Written by Kiel DiGiovanni | Co-founder
Fact checked by Meghan Novoshielski, M.S Nutrition Sci. ,RDN
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Plant-based protein powder has been riding a wave lately. One of those plants is hemp. Hemp has become one of the more popular plant-based protein powders thanks to its amino acids, dietary fiber, fatty acids, essential minerals, and protein per serving.
With the rise in popularity of hemp protein, there are multiple options on the market, from pure hemp protein to hemp protein blends. In this post, we narrowed the endless options down to the 7 best hemp protein powders that you can use to reach your goals faster.
7 Best Hemp Protein Powder Supplements
- Overall Best: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah!
- Best Budget: Food To Live Hemp Protein Powder
- Best Blend: Sunwarrior Plant Based Protein
- Best Tasting: Nutiva Hemp Seed Plant Protein
- Best With Fiber: Just Hemp Foods
- Best Unflavored: Anthony’s Hemp Seed Protein
- Best Hemp Hearts: Eaton Organic Hemp Hearts
SFS Pick
Manitoba
SFS Budget Pick
Food To Live
SFS Blend Pick
Sunwarrior
1. Overall Best Hemp Protein Powder: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah!
The Hemp Yeah! plant-based protein powder is our choice for best overall hemp protein powder.
If you look at the ingredients that make up this organic protein powder, you'll know why it might be the best. On the ingredient panel of the flavored options, you'll see they're made from a blend of organic pea protein, organic hemp protein concentrate, and natural oregano extract. The flavoring components include organic coconut sugar and natural cocoa/vanilla.
This protein powder comes in three options, unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla flavors.
Using a blend of pea and hemp protein leads to an easily mixable organic protein, unlike pure hemp powders that don't mix well with liquids.
Each serving of Hemp Yeah! is a massive 43 grams that yield 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and ~160 calories.
Pros
- Organic pea & hemp blend gives best of both worlds
- Mixes and tastes great
- Big dose of protein
- Stevia free
Cons
- High in carbs per serving
- Not the most budget-friendly option
Hemp Yeah! Plant Protein Blend – Chocolate has 20g of plant-based protein from organic hemp and pea protein with all 9 essential amino acids ...
2. Best Budget Hemp Protein Powder: Food To Live Hemp Protein
Food To Live hemp protein powder is our pick for the best value.
This organic 100% non-GMO hemp powder is from Canada but packaged in the USA. like other hemp protein, this one is packed with the nine essential amino acids making it a complete protein.
With only 113 calories and 13 grams of protein per serving this will make for a great addition to a healthy diet.
This product comes in 7 size options from 8 ounces all the way up to a whopping 16-pound bag!
If the price per serving is an important factor for you when choosing an organic hemp seed protein powder then look no further as you can get it for as low as $.40/ounce!
Pros
- 100% USDA organic non-GMO
- Great value
- Multiple size options
Cons
- Unflavored
Our Organic Hemp Protein Powder is a 100% non-GMO organic product. Great for making natural organic protein shakes or as an addition to your granola bars...
3. Best Hemp Protein Powder Blend: Sunwarrior Warrior Blend
Sunwarrior protein blend is an excellent choice for those who want a superior plant-based powder.
This product doesn't contain your typical protein powder ingredients. Instead, this blend is made from organic pea protein, hemp seed protein, goji berry, and MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil.
Using this mix of ingredients results in a well-rounded formulation that provides you with high quality protein powder, antioxidants, electrolytes, BCAA (branched chain amino acids) and MCT.
Each serving you is around 100 calories and a massive 19 grams of protein!
Sunwarrior provides you multiple delicious options to choose from including Berry, Maple Toast, Mocha, Chocolate and Vanilla flavors. If flavors aren't your thing don't worry, you can choose the unflavored Sunwarrior organic hemp protein.
