15 Best Pea Protein Powders

Pea protein powder offers an easy way to increase your protein intake, whether you’re a powerlifter, bodybuilder, or casual lifter. It’s usually a well-tolerated form of protein powder and can be beneficial if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant and are unable to consume whey protein powders.  

Here are the 15 best pea protein powders to consider:

1. NAKED Nutrition 5LB 100% Pea Protein Powder – Best Overall Pea Protein Powder  
2. NOW Sports Nutrition Pea Protein – Best Budget
3. MyProtein MyVegan Pea Protein Isolate Powder – Best Tasting
4. Sprout Living Organic Pea Protein Powder – Best Organic
5. KOS Vegan Pea Protein Powder – Best Pea and Vitamin Blend  
6. Olympian Labs Plant-Based Pea Protein Powder – Most Easily Digestible
7. Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder – Best for Muscle Building 
8. Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Pea Protein – Best Isolate
9. Now Foods 100% Pure Pea Protein – Best Pure Powder  
10. Vega Organic All-in-One Vegan Protein Powder – Best Meal Replacement
11. Source Organic Premium Pea Protein Isolate – Best Low-Sodium Powder  
12. Orgain Organic Protein & Greens Vegan Protein Powder – Most Nutritious
13. Nutricost Organic Pea Protein Isolate Powder
14. Carlyle Pea Protein Powder – Best Unflavored Powder  
15. Live Conscious Organic Pea Protein Powder – Best Cacao Powder 

If you’re searching for a top-quality pea protein powder supplement to boost your dietary protein intake, look or further. This article will cover everything that you need to know about pea protein and how to find the best product for your needs.

I’ll cover the best pea protein powders on the market and discuss the different factors that you should consider when purchasing pea protein powders.

Featured Pea Protein Powder

1. NAKED Nutrition 5LB 100% Pea Protein Powder – Best Overall Pea Protein Powder
2. NOW Sports Nutrition Pea Protein – Best Budget Pea Protein Powder
3. MyProtein MyVegan Pea Protein Isolate Powder – Best Tasting Pea Protein Powder

What Is Pea Protein Powder?

Pea protein powder is a plant-based source of protein obtained from peas. It contains all of the nine essential amino acids, including the three branched-chain amino acids known for being beneficial for muscle growth and repair.

Essential amino acids are those that body can’t make by itself. Therefore, you need to consume them through food.

They are predominantly found in animal products, but pea protein is one of the few plant-based proteins that have all nine of the essential amino acids humans need. This makes pea protein a great choice for those who follow a vegan diet or consume very few animal-based products.

Branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are those that have a branched side chain in their structure. They play important roles in metabolism, muscle synthesis, gut health, and immunity.

Pea protein is generally well-tolerated, and it’s relatively easy for your body to break down. It’s perfect for pea protein shakes or for stirring into yogurt and desserts to bump up your protein intake.

There are lots of different varieties of pea-based protein powder products available nowadays, but the most common options include:

• Pea protein isolate – only the protein contents of the peas. Pea protein isolate is easy to digest and full of fiber, helping you stay full for longer.

• Pea protein concentrate – contains the protein contents of the peas but could also contain additional components. Pea protein concentrate often contains additional carbs, which can provide your body with more fuel for your workouts.

• Pea protein hydrolysates – the proteins are partially broken down using heat, enzymes, or acid. Pea protein hydrolysate is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream, enabling quicker muscle repair and growth. 

Read more: Do Powerlifters Eat Whatever They Want? 

15 Best Pea Protein Powders

*One serving is only 10 grams compared to the other protein powders on this list with a serving size of 24-49 grams.

1. NAKED Nutrition 5LB 100% Pea Protein Powder – Best Overall Pea Protein Powder

Rating: 5/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size: Two scoops (30 g)
• Calories per serving – 120 calories
• Protein per serving – 27 grams
• Carbs per serving – Two grams
• Sugar per serving – Two grams

Pros

• High protein content
• Third-party tested
• The unflavored version has just one ingredient

Cons

• The unflavored option can be bland if only mixed with water

The best overall pea powder protein goes to the NAKED Nutrition 5LB 100% Pea Protein Powder. It’s available in unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate. The former is great if you don’t want to change the taste of your food or drink but want to increase the protein content of your food. The two flavored options tasted sweet but not too sweet, and I enjoyed mixing them into yogurt or pancake batter for some extra protein and flavor.

