Peas are sustainable veggie crops, and did you know that these legumes can help promote muscle gain and weight loss?
According to a study in Canada, a single pea may contain 48-90% protein content. But, this depends on the extracting protein process.
So, what are the best pea protein powders produced in the market? Is it possible to get that 90% protein content?
At a Glance
- Best Overall: Naked Nutrition Pea Protein Powder
- Best Tasting Protein Powder: Orgain Organic Protein
- Best for Daily Use: Ritual Essential Protein
- Best for Muscle Recovery: Ladder Plant Protein
- Best Protein-Rich: Gainful Personalized Protein Powder
Top 10 Organic Pea Protein Powders
1) Best Overall: Naked Nutrition Pea Protein Powder
The main reason why Naked Nutrition Pea Protein Powder is referred to as the best whey protein alternative is that it is made only with one ingredient – Pea Protein Extract.
This means that Naked Pea Protein is a pure pea protein isolate product that can effectively boost your protein intake.
The pea protein is produced from yellow peas grown on US and Canadian farms. During the processing, no chemicals were used to ensure the safety of the vegetable pea protein product.
Regarding the company, Naked Nutrition, the company started in the health and wellness industry in 2014.
Since then, their users have received great reviews, especially for the Naked Pea Protein product.
Furthermore, this pea protein product increases the amino acid levels in the body, especially methionine.
Consistent with a study published in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, branched-chain AA, like methionine, can increase muscle protein synthesis.
Eventually, this could promote healthy weight loss, muscle growth, and muscle gain.
See the information below if you want to know more about the advantages of using Naked Pea Protein.
Pros
- It is made with yellow pea protein with no additives or artificial sweeteners.
- Third-party labs tested for heavy metals.
- This isolated pea protein comes in 3 flavors – plain, vanilla, and chocolate.
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, and soy-free.
- It can increase muscle thickness.
- Reduces cravings.
Cons
- Free shipping can only be acquired when you purchase at least $99 of the pea protein isolate product.
2) Best Tasting Protein Powder: Orgain Organic Protein
Orgain Organic Protein might suit you if you have a sensitive stomach and want to consume a delicious organic protein powder.
This pea protein product was formulated by Orgain, which has been in the health and wellness industry since 2009.
One great thing about this pea protein product is that it comes in different flavors:
- Creamy chocolate fudge
- Chocolate coconut
- Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt
- Chocolate peanut butter
- Peanut butter
- Natural unsweetened
- Vanilla bean
- Iced coffee
Moreover, if you want to consume chocolate bars instead, Orgain Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough organic protein bar is also available.
Pros
- Orgain Organic Protein comes with a complete amino acid profile.
- Kosher-compliant, gluten-free, sugar-free, non-GMO, soy-free, dairy-free, and lactose-free.
- It can promote healthy weight loss.
Cons
- Possible side effects include nausea, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and indigestion.
3) Best Unflavored Powder: Vega One All-In-One Shake
If you want an unflavored pea protein powder, Vega One All-In-One Shake might be what you want.
This pea protein product is formulated by the company Now Sports. According to the company, Vega One All-In-One Shake is 100% pure unflavored, and is made with no soy and dairy.
Additionally, this pea protein product is made from organic yellow pea protein isolate, and per serving of this vegetable pea protein can give 15 grams of protein.
Pros
- Vega Sport Premium Protein is USDA-certified organic.
- Now Sports Nutrition pea protein isolate can be mixed easily, and the texture is smooth.
- Contains zero trans fat to effectively promote weight loss.
Cons
- Compared to other plant-based or vegan proteins, this organic pea protein isolate product does not come with many vitamins. It only contains iron.
4) Best Easy to Use: KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder
If you are always in a hurry but still want to have a plant-based diet every morning, KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder might be the best option.
This organic pea protein product is easy to use because you must scoop and shake the isolated protein contents!
One of the advantages of this pea protein product is that it has an award-winning flavor:
- Organic cacao
- Himalayan salt
- Organic coconut milk
- Organic stevia
This organic pea protein product is also made with healthy soluble fibers, digestive enzymes, and the following organic blend:
- Non-GMO pea
- Flaxseed
- Quinoa
- Pumpkin seed
- Chia seed
This may sound too good to be true, but believe it or not, per serving of this organic pea protein product can give you about 20 grams of protein.
Pros
- USDA-certified organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.
- Contains digestive enzymes and high-quality protein.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals.
