13 Zero Waste Protein Powder Products

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Are you looking for sustainable, zero waste protein powder products?

When transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle, I was looking for plastic-free & eco-friendly alternatives for a lot of things, including vegan protein powder. 

I remember it was a hustle to find most of these options.

That why I decided to share with you the 13 almost zero waste protein powder products that I found!  

All of the protein powder products are 100% vegan & sustainable.

I’ve tried some of them, and below, you can find my favorite ones.

Let’s jump right into the list!

Disclaimer: Some of these online stores have a program for first-time customers. If you buy a product from the links in this post, you will receive a discount on your order. Because you used my links for your order, I will earn credits, too. 

13 Zero Waste & Sustainable Protein Powder Products:

1. Form Nutrition

Shipping: the UK & Europe |  the US 

Form Nutrition is a UK-based company focusing on plant-based and eco-friendly protein powder products.

Their protein powder pouches are 100% plastic-free. The packaging is made up of plant-based bio-film bonded to the paper.  

To dispose of their compostable packaging, you should place it in your kitchen food bin.

You can compost it in your home compost, or send it to an industrial compost facility, via the food waste stream. 

In an industrial composting unit, it is supposed to break down within 90 days.

You can choose between:

• Performance protein – a combination of organic pea protein, brown rice, and hemp powders. 30g protein per portion. 4 different flavors (banoffee, Chocolate peanut, tiramisu, vanilla)
• Superblend protein – plant based vegan protein with greens and super foods. 20g of plant protein per serving. 3 different flavors (chocolate salted caramel, toffee, vanilla)
• Pureblend protein – organic pea protein, brown rice, and algae. 15g of protein per serving. Neutral taste, unflavored.

I’ve tried almost all of their flavors, and my most favorite ones are the toffee, the vanilla, and the tiramisu! YUM. 

The flavorless is great to add in cakes, without making them too sweet, while adding additional protein to it. 

Also, the flavorless is ideal for savory dishes (still didn’t try that, but if I do, I will share how it was).  

Sustainable protein source:

• Organic pea protein, brown rice, hemp powder.
• A serving (20-30g) of protein powder contains 15 – 30g of plant-based protein.

Size: 

• 520g
• 12 pouches x 40g
• 3 pouches x 40g

Pros:

• They are B Certified Corporation
• A member of the Form Feeding Fund at Bansang Hospital in The Gambia.
• The protein is packed with all sorts of goods – digestive enzymes, BCAA, super foods, etc
• They sell sample sizes (for VERY affordable prices)
• 100% plastic-free delivery
• Worldwide shipping

Cons:

• Pricey in general (however, totally worth it, in my opition)

Discounts:

You can subscribe to get their protein every month and save 20%.

2. Nupro 

Shipping: Germany | the UK | European delivery available

The Nu Company is based in Germany, and it is another vegan company, aiming for almost zero waste protein powder.

Their sustainable protein powder, called Nupro, has 2 – 3 different flavors:

• Berry
• Cocoa Cinnamon
• Vanilla (just on their German website)

I’ve tried the Berry & Cocoa Cinnamon, and I was super satisfied with the flavors. I can’t decide which one is my favorite, but what I really liked is that:

• The sweetness of the protein is just perfect – not too much (or too little)
• No artificial ingredients or sweetneners
• No bloating after consuming the shake

The last point is super important for me, because I’ve tried varios protein powders, and they often tend to cause uncomfortable tummy feeling.

The Nu Company created the perfect protein powder mix, that causes zero bloating!

The protein powder comes in a small box. Inside, you will find thin home compostable cellulose foil.

While it suspiciously looks like plastic, it isn’t! You can throw it in your compost if you have one. If not, putting it with your veggies scraps should be fine.

You can throw it in your home compost, where it should decompose after approximately 6 months.

On the other hand, The Nu Company is selling the healthiest chocolate bars I’ve ever tried – also in plastic-free packaging! 

I was pretty impressed by the nutritional value, and the flavor.

They contain 65% less sugar, than conventional chocolate bars, however, the taste is incredible. 

My two most favorite flavors are the Almond Sea Salt (original), and the Crisp & Crunch (like m!lk):

They also have a new range of protein bars, in compostable packaging, that I hope I can try soon!

To top everything, The Nu Company plants a tree for every product you buy. Super cool, right?

You can find more info about that on their website.

Sustainable protein source:

• Pea protein, sunflower protein.
• One serving (40g) of protein powder contains 20g purely plant-based protein.

Sizes:

• 200g
• 600g 

Pros:

• 1 product = 1 tree
• Plastic-free packaging
• Super affordable
• European & UK shipping

Cons:

• Instead of selling the protein powder in a bigger size, they send three individual small boxes (each x200g).

