Best Pea Protein Powders 2024

With the rise of healthier food alternatives gaining popularity year by year, it’s no excuse not to notice how effective have they become. The tables have turned quite fair with vegan nutritional profiles in subordination to our healthy diet. One of them is discreetly entering the stereotype regimen of protein sufficiency – Pea Protein. A huge stretch of the few but a happier choice of many. Why? It’s simple, pea protein powder is one of the safest plant-based alternative protein source options. We checked and reviewed the best pea protein powders currently available at your fingertips.

 

Top 5 Best Pea Protein Powders

Naturade Pea Protein Powder - 20g Plant-Based Protein & 130 Calories per Serving - 2.5g Fat - Soy and Dairy Free - Non-GMO Pea - Cholesterol & Gluten Free - Vanilla (12 Servings)

Naturade Pea Protein is a natural plant-based protein powder derived from yellow peas (Pisum sativum), also known as “split peas”. This product is highly soluble, easy to digest, and hypoallergenic.

It’s all natural and contains no animal by-products. The list goes on with this pea protein powder. It has pretty much all the characteristics you should be looking for a pea protein powder. This one comes in vanilla flavor and if you’re into flavored protein powder or if you happen to have a certain diet that fits this particular flavor, then you should go for it. No need to worry if you carry a sensitive stomach because it’s also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free. Kinda ironic though because at the back of the product label, it says that it is made from a facility that also processes milk, soy, wheat, and eggs.

As far as the active users of this product are concerned, most are saying that you can trust the consistency of this pea protein powder in terms of creaminess, smoothness, and taste when using it for shakes, smoothies, and other familiar protein-based stuff.

Designs for Health PurePea - 20g Vegan Pea Protein, Non-GMO Natural Drink Mix Powder Supplement, Vanilla (15 Servings / 450g)

It’s kind of obvious that vanilla flavor has earned a familiar reputation when it comes to pea protein powders. This pea protein powder from Designs for Health is a great catch for one. It comes in different variants and flavors but we will focus on this one for no other reason than the flavor.

A huge decent taste fandom is on the rise because most users have claimed that it tastes like actual vanilla, given with its pure, organic, and very safe formulation. The thing is Designs for Health has been around for quite a long time now, providing vegan and vegetarian supplements to the practicing community. In fact, they’re one of the most trusted vegan brands by health professionals. The brand’s comprehensive testing criteria evaluates all aspects affecting quality and efficacy such as identity, purity, strength, and composition.

Anyway, if you’re looking into this one or if you have tried this before, you know that it’s one of the best pea protein powders to date. To cap off, it is also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and fructose-free making it a safe protein source alternative.

Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Pea Protein (Unflavored, Smooth Texture), 1.5 Pounds

Being health conscious, it has become our nature that when a packaging of a certain product indicates Superfoods, that’s automatically another level of excitement and wanting to know more.

This Terrasoul pea protein powder offers one of the purest form of superior protein supplements, 80% at most. USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan. Terrasoul quite stands out due to its pricepoint. If you think about it, you’re practically having 24 grams of protein (3 servings of 8 grams per serving) for only 51 cents. You can’t beat that. The price might be cheaper but the quality is not. If you’re on a tight budget, this might be a great option for you.

The taste of this pea protein powder is straightforward bland, nothing else. Some people do mind it, some don’t. If you’re part of the latter, then okay great. Well, you should also be aware that most unflavored plant-based protein powders are kind of chalky and cerealy in texture, but it is the quality and nutrients of the product are what we’re investing for.  

BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM Pea Protein Isolate Powder - Vegan Protein Powder, Pea Protein Powder - Unflavored, Plant Based with 21g of Protein - 30g per Serving, 1kg (2.2 lbs), Pack of 1

What you see is what you get with Bulk Supplements Pure Pea Protein Powder. Clean and pure powder, NO FILLERS. Funny thing is it almost sounds like a warning. 

For someone like me that pays attention to brand packaging, the minimal design of this pea protein powder has a very appealing and enticing approach towards pea protein enthusiasts. Not that it matters to everyone but I think it’s a huge plus to at least spark the initial interest and all. They got the usual stuff, rich in amino acids, low in carbohydrates and fat. Free of soy, gluten, lactose, and animal products so vegans may sleep well to this.

Taste is okay. And what I mean for okay is that it can be improved depending on how are you going to incorporate it with your diet. One active user have stated that if you are used to the highly sweetened/flavored protein powders on the market then this one might take getting used to. It can be a bit overwhelming at first but you get used to it and you can make it more palatable by adding in fruits and sweeteners.

NAKED Nutrition Pea - Pea Protein Isolate - Plant Based, Vegetarian & Vegan Protein. Easy to Digest, Speeds Muscle Recovery - Non-GMO, No Lactose, No Soy and Gluten Free - 15 Servings

I feel like introducing this pea protein powder with a heavy metal song background or something. One hundred percent premium pea protein is what Naked Pea is. It contains only one ingredient: yellow pea protein with zero additives.

No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors and is GMO-Free, Soy Free and Gluten-Free. Naked Pea could be your new ultimate pre- and post-workout companion. Checking in further, here’s what you’re getting for each serving of this pea protein powder: 27gms of protein, 2gms of sugar, 2gms of carbs, 120 calories, and 5.7gms of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids).

You know what to expect with the taste. Just think of it as earthy. Well, we’re not after that do we? But with all fairness, as a stand-alone protein powder (and given how pure it is), you know that it wouldn’t taste any closer to flavored ones. But with just a little tweak with your shakes, smoothies, and recipes, it’s a guaranteed booster with a treat.

Which Would We Buy?

