Vega Sport vs Vega One: My Detailed Protein Powder Comparison

Are you on the hunt for the perfect plant-based protein powder?

The protein powder market is swamped with options, making it challenging sometimes to find the ideal fit. No worries. I am ready, willing, & enthused to guide you through my in-depth Vega Sport VS Vega One comparison.

If you’re already familiar with these two popular Vega protein powders, you’re on the right track. Maybe you’re in “Buy” mode, carefully weighing your options to make the best decision.

Well, you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice and pick the protein powder that aligns with your goals.

 

Strong demand growth for vegan protein

As more and more people adopt plant-based diets, the popularity of vegan protein powders is definitely  on the rise. This soaring demand for vegan and plant-based protein powders is driven by a range of factors:

• the increasing number of people embracing a vegan lifestyle,
• growing concerns about animal welfare,
• and a rising awareness of the health implications associated with animal products.

All of these have contributed to this surge. Even recent events, like the animal-related diseases and flu outbreaks we’ve seen, have amplified the interest in plant-based protein.

I think they’re a great alternative to traditional dairy-based protein powders (like whey). And not just for vegans either, but also for those who are lactose intolerant, or for people like me who simply want to add a plant-based option to their protein supplement plan.

 

What’s ahead in this blog post

My intention with this article is to share with you useful insights & comparisons between Vega Sport and Vega One, two products I’ve bought many a time.

By the end, you’ll have the knowledge necessary to confidently pick a protein powder that will support your unique fitness journey and overall well-being.

Let’s go.

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.

 

Program notes

The two tubs you see pictured out in my back yard are the sizes & flavors I bought for this review; they’re both made with the same chocolate formula Vega uses.

Also wanted to let you know…Vega’s in the process of giving a makeover to its “Vega One All-In-One” look & redesigning the label graphics, and both old & new label versions are on the market at this time.

 

The roots of the Vega brand

Let’s go back to 2001.

A vegan triathlete named Brendan Brazier spotted a gap in the market – there just weren’t any plant-based fitness fuels that were up to scratch. So he took matters into his own hands and created Vega.

Fast forward to now, and Vega isn’t just for high-achievers – it’s for anyone who wants to stay fit. More than that, Vega is a brand that truly cares about people and the planet, proven by their B Corp™ certification.

 

Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder

Vega Sport is a plant-based protein powder that delivers, and it’s made for active people: workout warriors, athletes, & those with an active lifestyle.

It contains a hefty 30g of protein per serving, sourced from peas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, & alfalfa protein. The protein blend provides more than 5g of BCAAs, which are important for muscle repair. One interesting ingredient is tart cherry, known to aid in post-workout recovery.

As for the taste, you’ve got options: Berry, Chocolate, Mocha, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla – all with no added sugars. And for your peace of mind, know that it’s NSF Certified for Sport, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project verified.

 

Vega One All In One Protein Powder

Vega One All-In-One isn’t just your run-of-the-mill plant-based protein powder.

This well-rounded nutritional shake contains 20g of protein per serving, primarily from organic pea protein, with a bit of golden flaxseed thrown in for good measure. These protein sources come together to provide 4.1 grams of BCAAs.

Beyond protein, it has USDA-Organic certified kale and spinach, a good amount of essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and 2 billion CFUs of probiotics. It’s also a good source of fiber and comes in French Vanilla, Chocolate, Vanilla Chai, and Mixed Berry flavors.

Besides protein, Vega One also provides a good amount of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a comprehensive choice for those seeking a balanced meal replacement with a nice nutritional boost.

And just like Vega Sport, it’s NSF Certified for Sport, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project verified.

 

Ingredient Comparison: Vega Sport vs Vega One

OK, here’s where you’ll see exactly what these two veggie powders are made of. We’ll look at all of their nutritional numbers & their macros of course, and then I’ll go over all of their main ingredients too.

I’ll also share the research I found on the key ingredients & what health benefits they each have for us.

Nutrition Facts comparisons

By the way, numbers are from the chocolate flavors of Vega Sport & Vega One that I bought.

Calories

They’re pretty even here. Vega Sport has 160 calories per serving, Vega One provides 150.

Protein Content

Vega Sport packs a punch with 30g per serving, outperforming Vega One that has 20g in it.

