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Best Rice Protein Powder 2024: Top 5 Brand Reviews

Karla Tafra

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD

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best rice protein powder

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Plant Protein

  • 100% organic
  • 24 grams of plant-based protein per serving
  • No artificial coloring, preservatives, or sweeteners

best rice protein powder

Naked Nutrition Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder

  • Only one ingredient
  • 100% organic
  • Free of any artificial ingredients

15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL

best rice protein powder

Birdman Plant-Based Protein Powder

  • Premium blend of seven plant-based proteins
  • Additional superfood ingredients
  • Free of chemicals, artificial ingredients, gluten, and soy

Protein powders are popular supplements for building muscle, burning fat, weight loss, and improving recovery. They are used by fitness enthusiasts looking to get better results from their workouts and those who want to lose weight or simply meet their daily protein requirements. 

Popular protein powders encompass two categories: whey protein and vegan protein. Additionally, there are beef, egg, and even cricket protein powders, but they are harder to find. 

Whey protein powders are either whey concentrate, whey isolate (a more processed version), or whey hydro isolate (the most processed whey protein). Vegan protein powders exist in many forms, depending on the protein source. Commonly, vegan protein powders include pea protein, rice protein, soy protein, hemp protein powder, or combinations of these ingredients. The best rice protein powder is easier to digest and better for sensitive stomachs; they don’t contain lactose or other animal byproducts sometimes known to cause indigestion.

5 Best Rice & Brown Rice Protein Powders On The Market In (March. 2024)

5 Best Rice Protein Powders In 2024

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Plant Protein

According to many plant-based fitness lovers and its raving reviews, Transparent Labs makes the best rice protein powder blend for anyone trying to up their protein intake.

  • 100% organic
  • 24 grams of plant-based protein per serving
  • No artificial coloring, preservatives, or sweeteners
  • Slightly on the expensive side

In a great combination of rice and pea protein, Transparent Labs created a powerful, protein-packed powder that provides 24 grams of protein per serving. It’s made with the cleanest ingredients and comes with no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or coloring. 

Sweetened only with natural stevia, this protein supplement comes in two flavors, vanilla, and chocolate, both of which are delicious and creamy, according to their satisfied customers. 

The rice and pea blend makes a complete amino acid profile, so you’re getting an adequate amount of all nine essential amino acids, helping you build muscle, aid recovery, and burn fat.

Naked Nutrition Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder

best rice protein powder

15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL

See Naked Nutrition Reviews

Consisting of only one ingredient, organic sprouted brown rice protein, Naked Nutrition’s protein powder, is one of the best and cleanest you can find on the market.

  • Only one ingredient
  • 100% organic
  • Free of any artificial ingredients
  • Expensive

One of the best vegan protein powders for muscle gain comes from Naked Nutrition. Just like all of their protein-packed powders, this plant-based version also contains minimal ingredients and comes with no artificial colorings, preservatives, flavors, or sweeteners. 

Their brown rice protein powder provides 25g of protein per serving, and it’s made with only one ingredient: organic sprouted brown rice protein. 

Naked Nutrition uses a special extraction process to create this protein powder that’s hexane-free, yielding superior quality, and an excellent alternative to whey protein. 

It’s also third-party tested for heavy metals, and the brand is committed to shortening the steps between farmers and customers. 

This high-quality protein powder helps build muscle mass, improve recovery rate, stimulate fat burn, and helps you keep the weight off by promoting better digestion and reducing cravings.

 Birdman Plant-Based Protein Powder

Birdman Plant-Based Protein Powder is a powerful blend of seven different plant-based proteins and a variety of health-boosting superfoods to promote overall health and longevity.

  • Premium blend of seven plant-based proteins
  • Additional superfood ingredients
  • Free of chemicals, artificial ingredients, gluten, and soy
  • Contains guar gum and xanthan gum[1] that sometimes might create digestive problems

Made with superior ingredients, Birdman Plant-Based Protein Powder is a blend of seven high-quality plant-based proteins: brown rice, pumpkin seed, pea, amaranth sprout, sacha inchi, cranberry seed, and quinoa sprout protein. 

It also contains a powerful enzyme blend and a gum blend that helps you boost your athletic performance, improve your blood sugar levels, build muscle, and improve your recovery rate. 

It’s also one of the best vegan protein powders for weight loss, which might appeal to those seeking to lose weight. 

It’s free from any chemicals, artificial ingredients, gluten, dairy, and soy, making it suitable for anyone who is looking to improve their protein intake and reach their health and fitness goals. 

Made in delicious chocolate and vanilla flavors, it’s one of the best plant-based supplements to create creamy protein shakes.

TerraSoul Superfoods Sprouted Brown Rice Powder

The best sprouted brown rice protein powder comes from TerraSoul, and it’s a great and delicious alternative to whey protein powder. 