Pros
- Great formulation
- Delicious flavor choices
- USDA organic
- No added sugars
Cons
- Pricey per serving
Warrior blend nutritional supplements brings you the perfect combination for a plant based protein powder. With a mixture of Pea Protein, Super Antioxidants, Goji Berries, MCTs, Legumes, and Ground Coconut...
4. Best Tasting Hemp Protein Powder: Nutiva
Nutiva's Organic hemp protein powder is our top flavor pick amongst all the options available.
Nutiva organic hemp protein powder is made through the cold processing of hemp seeds. This certified organic hemp protein is all-natural, so you don't have to worry about consuming a product produced with hexane or other dangerous chemicals.
With each serving of this USDA organic hemp protein powder, you get 11 grams of protein, 11 grams of fiber, 2.1 grams of Omega (3&6) fatty acids, and a low-calorie count of 110.
I've tried Nutiva and found it to be the one of the top hemp proteins I've used. I like the natural flavor of hemp protein, but can also be easily mixed into smoothies to get the job done if you're looking to flavor it. Give it a try if you're looking for an alternative plant-based protein option.
Devoid of any artificial flavors, added sugars or harmful chemicals, Nutiva hemp protein powder is one of the best hemp protein powders on the market for a very reasonable price tag at under $1 a serving.
Pros
- Certified organic, vegan, GMO free, Gluten-free
- Good price per serving
- Great addition to a high fiber diet
Cons
- Some people might not like the natural flavor
Nutiva Organic, Cold-Processed Hemp Protein provides a high-quality plant protein with the branched-chain amino acids vital for good health. It also has all twenty amino acids with the added bonus of good-for-you essential fatty acids...
5. Best Hemp Protein Powder With Fiber: Just Hemp Foods
Just Hemp Foods offers this pure Canadian hemp powder jam-packed with fiber.
This organic hemp protein powder has 11 grams of protein per serving plus a heaping dose of 14 grams of dietary fiber and 130 calories.
Just Hemp Foods kept it simple with this product with a small 14-serving container but they added a nice touch with a hearty Hemp Pancake recipe on the label.
Whether you want to use it to make pancakes, protein bars, or shakes, this organic hemp protein powder will do the trick.
Pros
- Tons of fiber with 14 grams each serving
- Easy to follow recipe to boost protein intake
- Organic and gluten-free
- Great value per serving
Cons
- Small container with only 14 servings
At just Hemp Foods, we start with only the highest quality hemp seed. Sourced and processed for maximum nutrition, this pure plant-based protein is gluten, soy and lactose free, and a good source of 9 vitamins ad minerals...
6. Best Unflavored Hemp Protein Powder: Anthony’s Hemp Protein
Anthony's Organic hemp seed protein is a fantastic choice for those who want a straightforward, high-quality product.
This organic hemp protein powder is made from cold-pressed hemp seeds. The process involves cleaning the organic hemp seeds, destoning, sorting then pressing out the oil. Finally, the hemp seeds are milled into a fine powder.
You can use this product by throwing it into a blender with some fruits and almond milk or regular milk to make a healthy hemp protein shake.
This is a simple and pure hemp protein powder that produces 15 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and 110 calories in a 30-gram serving size.
Pros
- Made from cold-pressed hemp seeds
- USDA Organic, GMO-free
- Decent price per serving
Cons
- Some users are unhappy with the packaging as it can't be resealed
Anthony’s Organic Hemp Seed Protein is Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan Friendly, and Non-Irradiated, with no other additives. Add it to smoothies, dips, baked goods, oatmeal or homemade energy bars for an added boost of protein...
7. Best Hemp Hearts: Eaton Organic Hemp Hearts
This product isn't a hemp protein powder, but we wanted to include Eaton Organic Hemp Hearts in our list for another healthy protein and fiber-packed option.
Hemp hearts are the soft, chewy inner component of hemp seeds that you can add to your meals, top your salads or toss in a blender to make a delicious hemp protein shake.
