With the rise of vegan diets and many people opting not to consume lactose and other dairy products due to a multitude of reasons over the last few years, a lot of people are looking to dairy-free products for their everyday food and drinks.
Protein shakes are incredibly popular among health fanatics, but of course, many protein shakes are made with dairy.
Luckily though, if you’re one of the people looking to avoid dairy, then there are plenty of alternatives on the market for you to turn to.
But what are the best dairy free protein shakes to keep fit? Well, luckily we’ve written this comprehensive list with your options, along with some other handy information.
So, if you’re hoping to find out more – then read on below and get all the answers you need!
Best Dairy Free Protein Shakes
Without any further delays, let’s dive straight into the list. We hope you find your perfect dairy-free protein shake here!
1. Ritual 18+ Vegan Protein Powder
This protein powder is one of the best on the market, and certainly a favorite among gym-goers.
This is a pea-based protein powder and it’s been tested independently by a third party too, so you can be sure of its efficacy and safety.
Despite having no dairy involved, it mixes up extremely well and still makes a lovely, thick smoothie with a slightly sweet and pleasing taste.
However, it’s worth noting that if you’re just using water to mix the powder, you may want to add other sweeteners.
Of course, this powder is full of nutrition and contains plenty of protein. For anybody who is looking for a protein shake that contains everything you want but without any of the dairy – then this has to be one at the top of your list.
Pros:
- Nutritious
- Thick shake
- Third-party tested
Cons:
- Some people may need to add a sweetener for extra taste
2. Sprout Living Vanilla Lucuma Plant Protein
With its blend of plant protein and vanilla lucuma, this makes a superb protein shake that is packed full of flavor and nutrients.
Sprout Living says that all of their protein shakes are tested to ensure completely fine levels of things like arsenic and mercury, so you’re safe!
The protein shake has a gorgeous flavor, which is certainly much more pleasant than the previous shake on our list, and that’s even when it is simply mixed with just water. The flavors and aromas of cinnamon still bounce out of it.
However, no protein shake is without scrutiny, and this one is certainly no exception to this. There is an addition of Jerusalem artichoke for added fiber.
Now, while this may be entirely helpful and beneficial to some, it can be detrimental to others.
So, if you’re sensitive to fiber, then this shake is probably not for you – but if not, you will find this is one of the best protein shakes on the market!
Pros:
- Great taste
- Full of nutrients
- Tested for safe metal levels
Cons:
- The addition of fiber makes it unsuitable for some people
3. Now Sports Soy Based Protein Powder
With three potential flavor options of unflavored, vanilla, or chocolate, you’ve got plenty of options with this protein shake.
Soy is one of the best options for a dairy-free protein shake and it makes it completely packed with protein.
Not only that, but this shake is an excellent source of calcium and iron, despite having no dairy ingredients.
Additionally, this protein shake has been tried and tested, so you can be sure of its safety.
It’s worth noting though that the taste of soy is very strong, so you’ll probably want to opt for the vanilla or chocolate flavors rather than the unsweetened version.
Nonetheless, you’ll get an amazingly healthy and strong tasting protein shake!
Pros:
- Great flavor options
- Tested for health purposes
- Full of protein, calcium, and iron
Cons:
- Soy can be a strong taste, so you may need the flavored versions
4. Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder
This product by Nutiva is an organic, cold-pressed protein powder containing raw hemp seed. It has a lovely and pleasant taste when it’s mixed into a shake too.
It has a lot of benefits, such as being abundant in fiber and antioxidants – but it does not contain as much protein as some of the other protein shakes on our list.
Additionally, its taste is probably best when made into a smoothie, rather than just a shake.
Hemp has been suggested to be hugely beneficial for many health concerns too, but some people would prefer to avoid it for ethical or religious reasons.
However, if this is not your primary point of order – then you might love this protein shake!
