TL;DR
Impact Vegan Protein delivers 21g of complete plant-based protein with all essential amino acids. Decent taste across most flavours, mixes reasonably well, and performs comparably to whey for muscle recovery. At £20-25 per kg, it's solid value for a reliable plant protein that actually works.
Table of Contents
Another protein powder from Myprotein put to the test. I'm not vegan, but I did go a month without eating meat or animal-derived foods and ingredients as an experiment. I've got some thoughts on Myprotein's Impact Vegan Protein (formerly called Vegan Protein Blend). And yes, I've put this stuff through its paces - mixing it at 5am before training sessions, blending it into post-workout smoothies, and even sneaking it into pancakes when I'm feeling fancy.
The Protein Profile That Actually Works
Here's what caught my attention straight away: 21g of complete protein per 30g serving. That's not just marketing fluff - this blend of pea and fava bean protein delivers all nine essential amino acids your body can't make on its own. As someone who's seen plenty of plant-based proteins fall short on leucine content, I was pleasantly surprised.
The amino acid profile here is genuinely impressive. Pea protein brings the leucine punch needed for muscle protein synthesis, whilst the fava bean protein rounds out the profile beautifully. It's like they've actually thought about the science rather than just throwing plants at a wall to see what sticks.
The leucine content in pea protein isolate has been shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis rates similar to whey protein when consumed in adequate quantities.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2020)
Flavour Adventures (Some Better Than Others)
I've worked my way through about six flavours now, and honestly? It's been a mixed bag. The Chocolate Smooth is absolutely spot on - rich, not too sweet, and it actually tastes like chocolate rather than that weird artificial nonsense you get with some brands. The Vanilla is solid too, though nothing revolutionary.
But then there's the Strawberry. Blimey. It tastes like someone dissolved a packet of Haribo in protein powder. Not necessarily bad if you're into that sort of thing, but it caught me off guard. The Banana flavour, on the other hand, was surprisingly natural - none of that artificial banana essence that makes you question your life choices.
Coffee Caramel became my go-to morning blend. Mixed with oat milk and a shot of actual espresso? Proper game-changer for those early training sessions.
Mixability: The Make-or-Break Factor
This is where things get interesting. With just water, it mixes reasonably well - no major clumps, though you'll want to give it a proper shake. But here's the thing: it's not silky smooth like some whey proteins. There's a slight grittiness that's just part of the plant protein territory.
Where it really shines is with milk alternatives. Oat milk, almond milk, even coconut milk - they all seem to help with the texture. I've found that letting it sit for a minute after mixing helps too. The proteins seem to hydrate properly, and that slight chalkiness disappears.
Performance in the Real World 📈
After three months of using this as my primary post-workout protein, I can honestly say it does the job. Recovery feels solid, and I haven't noticed any difference compared to when I was using whey. My female athletes who've switched to this have reported the same - no drop in performance, no digestive issues, and they're hitting their protein targets without the dairy bloat.
Plant-based protein blends, particularly those combining pea and legume proteins, can provide amino acid profiles comparable to animal-based proteins when formulated correctly.
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2019)
The 108 calories per serving is brilliant for anyone watching their intake. It's not loaded with unnecessary carbs or fats, which means you can add your own extras (hello, frozen berries and spinach) without blowing your macros.
The Digestive Reality Check
Let's be honest about plant proteins and digestion. Some people struggle with pea protein, and if you're one of them, this isn't going to be your friend. But for most people, it's actually gentler than whey. I've had clients with lactose intolerance who've finally found a protein powder that doesn't leave them feeling rough.
The fibre content is minimal, so you're not getting that bloated feeling you might get with some plant-based options. It's clean, efficient protein without the digestive drama.
Value for Money: The Bottom Line
At around £20-25 for a 1kg bag (depending on sales), it's competitive. Not the cheapest plant protein out there, but certainly not the most expensive. When you factor in the amino acid profile and the fact that it actually tastes decent, it's solid value.
I've seen athletes spend twice as much on "premium" plant proteins that don't perform any better. Sometimes the middle ground is exactly where you want to be.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy This
Perfect for: Anyone wanting a reliable plant-based protein that doesn't taste like cardboard. Particularly good for people transitioning from whey who don't want to compromise on results.
Skip it if: You're sensitive to pea protein, or you're after the absolute smoothest texture possible. Also, if you're expecting whey-level mixability, you might be disappointed.
Final Verdict
After months of testing, I'd recommend Impact Vegan Protein to most of my clients looking for a plant-based option. It's not perfect - no protein powder is - but it ticks the important boxes: complete amino acid profile, decent taste, reasonable price, and it actually works.
Is it revolutionary? No. Is it a solid, dependable protein that'll help you hit your goals without breaking the bank or your digestive system? Absolutely.