Discounts:

You can get 10% OFF your purchase, by using the code: ALMOSTZERO10

3. Vitally Vegan

Shipping: the UK | European & International shipping available

Vitally Vegan is another UK-based company that offers vegan plastic-free protein powders and meal replacements.

Vitally Vegan’s packaging is glass, and they send refills, in 100% brown paper, with paper compostable labels.

This product is packed with plant-based protein, and several superfoods like flaxseeds, sea greens, maca, acai, matcha.

The protein is enriched with Vitamin B12, and it is available in 6 different flavors:

• Coconut, Salted Caramel, Blueberry, Forest fruits, Chocolate & coconut, Chocolate & orange

So far, I’ve tried the salted caramel and blueberry flavors, and I love both of them, but the salted caramel is the ultimate winner.

The protein powder gets very smooth, even when you mix it just with water, and the taste is incredible.

It doesn’t have the super artificial and overly sweet taste, like many other protein powders.

I’ve also tried three of their Meal Replacement Formula (refills), and everything came 100% plastic-free. 

The flavors were awesome, too – I got the Vanilla Coconut, Blueberry Acai, and Chocolate Brownie. Probably my favorite is the Chocolate Brownie, but the other two were super good, too. 

The Meal Replacement pouch provides 10 shakes, and each has 23g of protein. 

When I was ordering, I didn’t see my country on their list, so I contacted them, and they added it after that.

So, if you want to order, but you don’t see your country, it is best to contact them and ask if they can add the country to their list. 

Sustainable protein source:

• Pea protein isolate, white hemp protein.
• Each serving contains 20g – 23g of protein.

Sizes:

• Paper sample sizes: 30g 
• Refill paper bags: 600g (20 servings) 

Pros:

• 10% of their net profit goes to various charities
• Amazing flavors, and no artificial sweeteners
• They send their protein powder in a cardboard box, 100% plastic-free

Cons:

• International shipping is expensive
• The product is on the pricier side 

Discounts:

You can get £10 off your first purchase with this link.

4. Misfits

Shipping: the UK | Worldwide shipping available

Missfits is another UK-based, 100% plant-based company.

They have a range of various products and zero waste protein powder that comes in 3 flavors. 

I’ve tried two of their protein powders – Vanilla and Salted Caramel. My personal favorite is the Salted Caramel one – the taste is amazing! 

They also have amazing vegan protein bars that are (unfortunately) still in plastic packaging. 

However, they are taking steps to become more sustainable, so they plan to go fully plastic-free by 2021. 

Sustainable protein source:

• Pea and organic sunflower.
• A serving (25g) provies 16.6g of plant-protein.

Sizes:

• 500g 

Pros:

• Plastic-free materials for most of their products (they aim to be completely plastic-free by 2021)
• Affordable
• Great taste

Cons:

• The protein is in a small bag, so it is used up quite fast. I hope they make a bigger option soon. 

Discounts:

Get £5 off from your order with this link.

How I dispose of their plastic-free packaging:

5. Super U 

Shipping: the UK | Europe

Super U is selling 100% vegan products, and two options for sustainable protein powders.

You can choose between their Muscle protein or Lean protein.

Super U don’t use any artificial sweeteners – no stevia, and no natural flavorings. 

They also sell mushroom blends, and other superfoods & immunity powders.

Protein sourse:

• Muscle protein: Pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, hemp protein. Lean protein: Pea protein, hemp protein.
• 20g of plant-protein per serving.

Sizes:

• Muscle Protein & Lean Protein: 500g (15 servings)

Pros:

• Planting one tree with every order  
• 15% off their products if you get their subscription and free UK shipping
• Plastic-free cardboard packaging
• You can reuse the tube

Cons:

• A bit too pricey for the size
• Depending on the way the tube is created, it might be hard to recycle, since inside the tube is an aluminum food grade foil (usually separating mixed materials is a tricky task)

Discounts:

You can get £10 off your first order, with this link. 🙂 

6. Motion Nutrition

Shipping: the UK | Worldwide delivery available

Motion Nutrition uses sustainable packaging that consists of recycled cardboard boxes, water-based coating, non-toxic vegetable ink, and wood-pulp individual sachets.

Motion Nutrition is not a fully vegan company, but they have a range of 4 vegan & plastic-free protein powders.

They also sell sport and sleep supplements.

Protein source:

• High protein peanut flour (44%), organic yellow pea protein, organic raw pumpkin seed protein, organic hemp seed protein.
• Each serving (25g) provides 17g of plant-protein.