This pea protein is third-party tested and the unflavored version contains no artificial sweeteners or additives. Natural and synthetic food additives can have negative impacts on health. They may increase weight gain, disrupt metabolism, and impact immune function.

The NAKED Nutrition 5LB 100% Pea Protein Powder contains 27 grams of protein per serving, making it one of the best pea protein powders for muscle building. It has no added sugar, and one serving provides 16% of your daily iron requirements.

2. NOW Sports Nutrition Pea Protein – Best Budget Pea Protein Powder

 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – One scoop (33 g)
• Calories per serving – 120 calories
• Protein per serving – 24 grams
• Carbs per serving – One gram
• Sugar per serving – Zero grams

Pros

• USDA-certified organic
• High in branched-chain amino acids
• Affordable

Cons

• Relatively high in sodium 

If you’re shopping on a budget, I recommend going for the pea protein from NOW Sports Nutrition. Despite being relatively inexpensive compared to other supplements on the market, it’s one of the best organic pea protein powder products and is USDA-certified. It’s non-GMO and free of common allergens.

There are 24 grams of protein per serving, with high amounts (over 4,200 mg) of branched-chain amino acids, making this pea protein suitable if your goal is muscle growth. It’d be great to have just before or during a powerlifting meet to fuel your body with high-quality protein.

The downside is that it’s quite high in sodium, with 320 mg per serving. To put this into perspective, lots of pea protein powders contain between 90 and 200 mg of sodium per serving.

There is evidence to show that excessive sodium consumption can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. The recommended intake is up to 2,300 mg a day, but ideally, adults should consume less than 1,500 mg a day to maximize their heart health.

The NOW pea protein powder is only available as an unflavored product, which means it’s best when mixed with flavorsome foods and drinks, as opposed to on its own with water.  

3. MyProtein MyVegan Pea Protein Isolate Powder – Best Tasting Pea Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – One scoop (30 g)
• Calories per serving – 100 calories
• Protein per serving – 21 grams
• Carbs per serving – Three grams
• Sugar per serving – Zero grams

Pros

• Great taste
• Free of refined sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavorings  
• Available flavored or unflavoured

Cons

• Needs a good stir before eating or drinking to break up any clumps

The MyProtein MyVegan Pea Protein Isolate is one of the best-tasting pea protein powder products I’ve tried.

I found that the two flavors (vanilla stevia and chocolate stevia) had the perfect balance between being sweet, but not overbearing. The unflavored option was great to add to sweet treats without ruining the original flavor of the food. However, you’ll need to make sure you give the protein a good stir to break up any clumps and prevent it from feeling chalky inside your mouth.  

The MyVegan third-party tested pea protein isolate is free of gluten, preservatives, refined sugar, and artificial flavors. Instead, the vanilla and chocolate flavors are sweetened with natural flavorings and vegetable creamer.

4. Sprout Living Organic Pea Protein Powder – Best Organic Pea Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – One scoop (24 g)
• Calories per serving – 100 calories
• Protein per serving – 20 grams
• Carbs per serving – One gram
• Sugar per serving – Zero grams

Pros

• USDA-certified organic
• Single-ingredient product
• Can be combined with a wide range of foods and drinks

Cons

• Needs to be well-blended to achieve a smooth consistency 

The best organic pea protein powder is the Sprout Living Organic Pea Protein Powder. It’s certified by the USDA and is made using just one ingredient (non-GMO, organic yellow peas), with no added sugars, sweeteners, or flavorings.

I used this unflavored organic pea protein powder to increase the protein content in my smoothies and dessert recipes, as it didn’t interfere with the original taste. However, I found it quite difficult to blend the powder and get rid of clumps. I’d recommend blending it in a food processor if you’ve got one at home to make your smoothies and shakes as smooth as possible.

If you want to boost your performance in the gym even more, consider taking creatine with your protein powder. Learn more about creatine and when you can expect it to kick in: How Long Does Creatine Take to Work?

