The Top-12 Hemp Protein Powders

Protein is a crucial food group. Your body uses protein for a wide range of processes, including muscle repair and growth, keeping your nails, bones, and skin healthy, and for energy too. Everyone needs to eat enough protein!

However, it’s not always easy to get all the protein you need from regular food, and that’s where the best hemp protein comes in.

A lot of people use protein supplements, and invariably that means whey, which is a dairy product. That means it’s not suitable for vegans or those with a lactose intolerance.

Hemp protein is 100% plant-based and free from allergens like lactose. For many people, it’s a better choice than whey. But, with so many different hemp protein supplements to choose from, it’s hard to know which one to buy.

For this article, we’ve tried, tested, and reviewed 12 of the best hemp protein products to save you from buying one that’s unsuitable.

So, whether you are an exerciser looking to build muscle, are dieting to lose weight, or just want to eat more healthily, we’ve got the right product for you!

Best Hemp Protein

1. Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed

While whey is a good source of protein, it’s not without disadvantages. For starters, it doesn’t contain any fiber, and fiber is critical for good digestive health. Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder is very high in fiber, so it ticks two important nutritional boxes, and not just one.

Key Features

• Made from 100% raw, organic hemp powder
• 11 grams of protein per 30-gram serving
• 4 grams of fat
• 12 grams of fiber
• 80 calories
• Contains all nine essential amino acids
• Unflavored

This protein contains more fiber than a lot of similar products. That’s because instead of removing the hemp seed husks, Nutiva has actually put more in! That means this product contains about 32% of your daily recommended intake of fiber per serving.

Pros

• Unflavored – can be added to almost any food or beverage
• No added ingredients
• Organic
• Mixes easily

Cons

• Needs to be refrigerated once opened
• Some users may not like the bland taste

Because it’s unflavored, this protein powder is best mixed with something flavorsome, like almond or coconut milk. It’s not so palatable when just mixed with water. That said, aside from the taste, this is a very healthy and beneficial hemp protein supplement.

2. Navitas Organic

Hemp seeds are not just high in protein; they’re also high in healthy fats too. Navitas Organic Hemp Powder is cold-pressed, which ensures those fats are preserved. Made from sustainable hemp seeds, Navitas is both ecologically-friendly and healthy.

Key Features

• 13 grams of protein per 30-gram serving
• 3 grams of fat
• 11 grams of carbohydrate
• 7 grams of fiber
• 120 calories
• Made from 100% organic hemp powder
• Unflavored and unsweetened
• USDA organic, kosher, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free

Made from a single ingredient, this is a very pure hemp protein product. It might not contain as much protein per serving as whey, but it’s much cleaner and offers more nutritional and health benefits.

Pros

• Mixes easily
• High in nutrients
• Certified organic
• Excellent source of essential fatty acids and fiber

Cons

• Bland taste that means you’ll probably need to mix it with something flavored

Purity comes at a cost – a bland taste. It’s not unpleasant, but most users report that they enjoy this product more when they mix it with something like soymilk. However, because it’s unflavored, you can also add this powder to soups and stews, making it a very versatile supplement.

3. Bob’s Red Mill

Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder is made from a single ingredient – hemp seeds. It’s vegan and vegetarian-friendly, kosher, and paleo. High in iron and fiber, this product is not just good for exercisers who want to build muscle; it’s good for general health too.

Key Features

• 14 grams of protein per 31 gram serving
• 10 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of fat
• 8 grams of fiber
• 120 calories
• Made from 100% hemp protein powder
• No added flavors or sweeteners

This Protein Powder has nothing else added. No flavors, no preservatives, and no sweeteners. As such, it’s also free from allergens like lactose and gluten. If you want a clean, pure protein powder, this could be the product you need.

Pros

• Easy to mix
• No added ingredients
• Nutritionally dense
• Can be used in cooking as well as to make shakes

Cons

• Not organic

Where a lot of hemp protein powders are certified organic, this one is not. It’s still made from high-quality hemp seeds, but there is no guarantee those seeds were grown without the use of chemicals. If you want an organic hemp seed product, this is not the one for you.

4. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic

A lot of hemp protein products are unflavored. While that ensures they are 100% pure, it does make them somewhat bland. Mixed with just water, they simply aren’t very enjoyable to drink. Hemp Yeah! is flavored, and, for many people, that will make it a more attractive product.

