25
Products Considered
504
Hours of Research
12
Experts Interviewed
53
Customers Consulted
Eight months back I started training quite heavily to gain some lean muscle mass. To support my growth needs, I decided to try a vegan-friendly soy-based protein powder.
Only a week later, I started experiencing side effects like severe abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea.
As someone who has studied about diet and supplementation, I was surprised to see a rich protein source like soy producing such adverse side effects.
Anyhow, I wanted to continue training and thus, desperately searched for good soy free protein powders.
After around 3 weeks of research, and trying out 25 soy free protein powders, I finally found 5 best supplements in the market.
I've achieved great results with them ever since, and therefore decided to share my findings to help everyone who's struggling with soy-based protein powders. So, here's my detailed list, take a look!
Editor's Choice
A plant-based protein supplements with proven ingredients for muscle growth,recovery,etc.
Key features:
• Provides all essential amino acids and is completely vegan-friendly as well.
• No artificial sweeteners, additives, etc.
• Low on calories, so supports weight-loss regimes as well.
#2nd Best Choice
A readily absorbable and safe soy free protein powder that delivers all essential amino acids.
Key features:
• Good for lean muscle growth
• Easy to digest
• No unnecessary fillers
#3rd Best Choice
The best unflavored soy free protein supplement that provides high-quality egg white protein and doesn't contain any potential irritants.
• Unflavored supplement best for all kinds for smoothie recipes.
• No artificial sweeteners.
• Easy on the stomach, does not cause any discomfort whatsoever.
Specifications:
Protein per serving - 24 grams of protein
Calories - 130
Carbs - 3 grams
Fat - 2 grams
Flavor - Chocolate, French Vanilla
Protein Source - Rice and Pea
Type - Plant-based
Forget processed soy, you won't find any unnecessary ingredient whatsoever in this out-and-out no-nonsense protein powder.
Transparent Labs has been a leading name in the supplements industry for quite some time now, manufacturing some of the safest and most efficacious protein mixes.
The Transparent Labs Vegan Protein supplement comes with a simple, clear, and precise ingredients list for you to confirm that it does not contain soy at all.
A great rice and pea protein blend, this supplement is one of the best choices for vegan users.
Besides soy, the mix contains no artificial ingredients, dairy elements, gluten, or artificial sweeteners either. It's got a complete non-GMO composition and delivers all the essential amino acids.
Pros:
Cons:
Specifications:
Protein per serving - 24 grams of protein
Calories - 120
Carbs - 3 gram
Fat - 1 gram
Flavor - Vanilla, Chocolate, Salted Chocolate Caramel, Orange Ice Cream, Fruity Cereal Splash
Protein Source - Whey
Type - Isolate
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey is another good soy-free protein powder that is packed with essential amino acids and gives great nourishment. It is readily absorbable and easy to digest.
If lean muscle growth and increased strength levels are your requirements, this whey protein will be best suited to support those needs.
The company claims to use a state-of-the-art filtration process to extract safe and highly purified whey isolates and prepares a mix that is low in fat and does not contain too many carbs as well.
Besides maximizing protein synthesis in your body, the Jacked Factory Authentic Whey is a treat for your taste buds too, with its delicious and exciting flavors.
Pros:
Cons:
Specifications:
Protein per serving - 24 grams of protein
Calories - 120
Carbs - <1 gram
Fat - <1 gram
Flavors - Unflavored
Protein Source - Egg Whites
Type - Isolate
Egg whites are probably the most popular and safest source of protein liked by almost everyone out there.
Bulk Supplements has prepared a high-quality protein powder sourced from Egg Whites to let you get enough of it to support your growth requirements. Since egg white in itself has a lot of important minerals like calcium, the supplement does not contain a long list of added ingredients.
The supplement is easy on the stomach and does not cause any discomfort whatsoever. It does not contain any potential irritants like soy, dairy, etc.
Overall, a simple and minimalistic protein powder packed with good amounts of Egg White Protein.
The customer service is pretty decent, and most buyers praise Bulk Supplements' fast delivery system.
Pros:
Cons:
Specifications:
Protein per serving - 22 grams of protein
Calories - 110
Carbs - 2 grams
Fat - 2.5 grams
Flavors - Unflavored
Protein Source - Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein
The supplement contains only raw organic protein with no processed soy at all. The advantage of raw protein is that when the temperature changes, it does not lose its natural properties.
If you are looking for a soy-free protein powder that besides supporting your protein needs also gives you enough vitamins, then the Garden of Life Raw Organic Vegan Protein Powder Shake is the right choice for you.
22 grams of protein per serving alongside fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, K are available in this formulation.
With several non-GMO enzymes available in the mix, the Garden of Life Raw Organic Vegan Protein Shake ensures that the assimilation of the bioavailable protein in the supplement is satisfactory.
Pros:
Cons:
Specifications:
Protein per serving - 18 grams of protein
Calories - 130
Carbs - 4 grams
Fat - 0 grams
Flavors - Chocolate and Vanilla
Protein Source - Pea Protein, Sprouted Brown Rice Protein, Pumpkin Seed Protein, and Hemp Seed Protein.
Since the calorie count is on the lower side, and the supplement is packed with all essential amino acids, it can be a great addition to your keto diet routine. Higher amounts of proteins and negligible amounts of carbs is the reason why it is great for weight reduction.
