In the world of fitness, workouts, & recovery, choosing a plant-based protein powder that fits your lifestyle can make all the difference.
Picture a protein source that gently supports your wellness goals, contributing to your strength and vitality just as nature intended.
Well I might’ve found a candidate for you to consider.
Welcome to my Vega Sport Premium Protein Review article, where you & I’ll be examining it from top to bottom, inside to out. From the specific ingredients it packs & their benefits, to the values of the company who makes it.
I bought a tub of it which I drank for the past month, so I’ll also talk about its taste & texture too, & compare it to the other heavy hitters in the vegan protein powder market, Orgain & Garden of Life.
Ahead of all the details we’ll be diving into, I can tell you that Vega Sport Premium protein is Vega’s biggest selling powder, & one of its highest rated too, if not the #1.
And that’s because it has a bunch of solid things going for it that are worth telling you about.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhy Choosing the Right Protein Powder Matters
Having protein in our diet is essential, especially if you’re working out consistently or lead an athletic lifestyle, because of its role in helping us build and repair muscles, as well as provide much-needed energy for our bodies.
And the protein powders we choose can vastly differ, from whats in them to the brand that sells them. It’s these differences that make the choice to buy it & put it in our body pretty important, I think.
About this Vega Sport Premium protein review
Just to be clear, I don’t accept free stuff from the companies whose products I review on my blog, I buy my own. And I’m not here to sell you anything either.
I don’t even drink Vega Sport on a regular basis. But I did knock down a few pounds of Vega protein powder, this one & also a can of chocolate Vega One All In One.
(If you’re interested in what the differences between those two popular products are, check out my article Vega Sport vs. Vega One.)
My goal for this review is to give you the full scoop on Vega Sport Premium Protein, to make sure you have all the information you need to determine if this protein powder is the right match for your lifestyle & wellness goals or not.
Science resources included
As is my custom here on heydayDo, I will provide links to all of the relevant sports science and medical resources, clinical studies, & nutritional data used in this article.
What is Vega Sport Premium Protein?
It’s a high-protein (30 grams a serving’s worth) plant-based powder designed for anyone who wants to boost their protein intake.
Vega, the company who makes it, markets it towards active people whose lifestyle (& their muscles) need a protein supplement:
- athletes;
- workout warriors & the fitness enthused;
- anyone on the go who wants a clean & easy-to-use source of protein.
Vega Sport Premium stands out among vegan protein powders for its impressive blend of ingredients, amino acid profile, and most notably its plant-based protein sources.
Vega Sport vs Vega Sport Premium: What’s the difference?
Throughout this article I’ll use the terms Vega Sport Protein and Vega Sport Premium Protein interchangeably. So I wanted to pass along to you — in case you didn’t know — that:
1. these are two similar but separate products that Vega sells, and
2. all of the nutrition, taste, & cost information to follow is based on Vega Sport Premium, since that’s the one I decided to buy & use in this review.
“So…what’s the difference?” you might ask.
Both Vega Sport Protein and Vega Sport Premium Protein provide a hefty 30 grams of protein and boast similar flavors. However, one key difference sets them apart – the probiotic content.
Vega Sport Premium Protein contains 2 billion CFUs of probiotics, which is not in the ‘regular’ Sport version. As mentioned, I’ll be focusing on the Premium version in our upcoming nutritional analysis, given my recent firsthand experience with this product.
The Vega brand background
Vega has etched its name in the plant-based nutrition market as a brand driven by a powerful vision – to empower the world through plant-based nutrition. Since its inception, Vega has remained committed to offering high-quality, innovative plant-based supplements, championing the potential of plant power.
Unique selling points of Vega Sport Protein
Vega Sport Protein stands out from the crowd due to its smart blend of performance-driven ingredients, transparency, and commitment to quality.
It harnesses the power of peas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and alfalfa to deliver a high-protein punch, supporting your muscle recovery and repair after all the working out you’re doing.
It provides a comprehensive amino acid profile and includes useful supplements such as turmeric, tart cherry, and in the Premium version, gut-friendly probiotics.
Certification and Quality Assurance
Vega ensures their products are of the highest quality, and they have the credentials to prove it. Vega Sport Protein is certified by NSF for sport, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO project verified.
