If you’re looking for a dairy-free protein powder, then you’ve likely nixed casein and whey protein from your diet. Whatever your reason, I support your decision.
Whey protein powder, the most widely consumed type, comes from cow’s milk. Although it undergoes extensive processing—extracting most of the lactose–whey is not the most digestive-friendly, nutritionally-abundant.
If you’re vegan, whey protein is automatically a no-go, which is why plant-based and dairy-free protein powders go hand-in-hand. Aside from some paleo protein powders sourced from bone broth, most non-dairy protein powders are inherently vegan.
Having tried countless products in this category, here’s a round-up of the best dairy-free protein powders that I recommend trying.
7 Best Non-Dairy Protein Powder Worth Trying
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Rating anything as the ‘best’ is undoubtedly subject to opinion. So I’m always open to input in the dairy-free category.
For me, what qualifies these products as the best non-dairy protein powder is the quality of the ingredients, lack of unhealthy additives, and how good they taste.
Not only are these winners dairy-free, but they’re gluten-free, soy-free, and of course, vegan. They’re also some of the best-tasting protein powders I consume regularly.
1. Orgain Simple Protein Powder
As creamy as it gets, Orgain Simple Protein Powder is rich-tasting and naturally sweetened with organic coconut sugar, so it doesn’t contain stevia, sugar alcohols, or artificial sweeteners.
Made from all organic ingredients, Orgain Simple’s protein blend includes pea protein, peanut flour, pumpkin seed protein, almond protein, and chia. This diversity of protein sources packs a complete protein with all essential amino acids.
All three flavors taste outstanding. The vanilla and chocolate are very creamy with a hint of malt, making them decadent and deceptively dairy-free.
Take an in-depth look at Orgain Simple Protein via my review or support my blog by adding it to your cart.
2. PlantFusion Complete Protein Powder
An underrated hero in the world of plant-based protein powder is PlantFusion Complete Protein. This gluten-free, dairy-free protein powder claims to use “open-book” food manufacturing processes, so it’s liberated from artificial flavorings, preservatives, soy, and GMOs.
The protein powder is made from pea protein isolate, artichoke protein, organic sprouted amaranth protein powder, and organic sprouted quinoa protein powder. This packs about 4.7g of BCAAs in a single-scoop serving of 21g of protein.
PlantFusion Complete Protein comes in five flavors, one of which is a Natural-No Stevia option. It’s one of the cleanest protein powders without dairy and its fantastic taste makes it worth buying again and again.
Get the full scoop on PlantFusion Complete Protein or give it a try.
3. Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Protein
If you’re looking for a keto protein powder that’s dairy-free and performance-oriented, Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is worth trying. It’s one of the most potent vegan protein powders in terms of BCAAs and it has a smooth, mild flavor that doesn’t over-dominate.
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is a top-tier plant protein powder that contains no artificial ingredients and zero sugar. It’s an entirely organic product with a simple protein blend comprised of pea protein, cranberry protein, and hemp seed protein.
A purist in the protein powder space, Sunwarrior is a legendary brand that rises above the rest in terms of quality. Warrior Blend is its flagship product that’s well-suited for both high-performing athletes and people just trying to lose weight.
Learn more about Sunwarrior Warrior Blend and read my full review. Or take my word for it and try it out.
4. OWYN Plant Protein
If you’ve browsed the protein powder aisle at your local major grocery chain, then you’ve probably seen OWYN Plant Protein on the shelves. This is a fantastic product that also uses organic cane sugar as a natural sweetener, along with monk fruit extract.
OWYN Plant Protein is a simple protein powder without stevia, giving it high praise from the anti-stevia gang. It provides a simple, 3-ingredient protein blend made from pea protein concentrate, pumpkin protein, and chia.
OWYN ranks in my top 5 best dairy-free protein powders in terms of taste. I have only had the Smooth Vanilla flavor, which has a sweet, creamy, and beany taste, as well as the Chocolate flavor, which has a dark, cocoa-forward taste.
Take an in-depth look into OWYN Plant Protein or pick up a tub and see for yourself.
5. PB2 Performance Peanut Protein
With roasted peanuts as the first ingredient, PB2 Performance Peanut Protein is a simple 6-ingredient product that harnesses the abundant amino acid profile of peanuts. Combined with brown rice, you have a complete protein that’s well-suited for muscle recovery.
