What’s up with all the talk about protein sources these days? For the longest time, when someone says protein, we think – meat and fish. Possibly next in line would be milk or cheese, or other dairy products.
Some argue that the best kind of protein derives from animal-based products, but it doesn’t mean that there aren’t other sources.
Our muscles demand that we eat protein. Fortunately, for all the vegetarians and vegans who keep hearing about how they can’t get enough protein from legumes and nuts, there are other ways to do so.
The hemp plant seems to be a gift that keeps on giving, all the way down to the seeds, which are a fantastic source of protein for not just vegans but also omnivores.
Quick Look at our Top Picks
In this article, we are going to go through our top five picks for the best hemp protein powder that you can buy and offer our recommendation. We’ll highlight the things that stand out regarding their quality, and we’ll take note of some of the drawbacks.
We’ll focus on the benefits and uses of hemp in general and what are some of the best ways you can incorporate it into your life.
In case you don’t have time on your hands to read this review, we’ll make it quick and easy for you here. Below you’ll find the list of best hemp protein powders, with our ranking provided.
Best Hemp Protein Powders:
1. Best Overall: Nutiva Organic Cold Processed Hemp Seed Protein Hi-Fiber
The Nutiva Organic Cold Processed Hemp Seed Protein Hi-Fiber is an excellent product that comes from Nutiva, a health food company which specializes in coconut and hemp, such as coconut oil and hemp seed supplements. This hemp seed protein powder is mainstream and very popular. It contains only pure hemp protein and no additives.
If you’re looking for a hemp protein powder that’s fit for weight loss, you’re in luck with the Nutiva because it is rich in fiber, and we all know that can be an issue when you change your diet.
It also has a comprehensive amino acid profile, which gives you an awesome kick for before and after workout.
All in all, this is a no-nonsense high-quality product that’s perfect for anyone looking to add plant-based protein to their diet.
The hi-fiber version of the Nutiva Hemp Protein contains 11g of protein per serving. There are also the regular variety and a chocolate flavored one. Each variety is available in three sizes.
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2. Editor’s Choice: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah!
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! is a powerful product that comes from Canadian company called Manitoba Harvest. Hemp is their singular focus, resulting in one of the highest-quality powders you can get.
What makes this hemp protein powder a game-changer is that it’s the world’s first hemp protein powder that’s water soluble. It’s the ideal companion for people on the go.
Even if all you have is a shaker cup and some water, you can have a delicious protein shake whenever you need it.
Apart from pure hemp protein, the only other ingredient in this product is natural plant extracts. It’s full of antioxidants, amino acids, iron, and has a substantial concentration of healthy fats.
It’s certified organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Paleo, and Kosher! Basically, this is the hemp protein for you, no matter who you are.
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3. Best Tasting: Nature’s Way EfaGold Hemp Protein & Fiber Powder
Nature’s Way Hemp Protein and Fiber Powder offers 11g of protein and 13g of fiber per serving from a completely organic source. That’s almost half your daily recommended fiber intake in just one serving of this powder.
It’s USDA organic, non-GMO and all that good stuff that you’d expect. But where this product really stands out is in the taste. Hemp powders tend to have a taste that takes getting used to but most people love the flavor of EfaGold from the first time they try it.
It’s also cold-milled, unrefined, and doesn’t contain any trans fats. There’s nothing in this product but organic hemp seeds, and only the finest hemp seeds at that.
This is the ideal hemp powder for your morning smoothies, but it doesn’t mix all that easily. If you don’t have a blender, it’s hard to get a smooth texture with this one.
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4. Budget Option: Navitas Organics Hemp Powder
Navitas Organics is a California-based company that focuses on making products from minimally processed superfoods. Their Navitas Organics Hemp Powder is gluten-free, sugar-free, and non-GMO.
It also contains 13g of protein and 7g of fiber per serving. They use a cold-milling process to ensure that the hemp retains as much of its nutrients as possible. The result is a hemp powder with impressive doses of iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Cold pressing is also a way to remove most of the oils from hemp seeds. The remaining powder is low in fat but high in protein, in fact, a full 50% protein by weight! That’s more than most other options.
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5. Most Protein Per Serving: MRM – Veggie Protein Powder
MRM is a company with its finger on the pulse when it comes to sports nutrition. They’re known for coming up with new and creative ways for improving food supplements.
This MRM – Veggie Protein Powder is kind of a mix of things. Unlike the others, this powder has a variety of plant-based proteins; you’ll also find protein from flax and chia seeds, two more famous superfoods.
