5 Best Pea Protein Powders In 2022, According To A Dietitian

Team

Protein is the primary macronutrient our body needs. Besides the carbs and fats, protein has a main role in helping our bodies grow, repair, and develop. Protein is found in many foods, but we often cannot get enough by eating those foods.

Having a balanced diet rich in plant-based protein powders can help maintain good health. Besides the regular Whey protein, which is animal-derived, many companies decided to make some vegan-friendly protein supplements.

The pea protein powder is one of the most popular vegan protein powders, as it is a high-quality protein and an excellent source of iron. It also contains essential amino acids that the body is not able to create by itself.

Our Top Picks For The Best Pea Protein Powders: 

  1. Naked Nutrition Pea Protein Powder: Overall Best Pea Protein Powder, Editor’s Choice
  2. Naked Nutrition Chocolate Pea Protein Powder: Most Recommended Organic Chocolate Pea Protein Powder
  3. Anthony’s Goods: Best Premium & Prime Quality Pea Protein Powder
  4. Transparent Labs: 100% Vegan and Sugar-Free Pea Protein Powder
  5. Zen Principle: Top Rated Pea Protein for Athletes

#1. Naked Nutrition Pea Protein Powder: Overall Best Pea Protein Powder, Editor’s Choice

In 2014, Stephen Zieminski noticed that the market is full of protein powders containing many ingredients with low nutritional value. People try to live healthy by adding supplements marked as healthy, but these products often prove to be something else.

Because of that, Stephen decided to make a protein with less but nutritionally-rich ingredients. He made two proteins at the beginning, Naked Whey, derived from grass-fed cows in California, and Naked Pea, derived from raw yellow peas, grown in the U.S. and in Canada. Today, Naked Nutrition offers over 50 wellness products, and most of them contain no more than three ingredients.

The customers can receive their orders from five to seven business days and can track their orders once they receive an order confirmation email. This company also offers a return and refund policy, covering all unopened and unused products within 14 days of the receiving. The customers can also request a return on all damaged items once they send a picture of the issue to the company’s email.

Features

Naked’s Pea Protein Powder is a vegan protein made of yellow peas. The peas are processed via water extraction and without any use of chemicals. This protein is free of additives and artificial sweeteners, as well as allergens. It contains just a single ingredient, a pure yellow pea powder.

Because of its superior amino acid content, it is beneficial for muscle growth and post-workout muscle recovery. This protein gives opportunity to all vegans to build strong bodies on a plant-based diet.

The serving size is 30 grams, and 27 grams of it is pure protein. One serving contains only 120 calories, which gains a high nutritional score for this protein. Based on the pure ingredients, this protein is suitable for those who have dairy intolerance and digestive issues.

Compared to many other vegan proteins, Naked’s pea protein does not contain unwanted carbs like the other vegan and dairy-free proteins that are full of beans, quinoa, and legume carbs. The nutritional value of this pea protein is 27 grams of pea protein supplement, only 2 grams of carbs, and 0.5 grams of fat.

  • How to Use

It is best to add this protein to your breakfast before a workout, whether it is a fruity smoothie or oatmeal. The protein can also be used post-workout, as a regular protein shake, or with a combination of rice or cornflakes to complete the amino acid profile.

It is best to shake it with non-dairy milk or water, as you wish. You can add some fruits and vegetables for taste because this is unflavored pea protein powder.

Pros

  • Does not contain other carb ingredients
  • Transparent brand
  • Best for vegans and those who are dairy intolerant
  • Best value
  • Just 120 calories per serving
  • Contains only 2 grams of carbs
  • Neutral taste
  • Third-party lab tested ingredients

Cons

  • Some may not like the taste

Customer Feedback

Some customers have not used neutral protein powder, and they found this taste unusual. However, the taste is not bad, according to several customers. Overall, it is an excellent whey replacement because of its rich nutritional value.

=> Click here to visit the official website of Naked Nutrition Pea Protein Powder

#2. Naked Nutrition Chocolate Pea Protein Powder: Most Recommended Organic Chocolate Pea Protein Powder

This brand is transparent about the ingredients used in its protein powder. Naked Nutrition wanted to create pure products free of additional additives, carbs, artificial sweeteners, and flavors. Naked Nutrition is a trusted brand around the U.S. because of its transparency.

