I’ve sampled a heap of different vegan protein powders now, some of which have been considerably more flavoursome and enjoyable than others. I pretty much figured that anything I hadn’t tried yet couldn’t be any different from the options I’d already had – but then BOXD got in touch.

The main thing that got me excited when BOXD asked if I’d like some free samples to try in return for an honest review, was the fact that what they offer is plastic-free. Plastic-free protein!! With biodegradable and recyclable packaging! No more growing mountains of plastic scoops that arrive with bundles of foil-packed protein: just the promise of a flavourful protein mix (which also comes with added vitamins – more on that later) delivered in biodegradable pouches. Oh, and they do have scoops – they’re just made from bamboo.

What’s different about BOXD?

As well as offering a plastic-free take on vegan protein powder, BOXD are packing more than ‘just’ protein into their shakes. BOXD’s shake powders include an energy-boosting multinutrient blend, which isn’t exclusively designed for people who are working out – although it certainly caters to that audience, too. BOXD state that their mission is about overall wellbeing rather than about dieting, with an emphasis on science-based nutrition whether you’re looking to get fit or just get energised.

That being said, the sustainability side of things is obviously a big draw, and it’s certainly what caught my eye about this particular option. The brand’s sustainability promise includes using compostable, recyclable packaging, which is itself made from 80% recycled materials, in addition to the avoidance of plastic at all costs.

BOXD vegan protein shakes: first impressions

Things arriving in the post without a hint of plastic in sight is always pleasing, and BOXD’s packaging is simple and sleek. Admittedly, the printed writing on the individual sachets inside was so teeny tiny they’d had to send ingredient cards in the box separately to ensure people could actually read the information, but I imagine that’s something that will have been worked out soon enough!

Also, it’s worth noting that the box I received contains their individually-portioned mini sachets, designed to be travel-friendly so you can take them to work, the gym, or wherever you’re headed, without needing to lug a full-size pouch of powder or risk leaving your goodies somewhere that other people can pilfer them. BOXD also sell ordinary bulk-sized bags, so if you’re ordering purely for use at home, the text on the bags is probably the perfect size 😉

The powders themselves look and smell much the same as any other chocolate or vanilla vegan protein, and when mixed with either water or dairy-free milk (I used soy) they create a smooth, grit-free shake that has a flavour comparable to the Vegan Supplement Store’s versions (which I’ve previously cited as my favourite for flavour). VSS aren’t a plastic-free option, so if you want all of the flavour with none of the eco compromise, BOXD is definitely the one to go for.

Ingredients & benefits

The additional multinutrient blend in BOXD shakes contains:

• Iron
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B Complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 & B12)
• Vitamin C
• Electrolytes
• Golden Flaxseed

There are various benefits associated with these particular nutrients, but there’s an emphasis on energy-boosting (particularly from iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D), cardiovascular health, and the promotion of healthier hair, skin and nails – among many other things. You can find out more about the specific benefits associated with each part of the blend at BOXD’s Our Blend page, as well as via sites like Medical News Today and Healthline.

BOXD’s branding and messaging has a particular emphasis on female health and wellbeing, and it’s worth noting that one of the many benefits of the electrolytes is that they reduce period symptoms such as cramping and water retention. File that under ‘things we love to see’!

The other ingredients in each shake mix are as follows.

Double Chocolate Brownie flavour: Pea Protein Isolate, Xylitol, Raw Cacao, Hemp Protein, Natural Flavouring, Golden Flaxseed, Potassium Gluconate, Calcium Carbonate, Thickener: Guar Gum, Magnesium Bisglycinate, B Vitamin Complex (See Table), Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalceferol), Iron (as Ferrous Fumerate), Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid), Sweetener (from Natural Sources): Steviol Glycosides, Emulsifier: Sunflower Lecithin, Zinc Gluconate.

Madagascan Vanilla flavour: Pea Protein Isolate, Xylitol, Hemp Protein, Natural Flavouring, Golden Flaxseed, Potassium Gluconate, Calcium Carbonate, Thickener: Guar Gum, Magnesium Bisglycinate, B Vitamin Complex (See Table), Vitamin D3 (as Cholecalceferol), Iron (as Ferrous Fumerate), Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid), Sweetener (from Natural Sources): Steviol Glycosides, Emulsifier: Sunflower Lecithin, Zinc Gluconate.

How I’d rate BOXD against other vegan protein shakes I’ve tried

In terms of flavour and texture, these are a joint first place with the Vegan Supplement Store shakes – I want to give BOXD first place overall because of their additional green credentials, though VSS are 100% vegan and BOXD do also sell whey versions of these products, which means I’m leaving it as a draw for now.

A 700g pouch of BOXD vegan blend is £32.99, and a discovery box of 7 sachets is £12.97. (You can also order boxes of 14, 20, 30 or 40 sachets.) VSS powders do come in cheaper, but they don’t contain any of the additional nutrients you get with BOXD and they don’t use sustainable materials.

Whether you’re hunting for vegan protein shakes because you’re hitting the gym or because you’re always on the go, needing to get more nutrients into your routine without sacrificing precious prep time, BOXD is a brilliant choice. No plastic scoops, no plastic pouches, not even a plastic postage bag involved.

The careful combination of protein, vitamins and other goodies is sure to leave you feeling more energised, and both of the flavours taste great so won’t find yourself having to force them down unwillingly. (Not naming names, but there are some seriously bland, grainy-feeling vegan shake mixes out there – and BOXD is not one of them.)

If you have any questions about BOXD, please do leave them in the comments below! I’d be happy to answer anything I can. To try BOXD for yourself, or to find out more from the brand themselves, visit https://boxdhealth.co/collections/plant-based