Cons
- KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder has a high sodium content.
5) Best for Daily Use: Ritual Essential Protein
Ritual Essential Protein is perfect for those looking for a daily protein shake for healthy muscle growth.
According to the company, the pea protein product is a reimagined plant-based protein to help you build lean muscle mass.
It contains sunflower seeds, medium-chain triglycerides oil, and amino acids such as choline, and per serving can give you about 20 grams of protein.
According to a study published in The Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease, choline can help improve your memory and heart function and reduce body inflammation.
Pros
- The company offers free shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and free cancellation of orders.
- Sourced from organic yellow peas that are grown on US farms.
- Has a complete amino acid profile, and the formulation is gluten-free and allergen-free.
- Support satiety, brain health, and bone health.
- Third-party labs tested.
Cons
- The pea protein product is only recommended for 18-49 years old.
6) Best for Muscle Recovery: Ladder Plant Protein
If you are an athlete or a bodybuilder who frequents gyms and sports, Ladder Plant Protein is the best protein shake for you because this pea protein product can help in muscle recovery.
When you exercise, your muscles stretch, and this could be a reason for wear and tear.
Unfortunately, this could also cause muscle damage or injury.
So, to prevent this from happening, you must consume foods that keep your muscles intact even when you do extensive workouts.
One of Ladder Plant Protein’s ingredients is Tart Cherry, which is responsible for helping your muscles recover.
According to the company, Ladder Plant Protein works by repairing muscles and reducing muscle fatigue, and even sports enthusiasts like Arnold Schwarzenegger and LeBron James support this supplement.
Pros
- Plant-based protein helps in muscle repair because of its amino acids blend.
- Reduces post-workout muscle soreness.
- Helps build lean muscles and enhance athletic performance.
- Comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors.
- Contains branched-chain amino acids to support muscle protein synthesis.
- The company offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Some users say the taste is great, but it contains too many sugars.
7) Best Energy Enhancer: Sunwarrior Warrior Blend
If you are looking for a plant-based pea protein powder to boost your energy, Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is the best choice.
This pea protein product is made by the company Sunwarrior. The company started in the health and wellness industry in the year 2008.
Since the beginning, their goal has been to produce notable protein supplements to improve overall health.
One of their products, Warrior Blend, has a unique, complete protein blend formula with a full amino acid profile. Other ingredients include:
- Organic fermented pea protein
- Goji berry protein
- Hemp protein
- Medium-chain triglycerides from coconut oil
The formula is keto and paleo-friendly, perfect for vegans, pre-workout, and post-workout.
Pros
- Contains branched-chain amino acids and is high in glutamine, arginine, lysine, and leucine.
- Increases energy levels while keeping your stamina at peak.
- Supports lean muscle mass buildup and muscle recovery.
- Rich in iron and other vitamins.
- Contains no artificial flavors.
Cons
- This pea protein product contains nuts that those with nut sensitivities might not appreciate.
8) Best Protein-Rich: Gainful Personalized Protein Powder
Gainful Personalized Protein Powder has the highest protein content compared to other plant-based protein powders.
Per serving of this vegan protein powder can give you about 27 grams of protein. Money-wise, this protein content is huge and amazing.
According to the company Gainful Health Incorporated, this plant-based protein product is suitable for whatever diet you have.
This means that this vegan protein powder would still work for you if you are on a keto diet.
It can help you achieve your fitness goals, such as weight loss and increased muscle mass.
When it comes to flavor, the protein powder itself is tasteless. But you have the option to add organic flavors. These flavors include:
- Strawberry cream
- Madagascar vanilla
- Rich chocolate
- Caffe mocha
- Cookies and cream
- Chocolate peanut butter
- Matcha green tea
- Cinnamon toast
- Sea salt caramel
Moreover, the pea protein powder and the flavors contain no gluten, soy, fillers, dyes, and artificial sweeteners.
Everything is simply organic. The ingredients of the product include the following:
- Organic pea protein
- Organic brown rice protein
- Organic oat powder
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
- Coconut oil
- Organic sunflower oil
- Monk fruit extract
- Stevia leaf extract
- Green tea extract
- Branched-chain amino acids blend
- Micellar Casein
- Organic tapioca dextrose and maltodextrin
According to a study, tapioca dextrose and maltodextrin can support muscle recovery.
So, if you wish to use pea powder supplementation for muscle repair, Gainful Protein Powder will also be of great help.