Offering a similar nutritional profile to hemp protein powder minus the high fiber content, hemp hearts are a great source of Omega fatty acids, protein and minerals.
These hemp hearts are ready to eat and are USDA certified organic, keto-friendly, and gluten-free.
You should try hemp hearts, we think you'd be pleasantly surprised how quickly they become part of your everyday diet.
Pros
- Tastes great
- Perfect addition to many meals
- Packed with Omega fatty acids & protein
Cons
- Lacking the dietary fiber component that hemp protein powder has
10g per serving. Hemp hearts have all 20 amino acids, and each of the nine essential amino acids. These Super Seeds are the only vegan food with the same omega 3:6 ratio as fish oil! Hemp has 6.2x the amount of Omegas than raw tuna....
What is hemp protein powder?
Hemp protein powder is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant. It doesn't contain any psychoactive components like the cannabis sativa plant it comes from. Hemp protein is one of the less processed types of protein powders on the market as it's basically ground-up hemp seeds into a fine powder.
Hemp protein powder is considered to have a nutty taste, although some compare it more to grass. It is a high-quality plant protein that contains all nine essential amino acids that people must get through their diet.
Benefits of Hemp Protein Powder:
There are numerous benefits of hemp protein that make it one of the best choices for a protein supplement. Let's look at some of the most common advantages of using hemp protein.
1. Lean Source Of Protein
As far as plant-based protein powders go, hemp protein is a good lean source. Some plant-based proteins lack some essential amino acids but not hemp! Depending on the brand, the average 25-30 gram serving of hemp protein powder can range from 100-120 calories and 15-20 grams of protein.
Hemp protein powder can help support a good balance of muscle protein synthesis, which aid in your quest to add lean muscle mass and recover faster from brutal resistance training workouts.
2. High Fiber
Hemp protein powder can be made from both hulled or non-hulled raw hemp seeds, which will affect the amount the total amount of fiber per serving. Most hemp protein powder will have anywhere from 6-12 grams of fiber per 25-30 gram serving size.
Some hemp protein powder will also fortify their product with added fiber which can get you closer to the daily recommended intake. Diets rich in fiber can help reduce your chances of getting bowel cancer, improve blood sugar and promote healthy gut bacteria. Plus, fiber can help you stay fuller for longer, which might help you lose weight and avoid eating unhealthy foods.
3. Easy To Digest
Hemp protein powder is one of the easiest digest protein sources. Scientists believe that the high degree of digestibility is due to the fact hemp protein has the proteins edestin and albumin, which are broken down by the body quickly.
Look for a hemp protein powder that's made from cold-pressed seeds if you want your body to take advantage of the amino acids found within.
4. Strong in essential fatty acids
Hemp protein is a great source of the essential fatty acids, omega-3 alpha-linoleic acid and omega-6 linoleic acid. In an average 30 gram serving of hemp protein, you'll get around 3 grams of these unsaturated fats. These healthy fats can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Hemp seed protein is also one of the rare sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) that has anti-inflammatory capabilities.
5. Good Source Minerals
Hemp protein powders are a good source of minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. Hemp seeds also contain lignanamides which are compounds that provide antioxidant-like protection from oxidative damage. Overall, hemp seed is can help your body function better in part due to the components found within.
Who should use hemp protein powder?
Pretty much anyone can take advantage of using hemp protein. However, there are a few groups of people who would most benefit from taking this protein supplement.
- Vegans
- Those who want a protein powder that has high fiber
- People who are lactose intolerant
- People who are celiac that want a gluten-free protein powder
- People who want to use a sustainable protein powder
- Users who'd like to enjoy the other health benefits from the minerals and essential fatty acids
With that said, it's always important to speak with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplementation.
What To Consider Before Buying Hemp Protein Powder:
When shopping for hemp protein supplements, there are a few key factors you should pay attention to so that you get the best possible products.
