The Best Pea Protein Powders: A Comprehensive Review

Gone are the days of consuming raw eggs, gallons of milk, and dairy-based protein shakes to reap the benefits of protein. As interest in plant-based diets surges, the supplement industry has responded with a variety of options, including pea protein powders. Peas, which many of us once picked out of our meals, now sit in our pantries as a primary source of protein.

As a registered dietitian with years of experience in guiding clients on the importance of quality protein intake, I, along with the team at Garage Gym Reviews—comprising certified sports nutrition coaches, competitive weightlifters, and certified personal trainers—have personally tested over a dozen products to identify the best pea protein powder supplements available. Our evaluation criteria included protein content, ingredient quality, taste, solubility, and more.

Understanding Pea Protein

Before diving into our top picks, it’s essential to understand what pea protein powder is. Peas are pulses—the edible seeds from legume plants—naturally high in plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and various micronutrients such as calcium and iron.

Pea protein supplements typically come in two forms:

• Pea Protein Concentrate: Contains other pea compounds but maintains a high protein content.
• Pea Protein Isolate: Isolated protein from peas, resulting in a pure protein form.

Pea protein contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein, although it is relatively low in methionine and cysteine compared to other proteins. Despite this, pea protein offers numerous benefits and is free from the eight most common food allergens, making it a suitable option for various dietary patterns.

Protein stands as a fundamental building block of our bodies, yet not everyone attains the requisite amount. Vegans and vegetarians often consume less protein than their omnivorous counterparts due to the exclusion of meat, a prime protein source. Additionally, muscle development necessitates increased protein intake, making it essential for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to incorporate more into their diet.

Pea-based protein powders emerge as an excellent alternative, providing plant-based proteins without relying on whey (a dairy derivative) or soy. The market, however, is saturated with options, making it challenging to discern the unique attributes of each product. We have meticulously narrowed down the selection to the six best pea protein powders, evaluating them based on protein content, flavor, solubility, cost, and other critical factors.

Recommendations

Top Choice: Naked Nutrition Naked Nutrition stands out with its straightforward ingredient profile, high protein concentration, and cost-effectiveness, making it the optimal choice for most individuals. The unflavored version contains solely pea protein isolate, offering a light flavor that blends well with various beverages. For those preferring flavored options, chocolate and vanilla variants are available. Subscriptions can save you 20% on your initial order.

Evaluation Criteria for Pea Protein Powders

Our evaluation focused on several key criteria applicable across all scrutinized brands. Besides taste and mixability, we compared costs, ingredients, and customer experiences during the research phase. Hands-on product evaluation provided additional context.

Effectiveness: This criterion, primarily determined by protein concentration and amino acid distribution, weighed most heavily in our rankings. The practicality of achieving the stated protein content in a reasonable serving size was crucial.

Taste and Mixability: The flavor and solubility of protein powders vary significantly. Our extensive taste testing focused primarily on chocolate flavors for direct comparisons, highlighting the products that excelled in this area.

Cost: We considered not just the price tag but also the cost per serving, available protein per serving, and potential savings through subscription options or bulk purchases.

Customer Support: Our hands-on experience with the customer support infrastructure of each brand provided insights into their service quality, with Garden of Life emerging as the clear winner in this category.

Detailed Evaluation of Each Criterion

Effectiveness: Naked Nutrition’s unflavored pea protein boasts a 90% protein concentration, the highest among our top picks, though this percentage decreases in flavored variants due to additional ingredients. Its amino acid profile, particularly the high BCAA content, further underscores its efficacy.

Taste and Mixability: Naked Nutrition’s pea protein impressed with its minimal impact on plain water’s flavor, while Nutrasumma’s Fermented Pea Protein excelled among flavored options with a well-balanced chocolate taste.

Cost: Naked Nutrition offers the best value, with competitive pricing further enhanced by subscription discounts. Bulk Supplements comes close but lacks in taste quality.

Customer Support: Garden of Life provided the most robust customer support, with readily available phone operators and an excellent 60-day money-back guarantee.

Comparison Chart of Top Recommendations

What is Pea Protein Powder?

Pea protein powder is derived from yellow or split peas, providing a sustainable, vegan alternative to animal-based protein powders. It typically comes in three forms:

Isolate: The most protein-dense form, containing all nine essential amino acids and high iron content, achieved by filtering out up to 95% of carbohydrates and fats.

Concentrate: Less processed, it retains more nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins, making it suitable for appetite control.

Hydrolysate: A less common form, it undergoes an additional processing step, breaking down proteins for easier emulsification and neutralizing any bitter or earthy flavors.

Benefits of Protein

Protein is essential for muscle building, metabolism, and cellular repair. It provides amino acids, which are vital for these bodily processes. There are nine essential amino acids the body cannot produce and must obtain from food. Pea protein powder supplements these amino acids, particularly beneficial for those who cannot consume enough protein through their diet alone.

Advantages of Pea Protein Powder Over Other Types

Pea protein powder offers several advantages, particularly for those with dietary restrictions. It is vegan-friendly, allergen-free, and more sustainable, emitting significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to whey protein. It also provides a comprehensive amino acid profile and is rich in iron.

Daily Protein Requirements

Daily protein needs vary based on age, sex, activity level, and pregnancy status. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 0.35g per pound of body weight, though individual needs may differ. Protein calculators are available to help determine the appropriate intake.

Who Should Use Pea Protein Powder?

Pea protein powder is ideal for vegans, those with dairy allergies, and anyone looking to increase their protein intake for muscle building, workout recovery, or prolonged satiety.