Other Pea Protein Powders

NorCal Organic Premium Pea Protein Isolate

The organic yellow peas they’re using to make this pea protein powder is sourced directly from Canadian farms. It’s easy digesting and a complete protein source. With its natural flavor, it compliments very well with smoothies and protein shakes. If you’re looking for something that is purer in form, this one is a good option. It is made entirely with organic yellow pea protein isolate. No added flavors, colors, sugars, and completely allergen-free.

Nothing specific to point out when it comes to taste. NorCal organic pea protein powder tastes straight up chalky, gritty, and earthy. There’s no other way to put it. For those who have been into plant-based proteins for a long time, it’s just a normal scenario not to put too much expectation with taste instead focus more on the beneficial side of things.

Source Naturals Pea Protein Powder

This one from Source Naturals is a very versatile pea protein powder. A great blend into smoothies and protein shakes. This natural legume protein also boosts and completes the protein content of other dishes. You may try adding it to soups or stews or sprinkling it on pasta dishes. You may also add it to rice, oatmeal or other grains, or any vegetable dishes. It has a neutral taste and good solubility. This protein isolate is made with pure garden peas (Pisum sativum) which is highly bioavailable, easily digestible, and a concentrated protein source. Source Naturals is a trusted brand by practicing vegans and vegetarians around the globe and has been around for almost three decades. This is just one among their many great selection of plant-based supplements.

This pea protein powder has a fine texture and subtle taste that combines well with variety of vegan meals. It’s the perfect treat when you sneak it into pastries and such. And lastly, it completes the protein profile of grain proteins due to high lysine content which makes it more awesome.

Bob’s Red Mill Pea Protein Powder

Well, you all know uncle Bob. Producers of plant-based supplements that are very budget-friendly. Bob’s Red Mill pea protein powder is another great option for vegans on a slightly tight budget. You’re getting 21 grams of protein per serving of this pea protein powder. It’s mild in flavor, completely vegan, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Composed only with pure protein isolate with no artifical colors or flavors. This product from Bob’s is mild on your stomach and is formulated to be a good source of iron as well.

It tastes pretty neutral, just like any other unflavored pea protein powders. No need to worry much as this would blend very well with your favorite smoothies. You can just add a hearty serving to your breakfast smoothie or post-workout shake, without a bunch of extra junk.

Best in Category

  • Best Overall: Designs for Health PurePea Pea Protein Powder
  • Best Budget: Terrasoul Superfood Organic Pea Protein
  • Best 2nd Budget: Bob’s Red Mill Pea Protein Powder
  • Best Tasting: Naturade Plant-based Pea Protein Powder
  • Best for Muscle Building: Naked Pea Pea Protein Powder
  • Best for Baking and Others: Bulk Supplements Pure Pea Protein Powder
  • Best Organic: NorCal Ogranic Premium Pea Protein Isolate
  • Best Versatile: Source Naturals Pea Protein Powder

 

On your search for the best pea protein powder, checking the label is a must and there lies the selection of what may or may not become the regulars on your pantry. I may speak on behalf of pea protein itself but not with the entirety of pea protein powder industry. Take note that the most important thing here is to get the essential amount for your body and health on what pea protein powders should be.

If you ever find yourself checking in your local or online market for pea protein powders, consider following these simple tips.

  • Choose organic – It ensures to be non-GMO and will contain fewer pesticides.

  • Check the nutrition label carefully – Keep an eye out for and avoid excess fillers (like carrageenan), added sugar, dextrin or maltodextrin, thickeners (like xanthan gum), and any artificial colorings. Check the right-hand side of the nutrition label on the bottle and make sure that all nine essential amino acids are listed.
  • Avoid artificial sweeteners – Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium.

What is Pea Protein Powder?

Pea protein powder is a supplement made by extracting protein from yellow peas. Specifically, it is obtained by drying and grounding peas into a fine flour, mixing it with water, and removing the fiber and starch, leaving mostly protein with a smattering of vitamins and minerals. This paste is then dried and ground into a fine powder, creating pea protein isolate.

Needless to say, Pea protein powder is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and does not contain any of the top eight food allergens — peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, cow’s milk, wheat and soy.

Does pea protein powder taste bad?

Yes and no. There are actually lots of pea protein powders that are flavored, just like the ones we mentioned in our list. You’ll be surprised how good are they. For unflavored and other pure ones, expect it to be more chalky, bland, and earthy in taste. Also, we’re incorporating our pea protein powders as base for our shakes, smoothies, protein drinks and other recipes. So it’s just a matter of getting the right taste and blend that you prefer. You can easily compensate this by adding in other ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and raw nut butters.

Know Your Needs

At first, I knew that most of you had their doubts with pea protein. And that’s perfectly normal for us to question anything that is health-related. Whether you’re on a transition period or a long-time vegan/vegetarian, I hope that we were able to deliver the pea protein wisdom you’re looking for. Nowadays, everywhere we turn our heads, we’re being flooded with information on what’s best for our health. To the point that we’re ending up empty-handed due to unsolicited risks of trying this or that. Over time, you will learn these three things when choosing the right supplement to your healthy diet – keeping your body’s harmony intact, proper consultation with experts, and finding your health and body’s rhythm based on its own language.

Overall, pea protein powder is a plant-based protein alternative with the same benefits as other common protein sources. Pea protein powder works completely well with most diets, as it is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and hypoallergenic. Whether it’s for building muscles or you just simply wish to go plant-based, it’s a reliable complete protein source that woudn’t disappoint.

Jenny Hutchings

Jenny Hutchings

I’m Jenny Hutchings and I share my healthy eating journey here! I hope you find the recipes and How-To guides useful, I look forward to hearing from you in the comments and on social media ?