  • 100% organic
  • Super smooth and creamy
  • Affordable
  • Only available online or in selected stores

If you’re looking to switch to an easy-to-digest and highly absorbable plant-based protein source, this sprouted brown rice protein powder from TerraSoul is a great option. Satisfied customers report a non-earthy aftertaste and a creamy texture that pairs well with any plant-based milk of choice. 

It’s made with 100% sprouted brown whole-grain rice and no other ingredients, making it clean and pure. They also test every batch for purity and quality, so you can rest assured that you’ll be getting the best of the best. 

Many customers say they like to use this protein supplement in their desserts and make protein balls and protein snacks, so it’s very versatile.

Growing Naturals Organic Rice Protein

If you’re looking to mask the flavor of plant-based protein powders, this high-protein supplement from Growing Natural is a great option.

  • Great flavor
  • 100% organic
  • Free of GMO, gluten, dairy, soy, and corn
  • Contains guar gum which might cause some digestive problems

Popular for its delicious taste and praised for clean and high-quality ingredients, Growing Naturals Organic Rice Protein Powder is 100% organic, and free of any artificial ingredients or common allergens. It’s also verified as non-GMO, kosher, and suitable for those following a ketogenic diet. 

With only 80 calories per serving and 15 grams of protein, this low-carb protein powder is a great option for anyone who is looking to increase their protein intake while keeping their overall caloric intake on the lower side.

What Are Rice Protein Powders?

Rice protein powders come from rice protein, as rice contains more protein than you think. One cup[2] of white rice contains around four and a half grams (g) of protein, and brown rice contains five. 

Rice protein powder is made by grinding rice grains and adding an enzyme that helps separate carbohydrates (starches) and protein. 

This rice protein isolate contains all nine essential amino acids, but it’s not considered a complete protein as it lacks the quantities to qualify. 

The lowest amino acid quantity is lysine, which in rice protein powders comes up to 31 milligrams of lysine per gram of powder (31 mg/g), but the requirement needed is 51 mg/g. 

Therefore, it usually has to be blended with another plant-based protein powder (usually organic pea protein) to reach the required levels of amino acids.

Health Benefits Of Rice Protein Powders

Some of the most important benefits of rice protein powders and the reason why people take them have to do with diet preferences and the ability to improve fitness goals without the need for animal protein. 

Even though it’s considered to be a medium-digesting[3] protein, it’s thought to be easier on the stomach than whey protein and just as effective in absorption. 

Help Build Muscle

Rice protein powder is considered a great option to increase your protein intake for the day and help you build muscle.[4]

Even though many people who are hardcore whey protein powder consumers believe plant-based protein powders are inferior when it comes to building muscle and burning fat, studies show otherwise. 

Evidence shows that leucine, the most important amino acid for building muscle, is absorbed faster from rice protein powders than from whey protein. All of this goes in favor of rice protein powders and their ability to build lean muscle mass.

Easy To Digest

Rice protein powder takes longer to digest than whey protein, but it’s easier[5] on the stomach. The reason why it takes longer is purely for its chemical composition. Since the complex carbohydrate structure takes longer to break down, your metabolism needs more time to digest it properly. 

Still, this slower digestion process seems to result in less bloating, cramping, or digestive discomfort than animal-based protein powders. 

Free Of Allergens

Rice protein powder is free of major allergens like gluten, dairy, and soy, making it more suitable for a larger variety of people. 

Most whey protein powders, even whey protein isolate, and hydro isolate can sometimes cause digestive problems in those who are lactose intolerant; therefore, many brands like to add gluten and wheat into their flavors, such as cookies and cream and cheesecake. 

Rice is naturally free of these allergens, so unless a specific flavor adds it in, you can stay safe knowing that you won’t experience any of the unpleasant allergic reactions to the most common allergens. 

That’s why both rice protein powders and brown rice protein powders are often called hypoallergenic. 

Lower Bad Cholesterol And Maintain Target Blood Sugar Levels

The best rice protein powder depends on a variety of factors, such as:

Brown rice protein has been linked[6] to reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol levels as well as helping regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great option for diabetics and those looking to reduce their carbohydrate/sugar intake. 

Improve Lung Health And Aid Detoxification

The amino acid profile in rice protein powders can help improve lung health[7], especially with high levels of cysteine. 

This important amino acid has shown tremendous antioxidant powder and its ability to help stop free radicals from creating any damage, as well as boost your immune system by successfully flushing out toxins from your body. 

How To Choose The Best Rice Protein Powder?

The best rice protein powder depends on a variety of factors, such as

Protein Content

It’s important to choose a protein powder that has a high protein content, as the majority of whey protein powders offer 20 grams and above. 

Protein Quality

The source of plant-based protein supplements needs to be high-quality protein so that it can be absorbed at a higher rate and able to provide all of the muscle-building and health-boosting benefits. 

Complete Protein

Pure rice protein is not a complete protein, so it’s important to look for a blend that will ensure you get all nine essential amino acids to reap the benefits.

Third-Party Tested

Products that are tested in a third-party lab ensure high quality, potency, and purity so you know exactly what’s going into the product you’re purchasing.

