Best Plant Protein Powder for Runners & Endurance Athletes?

Driven by demand, protein powder has become a popular supplement for runners. It’s an effective tool to ensure runners are getting adequate protein and nutrients, enabling optimal recovery between training and racing. 

However, not all protein powders are created equally. Far from it. Having done years of research and experimentation on this topic, below I share the best protein powder for runners, and why.

What Defines the Best Protein Powder for Runners?

So, what actually defines the best protein powder for runners? In choosing the products I recommend below, there are certain criteria to look for, including:

• A complete protein. More than just having all nine essential amino acids, research shows that having a higher concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) aids in muscle recovery.^[1] 
• Non-isolated protein sources. Protein isolates, such as whey protein isolate, can become “denatured” during processing, an outcome that contributes to inflammation. The same goes for soy protein isolate and other plant-based counterparts. Avoid protein isolates.
• Clean protein sources with high bioavailability. Whey protein is popular because it’s naturally complete and highly bioavailable. But because it’s a dairy-based protein, it doesn’t agree with everybody. Plant sources can be just as effective. Organic pea, hemp, chia, and pumpkin seed protein all offer high bioavailability. 
• Free of artificial ingredients. Countless protein powders contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors, which can also contribute to inflammation and unknown side effects. Steer toward natural recognizable ingredients, preferably organic and non-GMO, including natural sweeteners.
• No refined vegetable oils. Soybean oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil are often added to protein powders as a defoaming and thickening agent. Unfortunately, these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess.^[2]
• No added thickeners, gums, or fibers. These added fillers, such as xanthan gum and guar gum, can lead to gastric distress, constipation, and bloating in people with sensitive digestive systems. Runners can be especially vulnerable.
• NSF Certified for Sport® is one certification that indicates products that are free of unsafe levels of contaminants, masking agents, or banned substances. Certified for Sport® isn’t necessarily a must-have but it is a nice-to-have. 

In general, plant-based protein powders are a good option as they result in significantly lower levels of inflammation compared to animal-based protein sources like whey. So, the recommendations I offer below are all vegan, plant-based options. Let’s dive in.

My Top 5 Protein Powders for Runners

Unfortunately, there are a lot of poorly researched articles and blog posts that suggest whey protein isolates and other misguided product recommendations that runners should avoid like the plague. 

So, to set the record straight, consider these recommended protein powders for runners.

1. Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-based Protein

As a popular option found at most health food stores and big box retailers, Garden of Life’s Sport Organic Plant-based Protein isn’t just marketed as clean. It is a clean protein powder. And it’s labeled Certified for Sport.

Free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, this sport protein powder is an entirely organic blend made up of pea, sprouted navy bean, sprouted lentil bean, sprouted garbanzo bean, and cranberry seed. Sprouted indicates “raw,” which can further improve the quality of the protein.

One serving is packed with 30 grams of protein, including 5.5 grams of BCAAs and 5 grams of l-glutamine. Also aiding in recovery is 2 billion CFU of probiotics, tart cherry, and turmeric. Garden of Life Sport is also considered a keto protein powder because it’s low-carb and has zero sugar.

As a runner and multisport athlete, I frequently purchase this product. It has a smooth creamy taste and both the chocolate and vanilla flavor are some of the best-tasting protein powders that I can recommend.

2. PB2 Performance Peanut Protein

Also highly ranked for its great taste and clean ingredients, PB2 Performance Peanut Protein is a complete blend made up of roasted peanut and brown rice protein. Not only are peanuts themselves a functional vegan food high in amino acids, but the legume plus grain combination is what defines complete plant-based protein.^[3]

PB2 Performance Peanut Protein is free from fillers and additives, making it a clean and healthy option for runners. A touch of monk fruit extract adds an inviting sweetness to the protein. If you fan of peanut butter-flavored protein powder, this is a classic option that’s one of the best in its class.

PB2 Performance Peanut Protein comes in two flavors, including Dutch Cocoa and Madagascar Vanilla. While both taste incredibly good, it’s worth noting that the latter vanilla flavor contains “natural flavors,” which is an ambiguous and questionable agent. Unfortunately, a vast majority of protein powders on the market contain it.

