Protein is arguably the most important of the three food groups. Fat and carbs are both found in abundance in the modern diet and are readily available. In contrast, sources of protein can be harder to come by.
To get enough of this crucial nutrient, a lot of people turn to protein supplements. After all, it’s a lot easier to chug down a protein shake than to grill a steak!
There are lots of different types of protein supplements, with soy being one of the most popular. But which is the best soy protein?
Dieters and exercises can benefit from consuming more protein. For dieters, protein is filling and can help increase your metabolism. For exercisers, protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth. Too little protein can have a marked effect on your workout results.
Use a protein supplement to easily increase your intake of this crucial nutrient. To help you buy with confidence, we’ve tried and tested the most popular soy proteins around.
Best Soy Protein
Bulk Supplements don’t make fancy nutritional products. Instead, they focus on providing value for money products that literally “do what it says on the tin.” Their soy isolate protein powder is unflavored and contains no additional ingredients.
Key Features
- 112 calories per 30-gram serving
- 27 grams of protein per serving
- Mixes easily
- High in all essential amino acids
- Non-GMO
- Supplied in a low-bulk pouch instead of a rigid container
Being unflavored, this product is best added to smoothies. Mixed with plain water, it’s very bland. However, with no added ingredients, each serving is almost pure protein, so a little powder goes a long way.
Pros
- 90%+ protein per serving
- No added sugar, dairy, corn, eggs
- 33 servings per pouch
Cons
- Very bland
- Made in China
Bulk Supplements Soy Protein Isolate is exactly that. If you want a pure, unflavored soy protein powder, this product could be just what you are looking for.
2. Naturade Total Soy
Naturade Total Soy
Features
- NATURADE TOTAL SOY VANILLA – Our tasty vanilla weight loss shake is the first step to help in the weight loss process with fewer carbs per serving, more dietary fiber, and 47% less sugar
- REPLACE A MEAL AND LOSE WEIGHT – With 0 trans fat, 13 grams of protein, 130 calories, and 24 vitamins and minerals, use this vanilla protein shake powder as a meal replacement for weight loss
- REPLACE, EAT, AND EXERCISE – Have a shake in place of one meal a day, while eating right and increasing your intake of healthy whole food options and fiber while reducing your intake of sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat and drinking plenty of water; combined with just 30-60 minutes of light exercise 4 days a week will help enhance fast weight loss
- PLANT BASED INGREDIENTS – Packed with 24 vitamins and minerals, this lactose-free, and gluten-free vanilla shake is made with non GMO soy to help women and men lose weight.Recommended daily dose: one serving per day
There are lots of different reasons to use soy protein powder. Exercisers use it to speed up recovery after exercise and build muscle. Dieters use it to speed up weight loss and as a filling, low-calorie snack between meals. Naturade Total Soy can also be used as a meal replacement shake.
Key Features
- 140 calories per 36 gram serving
- 13 grams of protein per serving
- 17 grams of carbohydrate per serving
- 3 grams of fat per serving
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
To use this product for weight loss, simply drink a shake in place of 1-2 meals per day. You’ll save calories while continuing to provide your body with the nutrients it needs. You don’t have to use this product for weight loss, though; it is also suitable for after exercise.
Pros
- Great flavors
- Mixes easily
- Very well priced
- Designed specifically for weight loss
Cons
- Not very high in protein
- A long list of additives
- Contains added sugar and dairy
- Provides more carbs than protein
Naturade Total Soy is not very high in protein. In fact, it contains more carbs than protein. If you need a high protein supplement, this is not the product for you. However, for meal replacement purposes, the blend of protein and carbs should help keep you feeling full and energized between meals.
3. Bob’s Red Mill Soy
Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free
$38.00
Features
- WHOLESOME GOODNESS: Our Soy Protein Powder is a nourishing source of complete protein; this dairy free, unsweetened powder is an easy way for vegans and vegetarians to supplement their protein intake
- GLUTEN FREE: To assure the integrity of our gluten free products, we’ve built a separate 100% gluten free facility and batch test in our quality control laboratory using an ELISA Gluten Assay test
- VEGAN AND KETO: This product does not include eggs, dairy or honey; suitable for the high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet
- DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS: Soy Protein Powder is a good source of iron; one serving provides 17 grams of protein
- BOB'S RED MILL: Make folks a little happier: it’s the idea that keeps our stone mills grinding to fill every bag with wholesome goodness
A lot of the foods we eat contain very little protein. That’s especially true for vegetarians and vegans who don’t eat meat. Bob’s Red Mill Soy Protein Powder is designed to be used in cooking and baking to turn even the lowest protein food into a high-protein meal.
