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Plant-based protein powder is on the rise, and for good reason. People are taking control of what they put in their bodies, and turning to vegan protein powder as a cleaner option. I’m here to break down what kinds protein bases are the best (and worst)… as well as explain why hemp protein powder won’t make you high.

You might also like my Homemade Protein Powder recipe, which I add to most of my smoothie recipes to turn them into a meal replacement or post-workout recovery drink. If you’d rather buy a plant-based protein powder, I suggest Ritual Protein or Complement Essential.

Scoop of homemade protein powder in a 1/4 cup measuring spoon in front of a large glass jar of the full batch of DIY protein powder.

The Importance of Protein

Protein is used to build and repair tissue (like muscle). It also helps the body create hormones, enzymes and other essential chemicals, and, bottom line: makes your hair, skin, and fingernails look great. Basically your whole body needs protein to function properly.

Yet the body also needs carbs + healthy fat to help break down the protein you just ingested. So when you are looking for a great plant-based protein powder, look for one that also has fat as well as fiber to help break down that protein.

Who Should Use Protein in Smoothies?

Let me be clear: bodybuilders don’t own the rights to protein powders (vegan or otherwise). Any active athlete looking for an easier way to increase their protein intake should consider using a protein powder. Those who regularly work out need double the amount of protein over those with a more sedate lifestyle. It’s also helpful for people looking to…

  • Increase muscle mass
  • Lose weight
  • Lower cholesterol or blood pressure
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Make quick healthy meals

If you said yes to any of the above, then a protein powder supplement might be right for you. Protein boosted smoothies can help you:

  • Gain Muscle. This is probably the most widely known benefit of protein powders. Added protein helps muscles rebuild faster after a workout. Because of the direct ways protein affects the muscles, the best time to consume protein powders are after a workout.
  • Lose weight. Protein is also a great way to stop any unwanted snacking. You stay full longer after that green smoothie when you boost it with plant-based protein powder. It also boosts the metabolism, burning fat and keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels low.
  • Protect the Immune System. Protein doesn’t just strengthen muscles, it also strengthens every cell in the body. This makes them less likely to be infected- keeping you strong and healthy.
  • Commit to a healthy diet. Using a protein powder with healthy fats can turn a daily smoothie into a meal replacement. This is truly the healthiest “fast food” there is as well as an easy habit to embrace daily.

Shakes and smoothies are the best way to consume protein powders. I love adding hemp protein powder to my daily smoothie, workout or not. It helps me stay full longer and be more productive with my day, as well as help me recover faster from a workout.

Overhead view of homemade protein powder being poured into a blender container with fruit.

Best Protein for Smoothies

After years of trying to find a powder that I enjoyed adding to my smoothies, I gave up. It didn’t exist. There was either too much junk in it, or not enough of the right stuff. I went on a quest to create my own powder that I could use every day and love how it tasted, what was in it and the results I got. And I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

I really do love my Homemade Protein Powder. It isn’t gritty, tastes good in a fruit smoothie and contains all 9 essential amino acids. I think you’ll be pretty impressed with it.

If you’re looking to buy a plant-based protein powder to add to your smoothies, I suggest Ritual Protein or Complement Essential.

Smoothies to Add Plant-Based Protein Powder

What Makes Protein Powder Vegan?

Protein powders most commonly start from whey protein, casein, or soy. Whey protein as well as casein comes from dairy. If you have any kind of dairy intolerance, then be sure to check the label on your protein powder! These are not naturally occurring ingredients, so I lean toward plant-based protein powder.

Vegan Protein Options

Soy based protein powders are the number one vegan protein powder option. Soy is a complete protein, yet is a bit controversial in terms of helping or harming the body. I take an even more natural route in using hemp protein powder.

Hemp protein is also a complete protein, yet it ranks even higher than soy in terms of quality. It not only contains all 9 essential amino acids, it also contains healthy fat and fiber, as well as other essential minerals. Hemp protein powder starts out with a slightly nutty flavor, so no need to cover up the taste like you do with whey, casein, or soy based powders.

A side note: while hemp is part of the same plant family as marijuana, it contains little to no THC and therefore does not have any mind-altering effects.