Many experts tried this protein and found it one of the top 15 vegan protein powders. Because of its simple ingredients, it is a great replacement for a whey protein powder. It is made with a cold process, which prevents future contamination. So, the users can get only the best nutritional benefits.

This brand started with only two protein products. But today, it has enriched the list with many different flavors, including brown rice protein powder, powdered peanut butter, casein protein, creatine monohydrate, natural pre-workout, and many vitamin dietary supplements.

In addition, all products are third-party lab tested to prove their purity and quality. They are also free of gluten, GMOs, dairy, and soy. They are 100% vegan and safe for use, made with carefully grown peas in U.S. and Canada fields.

Features

The chocolate pea protein by Naked Nutrition is made of only three ingredients — cacao powder, coconut sweetener, and pea protein extracted from organic yellow peas. The cacao powder enriches the flavor, covering the pea taste and making this protein an awesome muscle gain supplement.

It is 100% vegan and natural, contains only a few ingredients, and is free of additional carbs. This protein has excellent nutritional value, which makes this vegan protein very close to the whey protein value.

The Naked chocolate protein contains 25 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of sugar per dose. It is stored in a 5lb plastic container and costs only $57.99, which is an excellent price for what is inside. The customers can find a number of recipes and health and fitness articles on the website to enrich their healthy lifestyle.

This protein offers as much as whey does. It has a gold standard for protein powder, and it is the right alternative for vegans and people who have a dairy intolerance. The protein supports muscle building and weight-loss processes. This protein supplement contains pure pea protein isolate.

  • How to Use

As a non-dairy product, it can be used with water or plant milk. The users can mix it with almond, soy, coconut, and even rice milk. Add the liquid and two scoops of chocolate protein to a shaker, then shake it for 30 to 45 seconds. Then, your protein shake is ready.

The protein can also be added to food, usually at breakfast time. The users can find lots of protein recipes, like pancakes, oatmeal, and even smoothies. The protein should be used pre-workout or after a workout.

Pros

  • 100% vegan ingredients
  • Low carb
  • Rich and tasty flavor
  • Contains only three ingredients
  • Strong nutritional value
  • Great whey replacement
  • Best for muscle gain and to lose weight
  • Affordable price for excellent quality
  • Fast shipping options

Cons

  • Only 5lb package available

Customer Feedback

The customers love the new flavor. Besides its plant-derived protein, this one has a more pleasant taste. The reviews talk about the great texture, rich nutritional value, and pure and simple ingredients. The customers like the fact that this protein is not full of fillers and additional carbs.

Other customers are happy with the price. This protein is cheaper than other similar pea proteins. It digests fast and provides the users with the best workout support. Some customers like to add this protein to food, and some drink it with plain water. They noted that the taste is not bad at all.

=> Click here to visit the official website of Naked Nutrition Chocolate Pea Protein Powder

#3. Anthony’s Goods: Best Premium & Prime Quality Pea Protein Powder

This company’s goal was to provide the customers with products that contain just the good stuff. Anthony’s team wants to keep things simple and deliver high-quality products that contain organic and natural foods at a great price. The ingredients used in Anthony’s products are sourced from trusted farmers worldwide.

Today, this brand offers more than a hundred products, including beauty and personal care products, spices, protein, snacks, nuts, seeds, superfoods, supplements, and more. The customers can find many recipes that include healthy snacks and meals to support everyone’s healthy life.

The shipping is free on all orders, and no minimum amount is required. The delivery is available only within the U.S. So unfortunately, Canada and other countries worldwide are not able to order Anthony’s products.

Since this brand sells food, they do not accept returns and do not offer a satisfaction guarantee. It also means that the orders are non-refundable. The customers can find many discounts offered on bulk orders, though.

Features

This protein supplement contains premium pea protein isolate from Canada’s farms. This protein is made by removing the starch and fiber contents of the yellow peas and grinding them into fine powder. This vegan protein is an excellent alternative to soy and whey proteins.