Pros
- Contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates.
- Enhances stamina and endurance.
- Easy to mix.
- Purchasing one can give you access to registered dietitians.
- When you subscribe, you will get free shipping.
Cons
- The company offers no international shipping.
9) Best Easy to Mix: Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein
Many powders may give you some time to mix, but with Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein, mixing will never be a problem!
This plant-based protein product has dense powders.
Thus, it is easy for the powders to blend in whatever solution.
According to the company, this plant-based protein powder is unflavored. But this does not mean that it is tasteless.
If you do not want to make protein shakes using pea powders, you can bake cakes, muffins, and protein bars or add them to soups instead.
Some users enjoy this product when they turn it into a milkshake!
Pros
- Contains premium organic pea protein isolate made from a yellow pea protein.
- Gluten-free and additive-free.
- Comes with electrolytes to promote lean muscle mass growth.
- Infused with ground coconut to boost metabolism.
- Contains goji berries to enhance the immune system.
Cons
- There are no issues concerning the formulation. Consumers only report that some products are delivered with broken seals.
10) Best Easily Digestible Protein: Growing Naturals Pea Protein
The last product on the list is the Growing Naturals Pea Protein. Compared to other plant proteins, this is the only one made with raw yellow peas.
One of the advantages of using this raw organic rice protein is that it is an easily digested protein powder.
It has a high digestibility profile, and many customers agree with this.
It is also gluten-free. Thus, those with celiac disease will truly enjoy the benefits of this product.
Pros
- Non-GMO, keto-friendly, and shelf-stable. It also contains no artificial flavors, soy, dairy, or lactose.
- It can be added to protein shakes, soups, sauces, rice milk preparations, and others.
- Contains essential and non-essential amino acids for enhancing the immune system.
Cons
- Some users report that the taste is unpleasant even though it is unflavored.
How to Choose the Best Pea Protein Powder
Before deciding which pea protein powder you will buy, you must consider some factors. This will help you optimize your money and time as well.
1) Essential amino acids content
Essential amino acids, as well as non-essential ones, help build healthy muscle mass and muscle growth.
So, if your purpose in taking organic peas is to improve the health of your muscles and provide muscle recovery, you must ensure that the product contains the amino acids your body needs.
It is also advised to compare the essential amino acid content of the product you like with other protein powders. This will help you find the premium pea protein powder in the market.
2) Quality and Safety
When we talk about quality and safety, we speak of the ingredients. Look at each product’s ingredients and reflect if you have allergies to them.
You can also read about the company that formulated the pea protein supplement to learn more about the quality the company offers.
Lastly, you can check some reviews online to get more insights into the advantages and disadvantages of vegan protein supplements.
Generally, checking the quality and safety of the product you wish to choose involves comparing it with other protein powders and plant-based protein sources.
Today, the brand Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein is the most well-known premium pea protein product.
However, this brand is truly expensive.
So, if the quality of the protein supplement you wish to purchase is comparable with life’s raw organic protein, you should give it a try.
3) Money-back guarantee
A money-back guarantee is essential every time you buy something.
This will help you save much of your money in case the protein supplement does not work for you, or the product is not a pure pea protein.
Also, when a company offers a money-back guarantee, this is an assurance that their products are influential and well-loved by many users.
The Takeaway
Indeed, the use of pure pea protein powders offers many health benefits. It focuses on the muscles, bones, brain, immune, and gut health.
Many pea protein powders are available in the health and wellness market today.
Thus, before buying one, you must know why you are considering them.
Some pea protein powders come with flavors, while others are tasteless. There are also ones that offer minimal protein content, while there are others that can give you high amounts of proteins.
If you are always in a hurry, consider the easy-to-mix vegan protein powders.
On the other hand, if you have other gut or digestive issues, you can go for those that are easy to digest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a pea protein powder promote gastrointestinal issues?
It is possible to experience GI side effects when taking a pea protein powder. Some of the side effects include nausea and diarrhea. However, these will only occur during the first use of the product.
Does a pea protein powder contain heavy metals?
Some pea protein powders contain little-to-no toxic metals. To make sure that the product you buy is free of heavy metals, you can check if the product has undergone third-party lab testing for heavy metals.
Is a pea protein powder worth the buy?
If you are looking for a plant-based protein, a pea protein powder is worth considering. It offers many health benefits whey protein supplementation gives. As pea protein powders contain amino acids, trying one is worthwhile.