This adherence to rigorous standards underscores Vega’s commitment to delivering not just high-protein products, but those that meet the stringent quality and safety guidelines.
Vega Sport Premium supplement facts
Have a look at the macronutrient breakdown and you’ll see Vega Sport Premium is a clean, high-protein, low-carb vegan protein powder, as well as low fat. And at 4 grams of net carbs, this is keto-friendly too.
The only thing I’d point out that’s not excellent is the 370 mg of sodium, which is a bit high for protein powders of this quality.
Vega Sport Premium Protein ingredients
I’ll break down the primary ingredients and discuss their health benefits based on research. Here’s the Ingredients label off the can of Vega Sport Premium I got:
Pea Protein
Pea protein sits at the heart of Vega Sport Premium Protein. As a high-quality plant-based protein source, pea protein provides a thorough set of the essential amino acids your body needs.
Numerous studies highlight pea protein’s positive impact on muscle growth, comparable to that of animal-derived proteins.
Pumpkin Seed and Sunflower Seed Proteins
A secondary source of plant-based protein in Vega Sport is the combo of pumpkin & sunflower seed proteins.
These seed proteins are powerhouses of nutrition, offering a well-rounded amino acid profile, essential fatty acids, and a handful of minerals.
Pumpkin seed protein has been associated with improved heart health and better sleep due to its magnesium and tryptophan content.
Alfalfa Protein
Alfalfa protein, derived from alfalfa grass, is a green, leafy wonder of nature. This protein source earns this honor by being densely packed with nutrients, providing your body with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that promote optimal health and vitality.
Tart Cherry
Tart cherry is a notable ingredient, known for its natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often linked to reduced muscle soreness and improved recovery in athletes, making it a valuable addition to Vega Sport Premium Protein.
Beetroot Powder
Beetroot powder enhances the product’s nutritional profile, and also contributes to its color. Beetroot is rich in nitrate, a compound that supports blood flow and muscle oxygenation, leading to improved exercise performance.
Probiotics (Bacillus Coagulans)
A standout feature of Vega Sport Premium Protein is the addition of 2 billion CFUs of Bacillus Coagulans. This probiotic strain supports gut health, immunity, and protein absorption.
Other Ingredients
Minor ingredients include natural flavors, cocoa powder, sea salt, xanthan gum, bromelain, turmeric extract, and black pepper extract. Each of these contributes to the overall taste, texture, and health benefits of Vega Sport Premium Protein.
Ingredients summary
This comprehensive blend of ingredients makes Vega Sport Premium Protein a nutritionally-dense choice for anyone seeking plant-based protein supplementation.
Is Vega Sport protein a complete protein?
Taking a closer look at Vega Sport Premium Protein, it indeed qualifies as a complete protein.
The amino acids label from the Vega Sport Premium Protein tub.
In case you didn’t know — A complete protein is one that provides all nine essential amino acids in adequate amounts. And they’re called essential simply because they can’t be made by our bodies so we have to get them from our diet.
They play crucial roles in processes like tissue repair and nutrient absorption.
Vega Sport Premium protein powder offers a full spectrum of amino acids, including all nine essentials. Its complete amino acid profile per serving includes:
Alanine 1.2g
Arginine 2.5g
Aspartic Acid 3.4g
Cysteine 0.2g
Glutamic Acid 5.0g
Glycine 1.1g
Histidine 0.7g
Isoleucine 1.3g
Leucine 2.4g
Lysine 2.0g
Methionine 0.3g
Phenylalanine 1.6g
Proline 1.3g
Serine 1.5g
Threonine 1.1g
Tryptophan 0.3g
Tyrosine 1.0g
Valine 1.4g
(BCAAs in bold)
The presence of all these amino acids ensures that Vega Sport Premium Protein can effectively support muscle growth and recovery, fulfilling the needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
How to use Vega Sport
Vega Sport Premium protein powder is easy to work into your daily routine. The serving size that delivers 30 grams of protein is one scoop that weighs 44 grams, roughly an ounce & a half.
Vegan shakes & smoothies
Since it mixes pretty easily for a plant-based protein powder, you can just combine with 10-12 ounces of beverage in a shaker bottle — put the liquid in first — and shake it up.