5. KOS Vegan Pea Protein Powder – Best Pea and Vitamin Blend 

Rating: 4/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – Two scoops (37 g)
• Calories per serving – 150 calories
• Protein per serving – 20 grams
• Carbs per serving – Three grams
• Sugar per serving – Two grams

Pros

• Contains a mixture of vitamins and minerals
• Available in two delicious flavors
• Gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free

Cons

• Relatively high sodium content per serving
• Unsuitable for people with tree nut allergies

If you’re looking for a pea protein blend that contains additional nutrients, you won’t be disappointed with the Vegan Pea Protein Powder from KOS. It has 12 vitamins and minerals to support your health, including the following:

• Iron – essential for oxygen transportation around the body
• Folate – essential for cell growth and development
• Manganese – plays a role in connective tissue formation, sex hormone production, and blood clotting
• Riboflavin – vital for cell growth and development and metabolism

This pea protein is made from a combination of organic peas, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, and quinoa to create a high-protein blend. One serving (two scoops) provides 20 grams of protein. You can purchase it in chocolate or vanilla to sweeten up your shakes and breakfast bowls.

The downside is the high sodium content of this pea protein powder (330 mg per serving), which is almost 15% of the recommended daily intake. It’s also unsuitable for people with tree nut allergies since it contains coconut.

6. Olympian Labs Plant-Based Pea Protein Powder – Most Easily Digestible Pea Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – One scoop (31.25 g)
• Calories per serving – 120 calories
• Protein per serving – 25 grams
• Carbs per serving – Two grams
• Sugar per serving – Zero grams

Pros

• 25 grams of protein per serving
• Easily digestible and causes minimal digestive issues
• Suitable for mixing with a variety of foods

Cons

• May have a gritty taste if not mixed properly

If you find that whey protein powder can upset your stomach, switching to the Olympian Labs Plant-Based Pea Protein Powder could be beneficial for you. I personally found this protein really easy to consume, and it gave me absolutely no digestive troubles, even when I had a couple of scoops a day.

It contains 25 grams of protein per serving and is unflavored, so it’s perfect to add to your food and drinks to increase your protein intake and support your fitness goals. You definitely need to make sure that you mix the protein well to avoid grittiness or clumping.

7. Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder – Best Pea Protein Powder for Muscle Building

Rating: 4.5/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – Two scoops (42 g)
• Calories per serving – 80 calories
• Protein per serving – 15 grams
• Carbs per serving – Zero grams
• Sugar per serving – Zero grams

Pros

• High in branched-chain amino acids
• Available in two different flavors
• Contains enzymes and probiotics for easier digestion

Cons

• Relatively expensive, so it might not be suitable when shopping on a budget

The Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder is one of the best pea protein powders for muscle building on the market today. It contains over five grams of branched-chain amino acids to support skeletal muscle growth and recovery alongside your strength training workouts.

This pea protein powder is USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free. It also contains digestive enzymes and a two billion CFU probiotic blend to support your digestion and gut health (which is perfect if you usually find that protein powders can upset your stomach).

If you’re happy to spend a little more money on top-quality pea protein powders, this organic pea protein powder product from Garden of Life is a great choice.

8. Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Pea Protein – Best Pea Protein Powder Isolate

Rating: 4/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – One tbsp (10 g)
• Calories per serving – 37 calories
• Protein per serving – Eight grams
• Carbs per serving – Zero grams
• Sugar per serving – Zero grams

Pros

• Single ingredient isolate
• Inexpensive
• Dissolves very easily

Cons

• Doesn’t come in any flavors

The Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Pea Protein is the best pea protein powder isolate. It has no carbs and no added sugar, so it’s an ideal option when you’re trying to increase your protein intake while reducing your carb intake.

This product contains just one ingredient (organic pea protein isolate), and it’s inexpensive. I found that it dissolved easily in water or milk and didn’t need excessive stirring to create a smooth consistency. It’s only available as an unflavored protein powder.  

9. Now Foods 100% Pure Pea Protein – Best Pure Pea Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – One scoop (33 g)
• Calories per serving – 120 calories
• Protein per serving – 24 grams
• Carbs per serving – One gram
• Sugar per serving – Zero grams

Pros

• High in branched-chain amino acids
• Free of additives or artificial sweeteners
• Low in fat and carbs

Cons

• Difficult to blend  

The Now Foods 100% Pure Pea Protein is low in fat and carbs but high in protein. It contains vegetable protein isolate and no other dodgy ingredients or additives. Each serving provides 24 grams of protein and over four grams of branched-chain amino acids to support muscle growth and recovery around your workouts.