Carbohydrates

Vega Sport contains 6g total carbs with 2g fiber, giving you 4g of net carbs. Vega One has 12g total carbs with 6g fiber, resulting in 6g of net carbs.

Fiber – So Vega One stands out with its nice fiber content for a beverage, with 6g per serving, compared to Vega Sport’s 2.

Sugar –  Both powders are careful with sugar, and neither of them has added sugars. Vega Sport contains less than 1g, and Vega One contains only a gram per serving.

BCAAs

For all of us interested in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), the numbers are pretty good for vegan powders. Vega Sport has a little more per serving (5 grams) as you’d expect, and Vega One has 4.1g.

Vitamins & Minerals

When it comes to vitamins and minerals, Vega One takes the lead. It offers up to 50% DV of 12 essential vitamins and minerals, including the antioxidant powerhouses vitamins A & C.

 

 

Vega Sport unique ingredients

Now we’re into the individual ingredients. First let’s have a look at those that are only in one of these plant-based protein powders, starting with Vega Sport.

Pumpkin Seed Protein

Pumpkin seed protein is a high-quality protein source that supports muscle recovery and growth. It also provides a good amount of iron and magnesium, essential minerals for energy production and muscle function (1).

Alfalfa Protein

Alfalfa protein is a source of chlorophyll, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and some B vitamins. It has the potential to support overall wellness (2).

Tart Cherry Powder

Tart cherry powder is known for its high antioxidant capacity. Research suggests it may help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery in athletes (3).

Turmeric Extract & Black Pepper Extract

Turmeric extract has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory benefits, which could aid recovery, though the dose here is low. Black pepper extract can enhance the absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric (4).

 

Vega One unique ingredients

Pea Starch & Flaxseed Powder

Pea starch is a slow-digesting carbohydrate, which can help maintain energy levels. Flaxseed powder provides a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber (5).

Veggies & Fruits Blend

This blend of various organic veggies and fruits can provide a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals. They also contribute to the product’s antioxidant content, which can support immune function (6).

Sprouted Quinoa

Quinoa sprouts are a good source of protein, fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals. They also have a low glycemic index, which can help maintain blood sugar levels (7).

B Vitamins

In Vega One, a thoughtful mix of B vitamins – B3, B5, B6, B2, B1, and B7 – have been included. These vitamins are key in transforming food into energy, supporting brain function, and contributing to skin health. Biotin (B7), in particular, is known for promoting skin, hair, and nail health.

Spirulina Powder

Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, is known for its rich nutrient content, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It may offer a range of health benefits, including immune support and inflammation reduction (8).

Mushroom Powder

Mushroom powder can provide various health benefits, including immune system support and potential anti-inflammatory effects (9).

 

Common ingredients among Vega Sport & Vega One

Alright. Here’s what these two share ingredient-wise, starting with the dominant ingredient in both vegan powders.

Pea Protein

Both Vega Sport and Vega One use pea protein as the main protein source. Pea protein is a high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and recovery. It’s also a good option for those with dietary restrictions or allergies (10).

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder not only contributes to the chocolate flavor of these products but also offers a variety of health benefits. It’s rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that may improve heart health (11).

Natural Flavors & Stevia Leaf Extract

Natural flavors and stevia leaf extract are used in both powders to enhance taste without adding extra calories or sugar.

Probiotics (Bacillus Coagulans)

Both powders contain Bacillus coagulans, a type of probiotic that may support gut health and immune function (12).

Sea Salt

Sea salt is added to these two protein powders to enhance flavor and replenish electrolytes lost during exercise.

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is used in both powders as a thickening agent, contributing to their smooth and creamy texture when mixed with liquid (14).

 

Ingredients Summary

Vega Sport and Vega One All-In-One Shake diverge significantly in their specialized ingredients and targeted benefits, while sharing a core of plant-based proteins and essential amino acids.

Vega Sport Premium Protein

Primarily designed for fitness enthusiasts, Vega Sport Protein offers a high protein content with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), all derived from a blend of non-organic pea, pumpkin seed, and sunflower seed proteins.

This aids muscle recovery and repair, especially after strenuous workouts. Other notable ingredients include tart cherry, known to reduce muscle soreness, and probiotics for gut health.

