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If you’re landing on this review because you’re searching for a vegan protein powder that actually tastes good, I’m here to share some good news with you: We found it! In this Ritual protein powder review, I’ll share our hands-on experience with this organic pea protein powder and give you a rundown on the formulation and what to expect when ordering.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality
We’re Protein Powder Pros
Your friends at Garage Gym Reviews are protein hounds—we prioritize protein to optimize lean muscle mass and muscle recovery—and supplement with the best protein powders available on the market. Plus, our team is made up of fitness industry professionals ranging from certified nutrition coaches to certified personal trainers.
For this Ritual Protein Powder review, GGR head of content Kate Meier put the plant-based protein powder to the test. Kate is not only one of our expert product testers, she also has over a decade of experience in the fitness industry and totes certifications like NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, and CF-L1. Needless to say, she’s one of many fitness professionals we rely on for honest reviews on everything from the best barbells to the best pre-workout.
During the testing process, our expert testers use an in-depth supplement testing methodology to score a variety of topics on a scale of 1 to 5. Some of the categories we score for protein include:
- Price per serving: High scores are given to protein powders that offer affordable and sustainable prices per serving.
- Formulation: Our testers prioritize high scores for protein powders with 20 grams of protein (or more) along with and other beneficial ingredients.
- Taste and solubility: While taste is subjective, high scores are given to brands that are good enough to drink again and again. Solubility is also important and high scores are given to powders that dissolve fully.
- Third-party testing: Brands with third-party testing labs listed on the website or label receive higher scores.
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
Product Highlights
- Organic pea protein powder
- 20 g of protein per serving
- Formulated to support adults 18-49
- Third-party tested
- 150 mg of choline per serving
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly
- No artificial sweeteners
- Complete amino acid profile
- Non-GMO
- USA-grown peas
Cons
- Only comes in one flavor
- Price per serving is on the high end
- Velcro bag closure ineffective
Bottom Line
Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake has 20 grams of protein per serving and 150 milligrams of chlorine (to support brain and nervous system function). This protein powder from Ritual is third-party tested and Informed Sport Certified, which means this formula has been screened for over 250 banned substances.
A Quick Look at Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
Ritual is a wellness company offering a variety of dietary supplements ranging from prenatal vitamins and multivitamins to probiotics and omega-3s. It also manufactures vegan protein powder made from organic peas. The brand prides itself on rigorous third-party testing and having an in-house scientific advisory board made up of registered dietitians, nutritionists, physicians, and professors.
On the website you’ll find two different protein options:
- Essential Protein Daily Shake
- Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum (supports pregnancy and lactation)
Both varieties are vegan, but each is formulated with different stages of life in mind. For the purposes of this Ritual protein powder review, I’m going to focus on the Essential Protein Daily Shake.
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Before You Buy
- The signature Vanilla flavor is the only flavor option you’ll have for protein.
- Ritual is a subscription-based company and bills monthly until you cancel.
- Ritual protein is Informed Sport Certified and non-GMO.
- Each container has 15 servings.
Ritual Protein Powder Video Review
Is Ritual Protein Powder Worth It?
Our testers think price per serving is an important factor to consider when choosing a protein supplement that you not only like, but have the ability to order time and time again. Our GGR team of expert testers consume protein powders on a regular basis, some of us even making two shakes in one day to hit high protein goals and support muscle recovery after exercise.
RELATED: When to Take Protein Powder
That said, we think it’s important you’re spending less money on your protein than your gym membership every month. For this reason, the Essential Protein Daily Shake protein powder from Ritual earns a 1-out-of-5-star rating for price per serving (over $2 per serving).
Later in this review I’ll break down the price per serving and how it compares to other protein supplements. For now, all you need to know is that Ritual has a premium price tag.
However, other than the price, there is a lot to like about Ritual. It’s third-party tested, free from major allergens (like soy, wheat, and dairy), and provides a transparent (and traceable) list of ingredients. For some folks, the quality of the protein may outweigh the costly price per serving.
