Hemp protein is a nutrient-dense and plant-based protein powder option. Not only does it deliver all nine essential amino acids (the ones your body can’t make on its own), but it’s also loaded with fiber, heart-healthy fats, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan athlete, or just someone looking to up your protein and fiber game, hemp protein is a solid choice—especially if you’re struggling to get enough protein from food alone.
When picking a hemp protein powder, registered dietitian and former pro basketball player Briana Butler, MCN, RDN, LD, suggests looking for trusted brands with a reputation for high-quality products. While you might not always find the usual independent verification seals, reputable companies often back their hemp protein with solid research.
To get our top picks, we consider ingredients, flavor, texture, and nutritional content, including the amount of fiber and protein. We taste-test these protein powders by mixing a serving of each powder with water in a shaker bottle and rating them for taste, texture, and smell. We looked at 100% hemp protein options as well as plant-protein blends that include hemp protein in combination with other plant-based sources of protein to bring you the best options.
Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs, and to find out what dosage to take.
Verywell Fit FYI
According to a recent Consumer Reports (CR) investigation of 23 protein powders and shakes, some protein supplements may have higher lead levels than what CR food safety experts say is safe to consume in a day. The report highlighted that plant protein powders have higher lead levels than those derived from dairy proteins, such as whey or beef-based products. Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer powder was the worst offender, having the highest lead levels of all products tested. While we don’t include this particular protein powder in our list of top recommendations, we do include other powders from the brand, which were not singled out by the report. To ensure the protein powder you choose is safe to consume and doesn’t have harmful levels of lead, it’s important to opt for brands that are third-party tested. Many of the brands on our list are third-party tested.
Hemp and THC
Is hemp safe to consume, especially as a professional athlete or someone subject to anti-doping testing?
Butler explains that hemp seed is derived from the same species of plant [as marijuana], and although the seeds themselves should not contain any THC, there could be traces of THC that could essentially lead to a positive drug test. Certain pro sports leagues have looser policies on this, but athletes still have to be careful, although the FDA has designated hemp as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
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Certified organic, vegan, and gluten-free
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15 grams of protein per serving
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Independently verified
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Bulk options are inexpensive
Key Specs:
Ingredients: Organic hemp seed protein | Serving size: 4 tablespoons (30 g) | Calories: 110 | Protein: 15 grams | Fiber: 6 grams | Flavors: Unflavored
Who’s It For
Best if you want an independently verified product, as most other hemp protein powders do not have this certification.
Why We Recommend It
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder Peak Protein earns our top ranking thanks to its exceptional quality, single ingredient, and versatility. If you buy one of the larger quantities, it’s also one of the more affordable hemp protein powder options out there. Made from organic, sustainably grown hemp seeds, the powder is made using an oil expeller process that is then cold-milled.
One serving of the Peak Protein formulation contains 15 grams of protein as well as 60% of the daily value of magnesium and 25% each of the daily value of iron and zinc. It also contains 6 grams of fiber per serving, which is an optimal quantity for most people, especially if planning to blend the powder with high-fiber fruits like berries or other fiber-rich sources.
This is one of the only (if not the only) hemp protein powders that is independently verified by one of our top three organizations, and not only that, it has earned a top pick from ConsumerLab.com in their protein powder review.
Like other hemp protein powders, Nutiva’s Hemp Protein Powder has a distinct, nutty taste.
Things To Consider
- Nutiva gives you two different formulations—Peak Protein and Fiber Plus—each with differing levels of protein and fiber. High fiber may result in digestive upset for some people, so stick to the peak protein option if this is of concern.
- It may be worth noting that this powder has a little bit of a gritty texture if you try it simply mixed into water or milk. We recommend blending it into a smoothie or shake or using it as an ingredient when making muffins, bread, or other baked goods.