The presence of MCT Coconut oil ensures that the supplement also provides you controlled energy throughout the day.
ALOHA Plant Based Protein Powder is a good protein supplement for smoothies and delicious protein desserts. You can make a variety of other healthy snacks with this tasty protein powder too.
With no irritants, like processed soy, gluten, dairy, etc. this is one of the best plant-based protein supplements to support your weight loss journey.
Although only organic non-GMO ingredients have been used, with no artificial sweeteners or additives at all, the supplement still has a delicious flavor.
Pros:
Cons:
Why Avoid Soy In Protein Supplements?
Anyone who knows a thing or two about soy would tell you that it is a surprisingly high-protein ingredient. This makes it a very suitable option for vegetarians and vegans who cannot fulfill their protein requirements by eating meat. [1]
However, from whatever research that I have conducted, and from my prior experiences with processed soy protein, one thing that I can tell you with full responsibility is that just because it is rich in protein doesn't mean that soy is completely healthy for you.
The reason being that soy has to be rigorously processed before it can be used in a supplement form.
The processing is actually quite controversial and is the reason why there is always a debate going on about whether soy protein is healthy or not. [2]
Talking more about the process, the extraction of soy protein often leaves behind traces of chemicals like hexane or aluminum in the final product, which when consumed by humans can cause a lot of harm.
Even small amounts of these residues cause constipation, bloating, nausea, etc., which I've personally experienced as well. But even besides the processing, the presence of components like phytates makes soy protein highly controversial. [3]
Phytates are often called anti-nutrients because they decrease the body's ability to absorb essential micronutrients like iron and zinc.
What to Look For In a Good Soy Free Protein Powder
1
Source of Protein
Quite naturally, while selecting a protein supplement, the most important thing that you should check is the source of protein.
If the entire supplement is based on soy protein itself, then you can surely skip it, especially if you have had any ailments in the recent past or have a soy allergy.
Whey protein is considered the safest source of protein in supplements. A reliable brand selling a whey protein powder is the best combination to look for. [4]
Whey gives you ample amounts of protein to support your muscle growth needs and is also very suitable for weight loss programs.
Other than whey, sources like egg white protein and plant-based proteins extracted from rice and pea can also be good options.
2
Gluten and Dairy Content
Just avoiding a single potential allergen like soy will not serve the purpose.
Even for a soy-free protein powder, you should ensure that the ingredient list does not mention any other possible irritants like dairy products, gluten, or any other GMP ingredients.
The safest protein supplements in the market today have a very limited ingredient list where unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients are not present at all.
Added sugar is not bad as such for a supplement, but if you're on a weight-loss mission, keeping the carbs on the lower end is the most desirable thing.
3
Pay Attention to All Ingredients and Processes
If you have managed to narrow down the source of protein that you are willing to consume, there are still a lot many things left for you to check before finalizing a supplement.
- Firstly, check all the product details given on the official website, especially the information about the processing of the protein. This will include details about the extraction process.
- Then, check the third-party testing results, to ensure that the manufacturing process is safe and that you're getting good-quality authentic protein only.
- Next, check and research all ingredients separately.
This will help you ascertain that the supplement doesn't have any ingredient that you are allergic to, and also that the ingredients have a proven role in promoting muscle growth, recovery, etc.
FAQs
What is the difference between whey protein and soy protein powder?
The main difference lies in the source of protein. Whey is extracted from animal sources, while soy is a plant-based protein. While both are rich in amino acids, whey provides substantially higher amounts of methionine, isoleucine, etc.
Do all Plant-based protein supplements contain soy?
Generally, authentic plant-based protein powders, containing either pea or rice protein extracts do not have soy in them.
Those which contain small amounts of soy only use it as an additive, and it is present in minuscule amounts only.
The safest and most reliable plant-based protein supplements do not contain soy at all.
Which Is The Best Soy Free Protein Powder?
So these are five of the best soy free protein powders out there.
Keeping all details, benefits, and downsides in mind, the Transparent Labs Vegan Protein is certainly the winner among these options.
The supplement doesn't have any potential irritants like soy, gluten, dairy, etc. It gives you plain and effective protein in ample amounts, and is vegan-friendly too.
Jacked Factory's Authentic Whey Protein supplement is another high-performing protein supplement free of processed soy.
It's a blend of proven ingredients that promotes lean muscle growth and muscle recovery quite efficiently.
William Toro ‧ CPT & Nutritionist
William is a certified personal trainer from NASM, he has also been a rehab physiologist for sports persons. He has more than 15 years of experience training people. And has featured in multiple publications like FoxNews, CNBC, Bustle, and other.
References:
1. Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C, Megan Metropulos, MS, RDN, What to know about soy, retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320472
2. WebMD, Soy, retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-975/soy
3. American Bone Health, How do phytates impact calcium absorption?, retrieved from https://americanbonehealth.org/nutrition/how-do-phytates-impact-calcium-absorption/
4. Seyed Hossein Davoodi, Roghiyeh Shahbazi, Saeideh Esmaeili, Sara Sohrabvandi, AmirMohamamd Mortazavian, Sahar Jazayeri, Aghdas Taslimie, Health-Related Aspects of Milk Proteins, retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5149046/