It also has a high nutritional value. 1 tablespoon contains 10 grams serving size, of which 8 grams are pure protein and only 1 gram of carb. It contains zero fat and zero sugar, and it is also gluten-free and non-GMO.

The protein is available in a 2 lb bag size for $17.49. It is unflavored and unsweetened, making this protein an ideal ingredient for a variety of recipes. It is a pure and natural plant-based protein source that offers the same benefits as regular whey protein. It is also rich in chlorophyll, which makes it easier for digestion.

This brand tested its products and verified that they are gluten-free, and overall, Anthony’s Goods is a transparent brand that sells only simple and pure products. This pea protein contains only one ingredient — vegetable pea protein isolate.

  • How to Use

Because of its neutral flavor, this protein can be used as a regular protein shake. Just add some plant milk, water, or juice to the protein and shake. The customers can also use the protein in smoothies, pancakes, muffins, protein bars, and more.

Moreover, the customers can find lots of healthy recipes on Anthony’s website. The protein can be used for many sweet and salty snacks, including cookies, crackers, energy bars, bread, oatmeals, and even stews and waffles.

Pros

  • 100% vegan and vegetarian
  • Made with one ingredient
  • Unflavored and unsweetened
  • High nutritional value
  • Affordable price
  • Provides muscle gain support
  • Recommended by many experts
  • Free shipping on all orders
  • Variety of healthy products offered

Cons

  • Website has poor product information

Customer Feedback

Based on 43 reviews on the official website, we noticed that many people have positive thoughts about Anthony’s pea protein. Many of them wrote that the protein has a pleasant taste, mostly normal and natural. The protein is perfect for making healthy protein recipes. Most of the customers left positive feedback for the price and the quality of the products.

A customer said that she tried many different pea proteins, but this one is the best so far. The recipes are super easy, simple, and delicious. She replaced her old brand with Anthony’s Goods, and because of the variety of products it offers, she feels complete when she needs organic supplies.

=> Click here to visit the official website of Anthony’s Goods Pea Protein Powder

#4. Transparent Labs: 100% Vegan and Sugar-Free Pea Protein Powder

Another company that wants to prove that even vegan protein can build your muscles is Transparent Labs, which offers many supplements for athletes and individuals who wish to gain muscle weight and cut body fat. This brand also sells many weight-loss supplements.

Transparent Labs is a company based in Utah, U.S. It joined the supplement industry in 2016, and since then, it has achieved its name. This brand truly lives up to its reputation, and it uses science-based formulations to create its products. Transparent Labs strives to bring customers quality and integrity, whether they need to bulk up or lean out.

All Transparent Labs’ products are third-party lab tested, and there are Certificates of Analyses available on their official website. The customers can gather more information about the products and their ingredients through these lab test results.

This brand is one of the few that delivers their orders worldwide. Depending on the delivery address, the shipping charges will be calculated at checkout. There are only 14 countries that are not able to order these products, which include Albania, Algeria, Brazil, India, Italy, Lithuania, Macedonia, Morocco, Nepal, Norway, Romania, Russia, Tunisia, and Ukraine.

Features

The Transparent Labs’ protein is 100% vegan and free of artificial sweeteners and flavors. It is also USDA organic certified. It has a smooth texture that is delicious and easy on the digestive system. This protein supplement is a powerful protein source rich in fiber that is a good option for everyone.

The 32-gram serving contains 24 grams of pure pea protein and 4 grams of fiber. It is free of GMOs, preservatives, and gluten, and it does not contain any allergens like lactose or dairy traces. The protein is enriched with chocolate and french vanilla flavor, making it potent enough to cover the pea flavor.

This protein is a bit different than others. It contains a protein blend of 2:1 rice-to-pea ratio. The ingredients create a smooth, dusty texture that is easy to dissolve in liquid. The total fat varies depending on the flavor, and it is something between 2 to 2.5 grams per serving.

You can find this protein for only $49 per tube. There are also bulk options that will save you more money. The product is worth the money because the customers will get nothing but a clean, organic supplement.