While I was using it, most of the time I added it to my blender-full of things like fruit, greens, chia seeds or nut butters, and mixed it up in that.
It worked great. The consistency was nice & it didn’t separate if I took over 20 minutes or so to finish it, like some vegan powders can do.
Other uses for Vega Sport
But Vega Sport Premium Protein is not limited to shakes. Its chocolate flavor is versatile enough to be added to a variety of recipes.
You can mix it into your morning oatmeal, blend it into a smoothie, or even incorporate it into your baking for a protein boost. Think chocolate protein pancakes for breakfast, or a post-workout protein muffin.
If you’re trying to build muscle
Are you planning to use Vega Sport Premium protein to help boost your workout gains? If so, it’s recommended to consume it within 45 minutes post-workout.
This timing helps take full advantage of the body’s optimal recovery window and maximizes the benefits you get from the product.
Remember, Vega Sport Premium Protein is a supplement to your diet, not a replacement for whole foods, since it’s not a meal replacement type of product.
It’s always best to maintain a balanced, nutritious diet alongside your protein supplement.
Vega Sport Premium customer reviews
Vega Sport Premium Protein has made a lasting impression in the plant-based protein world, just take a peek at their buyer’s reviews.
Based on nearly 10,000 reviews, it holds an impressive 4.7-star rating. It’s clear to see that the majority of users appreciate what this product brings to the table.
The chocolate & vanilla flavors of Vega Sport Premium each have a devoted following happy with their genuine taste profiles. I really liked the chocolate forward flavor of the cans I bought.
Also — a common perception is that plant-based protein powders might have a gritty texture, and for good reason: some do. (I can attest to that.)
But Vega Sport Premium dispels that notion quickly, as it shakes up easily & blends into a smooth consistency which (obviously) a boatload of users find appealing.
Aside from all the positives, there’s one aspect that tends to draw mixed reactions – the taste of stevia. That issue comes up with whatever company is heavy-handed with their stevia-based sweetening.
And Vega Sport Premium uses stevia leaf extract for sweetening too, and its distinct flavor is noticeable.
Some users, myself included, find it a bit too strong. But here’s a pro tip directly from the Vega website: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to your shake or smoothie. (They must’ve heard us.)
This simple addition can help to balance out the taste of stevia, making your protein drink even more enjoyable.
Pros & Cons
Let’s have a summarized look comparing Vega Sport Premium’s great qualities with its not-so-great ones.
Pros:
- Provides 30g of top-notch plant-based protein per serving.
- Offers a delightful chocolate flavor enjoyed by many.
- Uses a varied blend of plant proteins, including pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and alfalfa.
- Includes probiotics for added gut health support.
- Supplies a complete profile of essential amino acids.
- Produced by Vega, a respected leader in the plant-based supplement market.
- Carries vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free certifications, suiting those with specific dietary needs.
- Mixes well, breaking the myth of gritty plant-based protein powders.
- A popular choice backed by nearly 10,000 happy customer reviews.
Cons:
- The stevia leaf extract may make the sweetness too intense for some.
- The sodium content is higher than many other protein powders, with 370mg per serving.
Is Vega Sport Protein Safe?
Vega Sport Protein is definitely a safe choice. It’s not just a nutritional powerhouse, but also a product that takes safety and purity seriously.
There are several reasons I can sound so confident in saying this.
The protein powder is plant-based and completely vegan, and Vega the brand takes careful measures in sourcing the ingredients to ensure their quality and sustainability.
What sets Vega Sport Protein apart is the Certified for Sport® seal by NSF. This certification means the product has undergone rigorous testing for over 270 substances that are banned by major athletic organizations.
Vega Sport Protein is also non-GMO and gluten-free, adding another layer of safety for those with specific dietary requirements or preferences.
Further, as a Certified B Corporation, Vega upholds high standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.
They are committed to balancing profit and purpose, which extends to ensuring the safety and purity of their products.
Any Vega Sport Protein Side Effects?
Like with any new supplement, it’s natural to wonder about potential side effects. Fortunately, Vega Sport Protein is generally well-tolerated by most people.
However, as everyone’s body responds differently, some might experience minor digestive discomfort initially, especially if you’ve never drank vegan protein powders before.
This usually subsides as your body adjusts to the new product.
