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Transparent Labs Protein Powder Review (2026): Certified Clean Ingredients

Learn more about Transparent Labs Protein Powder in our review that covers third-party testing, ingredients, value, and more.

  • Transparent Labs is one of our top protein powder brands. Its Organic Vegan Protein uses plant-based ingredients that meet high standards. The protein powder holds USDA Organic and Informed Choice certifications. It also has zero added sugars or artificial sweeteners, and our testers loved its taste.
  • This protein powder costs $1.67 per serving for a 30-day supply. You can save 10% on every order when you sign up for a subscription.
  • Transparent Labs offers a variety of protein powders. This includes whey protein, casein protein, and pea protein. 
  • Plant-based protein can be as effective as animal proteins for building muscle strength. It can also offer similar benefits for improving physical performance. But finding quality protein powders is key.
  • Plant proteins tend to have higher levels of heavy metals than whey protein. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they're harmful. It also depends on the brand, dose, and other factors.

NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,000 hours researching and testing supplements to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best health supplements, we: 

  • Consulted health specialists, including doctors and registered dietitians. Received guidance on choosing the best supplements
  • Put more than 100 supplements through more than a dozen different tests at our in-house lab
  • Mystery-shopped more than 20 brands
  • Surveyed more than 250 older adults on their supplement use
  • Interviewed experts on the nutritional needs of older adults
  • Worked with older adult testers to evaluate supplements and get their opinions
  • Read thousands of verified customer reviews

We’re constantly testing new supplements to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our supplement review methodology.

Plant-based protein powders can help you meet your protein needs. They often use protein from sources like peas, rice, or soy. These sources can offer the same strength and performance benefits as whey protein.1 Transparent Labs earned the title of best plant-based protein in our list of the best protein powders for women. In this Transparent Labs protein review, we take a closer look at the brand. Find out what sets its protein powders apart. 

Transparent Labs offers several types of protein powders. These include whey, grass-fed whey, casein, and pea protein. The brand also sells protein shakes, bars, and other products and supplements. Our older adult testers tried Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein. They evaluated it for taste, mixability, and whether it fits into a daily routine. Read about their experiences and our experts' insights to see whether Transparent Labs is right for you.

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein

9.3 out of /10

This plant-based powder delivers as much protein per serving as many whey powders and earned top scores for taste

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Why we recommend Transparent Labs protein powder

We recommend Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein for its simple ingredients. We also like its blend of pea and rice protein. These two plant proteins work together to provide a better amino acid balance. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. “Pea and rice protein complement each other nutritionally,” said Johannah Katz, MA, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian based in Orlando, Florida. “Pea protein provides plenty of lysine, an essential amino acid, but is relatively low in methionine. Rice protein provides more methionine but less lysine. Combining them creates a more balanced essential amino acid profile, which is important for muscle repair and maintenance.” This makes the powder a good option for older adults who want a plant-based way to add more protein to their diets.

Ultimately, getting enough total protein and incorporating strength training matter tremendously for healthy aging.”

—Johannah Katz, MA, RD, LDN, registered dietitian based in Orlando, Florida

We like Transparent Labs protein powder for its focus on ingredient quality and testing. It’s USDA-certified organic and has no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Instead, it uses stevia, a plant-based sweetener. The brand is also open about its third-party testing. You can enter the product name on its website and get a link to the certificate of analysis. This shows its full testing results. We appreciated this level of detail, which helps you make more informed choices. In our Transparent Labs protein review, these features helped the powder stand out.

How we tested Transparent Labs protein 

Here are some of the things we considered when testing protein powders:

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein: High-Quality Fuel for Plant-Based Diets

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein powder has 24 grams of plant-based protein per serving. It uses organic ingredients and has zero added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Its formula meets high third-party testing standards and holds USDA Organic certification. Our testers rated it highly for taste and mixability. 

