This is our review of the best Soy-free Protein Powders in .
Soy-based protein powders are a popular choice among vegans and lactose-intolerant people. Especially because soy is a source of complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.
However, there are many reasons why someone would want to look for protein powders without soy. It could be an allergy, a specific health issue, or you just don’t have a taste for soy…
Whatever the reason, selecting a protein powder without soy can be challenging because it is one of the most common sources of protein in protein powders (plant-based or animal-based).
Choosing a protein powder with no soy requires the skill of reading nutrition labels and understanding how the various ingredients work. So, using my expertise as a nutritionist, I have prepared an extensive list of soy-free protein powders. I have also categorized them based on different requirements that you may have, so it’s easy for you to pick the one that suits you the best.
If I were to give just one recommendation, it would be the Birdman Falcon Premium Organic Protein Powder. I find it the best soy-free protein powder as it has:
- The perfect blend of amino acids for muscle growth
- Fibers & probiotics for sound digestive health
- Antioxidants for stronger immunity
However, we have listed some fantastic options below which you will find helpful.
Best Soy-free Protein Powder – Overall | Birdman Falcon Plant-based Protein Powder |
Best Soy-free Protein Powder – Vegan | PlantFusion Pea Protein Powder |
Best Soy-free Protein Powder – Muscle Building | Naked Pea Protein Powder |
Best Soy-free Protein Powder – Post-workout Muscle Recovery | Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein |
Best Soy-free Protein Powder – Weight Loss | Realist Lifestyle Real Whey Protein Isolate Powder |
Best Soy-free Protein Powder – Weight Gain | Naked Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder |
Best Soy-free Protein Powder – High Fiber | Orgain Organic Protein Powder |
Best Soy-free Protein Powder – for Baking | Premier Protein 100% Whey Protein Powder |
Best Soy-free Protein Powder – Enhance Immunity | Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Organic Plant Protein Powder |
Best Soy-free Protein Powders based on your Health Goals
Note: All nutritional facts mentioned below are for a single serving as mentioned on the product label.
Birdman Falcon plant-based protein powder – Best Soy-free Protein Powder – Overall
Protein source: pea, brown rice, quinoa sprout, pumpkin seeds, cranberry seeds, amaranth sprouts, sacha inchi
Protein content: 22g protein
Calories: 120kcal
BCAA content: 4.5g
L-leucine content: 1734mg
Birdman Falcon organic protein powder is the best protein powder without soy, offering a complete amino acid profile.
The mixture of enzymes in this powder provides a good blend of probiotics. This makes it easy to digest. Spices like cinnamon add antioxidants which help boost immunity. And the stevia leaf and monk fruit extract reduce calories supporting weight loss and can help manage diabetes.
It is gluten, soy, dairy, and GMO-free protein powder. Additionally, there are no fillers, artificial sweeteners, or flavors added.
Summary of consumer reviews
Most users like the taste and texture of this powder and it blends well in shakes. Although a few have experienced muscle cramps after consumption.
PlantFusion Pea Protein Powder – Best Vegan Soy-free Protein Powder
Protein source: pea, artichoke, sprouted amaranth, sprouted quinoa, whole algae
Protein content: 21g protein
Calories: 120kcal
BCAA content: Breakup not specified
L-leucine content: Breakup not specified
PlantFusion Pea Protein Powder is the best non soy vegan protein powder.
It is rich in organic superfoods that improve digestion, induce weight loss, and regulate blood sugar and lipid levels. The proprietary blend of digestive enzymes also makes it easy to digest.
This supplement contains all the 9 essential amino acids that your body requires for muscle building and recovery.
Additionally, there are no artificial flavors added for taste.
Summary of consumer reviews
Consumers like the taste of PlantFusion pea protein powder. The consistency is foamy when blended into a smoothie. However, some feel that it is a bit expensive when compared to other protein powders on the market.
Naked Pea Protein Powder – Best Soy-free Protein Powder for Muscle Building
Protein source: yellow pea
Protein content: 27g protein
Calories: 120kcal
BCAA content: 5.6g
L-leucine content: 2523mg
Naked pea protein is a one-ingredient soy-free protein powder made with yellow split pea. The protein extraction process is completed chemical free resulting in a superior product.
With adequate amounts of protein, carbs, and calories, it can be an excellent choice for muscle building.
The high BCAA content helps enhance muscle growth and improve muscle strength.
Since it is a single ingredient product, it doesn’t have any fillers, sweeteners or flavors, and is free from all common allergens. This makes it a vegan soy free protein powder as well.
Summary of consumer reviews
Many people like the taste of yellow pea protein. For the ones who don’t like the taste as much said that adding it to shakes and smoothies can help mask it to some extent.
Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder – Best Soy-free Protein Powder for Post-workout Muscle Recovery
Protein source: whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate
Protein content: 25g protein
Calories: 120kcal
BCAA content: 5.7g
L-leucine content: 2700mg
Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder is a great supplement because its high BCAA and L-leucine content supports lean muscle growth and recovery.
Apart from this, the calcium and vitamin D3 content makes it suitable for bone health.
The sunflower lecithin ensures that the protein blends well, avoiding any chalky texture. And the monk fruit extract gives it the sweetness without the extra calories.
It is also minimally processed and fast digesting, making it a great option for post workout recovery.
Summary of consumer reviews
Consumers like the flavor and texture of this protein powder, but there are some complaints about the packaging.
Realist Lifestyle Real Whey Protein Powder – Best Soy-free Protein Powder for Weight Loss
Protein source: whey protein isolate
Protein content: 20g protein
Calories: 80kcal
BCAA content: Breakup not specified
L-leucine content: Breakup not specified
Realist Lifestyle Real Whey Protein Powder packs 20g of protein with only 80 kcal in a single serving. So, if your aim is weight loss, then this is the perfect product.
It contains only 2 ingredients – whey protein isolate and 1% non-GMO sunflower lecithin. Thus it free from any extra fillers, artificial sweeteners, or added flavors.
The sunflower lecithin is added as helps in easy blending of the powder.
Summary of consumer reviews
Most consumers like the taste of this protein powder, but a few mention blending it in shakes and drinks makes them foamy.
Naked Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder – Best Soy-free Protein Powder for Weight Gain
Protein source: whey protein concentrate, casein
Protein content: 50g protein
Calories: 1250kcal
BCAA content: 11.5g
L-leucine content: 5651mg
Naked Mass Protein Powder is a great soy-free protein powder if you are looking to gain weight. In addition to the high protein content and calories, it also contains complex carbohydrates that support weight gain.
This protein is not recommended if you are diabetic or insulin resistant due to the maltodextrin present as it can spike your blood sugar level.
It doesn’t contain any artificial hormones for mass gain and is free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors.
Summary of consumer reviews
Most consumers gave this product 5-stars. They like the taste, texture, and blending capacity of this supplement.
Orgain Organic Plant-based Protein Powder – Best Soy-free Protein Powder with High Fiber
Protein source: pea, brown rice, chia seeds
Protein content: 21g protein
Calories: 150kcal
BCAA content: Breakup not specified
L-leucine content: Breakup not specified
This protein powder is particularly recommended for those who experience digestive distress with protein powders. With 5g of prebiotics and fiber, Orgain Organic vegan soy-free protein powder is extremely efficient in increasing your daily protein intake without affecting digestive health.
It’s also rich in minerals (iron, potassium, calcium) that boost immunity, improve muscle function, and increase the energy levels in your body.
Apart from smoothies and shakes, it can also be used to add that extra protein while baking cakes and bread.
This protein is also available in smaller sachets, so you can try it before buying the whole jar.
Summary of consumer reviews
Some consumers experience a decline in their food cravings after using this powder. But not everyone likes the taste of this product.
Premier 100% whey protein powder – Best Soy-free Protein Powder for Baking
Protein source: whey protein isolate and concentrate
Protein content: 30g protein
Calories: 150kcal
BCAA content: Breakup not specified
L-leucine content: Breakup not specified
If you love baking then this protein powder is for you. To enjoy your deserts guilt-free, you can add the Premier 100% soy-free whey protein powder to your cakes, pastries, brownies, and energy bites.
Its low fat and calories, with high protein content makes it a perfect fit for these delicacies.
Summary of consumer reviews
Consumers like to add this protein powder to their cakes, biscuits, and many such recipes. Although according to some users, blending this protein in water is difficult and leaves an aftertaste.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Organic Plant Protein – Best Soy-free Protein Powder to Enhance Immunity
Protein source: pea, brown rice, sacha inchi
Protein content: 24g protein per scoop
Calories: 140kcal
BCAA content: 4g
L-leucine content: Breakup not specified
Optimum nutrition gold standard organic protein is a 100% plant-based protein without soy.
The high vitamin C content helps in boosting immunity. Consuming it regularly can also support your muscle growth and overall health.
It also contains 4g glutamine which helps in improving digestive health and the immune system.
Summary of consumer reviews
The taste is too sweet thanks to the added stevia, but this makes it great for blending with shakes and smoothies.
Other Soy-free Protein Powders you can consider
There are a few other great options which you can consider.