Key Features
- Unflavored
- Finely ground for very easy blending
- 80 calories per 20 gram serving
- 17 grams of protein per serving
- Free from carbs and fat
- No added ingredients
Soy protein powders don’t come much purer than Bob’s Red Mill Soy Protein Powder. Ground into a fine powder using traditional milling methods, this product contains 100% soybeans, with nothing added and nothing removed.
Pros
- Single ingredient product
- High in protein
- Carb and fat-free
- Ideal for cooking and baking
Cons
- Very bland taste
Mixed with plain water, Bob’s Red Mill Soy Protein Powder is not very appealing. However, it’s designed to be combined with other ingredients. Because it’s bland, you can mix it with almost anything to make high protein beverages and food. This is a very versatile product.
4. Now Sports
NOW Sports Nutrition
Features
- NOW Sports products are comprehensively tested so you can trust that our products are pure and effective for every level of athletics.
- PURE PROTEIN POWDER: Soy Protein Isolate is a good vegetable source of high-quality complete protein that has an excellent amino acid profile.
- UNFLAVORED PROTEIN POWDER: Soy Protein Isolate is a good vegetable source of high-quality complete protein that has an excellent amino acid profile.
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation).
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968.
Sports supplements often contain a range of additives and ingredients to enhance athletic performance. Protein powders frequently contain dozens of ingredients, many of which are artificial. Now Sports Soy Protein Isolate bucks this trend and contains nothing but soy protein isolate powder.
Key Features
- Pure, unflavored soy protein isolate
- No added ingredients
- Organic and non-GMO
- 90-calories per 24-gram serving
- 20 grams of protein per serving
- Free from fat and carbohydrates
- High in all essential amino acids
Made from just one ingredient, this soy protein supplement is as pure as can be. With no additives, it’s also free from potential allergens, including egg, dairy, and nuts. Made in an FDA-approved facility, this is a very clean, high-quality soy protein powder.
Pros
- Mixes easily
- High protein content per serving
- Made and packaged in the USA
Cons
- Bland flavor
Unflavored soy protein powder doesn’t taste unpleasant, but it is very bland. Because of this, many users mix soy protein powder with other ingredients to make it more palatable. The good news is that this unflavored shake mixes well with most foods and beverages, and can even be used for cooking and baking, as well as the more usual smoothies.
5. Shaklee Energizing
Features
| Part Number | 20670 |
| Is Adult Product |
Plain soy powders are very bland. While they are useful for adding to smoothies, they are not so appetizing when mixed with plain water. Shaklee Energizing Soy Protein is vanilla flavored, so it’s more palatable when mixed with water.
Key Features
- 110 calories per 28 gram serving
- 14 grams of protein per serving
- 1 gram of fat per serving
- 10 grams of carbs per serving
- All-natural flavors
- Free from artificial additives
Shaklee Energizing Soy Protein contains natural guar gum and soy lecithin to make it thicker and smoother when blended with water. This makes for a more enjoyable, filling, protein shake without using artificial ingredients.
Pros
- Pleasant taste
- Easy to use
- Filling
- High in essential amino acids
- 30 servings per 1.14 lb. container
Cons
- Quite expensive
Shaklee Energizing Soy Protein is an excellent alternative to chemically flavored whey protein shakes. Made with all-natural ingredients, and that includes the flavorings, this is a very pure soy protein supplement.
6. 365 Everyday Value
Features
- 365 by Whole Foods Market products give you that dance-down-the-aisles feeling, virtual aisles too! Our huge range of choices with premium ingredients at prices you can get down with makes grocery shopping so much more than tossing the basics in your cart.
To get the most from any supplement, you need to use it often and for long enough for it to work. That means it needs to be affordable. 365 Everyday Value Soy Protein Powder might not be the most advanced soy product, but its low price means you should be able to keep using it for as long as you wish.
Key Features
- Certified non-GMO
- No artificial additives
- 110 calories per serving
- <1g carbs and fat per serving
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- Naturally high in iron, potassium, and phosphorus
- Flavored with natural vanilla
With nothing but some natural vanilla added, 365 Everyday Value Soy Protein Powder mixes easily and tastes good too. It’s not quite up to milkshake standards, but this soy protein powder tastes a whole lot better than any unflavored product.