Trans-parent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
  • Combines pea and rice protein to provide 24 g of plant-based protein
  • No added sugar or artificial sweeteners
  • Third-party tested by Informed Choice and USDA-certified organic 
  • Available in chocolate and vanilla flavors
  • Protein per serving: 24 g
  • Protein type: Rice and pea protein
  • Form: Powder
  • Added sugar: None (but sweetened with stevia)

Pros

  • Provides 24 g of plant-based protein per serving
  • Uses stevia for natural sweetness
  • Testers loved the vanilla flavor
  • USDA-certified organic, with third-party testing results available online
  • Free of gluten, artificial dyes, and artificial flavors

Cons

  • Made in a facility that may also handle common allergens
  • Comes in only two flavors and one size
  • The large container may be hard to store

Our experience with Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein stood out for its pleasant taste and high-quality, high-protein content. It delivers 24 g of protein per serving, similar to many whey protein powders. Its ingredients are USDA-certified organic and include a rice-and-pea protein blend. Its formula earned a 4.5/5 in our ingredient review. We also liked how upfront the brand is about its third-party testing. You can type the product name into the Transparent Labs website to find an Informed Choice certificate of analysis. Informed Choice is an independent testing and certification program. Check the available certificate for details about the tests performed on this product.

We tested the vanilla flavor, and it earned a 5/5 for taste. “I was shocked at how much I loved the flavor,” said one tester. “I tried both with milk and water, and it was incredibly delicious. It tastes like a milkshake without the heavy sugar taste. I was worried about the stevia sweetener, but I didn't taste it at all.” One tester did compare the taste to Cream of Wheat. The powder has no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. It gets its sweetness from stevia, a plant-based sweetener.

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein container next to a glass of the powder mixed with water
Our testers mixed Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein with water and milk. They said the vanilla flavor tasted like a milkshake and the top was foamy.

Our testers rated the powder a 4/5 for mixability. The directions were clear and included helpful graphics. The powder blended well with milk and water without leaving chunks. When shaken, it created a thick layer of foam on top. One tester was not a fan of the texture, describing it as gritty and chalky. You can add more liquid to taste. 

This powder is available in only one size. But our testers were happy with the $50 price for 30 servings (about $1.67 per serving). “The price seems about average for what I'd be willing to pay for a 30-day supply of protein powder,” one said. Transparent Labs offers a one-time 15% discount to verified military and first responders. If you subscribe for regular deliveries, you save 10% per order.

Overall, we liked this brand’s quality, transparency, and plant-based formula. “I am not a protein powder person, but after trying this product I am a believer,” one tester said. “I am excited to go purchase this product and incorporate it into my lifestyle.” 

  • 4.5/5

    Formula

  • 5/5

    Taste

  • 5/5

    Side Effects

  • 5/5

    Third-Party Testing

The Transparent Labs customer experience

  • Return Policy: 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Shipping: Free over $99 and with subscriptions 
  • Subscription Length: 15, 30, 45, or 60 days
  • Third-Party Testing: Informed Choice

Customer service

You can contact Transparent Labs customer service by emailing support@transparentlabs.com or by filling out a contact form on the website.

What are the benefits of Transparent Labs protein powder?

A serving of Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein provides 24 g of protein. Its pea and rice protein blend provides a balanced mix of essential amino acids. These help the body repair and maintain muscle. Meeting daily protein needs can help support muscle maintenance. Muscle maintenance is key to healthy aging. “For most healthy older adults, protein powder can be a convenient way to fill nutritional gaps, particularly when appetite is low or preparing protein-rich meals is challenging,” said Katz. She also said that protein works best alongside regular strength training. The combination can help maintain muscle and support healthy aging.

We also like that this powder is USDA-certified organic and has no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. It uses stevia for sweetness, making it an option for people who want to limit added sugar. Plus, the brand provides third-party test results on its website. This can help you make a more informed choice about what you put in your body. Still, protein powder is meant to supplement a balanced diet. It's not designed to replace whole foods that provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

icon of three people

In August 2026, we surveyed 250 older adults who used muscle supplements. Of these, 24% said ingredients were the most important factor when choosing protein powder. Only 6% of respondents said third-party testing was their top priority.2

What are the potential side effects of Transparent Labs protein powder?

Depending on the person, plant-based protein may cause bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort. “Some powders contain sugar alcohols, added fibers, or other ingredients that can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Others may contain unnecessary added sugars or ingredients that aren’t well tolerated,” Katz said. Stop using any product that causes these issues and talk with your health care provider. 

Transparent Labs uses stevia instead of added sugar in this protein powder. This helps those managing blood sugar levels or limiting sugar intake. Still, check with your health care provider before starting a new supplement. 

