7 Best Hemp Protein Powders of 2024, Hand-Picked by Our Team of Experts

The health benefits of hemp seeds are becoming increasingly well-known thanks to the plant-based protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and numerous micronutrients in these tiny seeds. And with the increasing interest in vegan and dairy-free lifestyles, hemp seeds are a popular base for new varieties of some of the best protein powders out there.

Hemp protein powders can vary significantly in their ingredients, certifications, processing, and nutritional profile — even in their protein content. With so many differences, choosing the right product for your needs can be challenging. That’s where the experts at BarBend come in. Our team of nutrition and fitness professionals have carefully tested and analyzed nearly 100 different supplements to create an honest, comprehensive ranking of the best hemp protein powders on the market today.

The 7 Best Hemp Protein Powders of 2024

• Best Hemp Protein Powder Overall: Anthony’s Organic Hemp Seed Protein
• Best Budget Hemp Protein Powder: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder
• Best Organic Hemp Protein Powder: Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein
• Best Non-GMO Hemp Protein Powder: Food to Live Organic Hemp Protein Powder
• Best Tasting Hemp Protein Powder: Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder
• Best Pea and Hemp Protein Powder Blend: NOW Sports Plant Protein Complex
• Best Unflavored Hemp Protein Powder: Sunwarrior Organic Hemp Seed Protein

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. 

How We Tested and Chose the Best Hemp Protein Powders

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best hemp protein powders, we’ve tested nearly 100 different supplements from some of the industry’s most trusted brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Supplement Testing Methodology page.

• Protein Per Serving: Unsurprisingly, we tend to favor protein powders with at least 20 grams of protein per serving. Usually, these are the most effective for building muscle, supporting athletic performance, and losing weight. Of course, some people just want to use protein powders for a bit of a boost and don’t mind if the protein content is a little lower.
• Third-Party Testing: Since protein powder supplements aren’t strictly regulated by the FDA for purity, third-party testing is a huge bonus. Here, supplements are tested by independent labs for the presence of contaminants, such as heavy metals, steroids, and anabolic hormones, or to verify the presence of the ingredients listed. 
• Formulation: We look for transparent ingredient lists (no proprietary blends, please!) and prefer products without artificial ingredients, which we know many consumers prefer to avoid.
• Taste: As many of us know, choking down a chalky protein shake or powering through a strange aftertaste is a struggle. If it’s bad enough, a gross protein powder can even prevent you from meeting your daily protein goals. We looked for unflavored hemp proteins that don’t overpower other ingredients, in addition to flavored proteins that taste great and don’t leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
• Solubility: No one wants a chunk of dry protein powder or a gritty texture in their protein shake, so we paid close attention to the mixability of each hemp protein powder. Plant proteins tend to be slightly grittier than whey at baseline, so we did give them a little leeway here as long as the texture wasn’t unpleasant.

Best Hemp Protein Powder Overall: Anthony’s Organic Hemp Seed Protein

We knew that our pick for the best overall hemp protein powder would need to fit the health and fitness needs of a whole lot of people, so we carefully considered every hemp protein we could find. With an impressive combination of affordability, protein content, versatility, and high-quality processing, Anthony’s Organic Hemp Seed Protein was our top choice. 

The versatility of this unflavored, unsweetened hemp protein was a huge plus. Thanks to its relatively neutral taste, it blends well with stronger flavors in smoothies, oatmeal, protein balls, and baked goods. Most customers like the flavor, although a few reviews mentioned that it tastes a bit “too natural.” Because of this, we rated it a 4 out of 5 for taste.

Anthony’s hemp protein does have a slightly gritty texture when blended with liquids, earning it a 4 out of 5 for solubility. That said, it isn’t unpleasant if you in mind that this is a minimally processed, clean protein powder. 

It’s also one of the most affordable hemp proteins we came across at only $0.97 per serving, likely because hemp protein is the only ingredient. 

When blended with a cup of soy milk or protein-fortified almond milk, you can easily reach the 20 to 40-gram protein dose recommended for athletes. (1) And as a dietitian, I love that one serving provides a quarter of the recommended Daily Value of iron. 

It’s also cold-pressed, a processing technique that may preserve the fragile omega-3 fats left in the milled hemp seeds (as opposed to heating techniques that other powders might be subjected to). (2)

Based on the information Anthony’s provides on their website, their products don’t appear to be third-party tested. This protein is batch-tested to verify that it’s always below the FDA gluten-free guideline of 20 parts per million, but it isn’t clear who conducts the testing.

Overall, this is a high-quality, affordable hemp protein that most people seem to enjoy in smoothies or baking. It’s worth trying as long as you don’t expect it to taste like or blend as well as more highly processed protein powders.

[Related: The 10 Best Organic Protein Powders]

Best Budget Hemp Protein Powder: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder

Protein powders are a convenient, effective way to boost the amount of protein in your diet, but the cost can be a significant barrier for some people. Fortunately, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder is a high-quality hemp-pea protein blend that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Our product tester, a NASM-certified nutrition coach, tried the unflavored version (which is, depending on any sales the company has, often significantly cheaper than the chocolate flavor). “The unflavored protein tastes mildly like hemp. When doing research I noticed some customer reviews mentioning a strong oregano flavor, but I didn’t taste it at all,” they said, rating the flavor an impressive 4.5 out of 5. Online reviews mention that the vanilla and chocolate flavors are creamy and mild. Most enjoyed this, but you’ll need to add extra cocoa powder if you want a stronger chocolate taste.

Note that while this protein doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners, the flavored varieties do contain some added sugars from organic coconut sugar.

