Coles Perform Plant Protein Powder Vanilla
Coles Perform Plant Protein Powder Vanilla: independently scored 7.4/10 on Protein Score and 8.0/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
22g protein per serve · 114 cal · 1.4g sugar · 314mg sodium · 35g serve.
Overview
This Coles Perform bag represents the supermarket's mainstream plant-based offering, sitting alongside a near-identical whey counterpart and a higher-protein 'Elite' tier. When stacked against the brand's own Perform Whey Protein Powder Vanilla, the protein difference is negligible - this plant version has 62.9g per 100g, while the whey has 63.1g. It's a compelling demonstration that choosing the plant-based option in this range doesn't mean sacrificing the core macro.
The protein itself comes from a thoughtful blend of yellow pea, brown rice, and faba bean proteins, a trio that provides a more complete amino acid profile than a simple pea isolate might. The formula is rounded out with prebiotic inulin fibre and sweetened with erythritol (968) and thaumatin, steering clear of added sugar. With just nine ingredients, it has a lower count than many complex powders on the market.
At 62.9g of protein per 100g, this powder sits comfortably within the typical 55-75g benchmark for plant-based proteins, though it is below the overall category average of 74g which includes higher-purity whey isolates. Its ingredient count of nine is right on the money for the category average. We see it as a direct and effective plant-based choice for the everyday Coles shopper.
Ultimately, this is a product built for convenience and accessibility. It's a simple, effective plant protein in a resealable bag, designed for anyone who wants to grab their powder with their weekly groceries without overcomplicating things. It does the job without pretending to be an elite, top-shelf isolate.
Protein Score: 7.4/10
This is a solid, if not spectacular, performer in the plant protein space. With 62.9g of protein per 100g, it lands right in the middle of the expected 55-75g benchmark for plant-based powders, earning a Protein Score of 7.4/10. That result puts it slightly ahead of the typical powder we see in this category.
The 22g of protein in a 35g scoop is a respectable return. What's more telling is how it compares to its dairy-based sibling, the Coles Perform Whey Protein Powder. This plant version has just 0.2g less protein per 100g, effectively closing the gap that often exists between entry-level plant and whey proteins. You are not taking a significant hit on the main macro by choosing this option.
Protein per calorie is also reasonably efficient, delivering 19.4g of protein for every 100 calories consumed. It makes this a good option for the vegan lifter or ingredient-conscious shopper who wants a reliable protein source from a supermarket brand, without paying a premium for the absolute highest-purity formulas on the shelf.
Clean Score: 8.0/10
Sweetened with erythritol (968) and thaumatin, this powder keeps its ingredient list relatively short and free of artificial colours or preservatives. The formula contains just nine ingredients in total, which helps it land a Clean Score of 8/10. That puts it just a fraction below the category average, but still represents a less-processed choice than many alternatives.
The two additives present are natural sweeteners, used here to deliver taste without any added sugar. This is a common and effective strategy in modern protein powders, balancing flavour with a cleaner nutritional panel. The absence of gums or emulsifiers like lecithin is also notable, though this can sometimes affect how smoothly a powder mixes in a shaker.
For a supermarket own-brand product, the ingredient panel is refreshingly straightforward. It avoids the long list of fillers and stabilisers often seen in mass-market powders. This makes it a strong contender for the shopper who reads the back of the pack and prefers a shorter, more recognisable list of ingredients in their daily shake.
Wins
- A three-source plant blend of pea, rice, and faba bean.
- 22g of protein per 114-calorie serve.
- Contains no added sugar, using natural sweeteners instead.
Watch outs
- Lower protein purity than the category average for powders.
- Slightly less protein than the brand's own whey equivalent.
- Contains two sweeteners, erythritol (968) and thaumatin.
Ingredients
Plant Protein Blend (78%) (Yellow Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Faba Bean Protein), Prebiotic Dietary Fibre (Inulin), Natural Sweeteners (Erythritol, Thaumatin), Natural Flavouring.
9 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Coles Perform Plant Protein Powder stronger on the numbers?
- We can't give specific nutritional advice, but the data for this protein powder shows a solid profile for a plant-based option available in Australian supermarkets in 2026. A 35g serve delivers 22g of protein for only 114 calories and 1.4g of sugar, which is a strong trade-off. The protein comes from a blend of pea, rice, and faba bean, and it contains a respectable 9.5g of fibre per 100g. It does use natural sweeteners, which is a consideration for shoppers who prefer to avoid them, but it avoids artificial colours and preservatives.
- Is Coles Perform Plant Protein Powder good for muscle gain?
- While no single product guarantees muscle gain, this protein powder provides a solid 22g of protein per serve, which is a useful contribution towards daily protein targets needed for muscle repair and growth. As a plant-based protein, it offers a different amino acid profile to whey, but the blend of pea, rice, and faba bean aims to provide a more complete spectrum. For Australian athletes or gym-goers looking for a convenient, plant-derived protein source to consume post-workout in 2026, it's a credible supermarket option.
- How much protein is in Coles Perform Plant Protein?
- Each 35g scoop of Coles Perform Plant Protein Powder contains 22g of protein. Measured per 100g, the protein powder has a protein density of 62.9g. This figure sits comfortably within the typical range for plant-based protein powders, which we benchmark between 55g and 75g per 100g. It's a significant protein contribution from a single scoop, making it a convenient way to boost your daily intake without excessive calories or sugar.
- What's in Coles Perform Plant Protein Powder?
- The formula is built on a 78% plant protein blend, combining yellow pea protein, brown rice protein, and faba bean protein. The ingredient list is relatively short at just nine items, including prebiotic inulin fibre, natural flavouring, and two natural sweeteners, erythritol (968) and thaumatin. It contains no added sugar, artificial colours, or preservatives, making it a fairly straightforward formulation for a flavoured plant protein.
- Coles Plant Protein vs Whey: which is better?
- Neither is universally 'better', as it depends on your dietary needs. This Plant Protein has 62.9g of protein per 100g, while the brand's own Perform Whey Protein Powder (Vanilla) is very similar at 63.1g per 100g. The whey version has slightly less sugar, but the difference is minimal. The main distinction is the source: this one is for those avoiding dairy or preferring plant-based ingredients, while the whey version is derived from milk and is often absorbed slightly faster by the body.
- Is Coles a good protein brand?
- We can't say if a brand is 'good' for you, but Coles' own-brand 'Perform' range consistently scores around the category average in our analysis. The brand offers a wide variety of both plant-based and whey-based protein powders, catering to different dietary preferences and protein targets. This particular protein powder scores above the average for protein density and has a straightforward ingredient list, showing Coles can produce a competitive product for the supermarket shelf.
- Where can I buy Coles Perform Plant Protein in Australia?
- Coles Perform Plant Protein Powder is part of the supermarket's own brand range, so it is primarily stocked in Coles supermarkets across Australia. You'll typically find it in the health food or sports supplement aisle. While it's a Coles-branded product, it's always worth checking the brand's own website for other potential purchasing options, but Coles stores are the main stockist.