You may be a bodybuilder, athlete, or fitness enthusiast that wants to add protein powder to your program. That’s a smart move. Or you may be following a program to lose weight and feel you need more protein. Again, smart move.
If you’re vegan, you will not want whey or other protein powders from animal sources.
Why not use hemp protein powder? You can go one step farther and make it organic hemp protein powder.
Either way, hemp protein from hemp seeds is one of the best plant proteins available. It’s easy to digest. Also, it’s high in dietary fiber and omega essential fatty acids. Finally, it’s a complete protein.
Not to mention, you can bake with it. So much so, that you may never have to drink a shake every day again.
This guide will review the best hemp protein powders you can buy. Ready? Let’s go!
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
No products found.
Best Hemp Protein Powder
- Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder – Best Overall
- Lean Hemp Protein Powder – Best For Endurance Athletes
- Earth Circle Organics Hemp Protein Powder – Best For Bodybuilding
- Pure Supplements 100% Hemp Protein Powder – Best Texture
- Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Powder – Best For Keto
- Aloha Organic Protein Powder – Best Protein Blend
- Bulksupplements.com Hemp Protein Powder – Best Bulk Size
- Just Hemp Foods Hemp Protein Powder + Fiber – Best High Fiber
- Sunwarrior Hemp Protein – Best Easily Digested Protein
- Sunfood Super Foods Raw Hemp Protein – Best Value-Conscious
- Navitas Organic Hemp Protein Powder – Best Organic
- Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder – Best For Baking
- Nature’s Way EFAGold Hemp Protein & Fiber – Best For Healthy Fats
Reviews – The Best Hemp Protein Powders
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder – Best Overall
No products found.
Here’s our pick for the best hemp protein powder. Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder provides 15g of only one ingredient: pure organic protein from hemp seeds.
Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder also has 8g total carbs with 1g sugar. Fat is 3g and fiber is 6g. It’s also a good source of omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids.
Plus, there’s zero sodium, and it’s high in both potassium and magnesium.
You can mix Nutiva in milk, water, or the beverage of your choice. Plus, you can bake with it. Nutiva Hemp Protein is USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and certified vegan.
In fact, if your goal is to lose weight, this protein is ideal. Use it for vegan, Paleo, Keto, and other low-carb diets.
Finally, it’s Climate Pledge Friendly. That means these products are certified sustainable and have committed to preserving nature.
PROS
- 15 Grams Of Organic Hemp Seed Protein
- Only One Ingredient
- Contains Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Texture Is Too Grainy
Lean Hemp Protein Powder – Best For Endurance Athletes
No products found.
Lean Hemp Protein Powder is an ideal choice for endurance athletes. That’s because one serving provides 20g of hemp protein and 26g of total carbs. With only 8g of coconut sugar, the carbs are slow-burning. This helps fuel endurance events.
Other ingredients include maca root powder and natural flavoring.
Many powders are unflavored. This hemp protein powder is available in two delicious flavors: chocolate maca and peanut butter maca flavor.
Lean Hemp Protein powder comes from hemp seeds. It’s 100% organic, vegan, and non-GMO.
Finally, it’s higher in omega fatty acids than other protein powders.
PROS
- 20 Grams Of Protein From Hemp Seeds
- Certified Vegan And Organic
- 26g Of Carbs For Endurance Athletes
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Texture Is Gritty
Earth Circle Organics Hemp Protein Powder – Best For Bodybuilding
No products found.
This is another certified organic hemp protein. Earth Circle Organics Hemp Powder supplies 19g of protein. The high protein content makes this the best hemp protein powder for bodybuilding.
The protein comes from hulled hemp seeds. In fact, the only ingredient is raw hemp seeds.
There are only 4g of total carbs and 6g of fat. Also, this hemp protein powder is high in potassium and a good source of iron. Both minerals are important for bodybuilders and other active individuals.
Earth Circle Organics Hemp Powder is vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO. It is a cruelty-free product and lab tested for purity, potency, and quality.
This is an unflavored powder. Unlike other hemp powders, this dissolves quickly in the liquid of your choice. Use it in your shake or smoothie. Or, you can add it to your oatmeal.
Finally, it can replace up to 25% of the flour you use for baking. That means you can bake anything you want using this protein powder. That works well for bodybuilding since you can increase your protein intake by adding this to your recipes.