Great for:
- Plant-based eaters
- Low glycemic diets
- Making protein smoothie recipes
Not recommended for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Folks who prefer multiple flavor options
- People who can tolerate whey protein
Ritual Protein Powder Specs
| Price per serving | $2.66 |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (30 g) |
| Type of protein | Organic pea protein |
| Protein content | 20 g |
| Carb content | 3 g |
| Fat content | 2 g |
| Notable ingredients | Fiber, choline, iron, calcium, sodium, BCCAs, EAAs |
| Flavors | Vanilla |
| Third-party testing | Informed Sport |
Experience Using Ritual Protein Powder
GGR head of content and expert product tester Kate Meier may not be vegan or vegetarian, but she is familiar with the best plant-based protein powders. She’s tried many plant-based proteins out of curiosity and the ability to recommend good-tasting options to her clients.
Speaking as a personal trainer myself, I’ve been asked countless times “How much protein do I need?” And while the answer varies depending on your goals, needs, and activity, most folks need to supplement with a protein powder (or one of the best protein bars) to be able to reach daily protein benchmarks. This is especially true if you do not consume animal protein.
Below, I’ll cover the full details regarding Kate’s personal experience taste-testing Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake and why she recommends this as one of the best vegan protein powders.
Price Per Serving
Our testers have determined that protein powders, on average, range from $1.25 to $2 per serving. During the testing process, high scores are given to protein supplements that are priced less than $1.50 per serving and low scores are given to protein powders above $1.90 per serving.
We think Ritual misses the mark at a whopping $2.66 per serving. Additionally, it’s not sold in bulk to keep your cost down. Instead, you’re buying a 15-serving pouch for $40. If you plan to drink a shake every day, you’ll need two shipments every month, which means $80 per month on protein alone.
On the flip side, it just costs more to purchase high-quality, organic products. And this is one that actually tastes good. Plus, we’ve never seen a supplement company provide so much transparency on a nutrition label. And it’s not just how much of each ingredient is used, the brand’s website has a detailed list of all the ingredients the company processes and provides information on where each ingredient is sourced.
It’s also important to keep in mind that Ritual is a subscription-based company. To make a purchase you’ll have to sign up and agree to the terms of service to be billed monthly.
RELATED: Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services
Formulation
When it comes to formulation, our product testers analyze the balance between the macronutrients (fat, carbs, and proteins), calories per serving, and consider whether or not the powder provides other beneficial ingredients or nutrients.
Ritual protein earns a 5-out-of-5 star rating from our tester Kate because it has an appropriate macronutrient ratio and a complete amino acid profile with both EAAs and BCAAs. Ritual is made from regeneratively-farmed organic yellow peas grown (and processed) in the U.S. The peas are not only organic, but certified non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly.
RELATED: What to Look for In Protein Powder
Many plant-based protein powders we’ve tested don’t earn a 5-star rating because the protein content is often lower than 20 grams. Our scoring method gives high scores to formulas containing at least 20 grams of protein per serving (to help stimulate protein synthesis and muscle recovery). We also want to ensure that the protein content is not outshined by fats or carbohydrates. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect in a one-scoop serving from Ritual protein:
- 115 calories
- 20 g of protein
- 3 g of carbohydrates
- 2 g of fat
Each serving of Ritual contains 3 grams of dietary fiber, which may help increase satiety1, and has zero grams of sugar. Ritual is sweetened with monk fruit extract and Reb-M, which is fermented sugarcane. It’s also free from stevia, sugar, sugar alcohols, and artificial flavors or sweeteners.
The plant-based protein powder also has 120 milligrams of choline2, which is an essential nutrient that can help regulate memory, mood, and muscle control. You’ll also benefit from 3 milligrams of iron, 120 milligrams of calcium, and 290 milligrams of sodium.
And last but not least, Ritual protein powder also contains a complete amino acid profile—not always guaranteed in a plant protein—including both EAAs (essential amino acids) and BCCAs (branched-chain amino acids). Ritual’s formula includes leucine, isoleucine, and valine for BCAAs and l-methionine, histidine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan for EEAs.
