In this in-depth review of Sunwarrior Classic Plus protein powder, I’ll take you on an elaborate journey through three of its primary flavors – Natural (Unsweetened), Vanilla, and Chocolate. As the cousin of Sunwarrior Warrior Blend (which is grain-free and paleo-friendly,) Sunwarrior Classic Plus offers a completely different protein blend but is still on par in terms of amino acids.
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Nutrition Review | Flavor Review | Price Review | Bottom Line
In this Sunwarrior Classic Plus protein review, we dive into the nutritional profile of the product, along with a subjective review of its flavor, texture, and overall enjoyability. I also encourage you to check out this review on Sunwarrior Warrior Blend protein if you’re looking at other high-quality Sunwarrior protein powders. First off, the nutritional profile review of Sunwarrior Classic Plus.
Nutrition Review: What Are Sunwarrior Classic Plus Protein Ingredients?
Sunwarrior Classic Plus is a raw organic vegan protein powder that provides a grain-forward blend for those looking for a solid base with brown rice protein, quinoa protein, and amaranth. But that’s not all that’s included in this complete protein powder blend.
A single serving of Sunwarrior Classic Plus contains 17-18 grams of protein (depending on the flavor). The raw vegan blend derives from the following organic sources: organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic quinoa protein, organic chia seed protein, and organic amaranth protein. The pea and rice protein powder combination makes it a “complete,” while the chia seed provides an additional boost in amino acids.
Sunwarrior Classic Plus delivers about 3.7 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and 7.5 grams of essential amino acids (EAAs). Interestingly enough, that’s almost the same amino acid profile of Sunwarrior Warrior Blend, but an entirely unique protein composition.
It probably goes without saying, but Sunwarrior Classic Plus is far from paleo. So if you’re trying to eat a grain-free, paleo/primal diet, I suggest Sunwarrior’s grain-free alternative Warrior Blend. However, Classic Plus does not contain any sugar, so it’s still a keto protein powder for those who are consuming a no-sugar or ketogenic diet.
The great thing about most Sunwarrior products is that they contain no chemicals, fillers, or artificial ingredients. Sunwarrior Classic Plus keeps it very simple and natural. The primary flavoring agents for the chocolate and vanilla flavors are organic vanilla/chocolate flavor, organic cocoa (only the chocolate), ancient sea salt, and organic stevia. The Natural flavor of Sunwarrior Classic Plus does not contain any of these flavoring agents, including stevia, so it’s made for ultimate transparency.
All in all, I was impressed by the natural simplicity of Sunwarrior Classic Plus ingredients. I have not reviewed a protein powder that keeps its ingredients as close to the source (and free of any questionable compounds) as Sunwarrior Classic Plus. In turn, this product earns itself a 4 out of 5 in the nutritional review category.
Nutritional Review Rating: 5 out of 5
Flavor Review: Does Sunwarrior Classic Plus Protein Powder Taste Good?
In the flavor review of Sunwarrior Classic Plus Protein, I had a distinct honor and the first-world privilege to try all three flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Natural. A good sign going into the tasting was how powdery and refined the texture of the protein powder. Whether or not these variables are correlated, in previous plant-based protein powder reviews, I’ve noticed products that are more powdery and dusty to be smoother and less-grittier tasting.
Sunwarrior Classic Plus Natural Review
Perhaps one of the best unflavored protein powder reviews I’ve conducted, Sunwarrior Classic Plus Natural is extremely smooth and transparent. It’s practically 100% flavorless (in a good way,) so it makes for stealth inclusion in smoothies or shakes (retaining its “natural” flavor profile.) This flavor of Sunwarrior Classic Plus is also a fantastic stevia-free protein powder option.
Sunwarrior Classic Plus Natural is very refined and floury, so it blends well into just about anything. Ideal for fruit-forward smoothies where there’s already a lot of flavor, the Natural flavor is virtually undetectable. When it comes to the natural-flavored vegan protein powders, this one was one of the best I’ve reviewed.
Sunwarrior Classic Plus Vanilla Review
Sunwarrior Classic Plus Vanilla is also extraordinarily smooth but with a nice layer of sweetness. Delightful and non-overbearing, the sweet vanilla flavor is very well-balanced and light with no artificial aftertaste (given that it’s stevia providing the sweetness.)
Like the Natural flavor, Vanilla offers some degree of transparency compared to similar flavored products, but its intensity is minimal. All in all, I found Sunwarrior Classic Plus Vanilla to be an A+ plant-based protein powder.
Sunwarrior Classic Plus Chocolate Review
To round out the series of Sunwarrior Classic Plus protein powder, the last to review was the Chocolate flavor. In short, this flavor made this line complete. The Sunwarrior Classic Plus Chocolate flavor is more of milky Belgian chocolate rather than earthy dark chocolate. It’s somewhat more creamy than other chocolate protein powders I’ve had, providing a nice balance of texture and flavor.
Unfortunately for me, the aftertaste was not as smooth as the other two flavors. Perhaps it was a different ratio in stevia, but Sunwarrior Classic Plus Chocolate finished somewhat artificial tasting. It is not my favorite in the Classic Plus series of protein powders. But it is still a fine choice for a grain-forward vegan protein powder.
Flavor Review Rating 4 out of 5
Price Review: How Much Does Sunwarrior Classic Plus Cost?
Because the price of Sunwarrior Classic Plus protein powder varies based on the seller and market demands, I am unable to list a specific price tag. But what I can do is provide you with a value rating of the cost of Sunwarrior Classic Blend is, all with respect to the product’s quality, volume, and comparability to other related vegan protein powders.
In the grand scheme of plant-based protein powders, Sunwarrior Classic Blend is slightly on the higher end. But on the spectrum of organic raw vegan protein powders, it’s actually about average. It can be easy to spend upwards of $50 on a 2+ pound tub of vegan plant protein. But with Sunwarrior Classic Plus, you can usually find 2.2-pound tubs priced under $50 (typically in the mid-to-high $40 range.) All in all, Sunwarrior Classic Plus is find a product that provides a good return on your investment.
Price Review Rating: 5 out of 5
Last Word on Sunwarrior Classic Plus Protein Powder
Have you had Sunwarrior Classic Plus Protein Powder? Let me know your thoughts on this product in the comments below. Also, check out some of the related plant-based protein powders listed below.
Related Vegan Protein Powder Reviews
- Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Review
- Orgain Protein Powder Review
- Sunwarrior Illumin8 Review
- Bob’s Red Mill Protein Powder Nutritional Booster Review
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 on various reputable 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. You can also view his personal site TylerTafelsky.com to learn more about what he’s up to.