KOS Organic Plant-based Protein Powder
Protein source: pea, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, quinoa
Protein content: 20g protein in 2 scoops (one serving)
Calories: 160kcal
BCAA content: Breakup not specified
L-leucine content: Breakup not specified
KOS organic soy-free vegan protein powder has numerous essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers making it a very good soy free vegan protein option.
It contains a mixture of digestive enzymes. These, along with dietary fibers from plant-based sources make this protein great for your digestive health. It can also induce weight loss and regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Now Sports Nutrition Pea Protein Powder
Protein source: yellow pea
Protein content: 24g protein per scoop
Calories: 120kcal
BCAA content: 4.2g
L-leucine content: 2009mg
Now Sports Pea Protein is easy-to-digest. With all the essential amino acids, it can be a great additional protein source for a soy free diet.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder
Protein source: pea, sprouted brown rice, amaranth sprouts, buckwheat sprout, millet sprout, chlorella, quinoa sprout, chia seed sprout, garbanzo beans sprouts, lentil sprout, adzuki beans sprouts, pumpkin seeds sprouts, sesame seeds sprouts.
Protein content: 22g protein per scoop
Calories: 110kcal
BCAA content: 4g
L-leucine content: 1800mg
With 3 organic sprouts, Garden of Life Raw Organic protein powder is rich in nutrients like Vitamin A (improves skin and hair health, boosts metabolism), Vitamin D (boosts bones and muscles strength), and Vitamin E (strengthens immunity). In addition, the probiotics, dietary fibers, and digestive enzymes in the supplement can improve your digestion.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Protein source: collagen peptides from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
Protein content: 20g collagen peptides in 2 scoops
Calories: 70kcal
BCAA content: NA
L-leucine content: NA
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder is a soy-free collagen supplement. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are add-ons to this. It can improve your skin, hair, nails, ligaments, tendons, and joint health.
It’s an easy-to-digest collagen source, and you can add it to your morning or evening beverages. It is also free from most allergens, making it a gluten-free soy-free dairy-free protein powder.
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Powder
Protein source: whey protein isolate
Protein content: 30g protein in 1 scoop
Calories: 130kcal
BCAA content: Breakup not specified
L-leucine content: Breakup not specified
Nutricost protein powder is a soy-free whey protein. It contains easy-to-digest whey protein isolate with numerous beneficial minerals.
The calcium and phosphorus help strengthen the bones and teeth, iron improves muscle function and magnesium boosts exercise performance and muscle recovery.
Primal Fuel Whey Protein Powder
Protein source: whey protein isolate
Protein content: 10g protein per scoop
Calories: 90kcal
BCAA content: 2.238g
L-leucine content: 1070mg
Primal Kitchen’s Primal Fuel Protein Powder has no soy. It contains healthy fats from coconut milk and prebiotics which help in digestion. The whey protein supports the growth of muscles.
BulkSupplements.com Whey Protein Concentrate Powder
Protein source: whey protein concentrate
Protein content: 23g protein per scoop
Calories: 120kcal
BCAA content: 5.6g
L-leucine content: 2430mg
BulkSupplements.com Whey Protein Concentrate is an excellent single-ingredient protein with no soy. It is free from added sugar, preservatives, colors, and flavors.
The protein contains a complete profile of essential amino acids, making it a perfect add-on to your meals if you are aiming for muscle gain and weight loss.
Raw Organic Whey protein
Protein source: organic, grass-fed whey protein concentrate
Protein content: 21g protein per scoop
Calories: 97.5kcal
BCAA content: Breakup not specified
L-leucine content: Breakup not specified
Raw organic whey protein is made from grass-fed cows raised in sustainable farms.
In addition to the protein, it’s rich in healthy fats which helps in weight loss and reduces inflammation. And vitamin A enhances your skin and hair health.
This supplement has no added flavors or sweeteners.
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder
Protein source: organic hemp seed
Protein content: 15g protein in 4 tablespoons
Calories: 110kcal
BCAA content: Breakup not specified
L-leucine content: Breakup not specified
Nutiva Organic Hemp seed protein powder is a single ingredient soy-free and GMO-free protein powder.
Hemp seeds are the primary protein source in this supplement. Additionally, it’s rich in dietary fibers that improve digestive health, iron which enhances muscle strength, and healthy fats like omega 3 and omega 6 which aid in weight loss and reduce inflammation.
Why is soy so common in protein powders?
Most protein powders contain either milk (whey and casein), soya beans, or eggs. Among them, soy is extremely common. Here’s why:
- Soy is a complete source of protein i.e. contains all the essential amino acids
- The demand for dairy-free and vegan substitutes is increasing. Soybean is a clear winner as it is one of the richest sources of vegetarian/vegan protein
- Soy lecithin (a compound derived from soybeans) is a popular blending agent. Manufacturers add this to protein powders as an emulsifier so they mix better
Along with this, soy allergy is also widespread among people. And both protein or lecithin extracted from soybeans can trigger it. So for this very reason, we need to look for protein sources that don’t include soy.