I didn’t find that it tasted gritty or bitter, but I found it quite difficult to blend. I’d recommend using a food processor to fully blend this pea protein powder if you’re going to use it for shakes and smoothies.

10. Vega Organic All-in-One Vegan Protein Powder – Best Meal Replacement Pea Protein Powder 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – One scoop (38 g)
• Calories per serving – 140 calories
• Protein per serving – 20 grams
• Carbs per serving – 11 grams
• Sugar per serving – Two grams

Pros

• Contains a variety of vitamins and minerals
• Available in a great range of flavors
• Blends easily and has a smooth consistency

Cons

• May contain common allergens

The Vega Organic All-in-One Vegan Protein Powder is the best pea protein powder for all-around nutrition.

Because of its nutritional profile, it’s suitable as a meal replacement and ideal as a nutritious ‘meal’ on the go. It contains carbohydrates, protein, fat, and a blend of fruits and vegetables that provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin A – for healthy vision, immune function, and reproductive health
• Vitamin K – vital for healthy blood clotting and bone formation
• Vitamin B12 – for red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and brain health

It’s available in a wide range of flavors, including French vanilla, mint, and berry.

You’ll need to be careful with this pea protein powder if you have allergies to milk, soy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, or sesame because it is manufactured in a facility that handles these ingredients.

11. Source Organic Premium Pea Protein Isolate – Best Low-Sodium Pea Protein Powder

Rating: 4.5/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – Two scoops (26 g)
• Calories per serving – 100 calories
• Protein per serving – 22 grams
• Carbs per serving – One gram
• Sugar per serving – Zero grams

Pros

• Single ingredient formulation
• Almost five grams of branched-chain amino acids per serving
• Tastes great and mixes well

Cons

• Poor packaging

The Organic Premium Pea Protein Isolate from Source Organic contains just one ingredient (organic yellow pea protein isolate) and is free of added sugars, sweeteners, and flavorings. It’s packed with protein, offering 22 grams per serving, 4.8 of those being branched-chain amino acids.

It contains 90 mg of sodium per serving. Excessive sodium consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, so choosing a low-sodium pea protein powder can help to keep your blood pressure in check and maintain your heart health.

This allergen-free pea protein powder tasted great, but because it’s unflavored, I made sure to combine it with something sweet and flavorsome. If you’re happy to drink unflavored protein powder with water only, this Source Organic pea protein is probably one of the best options, as it mixes really easily.

The packaging is my only complaint with this product. The protein comes in a reusable packet, but I found it difficult to close it once I’d already opened it. The package was filled to the brim, so you need to be careful not to spill it all when you first open it.  

12. Orgain Organic Protein & Greens Vegan Protein Powder – Most Nutritious Pea Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – Two scoops (49 g)
• Calories per serving – 150 calories
• Protein per serving – 21 grams
• Carbs per serving – 18 grams
• Sugar per serving – One gram

Pros

• Packed with micronutrients
• Contains prebiotic fiber to aid digestion and support gut health
• Pleasant taste

Cons

• High in calories and carbohydrates

The best pea proteins for your health are those that are not only high in protein but also provide a number of other nutrients. The Orgain Organic Protein & Greens Vegan Protein Powder is made with a blend of pea protein, rice protein, chia seeds, and the Orgain Organic Greens Blend (which contains spinach, kale, and broccoli).

Thanks to the added Greens Blend, this vegan protein powder provides your body with additional nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium, that can support your overall health and well-being. Calcium supports bone strength and turnover, vitamin C aids immune function and collagen production, and vitamin K is required for healthy blood clotting.

The vegetables also provide you with prebiotic fiber that aids digestion and supports your gut health.

It’s available in vanilla and chocolate flavors and I found both quite pleasant. There are 21 grams of protein per serving, but this pea protein powder is also relatively high in calories and carbohydrates, with 150 calories and 18 grams of carbs per serving. It might not be the best option if you’re on a low-calorie or low-carb diet.

13. Nutricost Organic Pea Protein Isolate Powder – Best Pea Protein Isolate

Rating: 4/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – One scoop (24 g)
• Calories per serving – 90 calories
• Protein per serving – 20 grams
• Carbs per serving – Two grams
• Sugar per serving – Zero grams

Pros

• USDA-certified organic
• Low in calories and carbohydrates
• High in protein  

Cons

• The taste isn’t great when the powder is used on its own

For those searching specifically for a pea protein isolate, I highly recommend the Nutricost Organic Pea Protein Isolate Powder. It has just 90 calories per serving and one gram of carbohydrates but provides 24 grams of protein and 35% of your daily iron needs.

