Vega Sport Premium Protein Powders are All About Plant-Based Performance

We aren’t triathletes, nor are we training for anything but … well, life. Nonetheless, Tony and I spend a lot of time outside, and a little at the gym, and like to reap the benefits of our labor. Which is why I’ve been thinking more about post-workout eats, and trying products like Vega Sport Premium Protein Powders (formerly known as Vega Sport Performance Protein Powders).

I usually have my smoothie in the morning, but in reading about recovery, I’ve been second-guessing the timing of my daily creamy shake. Vega Sport Protein Powders are intended for post-exercise, with a high protein mix of pea, organic pumpkin seed, organic sunflower seed, and alfalfa protein powders. this blend provides 18 different amino acids (5 grams of BCAAs).

Vega Sport Premium Protein Powders are All About Plant-Based Performance

Formulas do change over the years, but around 2015 to 2016 Vega Sport Protein Powders had a big recipe transition. They swapped their brown rice protein base for a combination of pea protein and seed proteins. This upped the overall protein from 25 grams to 30 grams per serving, and gave it a thicker, creamier finish. They also added turmeric (along with black pepper extract to up the bioavailability), bromelain to aid in digestion, and tart cherry to combat post-fitness inflammation. These additions didn’t seem noticeable in the taste.

They also come in two types, Vega Sport (classic line) without probiotics, and Vega Sport Premium with probiotics (the popular shelf-stable strain Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086). Aside from the probiotics, and a few additional flavors in the Premium line, they are identical. They even seem to cost the same amount per serving.

Things I Love about the Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder Formula

• The taste is premium seamless and I love a creamy smoothie. I blend the Vanilla (wonderful flavor!) with a frozen banana and unsweetened almond milk. Dreamy shake bliss! It is also fantastic in this easy, mineral-packed Mighty Molasses Shake Recipe.
• It’s immensely filling. Even with just half a scoop of the Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder, the smoothie above stuffs me!
• It costs less! They’ve reduced the price. It is still a little pricey, but the servings are very big. I typically use just half of a jumbo scoop, so the tub lasts quite a bit longer.
• The ingredient list is so darn clean. It is easy to read with relatively few ingredients including just a touch of natural flavors, stevia (not too much!), and xanthan gum.
• That it no longer contains brown rice protein. For some reason, this type of protein wasn’t working well with digestive systems in our house – the pea protein base seems to be much better.

Tony gave the Chocolate and Mocha flavors a thumbs up (I’m a vanilla girl, so I stuck with that container), but wished he had known before sampling how thick, creamy and filling they would blend up. Here are details on all of the Vega Sport Premium Protein Powders. The regular Sport Protein Powders are identical in ingredients and nutrition, except they do not contain probiotics. Those come in the Vanilla, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter flavors.

Vanilla

Ingredients: pea protein, natural flavors, pumpkin seed protein, organic sunflower seed protein, alfalfa protein, tart cherry, xanthan gum, sea salt, stevia leaf extract, probiotics (bacillus coagulans GBI – 30 6086), bromelain, turmeric extract, black pepper extract. Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, dairy, soy, egg and tree nuts.

Nutrition (per scoop): 160 calories, 3g fat, 4g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 30g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 15% calcium, 35% iron.*

Chocolate

Ingredients: pea protein, cocoa powder, natural flavors, pumpkin seed protein, organic sunflower seed protein, alfalfa protein, tart cherry, beet root powder (for color), sea salt, stevia leaf extract, xanthan gum, probiotics (bacillus coagulans GBI – 30 6086), bromelain, turmeric extract, black pepper extract. Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, dairy, soy, egg and tree nuts.

Nutrition (per scoop): 160 calories, 3g fat, 6g carbs, 2g fiber, 2g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 30g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 15% calcium, 40% iron.*

Mocha

Ingredients: pea protein, natural flavors, cocoa powder (processed with alkali), pumpkin seed protein, organic sunflower seed protein, alfalfa protein, tart cherry, beet root powder (for color), stevia leaf extract, sea salt, xanthan gum, probiotics (bacillus coagulans GBI – 30 6086), bromelain, turmeric extract, black pepper extract. Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, dairy, soy, egg and tree nuts.

Nutrition (per scoop): 160 calories, 3g fat, 5g carbs, 2g fiber, 2g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 30g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 15% calcium, 40% iron.*

Peanut Butter

Ingredients: pea protein, dark roast peanut flour, pumpkin seed protein, organic sunflower seed protein, natural flavors, alfalfa protein, tart cherry powder, beet root powder (for color), stevia leaf extract, xanthan gum, probiotics (bacillus coagulans GBI – 30 6086), bromelain, turmeric extract, rosemary extract, black pepper extract. Contains: peanuts. Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, dairy, soy, egg and tree nuts.

Nutrition (per scoop): 170 calories, 3g fat, 6g carbs, 3g fiber, 2g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 30g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 15% calcium, 30% iron.*

Berry

Ingredients: pea protein, natural flavors, pumpkin seed protein, organic sunflower seed protein, alfalfa protein, strawberry powder, tart cherry, beet root powder (for color), xanthan gum, organic apple powder, sea salt, citric acid, stevia leaf extract, probiotics (bacillus coagulans GBl-30 6086), bromelain, turmeric extract, black pepper extract. Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts, dairy, soy, egg and tree nuts.

Nutrition (per scoop): 160 calories, 3g fat, 5g carbs, 2g fiber, 2g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 30g protein. Fortified with the following RDA percentages: 15% calcium, 35% iron.*

Their packaging has changed a little since this photo. It is now all black.

More Facts on Vega Sport Premium Protein Powders

Price: $2.49 per serving (Premium comes in single packs, large, and XL tubs, the regular Sport line comes in medium tubs)

Availability: Vega Sport Protein Powders are sold are sold at natural food stores and supplement stores in the U.S. and Canada. You can also order them online from Amazon and Vitacost.

Certifications: Vega Sport Protein Powders are Non-GMO Verified. The Premium line is also Certified Vegan.

Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Vega Sport Protein Powders are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.*

For More Product Information: Visit the Vega Sport website at myvega.com.

*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy. 

Smooth and very creamy

Rated 5 out of 5

June 25, 2020

To our pleasant surprise, it blended seamlessly into just water or milk beverage with a smooth, very creamy – practically unheard of for any protein drink! Both the high protein formulation (pea, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, and alfalfa) and the flavor, mild and not overly sweet, are a perfect match for post-workout (when taste buds are heightened). The rich Vanilla was my favorite, particularly when blended with a frozen banana. Tony of course preferred the Chocolate.

Alisa Fleming