PROS
- 19 Grams Of Protein Per Serving
- Contains No Other Ingredients
- Blend It Or Add It To Hot Cereal – Ideal For Baking
CONS
- Some Users Feel It Needs To Be Mixed With Something That Masks The Taste
Pure Supplements 100% Hemp Protein Powder – Best Texture
No products found.
Here’s a hemp protein powder with a very smooth texture. Combined with the naturally mild nutty flavor of hemp, and this works well in any shake or recipe.
Pure Supplements 100% Hemp Protein Powder contains 15g of protein. Hemp protein is the only ingredient.
Plus, there are 6g of total carbs but 5g of fiber, and 4.5g of fat. That makes it a good source of omega fatty acids. Like other hemp protein powders, this product is high in potassium. It’s also high in zinc.
Finally, it mixes up well for shakes or smoothies.
PROS
- 100% Pure Hemp Protein – The Only Ingredient
- 15 Grams Per Serving
- Good Source Of Potassium And Zinc
CONS
- Some Users Feel It Doesn’t Mix Well For Shakes
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Powder – Best For Keto
No products found.
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Powder contains only two ingredients. There’s organic hemp protein concentrate and natural oregano extract.
One serving provides 20g of protein. Plus, at 2g, this is a very low-carb powder. That makes it ideal for the Keto diet and other low-carb weight-loss diets.
Also, there’s 6g of healthy fat. This includes the omega fatty acids. Plus, this powder is low in sodium and high in potassium.
If there is a downside, the description states that this protein blends hemp protein and pea protein. Yet the label clearly states organic hemp protein only.
Even so, Hemp Yeah! Max Protein Powder is a pure protein that can be used in shakes and smoothies. Plus, you can add it to various foods. Yet the description does not say you can use it for baking.
This is a vegan, certified organic, non-GMO product. It’s also a Climate Pledge Friendly product.
PROS
- Provides 20 Grams Of Protein
- Keto/Low Carb Friendly
- Certified Vegan And Organic
CONS
- Some Users Complain The Powder Is Clumpy When Mixing
Aloha Organic Protein Powder – Best Protein Blend
No products found.
One serving of organic Aloha Protein Powder provides 18g of complete protein per serving. This is a blend of plant-based protein sources. The blend consists of pea protein, plus protein from brown rice, hemp, and pumpkin seed.
There are 9g total carbs with 4g sugar but 5g fiber. There’s also 5g of fat. Unlike most hemp protein powders, this one is high in sodium.
One serving will give you 320mg. Part of the reason for this is the added sea salt. This type of salt is high in minerals and other nutrients.
This product has more ingredients than the other hemp protein powders in this guide. Still, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. There are zero artificial ingredients.
Aloha Protein Powder is available in various flavors. You can mix it up for a delicious shake, add it to a smoothie or mix it in with your yogurt.
PROS
- 18 Grams Of Pea, Brown Rice, Hemp, And Pumpkin Seed Blend Per Serving
- Low Carb – Low Fat
- Delicious Flavors
CONS
- Some Users Do Not Like Every Flavor
Bulksupplements.com Hemp Protein Powder – Best Bulk Size
No products found.
Here’s a hemp protein that’s available in large, “bulk” sizes. Bulksupplements.com Hemp Seed comes in a big 11lb size.
It is also available in smaller sizes, such as a 2.2lb size. This powder contains 15g of protein from hemp seeds. There are 6g total carbs, 5g fiber, and 4.5g fat.
Like most hemp protein powders, this product supplies omega fatty acids. The only ingredient is hemp seed protein.
Bulksupplements.com Hemp Seed Protein is vegan, lab-verified, and 3rd party quality tested.
Like several others in this guide, this is a Climate Pledge Friendly product.
PROS
- Available In An 11lb Bulk Size Container
- 15 Grams Of Protein
- Climate Pledge Friendly Product
CONS
- Some Users Don’t Like The Texture
Just Hemp Foods Hemp Protein Powder + Fiber – Best High Fiber
No products found.
Here’s a Hemp Protein Powder that’s high in fiber. Just Hemp Foods Hemp Protein Powder + Fiber supplies 11g of hemp protein per serving. That’s the only ingredient.
There’s 13g of fiber with 14g of total carbs. This is lower in protein than other products in this guide. Yet fiber provides several health benefits. One benefit is that it supports weight loss.
Just Hemp Foods Hemp Protein is also sodium-free. Like other unflavored hemp protein powders, this has a nutty taste.
You can mix this powder into shakes and smoothies. Add it to your cereal or yogurt. Or you can bake with it.
In fact, there’s a pancake recipe on the back of the container.