Types of soy-free protein powders
Soy-free protein sources are categorized into 5 major groups.
Plant-based protein
Hemp seeds, chia seeds, pea protein, brown rice protein, flax seeds, quinoa, amaranth, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc., are the most common sources of plant-based protein powders with no soy.
Whey and casein protein
Milk is the primary source of protein for whey and casein-based protein powders without soy or soy lecithin. It contains all the essential amino acids required for muscle building.
Egg-white protein
Egg-white protein powder contains high-quality, easy-to-digest protein from egg whites. This is an ideal source of protein for people suffering from dairy AND soy allergies.
Beef protein
Beef protein powder derives its protein from the beef muscles. This contains all the amino acids and is very effective in muscle building.
Chicken protein
Cooked and dehydrated chicken is the protein source for chicken protein powder. The bone broth of chicken is also used in the preparation.
Pros and Cons of Soy-free protein powders
Soy is a widely debated source of protein, so let’s look at some of its pros and cons.
Pros of soy-free protein powders
- An excellent option for people who want to avoid the hormonal debate
Soybeans contain phytoestrogens that resemble the female hormone – estrogen. Many people believe that this can affect the masculine traits in men. However, there is no substantial evidence to support this.
Infact, phytoestrogens are also found in several other foods like dried fruits, sesame seeds, flaxseed, peaches, berries, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
As with anything, it is best to consume soy in moderation. But for those who want to avoid it altogether, soy-free protein powders are a great option.
- Useful for people who are allergic to soy
Since soy-free protein powders are free from all soy and soy products, these are a great protein source for people with soy allergies.
Cons of soy-free protein powders
- It is challenging to find soy-free protein powders
Soy is one of the richest and complete sources of protein. This makes it a primary choice for manufacturing protein powders. Hence, it’s difficult to find soy-free protein supplements.
- Soy-free proteins tend to cost more
Soy-free protein powders are not as common as protein powders that contain soy. Additionally, manufacturers need to take extra care while processing these supplements – like using an entirely different unit to avoid contamination. This increases the cost considerably.
Buying guide to Soy-free protein powder
Here is a checklist you can keep handy when purchasing a soy-free protein supplement.
Check the label for allergens
Reject the products that mention soy or soy lecithin in their ingredients list. Some labels mention that the powder contains some traces of soy. Stay away from these, especially if you are allergic to soy!
Focus on the protein content per serving
A single serving of some protein powders can include more than 1 scoop. Hence, focus on serving instead of scoops for the protein and caloric content.
Select basis your fitness goals
Choosing a protein powder with lower calories per gram of protein can help you meet your weight loss goals.
Similarly, if you are looking for muscle gain, it’s necessary to check for the BCAA and L-leucine content of the product. You will require 4-20g of BCAA every day along with 4-5g of L-leucine to enhance the growth of lean muscles.
See the BCAA profile
Since BCAA is crucial in muscle growth and recovery, I recommend purchasing protein powders that contain at least 5g of BCAA per serving. It should have a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
For instance, 5g of BCAA should have 2.5g of leucine + 1.25g isoleucine + 1.25g valine.
Note: The BCAA profile varies in different supplements, so evaluate this carefully.
Our verdict
There are numerous soy-free protein powders available in the market. But you need to be an expert at reading nutrition labels to select the one which suits your needs.
We recommend the Birdman Falcon Premium Organic Protein Powder as the best at an overall level. This is because it helps in muscle growth and improves digestion and immunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does whey protein powder contain soy?
Yes, whey protein powder can have soy in the form of soy protein or soy lecithin. Thus, it is crucial to read the nutrition label correctly.
Another ingredient most whey protein powders are high in is Lactose. For the ones who are even mildly Lactose intolerant, it can cause a lot of digestive issues. If you have faced problems with whey protein powders, then our review of the best lactose-free protein powders in the market is quite helpful.
Are plant-based protein powders without soy a complete source of protein?
Yes, plant-based protein powders with no soy can be a complete source of protein. Especially with various blends of grains and legumes, this is not a problem anymore.
Are plant-based protein powders hard to digest?
No, Plant-based protein powders are not harder to digest. These usually contain naturally occurring fiber and are fortified with digestive enzymes. With adequate water intake and activity levels, you will not face any issues in digestion. If you want to improve your gut health, you can check our reviews on the best glutamine supplements or the best fenugreek supplements in the market.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purpose only. It should not be considered as medical advice. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting the consumption of any supplements. Always check the label before purchasing a product for potential allergic reactions.