Best Hemp Protein Powder Review: Top 5 Tastiest Organic Superfood Options To Build Plant-Based Muscle
Protein powders have been hailed as the optimum solution for fitness enthusiasts and work out gurus have their own extensive section of the shelving.
Even vegans like me now have a massive range of plant-based protein powders to choose from.
But:
How do you know which protein supplements are good for you? Which ones are high-quality versus the ones filled with artificial ingredients targeted at your taste buds rather than muscles? Which is the best vegan protein powder?
And what are those superfood hemp protein powders?
Hemp protein powder reviews have come onto the market boasting their all-natural ingredients, organic certifications and the optimum solution for lactose-intolerant or vegan individuals.
Today, join me to find the best hemp protein powder to fit your lifestyle, whether it is for your shake, smoothie, protein snacks or bread.
5 Best Hemp Protein Powders Reviewed
1. Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein, Cold-Pressed
Our Verdict: Best Overall
This Organic hemp protein promotes lean muscle growth and recovery, made from all-natural ingredients and high protein with minimal fat.
Quality finely ground hemp seeds create the perfect addition to your shakes, baking needs or smoothies.
Nutrition Per Serving:
- 15g Protein, 9g Carbohydrates, 3g Fat and 8g Fibre.
Flavors:
- Chocolate, Hemp Protein, Hi Fibre.
Pros:
- This hemp protein is certified USDA organic.
- Is comprised of 100% gluten free, soy and dairy-free plant-based protein.
- Has an impressive 15 grams of protein with 8 grams of fibre and a minimal 3 grams of fat.
- Contains an abundance of essential fatty acids of omega-3 and omega-6.
Cons:
- The texture is relatively chalky and has a mildly unpleasant taste.
2. Manitoba Harvest Protein
Our Verdict: Highest Protein Content
A serving of the Manitoba Harvest hemp protein powder offers 20 grams of pure product, free from genetically modified organisms and fillers.
This powder comes with a mild flavouring, making it extra delicious in shakes and smoothies.
Nutritional Profile:
- 20g Protein, 2g Carbohydrate, 6g Fat
Flavors:
- Max Protein, Balanced Protein + Fibre, Max Fiber, Chocolate, Vanilla.
Pros:
- This hemp protein powder contains an astonishing 3.4g of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in one serving
- Is free from genetically modified organisms.
- It is certified as kosher, vegan and organic.
- Several ‘flavor’ options available to best suit your diet or consumption needs.
Cons:
- Relatively low in fibre making it potentially less easy to digest.
3. Just Hemp Foods Protein Powder
Our Verdict: Most Budget Friendly
Just Hemp Foods aims to produce the highest quality products with carefully sourced hemp seeds.
All ingredients are 100% from Canada, making it sustainable and relatively local. This vegan protein powder is free of gluten, soy and filled with essential amino acids and minerals.
Contains:
- Protein 11g, Carbohydrate 14g, 3g fat, 13g fibre.
Pros:
- The protein powder comes in an ultra-fine powder making it ideal for smoothie mixes.
- Extremely high in dietary fibre perfect to improve your digestion.
- Made from 100% Canadian sourced hemp.
Cons:
- The color may be a bit of a turn off, as it is a green-brown.
- Some people did not enjoy the flavor.
4. Terrasoul Superfoods Hemp Protein Powder
Our Verdict: Most Size Options
The Terrasoul Superfoods organic hemp protein powder comes in a resealable bag.
It is available in multiple sizes and perfect for the quick addition to your cupboard whether you need a small amount or wish to buy in bulk.
Contains:
- Protein 5g, Carbohydrate 3g, Fat 1g, Fibre 3g
Pros:
- One serving of this hemp protein powder contains 50% pure protein.
- It is USDA certified organic, sustainably sourced, non-GMO, gluten free and vegan.
- The company includes a 100% money back guarantee.
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, it contains relatively low amounts of protein per serving size.
As a little extra protein powder, I have included the most popular plant-based protein on the market. It is not hemp, however it combines several plant based proteins for an ideal pre or post workout boost.
(BONUS): Orgain Organic Protein Powder
Our Verdict: Best Plant Protein
This 100% plant-based Orgain Organic protein powder is the ideal combination of many different vegan proteins, including pea protein, brown rice, and chia sources.