 

Vega One All-In-One Shake

This plant-based supplement aims to provide comprehensive nutritional support. It may not have every vitamin & mineral under the sun in it, but it does quite well at providing us several anyways.

In addition to a robust protein blend, Vega One includes a ‘Veggies and Fruits Blend,’ introducing an array of antioxidants and fiber, the same ‘healthy gut’ probiotics as Vega Sport, and a touch of ‘Sprouted Quinoa,’ a source of complete protein and nutrients.

Furthermore, it incorporates flaxseed powder, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and maca root, which can boost energy and stamina.

 

Ingredients conclusion

Both Vega Sport and Vega One have nice clean ingredients that offer a boatload of health benefits, though in slightly different ways.

Which one’s the better choice for each of us depends on our personal fitness goals and diet needs.

Vega Sport and its 30 gram dose of vegan protein is ideal for those seeking muscle recovery and enhanced workout performance, while Vega One serves as an all-around nutritional supplement.

I don’t think it (Vega One) has enough calories on its own (150) to be considered a true meal replacement, and Vega doesn’t market it as one.

But add it to a few smart, calorie-rich choices in your smoothie blender — nut butter, olive oil, shredded coconut, chia seeds, etc. — and you’ve got a very satiating meal you can drink.

Regardless, Vega One All In One provides a nice balance of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a good choice for overall health and wellbeing.

Taste and Texture

Always keep in mind that taste can be very subjective. No surprise really; science says variations in taste preferences are in our DNA and we’re each unique beings.

That disclaimer out of the way, I can pass along to you a good sense of the majority opinion from users on the taste of these two protein powders. And after that I’ll chime in with my own take too.

 

Taste opinions from Vega reviews online

I read a ton of online reviews (hundreds) for these two vegan powders. Easy to do since they are both popular & have been for a few years now. I checked out Amazon, the Vega site, & the other retailers that sell a bunch of Vega products.

Here are my takeaways.

Vega Sport Protein has many reviews praising its full-bodied, earthy taste. The chocolate flavor has been highlighted for delivering a deep, rich cocoa experience. I experienced that myself.

Customers also frequently mentioned positive things about its smooth texture, especially when blended into post-workout shakes or smoothies.

Vega One All-In-One Shake has a distinctive plant-based flavor that many customers have found pleasing. Its chocolate version is generally described as pleasantly light on sweetness, and more subtle on the cocoa notes compared to Vega Sport.

While the blend-ability generally gets positive reviews, some users do mention a slightly grainy feel, likely due to its additional nutrition-packed components like the Veggie & Fruit Blend.

 

My 2¢

Bottom line: For me, these two (the chocolates I bought) taste similar to one another. You can tell Vega is using the same combo of cocoa powder, stevia, & ‘natural flavor’ to dial in these protein powders’ taste.

And as expected, Vega One All In One felt & tasted more grassy or grainy than Vega Sport did. 

As mentioned earlier, I’ve bought both of these before. I knew I’d be writing this article at some point, so I saved a little from each tub so I could do a ‘texture & taste-test’ comparison between Sport & One.

Did I like them? Well, not a whole lot. I had no prob with their textures, but Vega’s stevia amount for both is/was too strong for my taste buds, and I’m not alone.

Even on Vega’s website they provide a tip for bringing their big stevia taste down a notch:

“..try adding a squirt of lemon juice or a handful of dark leafy greens to your Vega Sport Premium Protein smoothie.”

I can also add that I agree with the many people who said the Vega Sport chocolate had a strong (in a nice way) ‘cocoa-forward’ kind of vibe to it.

It didn’t mask the stevia enough for my taste buds, but so what.

 

My mix-ability feedback

I could pretty easily shake it in a shaker to the point where it was pretty well mixed with no clumping, that’s a plus.

One thing that didn’t pan out was adding it to my morning hot beverage. Unless you down that hot cup of whatever within 15 minutes or so, pea protein powder will find its way to the bottom of your cup.

A ‘nice’ gooey sludge awaits down there, no fault of Vega’s though. This has happened with every vegan powder I’ve ever bought that was pea protein or rice/seed-based.

 

Used to whey, new to vegan protein?

If you’re coming from a whey powder background, the first time you drink any plant-based protein powder will get your attention. And probably the second time too.

There’s a new set of texture & taste experiences to contend with when trying out a protein powder that’s built with pea protein, seed protein, rice protein, etc.