The purpose of that combination is to concoct a blend that will provide you an excellent vegan-friendly protein powder that you won’t have issues digesting.
This kind of unique protein powder packs 22g of protein in each serving. In addition to the protein, this powder has a slew of antioxidants from 13 different sources.
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What to Look for When Buying Hemp Protein
One of the most important things to keep in mind when deciding on purchasing your hemp protein powder is what drives your decision to buy it.
For example, if you’re looking to enhance your muscle mass and boost your performance in the gym or on the football field, and you’re not overly concerned about what the protein powders taste like, you should probably focus on the amount of protein a product has per serving.
On the other hand, if you are looking for something that will help you with weight loss, and you’re thinking to supplement an occasional meal for protein powder shake, you want to combine the flavor and the health benefits, especially if your diet is strictly plant-based already and whey protein powder shakes are not an option.
So, going for a good hemp seed protein powder that has a nice flavor that you can mix in your green smoothie will offer you all the nutrition you need through protein, fiber, and fatty acids.
And finally, if what you really want is to appease your unruly stomach flora, and digestion issues, deciding on the hemp protein powder with the most fiber per serving is what you should watch out for.
Many Uses of Hemp
You might feel a bit confused because it seems there is a hemp alternative for every mundane thing you use.
Someone you know might have started wearing hemp shirts instead of cotton and you can’t help but wonder what that is all about. Hemp products are not new, they have just been overlooked for a long time.
But, in the age of people making a very strong and conscious effort to walk back to natural ways, hemp is playing a major role.
Hemp is a variety of Cannabis Sativa plant and it has a very long history as an industrial agent. The usage of hemp dates back to ancient times and across cultures.
There are many other varieties of hemp, but sativa is the only one that produces industrial hemp, so don’t confuse it with psychoactive hemp derivative which is marijuana.
Yes, hemp does contain THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, but only in trace amounts. Hemp is truly one of the most useful and versatile plants on earth and it deserves all the credit it’s being given lately.
So, what are some of the ways we use hemp?
Textiles
One of the better-known purposes of hemp is in the textile industry. It may seem kind of unorthodox, but in reality, hemp is a much stronger material than cotton and linen, not to mention it grows much faster.
Of course, it makes it much less affordable, especially for mass production, but its quality and durability make for an excellent investment for those who oppose the fast fashion industry.
Some of the more progressive clothing manufacturers are leaning into the idea of hemp becoming the new mainstream clothing fabric, so it’s not impossible that over time we’ll be able to gradually turn the use of hemp into a rule rather than the exception.
Paper and Plastic
In the era of screens, paper is in a slow recall, but still, there is too much waste when it comes to paper, and not to mention the unfortunate fact that we make it from trees.
There are environmentally conscious efforts to skew that, and one of those is making hemp paper.
Hemp paper is a stronger and more resistant material and it can be recycled seven to eight times. The only thing is that, as with textile, there still isn’t an affordable way out there, to make the switch to the daily use of hemp paper.
Plastic is an even bigger environmental issue. Scientists are always looking for new biodegradable solutions that will alleviate the massive pollution of our oceans and land.
The cellulose found in hemp can be used to create plastic that is environment-friendly.
Some of the hemp-based plastic can be found in certain types of cars, or instruments, but as with other hemp-based products that are used for creating, it is yet to be a viable solution long term.
But, it’s possible that, just like with textiles, the impending climate crisis, as well as a general unsustainability of the means of modern production will lead to an eventual switch to more natural and durable things like hemp.
Health and Nutrition
Nutritional Profile: Hemp seed’s nutritional benefits are really powerful. Just 3 tablespoon of any brand of hemp seeds out there contain 10g of protein and 3000mg of omega-3 fatty acids in your body’s ideal ratio; y you can even consider hemp seeds to be healthier than chia or flax seeds, and it’s one of nature’s top superfoods.
The nutritional profile of hemp seeds is downright amazing.
A lot of people go for synthetically processed protein powders for breakfast. But, a superfood smoothie has to be a superior choice, with all the protein, amino acids, and fiber it contains.
The unique thing about hemp seeds is that they have the ideal omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids ratio which is really useful in reducing inflammation in the body.
Another fascinating thing about hemp seeds in terms of nutrition and health is that they have almost zero carbohydrates but are very high in fiber and this makes them an excellent addition on your weight loss journey.