Key Features

• 9 grams of protein per 30-gram serving
• 2 grams of fat
• 15 grams of carbs
• 10 grams of fiber
• Flavored with organic vanilla
• Sweetened with organic coconut sugar
• Certified organic and non-GMO

While you won’t mistake this product for a vanilla milkshake, it still tastes pretty good, and a lot better than most unflavored hemp protein products. It does contain a source of sugar – coconut sugar – but compared to cane sugar and artificial sweeteners, that really isn’t anything to worry about and means this product tastes good even when mixed with plain water.

Pros

• Mixes easily
• Tastes good
• Very high in nutrients
• Also available unflavored and chocolate flavored

Cons

• Lower in protein per serving than unflavored hemp protein products

Where most unflavored hemp protein powders contain around 12 grams of protein per serving, this product only provides nine. That’s because some of its weight is made up of natural flavorings and sweeteners. But, that’s the price you have to pay for one of the best-tasting help protein products around!

5. SunWarrior Warrior Blend

Not all hemp protein powders are 100% pure. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Warrior Blend from SunWarrior contains a range of plant-based protein sources and not just hemp. This means it may be more nutritionally balanced than pure hemp protein powder, and it’s definitely higher in protein.

Key Features

• Made from organic pea and hemp protein
• Contains organic MCT oil and goji berries
• 19 grams of protein per 25-gram serving
• 1 gram of carbs
• 2 grams of fat
• 1 gram of fiber
• 100 calories
• Unflavored

Because it combines hemp with pea protein, this product is higher in protein than most pure hemp protein powders. If you are an exerciser or just want to consume more protein per serving, this product could be the one you want.

Pros

• High protein content per serving
• Mixes easily
• Organic ingredients
• Vegan and paleo-friendly
• Decent taste for an unflavored product

Cons

• Some users may prefer a pure hemp protein powder

While all of the ingredients in this product are natural, it’s still a blend instead of a pure hemp protein supplement. That does mean it’s higher in protein, but with very little fiber per serving, it’s not as good for your digestive system as other, purer, options.

6. Just Hemp Foods Hemp Protein Powder Plus Fiber

Most hemp protein supplements are designed to be mixed with water and drunk. This product is a little different in that it’s also suitable for sprinkling on your food or using as a food additive. Sprinkle it on your cereal, yogurt, or salads for a nutty-tasting protein and fiber boost.

Key Features

• 11 grams of protein per 32-gram serving
• 130 calories
• 3 grams of fat
• 15 grams of carbohydrate
• 15 grams of fiber
• Naturally flavored

While this product is made from all-natural hemp seeds, it’s not certified organic. Made in Canada, the manufacturers state that while this product is grown without the use of herbicides and pesticides, it may have been fertilized using nitrogen. If you want to be sure your hemp protein is free from added chemicals, you should choose an organic product instead.

Pros

• Very high in fiber
• Course texture making it ideal for sprinkling on food
• A pleasant, natural nutty flavor
• High nutrient content

Cons

• Some users may prefer a product that’s certified organic

If you want a hemp protein that’s better for sprinkling and adding to food than mixing into drinks, this could be the product for you. It’s not organic, but it’s still is a very pure and healthy source of protein, fiber, and essential fats.

7. Aloha Plant-Based

If hemp protein products have a downside, it is that pure hemp is not that high in protein, especially compared to whey. This plant-based protein powder from Aloha addresses this problem by blending hemp with a host of other high protein plant-based ingredients, as well as natural flavors and sweeteners.

Key Features

• Made from organic pea, brown rice, hemp seed, and pumpkin seed proteins
• Sweetened with organic coconut and monk fruit sugars
• Naturally flavored
• Contains MCT oil powder
• 130 calories per serving
• 18 grams of protein per 37-gram serving
• 5 grams of fat
• 10 grams of carbohydrate
• 3 grams of fiber

A lot of hemp protein supplements are made from a single ingredient – hemp. This one contains quite a lot more than that, but each one is natural and organic. If you are looking for a plant-based protein to use instead of whey protein, this product is about as close as you’ll get.

Pros

• Tastes good
• Available in three flavors – banana, chocolate, and vanilla
• High in protein
• Mixes easily
• Nutritionally complete

Cons

• Relatively low in fiber compared to pure hemp protein

This supplement is ideal for exercisers. It’s high in muscle-building protein but low in fiber. It mixes easily with water and tastes pretty good too. Aloha Plant-Based Protein Powder is a real alternative to whey protein shakes.

8. LeanHemp Pure

If you look at any whey protein supplement, you’ll see they’re typically made from a long list of ingredients, many of which are chemicals and artificial additives. LeanHemp Pure is made from a single ingredient and is about as pure a supplement as you’ll ever find.