Another concern with plant-based protein powders is the possible presence of heavy metals. “Plants can absorb heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and arsenic, from the soil and water in which they’re grown. These contaminants can sometimes carry through into concentrated protein powders,” Katz explained. “A 2025 Clean Label Project investigation found that plant-based protein powders generally contained higher levels of certain heavy metals than whey-based products, including approximately five times more cadmium in the products tested.”3 But that doesn’t necessarily mean they are unsafe. “Finding a heavy metal doesn’t automatically mean a product poses a significant health risk,” Katz added. “The amount, frequency of consumption, and total exposure all matter.” 

Katz recommended choosing brands that offer independent testing. This can help identify any heavy metals or other contaminants. Transparent Labs makes its certificates of analysis available online. Consumers can review testing results for all its products on its site. 

Supplementing with protein isn't right for everyone. Protein needs may vary based on kidney function and treatment. Speak with your health care provider about whether protein powder is safe for you.

How to take Transparent Labs protein powder

One scoop of Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein equals one serving. Follow the instructions on the product label and mix one scoop with 6–8 ounces of water or another drink you enjoy. You can also blend it into a smoothie with fruit, milk, or yogurt for extra nutrients. During our testing, some testers found that the powder mixed well without clumps. Others reported a gritty, chalky texture and a foamy drink. One tester found that using 6 ounces of water made the shake too thick and planned to try 8 ounces next time. If the texture is too thick, add more liquid as directed in the product’s mixing instructions. You can also try blending it into a smoothie.

Protein powder should not replace balanced meals. Spread your protein intake across meals and snacks. Relying on one large serving may cause stomach distress. Protein needs vary based on age, activity level, and health. Ask your health care provider or a registered dietitian how much protein is right for you. This is especially important if you have kidney disease or another condition. Foods such as eggs, fish, beans, yogurt, and lean meats can also help you meet your protein needs. Plus, they provide other nutrients that protein powders may lack. “My advice is to think of protein powder as a supplement to an otherwise balanced diet, not a replacement for one. And for preserving strength as we age, protein works best alongside regular resistance exercise,” said Katz.

Who should consider Transparent Labs protein powder?

Transparent Labs earned top marks for quality, transparency, and taste. But protein powders aren't one-size-fits-all. 

Consider Transparent Labs protein if you:

  • Follow a plant-based diet. Pea and rice protein provide 24 g of protein per serving without animal-based ingredients.
  • Want protein without extra nutrients. This powder focuses on protein rather than adding a long list of vitamins and minerals.
  • Want to limit sugar in your diet. This powder contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
  • Are looking for quality ingredients. This powder is USDA-certified organic and third-party tested with easily accessible results.

Consider other options if you:

  • Have food allergies or sensitivities. Transparent Lab's facility may also handle common allergens like milk, eggs, and wheat. If you have a food allergy, contact the manufacturer to learn more about the risk of cross-contact.
  • Prefer whey protein. If you eat dairy and want a whey-based option, 1st Phorm Level-1 Protein Powder may be a better fit. 
  • Want more flavor choices. Transparent Labs offers only vanilla and chocolate. For more variety, 1st Phorm Level-1 Protein Powder comes in 12 flavors. 

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy Transparent Labs protein powder?

You can buy Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein directly from the brand’s website. You can also find it at select online retailers. 

Is Transparent Labs protein powder made with clean ingredients?

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein is USDA-certified organic. The brand shares third-party test results on its website. It contains no gluten, added sugars, fillers, or artificial sweeteners. 

Can you take Transparent Labs protein powder daily?

Yes, most healthy adults on a balanced diet can use Transparent Labs protein powder daily to help fill protein gaps. If you have chronic kidney disease or other health conditions, talk to your health care provider before starting a new supplement. 

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. Reid-McCann R.J., et al. Effect of Plant Versus Animal Protein on Muscle Mass, Strength, Physical Performance, and Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrition Reviews. Jan. 15, 2025. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/83/7/e1581/7954494.
  2. NCOA. Muscle Supplement Survey. 250 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched August 2026.
  3. Clean Label Project. Nearly Half of Top-Selling Protein Powders Exceed Safety Thresholds for Heavy Metal Contamination. Jan. 9, 2025. Found on the internet at https://cleanlabelproject.org/protein-study/.

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