5 New Plant Protein Powders Worth Trying for Muscle Recovery

Plant protein used to be the option people settled for. That's changed. The five powders we've just added are single ingredient, organic, and some of them hit protein levels that go toe to toe with whey. If you lift, run, or just want to recover better without using dairy, this is a lineup worth a look.

Here they are, from the highest protein content to the lowest, plus how to actually use them after a workout.

Why the protein percentage matters

When you finish a hard session, your muscles need amino acids to repair, and the branched-chain ones (leucine, isoleucine, valine) do a lot of the heavy lifting. The percentage on the label tells you how much protein you get per gram of powder. An 85 percent powder gives you about 21g of protein from a single 25g scoop, so you reach your target with fewer carbs and less filler. If you count your macros around training, that number is the one to watch.

The quick version

• Pea Protein, 85 percent — around 21g per 25g scoop, from £7.49 for 250g. Best if you want maximum protein and BCAAs.
• Rice Protein, 80 percent — around 20g, from £7.65. Easiest on the stomach.
• Pumpkin Seed Protein, 60 percent — around 15g, from £7.03. Comes with iron, magnesium and zinc.
• Hemp Seed Protein, 50 percent — around 12.5g, from £7.01. A complete protein with added omega fats.
• Sunflower Seed Protein, 50 percent — around 12.5g, from £7.49. Free from the common allergens.

1. Organic Pea Protein, 85 percent

This is pressed from peas and nothing else, and it gives you roughly 21g of protein in a 25g serving, which is about as high as plant protein gets. It's naturally high in BCAAs, so it does its job on the recovery side, and the flavour is neutral enough to vanish into a shake or a batch of pancakes. It's easy to digest, certified organic, vegan, gluten free and soya free. If you only buy one, buy this one.

2. Organic Rice Protein, 80 percent

Made from sprouted brown rice, this is one of the gentlest plant proteins going, so it's a good call if other powders leave you feeling bloated. It's 80 percent protein with a mild, slightly sweet taste that works well in fruitier shakes. On its own it's a little low in lysine, which is exactly why it pairs so well with pea protein. More on that below.

3. Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein, 60 percent

Cold milled from pumpkin seeds, this one does more than protein. Each serving brings iron, magnesium and zinc, minerals that active people tend to run short on and that help with energy and muscle function. The flavour is deep and nutty, which makes it a natural fit for chocolate or banana smoothies.

4. Organic Hemp Seed Protein, 50 percent

Hemp is one of the few plant proteins that's complete on its own, with all nine essential amino acids in a single ingredient. The protein content is lower than the isolates at 50 percent, but you also get fibre plus plant based omega-3 and omega-6 fats that most powders skip. It's earthy and filling, and it makes a solid all round recovery shake.

5. Organic Sunflower Seed Protein, 50 percent

If your household deals with allergies, this is the safe choice. It's free from nuts, soya, dairy and gluten, with a mild flavour that blends into pretty much anything, plus some natural magnesium and selenium. The most flexible option of the five for everyday use.

Combine pea and rice

Pea protein is high in lysine but lower in methionine. Brown rice protein is the other way round. Mix them and you get a full amino acid profile that holds up against whey, which is why a lot of vegan athletes use this combo. Two scoops of pea to one of rice in your post workout shake covers it, no dairy needed.

How to use them for recovery

Have 25 to 50g, so one or two scoops, within an hour of training, mixed with water or a plant milk. If you're building muscle, aim for somewhere around 1.6 to 2.2g of protein per kilo of bodyweight across the day and use these to fill the gaps between meals. Pair pea with rice for a complete profile, or just use hemp if you want one powder that does it all. They also work stirred into porridge or baked into bars and muffins, not only in shakes.

Great price for our Club members

Whether you're after the most protein per scoop, the easiest digestion, a mineral top up, or an allergen free option, there's something here. All five are organic, single ingredient, and sold in sizes from a 250g pouch up to bulk sacks, so you can train hard and keep it plant based.

Check the label on each product for full nutrition info, and speak to a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary needs or allergies.