1. Ingredients
We usually suggest looking for an organic hemp protein powder that's devoid of any chemicals or unhealthy additives. If possible, try to locate cold-pressed hemp powder as this seems to be the most bioavailable to the body.
Hemp protein powders can have a slight range in the nutritional aspects so make sure you check out the label to see exactly what you're getting in each serving.
2. Features
From pure hemp protein to flavored to plant-based protein powder blends there are plenty of options available to you. The type of hemp protein supplement you choose is largely based on individual preferences and goals.
- Unflavored: Choose unflavored hemp protein powders if you plan to use it in cooking or making shakes. Also, if you're on a cutting diet pure hemp powder is usually lower in calories and carbs per serving when compared to other flavored options. Just be aware that plain hemp protein powder doesn't mix well in liquid so you'll probably have to use a blender to mix it properly. That said, some people won't be able to tolerate the natural flavor of hemp powder as it is more of an acquired taste.
- Flavored: Flavored hemp protein powders might be a better choice for people who don't plan on mixing it with multiple fruits or other ingredients to mask the nutty taste. Flavored hemp protein powders can be mixed in a blender with water, milk or plant-based milk making it more tolerable than the unflavored option.
- Blend: Hemp protein can also be found alongside other plant-based protein powders. The most typical blend would be a pea and hemp protein blend. These blends are awesome because they taste better, have more protein per serving and mix easier.
3. Price Per serving
Hemp protein powder can range from just over $.40/ ounce up to $1.50 on the high end. The price of the hemp powder usually comes down to whether or not it's pure or if there are added ingredients such as flavors, other protein sources or more. A good way of keeping your costs down is to purchase the bulk options if they're available.
4. Reviews
Check out the various reviews of the hemp protein powders to get an idea of the common comments and whether the majority of people had a good or bad experience. Keep in mind that with products like hemp protein powders, there is a subjective component where some people might not mind the taste of it while others won't be able to withstand the natural taste.
Hemp Protein Powder FAQs
Is hemp protein powder good for you?
Yes, hemp protein powder is a great source of plant based protein. It has all nine essential amino acids, tons of fiber, good mineral profile, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids and a decent amount of protein. We would recommend you give hemp protein a try in you're looking for a plant based protein option.
Is hemp protein healthier than whey?
While we wouldn't say whey protein is healthier than hemp, it is a better protein if your goal is building muscle. If you go serving size vs serving size, whey protein powder yields a much higher protein percentage and is a more complete protein by looking at the amount of nine essential amino acids it has.
What are the side effects of protein made from hemp?
While it is considered extremely safe for consumption, some people may experience mild side effects, including bloating, cramping, or diarrhea. Any potential side effects would usually present themself at the time you make a switch to using hemp protein as your body might take a while to get used to the high fiber content.
Which is better pea protein or hemp protein?
Many people would consider pea protein superior to hemp protein if you only consider the essential amino acid profile and the protein yield. So if your main goal is protein intake, then pea protein would be a better choice.
Is hemp protein digested quickly or slowly?
Hemp protein is one of the most digestible plant-based protein sources. Researchers think that this is because hemp protein has edestin and albumin which are proteins that are broken down the body quickly. This makes hemp protein a great choice for your post-workout recovery so that your body is refueled in a short amount of time which helps with potential muscle gain.
SUMMARY: Which Hemp Protein Powder is Best?
Hemp protein powder is a great option for a wide range of people. Those that want a plant protein that's high in dietary fiber, gluten-free, full of amino and fatty acids and minerals should definitely think about giving hemp protein supplements a go.
We hope you enjoyed this post on the best hemp protein supplements on the market. Up your protein intake by adding one of the options above into your food or shakes then reap the benefits.
Hemp Yeah! Plant Protein Blend – Chocolate has 20g of plant-based protein from organic hemp and pea protein with all 9 essential amino acids ...
Kiel DiGiovanni
Author