  • How to Use

This protein has rich chocolate and vanilla flavors, and the users can drink it even with water, as there is no unwanted plant taste. It can also be dissolved in milk, whether it is plant-based or just regular animal milk. Put a scoop of protein in a shaker, then add milk or water by choice. Shake it, and the drink is ready.

Transparent Labs’ protein is the best ingredient for all healthy cookies, energy bars, and waffles. It can even be easily mixed with greek yogurt. You can add this protein powder to every recipe to make it healthier and feed the macro nutritional needs in the body.

Pros

  • Transparent brand
  • Third-party lab tested ingredients
  • 100% vegan and organic products
  • Rich chocolate and french vanilla flavor
  • 24 grams pure protein in a scoop
  • Best for muscle gain and weight loss
  • Safe supplement
  • Available for worldwide shipping

Cons

  • No company information

Customer Feedback

Even 80% of the customer reviews are five-star-rated.  The customers love the chocolate flavor, and they say it is rich with no pea taste at all. There are also many positive reviews about the texture, as it mixes well and dissolves well in everything.

Overall, the customers really love this product, and it is one of the best vegan proteins on the market.

=> Click here to visit the official website of Transparent Labs Pea Protein Powder

#5. Zen Principle: Top Rated Pea Protein for Athletes

Zen Principle strives to support lifelong health and overall wellness. This brand is committed to sourcing only high-quality ingredients that are safely produced, which are offered at the best price. This company makes all of its products in the U.S., supporting local communities and ensuring they meet strict safety standards.

Safety and quality are the most important things for this brand, and it rigorously tests its products at every stage, from harvesting to delivery. The protein is 100% pure, made with organic pea protein isolate derived from yellow peas. Moreover, the product is free of soy, dairy, gluten, GMOs, and nuts, and it is also hypo-allergenic.

Furthermore, there are no chemicals used in the extraction process. The pea protein is produced using water, and there are no additional processing aids or chemicals required. The test results showed there were no Glyphosate and herbicide traces detected while testing.

This brand provides free shipping on all orders within the U.S. Unfortunately, they cannot deliver the products internationally. The company also guarantees a 30-day return policy, which covers all unopened and unused products. The products should be in the same condition as received to be eligible for a return.

Features

This product is available in only one flavor — neutral. It is USDA-certified organic yellow pea protein that is free of dairy, gluten, and soy. The serving size of 30 grams contains 24 grams of pure pea protein, 2.8 grams of fat, less than 2 grams of carbs, of which 1.2 grams is fiber. The protein is stored in a plastic tube with a total weight of 1,361 grams.

It has a light powder texture with pleasant color and flavor, and it contains amino acids, iron, and protein. The protein can be easily mixed in hot or cold water, milk, shakes, green drinks like protein shakes, and even in baked dishes.

This product was created to promote overall health and wellness, and it has a long beneficial list that includes increasing muscle thickness, lowering the hunger hormone ghrelin, lowering blood pressure, and supporting the weight-loss process. It is a great pre-workout and post-workout nutritional supplement as well.

The protein is available for a price of $44.99 per tube, and the company offers a subscription discount of 5% on the first five orders and a 10% discount for all remaining orders. All orders include free shipping, and the orders are expected to arrive in five to seven business days.

  • How to Use

It is best to use this protein before or after a workout. It is even suitable for those who do not practice working out but want a balanced diet even for weight growth. The protein has a neutral but pleasant taste, and it can be easily dissolved in water, milk, or other drinks.

So, the users can make lots of tasty recipes and enrich them with pea protein. There are dozens of recipes online to help you do magic in the kitchen. This protein has lots of macronutrients that our bodies need, even if we do not work out.

Pros

  • Neutral, pleasant taste
  • Fine, powdery texture
  • 24 grams pure pea protein per dose
  • Contains more than 15 amino acids and iron
  • May promote overall health and wellness
  • Made and packed in the U.S.
  • Free U.S. shipping on all orders
  • Discount offers available

Cons

  • No other flavors or sizes offered

Customer Feedback

The customers highly recommend this pea protein. Most of the comments are positive, saying that this protein is easier for digestion and does not cause bloating. It has a flavor, but it is not bad at all. Most of the customers noted that they drink it with water.

