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Best Hemp Protein Powders

Updated March 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Bob's Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder
Bob's Red Mill
Hemp Protein Powder
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Top Brand
Bottom Line

Nutrient-rich hemp protein powder with a robust flavor that's perfect for adding to smoothies, shakes, and more.

Pros

Has 14 grams of protein per serving. Mixes well and contains fiber and iron for a healthful boost. Manufactured by a company that's known for producing superior products.

Cons

Texture is a little gritty. Bold flavor may not appeal to all consumers.

Best Bang for the Buck
Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Pro Fiber
Manitoba Harvest
Organic Hemp Pro Fiber
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For Sensitive Stomachs
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A gentle hemp protein powder that gives you increased energy and helps your digestive system function at its best.

Pros

Provides a solid 13 grams of protein per serving. Affordably priced. Won't upset your digestive system. Smooth powder that won't get chalky or gritty. Good source of omegas.

Cons

You need 4 tablespoons of powder per serving, so the container doesn't last very long.

Navitas Organics Organic Hemp Powder
Navitas Organics
Organic Hemp Powder
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

A vegan protein powder that helps you stay fuller for longer and gives your digestive system a boost.

Pros

13 grams of protein per serving. Great source of fiber, magnesium, iron, and essential fatty acids. Fine powder that doesn't clump. Mild taste that blends well with smoothies. Users have said it helps their digestive system.

Cons

Some users don't like the natural nutty taste when the powder isn't blended with other flavors.

Just Hemp Foods Hemp Protein + Fiber
Just Hemp Foods
Hemp Protein + Fiber
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Packed with Fiber
Bottom Line

Choose this affordable hemp protein if you like the idea of the high fiber content and don't mind that it's somewhat thick and gritty.

Pros

11 grams of protein per serving. Excellent source of fiber, as it contains 14 grams per serving. Reasonable price. Flavor is mild and somewhat nutty. Rich in omega fatty acids. Non-GMO. Low price.

Cons

Doesn't dissolve thoroughly. Texture is on the gritty side.

Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder
Nutiva
Organic Hemp Protein Powder
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Budget-Friendly
Bottom Line

A potent hemp protein powder at a bargain price, but it is a little gritty.

Pros

15 grams of protein per serving. Excellent value for the price. Mild flavor. Good source of fiber. No additives or added sugars. Goes well in a fruit smoothie. Keeps you feeling full for hours.

Cons

Has a gritty texture that some consumers find unpleasant.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Researched
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Buying guide for best hemp protein powders

It’s easy to add hemp protein to your diet, whether you’re a weightlifter looking for some extra protein or a vegetarian looking for new food options. In fact, as far as plant-based proteins go, few pack as much of a punch as hemp protein powder.

Before you commit to a particular hemp protein powder, however, there are some important factors to consider. The powder’s flavor and how well it blends with other ingredients are paramount since powder supplements can have a chalky texture. You’ll also want to determine the amount of protein and fiber you’d get per serving. Other factors to bear in mind include how the powder is processed, whether or not it’s organic, and the flavor options available.

The good news is, there are plenty of hemp protein options. Deciding on one without doing a massive taste test can be tricky, so we compiled this shopping guide to help inform your decision. Keep reading to learn more about this superfood and its many benefits.

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Hemp protein powder does not have side effects for healthy people. However, since it’s a high-protein substance, excessive consumption can lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Stay away from hemp protein powder if you have a hemp allergy. Consult a doctor if you’re pregnant.

Key considerations

Benefits of hemp

The hemp plant has been grown for thousands of years in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. While the hemp plant is a strain of the Cannabis sativa strain, hemp only contains trace amounts of THC. Therefore, hemp does not induce a high. It’s a popular substance for textiles, imitation plastics, paper, and even building materials. Hemp is also manufactured into milk, oil, and cheese substitutes.

Considered a superfood, hemp is packed with protein and fiber. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are both excellent sources of unsaturated fats. These nutrients boost heart and brain health, and they may even reduce inflammation. Though animal proteins are easier to digest than plant proteins, hemp is exceptionally digestible. Your body is easily able to get the most out of its nutrients.

It’s easy to add hemp protein powder to your diet. You can mix it into drinks like smoothies or add it during the cooking process. Refer to the protein powder’s packaging for information on how many scoops amount to a serving.

Organic and non-GMO

You derive the best benefits from pure, organically grown hemp. Organic hemp isn’t sprayed with harmful pesticides. Look for the USDA Certified Organic and non-GMO (genetically modified organism) labels on the package. Note that USDA-certified organic products are always non-GMO.

