Protein powders are a dime a dozen these days but many contain animal products (most commonly whey– a byproduct of cow’s milk) which are not healthy for the body or the planet. I was a very happy cowgirl the day the day I discovered Vega nutritional shake (powders) a couple of years ago. Through my own research I have learned that some of the healthiest plant powered athletes choose Vega products over all the others. In fact, I just finished reading the updated version of Meat Is For Pussies by John Joseph and he and all his plant-strong buddies reccomend Vega products in their daily diet regime. If some of the best athletes in the world are consuming Vega products on a daily basis, Vega is most certainly good enough for my body! And that’s why when the fine folks from Vega, a vegan company based out of Canada, contacted me about sampling their new and improved Vega One totally vegan nutritional shake, I was up for the challenge. I was already a fan of their amazingly healthy and delicious products (bars, supplements and seeds) so it was a no brainer.
About six months ago Vega reformulated their fully plant-based Vega One All-In-One Nutritional Shake (available in both tubs and individual use packets) protein powder. The new formula includes 33% more protein and two times more greens (six servings total) than before. The powder is made from complete whole foods, is Non-GMO Certified, is gluten free, soy free and sugar free.
According to the Vega website, Vega One gives you:
- 20 grams premium plant-based protein
- 6 servings of greens
- 50% daily intake of food-based vitamins and minerals
- 25% DV fiber
- 1.5 grams of Omega-3s
- Antioxidants
- Probiotics (1 billion CFU)
- Only 160 calories. (French Vanilla)
I’m wholeheartedly convinced that Vega One is not only the best, but the cleanest product of its kind available, at least in the United States.
Vega One Nutritional Shake powder can be used in your favorite smoothie, my personal preference, or just mixed with water or your favorite milk alternative. I sampled the Vanilla Chai flavor (pictured above is a yummy smoothie I made with a scoop of the Vega One, soy milk, 2 frozen bananas, a few ice cubes and a dash of cinnamon– don’t be fooled by the green color, that’s all the wonderful greens that are packed into the powder that you don’t even taste), but Vega also makes other flavors as well: French Vanilla, Berry, Natural and Chocolate.
Just because I believe that Vega One is the best nutritional shake on the market, does that mean that I actually like it?
While the product is amazing, it does have a few downfalls in my (humble) opinion. I don’t like the taste of stevia (it leaves a strange aftertaste in my mouth) and all their nutritional shakes contain stevia. I wish that I could overcome my dislike of stevia as it’s a great plant based sweetener that has no sugar. The price is the only other challenge. It’s expensive, but I know why. Good quality ingredients aren’t cheap which makes this product amazing, but sadly that makes it not available to all budgets. Overall, I very much enjoy the powder and give Vega One an 9 out of 10, mostly for it’s high quality and healthful ingredients.
Have you tried the Vega One All In One Nutritional Shake? If so, what flavor? Do you have a favorite smoothie recipe you use with the powder? I’d love to hear your thoughts; please feel free to leave me a note in the comment box below. As always, thanks for your support and for tuning in folks.
Yeehaw, Kayle
For more information about Vega’s other products or to order Vega One, visit their website. You can also keep in touch with all their latest happenings on their social media sites as well:
Photos by Faye White Photography
I have been using Vega One for my breakfast smoothie for a couple of years now. As you say, it’s expensive (you can find it a bit cheaper online from places like Vitacost), but it has such a complete nutrition profile and clean ingredient list that I find it worth the investment. I use the “Natural” flavor and add my own fruit and spices. I don’t notice the stevia as much when I mix in my own spices. My go-to breakfast is either a Strawberry Banana Chai smoothie with lots of chai spices mixed in, or a Mocha Banana Cinnamon smoothie, both made with almond milk. Good stuff!
I couldn’t have said it better myself Ann, Vega’s “nutrition profile” and “clean ingredients” make it a stellar choice in my opinion. Thank you so much for sharing your tip about adding spices as that might just do the trick of taking away the stevia aftertaste. Enjoy and thanks for tuning in. Yeehaw!
Vega has always been a hit or miss for me. I’m really not a fan of their newest flavors, as they have that strong stevia aftertaste. However, I used to love their chocolate Vega One the first time I tried it but I think they may’ve reformulated since then. I’m just glad I’ve been able to find other more affordable options for protein powders that I enjoy the taste of. There’s something for literally everyone in terms of flavor, benefits and cost!
I believe the Vega One is the reformulated version. I didn’t try their powders before the reformulation so I am not familiar. It’s nice to know that I am not the only one who doesn’t like stevia. Your comments mean so much since you are the “Smoothie Queen” after all. Thanks Shannon!
I have tried so many nutritional shake and meal replacement powders. As you say C&CG, there are so many. But I have not found a totally vegan one to replace my favorite, Total Lean from GNC. Initially I thought Total Lean was vegan because they market it as an oat-based powder. But it does contain milk powder I learned subsequently after reading the label. I’ve only ever tried the vanilla because the taste is very good. I mix it with organic unsweetened soy milk and use it as a base to make several different smoothies: banana, coffee-carob, pumpkin, among others. I would like to find a vegan powder that I like as much as Total Lean and when I do I will switch. When I make green smoothies I don’t like using any powder or supplements – just raw whole greens, fruits, vegetables and berries.
BTW – I have stopped using almond milk or any almond product. The cultivation of almonds is incredibly water-intensive. Most of the world’s crop is grown in California now, and with our extended drought almonds have become a huge threat to our rivers and our native fish species. The ag districts in Central California with the largest almond orchards have become quite predatory in attempting to grab water resources that do not belong to them.
This is a GREAT idea; I’m so glad that you mentioned it Andrew! I think the almonds and the California water shortage (drought) is a whole blog post in and of itself. Thanks for mentioning it! Food for thought indeed.
I’d of course highly suggest getting away from the whey which is likely what’s in your current protein powder as it’s terrible for our bodies, the animals and the environment. There are many vegan options on the market to chose from these days. Besides Vega, I just sampled one called Yuve that I LOVED. It’s totally vegan, sugar free, non-GMO, high protein. I tried the Chia & Cocoa and loved it! Yuve is available online (their website as well as Amazon). Let me know when you find a vegan protein powder you just can’t live without!
I need to try this! I don’t mind stevia at all! Soy free, gluten free & sugar free? I’m in!!
You’d love it then Sarah! Have you never tried Vega? I have many samples I’d be happy to share with you. Yeehaw!
I drink Vega one for nutrition. I juice fruits and veggie and use the juice for my liquid. Love it.
That’s a great idea Rosemary!
My 21 year old daughter has got to be the pickiest eater on the planet. She finally started to become health conscious and she really loves the taste of the Vega One Shakes.
I’m so glad to hear this Rachel! Vega definitely has created high quality protein powders for all to enjoy and love.
Great review! I can’t decide between this or Vega Protein & Greens – have you tried that one?
Olivia x
Hi Olivia!
I unfortunately can’t be of much help as I haven’t tried the Vega Protein & Greens. I am a big fan of greens so that does sound interesting. Thanks for stopping by!