If you’re looking to boost your athletic performance or simply increase your daily protein intake with a vegan option, you’ve probably come across two top contenders: Vega Sport and Garden of Life plant-based protein powders. Both brands offer excellent choices, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive in and compare them!
Ingredients and Nutrition
- Vega Sport: This line features a blend of pea protein, brown rice protein, pumpkin seed protein, and sacha inchi protein. It packs 30 grams of protein, along with BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) for muscle recovery, and tart cherry for reducing inflammation. Vega Sport prides itself on clean, whole-food ingredients.
- Garden of Life: Garden of Life’s Sport line utilizes a mix of pea, brown rice, lentil, bean, and cranberry seed proteins. It delivers a similar 30 grams of protein per serving, plus probiotics and enzymes beneficial for gut health. This brand is also known for its commitment to organic ingredients.
Taste and Texture
- Vega Sport: Historically, Vega gets a win when it comes to taste and smooth texture. It offers a variety of flavors from classic chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like peanut butter and mocha.
- Garden of Life: While taste is subjective, Garden of Life can have a slightly grittier texture and a more earthy, “natural” flavor profile. Some users find it a little too sweet.
Performance and Recovery
Both Vega Sport and Garden of Life are designed to support athletes.
- Vega Sport includes extras like tart cherry and turmeric for reduced muscle soreness post-workout. Some studies suggest tart cherry juice can modestly improve muscle recovery time.
- Garden of Life promotes its probiotics as aiding digestion and potentially enhancing nutrient absorption, which might be beneficial long-term.
Certifications and Testing
Both brands prioritize quality:
- Vega Sport: NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring it’s free of banned substances for competitive athletes. It’s also Informed Choice certified.
- Garden of Life: Also NSF Certified for Sport, as well as USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.
Price
Price-wise, Vega Sport tends to be slightly more expensive per serving than Garden of Life.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the “best” protein powder comes down to individual needs and preferences:
- Choose Vega Sport if: You prioritize great taste and smooth texture, want the added benefits of performance-boosting ingredients, and don’t mind paying slightly more.
- Choose Garden of Life if: You’re looking for a budget-friendlier option, value organic ingredients and gut health support, and can overlook a less-than-perfect texture.
