When I was in school, supplement companies would often give us samples of their protein powders. Thus I had the opportunity to try a lot of really bad tasting protein powders. There was the odd passable one but most were gross. They were also really expensive. The company reps would talk about some gimmick hoping to sell us on why their powder was the best. It's a high stakes game because any one ND student can go on to recommend a protein powder to a large number of patients over several years once they are practicing. People seemed to find their favorites but my favorite was not found in this group. I'm averse to gimmicks and paying lots of money.
My favorite protein powder is the Presidents Choice Soy Protein Chocolate Shake Mix. Why? Because it is the best tasting protein powder I have ever had and by far the cheapest I've seen. I normally get it for $14.00, though in Kelowna it was about $15.00 at Shoppers. It might me cheaper at Superstore where it is usually kept near the pharmacy (not in the protein powder section for some reason). Also, they fill the container up really full. I have opened up containers of powder in the past and have been shocked with how much air space was left in. If you pay $50 for a container of protein powder and it's half empty, it's pretty disappointing.
I am not 100% sure it is 100% vegan but I don't see any ingredients that look like they are from animal products. There is no vitamin D which is usually animal derived, perhaps they left it out for a reason.
I like soy based powders better than other vegan powder options like pea protein. I will actually go so far as to say I hate pea protein powders. They taste gritty and don't blend to well. It's important to actually like the taste of what your drinking if you intend to drink it. I have been given full containers of powder before that just sat in my kitchen forever because I could not bring myself to actually use the stuff up.
Now I don't think protein powders are necessary for everyone on a plant based diet. It's pretty easy to get all the protein you need from the food you eat. But they can be very helpful for those who need them. I find them usefully if my life is too busy to eat three meals a day or when I'm pregnant to just top me up a bit. Too much protein, even plant based protein, can be a bad thing. I have seen people get sick from having too much so be sure to listen to your body and do what feels right for you :).
In the interest of making this protein punch taste fantastic, here is a recipe for my favorite chocolate peanut butter milk shake. There is about 27 grams of protein in this recipe.
A Whole Bunch of Protein In One Delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate "Milk" Shake.
What you need:
1 cup soy milk
2 scoops chocolate protein powder (I use PC but use which one you like)
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp chocolate syrup (the No Name brand is vegan)
Optional: Extra chocolate syrup for decoration, coconut whipped cream.
What to do:
Put first 4 ingredients in a blender, or use an immersion blender. Basically blend any way you have available.
If you want the chocolate drizzle along the side, add a ring of chocolate syrup to the glass and let it drip a moment.
Pour the shake from the blender to the glass. Top with whipped cream.
This is seriously one of my favorite drinks. Enjoy :)