PROS
- 11 Grams Of Protein In One Serving – 13 Grams Of Fiber
- Hemp Protein Powder Is The Only Ingredient
- Drink It or Bake With It
CONS
- Lower In Protein Than Most Other Hemp Protein Powders
Sunwarrior® Hemp Protein – Best Easily Digested Protein
No products found.
One serving of Sunwarrior® Hemp Protein contains 15g of protein from organic hemp seeds. Like many powders in this guide, there’s only one ingredient. The organic hemp seeds are ground to a fine powder. It’s a whole-food, plant-based protein powder.
Plus, this Hemp protein powder is vegan, non-GMO, and certified USDA organic. It also provides 6g of fiber, 8g of total carbs, and 3.5g of fat. It’s an ideal source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
You can use Sunwarrior® Hemp Protein in a shake or add it to your favorite smoothie. It’s a clean formula with a natural nutty flavor. The product description does not say you can use it for baking.
Still, you can sprinkle it on cereal or yogurt. Finally, this hemp protein supplies all the health benefits of hemp hearts. Since it’s flavorless, it will not conflict with the flavors of what you’re adding it to.
PROS
- 15 Grams Of Hemp Protein Per Serving
- Certified Organic – Vegan
- Many Users Enjoy The Natural Nutty Taste
CONS
- A Few Users Complain About The Texture
Sunfood Super Foods Raw Hemp Protein – Best Value-Conscious
No products found.
Here’s our pick for the best value-conscious Hemp Protein Powder. Sunfood Super Foods Raw Hemp Protein supplies 15g of protein per serving. This hemp powder is certified organic, non-GMO, and vegan. It’s also gluten-free and kosher.
Organic hemp protein is the only ingredient. This has a profile similar to most other hemp proteins. With 8g total carbs and 7g fiber, there are only 1g net carbs.
It’s also high in omega fatty acids and high in potassium. Sodium content is very low.
This is another hemp protein powder that does not claim you can use it for baking. Still, you can add it to hot cereal or yogurt. Also, it’s great in a shake and smoothie. Plus, you can mix it with any beverage.
Finally, Sunfood Super Foods Raw Hemp Protein is a Climate Pledge Friendly product.
PROS
- 15 Grams Of Organic Hemp Seed Protein
- USDA Organic
- Good Value
CONS
- Some Users Feel The Nutrition Information On The Container Is Different From The Amazon Description
Navitas Organics Hemp Powder – Best Organic
No products found.
Advertised as plant-based protein, Navitas Organics Hemp Powder supplies 13g of certified organic hemp protein for one serving. That’s the only thing that’s in this product.
Besides being USDA certified, 100% organic, and plant-based, this hemp protein powder is gluten-free. It’s also vegan, dairy-free, and kosher. Plus, it’s sourced from organic non-GMO Canadian farms.
In addition, it’s certified B corp. That means Navitas operates according to specific standards of environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Finally, Navitas is a complete protein. Use it in any recipe, in a smoothie, or in a shake.
PROS
- Pure Hemp Protein Powder
- 13 Grams Per Serving
- Organic – USDA Certified
- Vegan And Gluten-Free
CONS
- Not For Value-Minded Users
Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder – Best For Baking
No products found.
Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder contains only one ingredient. Each serving provides 14g of pure hemp protein powder. Hemp seed is a plant-based protein rich in amino acids.
This hemp protein powder blends well. It can be used in smoothies, shakes, or added to oatmeal and yogurt. You can also make up protein pancakes. Or use it in baked goods. In fact, there is a recipe on the package for oatmeal cookies. From there, you can go to a website for countless more baking ideas.
Bob’s Red Mill Protein has a little more protein than other powders in this guide. That means it is a good choice for any active individual. This helps users meet their daily protein intake.
PROS
- Only One Ingredient
- 14 g per Serving – More Than Many Of The Protein Powders In This Guide
- Add It To Any Recipe Or Make Up A Shake
CONS
- Not Organic
Nature’s Way EFAGold Hemp Protein & Fiber – Best For Healthy Fats
No products found.
Nature’s Way Hemp Protein & Fiber contains 11g of hemp protein. The only ingredient in this hemp protein supplement is the hemp powder that’s been ground up from hemp seeds.
Nature’s Way Hemp Protein & Fiber also provides 13 g of total fiber. Of that number, 11g is insoluble fiber.
Plus, there is 2g of EFAs from omega 3, 6, and 9. Unlike typical protein powder ingredients, this organic hemp protein powder has a high content of healthy, good fats.
