Lactose intolerance and dairy allergies or sensitivities are pretty common. It’s also pretty common for those with lactose intolerance to periodically consume dairy anyway and deal with the aftermath – usually, an upset stomach, bloating, etc. It’s often not so catastrophic that it’s unmanageable, but it’s not exactly pleasant either.
So why do people do it to themselves? Because they love dairy and/or the products that contain it. So many tasty and even potentially healthy things contain dairy that to some, it’s worth the discomfort. Protein powder is a common, useful, and powerful supplement that many like to take for various reasons. It’s popular among those who like to lift weights and otherwise work out as it helps build and maintain muscle.
Some like it just for the nutrition boost as part of a healthy diet. Either way, many protein supplements indeed contain dairy – but there’s also plenty of dairy-free protein powders out there, and some that are plant-based entirely.
Whatever your reason is for avoiding dairy, there’s no need to put up with it for the sake of a protein boost. Whether you’re looking for a vegan protein powder or one that is specifically dairy-free, you’ve come to the right place. These are some of the best dairy-free brands out there:
The Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder Brands
1. Orgain Protein and Superfoods
Not only is Orgain Protein and Superfoods packed with healthy protein but it includes 50 powerful superfoods as well. It’s an amazing, all-encompassing supplement that gives you a little of everything. Some of these superfoods include buckwheat, beets, spinach, cranberry, sprouts, quinoa, lentils, and so much more.
All of these amazing superfoods create a strong and impressive nutrient profile filled with good stuff like folate, vitamin A, potassium, riboflavin, magnesium, and so much more. The inclusion of extra superfoods does mean it’s higher in calories, at about 170 per serving, as well as carbs at 20 grams. But – it’s good quality carbs and calories! There are 21 grams of protein and even with all the extras, there is no added sugar, no cholesterol, and only five grams of fat.
It’s also certified vegan, non-GMO, and all organic.
If you’d like to separate these things into their own supplements, they do offer organic superfoods and a separate protein powder. There are some reasons you may just want one or the other, but it’s also very powerful to have them together.
2. Vega Protein and Greens
Vega is a well-known brand in the world of vegan supplements, which is not surprising considering their superior quality and fantastic taste. Their Protein and Greens product is particularly impressive. Each serving has 20 grams of quality plant-based protein along with a dose of kale, spinach, broccoli, and alfalfa.
The greens are in there, but you won’t even taste them behind their delicious array of flavors including chocolate, vanilla, berry, coconut almond, and salted caramel. If you don’t want any special flavor they do have an unflavored option. Each serving has only 120 calories which is pretty good considering the extras that are included.
Each serving also has only one gram of sugar, four grams of carbs, two and a half grams of fat, and no cholesterol. Overall, it’s a pretty clean protein even with the added greens. There are plenty of greens supplements out there but if you’re going to use one, why not have it added to your protein?
Eating greens is often what people struggle with the most, especially on a daily basis, which is why supplements like this one are so important.
3. Plant Fusion Complete Protein
Plant-Fusion Complete Protein is among the cleanest and best-tasting vegan protein powders out there, delivering 21 grams of powerful protein in each serving. It’s designed to not only build and repair your muscles but to sustain long-lasting energy while being easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.
It’s certified non-GMO, gluten-free, and of course, free from dairy along with other common allergens like soy, nuts, eggs, and rice. It’s also got no artificial colors, additives, or anything else, just clean, lean, plant-based protein!
They also have some wonderful flavors to choose from, including vanilla bean, rich chocolate, red velvet, or cookies and cream. Unflavored is also an option if you’d like something a little more versatile.
4. Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Replacement
Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Replacement is one of many amazing and powerful products offered by Garden of Life. Raw and organic are two words that should tip you off to just how natural and healthy this product is. Using only plant-based ingredients and whole foods, Garden of Life has created a healthy, nutrition-packed meal replacement supplement with so many benefits.
It includes 44 superfoods in total with 21 whole food vitamins and minerals. It’s only 140 calories per serving and offers 20 grams of protein. Even with all the other ingredients, there are only two grams of fat and five grams of sugar. Carbs are 14 grams but there is still no cholesterol.
This is an excellent source of protein if you’re looking for something clean and healthy to support your workouts, but it’s also got enough nutrition to replace a meal entirely. This is great for those on a diet, trying to lose weight, or simply accommodating a busy life and full schedule.
5. Precision Engineered Plant Protein
Precision Engineered carries an impressive line of protein powders and other supplements designed to support and enhance your workouts and otherwise active daily life. This includes supplements for strength, performance, and even specifically for toning and sculpting. They also offer creatine, pre-workout, and yummy protein snacks for on-the-go.
Their Plant Protein is a clean, quality, dairy-free product that offers 20 grams of smooth, tasty, plant-based protein made from pea and rice protein isolate. It’s perfect for snacks, meal replacements, pre- or post-workout drinks, and even baking. The vanilla flavor is creamy and delicious and the chocolate is smooth and rich. Mix either with some plant-based nut milk for a quick, easy, and decedent protein shake any time of the day.
Homemade Dairy-Free Desserts
Living completely dairy-free can be tough sometimes, especially when you have a sweet tooth. Thick and fluffy frosting usually requires butter, cheesecake is hard to enjoy without cream cheese, etc. While there may not be too many store-bought options that meet your taste and health standards, there’s plenty you can make at home that should do the trick!
Try one of these recipes and never have to live without your favorite sweets again!
Banana Brownies
Bananas are a surprisingly versatile fruit and can be used in many baked goods and can act as a substitute for many things, including eggs. This vegan-friendly banana brownie recipe is easy to make and requires simple ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, nut milk, and bananas.
The method is easy, the most important thing is making sure you mix the ingredients in the right order and you’re good to go! You could even consider adding a touch of chocolate, dairy-free protein powder to the recipe to add a little protein boost and turn these into a super healthy dessert!
Dairy-Free Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a classic – both as a dessert or as breakfast! Unfortunately, they often contain dairy, and the store-bought rolls are full of sugar and preservatives. When you make them at home with this wonderful recipe, you’re in control of what goes into them and you can adjust as necessary to meet your needs and desires.
One of the toughest things to recreate for desserts like this without dairy is the icing or frosting. Milk and butter make it so smooth and creamy – but there is a way to do it without these things! Here, all you need is powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract. It does require sugar, but it’s still much healthier than a boxed frosting – and no dairy!
White Chocolate Truffles
Lastly, this recipe is perfect for those with an adventurous sweet tooth who want to mix it up a bit – without dairy. And the best part is that there are only five ingredients! You’ll need macadamia nuts, unsweetened coconut, cocoa butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
The recipe goes over the few steps needed to get the right texture and shape to make them look and taste perfect. These little bite-sized treats are sweet, easy to make, and absolutely perfect for a quick snack or serving to friends and family at a party!
They’re an excellent party snack too because you never know when there could be someone in the crowd avoiding dairy, gluten, or anything else. Too often, these people are left out of snacking so this could be a very pleasant surprise!
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