Best Plant-Based Protein Powder: Value Rankings

Finding good vegan protein that doesn't break the bank can be a challenge. Plant proteins typically cost 20-40% more than whey, but the gap varies widely between brands. We've analyzed all major plant-based proteins by price per 100g protein to find the best value options that don't sacrifice quality.

Why Plant Protein Costs More

Plant protein costs $2-4 more per 100g than whey due to more expensive raw materials (pea/rice vs. dairy byproduct), lower protein concentration in source plants, additional processing for amino acid balancing, and smaller market scale. Quality vegan protein simply costs more to produce.

Before diving into the rankings, it's worth understanding why plant protein typically costs more than whey:

  • Raw material costs: Peas and rice cost more than whey (a dairy byproduct)
  • Processing: More steps required to extract protein from plants
  • Amino acid blending: Single plant sources are incomplete, requiring blends
  • Market scale: Smaller market means less economies of scale

What to Expect: Plant Protein Price Benchmarks

Based on our analysis, here's what's typical for plant-based protein:

  • Excellent value: Under $9 per 100g protein
  • Good value: $9-12 per 100g protein
  • Average: $12-15 per 100g protein
  • Poor value: Over $15 per 100g protein

For comparison, quality whey protein typically runs $5-8 per 100g. Expect to pay a premium for vegan options—but not all brands charge the same premium.

Best Value Plant Proteins Ranked

Here are the top plant-based protein powders ranked by price per 100g protein:

#1
PBFit Classic Peanut Butter Powder (Peanut Powder)
$3.28/100g
#2
MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Ripped Whey Protein Isolate (Whey Isolate, Whey Concentrate, Hydrolyzed Whey, Flax Seed)
$5.05/100g
#3
Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein (Pea, Navy Bean, Lentil, Garbanzo Bean, Cranberry Seed)
$6.34/100g
#4
Orgain Organic Protein Powder (Pea, Brown Rice, Mung Bean, Chia Seed)
$6.55/100g
#5
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant Protein (Pea, Fava Bean, Brown Rice)
$6.61/100g
#6
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder (Pea, Brown Rice, Mung Bean, Chia Seed)
$7.24/100g
#7
LeanFit Plant-Based Protein & Greens (Pea, Rice, Chia Seed, Flax Seed, Hemp)
$7.65/100g
#8
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein (Pea, Brown Rice)
$7.71/100g
#9
Form Superblend Protein (Pea, Flax Seed, Pumpkin Seed, Brown Rice)
$15.00/100g

Plant vs Whey Price Comparison

The price gap between plant and whey protein is real, but it varies by brand and product. Here's how they typically compare:

Budget Whey

  • Typical price: $4.50 - $6.50/100g
  • Protein %: 70-80% (concentrate)
  • Best for: Value-focused omnivores

Budget Plant

  • Typical price: $8 - $11/100g
  • Protein %: 70-80% (pea/rice blends)
  • Best for: Vegans on a budget

Premium Whey

  • Typical price: $6.50 - $9/100g
  • Protein %: 90%+ (isolate)
  • Best for: Lactose intolerance

Premium Plant

  • Typical price: $11 - $16/100g
  • Protein %: 70-80% (organic/fermented)
  • Best for: Organic/premium vegans

Complete Protein vs Blends

Not all plant proteins are created equal when it comes to nutrition. Understanding the difference affects both value and health outcomes:

The "Limiting Amino Acid" Problem

Most single-source plant proteins are "incomplete"—they're missing sufficient amounts of certain essential amino acids:

  • Pea protein: Low in methionine and cysteine
  • Rice protein: Low in lysine
  • Hemp protein: Low in lysine

The solution: Pea + rice blends. Together, they create a complete protein profile comparable to whey. This is why the best value plant proteins are almost always blends.

Best Value Plant Protein Types

Pea Protein + Rice Blends

The gold standard for vegan protein powder. Pea provides lysine; rice provides methionine. Together, they're complete. These blends typically cost $8-12 per 100g and offer the best value for plant-based protein.

Mung Bean Protein

A newer option that's complete on its own—no blending needed. Often used in organic formulations. Price is similar to pea-rice blends, but the single-source simplicity appeals to some consumers.

Hemp Protein

Contains all essential amino acids but is low in lysine. Rich in omega-3s and fiber, but lower protein percentage than pea/rice. Typically costs $10-14 per 100g—better for nutrition than pure protein value.

Organic vs Conventional: Does It Matter?

Organic plant protein typically costs 20-30% more. Is it worth it? Consider:

  • Organic: No pesticides, non-GMO, better for soil health
  • Conventional: Same amino acid profile, significantly cheaper

If you're buying plant protein for environmental or health reasons, organic may justify the extra cost. If budget is the priority, conventional plant protein provides identical nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plant protein as good as whey?

Pea-rice blends provide a complete amino acid profile comparable to whey. The main differences are: slightly slower digestion (which can be better for satiety), lower protein percentage (70-80% vs 90%+ for isolate), and higher cost. For muscle building, both work effectively.

What is the cheapest vegan protein powder?

Unflavored pea-rice blends from NOW Sports, Bulk Supplements, and other direct-to-consumer brands typically offer the best value, usually under $10 per 100g protein. Avoid single-source options unless you're intentionally combining proteins in your diet.

Why is vegan protein so expensive?

Raw materials (peas, rice) cost more than whey (a dairy byproduct). Processing is more complex. Blending multiple sources adds cost. And the market is smaller, so economies of scale favor whey producers. Expect to pay $2-4 more per 100g for plant vs whey protein.

Compare All Plant-Based Proteins

Ready to find your best vegan protein value? Use our comparison tool to filter by plant protein types and see the price per 100g protein for all products.

Compare Plant-Based Proteins