As a vegan for the past six years, getting adequate protein in my diet has always been important. It’s safe to say I’ve tried over two dozen protein powders in my lifetime. I’ve found that plant-based proteins powders are hit or miss — sometimes too “grainy,” other times too bitter in flavor. I like Ascent Protein’s vegan plant protein because it masters the nutritional aspect without sacrificing flavor, which is all you can really ask for.

Ascent Protein is based in Denver and has 30 years of experience making protein. It’s no surprise the brand strays away from quick fixes — it knows long-term results are the way to go. The clean, science-backed ingredients make it a favorite for mountain lovers looking to improve their athletic performance.

I must admit, I only sampled one serving of the chocolate and vanilla flavors each, but almost immediately I could tell Ascent’s products were of quality.

After my morning workout (hot yoga, anyone?) I blended the powder with one frozen banana and a cup almond milk — the outcome was seriously delicious! The texture was fluffy and creamy while still being potent and filling. I have a strong appetite and it easily held me over until lunch, which is a great sign of proper protein intake. If you’re wondering how much protein you should personally be eating in a day, I highly recommend using Ascent’s Protein Calculator.

Ideally, I would’ve loved to sample more protein powder to test of all the recipes Ascent has on their website. The Vegan Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes are seriously calling my name!

Overall, if you’re looking for a protein powder with ingredients you can actually pronounce and doesn’t taste bad, give Ascent Protein a try. An 18-serving bag is $39.99.