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High fiber
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Inexpensive
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Certified organic
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Lower in protein
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Contains added sugar
Key Specs:
Ingredients (chocolate flavor): Organic hemp protein powder, organic coconut sugar, organic fair-trade cocoa powder | Serving size: 4 tablespoons (30 grams) | Calories: 110 | Protein: 8 grams | Fiber: 9 grams | Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla, unsweetened
Who’s It For
Best if you don’t need a lot of extra protein in your diet and are looking for a higher fiber option.
Why We Recommend It
Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Yeah! Max Fiber Protein Powder is a certified organic protein powder that’s available in vanilla, chocolate, and an unsweetened flavor. If you’re looking for a high-quality flavored option, both the chocolate and vanilla flavors are sweetened without artificial sweeteners or flavors. This wins our best budget pick because it’s less than one dollar per serving, even without buying in bulk.
This hemp protein powder contains a good balance of protein and fiber, with 8 grams and 9 grams, respectively, per serving, but the protein per serving is slightly lower than other hemp protein powders. One serving also contains 60% of the daily value of copper, 20% of the daily value of iron, and 30% of the daily value of magnesium.
Things To Consider
- If you prefer a hemp protein powder with more protein per serving, try the Hemp Yeah! Balanced Protein + Fiber blend, which offers 15 grams of protein per 30-gram serving. Note the blend with more protein isn’t certified organic and is only available in the unsweetened flavor.
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Key Specs:
Ingredients: Blend of faba bean protein isolate, pea protein, hemp seed protein powder, plus other vitamins and minerals | Serving size: 1 scoop (29 grams) | Calories: 110 | Protein: 20 grams | Fiber: 2 grams | Flavors: Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Vanilla Caramel, Strawberry Shortcake, Salted Caramel, Banana Pudding, Unsweetened/Unflavored
Who’s It For
Best if you want a powder lower in fiber and want a unique, delicious flavor.
Why We Recommend It
Huel Complete Protein is made from hemp, faba bean, and pea protein, which offers many essential amino acids. This protein blend tops our list of best-flavored blends because it’s formulated with a combination of plant proteins that offers 20 grams of protein per serving with several different mouthwatering flavor options.
Huel comes in five flavors—chocolate fudge brownie, vanilla caramel, strawberry shortcake, salted caramel, banana pudding, and an unsweetened & unflavored option. One serving contains over 10% of the daily value for many essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and others, as well as over 20% of the daily value for biotin and copper. It is lower in fiber than other hemp protein varieties, with 2 grams per serving, making it a suitable option for those sensitive to high fiber intakes.
Things To Consider
- The flavored varieties of this blend include artificial sweeteners, which may not be the best choice if you’re looking to avoid sugar substitutes like sucralose. If that’s the case, opt for the Unflavored & Unsweetened variety.
- All flavor varieties include added fiber, probiotics, thickeners, and other additives not found in many other hemp protein powders. Some of these ingredients may not be best for those with certain digestive conditions or if you’re already taking supplements that include one or more of these ingredients.
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Key Specs:
Ingredients: Blend of yellow pea protein isolate, quinoa protein, hemp protein, plus other vitamins and minerals | Serving size: 1 scoop (40 grams) | Calories: 140 | Protein: 22 grams | Fiber: 0-1 grams | Flavors: Creamy Vanilla, Chocolate Mocha
Who’s It For
Best if you want the most protein per serving with minimal fiber and are comfortable with a sugar alcohol as the sweetener.
Why We Recommend It
NOW Sports Plant Protein Complex is a protein blend made with pea, hemp, and quinoa protein. One serving contains 22 grams of protein, which is higher than other hemp protein powders on this list. Unlike other products on the list, this protein blend contains minimal fiber (1 gram per serving in the Chocolate Mocha and 0 grams per serving in the Creamy Vanilla), which may suit those who do not tolerate high doses of fiber. If you do want to boost the fiber, you can blend this powder into a smoothie with high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or even chia seeds.
The blend is made without gluten and is soy-, egg-, and dairy-free making it a good option for those with allergy considerations. We also love that NOW does extensive in-house testing to verify the contents and purity of its supplements. Plus, our testers found this product blended well, leaving behind no clumps.
