I have been toying with the idea of making the switch to a plant-based protein powder for awhile now. Though I am not vegan or vegetarian by any means, I know people who are extremely sensitive to whey protein and need alternative protein sources. I also noticed that sometimes, in my experience, there would be the occasional bloated feeling after drinking whey protein ( though at the time I attributed that to dairy ).
Vega is one of those brands that caught my eye through various marketing means over the years. Founded in 2001 by vegan triathlete Brendan Brazier and Charles Chang, Vega was one of the earliest plant-based vegan protein powders to enter the market.
Vega’s original plant-based protein powder comes in two flavours – Creamy Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla. Each serving is 25 grams of protein exclusively from peas, has 0 grams of sugar, 3 grams of fiber from acacia gum and 1.7 grams of amino acid. Rosemary extract is also added as a natural preservative.
With the new year, I wanted to see if Vega’s plant-based protein powders would be a good option. However, the main test came with a friend who has had known issues with Whey protein. If she could stomach it, Vega would pass the test.
The Vega Trials with Creamy Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla
The experiment was set up where me and my friend would try two flavours being prepared two ways each. Vega’s Creamy Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla are typical protein powder flavours seen in the market today. The vegan protein powder would be shaken in a bottle with whole milk and with just water. The whole milk would represent how well the powder would taste with a fattier type liquid while the water is the more accessible option for those on the go or in the gym with limited options.
Vega Creamy Chocolate Protein Powder Trial
Our first test was going to be with Vega’s Cream Chocolate protein powder flavour. I was predicting this one to be my favorite out of the two ( spoiler alert: it was ) as I have preferred chocolate flavoured protein in the past.
Trying Vega’s Creamy Chocolate Protein with Milk
I found it to taste pretty good. The taste was not unlike other protein products such as bars or whey protein. The creamy milk mixed well with the protein powder and helped to disguise any grittiness. I could imagine myself switching to this flavour pretty easily.
My friend found that the Creamy Chocolate flavour with milk smelled and tasted like a chocolate chip Cliff bar mixed with slight dryness akin to sawdust and rosin. The milk did make the texture thicker as well, with a taste similar to a melted Kit Kat and felt comforting like a child’s drink.
Vega Creamy Chocolate Protein with Water
I do not expect much from any protein powder mixed with water. I knew realistically, if I were to use this powder it would be after workouts at the gym and there is no way I would bring milk to sit in my locker for an hour.
Regardless, for the sake of pseudo-science, this had to be done.
To be honest, I did not mind the Creamy Chocolate with water cocktail. The grittiness was more obvious, but the chocolate flavour was not too bad.
My friend also noted the texture difference but referred to it as “dusty”.
Either way, it was agreed this flavour with water produced a diluted processed milk chocolate mixture that was relatively enjoyable.
Vega Creamy Vanilla Protein Powder Trial
Next up was testing Vega’s Creamy Vanilla protein powder with milk and water.
I already prefer Chocolate to Vanilla when it comes to Whey protein powders so I went into fully prepared to dislike everything about this part of the trials.
Vega’s Creamy Vanilla Protein with Milk
With whole milk, I found the mixture to have a pleasing creamy texture. However, the vanilla flavour mixed with milk tasted a lot like cake batter to me. It is not the worst combination considering when I bake I am often taking a few taste tests myself. However, it was not a flavour I would want to drink a lot of at the same time.
My friend found the Creamy Vanilla with milk smelled a bit like eggnog or coquito. The texture was creamy but the grittiness was still apparent.
Vega’s Creamy Vanilla protein with water.
With water, I personally could not stand the mixture. It was easy to drink, being so diluted. But the flavour was not something I could really enjoy at all.
However, my friend loved the Creamy Vanilla with water. She still tasted that bit of eggnog, though much lighter. It reminded her of matcha and she found it easy to drink and actually quite pleasant. Perhaps tea-like.
Vega’s Creamy Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla Protein Powder Trial Results?
We both found the protein powders to be acceptable in texture and flavour with milk. I noticed that with colder liquids, the powder did not dissolve as well.
However, the real test of it all occurred 30 minutes later. Or…did not occur.
My friend, who has a history of bad reactions to whey protein powders, noted that the powder would be good if she did not vomit after 30 minutes of ingesting the protein powder.
Vega, your vegan protein powders survived the test.
Neither of us felt any bloating afterwards either. In fact, though it may have been a pavlovian response, after drinking all these protein mixtures – we both felt quite energized.
I would love to try these pre and post-workout as well as in a moving vehicle to test on how good my stomach keeps it down because I tend to get nauseous easily and ridiculous tests on products always seem like a good idea.
Vega’s original plant-based protein powders make an excellent alternative protein source to whey protein. They felt gentler on the stomach and had a pleasant texture and taste. I am sure they would work amazing in smoothies and cooked foods as well. The only thing to keep in mind is that they are made of pea protein. If you have a sensitivity to peas this would be something to be mindful of.
To try Vega as your new protein powder alternative this year you can purchase it on Amazon and on their official website.
Until next time ~