Finally, the protein content may be a little low for some users. Still, this is a complete overall organic hemp protein powder.
PROS
- Hemp Powder With EFAs
- 11g Grams Of Protein Per Scoop
- High Fiber Content
CONS
- The Protein Content May Be Too Low For Some Users
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Hemp Protein Powder?
What Is Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp protein powder consists of hemp seeds ground into a fine powder. It’s from the Cannabis Sativa plant. It should be noted that hemp protein has no psychoactive properties. You won’t get high from using it.
Hemp is a high-quality, plant-based, vegan protein source. It has a good nutrient profile, and it’s a complete protein. You can use the same as any other protein powder. It digests easily, and it’s high in fiber and omega fatty acids.
Are all hemp powders organic? The answer is no. Normal hemp powder is not always organic. The type you buy is a matter of personal preference.
Also, it’s one of the better protein sources for baking. Most of the powders in this guide advertise their use in any recipe.
Protein – The Most Important Macronutrient
As you may know, protein is one of the three macronutrients. The other two are, of course, carbohydrates and fats. These are the sources of calories that provide energy and nutrients for your body to function.
A calorie is a unit of energy. Also, the food sources that make up the macronutrients are sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients. These are known as micronutrients.
Why is protein the most important? Our bodies are 60% water. Next, they consist of protein and other compounds.
One of the components of protein is amino acids. There are 22 and they are attached together as peptide bonds. These peptide bonds create a sequence or chain. Our bodies use amino acids in hundreds of different chains every single day. This process never stops and is responsible for hundreds of different functions in the body.
Of these 22 amino acids, there are nine essential amino acids. That means you have to get them from your diet and supplements. Essential amino acids are critical to your health.
As an example of this, the three Branched Chain Amino Acids are among the nine essential amino acids. One of the BCAAs is leucine, the most anabolic of any amino acid.
What happens if you don’t ingest enough leucine? Put in simple terms, muscle growth stops. The reason is that it’s required for protein synthesis. That’s why eating protein foods and ingesting a good protein powder makes sense for bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts.
The best hemp protein powders contain all the nonessential and essential amino acids. The protein content of hemp protein powder helps you meet your daily requirements.
Of course, you should get as much protein as you can from real food. What you can’t get from food should come from a powder, such as a hemp protein shake.
The convenience of a powder can’t be beat. (1, 2)
The Benefits Of Hemp Protein Powder
All protein provides the following benefits:
- Promotes Muscle Growth
- Stimulates Protein Synthesis
- Supports Recovery
- Preserves Muscle During Periods Of Calorie Restriction
- Supports The Immune System
- Supports Skin, Nails, And Hair
Hemp Protein Powder provides the following specific benefits:
- It’s A Vegan Protein
- Good Amino Acid Profile – Especially The Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)
- It’s High In Fiber
- It’s High In Omega Fatty Acids
- It’s High In Potassium
What You Should Look For When Considering A Hemp Protein Powder
Here’s what to look for when considering the best hemp protein powders:
High-Quality Ingredients
Most hemp protein powders only contain one ingredient. A few, such as Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder contains more.
Always read the ingredients so you know exactly what you are getting. There should be zero artificial ingredients. Most hemp protein powders are all-natural, and several are certified organic.
Flexibility
As noted, you can mix hemp protein powders up in a shake. We have looked at the flexible baking options of the products in this guide.
Just Foods Hemp Protein Powder + Fiber has a recipe right on the label. The ability to bake with hemp protein powder, and add it to any food or recipe, set it apart from other protein supplements.
Read The Nutrient Profile
Always read the nutrient profile. What is the total protein content? How about the grams of protein per advertised serving?
Also, look at the amino acid profile. What about the essential amino acid content?
Total carbs and sugar should be offset by dietary fiber. If you deduct dietary fiber from total carbs, you get net carbs.
Most hemp protein powders are very low in carbs. They’re also low in sodium. The only exception is Aloha Protein Powder. It has more sodium because Aloha adds sea salt, a more nutritious form of sodium.
FAQs
Are There Any Side Effects?
Like any protein powder, the only side effect of hemp protein powder may be gastric discomfort. Also, if you have any allergies, check the label before using it.
What If I Have A Drug Test?
There is nothing in a hemp protein powder that can have a negative effect on a drug test. It is not a psychoactive drug.
Will I Get High Using Hemp Protein Powder?