=> Click here to visit the official website of Zen Principle Pea Protein Powder

How We Made This List Of The Best Pea Protein Powder Brands? 

Pure Ingredients

Protein is a supplement needed for metabolism and to complete the needed amino acids that the body cannot produce by itself. Supplement usage should be as natural as possible because we cannot take all nutrients through diet alone. The pea protein mainly contains 100% yellow pea powder.

Only natural ingredients will feed the body with the needed nutrients. Otherwise, the users may not see the effect of using protein and will feel bloated. Ensure the protein you want to buy is made of simple and transparent ingredients to avoid taking in too many carbs and sugar instead of pure protein.

Brand’s Transparency

We chose only trusted brands that gained their popularity because of their honesty. The brands we chose are transparent and share many details about the company, its products, ingredients used to create the product, the ingredients’ origins, customer policies, and more.

We wanted to ensure all interested customers would be provided with the right product and all needed details about the company and the products. The company should share how it sources the ingredients and if they are organically made. The farms should also grow plants under strict standards to prove they produce entirely pure organic products.

Brand’s Reputation

All of the mentioned brands have a high reputation and have earned customers’ trust because of their transparency. All five brands sell what they promise, which is pure pea protein powder rich in vegan protein nutrients that is potent enough to replace the traditional whey protein powder.

Many customers agreed with it, and they left lots of positive feedback and high ratings. The brand’s reputation will attract more customers, and that is why we chose trusted and high-reputed brands for you.

Customer Feedback

In the end, we checked the customer review section. We wanted to ensure many customers had positive experiences with the products and would recommend them to others. A customer’s recommendation is the most valuable because if the brand is not honest about its product, the customers will be.

So, we chose brands that have more positive than negative comments. Not everyone will be satisfied with a product like this. Some customers may not like the taste, and some may not have a problem at all. However, these five brands have really positive customer feedback and many recommendation testimonials.

Buying Guide: Factors To Consider Before Buying Pea Protein Powder: 

Ingredient List

Usually, the pea protein should be made of natural ingredients and pure pea powder. Some companies may add extra artificial flavors and colors to cover the pea taste. However, once you decide to buy vegan pea protein, you should be prepared that the taste will not be the same as whey protein.

Besides the taste, you should always search for something pure, organic, and natural to ensure you feed your body with natural nutrients. Avoid protein products with a large ingredient list. You need only the pea powder to consume the required protein amount.

Price

Vegan protein options may cost more compared to regular whey. The manufacturers need a larger amount of peas to create 1,000 grams of pure protein powder. The extraction process is not that simple, and it requires expensive machinery and specialized technicians. The entire process is pricey, so most organic vegan products are more costly than others.

But, the price should match the product. Explore different brands to ensure the price is quite similar for those products.

Transparency

The brand you choose has to be transparent about itself first, then about the manufacturing process and the final products’ ingredients. As we mentioned, the protein should be natural and pure to see the effects. Our bodies need all macronutrients to work properly, but if we choose a protein product that contains carbs and sugar, we may not notice a big difference in the body.

All interested customers should know what is inside the protein powder and ensure they pay the price for a quality product. Avoid buying from an untrusted brand because it may offer products that contain other unnecessary ingredients that can slow down the metabolism and not give the wanted effects.

Brand’s Rating

It is good to explore which brands have earned the customers’ trust. A brand’s reputation depends on the customers’ feedback. If the brand is highly reputed, the customers are satisfied with the product, and the product inside the bottle matches the description and provides the body with needed amino acids.

An untrusted brand with a bad reputation may offer unhealthy products that are just a waste of money. So, take a look at the reputation and determine what other people experienced and why they give low ratings for the brand. Some customers may not be satisfied with the product, the customer service, the delivery, or something else.

Customer Satisfaction

As mentioned, customer satisfaction builds brands’ reputations. The seller will always publish positive words about their product, saying that it is the best. Everyone wants to sell their product, so it is not logical to write bad about it.

