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Best Hemp Protein Powder 2024: Top Brand Reviews & Buy Guide
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SunWarrior Organic Hemp Protein
- Third-party tested
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Organic
- Made with one ingredient
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder
- Affordable
- Third-party tested
- High fiber and high protein are available
Manitoba Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Unsweetened
- High in protein
- Made with two ingredients
- Third-party tested
Whether you are looking to lean out or add bulk, protein should be an integral part of your diet. Proteins are composed of building blocks called amino acids, which your body uses to build and repair tissues and allow important metabolic reactions to take place.
If you want to add more protein to your diet, protein powder supplements are a great tool to help you meet your daily protein requirements. Though milk-based casein and whey protein powders often get all of the glory, plant-based hemp protein powder is becoming more mainstream every day. Some consider it to be the future of protein.
Best Hemp Protein Powders In (April. 2024)
- SunWarrior Organic Hemp Protein – Editor’s Choice
- Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder – Best Budget Pick
- Manitoba Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Unsweetened – Best Unsweetened
- Navitas Organics Hemp Powder – Best Organic
- Lean Hemp Protein Powder – Best for Muscle Building
Best Hemp Protein Powder In 2024
SunWarrior Organic Hemp Protein
If you are looking for a simple, organic hemp protein supplement, SunWarrior Organic Hemp Protein is one of the best on the market.
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
- Certified USDA Organic
- Made with one ingredient
- Flavorless option only
SunWarrior Organic Hemp Protein is formulated with one simple ingredient — organic hemp seeds ground into a fine powder.
This plant-based powder delivers 15 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber in one 110-calorie serving. As a bonus, it contains 11.8 milligrams, or 70% of the recommended daily value, of niacin.
Having enough niacin[1] (vitamin B3) is essential for turning our food into energy. It is also important to keep the cells in your body healthy.
This product is certified USDA organic, gluten-free, and free of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and pesticides. All products from Sunwarrior are tested by an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certified third party to ensure you receive the cleanest nutrition possible.
Because it’s flavorless, this protein powder blends well into smoothies, oatmeal, almond milk, and baked goods.
Prices start at just $1.12 per serving, and discounts are available if you opt for a monthly subscription.
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder
If you are looking for a pure, versatile hemp protein powder that will not break the bank, Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder is an excellent choice.
- Chocolate and vanilla flavors are available
- High fiber and high protein options
- Third-party tested
- Affordable
- Must spend $49 to qualify for free shipping
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder is a versatile protein powder that delivers high-quality plant protein in addition to omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and magnesium.
It is made using organic whole hemp seeds that have been cold-pressed to remove 80% of the hemp oil content from the seeds. From there, it is sifted to varying degrees to create a hemp protein with different variations of protein and fiber.
One 110-calorie serving of Nutiva’s Peak Protein Hemp Powder provides 15 grams of organic protein and 6 grams of fiber. Their Organic Hemp Seed Protein Fiber Plus provides 10 grams of organic protein and a whopping 12 grams (g) of fiber.
According to one 2017 analysis published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine,[2] an estimated 95% of adults and children fall short of meeting the amount of fiber recommended for optimal health.
Although the exact amount of fiber a person needs depends on age and gender, the average person should aim to consume around 28 grams per day.
The company also offers a standard hemp protein powder in chocolate and vanilla flavors.
This product is also Certified Vegan, third-party tested, USDA Organic, and non-GMO verified.
Prices start at just $0.89 per serving.
Manitoba Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Unsweetened
If you want high-protein, unsweetened hemp powders that are free of unnecessary ingredients, Manitoba Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Unsweetened is an excellent option.
- Made with two simple ingredients
- High in protein
- High in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Third-party tested
- Lacks flavor options
Manitoba Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Unsweetened is mild tasting with a creamy texture, making it a perfect ingredient for your hemp protein shake or smoothie.
Formulated with organic hemp protein concentrate and natural oregano extract, this mild-tasting, creamy hemp protein powder is sure to exceed your expectations.
Compared to many other hemp protein powders, it’s much higher in protein, delivering 20 grams in each 140-calorie serving. Plus, it packs 3 grams of fiber and 4.5 grams of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support heart health.
This product is also third-party tested, USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO, and Certified Vegan.
Prices start at $1.14 per serving. Discounts are available if you choose a monthly subscription.
