Protein powder can be added to a person’s diet by choice. There are many reasons someone might want to incorporate it into their diet. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality protein powder with natural ingredients.
In our guide, we’ll provide the best hemp protein powders based on a number of qualifiers including taste, ingredients, price, and more. We’ll go over unflavored hemp protein powders, for the most part, but many brands also carry flavored and great tasting hemp protein powder. Keep reading to explore different types of quality hemp protein powder.
Here’s a first look at the five best hemp protein powders:
- EvoHemp – Best overall hemp powder
- Nutiva Organics – Best for quality hemp protein powder
- Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Powder – Best for muscle gain
- SunWarrior Hemp Protein – Best budget hemp protein powder
- Hemp Yeah! Hemp Protein Powder – Best hemp protein powder blend
5 Best Hemp Protein Powders
EvoHemp Hemp 90 Protein Supplement – Best overall hemp powder
The organic hemp protein powder from EvoHemp is a powerful blend with a perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 linoleic acid and Omega-3 linoleic acid. As an excellent source of complete protein, the supplement also contains 20 amino acids, including our nine essential amino acids.
Likewise, it’s an incredible source of minerals like magnesium and iron, as well as fiber. Overall, we can’t get enough of this hemp powder, which is why it’s at the top of our list.
Why is it a top pick?
- Third-party tested: Yes
- Serving quantity: 27g protein per serving
- Ingredients: Hemp protein powder – that’s it!
- Price: $34.99 per five-lb container
- Non-GMO, USA hemp, gluten-free
- Most concentrated hemp protein powder on the market
Pros
- Densely packed with protein
- Affordable
- Balanced for more user diets (gluten-free, vegan-friendly, etc.)
Cons
- Texture is chalky to some users – we recommend blending with a blender to prevent this texture
- Not always available in all versions
Nutiva Organics – Best for quality hemp protein powder
An interesting fact about the hemp protein powder from Nutiva Organics is that it contains 66% edestin, which is a bioactive globulin protein that’s easiest to digest for the human body. Another interesting fact is that this hemp protein is gently cold-processed, “without the use of hexane, a harsh chemical solvent used to process non-organic soy protein powders.” It comes in a BPA-free container and is vegan-friendly.
Why is it a top pick?
- Third-party tested: Yes
- Serving quantity: 15g protein, 9g carbs, 3g fat, 90 calories per serving
- Ingredients: Organic hemp protein
- Price: $61.88 per three-lb container
- Certified organic, vegan-friendly, GMO-free, and gluten-free
Pros
- No fillers or additives
- Easily digestible, providing quicker results for recovery and rebuilding muscles
- Sustainable source of fatty acids, amino acids, and, most importantly, protein
- Perfect addition to a high-fiber diet
- Great price per serving
Cons
- Lighter on the supporting minerals compared to some of the other organic hemp protein powder on our list
- Priciest protein powder on our list
- The natural flavor is strong, so some people may not like it
Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Powder – Best for muscle gain
For maximum muscle gain, stick with the max protein powder from Manitoba Harvest. Their Hemp Yeah! line is nutritionally dense, packed with a variety of necessary daily minerals on top of protein. Blend with a banana, almond milk, and peanut butter for a superfood treat that will keep you satiated for hours. Plus, it’s a perfect recovery treat!
Why is it a top pick?
- Third-party tested: Yes
- Serving quantity: 20g protein, 2g carbs, and 2g sugar per serving
- Ingredients: Organic hemp protein concentrate, natural oregano extract
- Price: $31.99 per two-lb container.
- Only 1% sodium and 2g sugar
- 15% daily iron, 15% daily magnesium, 20% daily zinc, and 20% daily potassium
Pros
- Tastes great in shakes, smoothies, and more
- Boosts muscle recovery and muscle growth
- Nutritionally dense, packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals
- Affordable per serving
Cons
- Contains little to no fiber
- Not made with 100% hemp
SunWarrior Hemp Protein – Best budget hemp protein powder
As a simple superfood protein source, the organic hemp protein from SunWarrior is one of the best hemp protein powders by our standards. You can improve not only smoothies and other beverages, but even baked goods. Upgrade your bread, oatmeal, cookies, and whatever else your heart desires while you reap the benefits of hemp. It absorbs quickly, it’s easy to digest, and it’s made with care.
Why is it a top pick?