But, customer reviews can tell a lot. Many customers will want to share their experience, and sometimes it may be bad. So, it is essential to know more about what others have experienced to avoid being betrayed and receiving a completely different product that does not match the description.

FAQs Related To Pea Protein Powder:

How is pea protein made?

It is a plant-based supplement derived from yellow split peas. The pea protein is usually mechanically processed compared to many other protein isolates made with chemical processing. The extraction process includes two phases — dry and liquid.

In the dry phase, the peas are dried and grounded into a fine powder that contains protein, fiber, and starch. The liquid phase includes water to separate the fiber and starch. The pea protein is available in concentrate and isolate, same as whey protein. But, the isolated pea protein contains a high protein concentration and more fiber and starch.

Is pea protein a “complete” protein?

All proteins have different and unique amino acids. A complete protein will be the one that contains all 9 essential amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, lysine, leucine, phenylalanine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine). The body cannot produce amino acids, and therefore, we have to get them with nutrition and diet.

The pea protein does contain all 9 essential amino acids, which is an exception in the vegan protein powders. It is considered one of the complete plant-based proteins on the market. However, pea protein contains lower amounts of amino acids compared to whey protein.

What are the benefits of using pea protein?

The first benefit is that this protein is a plant-based protein. It does not contain allergen traces like dairy, yeast, eggs, or nuts, which can affect some individuals. It is also a complete protein because it has all 9 essential amino acids that promote muscle growth.

Pea protein is rich in iron, compared to the animal-based protein that typically contains less iron. Pea protein is also easily absorbable and does not cause bloating like some whey proteins. This protein is great for muscle growth and weight loss.

How to pick the right pea protein?

There are a couple of essential factors to check out to ensure you pick a protein that aligns with your goals. First of all, check the sugar contents. Many proteins contain additional sugar or sweeteners to boost the flavor. There can also be hidden sugars, like xylitol and dextrose.

Next, you should be mindful of the soil quality. Some plants may soak some heavy metals like arsenic and lead, and the peas may absorb them with no exception. This is the main factor to consider when choosing a trustworthy company with third-party lab testing on its products. Another thing is to choose the pea protein that contains all 9 amino acids.

Who should use pea protein?

All plant-based proteins have the greatest appeal among vegans and vegetarians who want to increase their protein intake and support a healthy lifestyle. Pea protein is a good option for anyone. Even people who just want to avoid casein can replace the animal-derived whey protein with a plant-based one.

The pea protein is also suitable for individuals who are allergic to dairy, wheat, eggs, or nuts. Most plant-based proteins do not cause bloating and are easier for digestion, which is also a good option for individuals who have digestive issues.

How much protein should I take after a workout?

The protein intake amount depends on many factors, including health, fitness goals, and workout intensity. Consuming protein after a workout improves muscle recovery and helps build stronger and bigger muscles. The users’ weight also plays a role here. The users who practice intensive workouts and weigh more need more protein to “feed” their muscles.

Usually, the average dose is about 25 to 30 grams of protein to boost the workout benefits and muscle recovery. Protein can be used as a meal, snack, or just a protein shake. The protein powder should be used in the right amount, depending on how much protein the users take with the meals.

Should I replace a meal with pea protein?

The protein powder is a supplement, and it should not be used as a meal replacement. The users should take their meals properly and just add some protein powder to fill in the required daily protein intake. As with other proteins, pea protein can be used for a pre-workout or post-workout meal or shake, added to many healthy recipes, but never as a meal replacement.

Conclusion: Which Is The Best Brand For Pea Protein Powder Supplements? 

Living an active lifestyle can be beneficial for overall health and wellness. Almost 90% of people who workout regularly  use protein supplements to recover their muscles and “feed” them. Our bodies need all macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals to work properly. People who decide on veganism can also feed their protein needs by choosing plant-derived protein.

The pea protein is one of the most complete plant-derived protein powders because it contains all 9 essential amino acids. Our bodies cannot produce amino acids by themselves, so that is the main reason we need supplements. Overall, enjoy your workout and continue living a healthy lifestyle with the best pea protein powders on the market.

Share this Article