What are some of the best pea protein powders?

Share on Pinterest

This article discusses pea protein in more detail and suggests some pea protein powders that people may consider trying.

Quick links

• Best flavored isolate pea protein: Naked Nutrition Naked Pea
• Best vegan option: Orgain Organic Protein
• Best pea and vitamin blend: Vega One All-In-One Shake
• Best unflavored isolate pea protein: Now Sports Organic Pea Protein
• Best organic blend: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best for digestion: Nutrasumma Fermented Pea Protein
• Best for easy absorption: Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Chocolate
• Best organic, non-GMO option: Sunwarrior Warrior Blend

What is pea protein powder?

Peas are a suitable protein source, and pea protein powder makes these proteins convenient and accessible. Pea protein is relatively easy for the body to digest and use, making it a popular vegetable protein choice.

There are several varieties of pea protein powder on the market. These include:

• Pea protein isolate: This type removes most of the other compounds in peas, leaving only the protein behind.
• Pea protein concentrate: This variety may still contain other compounds of peas but still has a high protein content.
• Pea protein hydrolysates: Hydrolysates are products that use specific processes to partially break down the protein, such as through heat, acid, or enzymes.

Why might a person take it?

Some people may choose to add pea protein powder to their diet as a supplement if they feel they do not get enough protein from their diet alone.

Getting enough protein may also help keep the body full, so individuals looking to lose weight or cut calories may look to protein sources to help keep them full.

For athletes and those who exercise regularly, pea protein powder may be a helpful alternative to other options, such as whey protein, which comes from cow’s milk.

Some people, such as those severely lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, do not tolerate whey.

As a plant-based product, pea protein is also suitable for vegan diets. It is also free of most common allergens.

Effectiveness

Most vegetable protein powders, such as pea, are not complete by themselves, meaning they do not contain all nine essential amino acids.

A 2019 review notes the importance of making vegetable proteins higher in quality, either by blending them with other protein sources to complete the amino acid profile or supplementing them with other sources, such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Doing so may create a complete, high-quality protein.

Many companies do mix pea protein with other protein sources to provide all amino acids.

When it comes to the pea protein’s effectiveness, it may produce similar results to other standards for protein, such as whey.

A 2019 study found that after 8 weeks of use on similar high-intensity training schedules, participants who took either whey or pea protein had similar outcomes regarding muscle thickness, strength, and body composition.

This indicates that pea is an effective protein. However, this was a smaller study, and researchers need to conduct more studies to support these results.

Similarly, a 2020 systematic review notes that plant and animal protein sources have comparable effects.

Side effects

Most people tolerate pea protein powder well in the correct doses.

Some individuals may experience side effects when taking pea protein powder. This may be more likely if the person takes very high doses of protein. Side effects may include digestive issues, such as:

• gas
• bloating
• constipation
• diarrhea

Some companies will also include enzymes or other processes to reduce these symptoms.

How to use

Most pea protein options are simple to use by following the instructions on the label. Consuming more than the recommended amount of pea protein powder may increase the risk of side effects and digestive upset.

Typically, a person will mix a scoop of the pea protein powder with water or a milk substitute, shake, then consume the beverage. They may also add it to foods such as porridge. Individuals may have one or two protein shakes a day, usually before, during, or after a workout.

Best pea protein powders

Many pea protein powders are available to buy. Below, we list eight products that people may wish to try.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All product information is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Naked Nutrition Naked Pea

Best flavored isolate pea protein

Naked Nutrition offers a simple pea protein isolate made from raw yellow peas.

The unflavored product contains no other ingredients, though it also comes in both chocolate and vanilla flavor.

According to the company, Naked Pea is soy-, gluten-, and dairy-free and contains no genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The Naked Nutrition Naked Pea is available to purchase online for around $55.

Orgain Organic Protein

Best vegan option

Orgain Organic Protein provides an organic plant-based protein blend, which may be suitable for many diets. The protein blend also reportedly includes protein from brown rice and chia seed.

According to the company, the product is vegan and gluten-, soy-, and lactose-free.

The Orgain Organic Protein is available to purchase online for around $32 for a one-time purchase. Alternatively, the company operates a subscription service with discounts.

Vega One All-In-One Shake

Best pea and vitamin blend

Vega One All-In-One plant-based protein powder combines pea protein with a blend of fruits and vegetables to deliver extra nutrients.

According to the company, the product also contains vitamin K, vitamin A, and iron.

The Vega One All-In-One Shake is available to purchase online for around $34.

Now Sports Organic Pea Protein

Best unflavored isolate pea protein

Now Sports Organic Pea Protein is an isolated pea protein made from organic yellow peas.

It contains no other ingredients and may suit people looking for a pure option or who wish to create their own blends.

According to the company, this product is USDA-certified organic and verified non-GMO.

Now Sports Organic Pea Protein is available to purchase online for around $21.

KOS Organic Plant Protein

Best organic blend

KOS Organic Plant Protein powder chocolate flavor contains a protein blend made from organic peas, as well as pumpkin seed protein, quinoa, and seeds of both flax and chia.

According to the company, this product also contains a blend of fruits and vegetables, providing other nutrients and vitamins.

KOS Organic Plant Protein is available to purchase online for around $20.

Nutrasumma Fermented Pea Protein

Best for digestion

Nutrasumma Fermented Pea Protein reportedly contains an isolated protein powder, which undergoes a fermenting process to help break down the amino acids and make them ready to digest.

This may be a suitable option for people who feel they do not digest pea protein isolate easily. Each serving delivers 20 grams (g) of protein with only 2 g of carbohydrates and no sugars.

According to the company, this product is non-GMO, vegan, and gluten- and dairy-free.

Nutrasumma Fermented Pea Protein is available to purchase online for around $24.

Chocolate Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein

Best for easy absorption

Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein utilizes a sprouting technique that the company claims activates ingredients to make them more bioavailable.

The blend also contains 12 other plant-based ingredients, which the company says helps create a complete and varied amino acid profile. The brand also says it includes a combination of raw probiotics and enzymes to break down the proteins further for easy absorption.

According to the company, this product is organic, non-GMO, dairy-free, and vegan.

Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Chocolate is available to purchase online for around $34.

Sunwarrior Warrior Blend

Best organic, non-GMO option

Sunwarrior Warrior Blend combines fermented pea protein with other plant proteins, such as hemp and goji berry. This reportedly creates a complete, easily digestible protein.

The product also contains coconut oil and acacia fiber, adding fats and fibers to the mix.

The company states that it uses organic and non-GMO ingredients when possible.

Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is available to purchase online for around $30.

Alternatives

There are many vegan-friendly and lactose-free protein sources on the market, including:

• hemp seeds
• chia seeds
• tofu
• Tempah
• lentils
• chickpeas
• quinoa

Learn more about plant-based foods high in protein.

Many companies will include a mix of these ingredients to complete the amino acid profile of a vegetable protein.

Find out more about vegan protein powders.

Summary

Pea protein powder offers a vegetable option for protein supplementation. Companies may mix pea protein with other vegetable sources to complete the essential amino acid profile, making it more beneficial to the body.

While protein powders can supplement a person’s protein intake, individuals should not use them to replace a healthy balanced diet. People should stop taking these supplements if they experience any side effects, such as stomach aches.