It is an industry favorite as it contains a complete amino acid profile.
Nutritional Profile:
- 21g protein, 15g carbohydrates, 4g fats and 7g fibre.
Flavors:
- Chocolate!
Pros:
- Delicious creamy chocolate fudge protein powder flavour
- Packed with 21 grams of plant-based protein powder including pea, brown rice and chia seeds
- Certified as vegan, gluten-free, with no added sugar, soy or artificial ingredients.
- Up to 5 grams of fibre per serving
Cons:
- Is not 100% hemp-based protein powder
All About That Hemp - Key Benefits
Why should you pick hemp protein powder?
Hemp is one of nature’s best sources of plant-based protein for humans. The hemp plant’s seeds are ground into a fine powder (ideally cold-pressed) which is packed full of nutrients and vitamins.
Hemp contains all 20 amino acids, including all 9 of the essential ones. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and play critical roles in our body, such as building proteins and synthesizing hormones for neurotransmitters.
Essential amino acids cannot be created within the body therefore must be consumed through food.
For vegans, this quite often means needing supplements since most of the complete proteins are animal-based foods.
Hemp, however, unlike many other plant-based proteins, is a complete protein and comes with a myriad of benefits.
Here are just a few of them:
Boosts Immune System
Hemp seeds contain globular proteins, edestin and albumin, which are what enzymes, antibodies, hormones and fibrinogens are all composed of.
It is also rich in minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc and copper which are all beneficial to our body’s health.
Maximizes Energy Levels
If you are feeling tired or lethargic, this protein can be just the boost to your morning routine. The complete spectrum of fatty acids provides an energy boost twice as high as carbohydrates and lasts significantly longer.
Shinier Hair
Since hemp protein is packed with omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids it promotes the growth of healthy hair. These healthy fats provide the strength, luster and shine to your hair.
Lowers Inflammation
Unlike whey protein powders which are known to cause gut related issues such as inflammation, pain and poor digestion, hemp has the opposite effect. One study showed that hemp protein alleviated symptoms of arthritis by 20 percent.
This is because hemp intervenes with the creation of inflammatory molecules, therefore lowering inflammation throughout your body.
Improves Digestion
Since hemp protein is lactose-free, this alone allows easier digestion than many products on the market.
Even protein powders which claim they have minimal levels of lactose can create a chain reaction within the gut.
Results of this lactose fueled inflammation can include bloating, gassiness and internal distress. Hemp seeds contain high concentrations of both soluble and insoluble fibers which help with promoting optimal digestion.
Boosts Muscle Repair
We all know that protein is key to building muscles. After a workout, athletes and bodybuilders turn to protein powders to help repair muscle tissues.
Hemp protein is one of the only plant-based proteins that contains all essential amino acids, while being hypoallergenic and suitable for people with egg, dairy, soy and gluten sensitivities.
Fights Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and the food we consume is very closely linked to various heart conditions. Hemp protein is one of the foods which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
This is because hemp is loaded with fibre, healthy fats, vital nutrients and high amounts of the amino acid arginine. Arginine helps produce nitric oxide, which is responsible for making blood vessels expand. This blood vessel expansion leads to lowered levels of blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Minimizes Hunger Cravings
While many protein powders advertise themselves as a worthy meal replacement or light snack, hemp protein powder truly helps curve your hunger cravings. This is because it can help you feel fuller for longer due to its high concentration of fibre.
Boosts Metabolism
If you are interested in losing weight, you must ensure you are consuming an adequate amount of protein. Protein supports a healthy metabolism and helps boost fat burning potential.
Hemp protein powder can be an excellent source of healthy, complete protein to maintain your metabolism working optimally.
Regulates Cholesterol Levels
As if you needed another reason to buy into the hemp protein craze, it has also been found to lower and regulate cholesterol levels. Hemp seeds contain essential fatty acids which help reduce unhealthy fats in our bodies and decrease the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
SUMMARY
Simply put, if you are looking for a healthy, complete, plant-based protein, then a hemp protein powder is the perfect solution for you.
FAQ
When should you use hemp protein powder?
Now that you are sold on the contents inside the tubs and packages, when should you use it to provide optimal results?