Pros
- Pleasant taste
- Mixes easily
- High protein content
- Good price point
Cons
- Only 16 servings per container
If this product has a downside, it is that, at two servings per day, you’ll need to buy one container every two weeks or so. Other than that small inconvenience, this is a very good soy protein powder.
7. Puritan’s Pride
Features
- Puritan's Pride products are made with the highest quality ingredients available.
- Puritan's Pride products are made with the highest quality ingredients available.
- Over 40 years in business and 19 million customers served with Puritan's Pride vitamins and supplements
- Puritan's Pride Vitamins supports healthy immune function and promotes well-being.
- Our vitamins helps promote healthier lives
The most significant difference between whey and soy protein powders, other than their base ingredients, it the taste. Whey shakes usually much better! Puritan’s Pride Soy Protein Isolate Powder is a little different in that is actually tastes really good!
Key Features
- 110 calories per 28-gram serving
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- 2 grams of carbs per serving
- 1 gram of fat per serving
- Flavored with natural and artificial ingredients
- No added sugar
With a combination of natural and artificial flavors, plus natural sweeteners, Puritan’s Pride is pretty tasty. It’s not quite as thick as a whey protein shake but tastes way better than the usual, bland, unflavored soy protein powder.
Pros
- Mixes easily
- Excellent flavor
- High in protein
- Sweetened with stevia
- Good price
Cons
- Contains several artificial ingredients
While not 100% pure, this is still a clean soy protein powder, and it’s definitely much cleaner than the average whey protein shake! If you want a little more flavor in your supplement and don’t mind a couple of extra ingredients, this is the product for you.
8. Now Foods Organic Textured
NOW Foods Organic
Features
- VEGETABLE-SOURCE PROTEIN: NOW Real Food Organic Textured Soy Protein (T.S.P.) is the healthy vegetarian alternative to meat.
- VERSATILE MEAT SUBSTITUTE: This unflavored and versatile vegetable protein is non-GMO and perfect for vegetarian burgers, chili, stews, soups, casseroles, and more.
- EXCELLENT SOURCE OF PROTEIN: Made entirely from organic soybeans with no chemical additives and are an excellent source of protein.
- Keto-Friendly;Gluten Free;Terracycle;USDA Organic
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968.
Most soy protein powders are made to be mixed into water to make a protein drink. Some are even flavored to be like milkshakes. Now Foods Organic Textured Soy Protein is a little different in that it’s designed to be used as a meat substitute in cooking.
Key Features
- Organic and non-GMO
- 110 calories per 28-gram serving
- 14 grams of protein per serving
- 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving
- 2 grams of fat per serving
- Unflavored
- Textured pieces made from organic soy flour
- No additives
Now Foods Organic Textured Soy Protein has a texture like ground beef. It’s ideal for making into burgers, chilis, stews, and soups. However, unlike meat, it’s virtually fat-free and contains no cholesterol either. This is a very healthy meat substitute.
Pros
- Versatile product
- High in protein but low in fat
- Cheaper and healthier than meat
- Made in the USA
- No added salt or sugar
Cons
- Must be cooked
If you want a soy protein powder you can mix with water and chug down, this product isn’t for you. But, if you want a vegetarian protein source that you can add to almost any meal, Now Foods Organic Textured Soy Protein is an excellent option. It’s unflavored, so you’ll need to combine it with stock, but it’s still a very healthy, versatile, and easy to use product.
9. EAS
Features
| Part Number | 59448 |
| Model | 59448 |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 20.7 Ounce |
EAS is a very reputable, long-established sports supplement company. They make a wide range of health and fitness supplements, including this tasty soy protein powder. It’s not the purest soy protein available, but it is one of the best-tasting.
Key Features
- 170 calories per 42-gram serving
- 20 grams of protein per serving
- 19 grams of carbs per serving
- 5 grams of fat per serving
- Flavored with natural and artificial ingredients
- Well-priced
Sweetened with fructose fruit sugar, this product is both higher in carbs and calories than many other soy protein shakes. However, if you want a post-workout recovery product, these apparent disadvantages are actually advantages. Fructose is still a source of sugar, and that means most weight loss dieters should avoid this product.