Things To Consider
- This product is available in two flavors—creamy vanilla and chocolate mocha—each of which is sweetened using xylitol and stevia. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that may cause digestive upset in some people, and stevia is a sugar substitute made from the extracts of the stevia leaf. This blend isn’t offered in an unsweetened flavor, so you may want to skip it if sugar alcohols are a concern for you or if you dislike the taste of stevia.
- A single serving contains 6% of the daily value of iron and 2% of the daily value of potassium and calcium, which is lower than many other hemp protein powders. This is especially important for vegans and vegetarians, as some plant-based diets may lack adequate iron intake.
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One ingredient
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USDA organic
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No added sugar
Key Specs:
Ingredients: Hemp seed protein | Serving size: 1 scoop (25 grams) | Calories: 100 | Protein: 19 grams | Fiber: 1 grams | Flavors: Unflavored
Who’s It For
Best if you want a thick and creamy textured protein to mix into smoothies and baked goods. Also great for endurance athletes who would benefit from more iron in their diet.
Why We Recommend It
Sun Warrior has a great USDA organic option if you’re looking for an unflavored hemp protein powder. This product contains a mix of pea, hemp, and goji berry for a unique protein blend. While it is technically unflavored, the hemp provides a slightly earthy and nutty flavor. It also comes in a 100% post-consumer recycled tub.
With 0 grams of added sugar, each 25-gram scoop contains 19 grams of protein and 35% of the daily value for iron. Iron helps make myoglobin, which supplies oxygen to muscles; it is important for endurance athletes, menstruating women, and those with anemia.
This powder can be a good addition to smoothies, oatmeal, breads, pancakes, and cookies, as the lack of flavor allows for versatility. We also found that this protein blends well and is on the thicker side, so if you like a thick and creamy texture, Sun Warrior may be the brand for you.
Things To Consider
- If you are using this protein as a post-workout supplement, you’ll want to add a source of carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores, as this powder has zero carbs per serving.
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Key Specs:
Ingredients: Shelled hemp seeds | Serving size: 3 Tablespoons (30 grams) | Calories: 180 | Protein: 10 grams | Fiber: 1 grams | Flavors: Unflavored
Who’s It For
Best if you don’t love the taste of a hemp protein powder but want to nutrients it provides.
Why We Recommend It
If you want all the benefits of hemp but don’t love the taste of a hemp protein powder, consider trying Manitoba’s Hemp Heart Seeds. The seeds aren’t ground up into a powder, so you get more versatility in what you can include this product. For example, we like these hemp seeds in a salad, as a yogurt topper, and mixed into a smoothie. The tiny seeds have a slight crunch and a subtle, pleasant, earthy taste to anything they are added to.
Hemp seeds contain more heart-healthy fat than hemp protein powder. They’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids essential for heart and brain health and help reduce inflammation. Since many of us don’t eat enough fatty fish like salmon or tuna to meet our omega-3 needs, adding hemp seeds to your meals and snacks is an easy way to boost your intake—without relying on fish or supplements.
Things To Consider
Note that each serving has less protein than a powdered hemp product, and you may not even use the full serving size to get the 10 grams of protein. We like to think of these seeds as more of an add-on to another high protein snack or meal, rather than the main protein source.
Is Hemp Protein Powder Beneficial?
Hemp protein powder is made from hemp seeds which come from the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp is a source of essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as other vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin E.
Some benefits of choosing a hemp protein powder include:
Allergy-friendly: Hemp is not one of the nine major allergens as defined by the FDA, making it an allergy-friendly option. Butler says, “Hemp protein may be more favorable over soy or pea protein for individuals who may have an allergy or sensitivity to either product or if they simply prefer the taste and still want to utilize a plant-based protein powder.”
Good source of fiber: Protein powder doesn’t typically contain fiber as most powders are processed to include only protein. Many hemp powders, on the other hand, contain dietary fiber from hemp seeds. Eating enough fiber daily is associated with multiple health benefits, including the maintenance of healthy blood lipid levels, improvements in digestive health and regularity, and the potential for improved satiety at meals.