3. Truvani Plant-based Protein

Meeting the criteria for being a stripped-back, sports-minded protein powder, Truvani Plant-based Protein contains an organic blend of pea, rice, and hemp, which makes it an amino-rich option for runners and endurance athletes.

Truvani Plant-based Protein is available in nine flavors: vanilla, vanilla chai, banana cinnamon, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, matcha, peanut butter, and unflavored. Each flavor has distinct ingredients. (See my Truvani protein powder review for an in-depth look).

Aside from chocolate, all remaining flavors are honest and nutritionally sound. Banana Cinnamon, Matcha, and Vanilla Chai are three unique flavors that have distinct ingredient lists and standout flavor profiles. Truvani isn’t the cheapest option. But it’s one of the purest worth trying.

4. Orgain Simple Protein

Another personal favorite for many reasons, Orgain Simple Protein is an athlete-minded option that lives up to its name. 

It’s made with organic ingredients, including golden peas, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and chia seeds. This diverse protein blend packs an abundance of vegan amino acids needed for recovery. 

Made with coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index, Orgain Simple Protein is naturally sweet and has no stevia or artificial sweeteners. There aren’t any sketchy additives or fillers, either. But it does have natural flavors.

This protein powder is available in three delicious flavors, including chocolate, peanut butter, and vanilla, making it one of the best protein powders for runners who care about taste.

5. Your Super Skinny Protein

Your Super Skinny Protein is an ultra-clean, minimal-ingredient protein powder that’s great for runners. It’s made of hemp protein and pea protein powder and is also equipped with moringa, spirulina, and alfalfa powder. 

In addition to being nutrient-dense, all of the ingredients are organic, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. Your Super Skinny Protein contains no fillers, additives, or artificial sweeteners – just pure ingredients that are easily digestible and highly bioavailable protein.

This runner-friendly protein powder is very fine and mixes well. But given its minimalist makeup and no sugar, the taste is pretty green as to be expected. But mixed with a smoothie or other concoctions, the taste of Your Super Skinny Protein works well.

Choosing your best protein powder for running recovery

At the very least, you’ll want to leave with the knowledge in knowing what to look for in the best protein powder for runners and endurance recovery:

• High-quality, bioavailable protein sources that are easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
• Organic protein powder and avoiding consuming pesticides (hello, glyphosate) and other harmful chemicals.
• Low-to-no fillers, additives, or flavoring agents make for the cleanest options.
• Good-tasting protein powders are more likely to be consumed, especially after running.
• No refined oils that can be inflammatory and inhibit athletic recovery.
• Low-fat, low-carb, or specific dietary preferences are preferred for certain athletes.

In summary: Protein powders that contain a variety of plant-based protein sources are generally great options for runners and endurance athletes, whether or not they follow a vegan diet.

Of the different types of athletes, runners know the importance of optimal recovery. Especially prone to injury and overtraining, it’s crucial for runners to prioritize sleep and nutrition as part of their recovery process. I hope these suggestions have been helpful. If you have certain protein powders that you like or dislike, let me know your recommendations or feedback in the comments.

About the Author

This review was conducted by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor here at VeganProteinPowder.reviews. Tyler is an experienced writer in the health, nutrition, and athletic space, and he offers over a decade of experience blogging at Better Triathlete and at numerous other platforms. Having experimented with a vegan diet over the course of his life, Tyler has tried hundreds of plant-based nutritional products and writes about his favorites here on this blog. Learn more about Tyler by viewing his full author bio or by following him on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram.

Scientific References

1. Negro M, Giardina S, Marzani B, Marzatico F. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not enhance athletic performance but affects muscle recovery and the immune system. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2008 Sep;48(3):347-51. PMID: 18974721.
2. Innes JK, Calder PC. Omega-6 fatty acids and inflammation. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2018 May;132:41-48. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2018.03.004. Epub 2018 Mar 22. PMID: 29610056.
3. Arya SS, Salve AR, Chauhan S. Peanuts as functional food: a review. J Food Sci Technol. 2016 Jan;53(1):31-41. doi: 10.1007/s13197-015-2007-9. Epub 2015 Sep 19. PMID: 26787930; PMCID: PMC4711439.