Navitas Organics Hemp Powder
Navita Organics Hemp Powder is one of the best organic powders on the market. With a mild, nutty flavor, it’s a great addition to smoothies, oatmeal, or protein bars.
- Keto-friendly
- High in iron and magnesium
- Third-party tested
- USDA Certified Organic
- Lacks flavor options
Navita Organics Hemp Powder is formulated with one simple ingredient, certified organic hemp powder. In addition to being keto and paleo-friendly, it is also gluten-free, Certified Vegan, and third-party tested.
This high-quality, plant-based protein provides 13 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and 60% of the recommended Daily Value for magnesium per 120-calorie serving. It also delivers 40% of the recommended Daily Value of iron.
Magnesium[3] plays an important role in regulating nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and protein synthesis.
Iron[4] is a mineral that is needed for proper growth and development. It also is used by the body to make hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells responsible for delivering oxygen to the body.
Prices start at $1.54 per serving.
Lean Hemp Protein Powder
If you are looking for a hemp protein powder to help you gain lean muscle mass, Lean Hemp Protein Powder is a great option.
- Formulated for athletes
- Multiple flavor options
- High in protein
- USDA Organic
- May contain peanuts
- Higher in calories than other brands
Lean Hemp Protein Powder is designed for athletes and vegans looking to increase their protein intake and gain muscle mass. It contains a blend of 20 amino acids, including eight essential amino acids to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and meet your body’s protein needs. It’s also USDA Certified Organic, gluten-free, and GMO-free.
In one 220-calorie serving, Lean Hemp Protein Powder offers 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of dietary fiber. It also delivers 60% of the recommended Daily Value for iron and 3 grams of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fat.
Flavors offered include Pure Hemp, Chocolate Maca, and Peanut Butter Maca.
The Chocolate Maca Flavor has four simple ingredients: hemp seed powder, cocoa powder, maca root powder, and organic coconut sugar. However, Lean Hemp’s flavored options are a little higher in carbohydrates and sugar than other hemp protein powder supplements, with 26 grams of total carbohydrates and 8 grams of sugar per serving.
Currently, the product is sold out, so pricing information is unavailable.
What Is Hemp Protein Powder?
Hemp protein is a high-quality, vegan protein powder made by grinding hemp seeds from the hemp plant into fine powder. It does not dissolve well in water, so most people choose to blend it into yogurt, smoothies, or baked goods.
Unlike many other types of plant-based protein powder, hemp protein is a complete protein. This means it contains the nine essential amino acids needed for tissue repair, protein synthesis, and nutrient absorption that the body cannot produce on its own.
Although hemp protein has a slightly lower protein content than whey protein powder, it delivers more nutrients, including fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Hemp protein is also rich in omega-3 fats,[5] which are known to keep your heart healthy and protect against strokes.
Hemp protein powders are particularly popular among those with food allergies or simply prefer a more natural, earthy taste.
This article will discuss the best hemp protein powders on the market today. It will also explore who can benefit from hemp protein powder.
Who Should Use Hemp Protein Powder?
Anyone can benefit from supplementing with hemp protein powder. Those who may find hemp protein powder particularly beneficial include people who:
- Follow a vegan diet
- Want to increase their dietary protein intake
- Are allergic to dairy products
- Are lactose intolerant
- Are looking for an eco-friendly protein powder
- Want a protein powder that contains other health-promoting nutrients
Although it is generally considered safe, always speak with your healthcare provider to ensure adding hemp protein supplements to your diet is beneficial to your health.
Benefits Of Hemp Protein Powder
There are many benefits associated with hemp protein powder. This is especially true for those who follow vegan diets or fall short in meeting their recommended daily protein needs.
Here are a few of the main benefits of hemp protein powder.
Easy To Digest
Although animal proteins are generally easier to digest than plant-based proteins, studies suggest that hemp protein is highly digestible.
For example, one 2020 study published in Nutrients[6] found that hemp seed proteins are highly digestible. Experts[7] believe this is because it contains the proteins albumin and edistin, which can be quickly broken down in the body.
High In Fiber
As mentioned earlier, an estimated 95% of Americans fall short of meeting their daily fiber needs. Most hemp protein supplements contain around 11 grams of fiber,[8] which can significantly help increase a person’s intake.
Fiber[9] has various health benefits, including promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, constipation, and diverticular disease.