Taste and Solubility
Since you only have one flavor option (Vanilla) you’ll at least be clued in on what to expect when you order this plant-based protein. Our tester, Kate, tried Ritual two ways: In a shaker cup with water and in a smoothie with strawberries and blueberries.
“With just water Ritual has a nice taste,” says Kate, who gives Ritual a 4-out-of-5-star rating for taste.
“It’s not super plant-y or hemp-y like some plant-based proteins I’ve tested,” she says, but does admit that there is a slight chalky aftertaste. “But I could drink this with water alone and be fine with it. That’s how decent I think this taste is.”
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While Kate doesn’t mind the aftertaste, she warns that even in smoothies, the protein taste is detectable but says, “It’s not overly strong.”
And equally as important as taste is solubility. Ritual earns a 5-star rating from Kate on solubility because it dissolves and doesn’t separate or leave you with floaters.
“Ritual has an excellent consistency, which I find shocking for a plant-based protein,” says Kate. “Mixed in just water, it dissolves completely and has a super-smooth texture. It’s not thick, but it’s not watery like some proteins I’ve tested.”
Side Effects
Ritual is free from major allergens including gluten, peanuts, egg, fish, wheat, shellfish, soy, milk, tree nuts, and sesame. It’s also free of artificial ingredients, flavors, and fillers. That said, it’s not surprising our tester Kate didn’t experience any side effects. Kate gives Ritual a 5-star rating in this category.
According to Stephanie Wells, a registered dietitian, pea proteins don’t often cause gastrointestinal side effects like whey proteins are often known to do because of the lactose content. If you’re someone with a sensitive stomach, it may be worth looking into trying one of the best pea protein powders.
RELATED: Does Protein Powder Really Give you Protein Farts?
Third-Party Testing
Ritual does an outstanding job to provide clear nutritional information and third-party testing results. Ritual earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating in this category because it’s third-party tested by Informed Sport, which screens for banned substances in sports including stimulants, narcotics, and diuretics.
Additionally, Ritual’s protein powder is made from 100% traceable ingredients. That means this brand provides information on where every single ingredient is sourced from. For example, the website lists the iron and zinc as sourced from Ogden, Utah, and the essential amino acid l-methionine comes from Iwate, Japan. This is not only impressive, but pretty ground-breaking for the supplement industry. Our product testers approve!
Ritual Protein Powder vs Kaged Plantein
Kaged Plantein
Kaged Plantein
Product Highlights
- Pea protein isolate vegan protein powder
- Soy-, dairy-, and gluten-free
- Third-party tested for quality
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-tasting plant protein you’ll ever try or your money back
- Customers say mixes well
- Free from banned substances
Cons
- Limited reviews
- Customers complain too sweet
- Reports of strong aftertaste
Bottom Line
Kaged Plantein is a vegan protein option with a high protein content and a money-back guarantee.
Kaged Plantein is another pea protein powder that offers high-quality ingredients that are third-party tested. Both proteins are organic, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Although these proteins are both sourced from peas, there are a few distinct differences. First, Ritual’s 20 grams of protein per serving pales in comparison to 25 grams per serving with Kaged Plantein.
Second, Ritual has some of the most transparent labels we’ve seen: All ingredients are traceable and you can read about each ingredient in detail on the website. And third, Ritual is more expensive than Kaged and locks you into a subscription plan.
Our team agrees that Kaged may offer a better bang for your buck, especially if you are not concerned with each ingredient being traceable. It’s still on the more expensive end for what we like to see in protein powders, but it’s worth it for folks looking for plant-based proteins without major allergens. You can read about our taste-testing experience in our Kaged Plant Protein review.
