Fitness has always been nuanced and complex, but one of the best parts about fitness in 2023 is that you’re never lacking in options. Whether that’s gyms, exercises, programs, or nutrition- there’s always some resource or product available.

This is especially true for vegan fitness enthusiasts out there. It’s never been easier to reach personal fitness goals with plant-based products than right now. One of the best plant-based options out there is hemp protein, a rich source of protein, fiber, fatty acids and much more. To meet your fitness and health goals you’ll need to fuel up with the best, so in this article we’ll take a look at the top 10 best hemp protein products.

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1. Naked Nutrition Naked Pea Protein Powder

“best hemp protein powder for protein intake”

Naked Nutrition’s Naked Pea Protein Powder offers a vegan and gluten-free protein powder made from raw yellow peas grown in the USA and Canada. Like whey protein powder, Naked Pea is easily absorbed by the body-which makes it a great plant-based option.

As far as protein goes, contains a respectable 27g of protein and 5.7g of various branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) per serving. The product is independent third-party tested for heavy metals.

Keep in mind that its specific Naked Pea Protein Powder is unflavored, however if making protein shakes are your thing, you’ll know how to spice it up with fruits and vegetables to add flavor.

If you’re a fan of the brand, you can also pair it with Naked PB and Naked Rice for flavor and more protein.

Pros:

• Minimal ingredients, no additives or artificial flavors
• Certified vegan option and Informed Choice-certified.
• Consists of fewer calories and is easily digestible.
• contains all nine essential amino acids.
• Has a single-ingredient formula made from 100% yellow pea protein isolate.
• soy and dairy-free

Cons:

• It’s flavorless, making it far less enjoyable option compared to other choices on the market.
• chalky consistency

All in all I would consider Naked Pea Protein one of the best hemp protein powders for those interested in fitness. While not completely hemp, it offers one of the highest servings of plant protein on the market. This makes it ideal for providing the amino acids necessary for muscle protein synthesis, muscle recovery and maintainence of lean tissue. If a vegan protein source is what you’re looking to fuel your workouts and make considerable gains- Naked Pea may be where you want to start!

2. BEAM Premium Vegan Protein

“best hemp protein powder for flavor-lovers”

BEAM Premium Vegan Protein is a plant-based protein powder supplement that is highly rated for its taste and quality. While other companies focus solely on healthy ingredients, BEAM prioritized one of the biggest problems with vegan protein- flavor. They managed to pinpoint what made vegan protein taste terrible and fixed it.

Now they offer a wide range of tasty flavors: Birthday Cake, blueberry muffin, chocolate brownie batter, fruity cereal, brown sugar oatmeal, and a few more.

Flavor aside this product offers 20g of protein, as well as prebiotic fibers for bloating and digestive health. It contains less than 1g of sugar along with a multi-mineral complex packed with over 70 trace minerals essential for the body’s daily funtions.

Pros:

• Made with a blend of mung bean protein, pea protein, and organic pumpkin seed protein.
• Contains prebiotic fibers.
• Sugar-free and gluten-free.
• Great variety in flavor.

Cons:

• Fairly expensive

This is by far one of the best brands of vegan protein specifically for taste. I’m saying this not to take away from it’s high protein amount or its numerous trace minerals. Health benefits are important and should obviously be prioritized first. However if we’re keeping things real- most hemp protein powders taste kind of bad. To find a product that manages to balance both flavor and nutritional value is a keeper, which is why Beam comes highly recommended.

3. Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder

“best hemp protein powder for digestion”

Nutiva’s Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder is a plant-based protein packed with organic, whole raw hemp seeds that had the oil expeller pressed from them. During this process around 80% of the oil is drained from the seeds. What’s left of the seed cake is cold milled and sifted to varying degrees, creating hemp protein powder with the two different levels of fiber and protein.

A serving of Nutiva’s Organic Hemp Peak Protein contains 15 grams of protein. Following the footsteps of a truly organic product, this product is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher and keto-friendly. It’s also free of the use of hexane during the cold process, a harsh chemical solvent used when processing non-organic soy protein powders.