The hemp protein powder has an earthy, nutty taste and is ideal for adding into shakes or smoothies. It has also made its way into savoury dishes, with some vegan restaurants incorporating it into plant-based patty’s for protein packed burgers.
Check online for a myriad of interesting hemp recipes.
You can use hemp protein powder for weight loss by replacing a meal per day with the protein powder. This can help you decrease your overall calorie intake while making sure you are still receiving a healthy boost of proteins, fatty acids and fibre.
Another great way to use hemp protein is as a high protein snack. It is especially great in a fruit or vegetable smoothie, adding a protein boost to help raise your energy levels throughout the day. You can also combine the protein powder into dough and create protein muffins, bars, puddings, balls or cookies.
Hemp protein is also great as a pre-workout snack as it gives your body a quick and lasting boost of energy to fuel your exercise routine. The best type of snack to boost your energy performance is one high in complex carbohydrates, which provide a slow continuous release of energy.
Hemp protein powders are an excellent source of protein, however unlike many other types of protein powders they are also high in carbohydrates.
As a post-workout snack a hemp protein shake is ideal as it combines protein and carbohydrates. It is recommended to consume this snack within two hours of finishing your work out for the best results in recovery and muscle regeneration.
A protein shake can also be a great source of protein before you sleep. Some studies have proven that growth hormones are elevated when you sleep, therefore if you consume additional protein before, you can stimulate muscle growth and repair.
Is Hemp The Best Protein Powder Option?
There have been many vegan and non-vegan athletes who swear by the nutrient rich hemp powder shakes.
Even Joe Rogan has jumped on board the hemp protein powder superfood train for his training needs. Along with Aubrey Marcus, they discuss the benefits of hemp protein and some of the hoops the industry had to jump through because of this infamous plant in this video:
What’s The Catch? Downsides of Hemp
One of the biggest downsides of hemp is the relatively low amount of protein in the powder in comparison to other plant-based proteins like pea.
A typical serving with provide around 120 calories and 15 grams of protein. This is less than a similar serving of soy or pea protein powders.
The high amount of fibre in hemp can also potentially cause some unwanted effects in people not used to a high fibre diet. This can include gas, bloating or diarrhea if you consume too much too quickly.
Since hemp is from the same plant family as marijuana, it has gained negative and illegal connotations in many places around the world. While it is legal to consume hemp protein, it is still largely illegal to grow the plant itself.
Will Hemp Protein Get You High?
Since hemp and marijuana are often mixed up and intertwined, it’s natural that you may wonder whether ingesting hemp could have similar effects to a marijuana high.
But look:
Hemp seeds contain hardly any of the psychoactive compound THC. Typically not more than 0.3%.
One study showed that eating 300 grams of hulled hemp seeds per day will not interfere with urine drug tests.
The Controversy Around This Potent Plant
Hemp comes from the same cannabis plant that produces marijuana. Because of this, laws have been strict for the use and sale of hemp in most countries.
Certain places around the world have made changes to food standards in order to permit the sale of hemp seeds as food. Hemp seed derivatives are considered legal if they contain no more than 0.3% THC.
Hemp seeds have however been freely available in countries such as US, Canada and UK for many years. It’s been a nutritious additive into breads, breakfast cereals, and baked goods.
It is important to note, that an increase demand for hemp is not only great for the fitness industry.
Not only do the seeds have excellent value, the remainder of the plant can be grown to use as animal feed, fibre from which to create paper, a fabric for soundproofing or even as biofuel.
Our Recommendation
If you are looking for a nutritious, health boosting, vegan protein powder then you need to look no further than the hemp options in this review.
The #1 Nutiva Hemp Protein provides the best option and overall value currently on the market, with over 21g of protein per serving, high fibre and healthy essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
If you are looking for a budget friendly option, then you should consider the 100% Canadian sourced hemp protein powder from Just Hemp Foods. This one is absolutely packed with fibre and gives you all the protein powder benefits while improving your digestion.
Whichever vegan protein powder you choose, you will find them excellent to boost your workout regime. They can also be used to add extra protein into your diet, regenerate your muscles, improve your digestion all while providing you with vital nutrition.
And before I wrap all these up, check out our review of Fitmiss Delight Protein Powder. It's not hemp, but it's all good!
Last Updated on July 16, 2020