Heavy Metals in Plant-Based Protein Powder

Protein powders can also contain heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium that easily build up in the body. These known carcinogens are harmful to the immune system. These elements are found in our soil (which in turn grow in plants that cows eat or plants grow into). You cannot completely avoid it, yet you can be aware and use brands that test their levels and are conscious of this.

Oftentimes, heavy metals go unnoticed because protein powders are considered a supplement and do not need to be approved by the FDA. Your protein powder brand should pay for “heavy metal testing” as well as easily disclose the results to you when asked. As you can see, it’s not easy to find a vegan protein powder for smoothies that you can feel really good about!

By grinding up the plants, the nutrients are pre-digested and ready for your body to absorb immediately. The vitamins, amino acids, and minerals become easily accessible to the body. Plant-based protein powders can give you the same results that other powders do. They just leave out all the antibiotics, toxins, and lactose.

Now, time for you to spill all your protein secrets with me! Please share in the comments your fav protein to add to smoothies, or what you’re looking for (and not finding) in a vegan protein powder.

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Comments

  1. I am using the green smoothie as a meal replacement for breakfast and lunch to help me lose weight. I did see in another comment from someone else doing the same as me, it was replied to use hemp/brown-rice type protein powders. If I substitute water with almond milk as well as using the protein powder, is that too much with trying to lose weight? or should I stick with water?

    Reply

    1. Hi Leslie,

      Thanks for reaching out + great question! When using your green smoothie as a meal replacement we suggest adding protein + healthy fats, no matter the liquid base. Adding protein + healthy fats will ensure you’re fueling your body with a complete meal. Check out our favorite meal replacement booster combos here…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie

  2. Hullo

    I am so looking forward to the 30 day challenge. I loves me some green bevvies anyway but I had begun to skulk off and as a result gained 2 stones!! OMG pass me that blender quick!!
    I note in your response to another poster/postee that they should add coconut oil to gain weight – I love the taste of the stuff but I don’t want to gain another lb. Do you recommend I leave it out? I make one smoothie with the Big C and another with Flaxseed…I don’t want to overdo it, my trousers are just soooo tight!! 🙁

    Many thanks
    SP

    Reply

    1. Hi Sarah,

      Adding healthy fats like coconut oil to your green smoothie is a great way to provide your body with a boost of nutrition. When used as a meal replacement adding healthy fats + protein is the way to go to ensure you’re providing your body with a complete meal. Using your green smoothie as a healthy snack when trying to lose weight, you can always skip the coconut oil then.

      Hope this helps!

  3. Hello,

    I am fairly new to green smoothies. I am using them to get the veggies I need plus weight loss. My issue is that I am hungry still after I drink a smoothie as a meal replacement. Currently I am adding Chia and Flax seeds, but when I add more, I get too much of a nutty taste. Any suggestions?

    Reply

    1. Hi Matthew,

      Thanks for reaching out! Still hungry even after adding protein + healthy fats to your green smoothie? Your body is trying to tell you something! In addition to your green smoothie enjoy a handful of healthy nuts, hard boiled egg, or another healthy option to get an additional boost of protein. We never want you to feel deprived, so make sure to listen to and fuel your body!

      Cheers 🙂

  4. Found this site and I’m all the way in Jamaica but I absolutely love every green smoothie that I have had so far. Never would have given ‘green’ a chance if I hadn’t tried your recipes. They are simple and delicious and helping me with my weightloss journey and they give me a boost of energy too. Thanks so much!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Giselle,

      Thanks for reaching out! We’re so excited to have you blendin’ with us. Which recipe has been your favorite?

  5. Great site 🙂 I am hoping to lose some weight, but I am breastfeeding and am hungry often. What are some vood smoothies to keep full and shed some pounds? Also, if I want nonfat greek yogurt in a smoothie, how mvh am I using, and what am I ommiting?

    Reply

    1. Hi Lindsey,

      Thanks for joining us! I can definitely relate to the hunger that breastfeeding creates. I once told my husband I couldn’t talk to him because I was too focused on being hungry when our son was first born.