PB2 Performance Peanut Protein comes in two flavors, Madagascar Vanilla and Dutch Cocoa flavor. Both are incredible tasting and blend exceptionally well into anything, including hot liquids like coffee.
The taste is mildly sweet and decadent, pairing well with dessert-like concoctions, like chia seed puddings, protein shakes, and oatmeal. It’s about as whey-like as you can get but without any dairy. It’s also a great pick if you like peanut butter protein powder.
Read my full review on PB2 Performance Peanut Protein or commit to a well-priced tub.
6. Garden of Life RAW Fit High Protein for Weight Loss
While I am often skeptical of products marketed as protein powder for weight loss, Garden of Life RAW Fit is a non-dairy protein powder that has a lot going for it, including quality ingredients and a delicious flavor profile.
This 100% organic protein powder contains Garden of Life’s “Weight Loss & Stress Management Blend” which is a combination of Svetol® (a decaffeinated green coffee bean extract) and ashwagandha. Combined with 28g of protein per serving, this blend is designed to stimulate metabolism while warding off hunger cravings.
The protein blend itself contains over 15 different ingredients, ranging from pea and brown rice protein to chia seed sprout and buckwheat sprout. For not being a sport-performance blend, it contains an impressive 5g of BCAAs.
I can’t recommend this protein powder enough. Learn more about Garden of Life RAW Fit. or try it for yourself.
7. MRM Veggie Elite Protein
MRM is a notable play in the protein powder space, and Veggie Elite is the brand’s premium vegan protein blend. The simple combination of pea and brown rice makes it a complete protein with the ideal balance of amino acids.
MRM Veggie Elite is flavored with TreLEAFia, a natural and non-GMO sweetener comprised of stevia leaf extract, trehalose, and monk fruit extract. This makes Veggiel Elite a zero-sugar, low-carb option that’s diabetic-friendly and keto-friendly.
This non-free protein powder contains Digest-All, a vegan enzyme blend that helps break down and absorb nutrients. Read my review of MRM Veggie Elite.
Why Keep Your Protein Powder Dairy-Free?
Avoiding dairy-based protein powder, like casein and whey protein, can be beneficial for many reasons
- Lactose intolerance: Many people lose their ability to tolerate lactose, the sugar found in milk. Dairy-free protein powders are a healthy choice that is gut-friendly and easier to digest.
- Nutrient density: While whey alone is abundant in amino acids and BCAAs, vegan protein powder will often trump whey in terms of key vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: Swapping dairy-based protein sources for plant-based protein sources can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research shows this diet shift can reduce the risk of heart disease and death by up to 54%.[1]
- Better blood lipid profile: The low saturated fat and high unsaturated fat contents of plant-based proteins may lower cardiovascular disease risk by improving the blood lipid profile.[2]
- Reduced inflammation and improved endothelial function: Plant-based diets can have anti-inflammatory effects and positively affect coagulation, platelet function, and endothelial function, which can contribute to reduced cardiovascular risk.[3]
- Sustainability: With animal-based sources of protein-particularly dairy-there are sustainability and environmental issues that plant-based alternatives help solve.
Dairy products are the top sources of artery-clogging saturated fat in the American diet. Although many whey protein isolates are largely lactose-free, opting for non-dairy protein powders means opting for nutrient-dense, plant-rich sources.
Leave a comment or question below, or reach out if you have feedback.
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About the Author
This article was written by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor here at VeganProteinPowder.reviews. Tyler is an experienced writer in the health and athletic space who has tried hundreds of different 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 platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. You can also visit his site TylerTafelsky.com to learn more about what he’s up to.
Scientific References
- Zhong VW, Allen NB, Greenland P, Carnethon MR, Ning H, Wilkins JT, Lloyd-Jones DM, Van Horn L. Protein foods from animal sources, incident cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality: a substitution analysis. Int J Epidemiol. 2021 Mar 3;50(1):223-233. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyaa205. PMID: 33411911; PMCID: PMC8687122.
- Satija A, Hu FB. Plant-based diets and cardiovascular health. Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2018 Oct;28(7):437-441. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2018.02.004. Epub 2018 Feb 13. PMID: 29496410; PMCID: PMC6089671.
- Kahleova H, Levin S, Barnard N. Cardio-Metabolic Benefits of Plant-Based Diets. Nutrients. 2017 Aug 9;9(8):848. doi: 10.3390/nu9080848. PMID: 28792455; PMCID: PMC5579641.