t something like this be made at home? Also, how very shelf stable are these ingredients once they have been ground up? Isn’t it possible for us to get the amount of protein we need through diet alone?
Thanks Chris. You rock!
I have been using Sunwarrior protein for a long time but NOT the “Warrior Blend” so I am wondering how you feel about that one since it is just sprouted brown rice…I assume the nutrition is not as good? Sigh. I really like the flavor of the “Classic” Sunwarrior and did not love the “Warrior Blend” when I tried it. I tried GOL natural flavor and found that was find when blended with fruit/greens/stevia/vanilla etc. but Vega I don’t like at all – horrific taste in my opinion. I would love to know your thoughts on the “Classic” Sunwarrior – thanks a bunch in advance!!
I was wondering what you thought about Arbonne vegan protein powder? If you sign up with the company you get 35% off the price. It is origanally $60 for 44.4 oz but only $39 with the 35% off. Just wondering if you have looked into it and what you think about it? Thanks so much!! When I compare the cost with the vitacost I think the Arbonne is cheaper with the discount. My husband is wanting me to find a cheaper protein powder and I am looking but can’t seem to find a good quality vegan one for a decent price. Appreciate your help.
Hi Kerri!
I actually sell Arbonne & I have been a little cautious with trying & selling their health items. I’ve been running marathons & doing triathlons for 12 yrs now & I’ve tried my fair share of protein powders. After 7/8mos of resisting arbonne’s health items, I dove in….head first! I thought, “if I’m selling this stuff, i need to try it all!” And, I’m so happy I did! Their vanilla protein powder is awesome! It’s the first protein powder that doesn’t upset my stomach, it contains antioxidants & it tastes good! I highly recommend it! And, your right, with the 35% discount, it compares to most good vegan protein powders.
Thanks!
that is vitacost garden of life
Hi Chris. What is your take on the grounded flax seeds in protein powders or buying the grounded flax seeds in a packet? Do we need to worry about the omega3s being oxidized after sitting too long in a powdered form (in the garden of life)?
Garden Life sounds like a good product with value and its organic with probiotics . Good video presentation.
Thanks for sharing Barry Anderson aka Chef Barry Gourmet & Raw
I just started using the Garden of Life and I am really liking it. Have you ever tried Rainbow light protein energizer or the Ultimate Meal? I also often use Hemp Protein Powder and add Maca, chia seeds and flax meal.
Do any of these protein powders have any type of sugar added to the ingredients?
Stevia
Another GREAT video ;)
Hi Chris,
Thanks for doing the legwork on these. I just am converting to a Vegan diet and have tried multiple protein powders.
Now Pea Protein is pretty good and non GMO. The price is good on Amazon.
P.S where did you get that T-shirt? I want one.
Thanks fro everything you do.
Dante
Hi Dante
I bought the t-shirt from a Memphis juice bar called The Cosmic Coconut
Not a protein powder but an overall green health powder, Dr. Schulze’s Superfood is still the best in my opinion.
Sun warriors sprouted rice is conventional, not organic. You won’t find the word organic anywhere on the bag. Just FYI. It’s also grown in china, and it’s in the blend for 3 other companies mentioned in this thread, they provide the pea and sacha inchi for vega as well.. The company sunwarrior gets it from has an organic version available, they just don’t use it. Hope that helps. :)
Hi Jeffrey thanks for the info
The product I reviewed Sunwarrior “Warrior Blend” does not contain rice.
It is hemp, pea and cranberry.
Their “Classic Protein” is brown rice based.
Can anyone comment on the Isagenix Isalean shakes? I think they taste really good.I know they are made with undenatured organic whey from New Zealand. How can a protein powder be considered raw?
Basically it is raw if it is not heated, cold processing and freeze drying is one way manufacturers do it.
Hey Chris, I have tried the Garden of Life also and agree taste is not so great. I have high expectations of the vegan shake Isagenix (John Anderson, et al) is in the process of formulating now. Their other products have such amazing taste. Meets all the parameters you specified as well. Will let you know and get you samples when it comes out.
What do you think of Shakeology shakes? Really confused because they seem to have everything in them. Looking to feel good and weight loss too. Here is one website reviews and their seems no downside- this would be meal replacement.
Pat
http://wholeintentions.com/2012/12/a-shakeology-review-part-1-the-ingredients-protein-fruits/
Hi Chris…excellent video, I can’t wait to share it. I’m a loyal Garden of Life user and wouldn’t use anything else. Best price I’ve found is Vitacost and have it set up to deliver to me monthly on my “Set and Save” order – very convenient! Thanks for the info…love your blog!
Have you used the Garden of Life meal replacement or just protein powder? Which flavor do you like best? Thanks!
