Forget everything you know about chalky protein shakes
The old excuse for skipping plant protein was always the same: it tastes like wet sand. That argument stopped being true years ago. Modern pea, brown rice and lupini protein blends are clean, mix well and - importantly for anyone in Australia buying online - ship internationally without drama.
This guide rounds up five plant-based protein options that cover the spectrum: straight-up protein powder, complete meal replacement, higher-protein milks, and a snack that sneaks in 15g of protein per serve. Every brand below has a brand page on this site with the full coupon history; the verified codes are in the table.
Best overall pick
Orgain
Orgain makes clean, organic plant-based protein powders, shakes and bars with no artificial additives. It is one of the most widely recommended vegan protein powders on the market, and the organic certification is a genuine point of difference.
Hero product: the organic plant-based protein powder (chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter) is the flagship, sold in tubs and single-serve packs.
"People on Reddit constantly ask whether Orgain mixes into iced coffee - it is a go-to for quick morning shakes." - Reddit
Huel
Huel creates nutritionally complete powdered meals, bars and ready-to-drinks with an optimal balance of protein, carbs, fat and micronutrients. Not a traditional protein powder - a full meal replacement that happens to be very high in protein.
Hero product: Huel Powder (the original complete shake) and Huel Black Edition for a higher-protein version.
"Huel is a recurring topic in vegan fitness threads - people either treat it as a meal or a protein shake." - Reddit
Ripple Foods
Ripple Foods makes plant-based milk, creamers and yoghurt from pea protein, with more protein and less sugar than other dairy alternatives. The perfect option if you would rather drink your protein in a smoothie or on cereal than shake it in a bottle.
Hero product: their pea-protein milk and protein shakes, available in shelf-stable cartons.
"Ripple's pea milk is the plant milk people name when they want actual protein per glass." - Reddit
Brami
Brami makes lupini bean-based pasta and snacks that are high in protein and fibre, low in carbs, gluten-free and plant-based. A clever way to add plant protein to your day without another shake - the pasta alone carries serious macros.
Hero product: lupini bean pasta and seasoned lupini bean snacks.
"Brami's lupini snacks show up in high-protein snack threads for the protein-to-carb ratio." - Reddit
Thrive Market
Thrive Market is an online membership store offering healthy, organic groceries and household products at wholesale prices. It is the cheapest way to stock a vegan pantry - including protein powders from multiple brands - if you shop regularly.
Hero product: the membership itself - first month is free, then you save 25-50% versus retail on most items.
"Members describe Thrive as the cheapest way to keep a vegan pantry stocked." - Reddit
Coupon Codes Table
| Brand | Code | Discount | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orgain | ORGAINEMAIL | 15% off first order | 2026-10-03 |
| Orgain | ORGAINBUNDLE | 20% off 3+ items | 2026-10-03 |
| Huel | HUEL15 | 15% off first order | 2026-10-01 |
| Ripple Foods | RIPPLE10 | 10% off first order | 2026-10-02 |
| Brami | BRAMI15 | 15% off first order | 2026-10-01 |
| Thrive Market | THRIVE15 | 15% off first order | 2026-10-01 |
How to Save More
1. Subscribe-and-save on the big tubs. Orgain gives 15% off every order on subscription, and Huel offers an extra 10% off regular deliveries. You can usually pause or cancel after one delivery.
2. Buy 3+ items at once. Orgain's ORGAINBUNDLE code takes 20% off when you buy three or more products - stock up on flavours or add bars to your order to hit the threshold.
3. Wait for the sale collections. Orgain runs sales up to 30% off at various points in the year. If you are not out of powder yet, it pays to wait.
4. Shop via a membership store. Thrive Market's first month is free, and wholesale prices on vegan protein frequently beat direct-brand pricing once you factor in shipping to Australia.
FAQ
Is vegan protein powder a complete protein? Pea and soy proteins are complete on their own; rice and hemp are not, which is why most good plant blends combine sources. Orgain and Huel both use complete blends.
How much protein do I actually need? A common target is around 0.8-1.6g per kilogram of body weight depending on activity level. One scoop of most plant powders delivers 20-25g.
Do these brands ship to Australia? Yes - Orgain, Huel, Ripple, Brami and Thrive Market all ship internationally. Check shipping thresholds, because several offer free shipping over a minimum order.
Which plant protein tastes best? Taste is subjective, but pea-protein blends (Orgain, Ripple) are widely considered the smoothest and least gritty of the plant options.