Versatile: Hemp protein powder is a versatile plant-based protein that can be added to smoothies, baked products, soups, oatmeal, and more. For example, use it to increase the satiety factor of your favorite high-protein breakfast. Many hemp protein powder brands include only one ingredient, 100% hemp protein, which sets it apart from many other protein powders that often contain additives like artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. Because so many hemp protein powders only contain one ingredient, they’re easy to use in almost any recipe.
Good source of protein: Hemp protein powder is considered a complete protein because it contains all the essential amino acids; however, the quantity of essential amino acids is below the threshold for amino acid requirements as set by the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations/United Nations University (WHO/FAO/UNU). When following a plant-based diet, it’s important to consume a diverse range of plant protein sources to ensure adequate intake of all essential amino acids.
Nutrient-dense: Hemp seeds are a nutrient-dense food rich in magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and multiple B vitamins. A 3-tablespoon serving (30 grams) of hulled hemp seeds has approximately 170 calories, 15 grams of total fat, 9.5 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fiber. Hemp protein powder is derived from hemp seeds and offers many of the same nutrients, including health-promoting fatty acids, protein, and fiber. Hemp is an excellent source of linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid, unsaturated fatty acids that benefit cardiovascular health.
Those with sensitivities to high doses of fiber may not benefit from Hemp Protein Powder:
Adding fiber to your diet, especially in quantities you may not be used to eating, can result in gastrointestinal upset in some people. It may be helpful to increase fiber gradually and to make sure you’re staying adequately hydrated when adding fiber to your diet. If you notice stomach upset with lots of fiber at once, you may benefit from using a smaller serving of hemp protein powder at first or choosing a hemp protein powder that has a more moderate dose of fiber, such as Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder Peak Protein. You can also choose a non-hemp protein powder option, such as pea or whey.
How We Select Supplements
Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements. We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest-quality products. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend. You can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.
In addition to our research, we tested 25 of the top protein powders, preparing and serving them as directed by the manufacturer. Hemp protein powders make up a fraction of what’s on the market, but we tested popular brands. When testing, we evaluated each product for the following six critical criteria:
- Nutrition: Our nutrition editors analyzed each product based on the quality of ingredients, amount of protein and type, and other nutrients added. We also considered independent verification and associated certifications. For hemp protein powders, they are newer, so fewer products are actually independently verified.
- Flavor: We tasted each product, noting how accurate it is to the flavor advertised on the packaging and if the flavor corresponds to the color of the drink. We also took notes on whether the flavor was good or bad, how strong each flavor was, and if we felt it was overly sweet or salty.
- Texture: We reviewed the texture of each product, noting if it was thin and smooth, clumpy, grainy, separated, or otherwise unpleasant. We reviewed the dissolubility of the product, noting how long it took to dissolve in water or milk (and if it dissolved completely), how much stirring was required, and if there was any product left at the bottom of the glass. We also tested some products in different scenarios, like when mixing into oats or pancake/waffle mixes.
- Aftertaste: We tested to see if any of the products left an aftertaste in the mouth after drinking it and noted if it was unpleasant, how long it lingered, and if we had to eat or drink something after to mask the aftertaste.
- Smell: Upon opening the product, we noted how it smelled, including salty, sweet, or chemical, and noted any pleasant or unpleasant aromas. We also reviewed if the smell was consistent with the flavor listed on the packaging and if the smell impacted the taste when we drank it.
- Value: We assessed the value, analyzing the cost in the context of the quality of the product, use and taste experience, and amount of servings per container.
What to Look for in a Hemp Protein Powder
Independently Verification: Protein powders that are independently verified are sent to a lab where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants.
Protein powders can contain heavy metals in trace amounts. However, recent studies show that the amount of heavy metals found in protein powders is unlikely to cause adverse effects when consumed in moderation (up to three servings per day). Many of the popular hemp protein powders are not independently verified, but we included reputable brands that are transparent about manufacturing and have many of their other products tested.