Pros
- Great taste
- Mixes easily
- High in protein and carbs
- Ideal for speeding up post-exercise recovery
Cons
- Contains dairy
- Contains added sugars
- Contains artificial flavors
- Contains milk by-products which can be a source of allergen
Because it contains dairy, this product is not vegan-friendly. However, most vegetarians will find it acceptable. This soy protein powder is ideal for exercisers but is less useful for weight loss or those looking for a low-calorie, pure protein supplement.
10. Six Star Pro Nutrition
Features
- Delivers 20g of ultra-premium, 100% soy protein
- Helps build lean muscle, increase strength and support recovery when used daily
- Zero lactose, zero cholestero, zero trans fat and zero aspartame
- Delivers essential amino acids
- Mixes easily and tastes amazing
Six Star Soy Protein is one of the best tasting soy protein products you can buy. It’s easily comparable with whey protein on the flavor front! However, that does mean it’s not the purest soy protein available. If you want a tasty soy protein shake and don’t mind a few additives, Six Star could be the product for you.
Key Features
- Award-winning taste
- 160 calories per 45-gram serving
- 20 grams of protein per serving
- 19 grams of carbs per serving
- 5 grams of fat per serving
- Contains enzymes for easier digestion
- Contains natural and artificial flavors
- Contains natural and artificial sweeteners
If you want a pure soy powder, this may not be the product for you. But, if you want a plant-based protein powder that also tastes good, and doesn’t mind some artificial additives and added sugars, not to mention almost as much carbohydrate as protein, you’ll probably love this supplement.
Pros
- Mixes easily
- Tastes great
- High in protein and essential amino acids
- Virtually fat-free
- Easy to digest
Cons
- High in calories
- Contains sugar
Soy protein powders often have the reputation of being hard to digest and prone to causing bloating and wind. Six Stars Soy Protein Powder contains digestive enzymes to make it easier on your stomach. Combined with the excellent taste, this makes Six Stars a very enjoyable, easy to use soy protein powder.
Key Information
Consider the following information before buying or using a soy protein supplement.
Is soy protein bad for men?
A few years ago, a rumor started circulating that said soy protein could cause men’s testosterone levels to fall. Research has since shown that this effect is negligible and nothing for most men to worry about.
In fact, the compounds in soy protein, called isoflavones, can help protect men from the risk of developing coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the Western world. So, rather than being bad for men, soy protein is actually very good.
Is soy complete protein
Proteins are classed as incomplete or complete. This refers to the amount and range of amino acids it contains. A food that contains all of the essential amino acids is said to be complete. Soy is one of the few non-animal foods that are complete. Because it contains all of the essential amino acids, your body can manufacture the remaining non-essential aminos.
Soy protein benefits
The benefits of soy protein include:
- Can lower HDL “bad” cholesterol
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Good for bone health
- May help reduce the symptoms of menopause
- Aids in blood clotting
- Improves exercise performance and recovery
- Prevents hunger
- Can stabilize blood glucose
- Useful for those with a lactose intolerance
- A source of vitamins and minerals
- May help boost your energy
- Is linked to longer, deeper sleep
Soy protein side effects
Soy protein is considered to be safe. However, in very rare cases, soy can cause some mild stomach and intestinal side effects such as constipation, bloating, and nausea. It can also cause allergic reactions involving rashes, itching, and anaphylaxis in some people.
Some people might experience tiredness and it can also affect thyroid function. However, the thyroid effect seems to occur primarily in people who are iodine deficient.
Bottom Line
Getting enough protein is essential but not always easy. High protein foods are often expensive, and your boss will probably be none too happy if you start cooking and eating eggs at work! Getting enough protein can also be hard if you are a vegetarian or vegan.
Protein supplements can help but whey, the most popular form of protein, contains varying amounts of lactose, and that can cause unwanted side-effects. It’s also not suitable for vegans.
Soy protein is nutritionally complete, good for your general health, and is plant-sourced, so it’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans. It’s well tolerated by most, although some people are allergic to soy.
Using a soy protein supplement will make it much easier to fill your daily protein quota. Use it in place of whey protein after exercise to speed up recovery, or any other time you feel like you need a protein boost.
Not sure which soy protein is right for you? Buy with confidence by choosing any of the supplements mentioned in this review.
Visit the Fitness Equipment Reviews homepage for all your supplement needs!
Patrick Dale is an ex-British Royal Marine and owner and lecturer for a fitness qualifications company. In addition to training prospective personal trainers, Patrick has also authored three fitness and exercise books, dozens of e-books, thousands of articles, and several fitness videos.