Remember, always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have specific dietary needs, allergies, or are pregnant or nursing.
In general, Vega Sport Protein is safe to incorporate into your daily diet as it is a natural, plant-based product free of artificial preservatives or colors.
It’s a trustworthy option to support your protein needs in a healthy, ethical way.
Vega Sport Protein Customer Service
When it comes to making sure their customers are cared for, Vega goes the extra mile. You can reach their friendly and helpful customer service team via email or phone call from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 6 pm EST, except for statutory holidays.
Simply drop an email at askvega@myvega.com or dial 1-866-841-9355. They are eager to answer your questions, guide you through their products, or even share some delicious smoothie recipes with you!
On their website, you can also make use of the chat box at the lower right-hand corner for quick assistance.
Warranty, Return Policy, and Support
Vega not only stands behind the quality of their products but also guarantees your satisfaction. If for some reason you’re not happy with any Vega product bought either from myvega.com or an authorized seller, you can ask for a refund or replacement.
However, it’s essential to remember that this 30-day satisfaction guarantee isn’t available for products bought from unauthorized sellers due to Vega’s inability to control their quality.
To claim the guarantee, just get in touch with their expert team via phone or email within 30 days from the date of purchase. They might ask for details regarding the place and time of purchase.
If your request gets approved, you may be asked to send the unused part of the product, proof of purchase, and your claim number to their official address in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
In short, Vega prioritizes your satisfaction, making sure you have all the support needed to enjoy their top-quality, plant-based nutrition products.
FAQ
Here are answers to a handful of the most common questions asked about Vega Sport Protein.
Does Vega Sport Protein have caffeine?
Only Chocolate and Mocha flavors have any, and it's less than 25mg of caffeine per serving, primarily sourced from cocoa powder.
Does Vega Sport Protein have heavy metals?
No. Vega products are tested for heavy metals, ensuring they meet rigorous quality standards for safety.
Is Vega Sport Protein keto-friendly?
Yes, with a low carbohydrate content that comes in a t 4 grams per serving, Vega Sport Protein can suit a keto lifestyle.
What are the differences: Vega Sport vs Vega Sport Premium?
Both are similar, and their flavor profiles are identical, but Premium adds 2 billion CFUs probiotics, has 20 more calories, an extra gram of fat, and less sodium.
Is Vega Sport Protein safe during pregnancy?
While generally safe, it's best to consult a healthcare professional during pregnancy before making changes to your diet.
Is Vega Sport Protein Powder gluten-free?
Yes, indeed! Vega Sport Protein Powder is certified gluten-free, making it safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
Is Vega Sport Protein low FODMAP?
No, Vega Sport Protein isn't certified low FODMAP. It contains ingredients like pea protein, which could trigger FODMAP-related symptoms.
Summing it up, is Vega Sport Protein good?
When it comes to the quality of ingredients and the nutritional value, Vega Sport Protein excels.
The blend of proteins from peas, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds offers a complete amino acid profile. The additional ingredients like tart cherry, probiotics, and BCAAs boost recovery and gut health.
The product is also vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and meets NSF’s Certified for Sport standards, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for a healthful protein supplement.
User reviews back the value of those facts too. Vega Sport Protein is a crowd-pleaser with Vega Sport Premium Protein even ahead of it, garnering an impressive 4.7-star rating from over 10,000 buyers.
Users laud the taste, mix-ability, and positive impact on recovery. The only minor hiccup mentioned by a minority of users is the slightly slightly forward stevia taste.
Quick Comparison to Other Brands
When compared to other plant-based protein powders, Vega Sport Protein easily holds its own.
Against Garden of Life’s SPORT protein powder, Vega Sport comes out ahead with higher ratings in taste and mixability. Vega Sport’s buyer ratings also stand on par with Orgain’s Sport Protein Powder.
In a nutshell, Vega Sport Protein has proven itself to be a top contender in the plant-based protein supplement market.
Who is Vega Sport Protein Great For?
I think Vega Sport Protein (whether “regular” or Premium) works well for a wide range of people.
Athletes and active individuals who are looking for a high-quality, plant-based protein supplement will find it especially beneficial.
Vegans and vegetarians who want to ensure they’re getting enough protein can rely on it too. Even those who aren’t strictly plant-based but want to add more plant protein to their diet will appreciate its clean & wholesome ingredient list.