Cold-pressed and hexane-free

Hemp protein powder is a direct byproduct of cold pressing hemp seed oil. There are two primary methods of extracting oil from hemp seeds: cold-pressing and refined processing. Cold-pressed oil is extracted from hemp seeds at 40℉ or less. With refined processing, hemp seed oil is extracted at temperatures of 270℉ or higher.

Once the oil is removed from hemp seeds, the remaining substance is milled into a fine powder. Because hemp protein powder is generally made from cold-pressed hemp seeds, the powders retain all of hemp’s protein and fiber.

You’ll want to confirm that the hemp protein is hexane-free. Hexane is a synthetic solvent sometimes used in the extraction process for seeds and vegetable oils. It releases chemicals that are harmful to humans.

Fiber and protein content

Not all hemp protein powders are created equally. Take a peek at the fiber and protein levels per serving. A 30-gram serving can contain anywhere from 10 to 20 grams of protein and seven to eight grams of fiber. Hemp is naturally rich in both nutrients, though the amount can vary based on any added fibers and the way the hemp seeds are extracted.

Taste and texture

Hemp protein powder can be described as earthy and mildly nutty or grassy, not too different from wheatgrass. It’s a particular taste that may be off-putting to some, but mixing the powder in a smoothie or yogurt can mask the taste. Hemp protein powder tends to be grittier than other protein powders since it’s less refined. You probably don’t want to stir it into plain water or a thin liquid since its texture may remain rather sandy. 

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Did you know?
Hemp’s protein content stimulates hair and skin growth, regulates blood sugar, and even regulates your metabolism.
STAFF
BestReviews

Features

Flavor

Like other protein powders, hemp protein comes in flavors. Common ones include vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter. If you find that you dislike the taste of hemp, flavored protein powders may be a preferable option. Be wary, since flavoring adds extra sugar and calories.

Hemp protein powder prices

Hemp protein powders usually fall between $5 and $35. Factors like organic quality, size, and fiber and protein content affect the price.

Inexpensive: You can actually find quite a few hemp protein powders in the $5 to $15 range. It helps that hemp is not particularly expensive to produce compared to some other plant-based proteins. Powders in this price range arrive in 16-ounce containers and are generally unflavored.

Mid-range: Hemp protein powders between $15 and $25 may include additional superfoods like chia and pea protein. They likely have USDA and non-GMO certifications and may include more servings with a 16- to 24-ounce container.

Expensive: Powders above $25 are likely bulk buys. In addition, they may be USDA certified organic, GMO-free, and include some flavor options. If you’re searching for a special kind of hemp protein powder (like one that has specific nutrients added) you may want to splurge. Overall, hemp protein powders are reasonably priced. 

"Despite being a cannabis strain, hemp powder is perfectly legal and safe to consume."
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • Since it contains fats, hemp protein powder should be refrigerated once it’s opened so it doesn’t go rancid.
  • The average adult requires 50 grams of protein daily. This number varies for athletes and bodybuilders. Though hemp is a wonderful protein source, it does include fats. For the diet-conscious, it’s a better idea to obtain half the needed protein from hemp and the rest from other sources.
  • It’s recommended to try a small amount of hemp protein before committing to a whole canister or bag of it. Some people find the taste unpleasant, while others become used to it over time.

Other products we considered

If you want some more options, we’re fans of Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder. This no-frills powder has one ingredient: hemp protein powder. The taste is rather mild and not as grainy as other brands. It goes nicely in yogurt and fruit smoothies. More importantly, the powder fills you up and works well for those on vegan diets. It provides a satisfying 14 grams of protein per serving.

We like Just Hemp Foods Protein Powder, too. This economical powder provides over 50% of your recommended fiber intake for the day. This brand is recommended for smoothies and pancakes since it’s thicker than others and won’t necessarily blend into simple, non-textured juices. Some product may settle at the bottom of a glass, but overall, it’s worth the price.

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Hemp is often compared to whey protein, another protein-heavy powder option. While whey has more protein, it’s a milk derivative and therefore is not vegan-friendly.

FAQ

Q. Does hemp protein expire?
A.
Hemp protein powder, like all protein powders, does expire. The expiration date is usually printed on the bottom of the canister or bag. It’s not recommended to consume hemp powder past the expiration date. If the powder is pale in color and smells bad, it’s gone rancid and should be thrown away.

Q. Will hemp protein powder cause me to fail a drug test?
A.
Hemp only contains trace amounts of THC, a small enough amount not to register on a drug test.

Q. Can hemp protein powder help you lose weight?
A. 
The fiber content in hemp protein is filling, which can be helpful in suppressing your appetite.

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