      That’s why we love green smoothies! They’re the perfect quick snack when you’re busy with baby. What’s even better, when you add protein they’ll help you stay full longer! Using green smoothies as a healthy snack option definitely helped me work back to my pre-baby body. Looking to lose the weight? We definitely suggest focusing on what you’re putting in your body (like healthy + nutritious green smoothies), over limiting calories. You and baby need them! 🙂

      We personally don’t add dairy products to our green smoothies. Dairy is the #1 undiagnosed food allergy and can be pretty tough on your digestion. For that reason we avoid it. But it’s all about deciding what’s best for you + your family. Greek yogurt is a great source of protein. When adding to your green smoothie, no need to replace anything, just add it to the mix! 🙂

      Cheers,
      Amanda, Simple Green Smoothies

  6. I just found your site from my medical dietitian on Oct 8 9.my mail said 1 week I had just signed up? I have dysplasia and need help. This might be it. The 30.day’s to try are important. Please let me know and any hints for really smooth.These will be almost my comp diet. What is cost after free 30 days. 10-12 2015. Thank you, ER

    Reply

    1. Hi Elaine,

      Thank you so much for reaching out! Our 30-Day Challenge is a free challenge we host four times a year! No fees, no charges! After the challenge, continue blending with us by using the recipes on our website or create your own! Want more smoothie inspiration? You’re joining us at the perfect time! We’re so excited to share that our book is launching on November 3rd and it’s packed with over 100 recipes! Learn all about our upcoming book here…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/shop

      Looking to use green smoothies as a meal replacement? You can replace up to two meals with a green smoothie. Just include protein + healthy fats to ensure you’re getting a complete meal! Learn all about our favorite meal replacement booster combos here…

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie

  7. Hi! Great site and exactly the information I needed this week! What would you recommend for some one who needs to gain weight?

    Reply

  8. Hi ladies,
    any experience with quinoa flakes? They seem to be high in protein and do not leave gritty texture.

    Thank you

    Reply

    1. Hi Mirka,

      Yum! I personally haven’t tried quinoa flakes, but love that they’re naturally gluten-free + packed with iron, b-vitamins + protein!

      Cheers 🙂

  9. I want to make Green Smoothies as meal replacements for breakfast and lunch….. but I struggle with which protein powder is best for weight loss and not weight gain – which protein powder doesn’t make you gain weight but instead helps you lose weight?

    Reply

    1. Hi Mira,

      Looking for a great protein powder, we love reaching for plant-based protein options like hemp or brown rice protein powders!

      Hope this helps!

    2. Hi Mira, you may want to try Whey Protein if your goal is weight loss. Whey protein has been shown in numerous studies to promote weight loss.

      Make sure you go with an “all natural” whey protein as there are a LOT of whey powders that contain artificial colors and ingredients.

      I have created a chart on my website with a list of All Natural whey protein powders with information like the cost per gram of protein (the best way to compare by cost), whether the whey is sourced from grass-fed cows (higher nutrient level) or not and other criteria like the size of the container etc. You can check out the chart here:

      I hope this helps!

  10. You have taken the mystique & expense out of smoothy making and made it possible for anyone to do it! I love this sight! Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Hi Vicki,

      Our goal is to make healthy living easy + accessible to everyone! Thanks for taking the time to reach out + blend with us!

      Cheers 🙂

  11. Hello!

    First I have to say I love this website :)!
    Just wondering, I made a green smoothie with cashew nuts the other day, and really hated tasting the structure of ground nuts in my drink… I already soaked them before blending, any other tricks to get around this? or should i just opt for another protein source?
    Thanks for your advice!

    Reply

    1. Hi Judith,

      Blendin’ nuts will always give you a slightly gritty texture, if you’re interested in a smoother consistency we suggest trying a nut butter in place of whole nuts or other protein source.

      Hope this helps! 🙂

    2. Soaking nuts brings out flavor and higher nutrition. They blend perfectly. Especially cashews.

  12. Hi. What about LSA as protein and if so how much of this would you have to make the smoothie a meal replacement? Thanks in advance.

    Reply

    1. Hi Amie,

      I would refer to the manufacturer to see the proper meal replacement serving to add to your smoothie.

      Cheers 🙂