As noted above, hemp protein powder does not have any psychoactive properties. That means that, no, you will not get high.
How Does Hemp Compare To Whey Protein?
Both whey protein and hemp protein are high-quality protein supplements. The main differences are digestion speed, and whether or not the source fits in with your lifestyle.
Some users will always go with whey protein powder. This will be based on quality and speed of digestion. Also, it will be due to the higher grams of protein per scoop you can get with whey.
On the other hand, the best hemp protein supplements are organic, vegan, and fit in well with the vegan lifestyle. If what you eat matters to you, and you’ve made the choice to consume non-animal products, including dairy, hemp protein powder is the way to go.
Finally, many hemp protein powders blend hemp with pea protein and other plant proteins. Also, the best hemp protein powders are organic non-GMO, gluten-free, and contain zero artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Is Hemp Protein Powder Good For Losing Weight?
Like any protein powder, hemp protein can help users lose weight. Hemp provides a healthy, low-calorie protein source. You can preserve muscle and keep calories down while meeting daily protein intake.
Is Hemp Protein Good For Building Muscle?
Also like any good protein powder, hemp can help build muscle. It depends on the goal. If muscle mass is your goal, you will be eating and training accordingly.
Muscle means a higher protein intake. The best hemp protein powder provides the extra protein you need. Plus, hemp is a pure source of protein.
How To Use Hemp Protein Powder
Read the label before you begin mixing hemp protein powder. Of course, hemp protein powder supplements can be used as a shake or in a smoothie. It should be noted that you can’t mix hemp protein powder good enough in a shaker. It typically does not dissolve well in water or liquid.
Use a blender and add water, almond milk, or other liquid. It may take a few moments to satisfactorily dissolve. That’s why many users add it to food.
Remember, hemp protein has a natural nutty flavor. You can also do a lot of baking with hemp protein powder. The label may have a website address that lists recipes. Also, you can sprinkle it on foods such as yogurt, cereal, or salads.
As an example, if you use Earth Circle Organics Hemp Powder for baking, you can replace 25% of your flour with this powder.
Some powders, such as Aloha Organic Protein Powder, come in various standard flavors. These include vanilla and chocolate.
We have seen that hemp protein powder is good for both muscle growth and weight loss. Here’s the best way to use hemp protein powder for both goals.
For Building Muscle
One of the best times to take protein is right after your workout.
Protein sources such as hemp protein powder, especially when mixed with carbs, have several benefits when taken right after your training session. These include the following:
- Increased Protein Synthesis Stimulation
- Glycogen Replenishment
- Enhanced Recovery
- Reduced DOMS (Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness)
As well, for maximum muscle-building benefits, consume your hemp protein powder first thing in the morning. Also, right before bed. This will ensure a constant inflow of amino acids for recovery and muscle growth.
For Weight Loss
As we have seen above, timing plays a big role in protein consumption. If weight loss is your goal, timing comes into play here as well.
Drink your hemp protein powder first thing in the morning and right after a workout. The key here, along with the reasons listed above, is muscle preservation.
Calorie restriction means less protein and fewer carbohydrates. This in turn can lead to a glycogen-depleted state. If no carbs are coming in, your body may use protein to meet metabolic needs.
The key is to keep protein high by adding hemp protein. Also, do your cardio on an empty stomach to burn fat.
The other key is to take in carbs during the hours around your resistance training, so your muscles have enough fuel.
Conclusion
The best hemp protein powder can help you meet your daily protein requirements by providing an organic, pure, premium quality protein source. It’s easy to up your protein intake with protein from the hemp plant.
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder supplies 15g of protein per serving. Hemp protein is the only ingredient. It can be used as a shake, in your smoothies, or to bake with. It’s also a Climate Pledge Friendly product.
Would you prefer a vegan plant-based protein powder? Then Aloha Organic Protein Powder is the ideal choice. One serving supplies 18g of a special blend of plant-based protein. This blend consists of pea, brown rice, hemp, and pumpkin seed.
Finally, do you want a powder you can primarily bake with? Earth Circle Organics Hemp Protein Powder is a good choice. Remember, this powder can replace 25% of your flour. That means you can bake anything with it.
The best hemp protein powder is the one that meets your needs the most. Use our guide to find the right choice!
References:
1. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/howgeneswork/protein
2. Tarnopolsky, M. A., MacDougall, J. D., & Atkinson, S. A. (1988, January). Influence of protein intake and training status on nitrogen balance and lean body mass. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3356636