Pros:
- Packed with fiber, omega 3 and antioxidants
- Third-party tested
- Pleasant taste
Cons:
- Hemp products are contentious
5. Vega Premium Sport Protein
If you’re looking to keep fit because you take the sport seriously, then this might be the right protein powder for you to consider.
This is because it’s NSF tested, approved, and certified and it’s one of the highest protein supplements on the market!
It has an added probiotic and a digestive enzyme and with over 30 grams of protein, it’s an excellent shake for real athletes and people looking to keep seriously fit – especially those who undergo a lot of strength-based training.
Of course, as it has been NSF approved, it has been tested extensively to ensure there are no banned substances for athletes and all ingredients are safe levels.
Be aware though that with the addition of this digestive enzyme, it might not be for everybody – and if you are sensitive to some of the ingredients, you may want to speak with a professional first to ensure you’re using the right levels for you.
Pros:
- High in protein
- NSF tested
- Ideal for athletes
Cons:
- The addition of the digestive enzyme may not be ideal for everybody
6. Vega Protein And Greens Powder
This particular protein powder has a lot of options for you to think about. First, there are multiple different sizes for you to choose from – so there’s a consideration for your budget there.
Second and potentially more important, you have the choice of 5 different flavors; coconut almond, vanilla, chocolate, berry, and unflavored.
Because of the inclusion of the stevia leaf – you may wish to choose the flavored versions for a better taste.
This powder is rich in iron and Vitamin K, and you’re getting all the benefits you’d expect from extracts received from vegetable greens.
On top of this, there are some smaller amounts of Vitamin C, A, and potassium – along with 2 grams of fiber with every serving.
This protein powder contains the right amount of amino acids and this makes it the complete protein shake!
It’s not without its potential drawbacks though, because this doesn’t appear to have been third-party tested.
While this isn’t always an issue, for some of you – you will want that extra peace of mind before you try it.
Pros:
- Great choice of flavors
- Complete shake
- Rich in iron, vitamins, and fiber
Cons:
- Doesn’t seem to be third party tested
Buyer’s Guide: Points To Remember
Here are some of the most important points to remember when buying dairy-free protein shakes:
Ingredients
Be sure to check the ingredients on the notes, in case you have allergies or sensitivities. You can normally find these on the bottle too.
Budget
Some shakes will be more expensive than others due to size, brand, and ingredients used. Consider how much you’re willing to spend, especially if you’re a newbie.
Testing
Some protein powders will be tested by a third party, whereas others won’t have been. This is always something wise to look out for.
Final Thoughts
And that’s our list. We hope you’ve enjoyed it and you’ve found your next favorite protein shake that is completely dairy-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
We will now go through your most frequently asked questions. We hope that we answer any questions you may still have!
Are Protein Shakes Safe?
When they have been tested and you take the recommended dosage, protein shakes are entirely safe.
Of course, you need to pay attention to the ingredients used in case of allergies and sensitivities. Consider speaking to your doctor before you buy one though.
What Is The Difference Between A Shake And Smoothie?
In short, protein shakes have more protein in them than protein smoothies do, and smoothies tend to have more fruits and vegetables in them to thicken them up. Aside from this, there are no huge differences.
Can I Drink A Protein Shake?
Protein shakes are usually for people aged 18 and upwards, and even then – not everybody should consume them.
It’s always worth speaking to a medical professional to get tailored advice before you drink something like this.
Other Articles To Read
How Many Protein Shakes Can You Drink In A Day? – Do you want to know how many protein shakes you can drink in a day? Find out how you can calculate how much protein you need when adding shakes to your diet.
Are Health Shakes Better With Water Or Milk? – Health shakes are great for gaining muscle mass and for losing weight, but is it best to make them with water or with milk? Let’s find out together!
Best Meals To Replace With A Health Shake – What You Need To Know – Are you wondering how you might be able to replace meals with a health shake? We’ve got what you need to know in this very comprehensive guide!