The protein found in hemp seed is very digestible, which makes it a solid choice for sensitive diets. On top of that Nutiva’s Protein Powder contains 66% edestin, a bioactive globulin protein that’s easy to digest, more than any other plant based proteins.

Pros:

• Cold-processed to extract the protein without using harmful chemicals.
• Easily digestible
• Vegan and non-GMO.

Cons:

• some of the natural, beneficial hemp oil has been removed.
• The taste for some is not palatable, some describing it as nutty, earthy, and distasteful.

If you’re searching for hemp protein specifically for digestive benefits, Nutiva’s hemp protein powder is an excellent choice. It is a clean product with more digestive protein than the average hemp protein supplements. So if your gut’s health is a high priority, add Nutiva to your list.

4. Anthony’s Organic Hemp Seed Protein

“best hemp protein powder for cooking”

Anthony’s organic hemp seed protein is an excellent source of vegan protein. Unlike most hemp protein powder supplements that are consumed as a shake, Anthony’s is a great choice for cooking as a meat replacement. This unflavored option (once combined with seasoning) has had glowing reviews as a tasty substitute for hamburger meat, eggs, and chili. It takes on different flavors well, and has texture with a “meaty mouth feel” that translates very well to all of your favorite meat dishes.

With 15g of protein per serving, it still has a respectable amount to aid in protein synthesis, muscle recovery, and additional energy. It also has a plethora of fiber for digestion and other nutrients for a well balanced diet.

Pros:

• Non-irradiated, vegan-friendly, and GMO- free
• Cold-pressed
• USDA certified organic hemp protein powder
• Unflavored hemp protein powder
• Very inexpensive
• The texture and consistency is excellent for both smoothies and cooking.

Cons:

• Low in some nutrients

I would recommend Anthony’s if you’re looking for a vegan option to replace your favorite meat dishes. It wouldn’t be considered the best hemp protein for fitness due to it’s lower nutrients and protein intake. However Anthony’s makes up for it in its, texture and flavor retention ideal for replicating animal protein. So if you’re looking for a healthy option that’s easy to cook with and tastes great, this may be the best hemp protein powder for you.

5. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Hemp Protein Powder

While Optimum Nutrition’s pla4nt protein isn’t “hemp protein”, it is still an organic protein powder made from a blend of plant proteins, including pea, fava bean isolate, brown rice, and more.

This protein has a 24g of protein per serving and provides all 20 essential amino acids- all of this on top of zero sugar. Optimum Nutrition’s plant protein is USDA certified organic. It is naturally flavored and does not contain artificial colors or flavors.

What makes this product one of the best hemp protein powders on the market is its taste. Optimum Nutrition as a whole capitalize on great flavors, and they made no exceptions for their vegan protein. Available in creamy vanilla and rich chocolate, you’ll rarely find this balanced combination of vegan-health, anabolic support, and great taste in most plant-based protein.

Pros:

• Great taste, and good flavors
• 24g protein
• Sugar-free
• Helps build and maintain muscle protein synthesis, also supports recovery and endurance
• Mixes well with creamy texture

Optimum is definitely a safe bet for the fitness enthusiast. With 24g of protein and an enjoyable balance of texture and flavor, Optimum’s hemp protein may be the best hemp protein to improve your fitness performance while enjoying the taste of hemp protein.

6. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Protein Powder

Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Yeah! Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder made exclusively with hemp protein. It’s boasts more variety than most hemp protein supplements on the market with multiple options and flavors.

HEmp Yeah’s Max protein contains 20g of protein per serving with all of the essential amino acids. It also has 4.5g of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and a healthy 3g of dietary fiber, making it a well rounded hemp powder.

This protein is another choice that keeps things very simple with only 2 ingredients. This of course makes it fairly mild in the flavor department, but with some fruit it’s a tasty treat.

Pros:

• Certified organic, Non-GMO Project verified, dairy-free, soy-free, and kosher.
• It is high in fiber.
• Company has many well-rounded hemp protein options for your specific health goals available in multiple flavors.