Sizes:

• Sample size: 25g (1 serving)  
• 300g (12 servings) 
• 600g (24 servings)

Pros:

• Carbon-neutral delivery
• Plastic-free packaging

Cons:

• The protein comes in single-use individual sachets
• Pricey for the amount of protein you are getting

Discounts:

You can get £10 off with this link.

7. Planet Protein

Shipping: the USA | International shipping available

Planet Protein is an eco-friendly company, based in the USA that has it’s own zero waste recycling program! 

Planet Protein tackles the waste problem differently by trying to recycle all of their bags.

They encourage their customers by giving them “rewards” to send back the empty protein bags.

Then, the company forwards the bags to specialty recyclers. 

They have two flavors – “Chocolate Magic” and “Vanilla Magic”.

I haven’t tried this one, since the company is based in the US (and I’m currently in Europe), but it seems like a great product.

Protein source:

• Organic pea protein, organic pumpkin seeds, organic hemp protein.
• Planet Protein offers 24g of protein per serving.

Sizes:

• 1.6Lbs (725g)
• 2 Lbs (907g)

Pros:

• The protein powder is heavy metal tested
•  Internal zero waste recycling program

Cons:

• Kind of pricey

Discounts:

If you take their subscription, you will get the protein 15% off.

8. Vivo Life 

Shipping: the UK | the US | Europe | Germany

Vivo Life is a UK-based company, selling sustainable plant-based products and (almost) zero waste protein powder. 

They have three different protein powder products, including:

1. PERFORM
2. WHOLE
3. RITUAL

The last one is more affordable if you are on a tighter budget. 

I’ve tried their Maca Caramel and Vanilla Perform, and I enjoyed the flavors (the Maca Caramel a bit more). 

Vivo Life contains 100% raw plant-based ingredients and fermented protein for optimal digestion, which I really like.

If you had troubles with other protein powders and you experienced bloating, and digestion issues, then consider trying Vivo Life.

You shouldn’t experience any of these problems with their protein powder.

Protein source:

• Bio fermented yellow pea protein, cold presses hemp protein. (WHOLE has quinoa protein, too)
• A serving offers 20-25g of plant-protein.

Sizes:

• Small Perform: 504-532g (14 servings)
• Large Perform: 936-988g (26 servings)
• Whole: 1 kg (25 servings)
• Ritual: 900-960g (30 servings)

Pros: 

• One tree planted per order 
• Carbon neutral
• Vegan & organic products
• Fermented protein
• Home compostable packaging
• Delicious & zero waste protein powders
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons: 

• Their new protein (Whole & Ritual) is still not in compostable packaging, but their goal is to make it as soon as possible

Discounts:

They have a monthly subscription, which makes the price of the protein powders cheaper.

Additionally, you can get a Vivo Life discount code (10% OFF) here:

• the US  

• the UK

• Europe
• Germany

9. Go Good

Shipping: Australia | New Zealand | Worldwide shipping available 

Go Good isn’t 100% plant-based, but they sell vegan protein powders, too.

The ingredients are very simple, and the packaging is 100% plastic-free. 

They also ship the product in a paper box, without unnecessary packaging.

Protein source:

• Pea protein isolate.
• Go Good vegan protein powder will provide you with 24g of plant-protein per 30g serving.

Sizes:

• 1 kg (33 servings)
• 2 kg (66 servings)

Pros:

• Plastic-free packaging
• You can reuse the package afterward 
• You can find a map that shows from where they course all the ingredients for their products.

Cons:

• Pricey

10. BULK™

Bulk is a UK-based company that was founded in 2006. 

Recently, they changed their packaging to compostable ones, with the exception of the 5kg pouches (too heavy for the materials).

The pouches are made from:

• Natureflex
• Bio compostable film
• FSC-certified paper

The pouches aren’t officially certified for home composting yet, but all the individual layers are suitable for home composting.

Since it may take a while to decompose, it’s a good idea to cut it up into small pieces, which should speed things up.

They have a range of vegan & plastic-free protein powders, that you can check out here. 

Protein source:

• Varios options: Soy protein, Pea protein, Hemp protein, Brown rice protein, Protein blends, etc.
• From 23g to 27g of plant-protein per serving.

Sizes:

• From 500g to 2.5 kg

Pros:

• Various sizes, and flavors
• Some of them are very affordable
• Flavorless options

Cons:

• Their 5kg protein powder pouches are still in plastic packaging.
• The compostable packaging is not officially certigfied (still).

11. Zero Waste Bulk Foods

Shipping: the UK | Ireland | If you want to order internationally, you should contact them to discuss shipping prices

Zero Waste Bulk Foods is a zero waste bulk store located in the UK.