Key Features

• 20 grams of protein per 40 gram serving
• 160 calories
• 9 grams of carbohydrate
• 7 grams of fiber
• 5 grams of fat
• Made from 100% certified organic, non-GMO powdered hemp seeds

Hemp seed protein digests slowly, and that means it trickle-feeds your muscles with amino acids over several hours, and will also keep you feeling fuller for longer. This makes it ideal for exercisers and dieters alike. LeanHemp Pure is made from sustainable hemp seeds, so it’s ecologically-friendly, as well as healthy.

Pros

• Made from a single ingredient
• High in protein and fiber
• Low in calories
• A very “green” supplement

Cons

• Not all users like the taste of unflavored hemp protein powder

Unflavored hemp protein tastes either grassy or nutty, depending on who you listen too. Either way, it can be an acquired taste. LeanHemp Pure Protein Powder is also available in chocolate maca and peanut butter maca flavors, so if you want a tastier product, you can have that too!

9. Food to Live Organic

When it comes to nutritional supplements, as a rule, the fewer ingredients they contain, the healthier and more beneficial they tend to be. Food to Live Organic Hemp Powder contains a single ingredient, which means it’s very good for you!

Key Features

• Made from 100% organic hemp seed protein
• 13 grams of protein per 28-gram serving
• 113 calories
• 4 grams of fat
• 6 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of fiber
• Unflavored
• Made in Canada from sustainable hemp seeds
• Cold processed

This protein powder has more protein and less fiber than many similar products. To achieve this, the manufacturer has removed some of the hemp husks and replaced them with more hemp seeds. That’s good news if you want more protein per serving, and don’t mind missing out on a little gut-friendly fiber.

Pros

• Higher in protein than many other hemp protein powders
• Easy to mix
• Nutritionally dense
• USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly

Cons

• Some users may not like the unflavored taste

Cold processing means the hemp seeds have been ground into powder, and that’s all the processing they’ve been through. No heat is used, and that means this product is raw. Made from 100% organic hemp seeds, this really is one of the purest nutritional supplements you can buy.

10. 365 Everyday Value Organic 

Good quality nutritional supplements are often expensive. Because of this, a lot of people only use them now and then. That’s not the way to get the best results. 365 Everyday Value specializes in making cheaper supplements, so you can use them regularly and for as long as you want. Their organic hemp protein powder is well priced and is also excellent quality.

Key Features

• Made from 100% pure organic hemp seeds
• 15 grams of protein per 30-gram serving
• 110 calories
• 8 grams of carbohydrate
• 8 grams of fiber
• 3 grams of fat
• Unflavored
• Cold-milled
• Certified organic and vegan

365 Everyday Value is higher in protein than a lot of other hemp seed protein products. That’s because it’s a little lower in fiber. With no added ingredients, including flavors or sweeteners, this hemp protein is nutritionally dense and also very well priced.

Pros

• Mixes easily
• Pleasant, naturally nutty taste
• Very nutritious
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Not all users like the natural flavor

Hemp protein is naturally green and tastes somewhere between grassy and nutty. Unlike whey, it’s not usually highly flavored, and that means it often needs to be mixed with other things to make it more palatable. That said, despite the flavor (or lack of it), this is an excellent plant-based protein that’s also good value for money.

11. Now Foods 

Now Foods has been making nutritional supplements since 1968 – that’s over 50 years. They’re a family-owned and operated independent business based in the USA. Their hemp protein powder is certified organic and is made from pure cold-milled hemp seeds cultivated from a renewable source.

Key Features

• 15 grams of protein per 30-gram serving
• 120 calories
• 7 grams of carbohydrate
• 5 grams of fiber
• 5 grams of fat
• High in iron, potassium, and calcium
• USDA certified organic, non-GMO, vegan, and kosher
• Processed in a peanut-free environment
• Unflavored

Hemp seeds aren’t just high in protein; they’re also high in healthy fats too. But these fats are easily damaged by heat. Thankfully, Now Foods cold-mill their organic hemp seeds to ensure that those healthful oils remain intact. With just one ingredient, this product is very clean and pure and is good for many aspects of your health.

Pros

• Pure and organic
• Mixes easily
• Nutritionally dense
• No added ingredients

Cons

• Some users do not enjoy the natural flavor of unprocessed hemp seeds

Because this product is unflavored, you may need to mix it with something like soymilk or almond milk to make it more palatable. That said, it tastes like a cross between nuts and greens and is not altogether unpleasant. Taste issues aside, this is a very healthy, nutritionally dense product made from the highest-quality hemp seeds.

12. Nature’s Way EfaGold

Protein is a crucial food group and one that a lot of people don’t eat enough of. Fiber is just as important, and not consuming enough can have serious health repercussions. With more fiber than protein, this hemp protein powder is nutritious and very healthy.