Clean Ingredients

Protein sources and final products need to be as clean as possible and contain no artificial ingredients or allergens that can create inflammation in the body that could wreak havoc on your entire system. Always look for gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free products. 

Additional Health-Boosting Ingredients

Some brands add powerful probiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes to their protein products, helping promote optimal health and well-being for every one of their customers by feeding their gut microbiome and supporting their immune systems.  

Affordable

At the end of the day, a plant-based protein powder isn’t meant to break the bank. Look for high-quality but affordable options. 

Dosage

Rice protein powders are usually measured and dosed by a protein scoop which is often between 20-30 grams, resulting in 15-25 grams of protein per serving. If you’re looking to increase your protein intake for the day, one or two servings are usually recommended. 

In addition to your regular meals, having one to two protein shakes per day will add around 40-50 grams of protein and help you reach your goals. If you need more, talk to your doctor before making another shake since you might experience some digestive issues due to the amount of fiber or other ingredients in your protein powder. 

Final Thought

Some of the best rice protein powders are either made from white or brown rice and with or without the addition of other powerful plant-based protein sources. They are clean, easy to digest, highly absorbable, and high-quality. 

Getting a high-quality rice protein powder might be a great way to start if you’re looking to replace your usual whey protein powder for any reason. 

This is especially true if you’re switching to plant-based protein due to bloating and other digestive issues you might be experiencing. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good rice protein powder?

Two of the best rice protein powders are Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice u0026 Pea Plant Protein and Naked Nutrition Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder.

Is rice protein any good?

Yes, it’s a high-quality protein source that makes one of the best plant-based protein powders on the market. It’s free from all major allergens, and it’s suitable for anyone.

Is rice protein better than whey?

Those who can easily digest whey protein and aren’t following a vegan diet will do great with whey, but if you’re experiencing any digestive problems, issues with lactose, or want to abstain from animal protein, rice protein is a better choice.

What’s the best protein powder?

The best protein powder for you depends on your diet, preference, and digestive system. Always look for high-quality, high-potency, clean ingredients and no artificial additives.

Do rice protein powders cause any side effects?

Rice protein powders have no lactose or gluten, so they’re usually not known for causing any side effects like are seen in those. That being said, they are often high in fiber, so if taken in large amounts can cause some bloating or digestive discomfort.


+ 7 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

  1. Woodard, G., Woodard, M.W., McNeely, W.H., Kovacs, P. and Cronin, M.T.I. (1973). Xanthan gum: Safety evaluation by two-year feeding studies in rats and dogs and a three-generation reproduction study in rats. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, [online] 24(1), pp.30–36. doi:10.1016/0041-008x(73)90178-6.
  2. Rochester.edu. (2022). Rice, white, long-grain, parboiled, enriched, cooked, 1 cup – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center. [online] Available at: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=76&contentid=20047-1
  3. Jäger, R., Dudeck, J.E., Joy, J.M., Lowery, R.P., McCleary, S.A., Wilson, S.M., Kalman, D.S., Wilson, J.M. and Purpura, M. (2013). Comparison of rice and whey protein osolate digestion rate and amino acid absorption. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, [online] 10(sup1). doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-s1-p12.
  4. Joy, J.M., Lowery, R.P., Wilson, J.M., Purpura, M., De Souza, E.O., Wilson, S.M., Kalman, D.S., Dudeck, J.E. and Jäger, R. (2013). The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance. Nutrition Journal, [online] 12(1). doi:10.1186/1475-2891-12-86.
  5. Han, S.-W., Chee, K.-M. and Cho, S.-J. (2015). Nutritional quality of rice bran protein in comparison to animal and vegetable protein. Food Chemistry, [online] 172, pp.766–769. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.09.127.
  6. Ravichanthiran, K., Ma, Z., Zhang, H., Cao, Y., Wang, C., Muhammad, S., Aglago, E., Zhang, Y., Jin, Y. and Pan, B. (2018). Phytochemical Profile of Brown Rice and Its Nutrigenomic Implications. Antioxidants, [online] 7(6), p.71. doi:10.3390/antiox7060071.
  7. Dekhuijzen, P. and van Beurden, W. (2006). The role for N-acetylcysteine in the management of COPD. International Journal of COPD, [online] 1(2), pp.99–106. doi:10.2147/copd.2006.1.2.99.
Karla Tafra

Medically reviewed by:

Michael DiLeo

Karla is a published author, speaker, certified nutritionist, and yoga teacher, and she's passionate when writing about nutrition, health, fitness, and overall wellness topics. Her work has been featured on popular sites like Healthline, Psychology.com, Well and Good, Women's Health, Mindbodygreen, Medium, Yoga Journal, Lifesavvy, and Bodybuilding.com. In addition to writing about these topics, she also teaches yoga classes, offers nutrition coaching, organizes wellness seminars and workshops, creates content for various brands & provides copywriting services to companies.

Medically reviewed by:

Michael DiLeo

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