The organic protein is USDA-certified and third-party tested. It’s made with 100% high-quality pea protein isolate and has no added ingredients, such as aspartame, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, seizures, migraines, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and learning difficulties.

This pea protein loses a point in my rating for its taste. Despite being unflavored, it does have a mild pea flavor that isn’t great on its own. However, when I stirred the protein powder into yogurt or smoothie bowls, the pea taste was masked quite easily.  

14. Carlyle Pea Protein Powder – Best Unflavored Pea Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – One scoop (40 g)
• Calories per serving – 120 calories
• Protein per serving – 27 grams
• Carbs per serving – Two grams
• Sugar per serving – Two grams

Pros

• High in protein, with 29 grams per serving
• Ideal as a meal replacement
• Low in carbohydrates and free of added sugars

Cons  

• High sodium content

Unflavored pea protein powder is ideal when you want to add protein to a meal or drink without compromising the taste, but some unflavored powders can leave a mild pea taste in your mouth. I didn’t find that this was the case with the Carlyle Pea Protein Powder. It truly is unflavored, and I could barely notice it when I stirred it into shakes and yogurt.

This is a gluten-free, wheat-free, and soy-free product that contains no preservatives or added sugars. It provides an impressive 29 grams of protein per serving, which is one of the highest protein contents I’ve seen with a plant-based protein powder supplement.

The downside to this product is its excessive sodium content. It has 520 mg of sodium per serving, which equates to almost a quarter of the total recommended daily intake for the average adult. High sodium intake has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.

15. Live Conscious Organic Pea Protein Powder – Best Cacao Pea Protein Powder 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Nutrition Information

• Serving size – One scoop (24.2 g)
• Calories per serving – 70 calories
• Protein per serving – 15 grams
• Carbs per serving – Two grams
• Sugar per serving – Zero grams

Pros

• Flavored with real cacao beans
• Low in calories
• Free of common allergens

Cons

• Lower protein content than alternative pea protein powders on the market

A lot of chocolate pea protein powders are flavored with artificial flavorings and sweeteners that emulate the natural sweetness of chocolate. This organic pea protein powder from Live Conscious gets its chocolatey taste from organic cacao beans that are blended with yellow peas, brown rice, pumpkin seeds, and sacha inchi seeds.

If you’re not keen on very sweet protein powders, this pea protein is a great choice. It’s low in sugars, and the cacao adds a slightly bitter but pleasant undertone. Cacao also has a higher micronutrient, tryptophan, and antioxidant content than cocoa because it’s less processed. Antioxidants have been shown to lower the risk of cancer, and tryptophan is essential for serotonin production and can help you to feel happier and more relaxed.

This protein powder is free of GMOs, shellfish, gluten, added sugars, peanuts, and soy, so it’s ideal for those with allergies. It’s also low in calories, with just 70 calories per serving, making it the best protein powder for weight loss.

Although its protein content is lower than some of the alternative options on the market, it still packs 15 grams of protein per serving, which can help you boost your daily protein intake.

Why You Should Trust Us

Here at PowerliftingTechnique, we are a team of powerlifting athletes and coaches, certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and fitness experts. We have decades of combined experience in the industry and have tried and tested a wide variety of supplements from top nutrition brands.

We’re able to create accurate and in-depth review articles of the latest and greatest supplements thanks to our personal and professional experience. We recognize that there’s a lot of misleading information out there when it comes to supplements, but we care about what goes into our bodies and know how to separate trustworthy nutrition brands from the ones that just want to make a quick buck.

How We Chose the Best Pea Protein Powders 

We’ve looked closely at a range of pea protein powders and considered several factors that we believe contribute to the quality of such supplements. To ensure the products in this list are the best on the market, we looked at third-party testing, ingredients, protein contents, and flavor range.  

Buying Guide: What To Look For in a Pea Protein Powder

Here are some important things to consider when finding the best pea protein powder supplement for your needs:

• Ingredients  

• Nutritional content

• Taste and flavor range

• Allergens

• Third-party testing  

• Price and brand reputation

Ingredients  

When looking at the nutrition labels of different pea proteins, read through all of the ingredients. In addition to searching for protein, carbs, and micronutrients, you should also check whether a pea protein powder supplement contains additives.