It also promotes satiety, which may support weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
It is important to note that some individuals may not tolerate large amounts of fiber, especially if they aren’t used to eating a high-fiber diet. It’s always best to gradually introduce fiber into your diet and drink plenty of water to avoid unwanted abdominal pain, gas, and bloating.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Hemp protein powders are also rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6.
Omega 3 fatty acids[10] are important for lowering inflammation and decreasing the risk of heart disease. Omega 6 fatty acids can support healthy blood pressure levels and help keep blood glucose levels in check.
Because the human body cannot make these two important nutrients, we must obtain them through food or dietary supplements.
How To Choose The Best Hemp Protein Powders?
When looking to purchase hemp protein powder, there are several things you should take into consideration.
Ingredients
One of the first things you’ll want to do is carefully read the ingredient list. You want to select a product that contains as few ingredients as possible. Avoid products with artificial flavors, added sugar, and other unnecessary ingredients. When feasible, choose USDA Certified Organic protein powder.
Brand Transparency
When evaluating different hemp protein powders, check to see if third-party groups test them. This ensures that your supplement contains what it says on the label and is free of contaminants or harmful ingredients.
You can also check Reddit or other sites to read a brand’s hemp protein powder reviews to see what other customers say about the product.
Flavor
Most hemp protein powders are unflavored hemp protein powder. In their natural form, they have a nutty, creamy flavor. Although they generally blend well into smoothies and baked goods, their earthy taste is not for everyone. If you aren’t a fan of the taste of unflavored hemp protein powders, consider opting for a brand that offers different flavor variations.
Protein And Fiber Content
When taking a protein supplement, you want to ensure it contains enough protein to help you meet your daily protein needs. Opt for a supplement with at least 15 grams of protein if you are supplementing with hemp protein to increase your protein intake.
On the other hand, some people take hemp protein supplements to increase their daily fiber intake. In this case, you’ll want to choose a 100% pure hemp protein powder as they typically are higher in fiber.
The Bottom Line
Hemp protein powder is an excellent source of plant-based protein powders to help meet your body’s needs. In addition to being high in protein, hemp contains other beneficial nutrients such as magnesium, omega fatty acids, and fiber that can protect against disease and improve your overall health.
The best hemp protein powder for you ultimately comes down to what works best for your lifestyle and nutritional needs.
However, when choosing a hemp protein powder, consider choosing a supplement that has been tested by a third party and contains as few ingredients as possible.
Although hemp protein powder is generally considered safe, it is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement or making significant changes to your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In addition to being high in protein, hemp contains other beneficial nutrients such as essential fatty acids, fiber, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants to protect against disease and support your overall health.
Hemp protein powder is high in the branched-chain amino acid leucine. According to studies,[11] leucine can promote muscle growth and increase lean muscle mass.
Depending on the brand, some hemp protein powders contain small amounts of CBD. However, most powders are made from hemp seeds, which do not contain CBD.
Although hemp protein is easier to digest and digested faster than many other plant-based proteins, it is still considered to be a slow-digesting protein.
+ 11 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- National Institutes of Health (2017). Office of Dietary Supplements – Niacin. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-HealthProfessional/.
- Quagliani, D. and Felt-Gunderson, P. (2016). Closing America’s Fiber Intake Gap. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, [online] 11(1), pp.80–85. doi:10.1177/1559827615588079.
- National Institutes of Health (2016). Office of Dietary Supplements – Magnesium. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/.
- National Institutes Of Health (2021). Office of Dietary Supplements – Iron. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/.
- Medlineplus.gov. (2018). Omega-3 fats – Good for your heart: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. [online] Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000767.htm
- Farinon, B., Molinari, R., Costantini, L. and Merendino, N. (2020). The Seed of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition. Nutrients, [online] 12(7), p.1935. doi:10.3390/nu12071935.
- Tang, C.-H., Ten, Z., Wang, X.-S. and Yang, X.-Q. (2006). Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Protein Isolate. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, [online] 54(23), pp.8945–8950. doi:10.1021/jf0619176.
- Usda.gov. (2022). FoodData Central. [online] Available at: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1934516/nutrients
- CDC (2022). Fiber: The Carb That Helps You Manage Diabetes. [online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/role-of-fiber.html
- National Institute of Health (2017). Office of Dietary Supplements – Omega-3 Fatty Acids. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/.
- Wolfe, R.R. (2017). Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: myth or reality? Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 14(1). doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0184-9.