Vegan powders have a grainier feel in your mouth, and they’ll also carry a taste that comes across as either earthy, grassy, or grainy when compared to whey protein powder. Or some combo of those three.

 

Price Comparison

When looking at their Amazon prices today there are sizes & flavors where Vega One is cheaper on the one hand, but Vega Sport is cheaper on the other.

I see price differences that range from 25¢ – 40¢ per ounce, which comes out to roughly $4 – $6.50 per pound, which is a pretty wide range considering they each take turns being more expensive than the other, depending on the size & flavor you’re looking at.

But in any event, both options are considered reasonably priced compared to other high-quality vegan protein powders on the market.

 

Side Effects and Safety Precautions

I came across no serious side effect reports for either Vega Sport or Vega One, so I’m just passing along general guidelines in case you’re in an at-risk group.

Plant proteins are mostly safe for most people, but someone with a real sensitive system might get an upset stomach.

Vega products are gluten-free & vegan, but be careful if you’ve got severe allergies due to their facility also processing soy, egg, tree nuts , etc.

Vega Sport has 400 mg of sodium — that’s a lot for a dose of protein powder, and it has a very tiny amount of natural caffeine in the cocoa.

Lastly, the Alfalfa in Vega One isn’t great for folks with certain rare autoimmune issues. Always ask your doctor before starting a new supplement.

 

Third-Party Testing and Certification

Protein powders and supplements don’t get FDA approval, so outside testing is key for safety and quality & verification of product purity.

Vega Sport is NSF Certified for Sport – a seal showing it’s tested for banned stuff and meets high standards. Vega is also a BCorp, showing their commitment to ethical business and that they’re actively doing good for the planet.

 

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Most people like Vega Sport and Vega One.

Counting all of their online buyer reviews, both products hover around 4.5 – 4.6 stars, with high buyer satisfaction ratings (4 & 5-stars) around 90%, which is great.

Those strong numbers are backed by thousands of buyer ratings. Vega Sport is very popular with over 15,000 reviews; Vega One All In One has around 4-5,000.

The vast majority vibe among Vega buyers is that they enjoy the taste, find them easy to mix, and say they work well. You’ll find lots of comments praising the products’ quality, healthy ingredients, & the way using it makes the users feel healthier.

 

Who Should Choose Vega Sport?

Vega Sport is a good choice for  for athletes, bodybuilders, or those who engage in intense workouts.

Last update on 2025-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re someone who loves breaking a sweat, Vega Sport is the protein powder for you. Whether you’re lifting weights at the gym, going for long runs, or simply doing yoga in your living room, Vega Sport gives you that added push you need to reach your fitness goals.

With its higher protein content and the addition of BCAAs and glutamine, Vega Sport supports muscle recovery, growth, and overall athletic performance.

If you are looking for a protein powder to help you reach fitness, strength training, &/or muscle gain goals, Vega Sport may be the better choice between these two, depending on what the rest of your diet looks like.

 

Who Should Choose Vega One ‘All In One’?

Vega One is an excellent option for those seeking a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal replacement or a daily nutritional shake.

Last update on 2025-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For those who are always on the move, juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, Vega One is your nutritional ally.

Maybe you’re short on time to prepare a healthy meal, or just looking for an easy way to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need. If so, Vega One can help fill those nutritional gaps.

With its blend of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, Vega One provides a balanced approach to nutrition that can benefit anyone, whether they lead an active lifestyle or not.

 

FAQ

Here are answers to a few of the common questions asked regarding Vega Sport vs Vega One.

 

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Wrapping Up Vega Sport vs Vega One

In conclusion, both Vega Sport and Vega One offer unique benefits to cater to different needs.

Broadly speaking, Vega Sport is ideal for active people and those who work out consistently & require additional support for muscle recovery and growth…or really anyone who wants to knock down 30 grams of plant-based protein in a 12-16 oz drink.

Vega One is a versatile, nutrient-rich option as a meal replacement smoothie ingredient, or a daily nutritional shake. It has a third less protein than Sport but 20 grams is still a solid dose, plus it has all those beneficial natural compounds in it too.

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I hope that my review article comparing the Vega Sport Premium & Vega One protein powders is useful to you, and I wish you well on your fitness journey.

– greg