For those who are pre-diabetic or with type 2 diabetes, this is one of the best natural health supplements due to its slow glucose absorption.
Fiber, healthy fats, and protein will help you cleanse your colon and work magic on your gut health, and we’re all becoming increasingly aware of just how crucial having a healthy microbial balance in our gastrointestinal system is.
Another impressive nutritional fact about hemp seeds is that they also contain a lot of magnesium which is critical for muscle relaxation, proper brain function, and improving digestion. Magnesium is also one of the minerals most people are deficient in today.
Just 3 tablespoon of hemp seeds gives you 50% of the magnesium value you’re needed daily. In addition to that, the same amount of serving of hemp seeds, provides you with 25% of your daily zinc needs.
Zinc is used in treating leaky gut syndrome and it very important in immune function.
Hemps Seed Oil and Skin
One of the many amazing things that we get out hemp is hemp seed oil. This clear, green oil with a sort of nutty flavor, is made by cold-pressing hemp seeds.
There are many great uses for hemp seed oil, but the most well-known and predominant one is for taking care of your skin.
Specifically, it provides natural moisture to your skin without clogging pores, meaning it helps regulate the oil production of your skin.
Since hemp seeds are full of omega-6 fatty acids, hemp seed oil is a marvelous anti-inflammatory agent, as well as a promoter of skin cell regeneration so it is really good for acne-prone skin. It’s particularly helpful in treating skin conditions like psoriasis.
Another way we use hemp seed oil is to reduce wrinkles and lines on our face, hence slow down the anti-aging process of our skin. This fact is readily used by many skincare brands.
Hemp Protein Powder Side Effects
Even though the potency of hemp is starting to regain its rightful place in our lives, as well as on the market, there are many questions lingering around it.
One of the main reasons things can get a bit overwhelming when talking about hemp is that truly almost every part of this plant can be used for some purpose that benefits us directly or indirectly so we often get lost in all the information.
In case your interest in a hemp protein powder is due to its protein and fiber content, and you plan on using it daily, there are some things you should keep in mind.
Weight Gain
Hemp protein powders are often mentioned in the context of weight loss.
And they are a fantastic way to balance out your diet by exchanging a few meals per week with a hemp protein smoothie, but if you’re not careful, and you for example just add them to your existing nutrition, it can cause some weight gain.
This can happen because hemp protein powders are high in fat, the good kind of fat, but fat nonetheless, and we all know fat is the food group most packed with calories.
Digestion and THC Sensitivity
In case you’re trying out a hemp protein powder for the first time, these are some of the reasons you should probably take it slow and take small amounts.
When it comes to digestion, your body should get accustomed to it first, so don’t overdo it at first; it can lead to bloating or even diarrhea.
And when it comes to THC sensitivity, some people have it, and regardless of the fact that hemp protein powders have very low levels of it, it can cause discomfort and even hallucinations, so always be mindful about the amounts you’re taking in.
Chemical Overload
This is why it’s very important to be mindful of where you buy the hemp protein powder, and if the manufacturer is safe and their labels are clear.
Always go for all-natural products, without synthetic additives or promises of properties that you know aren’t possible.
There are many reliable companies out there that have turned their business model into making and marketing the best hemp protein powder for you to discover.
Final Thoughts on Best Hemp Protein Powders
The market for plant-based protein powders has become increasingly more versatile and interesting. There are many products out there available from companies that do amazing work in keeping the ingredients they use all-natural, and as pure as one would want from a health food company.
It can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best for you, especially if you’re a first-time buyer who is only tepidly testing the field of protein powders.
Nutiva Organic, Cold Processed Hemp Seed Protein Hi-Fiber is the best choice, in our opinion. The thing is, you won’t go wrong with going with 100% pure hemp protein powder which also is very rich in fiber, and odds are, you’re not eating enough fiber — most people aren’t.
In case your goal is to lose weight without compromising your commitment to a plant-based diet, this is the best hemp protein powder you can use for a base for your protein shakes.
All you need is some oat or almond milk to add flavor to this, otherwise, unflavored powder and you can stop worrying about your protein and fiber intake.
And if you’re looking for more habits to help you lose weight, then watch our video on healthy morning routine habits to help you lose weight:
If you’re looking for more articles about nutrition, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 7 Best Probiotics for Women’s Digestive Health
- 30 Natural Foods That Give You Energy and Keep You Productive
- 40 Fat Burning Foods (or How to Build the Ultimate Healthy Grocery Shopping List)