Form: Protein powders can be made using various protein sources, including plant-based and animal-derived sources. Protein from dairy sources, including whey and casein, may better support muscle repair and growth compared to plant-based protein sources due to the absorbability, bioavailability, and amino acid profile. However, whey and casein protein powders are not suitable for those who follow a vegan diet or those with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. Hemp protein powder is a good alternative as it contains all essential amino acids, making it a higher-quality protein for muscle repair and synthesis compared to other plant-based protein sources.
Other Ingredients: Many hemp protein powders contain only one ingredient: hemp protein. However, protein powders come with a blend of different sweeteners and ingredients to enhance flavor and texture. Other ingredients include vitamins, minerals, veggie and fruit blends, as well as digestive enzymes. Choose a hemp protein that contains only ingredients that fit within the context of your diet. For example, you may want to avoid or limit hemp protein powders with extra vitamins and minerals added if you’re already eating foods or taking supplements that meet your needs.
Ingredients & Potential Interactions
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient.
There’s limited research on the potential interactions of hemp seed, including hemp protein powder, on medications. One animal study found that hemp seed protein may lower blood pressure, which could be a concern when taking blood pressure medication. However, more research is needed to demonstrate this effect in humans. Understand the difference between various hemp protein powder supplements and the nutrients they provide before adding a hemp protein powder to your diet.
Hemp Protein Powder Dosage
The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. However, research has shown the benefit of increased daily protein intake in certain populations, including those who are physically active and/or looking to increase muscle mass. In those populations, recommended daily protein intake can be anywhere from 1.2 to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.
Hemp protein powder does have some limitations despite being considered a complete protein. Butler explains, “Hemp is considered a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids our body needs to get from food. However, it does have a limiting amino acid [an essential amino acid of the lowest quantity], lysine, so it may be a good idea to combine this with other plant-based proteins to improve the overall profile.”
While research doesn’t set a recommended dosage for hemp protein powder specifically, you should consider the RDA for protein as well as how hemp protein powder fits into the context of your diet to determine the optimal quantity to consume.
Our Experts
- Briana Butler, MCN, RDN, LD: Registered Dietitian and former professional basketball player.
- Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RD, a Registered Dietitian and one of our nutrition and supplement editors. Shushy is passionate about converting nutrition science into meaningful dietary recommendations. She has an eye for spotting the latest nutrition trends, research, and breaking down what that can mean for your supplement and food choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will consuming hemp protein cause me to fail a drug test?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, hemp seeds are naturally free of THC, the compound that, when present, would result in a positive drug test. However, hemp processing could result in cross-contact with THC. Despite this, research has shown that the amount of THC present in hemp products is not significant enough to result in a positive drug test. If you’re looking for a hemp protein powder that’s been tested to ensure THC is not present, Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder may be your best choice.
Is hemp protein safe during pregnancy?
Yes, according to the Food and Drug Administration, hemp seeds are safe for consumption during pregnancy. However, it’s recommended that you consult with a healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your diet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is hemp protein better than whey protein?
For muscle protein synthesis (MPS), whey is superior to hemp protein in part because hemp protein does not contain the necessary concentration of essential amino acids shown by research to benefit MPS. A blend of hemp protein with a different type of plant protein, such as soy, makes a complete protein that benefits MPS. Whey is derived from milk, so hemp protein may be a good choice if you do not consume milk products. Hemp protein is also high in protein, fiber, and several essential micronutrients and is considered a complete protein. It’s also an allergy-friendly option for those who need to avoid dairy.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Allison Knott MS, RDN, CSSD, CDN, is a Verywell Fit writer, registered dietitian nutritionist, and board-certified specialist in sports dietetics with a master’s degree in nutrition communication from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is the founder of Anew Well Nutrition, a virtual nutrition consulting practice with a focus on fitness and performance nutrition.
Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, is the Editorial Director at Verywell Fit, a registered dietitian, and a published author. She manages all content at Verywell Fit and helps ensure that the recommended nutrition and ingestible products are dietitian-approved.