Cons:

• Lower in protein compared to other protein powders.
• Contains added sugar
• Taste is fairly bland

Manitoba is an excellent choice for the particularly health conscious. It’s one of the best hemp protein powders in this regard because of its minimal ingredients. With just two ingredients, you won’t have to worry about added chemicals or fillers- plus you’ll still be able to enjoy the numerous health benefits attached with its pure ingredients.

7. Erbology US Raw Hemp Seed Protein

Erbology US Raw Hemp Seed Protein is a pure hemp protein powder that is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamin E. It is packed with plant-based protein, low in fat and saturates, and contains all nine essential amino acids

One serving of this protein contains 18g of protein, 7g of fiber, 2g of omega-6, and 0.6g of omega-3. It is cold-pressed from 100% hemp seeds, is all natural (straight from the farm), and is raw, vegan, and gluten-free.

Be warned- Erbology US Raw Hemp Seed Protein has an earthy, nutty taste. So if flavor is an important factor in your purchasing decision, consider mixing it with almond milk and fruits to enhance both taste protein intake.

Pros:

• Basic ingredients, excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamin E
• Low in fat and saturates, and contains all nine essential amino acids.
• Excellent source of pure hemp protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids.
• It is cold-pressed from 100% hemp seeds.

Erbology US is an all-natural vegan choice for the fitness and health enthusiast. It’s a good source of essential fatty acids and fiber, two nutrients you’ll rarely find in as much abundance from one dietary source.

8. Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein

Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder that claim only the finest hemp seeds. It’s full of vitamins and minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium despite consisting of only one ingredient. Another Gluten-free supplement without any added flavors, colors, or sweeteners- this is a clean, simple choice for the particularly health-conscious. However each fourth cup serving contains only 12 grams of plant-based protein, one of the lowest amounts on the list.

Because Bob’s Red Mill specializes in other food products, they understand the value of flavor, making their protein smooth and easily mixed into shakes and smoothies. It can also be used for baking. Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder comes in a 16-ounce bag, containing a whopping 32 servings.

Pros:

• A good source of fiber and iron.
• It contains 20 amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids our bodies need.
• Contains no added flavors, colors, or sweeteners

Cons:

• contains a low amount of protein relative to other brands and serving sizes

Bob’s, while not a stand-out choice for its protein content or flavor, is a good choice for its fiber and micronutrients.

What is hemp protein powder?

Nature has provided one of the best forms of plant based protein via hemp seeds. If finding optimal health and increasing performance through organic, plant-based sources is your goal, then look no further than hemp protein.

Hemp protein comes from the hemp plant also known as Cannabis. The amino acid content of hemp protein powders are closely related to egg whites and soy, both being on the higher end of quality protein.

In fact, hemp protein powder is one of the most abundant sources of vegan protein with 20 amino acids, that’s also counting the nine essential amino acids that the body create on its own without help from a balanced diet. This includes sulfur-containing amino acids, such as methionine, cysteine, and homocysteine.

On top of being a great protein option, hemp is also packed with fiber, fatty acids, and multiple minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Consider that a 1/4-cup (30-gram) serving of hemp protein powder has about 3 grams of fat, predominantly unsaturated making a great option for heart health.

Advantages and Benefits of hemp protein powders

If you’re still not sold on all of the previously mentioned aspects of hemp protein powder, here are a few more benefits of hemp protein to consider going forward.

Complete protein:

Hemp protein is what we call a complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids that the human body needs but can’t make on its own.

That being said hemp protein has higher amino acids levels than other sources like soy protein. However, lysine is the main pitfall for hemp proteins. Unfortunately hemp protein is low in the essential amino acids lysine and leucine, both of which are essential for muscle- building.

Regardless, hemp protein is still a great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians.

Easy to digest:

Because of the two highly digestible globular proteins edestin and albumin, hemp is great for digestive health. Some studies have found that hemp seed digestibility can reach percentages as high as 91-98%.

The range of digestibility in hemp products varied widely, with values of 84.1-86.2% and 49-53% for whole hemp seed, 90.8-97.5% and 46-51% for hemp seed meal, and 83.5-92.1% and 63-66% for de-hulled hemp seed. The removal of the hull fraction improved protein digestibility and the resultant PDCAAS value.