Who Vega Sport Protein May Not Be Suitable For?
While Vega Sport Protein is a great choice for most, some individuals may need to consider other options. Those who are sensitive to stevia (like me) may find the flavor profile a bit strong.
And of course if you have a specific allergy or intolerance to any of the ingredients such as pea protein, you should avoid this product, though the odds of that are extremely unlikely.
Also, while Vega Sport Protein is safe for most pregnant and nursing women, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Vega Sport Premium cost
I can pass along that as of today, Vega Sport Premium Protein has a slightly higher price compared to its key competitors, Orgain and Garden of Life, but the difference is pretty minor.
Currently I see its cost per ounce is a tiny bit higher than GoL’s, $1.27 vs. $1.23, and less than a quarter higher than Orgain’s, $1.27 vs. $1.04.
However (IMHO anyway), when you consider the quality formula, impressive ingredients, comprehensive amino acids profile, and smooth texture that Vega Sport Premium brings to the table, I think that small cost is well worth it.
Where Can You Get Vega Sport Protein Powder?
Finding Vega Sport Protein Powder is easy, since it’s sold in all of the major online retailers who carry vegan protein powders.
So of course you can get it on Amazon, as well as the other biggies like like GNC, Walmart, The Vitamin Shoppe, or Vitacost.
You can also buy directly from the Vega website if you prefer.
Any deals or coupons?
Vega discount sales on Amazon (or anywhere else) aren’t common, once in a blue moon maybe. On the Vega website, I see that currently they’ll give you a one-time 20% off if you share your email address with them.
Why Buy from Vega’s Website?
Vega has a much different company vibe than its big competitors Orgain and Garden Of Life (owned by Nestlé, ick).
Buying from Vega’s website is about more than just getting your protein powder. They give you a chance to help the environment, and at checkout, you can choose a place where a tree will be planted on your behalf.
They also have a rewards program where you earn points every time you shop, when you sign up, and even on your birthday. These points can be traded for money off future orders.
But the real stand-out? The Vega website just makes you feel good. You can see the positive impact they’re trying to make on people and our planet.
If you want to feel like you’re helping out even by just buying protein powder, it may be worth buying directly from Vega.
Related articles here on heydayDo
4 Best Plant-Based Vegan Mass Gainers
Vega Sport vs. Vega One: Comparing Two Plant-Based Protein Powders
Best Protein Powders Without Artificial Sweeteners
Top 24 Protein Bars Without Artificial Sweeteners
BCAAs Without Sucralose (Or Any Artificial Stuff Either)
Wrapping Up
My time using Vega Sport Premium, as well as researching into its ingredients & company background, was enlightening and its easy for me to recommend this product.
What I like
It has a powerful combo of 30g of plant-based protein with a solid essential amino acids profile, and not all vegan protein powders do.
On top of that, the bonus of 5+ grams of BCAAs and glutamine were like a cherry on top, the right ingredients to help us recover faster from workouts.
And the taste? Well, I must admit, even with my sensitivity to stevia, the chocolate flavor I bought was easy to drink & otherwise enjoyable.
My quibbles
Here are the not-so-great things to consider before buying Vega Sport Premium protein powder.
One is that it costs more than Orgain & Garden Life’s “sport” protein powders, though I like Vega Sport Premium’s formula better than theirs, and so does my digestive system.
The other two things for me were that:
- I felt like its sodium level was high for a protein powder, at 370 mg, though it doesn’t taste over-salted by any means.
- it has a little too much stevia according to my taste buds, for me to make it my #1 daily go-to plant-based protein powder.
It’s not just about the product, though. It’s about the company too. Vega goes the extra mile to ensure the quality and safety of their product, earning my trust along the way.
They’re vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, certified for B-Corp and NSF Certified for Sport. These aren’t just fancy labels; they’re promises that the product you’re putting into your body is as clean and pure as it can be.
All things considered, Vega Sport Premium offers more than just protein. It provides a range of benefits designed to support your health and well-being. Is it right for you? Only you can decide. But in my book, it’s definitely worth a shot.
—
I hope that my review article covering Vega Sport Premium Protein powder is useful to you, and I wish you well on your fitness journey.
-greg