Safety of Pea Protein Powder

For most individuals, pea protein powder is safe and beneficial, though those with pea allergies, gout, or kidney problems should consult a doctor. It is also generally safe for pregnant or lactating women, though medical advice is recommended.

Top Pea Protein Powder: Naked Nutrition

Best Overall, Best Tasting (Unflavored), Best Budget Pick, Best Protein Concentration (Unflavored) Naked Nutrition offers a high protein concentration, no chemicals or artificial sweeteners, and is independently tested for safety. Available in unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla, it is a versatile choice for many users.

NorCal Organic

Best Organic Option NorCal Organic provides good protein concentration, low cost per gram of protein, and third-party testing for safety. However, it has a slightly bitter aftertaste and lacks specific mixing instructions.

Bulk Supplements Organic Pea Protein Isolate

Best Value for an Organic Option Bulk Supplements offers a wide range of container sizes and good prices for an organic option, though the largest size is frequently out of stock, and testing results are not provided.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Pea Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Rice & Pea Protein

Highlights:

• Combination of rice and pea protein
• 24g of protein per serving
• Organic product with minimal ingredients

Pros:

• No artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives
• Organic and vegan
• High protein content per serving

Cons:

• Limited flavor options
• Stevia may cause gastrointestinal issues for some
• Relatively expensive

This blend of rice and pea protein provides a balanced amino acid profile, enhancing the overall protein quality. It offers a clean, plant-based protein option with minimal ingredients, making it ideal for those prioritizing organic supplements.

Best Natural Pea Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Protein 18+

Highlights:

• Organic pea protein
• 20g of protein per serving
• Formulated for adults aged 18-49

Pros:

• Soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly
• No artificial sweeteners
• Complete amino acid profile
• Non-GMO

Cons:

• Only available in one flavor
• High price per serving

Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ is designed specifically for adults, providing 20 grams of protein per serving along with 150 milligrams of choline to support brain and nervous system function. It uses all-natural, organic ingredients and is third-party tested for quality and safety.

Best Organic Pea Protein Powder: Naked Nutrition Pea Protein

Highlights:

• Minimal ingredients: only pea protein isolate
• Certified vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO

Pros:

• High protein concentration
• No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors
• Third-party tested for purity

Cons:

• Mixed reviews on taste and mixability
• Requires two scoops per serving

Naked Nutrition’s pea protein provides 27 grams of protein per two-scoop serving. It is sourced from yellow split peas grown on U.S. and Canadian farms and is free of any artificial additives.

Best Low-Sugar Pea Protein Powder: Onnit Plant Protein

Highlights:

• Combination of pea, pumpkin, sunflower, and watermelon seed proteins
• 20g of protein per serving
• Dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free

Pros:

• Informed Sport-certified
• Low sugar content
• Contains BCAAs for muscle recovery

Cons:

• Vanilla flavor poorly reviewed
• Smaller container size
• Some issues with mixability

Onnit’s Plant-Based Protein offers a low-sugar option with a robust amino acid profile. It is naturally sweetened and includes a blend of multiple plant-based proteins to enhance its nutritional value.

Best Pea Protein Powder for Athletes: Ladder Plant Protein

Highlights:

• Developed by athletes, for athletes
• 21g of protein per serving
• Contains BCAAs and tart cherry for recovery

Pros:

• NSF-Certified for Sport
• Clean ingredient list
• Supports muscle recovery

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited flavor options

Co-founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lebron James, Ladder Plant Protein is designed for athletes, providing a substantial protein boost along with added BCAAs and tart cherry for enhanced muscle recovery.

Best Budget Pea Protein Powder: Anthony’s Pea Protein

Highlights:

• Single ingredient: pea protein isolate
• 8g of protein per serving

Pros:

• Affordable
• Batch-tested for gluten-free certification
• No additives

Cons:

• Lower protein content per serving
• Small serving size
• Users report difficulty resealing the bag

Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein offers a budget-friendly option with a pure pea protein isolate. While it provides less protein per serving, it is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their protein intake without spending a fortune.

Best-Tasting Pea Protein Powder: Truvani Plant Protein

Highlights:

• Made with six organic ingredients
• USDA-certified organic, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO

Pros:

• No added sugars or stevia
• Rich chocolate flavor
• Paleo-friendly

Cons:

• Expensive
• Made in a facility that processes allergens

Truvani’s Plant Protein is highly praised for its taste, particularly the chocolate flavor. It provides 20 grams of protein per serving from a blend of organic pea, pumpkin seed, and chia seed concentrates, making it a flavorful and nutritious choice.

Best Unflavored Pea Protein Powder: Bulk Supplements Pea Protein Isolate

Highlights:

• Single ingredient: pea protein isolate
• Gluten-, soy-, and lactose-free

Pros:

• Affordable
• No additives
• Variety of sizes available

Cons:

• Issues with mixability
• No scoop included

Bulk Supplements Pea Protein Isolate is a versatile and affordable option for those looking to add unflavored pea protein to their diet. It is free from additives and offers various sizing options to suit different needs.

Best Keto Pea Protein Powder: Sunwarrior Protein Warrior Blend

Highlights:

• Combination of pea, hemp seed, and goji berry proteins
• 16g of protein per serving

Pros:

• Low net carb content
• Certified organic and non-GMO
• Contains MCT oil for added benefits

Cons:

• Some reviewers do not enjoy the taste
• Stevia may cause GI distress for some

Sunwarrior’s Protein Warrior Blend is an excellent choice for keto and plant-based dieters. It provides a low-carb, high-protein option with added MCT oil for enhanced ketone production and cognitive benefits.