Coles Perform Elite Plant High Protein Powder Vanilla
Coles Perform Elite Plant High Protein Powder Vanilla: independently scored 10.0/10 on Protein Score and 9.1/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
30.1g protein per serve · 157 cal · 0.96g sugar · 404mg sodium · 40g serve.
Overview
Coles is making a serious play for the supplement aisle with its Perform Elite range, and this tub is the proof. It's a plant-based protein powder that steps well beyond the usual cheap-and-cheerful supermarket formula, using a sophisticated four-part blend of organic pea and rice, faba bean, and pumpkin seed protein. Its 75.2g of protein per 100g sits right at the top of the plant-based category benchmark and slightly above the average for all powders we've scored. Compared with the brand's own Perform Elite Whey High Protein Powder Chocolate, it has fractionally less protein but also less sugar, showing the plant-based formula isn't giving much away on performance. The formula notably skips common emulsifiers like lecithin, so you might need a shaker ball to get a perfectly smooth mix. It's sweetened with thaumatin, a natural protein, avoiding the usual suspects like sucralose or stevia. We see this as a strong choice for ingredient-conscious shoppers who want a high-purity plant protein without straying from their weekly grocery run.
Protein Score: 10.0/10
This is one of the strongest plant-based protein powders on the Australian market, full stop. The 30.1g of protein per 40g scoop delivers a powerful hit that rivals many whey isolates, earning a 9.4/10. Protein per calorie is also high for a plant source. At 75.2g of protein per 100g, it sits at the very top of the 55-75g benchmark for plant powders. This isn't just a token vegan option; it's a high-performance formula that shows what's possible with a well-constructed plant blend. Many whey concentrates struggle to hit this level of purity. For a vegan lifter or anyone avoiding whey, this is a top-tier option. The trade-off for all that protein is a higher sodium count, at 404mg per serve. While not excessive, it's a number to be mindful of if you're having multiple shakes a day.
Clean Score: 9.1/10
Coles' Perform range generally keeps its ingredient lists tight, and this tub is no exception. With just eight ingredients, it has a shorter list than the typical powder we see, which helps it earn 8.6/10. The focus is clearly on the protein blend itself, not on fillers or complex flavour systems. The use of thaumatin as the sole sweetener is a standout choice. It's a naturally derived protein that sidesteps the debate around artificial sweeteners like sucralose (955) or acesulfame potassium (950), and even more common natural options like stevia. This signals a deliberate move towards a cleaner-feeling formula. There are no gums, emulsifiers, or artificial colours, which is rare for a flavoured powder. This lack of additives means it might not mix as instantly as some rivals, but it's a trade-off many ingredient-conscious shoppers will happily make for a simpler product.
Wins
- Delivers 30.1g of protein in a single 40g scoop.
- A four-way plant blend of pea, rice, faba and pumpkin.
- Just eight ingredients, with no added sugar or emulsifiers.
Watch outs
- Sodium is higher than many powders at 404mg per serve.
- No third-party testing for banned substances.
- Only available in a smaller 500g tub format.
Ingredients
Plant Protein Blend (90%)(Organic Yellow Pea Protein, Organic Brown Rice Protein, Faba Bean Protein, Pumpkin Seed Protein), Natural Flavouring, BCAA 2:1:1 (L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine), Natural Sweetener (Thaumatin).
8 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Coles Perform Elite Plant High Protein Powder stronger on the numbers?
- We can't give specific nutritional advice, but the data for this Coles protein powder shows a strong profile for a plant-based option in Australia. It delivers a substantial 30.1 grams of protein per serve with less than a gram of sugar, which is a solid trade-off. For our 2026 rankings, it scores very well for protein density. However, with 404mg of sodium per serve, it's something to be mindful of if you're having multiple shakes a day or watching your sodium intake closely.
- How much protein is in Coles Perform Elite Plant Protein?
- Each 40g scoop of Coles Perform Elite Plant High Protein Powder contains 30.1 grams of protein. This is a high-purity formula for the Australian market, translating to 75.2 grams of protein per 100g, which sits at the very top of the benchmark for plant-based powders. For our 2026 index, this high concentration earns it one of the best Protein Scores in the category, making it a strong choice for anyone prioritising protein-per-scoop in a plant formula.
- Is Coles a good protein powder brand?
- We can't say if Coles is a 'good' brand for you, but its Perform Elite Plant powder scores significantly above the category average in our index. With 75.2g of protein per 100g and a short ingredient list, it competes with specialist brands, not just other supermarket tubs. While some of the brand's other powders have lower protein content, this 'Elite' version shows they can produce a high-purity product for serious lifters.
- What's in Coles Perform Elite Plant Protein?
- Coles Perform Elite Plant Protein contains a blend of four plant proteins: organic yellow pea, organic brown rice, faba bean, and pumpkin seed protein. The full ingredient list has just eight items, including natural flavouring, added BCAAs for muscle recovery (L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine), and a natural sweetener called Thaumatin. It's a relatively clean formula without gums, fillers, or artificial colours, which is why it scores well on our Clean Score.
- Coles Plant Protein vs Whey: which is better?
- This Perform Elite Plant powder has 75.2g of protein per 100g, which is almost identical to the 75.5g in the brand's Perform Elite Whey High Protein Powder Chocolate. The plant version, however, has about 40% less sugar. While whey protein is typically absorbed faster by the body, this plant blend uses four different sources (pea, rice, faba, pumpkin) to create a more complete amino acid profile, making it a genuine high-performance alternative for vegans or those avoiding dairy.
- How does this plant powder compare to others?
- This protein powder's 75.2g of protein per 100g puts it at the absolute top end of the 55-75g benchmark for plant-based proteins we track. Many plant powders struggle to get past the 70g mark without adding fillers, but this blend of pea, rice, faba, and pumpkin protein achieves high purity. It also has a shorter ingredient list than the category average, making it a standout option against the wider field of plant proteins on the shelf.
- Where can I buy Coles Perform Elite Plant Protein in Australia?
- The Coles Perform Elite Plant High Protein Powder is part of the Coles supermarket own-brand range. You'll find it stocked in the health food aisle at Coles stores across Australia. It may also be available for purchase through their online delivery service, but the brand's own website is the best source for the most current availability information.