Key Features

• 11 grams of protein per 30-gram serving
• 13 grams of fiber
• 4 grams of fat
• 14 grams of carbohydrates
• 4 grams of fat
• Made from 100% cold-milled organic hemp seed powder
• No artificial additives

Eating enough fiber can literally save your life! Low fiber diets are linked to heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and a host of other serious medical conditions. One serving of Nature’s Way EfaGold Hemp Protein and Fiber Powder provides about 35% of your daily recommended intake of fiber, making it very good for all aspects of your health.

Pros

• Easy to mix
• Certified USDA organic, non-GMO, vegan, paleo, and kosher
• Very nutritious

Cons

• Some users describe this product as “gritty”

Hemp seed protein powders also contain the seed husks. This is the source of all that fiber. Needless to say, these husks can have a gritty texture, and they’re also insoluble in water. Because of this, if you want a smooth shake, you’ll need to mix this product in a blender, and with something thicker than water. But your efforts will be rewarded as hemp seed protein powder is one of the most beneficial supplements you can buy.

Key information

Consider the following before buying or using hemp protein supplements.

What is Hemp Protein?

Hemp protein is basically milled or ground hemp seeds, including the husks. Some manufacturers remove some of the husks to produce a higher protein-by-weight powder, but this reduces the fiber content. Hemp protein is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, and also free from common allergens, including lactose.

Hemp protein benefits

Hemp protein offers a range of valuable benefits, including:

• Faster recovery from exercise
• Decreased post-exercise muscle soreness
• Decreased hunger
• Increased metabolism
• Lower blood glucose
• Lower cholesterol
• Healthier digestive system
• Stronger immune system
• Healthier brain, bones, and skin

Hemp seeds are naturally high in vitamins, minerals, essential fats, fiber, and protein, all of which can contribute to better general health.

Hemp protein vs. Whey

Whey and hemp protein are both complete proteins, which means they contain all of the essential amino acids required for health. However, where hemp protein is plant-based, whey is a by-product of dairy manufacture and, as such, can contain lactose and is also not suitable for vegans. In addition, whey protein supplements are normally artificially flavored and sweetened, whereas hemp protein is more likely to be pure and made without additives.

However, by weight, whey protein is higher in protein and normally provides 20+ grams of protein per 30-gram serving. Most hemp proteins come in at around 9-12 grams of protein per serving.

Finally, hemp protein is often sold unflavored or only lightly flavored. Its natural taste is somewhere between greens and nuts. In contrast, whey proteins come in a huge number of flavors, from basic vanilla to much more exotic, such as salted caramel, mint-choc-chip, and cookie dough.

Hemp vs. Pea protein

Hemp protein and pea protein are nutritionally similar. However, hemp protein is usually higher in fiber and healthy essential fats, whereas pea protein is usually a little higher in protein. Pea protein can also be slightly less digestible, which is why a lot of pea protein supplements use fermented peas. In contrast, hemp protein is normally unprocessed, except for cold milling.

Pea protein is low in a couple of essential amino acids, so it’s often combined with other plant-based proteins, most commonly brown rice. Hemp protein contains all the essential amino acids so it’s technically the more biologically complete protein source.

Hemp protein side effects

Hemp protein is a very natural supplement with lots of health benefits. However, because it’s very high in fiber, with as much as 10 grams of fiber per single serving, it can cause digestive upset, constipation, or bloating. This is more likely if your diet was previously low in fiber.

Avoid these problems by introducing hemp protein gradually into your diet, and not using too much too soon. You should also drink plenty of water with hemp protein as the fiber in it soaks up water, causing dehydration.

Bottom Line

Whether you are an exerciser, are dieting for weight loss, or just want to improve your health, hemp protein powder could help. Not only will it provide your body with the amino acids it needs to function, but it also contains healthful fats and a whole lot of fiber, both of which your body needs in abundance.

Natural, and often organic, hemp protein powder is a very simple supplement and is usually made from a single ingredient. With no additives, hemp protein is a very clean, healthy supplement.

If it has a downside, it’s the taste. Most hemp protein supplements are unflavored, and as it has a very distinct taste, some users do not find it particularly palatable.

In contrast, whey, which is the most popular protein supplement ingredient, comes in lots of different flavors, often tasting like a takeout milkshake or smoothie.

That said, a lot of whey protein shakes also contain long lists of artificial ingredients, making them less healthy than hemp.

So, if you are looking for a good source of protein that’s also very healthy, and don’t mind the grassy/nutty flavor, give hemp seed protein powder a try. It’s arguably the most nutritious protein powder you can buy.

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