What Is The Best Hemp Protein Powder – A Protein Packed Superfood
If you are interested in a plant based protein powder, hemp is one of several vegan protein options available. Because there is a growing number of hemp powder competition and choices, it’s helpful to know, what is the best hemp protein powder?
Hemp continues to gain popularity because of its many holistic and healthful uses. Protein powders made from hemp sources are no exception to this. We will go over the key benefits that come from hemp powders and how to effectively use them.
What Is Hemp Protein Powder
To make hemp protein powder, first the oil is extracted from the hemp seeds to be used for other purposes. The remaining seed is processed into a powder.
About 50% of this powder is the actual pure protein. There are two closely related plants, hemp and marijuana. All protein powders come from the hemp plant. You can also purchase “hemp hearts” which are the shelled version of this seed.
Hemp Protein Powder Benefits
Protein powders are popular and nutritious supplements for those interested in better muscle tone, more muscle mass, weight loss or simply to get more nutrients in their diet.
The reason that hemp protein is so beneficial is that it’s very high in amino acid proteins and other nutrients while at the same time extremely low in calories, carbs, fats, and sugars.
⊕ Hemp contains the full gamma of essential amino acids
⊕ This type of plant based powder is one of the easiest to digest
⊕ It’s packed with antioxidants and considered a superfood
⊕ Rich in phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc and copper
⊕ Hemp is a high fiber protein
⊕ Contains heart healthy unsaturated fats
⊕ Rich in omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids
⊕ Strengthens the immune system
⊕ The fatty acids are beneficial for the skin
⊕ Considered a nutritionally complete food source
⇒ If you have any questions or comments on the benefits of hemp protein powder, please leave a message at the bottom of this page.
Hemp Protein for Muscle Building
This type of plant source protein can be effective for building muscle since it contains the entire 21 amino acid profile. However, it is not the most efficient type of protein for this.
Hemp protein powders tend to have lower amounts of amino acid proteins per serving. Because of this, it’s best to double up on servings for optimal post workout muscle repair and recovery. Although it’s not a huge deal, hemp protein contains lower levels of the amino acid lysine.
⇒ If you have any questions about what protein powders to use for building muscle, please leave a message at the bottom so I can help with this.
See the Best Protein Powders For Muscle Growth
Hemp Protein for Weight Loss
All low calorie, low sugar protein powders are excellent to use for weight loss. They are natural appetite suppressants that keep you feeling fuller for longer. Curbing the appetite also cuts down on snacking and larger meals.
Because hemp is high in fiber, it does an even better job at this. The other reason that hemp protein powder is great for weight loss is this filling nutrient is also low in calories and carbohydrates.
For best results, a protein powder can be used as a healthy high protein breakfast and also utilized whenever hungry instead of snacking.
What to Look for in a Hemp Protein Powder
The products in this review meet all of the requirements necessary to be one of the best hemp protein powders. Here are some qualities to look for.
Protein Quantity
Hemp protein sources are not the highest concentrated type of protein. Because of this, hemp powders are not recommended if your main goal is to build muscle mass. For better muscle growth, it is recommended to go with a mixed plant protein powder.
Look for a hemp powder with at least 8 grams per serving. The average quantity is between 8-15 grams except for the “protein max” selection below which is 30 grams per serving.
Fiber Quantity
The higher amounts of fiber in hemp is one of the biggest benefits from these powders Average fiber content is between 5-9 grams per serving. This high fiber can also be a negative at first since the body will sometimes take a few times to get used to this change.
Amount of Nutrients
Since a good hemp powder will be mainly made out of processed hemp seeds, the nutritional value should always be high. Hemp seeds naturally are high in minerals, healthy fats, antioxidant properties, and low in carbs and calories. Be sure your hemp powder has these qualities.
Value
Hemp protein is not an expensive powder to manufacture. Even with organic, non-GMO, and all natural ingredients they are still fairly reasonable. If you take the cost divided by the number of servings, the hemp powders in this review are only about $1.00 per serving.
What Is The Best Hemp Protein Powder
#1 Pick
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder
Price: $$
Container size: 15 servings
Protein Per Serving: 15 grams
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Manufacturer: Nutiva
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This cold-processed, Organic, non-GMO powder is on the higher side of protein for a hemp powder with 15 grams per serving. The unsweetened version contains only 9o calories and 1 gram of sugar.
Your body may take a few days to get used to the 8 grams of fiber. As all hemp powders, this is a great source of omega 3’s, bioactive globulin protein, and antioxidants. Nutiva Hemp Powder contains 3 grams of fat and 9 grams of carbs. It’s also a source of potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
The flavored version is sweetened with organic coconut sugar, stevia, and flavored with organic vanilla. There are no fillers or added ingredients, just pure organic hemp protein.
Nutiva Positives
- 15 grams of protein
- 90 calories for unsweetened
- 100% organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free
- Omega 3’s and antioxidants
- 8 grams of fiber
- Source of several minerals
Potential Negatives
- High fiber will take getting used to
Best Price on Nutiva Hemp Protein
Highest Protein Content
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! – Max Protein
Price: $$
Container size: 28 servings
Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: Manitoba Harvest
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
We like this one because it has one of the highest quantities of protein per serving. Hemp powders typically contain between 8-15 grams per serving, but max protein has 20.