Although many additives are FDA-approved, it doesn’t mean they’re healthy. Many pea protein powders contain artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to a higher risk of weight gain, inflammation, heart disease, and stroke.  

They may also contain a lot of added sugar to enhance their flavor. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to an increased risk of type two diabetes, weight gain, tooth decay, and cardiovascular disease.

It’s particularly important to avoid pea protein powders that contain a lot of added sugar if you’re diabetic or have another health condition related to insulin resistance, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Nutritional Content

Not all pea protein powders are created equally, and they have different nutritional profiles, with some containing more protein per serving than others.

It’s important to take a look at the nutritional breakdown of a few different pea protein powders to determine which is the best for your needs. Don’t just look at the protein — look at the total calories, carbohydrates, and sugars per serving, too. You should also consider whether a pea protein powder contains additional nutrients, like vitamins and minerals.

For example, if you’re searching for the best pea protein powder for muscle building, you’ll want to find the product with the highest protein per serving (one with between 24 and 27 grams per serving). If you want the best pea protein for weight loss, you’ll need to pay close attention to the calorie content of each protein supplement. An all-in-one style supplement might be best if you’re looking for one with a lot of vitamins and minerals.

Wondering how powerlifting can help you lose weight? Check out this guide on powerlifting for fat loss.

Taste and Flavor Range

Taste and flavor are just as important as the ingredients list and nutritional content when you’re searching for the best pea protein supplement. Every brand of pea protein has a unique taste, and you might find that you sway towards a specific brand based on your taste preferences.

When looking at each pea protein review online, check what previous customers have said about the taste of the pea protein. You can also check out my recommendations above to find the products I thought were the best-tasting pea protein powders on the market.

In terms of flavors, some brands only offer unflavored pea protein powder, while others have a range of flavors to choose from, such as vanilla or chocolate. Unflavored pea protein powder is helpful if you want to increase your protein intake without affecting the flavor of your food or drinks. Flavored pea protein is ideal when you are making shakes, smoothies, and desserts, as they will enhance the sweetness and overall taste.

Allergens

It’s important to check the ingredients list for allergens before you purchase a supplement if you have allergies or intolerances to particular foods. Although most pea protein powders are dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, there may be exceptions to this, and it’s better to be safe than sorry!

If you have a severe peanut allergy, you may be unable to safely consume pea protein. Peas and peanuts are both part of the legume family, so consuming pea protein powder could trigger an allergic reaction.

Third-Party Testing  

The best pea protein products are those that have been tested by a third party (a company that is separate from the brand selling it). The aim of third-party testing is to ensure that the pea protein powder contains the nutrients that it says on the label and doesn’t contain any contaminants.

It’s important to note that even if a pea protein powder is third-party tested, it doesn’t mean the product is safe for everybody to use. It also doesn’t mean that the product is going to be effective for you.

If a particular pea protein product has been third-party tested, it should state this somewhere on the product page. Look out for third-party testing by trusted companies, such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF, and USP.

Price and Brand Reputation

As with any protein powder, the price of different pea protein supplements can vary between brands. It might be tempting to purchase the cheapest pea protein powder that you can find, but often, the cheaper products contain less protein and more additives.

Alongside considering your budget and the price of a particular pea protein, you should also consider the brand’s reputation, whether their protein powders are third-party tested, and what ingredients the pea protein contains.

How Does Pea Protein Powder Differ From Other Protein Powders?

Pea protein powder differs from other types of protein powder because it is the only one that is obtained from peas. It’s plant-based, so it’s suitable for those who are following a vegetarian, vegan, or lactose-free diet.

Despite being plant-based, pea protein still contains all of the nine essential amino acids that the body needs to thrive. Although a lot of the best pea proteins contain a decent amount of protein per serving, on average, pea protein contains around five grams less protein per serving (more specifically, less leucine, lysine, and methionine) than whey protein powder.

Pea protein powder is also gluten-free and soy-free and has a smoother and creamier texture than most other types of pea protein powder. It tends to be higher in sodium than whey protein powder because peas are naturally high in sodium. Plus, a diluted salt solution is used to extract the protein from peas and much of the sodium in this solution remains in the pea protein product that reaches the shelves.