- Third-party tested: Yes
- Serving quantity: 19g protein, 2.5g fat, 3g carbs, and 100 calories per serving (per scoop)
- Ingredients: Organic hemp seed protein
- Price: $27.97 per 1.65-lb container (for their unflavored hemp protein powder)
- Packed with antioxidants and BCAAs
- Great flavors mix easily with beverages
- Vegan-friendly, dairy-free, gluten-free, 0g added sugars, soy-free
Pros
- Low in calories
- Dissolves almost immediately
- Balanced nutritional profile
- High in protein
Cons
- Pricier per serving than some others
Hemp Yeah! Hemp Protein Powder – Best hemp protein powder blend
Last but certainly not least, we present another protein powder from Manitoba Harvest. This Hemp Yeah! Plant Protein Blend is unsweetened, but there are other flavors as well. As a perfect addition to smoothies, shakes, and non-dairy beverages, it’s great for after a workout!
However, it’s also made with pea protein and natural oregano extract, plus organic guar gum. This may not make it the go-to for those looking for 100% pure organic hemp powder.
Why is it a top pick?
- Third-party tested: Yes
- Serving quantity: 20g plant protein, 2g fiber, 2g omega 3 and 6 per serving
- Ingredients: Hemp Yeah! Plant protein blend (organic pea protein, organic hemp protein concentrate, natural oregano extract), Organic guar gum
- Price: $29.69 per one-lb container
- Organic, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly
- Available in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and unsweetened
Pros
- Subscribe and save 5% option
- Kosher, dairy-free, and full of fiber
- Each serving provides 15% daily iron and 25% daily phosphorus (plus 8% daily potassium)
Cons
- Isn’t made of 100% hemp protein powder, though the organic blend may not necessarily be a bad addition
What is Hemp Protein Powder?
It’s important to explain what hemp protein is and how to use it safely. For starters, hemp protein powder is derived from typically organic hemp seeds. Therefore, it’s also technically hemp seed protein. As a dietary supplement, it’s intended to help users get more protein in their regular diet.
People who exercise or work out extensively may also use hemp powder or another type of protein powder to help rebuild and repair overstressed muscles. Renowned for its easy digestibility, affordability, and pure ingredients, hemp is a mainstay for many people.
To top it off, and to shake any doubt, there’s zero THC in hemp powder. You won’t feel a buzz or any sort of psychoactive effects just from using hemp protein.
Simply put, hemp protein powder contains all nine essential amino acids and is a complete protein and is a non-psychoactive type of supplement. As a plant based protein powder, many consider it superior to whey.
Advantages of Hemp Protein Powder
As a disclaimer, we’re not making any medical claims in this guide. Any of these advantages may or may not help you, since everyone is different and responds differently to supplements.
It’s still good to note, however, that hemp protein powder may lower the risk of several health conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- High cholesterol
Hemp protein is also good for a variety of functions within the human body. From heart protection to inflammation and anxiety, hemp protein powder sticks it out for us.
In fact, it may be good for body mass improvements, brain function, immune system function, digestion, energy levels, and it’s likely even good for the muscles. There’s quite an array of positives hemp protein may land for its consumers.
Plus, most hemp protein powders, as well as organic hemp seeds, are rich in both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Hemp protein is rich in branched chain amino acids. Since it contains all nine essential amino acids, your muscles may recover quicker than they otherwise would. Any new muscles you build, in addition, may have greater durability, be leaner, and have greater integrity overall.
Lastly, rich in antioxidants, hemp protein may help promote healthier cells throughout the body. As a result, they may attack free radicals to render them inert. Overall, the health of your cells are improved.
Who Can Benefit from Hemp Protein Powders?
You may be wondering – who are the main users of powders made from hemp protein? These are the users that may benefit the most from hemp protein powder. For example, people that use natural or healthy nutrients may benefit from hemp protein powder thanks to its all-natural ingredients.
People who have a special diet may see positive results from hemp protein. Likewise, so might vegans or vegetarians. Hemp is a plant based protein powder supplement at the end of the day, after all!
In that same vein, users that are allergic to dairy or lactose may benefit from hemp protein. With a typically creamy texture, hemp protein can act as a reliable alternative to some dairy products, especially beverages.
Lastly, people who use all-natural ingredients and those that prefer healthy nutrients can see positive effects from hemp protein. Every person reacts differently to certain natural compounds, so you’ll need to test it out for yourself.
In addition, you may react more positively to some brands than others. That’s why we list more than one type of hemp protein powder in this guide! Our goal is to give you opportunities to find the absolute best protein powder for your needs.
What are the Side Effects of Hemp Protein?
As with any supplement, there are always potential side effects. The possible side effects of hemp protein powder include, but aren’t limited to, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Fortunately, all-natural ingredients may help minimize the risk of side effects. It’s why we recommend so many different types of hemp protein powders made from all-natural ingredients.