Hey Chris.I am a 3X Cancer survivor,Colon Twice,Breast.I am using a Nutri-Bullet to semi juice.I have a large Organic garden and Fruit Trees.I am trying to lose 100 pounds of pain & weight,and because I did go the Chemo/ Raidation route my thyroid is very low,and I suffer from Lymphadema in my arm. I have a rebounder,tredmill,and a big Great Dane who loves to walk.Need a little help where to start.I am now 5 yrs.cancer free and ready to embrace a new healthy life.Thank You.
Shakeology is worth checking out. Let me know if you want more information. They have vegan options available.
Awesome. Just in case it’s helpful, if anyone suffers from cold sores, pea protein will significantly make them worse, due to the high arginine and methionine levels naturally found in it.
Vitamineral Green by Healthforce Nutritionals is a good one and organic. Have you tried this one?
Chris, I did not see the link for your smoothie recipe??? Can you post for us all.
Thanks!
Hi Chris! Fellow Memphis vegan! I just discovered your blog. Love it! As for protein powders, I prefer Vega. I like the taste best, and that’s what I’m going for. I’ve tried other powders that didn’t taste as good and they just sit on my pantry shelf — untouched. I just had a Vega Cashew Butter Maca Chocolate Chip Smoothie after my run this morning!
Hi Chris, I’ve been loving my green smoothies in the morning ever since I heard you talk at Cosmic Coconut over a year ago :) Garden of Life has been my favorite for both taste and nutrition. I use both the chocolate and vanilla and pick it up at Whole Foods. Glad to see you compare it to Vega and Sun Warrior which I’ve never liked the taste of as much. Thank you for sharing all your great info!
God Bless!
BTW, I bought that T-shirt you are wearing from Cosmic Coconut for my dad who had half his colon removed last year…he loves it and wears it proudy : )
Chris what do you mix these with water?
How many calories do they have per serving?
I am taking ensure right now as I have throat
Cancer and it is challenging for me to eat solid
Foods and maintain weight so I have about 6 ensures a day at 350 calories per 8 oz bottle
Thanks
Greg
You can mix them with anything, water, almond milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, whatever.
I would stay away from Ensure, if you’re going to drink something like that, check out Orgain at http://www.orgain.com.
Thanks for the great video. Lots of valuable information.
Have you heard of LifeTime Life’s Basics? If so, what are your thoughts?
Thank you for your review! I was in the local nutrition store yesterday comparing all the protein powders and kept coming back to Garden of life’s. But, I decided to research online before investing. I spent hours online last night reading hundreds of reviews for Garden of Life and SunWarrior and was feeling very conflicted but more drawn to Garden of Life. I stumbled upon your page just now, watched the video, and now feel confident in my decision to purchase Garden of Life. Thank you!!!
Thank You CHRIS
Hi Chris :-) I just found your site today and I look forward to reading everything. I know you said if we have anything to share we should. I use the Essante Organics 7.365 alkalizing shake. I would love for you to check it out and email me your opinion. They are vegan, certified organic, no soy our whey. Thank you for your time and thank you for all the great info I have read so far :-) http://www.essanteorganics.com/onestepatatime
Hi Chris
Thanks for the great vid. I”ve bee reading some research lately that shows cancer tumours just love sugar, including the sugar they can get from carbs. Given that tumours don’t appear to be able to get sugar from protein, which of these 3 powders has the lowest carb countand the lowest amount of / or no stevia /other sweetener.
Hey Chris great video! Have you ever tried Plant Fusion plant protein? Any comments on it?
Hi Chris,
Stumbled across your site for the first time today and think it’s amazing. Love al the videos and information. I’d love to go vegan but feel I’ve got a long way to go to remove all the bad foods from my diet. I’m really into juicing and healthy foods now, have been for about a year due to health issues, but haven’t been able to cut the bad foods completely.
My question is this: I have one kidney that isn’t currently “functioning” but is still there, my doctor said that I should keep an eye on my protein intake and not have too much because one kidney will be breaking it all down. I really wanted to buy the garden of life protein shakes for when I go to the gym and such, as i’m not sure if i’d still be getting adequate intake with big salads (including spinach and such) and juicing as well. But i’m concerned it would do more harm then good, can you shed any light onto this idea?
Thanks!
hey chris,
i have ms, and i am using GOD’s medicine fruit and vegetables to fight it off and conquer it. do you know of anyone else with ms fighting it with veggies and fruits?
Hi Chris
Like others I stumbled across your great site whilst looking for plant based protein shakes (I am a newly diagnosed esophageal cancer sufferer and prior to chemo/radio therapy – I have refused the surgery – I am restricted to a liquid diet)
I have just finished ‘The China Study’ by Colin Campbell and am determined to implement the rejection of animal based protein in favour of plant based protein in an effort to keep away from surgery.
Seeing your story and website gives me more hope that my chosen path is the right way to try and beat this curse – I shall be looking through everything on the site over the weekend
Thanks for all the information and inspiration
Kind regards
Ian