Is Pea Protein Powder Beneficial?

Pea protein powder can be beneficial for a wide range of people, including male and female powerlifters, athletes, bodybuilders, and those who participate in leisurely exercise.

Since pea protein powder contains all nine essential amino acids, it’s a great supplement to include in your diet when you’re trying to grow muscle. It’s a great source of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine), which are especially important for skeletal muscle growth.

One study showed similar results regarding muscle strength, muscle growth, and body composition among participants who took whey protein and pea protein. Therefore, pea protein can be beneficial for athletes or those who are casual lifters and want to build some muscle.

Pea protein powder is particularly beneficial for people with dietary restrictions or allergies. Those following vegetarian, vegan, or lactose-free diets can take the best pea proteins instead of whey to avoid consuming dairy. Pea protein powder is also free of many other common allergens, such as soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, and shellfish.

Pea protein powder supplements may also be beneficial for those with increased protein requirements, such as pregnant or lactating women or older adults who are at a higher risk of sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass).

Who Should Not Consume Pea Protein Powder?

There are a few common pea protein powder side effects to be aware of, even if you don’t usually suffer from any digestive issues when consuming protein powder supplements. Pea protein might not be suitable if:

• You’re allergic to peas or legumes
• You’re on a low-sodium diet (unless you choose a low-sodium pea protein powder)
• You’re on a low-protein diet as advised by a doctor or dietician, such as if you have kidney disease.

You should always consult a healthcare professional or nutrition expert before making drastic adjustments to your diet or introducing new supplements.  

Pea Protein Powder Dosage: How Much Should You Have Per Day?

The DRI (daily recommended intake) for protein is between 0.8 grams and 1.0 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. Athletes may require up to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to encourage muscle growth and recovery. Pregnant or lactating women may also require a higher amount of protein than the usual DRI.

It’s always best to get as much protein from whole foods as possible. However, you can take pea protein powder supplements to help you reach your daily protein target if you’re struggling to do so through food alone.

There isn’t a specific upper tolerable limit (UL) when it comes to consuming protein powder, as it’s difficult to overconsume protein. However, excessive protein intake has been linked to increased weight gain, fatigue, and an increased risk of bone problems.

That being said, it’s best not to do overdo it with protein powder supplements, as consuming above the DRI doesn’t appear to offer any additional benefits for your body. Consuming lots of protein powder that takes you well above the recommended daily protein intake will only cost you more money than it’s worth!

I recommend consuming one to two scoops of pea protein a day if you’re trying to reach the daily recommended protein intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Peas Are Used in Pea Protein? 

Pea protein is usually sourced from yellow peas that get dried, cleaned, and split to isolate their protein contents. Once isolated, the protein is ground up to create a fine powder.

Does Pea Protein Cause Gas?

Due to the processes that are used to isolate protein from peas, a lot of the natural fiber that is present in the peas is broken down, which can reduce gas production during digestion. However, there might be other ingredients in a pea protein powder supplement that can contribute to excess gas and bloating, such as artificial sweeteners.  

Does Pea Protein Powder Cause Inflammation?

There isn’t very much research on the association between pea protein powder and inflammation. Some studies suggest that pea protein can help to reduce inflammation in the body, while others indicate that some of the ingredients that are commonly found in pea protein supplements, such as omega-6 fatty acids, can promote chronic inflammation.  

Is Pea Protein Better for Your Kidneys? 

Research shows that protein hydrolysate obtained from green peas can improve kidney function and could be beneficial for individuals who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Generally, vegetarian sources of protein are more protective than animal-based proteins for those with CKD.

Final Verdict

The best pea protein powder is the NAKED Nutrition 5LB 100% Pea Protein Powder, which provides 120 calories, 27 grams of protein, and just 2 grams each of carbohydrates and added sugars per serving. It’s third-party tested and contains no additives or artificial sweeteners.

If you’re searching for the best pure pea protein powder, your best option is the Now Foods 100% Pure Pea Protein because its only ingredient is pea protein isolate.

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About The Author

Athina is a Biochemistry and Genetics graduate, and a qualified personal trainer with a passion for women’s health and fitness. She is passionate about helping women to learn more about the importance of the menstrual cycle and how to balance their hormones. She is the host and producer of Fertility and Freedom podcast, which covers all things women’s health and hormones.