Builds and repairs muscles:

Hemp protein is excellent for the building and repair of muscle fibers because of its unique amino acid profile. It excels as a source of glutamine, a BCAA beneficial for those with muscle building aspirations. It also plays a role in decreasing muscle fatigue and relieve.

Rich in fiber:

This form of protein powder on top of its muscle building properties is also a great source of fiber. Hemp protein has both soluble and insoluble fibers from the seed that dissolves well in water. Once in the gut, the soluble fibers form a gel-like substance that supply nutrients essential for digestive bacteria and regulating cholesterol levels.

As a result hemp plays a role in keeping blood sugar from spiking helps. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, adds bulk to the stool and helps food and waste pass through the gut, reducing the risk of constipation. Getting enough fiber in the diet is also linked to a lower risk of developing certain health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer.

Hemp seeds contain 80% soluble fiber and 20% insoluble fiber. The fiber content in hemp protein powder naturally cleanses the colon by reducing constipation and removing toxins from the body. The rich fiber content in hemp protein powder also helps manage energy intake, making you feel full longer and less likely to eat more

Is hemp protein as good as whey?

Hemp protein and whey protein have some similarities and differences in terms of their nutritional benefits. Here are some key points to consider:

Similarities:

Both hemp protein and whey protein are good sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. Either contain all nine essential amino acids, which are necessary for muscle growth and repair. Both can be used as a supplement to increase protein intake.

Differences: Hemp protein powder has a lower protein content than whey protein powder (50% vs. 99%). Hemp protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, while whey protein is not.

It contains fiber, iron, and omega-3 acids, while whey protein contains more higher-quality protein. Hemp protein is a plant-based protein, making it a good option for vegans and vegetarians, while whey protein is derived from milk. Hemp protein is more easily digestible than whey protein, making it a good option for those with sensitive stomachs.

In summary, both hemp protein and whey protein are good sources of protein, but they have some differences in terms of their nutritional benefits. Hemp protein is a complete protein, contains fiber, iron, and omega-3 acids, and is more easily digestible, while whey protein has a higher protein content and is derived from milk. The choice between the two depends on individual dietary needs and preferences.

How do I choose hemp protein powder?

Choosing the right hemp protein powder can be overwhelming, but there are a few things to consider to make the process easier:

Ingredients:

In most for a hemp protein powder that contains minimal ingredients and is free from additives, fillers, and artificial sweeteners. Ideally, it should be organic and non-GMO.

Flavor and texture:

Hemp protein powder has a nutty, earthy flavor that’s definitely an acquired taste. If flavor is a must-have for your protein shakes look for different brands that offer a variety of flavors you like and check the reviews to be sure they actually taste good.

Protein content:

Check the protein content per serving and choose a powder that meets your protein needs. A 30-gram serving of hemp protein powder typically contains around 15 grams of protein.

Amino acid profile:

Look for a hemp protein powder that contains all nine essential amino acids, especially lysine, which is considerably low in hemp protein.

Digestibility:

It’s essential that you pick a protein powder that’s easily digestible. Of all the ingredients to look out for ,edestin is one of the easiest proteins to digest and is very similar to protein in the human body.

Price:

Price isn’t everything when finding quality protein powder on the market, however it’s still important to know what you feel comfortable parting with. Remember to check the number of servings, because while some products might be inexpensive, if it has low number of servings- you’re technically paying just as much as a more expensive option.

Brand reputation:

Choose a reputable brand that has positive reviews and is transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes.

The amino acid profile of hemp protein is similar to egg whites and soy, which are both high-quality protein sources. Hemp protein also contains more sulfur-containing amino acids, such as methionine, cysteine, and homocysteine, than soy protein and milk protein casein.

Final Thoughts

While there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to protein powders, hemp protein powder is a great option for vegans, supporters of a plant-based diet, and people with lactose intolerance. Ultimately, the choice of protein powder depends on personal goals and individual attitudes.