Posted by
Toshoya McEwan
Peas might not have the reputation of steak or chicken, but they’re a great source of protein.
In fact, pre-protein powders are one of the OG vegan protein powder options.
In this article, we will go over the benefits of pea protein, and outline the best pea protein powders on the market.
What is Pea Protein?
Pea protein is a plant-based protein made from yellow split peas. When processed into a powder, it’s great to mix into smoothies and use for baking as a healthy, plant-based protein boost.
Unlike plant-based protein options, pea protein is a “complete” protein. This means it contains all 9 essential amino acids that our body can’t produce on its own. However, it has relatively low amounts of methionine, so sometimes it’s not considered a complete protein.
Regardless, a pea protein powder can help you fit your nutritional needs, providing a boost of protein with a higher dose of branch-chain amino acids than most plant-based proteins.
(And vegans, if you’re trying to consume more BCAAs, check out our article on the best vegan BCAAs.)
What Are The Benefits of Pea Protein?
Here are some of the more specific benefits of pea protein.
High Amounts of BCAAs: As previously mentioned, pea protein is a high-quality protein that offers a higher amount of BCAAs leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are all essential for healthy muscle growth and development.
Digests Easily: Studies have shown pea protein powder is easily digestible, high in fiber, and can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Pea protein also helps build muscle mass, provides energy, and supports a healthy immune system.
Blood Sugar, Satiety: In addition, studies have also shown that pea protein can help lower blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full, making it a great source of protein for anyone looking to start working out or continue with their weight loss journey.
Sustainable: Lastly, pea protein powder is highly sustainable as it requires fewer resources to manufacture than many other protein powder options.
Due to its high sustainability, pea protein tends to be cheaper than other protein powders, making it a great option for those looking to save some cash.
Great for cooking: Lastly, pea protein is great for all kinds of protein-packed baked goods.
So with all that said, here are the best pea protein powders on the market today. All of the products on this list are third-party tested.
The downside is that pea protein is often unflavored and usually better suited to be mixed into a smoothie or used for baking.
*Note: We do have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you purchase from any of our links. This supports our mission to bring complicated health and fitness info in an entertaining package. And it keeps us from putting up annoying things like banner ads. Those suck.
1) Naked Nutrition Naked Pea Protein Powder
Extracted from yellow split peas, without the use of any chemicals, Naked Nutrition Naked Pea protein powder is an amazingly simple and powerful protein powder.
Grown and sourced from farms in Canada and the United States with sustainable farming practices, this pea protein powder is packed with 27g of protein, 2g of carbs, 120 calories per serving, and 95% of your daily value (DV) of calcium and 16% of your DV of Iron. Not to mention, this protein powder also contains 2.75g of leucine, 1.5g of isoleucine, and 1.5g of valine.
This protein powder is strictly vegan, free of additives, artificial sweeteners, gluten, soy, dairy, and GMOs, this plant-based powder is a great alternative for anyone with food sensitivities or simply looking to make the switch from animal-based protein to plant-based protein.
Like all of the products on our list, it’s third-party tested, but Naked Pea is also Informed Choice Trusted by Sport, so it’s a great choice for athletes of all levels.
It comes in chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored options. This is the top flavored product on our list. The texture is a bit off if you’re taking it on its own, but it’s doable. We still recommend mixing it into a smoothie.
2) NorCal Organic Pea Protein
Sourced strictly from Canadian organic farms, NorCal Organic Pea Protein is independently lab tested and made from a single ingredient: organic yellow pea protein isolate. This pea protein is made with no added flavors, colors, or sugars, and is completely dairy, gluten, soy, and allergen-free.
NorCal’s Organic Pea Protein Powder is packed with nutrients in each serving with 22g of protein, 1g of carbs, and 100 calories, in addition to 4.8g of BCAAs (2.17g of leucine, 1.27g of isoleucine, 1.36g of valine), making it perfect for those looking to build and maintain their gains.
Because it’s pure pea protein, you’ll want to mix it with other ingredients, like a smoothie, or use it in baking.
3) Now Sports Organic Pea Protein
Now Sports Organic Pea Protein is another great single ingredient pea protein powder that delivers a great nutrient profile. Made from organic yellow pea protein isolate, Now Sports Organic Pea Protein powder is USDA organic, non-GMO, vegan, kosher, and free of eggs, dairy, nuts, and sugar.
In one serving, this plant-based protein powder contains 15g of protein, 1g of carbs, 80 calories, 30% DV of Iron, 1.3g of leucine, 0.73g of isoleucine, and 0.78g of valine.
This protein powder is great in price and is another great option for those looking to help build muscle.
Again, you’ll want to mix it with other ingredients, like a smoothie or use it in baking.
4) Sprout Living Organic Pea Protein
Sprout Living’s Organic Pea Protein is also a single-ingredient powder. Using a water-based extraction process, Sprout Living’s Organic Pea Protein is made from organic yellow peas sourced from North America, which are then milled into a fine and easily digestible powder.
Sprout Living’s pea protein powder is completely vegan, non-GMO, USDA organic, kosher, and free of additives, fillers, dairy, grains, soy, and gluten.
It contains 20g of protein, 1g of carbs, 100 calories, and 28% DV of Iron. This protein powder has a sweet and creamy/mild taste, making it great for smoothies or your favorite breakfast cereals.
5) Nature Plus Organic Pea Protein Powder
Nature Plus Organic Pea Protein has a lot of the benefits of previous products and the addition of two ingredients: organic quinoa to support the texture, and an enzyme blend to support digestion.
This makes it a great option if you’re looking for improved digestion.
6) Anthony’s Goods Premium Pea Protein Powder
Made from premium pea protein isolate directly from Canada, Anthony’s Goods Premium Pea Protein Powder is batch tested and free of artificial sweeteners and additives.
In one tablespoon, this plant-based protein powder contains 8g of protein, less than 1g of carbs, and only 35 calories, making it a great option for the individual looking to lose weight and build muscle and/or tone.
Add 2-3 tablespoons to your favorite smoothie recipe for a healthy post-workout drink!
What to Look For In a Pea Protein Powder
When selecting a pea protein powder, it is important to consider the quality of the ingredients and how it was processed. Pea protein powders made with high-quality ingredients and minimal processing are best. Some people also prefer powders that are organic, vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free. In addition, be sure to check the ingredients list for any added sweeteners or fillers.
Furthermore, check the nutrient content and protein serving size to determine if it suits your nutritional and fitness goals.
You should also think about how you’re going to take it. To be honest, pea protein on its own is just not going to have the texture of whey protein. It’s going to be a bit chalky and it won’t mix that well on its own in a simple blender bottle.
Our #1 pick, Naked Pea, is the best one to take alone, but even that we recommend you mix into a smoothie.
Final Thoughts
Pea protein powders are a great alternative to animal-based protein powders as pea protein provides a higher amount of BCAAs than most other plant-based protein powders and is just as effective as whey protein when it comes to muscle growth.
These protein powders are made from organic peas and are gluten-free, soy-free, GMO-free, and vegan. These are also made with no fillers, and added sweeteners, and are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and BCAAs.
Selecting a pea protein powder shouldn’t be difficult when you have all the best options listed above. So go ahead, give one a try and let us know what you think.
More on Vegan (Plant-Based) Nutrition
For more on vegan protein options, check out our guides on the best hemp protein powders and the best plant-based protein powders overall.