| Kaged Plantein | Ritual | |
| Price per serving | $1.99 | $2.66 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop (35.8 g) | 1 scoop (30 g) |
| Type of protein | Pea protein isolate | Organic pea protein |
| Protein content | 25 g | 20 g |
| Carb content | 2 g | 3 g |
| Fat content | 4 g | 2 g |
| Flavors | Cinnamon Roll | Vanilla |
| Third-party tested | Yes, Informed Sport | Yes, Informed Sport |
Customer Experience With Ritual
Kate gives Ritual a 4-out-of-5-star rating for overall customer experience. She docks a point because the company forces you into a subscription plan and it provides limited methods to contact the company. There is no phone number or business hours listed, just an email address (once you dig through the FAQs) and a built-in chat function on the website.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect with Ritual brand policies:
Subscription Plans Only
When ordering your first Ritual protein powder package, you’ll be asked to create an account on the website. This is because ordering from Ritual is not a one-time transaction. Signing up means you’ve agreed to the monthly subscription. You can cancel at any time, but it’s important to know what you’re signing up for because your card will be charged monthly.
Return Policy
If you’re on the fence about making the first purchase, Ritual has a 30-day return policy that applies to first-time customers. That means if you’ve signed up for Ritual but it’s just not the right protein product for you, you can contact the company within the first 30 days of your purchase date to receive a full refund. You will need proof of purchase, so don’t go deleting that confirmation email just yet.
Be aware that the return policy does not extend past your first-time order.
Shipping
The website says free shipping is offered to subscribers, but I find that a bit funny because you have to subscribe to order Ritual products. Regardless, it’s a pro that you won’t be charged shipping fees.
Customer Reviews
There are a handful of reviews on the Ritual website, all of which have glowing 5-star ratings. When this is the case, we head to other sites like Amazon or Trustpilot for a better idea on what more customers are saying.
The Essential Daily Shake from Ritual has over 300 customer reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Overall, there are a ton of positive 5-star reviews raving about the taste and texture.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder on Amazon
But there are a few themes I picked up on while combing through customer reviews. First, there is more than one review stating the bag it comes in hard to open and close. Kate found the same thing during her testing experience saying, “I don’t love the closing mechanism. It’s almost like a Velcro, and the protein gets stuck in it and makes it hard to seal.”
Second, there were a few different customers who decided to purchase on Amazon so they didn’t have to subscribe to Ritual, which is a nice workaround.
Final Verdict of Our Ritual Protein Powder Review
If you’re on the hunt for plant-based protein powder that is free from gluten, wheat, soy, eggs, and other major allergens, Ritual protein powder could serve as an excellent supplement to your diet. After our team’s hands-on experience with Ritual protein, we think the Essential Protein Daily Shake is ideal for adults who:
- Follow a vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diet
- Are willing to spend a little extra for premium ingredients and a transparent nutrition label
- Want a full amino acid profile from a plant-based protein powder
Full Rating
Ritual Protein Powder
Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ is specifically designed for 18-to-49 year-olds with 20 grams of protein per serving and 150 milligrams of chlorine (to support brain and nervous system function). This protein powder from Ritual is third-party tested and Informed Sport Certified, which means this formula has been screened for over 250 banned substances.
Product Brand: Ritual
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 40.00
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.13
Ritual Protein Powder: FAQ
Is Ritual essential protein good?
Ritual protein powder is a vegan-friendly protein powder that actually tastes good and has a silky-smooth consistency. It offers 20 grams of protein per serving and is formulated from high-quality ingredients. The downside is the price per serving and the subscription-based ordering process.
Is Ritual protein powder third-party tested?
Yes, Ritual protein powder is third-party tested by Informed Sport.
Is Ritual approved by the FDA?
Because dietary supplements in general are not approved by the FDA, it’s important to find brands that have transparent labels and have products third-party tested. However, the Ritual website notes that the suppliers it works with have FDA-approved standards and regulations.
Does Ritual have heavy metals?
Ritual follows a two-step process to ensure there are no heavy metals in its products. First, suppliers who provide ingredients go through a rigorous qualification process, which includes testing for heavy metals and other contaminants. Second, Ritual performs third-party testing for heavy metals, microbes, and allergens after the products are manufactured.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Clark MJ, Slavin JL. The effect of fiber on satiety and food intake: a systematic review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2013;32(3):200-11.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Office of dietary supplements – choline. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.
Further reading
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