Max protein contains 6 carbs, 2 grams of natural sugars, 6 grams of fats, and 3 grams of fiber. It is 100% organic, vegan, all natural, and non-GMO. 4.5 grams is a high amount for omega 3’s and 6’s.
This energy boosting powder is unflavored and contains just organic hemp protein concentrate and natural oregano extract. The vanilla flavor uses 5 grams of organic coconut sugar as the sweetener.
Hemp Yeah also makes a variety of other choices. These include “max fiber” and “balanced protein and fiber”.
Hemp Yeah Positives
- 9 grams of protein
- 140 calories
- 4.5 grams of omega 3 and 6
- 6 grams of healthy fats
- 3 grams of fiber
- Several minerals and antioxidants
Potential Negatives
- Lower in fiber
Best Price on Hemp Yeah!
Made In USA
EVO Hemp Protein Powder
Price: $
Container size: 15 servings
Protein Per Serving: 15 grams
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Hemp Health LLC
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
EVO hemp protein is a high protein, quality powder that is made in the USA. It contains 15 grams of protein per serving, 7 grams of fiber, 3 grams of healthy fats, and 8 grams of carbs.
This powder contains 2.6 grams of omega 3’s and 6’s. This is unflavored, with no fillers, and only contains raw hemp protein. These raw enzymes support good digestion and absorption.
It contains 1 gram of natural sugar and is loaded with minerals. Like most hemp powders, EVO is all-natural, gluten free, and non-GMO.
Evo Hemp Positives
- 15 grams of protein per serving
- 120 calories
- 7 grams of high fiber
- Omega 3’s, 6’s and minerals
- Raw enzymes for digestion
- All natural, no fillers, only hemp protein
Potential Negatives
- Not organic
Best Price on EVO Hemp Protein
Best Hemp Seed Hearts
Now Foods Organic Hemp Seed Hearts
Price: $
Container size: 15 servings
Protein Per Serving: 15 grams
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Nutiva
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Here is a little different twist on hemp protein. These hemp seed hearts are hulled and can be eaten raw, ground, salted, baking, or added as a topping. They have a nutty flavor so it can be used as a nutritional substitute for nuts.
They are easily digestible, and like the hemp powders, come with a high concentration of omega 3’s and 6’s. Now Foods Hemp is vegan, non-GMO, and all natural.
It is lower in fiber than hemp powders, are much higher in healthy fats and low in carbs.
Hemp Seed Heart Positives
- 10 grams of protein
- 180 calories
- Concentrated in Omega 3’s and 6’s
- High in iron
- 15 grams of healthy fat
- No cholesterol, no sodium
- Zero grams of sugar
Potential Negatives
- Not in powder form
- Low fiber
Best Price on Organic Hemp Heart Seeds
How Much THC Is in Hemp Protein Powders
Unlike marijuana, hemp contains trace levels of THC (a psychoactive drug). It’s low enough that you should be able to pass a drug test even when eating high quantities of hemp products.
Hemp contains less than 0.3% of THC as marijuana plants. Studies have shown that up to .67 pounds of hemp seeds per day won’t interfere with a drug test.
When and How Much to Take
Hemp protein powders usually come unsweetened and have an earthy taste. Because of this you may want to mix them with a smoothie or almond milk rather than water. Some may find this hemp flavor too strong otherwise.
An average person with a sedentary lifestyle needs at least 0.3 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. If you are an active adult, it is recommended to get double this amount.
For weight loss, a good recommendation is to take one serving for breakfast and another sometime during the day when hunger strikes. More protein powder is not necessarily better when it comes to weight loss.
Your goal may be to build muscle mass. If so, it is recommended to get at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. You may need to double up on hemp servings to help maintain this high quantity of protein. Hemp protein powders tend to contain lower amounts of protein per serving than most.
See the Best Organic Protein Powders
Hemp Protein Blends
If one of your goals is to build more muscle mass, it’s best to consume higher protein quantities for post workout for muscle recovery. If this is a priority for you as well as remaining vegan, the best type of powder will be from mixed plant proteins.
Many mixed plant proteins do contain hemp, but they are also blended with other sources such as pea, soy, quinoa, and various seed proteins. When blending plant sources, this enables them to have a higher amino acid profile and be a more well rounded powder.
⇒ If you have any questions or comment on mixed plant protein powders, please leave a message at the bottom and I will respond.
Potential Hemp Protein Powder Side Effects
Any protein powders should be taken in moderation, and whole foods should be eaten whenever possible. Too much protein powder can result in kidney issues or dehydration. Consult with your doctor if you have preexisting conditions.
A potentially healthy side effect comes from hemp protein being high in fiber. This could cause discomfort, gas, or bloating in some, especially for the first couple of times it is used.
Conclusion
Hemp protein is a complete, nutritious powder that packs antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats all in one package.
The powders listed in this review are well known, high quality products. If I had to pick one, it would be the Nutiva Hemp Protein. This organic superfood has a higher than average quantity of protein as well as being high in fiber, antioxidants, and minerals.
A good protein powder offers the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight and retaining muscle, getting additional omega 3’s, 6’s, and minerals, as well as lowering cholesterol for heart health.
⇒ If you have any questions or comments on what is the best hemp protein powder, please leave a message below and I will respond.
See the Best Vegan Protein Powders