They sell zero waste protein powder in plastic-free bags. 

The store uses certified home compostable plant-based bags, recyclable or compostable kraft brown paper bags.

The protein powder is made with pea protein isolate & brown rice protein, and it is a chocolate flavor. 

Protein source:

• Pea protein, brown rice protein, pumpkin seed protein.
• One serving (35g) provides abour 21g of plant-protein.

Sizes: 

• 100g, 250g, 500g, 1kg

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Sustainable & plastic-free packaging 

Cons:

• Doesn’t ship everywhere
• If you don’t have a compost, the packaging won’t degrade

Find Zero Waste Bulk Foods protein powder here!

12. The Source Bulk Foods

Shipping/Location: They have stores in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Singapore

The Source Bulk Foods is trying to avoid unnecessary packaging, so they sell their products plastic-free. In their shop, you can find: 

• organic pea protein isolate zero waste protein powder (24.8g of plant-protein per serving)
• organic hemp protein (14g of plant-protein per serving)
• organic sprouted brown rice protein (25.5g of plant-protein per serving)

The products are delivered in compostable unbleached Eco paper bags.

The bags are lined with a 100% plant-based film (PLA) that’s made from natural starch derived from plants (like corn and sugar cane).

Sizes:

• 250g, 500g, 750g, 1kg

Pros:

• Affordable

Cons:

• They are flavorless, so you need to get used to their natural taste

You can order online, or visit one of their shops. If you go to their shops, it’s best if you bring your own jar/container.

13. Protein powder from local bulk stores

If you have bulk stores in your city, go there and check if they sell protein powder in bulk! 

For example, in my small & local bulk store, they sell hemp protein powder. So, check if you can find something near you.

Most times, bulk protein powders are with neutral flavors, so the taste won’t be as delicious as the protein powders with flavors. 

But if you mix it in your smoothies, oatmeal, or other recipes, then it shouldn’t be a problem. 

FAQ:

What about scoops?

Most of these companies don’t include any scoop. Some are selling separately, so you can purchase a scoop, made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or coconut.

However, I’m not sure if you genuinely need one, since you can use a regular spoon that you have at home. Or perhaps use a scoop from some of your previous protein powders (if you have one).

Biodegradable plastic vs. compostable plastic – what is the difference?

There are different types of biodegradable plastics.

The main difference between compostable and biodegradable is that compostable products need different and specific settings to break down.

Composting typically takes place in aerobic environments (requires oxygen), while biodegradation may take place in anaerobic environments (doesn’t require oxygen).

Compostable ISN’T a synonym with biodegradable.

Are “compostable” and “biodegradable” plastics greenwashing? 

It is hard to answer. Sometimes, companies are trying to greenwash us, simply because they want to make sales, and not because they care about the environment.

The companies from this list seem to care; it looks like they are trying to do better and to avoid environmentally damaging practices.

Maybe unconsciously, expressions like “80% less packaging” can be a bit of greenwashing. I mean, what does this even mean, without giving any additional information? 

Are these companies perfect?

Of course not. Nobody is perfect, from an environmental point of view.

The point is that they are trying to do improve and sell their products in as zero waste packaging as possible.

The main thing I can criticize is that most of these companies are having ANY further information about their packaging.

They don’t tell us how exactly we should adequately dispose of the material, in how much time it will biodegrade, etc.

So, if they all add more information about their packaging – that will be awesome (+ PROOF of the biodegradability will be even better).

Are these materials any better than conventional plastic? 

This is a VERY tricky topic. In my article about biodegradable plastic, you can find more about it, but in short:

Biodegradable plastics decompose into smaller pieces (microplastics) that are dangerous. 

Most “biodegradable” plastics still require a lot of resources and energy to produce. They can’t break down in a landfill or the ocean.

Plus, MOST waste management infrastructure isn’t suitable for bioplastics.

Additionally, there are many different types of biodegradable plastics, and they all need special conditions and treatment to biodegrade. 

The topic is controversial, and there isn’t one straight answer.

The list of problems with bioplastics is quite long, so feel free to read more about it here:

• What Is Biodegradable Plastic Made Of?
• Types Of Biodegradable Plastics

Conclusion

All in all, there are plenty of choices you have. 

Just keep in mind that to dispose of the packaging correctly, you should do your research and see if:

• you can compost the biodegradable material in home compost (if you have one)
• you have to send it to a specific waste management facility/industrial compost facility

You can always try to reuse or upcycle the package. 🙂

Let me know if you have ANY questions, and what do you think about these zero waste protein powders!

Have you/will you try some of them?