Our goal is to help you minimize those side effects for an easy experience free of negative symptoms.
Everyone is different, so do keep in mind that these symptoms are normal. In some cases, they can even go away on their own. However, if you start developing side effects, it’s always good to consult with your physician or medical health professional.
Something to note is that some people may have allergies to hemp. Those who have allergies should avoid hemp protein powder altogether. Unfortunately, these users may not be able to experience the benefits that such a plant-based powder has to offer.
The Difference Between Whey & Hemp Protein Powder
It’s important to explain the difference between whey protein and hemp protein. In short, organic hemp seed protein is a plant-based protein powder. That makes it easier for the body to digest. It also makes it ideal for vegetarians and vegans that seek a protein supplement.
Meanwhile, whey is an animal-based protein. It’s not recommended for vegetarians, vegans, or users that are lactose-intolerant or have dairy allergies. Less than ideal, it’s easy to see why hemp protein is becoming so popular.
While hemp is lower in protein than whey, it contains more calcium, fiber, iron, and healthy fatty acids. Hemp is packed with phytonutrients and antioxidants that can’t otherwise be obtained from animal based whey.
Best Hemp Protein Powder FAQs
Still have questions? We have answers! Below, read through some of the most frequently asked questions related to the best hemp protein powders.
Can You Have Hemp Protein Every Day?
It’s safe to have hemp protein every day. Most people use one serving, but some take as many as four servings per day. It depends on your workout regimen, the protein content in the rest of your diet, and other variables. Make sure you talk to your physician about any concerns you have before starting.
Does Hemp Contain Gluten?
No, hemp doesn’t contain gluten. Therefore, hemp protein contains no gluten. However, be sure to check if the facility the hemp is processed in also processes gluten products. In this case, cross-contamination may occur. It’s good to note, however, that most facilities are gluten-free.
Is Hemp Protein Powder Better Than Whey?
Yes, many agree that hemp protein powder is better than whey protein powder because hemp is a complete protein. As such, it contains all nine essential amino acids, while whey protein powder is lacking in some.
While hemp may not have as high of a percentage of amino acids as its alternative, studies show a similar composition in protein sources like soy and egg whites. Interestingly, that makes hemp protein more nutritionally dense than its whey cousin.
Is Hemp Powder The Same As Protein Powder?
Yes, hemp powder is synonymous with hemp protein powder. However, it may be synonymous with other types of hemp supplements. Be sure to read the label carefully to confirm that the powder contains protein.
When Should I Take Hemp Protein Powder?
The goal for taking protein after a workout is to rebuild muscles and aid in recovery. People that use it after a workout should consume hemp powder within two hours after exercise. Drinking or consuming the powder within that timeframe helps aid in maximum recovery benefits.
How Much Hemp Protein Powder Should You Take?
Most people use one serving per day that they workout, while others may take as many as four servings per day. A typical serving of hemp protein powder is approximately 30 grams and at least 15 grams of protein. It depends on the protein content in the rest of your diet and your training level to determine how much protein powder you should consume.
Does Hemp Protein Help You Lose Weight?
Compared to other protein supplements, hemp protein is arguably lower in protein. However, it is higher in fiber. These two factors may benefit obese or overweight users, especially those trying to lose weight.
Is Hemp Protein Powder Anti-Inflammatory?
Because hemp shows anti-inflammatory properties, hemp protein powder may very well be anti-inflammatory. However, we don’t pretend to make medical claims in this guide, so you’ll need to test out the supplement for yourself to see if you experience anti-inflammatory properties.
Does Organic Hemp Protein Contain CBD?
No, even organic hemp protein powder isn’t likely to contain CBD. Since hemp seed protein is derived from hemp seeds, it contains little to no CBD or other cannabinoids. These hemp compounds primarily come from hemp flowers, otherwise known as the leaves of the hemp plant.
Can Hemp Protein Powder Be Detected With A Drug Test?
As hemp seeds contain little to no THC or other cannabinoids, and hemp protein powder is derived from hemp seeds, it shouldn’t be detected with a drug test. In some cases, THC may be found in the oil of a hemp seed. Since hemp protein supplements have even lower amounts than shelled hemp seeds, protein powder should not cause positive drug test results.
Can Hemp Powder Spoil?
Eventually, yes, hemp powder has the chance of spoiling. However, it takes significantly longer to spoil than its whey counterpart. The shelf life of hemp is a year, at minimum, as long as it’s stored in a cool, water-tight, dry space.