This is definitely one of the smoothest hemp proteins we’ve tested, earning a 4.5 out of 5 rating for solubility from our product tester. “I was surprised by how smoothly it blends with liquids. There’s no graininess or grittiness at all, although it does settle a tiny bit if you let it sit,” they said. The excellent mixability is likely due to the inclusion of guar gum, which is a stabilizer and emulsifier.

It’s impressive that Manitoba Harvest packed in 20 grams of complete plant protein while retaining great flavor and solubility with minimal extra ingredients. Our tester also liked that the company is a Certified B Corp and values eco-consciousness.

This protein works well in smoothies, bringing the benefits of hemp seeds to fruit, and would also work well in baking or oatmeal.

While priced higher than some of the other hemp proteins on this list at the time of publishing, we found that Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder tends to be more affordable on average when looking at price trends throughout the year.

[Related: Best Vegan Protein Powders]

Best Organic Hemp Protein Powder: Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein

Most of the hemp seed protein powders on this list are certified USDA Organic, so we tried to consider other factors that people who value organic products also care about. Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder contains hemp seed protein as the only ingredient and is cold-pressed without hexane extraction, making it the ideal pick for the best organic hemp protein powder. 

Our product tester, a certified personal trainer, enjoyed the flavor when mixed in oatmeal but said it has limited uses. “It has a slightly bitter, nutty taste that was nice in my oatmeal when topped with maple syrup and dried fruit, but I didn’t use a full serving. Four tablespoons would have been way too much. It’s great for adding protein to baked goods, but I wouldn’t use it as often for protein smoothies or oats,” they said. 

[Related: Is Too Much Protein Powder Bad For You?]

While this protein received a 4 out of 5 rating for flavor, it only scored a 3 for solubility. “It mixes well in oats but has a gritty texture when blended with water alone,” our tester noted.

I love that this hemp protein contains 6 grams of fiber, making it closer to a whole food than more processed protein powders. As such, it’s also rich in essential minerals like iron, zinc, and an incredible 60 percent of the Daily Value for magnesium. Its protein content is respectable for hemp protein (though not on the high end overall), although our tester felt that the large serving size made it difficult to actually consume all 15 grams.

All told, this could be a great option if you’re looking for an affordable organic hemp protein to add a few more grams of protein here and there to your baked goods, oatmeal, or smoothies. If your goal is to significantly boost your protein intake to build muscle, however, you may find it difficult to hit your protein goals with this product.

Best Non-GMO Hemp Protein Powder: Food to Live Organic Hemp Protein Powder

The practice of genetically modifying crops to introduce desirable traits is controversial. There is conflicting research regarding common fears that GMOs are dangerous for our health, and many people prefer to avoid them since long-term studies are lacking. (3) As a USDA Organic-certified product, Food to Live Organic Hemp Protein Powder is non-GMO by default and is a great option if you’re avoiding bioengineered foods.

I love that this hemp protein is raw and free from added sugars, making it incredibly nutrient-dense. It’s a little higher in omega-3s than the other hemp proteins on this list, making it an excellent choice for anyone trying to boost their protein and omega-3 intake with one product.

That said, since it’s a little higher in fat, this powder is a little lower in protein than other options, containing only 13 grams per serving. This is still helpful for eating more total protein, but depending on how much protein you need, it may not be the best choice for you.

As a dietitian, the iron content really impressed me, with one serving providing a third of the daily iron recommendations for adults. If you struggle with low iron levels, this product could be a helpful addition to your diet.

While we weren’t able to test this protein ourselves, customers say it bakes up well when using it in muffins, donuts, and quick breads, and is perfect for mixing in pancake or waffle batter. Reviews are mixed on its solubility, with many people saying it blends smoothly at first but settles quickly. Because of this, we rated it a 3 out of 5 for solubility.

We also rated it a 3 out of 5 for taste, as reviews here are also mixed. Most people say that the flavor is less nutty and more bitter than other hemp proteins and is best when blended with fruit, peanut butter, and other strong flavors.

Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this protein for anyone with Celiac disease. While hemp seeds are naturally gluten-free, Food to Live Organic Hemp Protein isn’t certified gluten-free and is packaged in a facility that processes wheat. 

[Related: Whey Protein vs. Plant Protein – Similarities, Differences, and Benefits]

Best Tasting Hemp Protein Powder: Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder

Specs

• Price Per Serving: $1.86
• Protein Per Serving: 12
• Calories Per Serving: 120
• Included Sweeteners: None
• Available Flavors: Unflavored

Pros

• Pleasant nutty flavor adds versatility
• Contains 11g dietary fiber per serving
• Hemp protein powder is the only ingredient
• Fits a variety of dietary preferences

Cons

• High fiber content may cause gas or bloating
• Only 12g of protein per serving
• Grainy and doesn’t blend well in liquids

Sure, you can force down a gross protein shake, but does anyone really want to? Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder is beloved by many for its mildly nutty flavor that complements, rather than overpowers, whatever you add it to, making it more likely to become a staple in your kitchen.

This hemp protein is kosher, vegan, Paleo-friendly, keto-friendly, and non-GMO, making it appropriate for a number of dietary preferences and lifestyles. Unlike many of the other hemp proteins on this list, it isn’t certified organic.

Our product tester — a NASM-certified Nutrition Coach — was impressed with the pleasant flavor, rating it a 4 out of 5. “This hemp protein has a nice nutty flavor that isn’t overpowering. I really enjoyed the flavor it added to my smoothies, whole grain baked goods, and oatmeal,” they said.

Unfortunately, this protein fell short in terms of solubility. Our product tester rated it a 2.5 out of 5, saying: “It doesn’t blend smoothly in water or milk, and is noticeably grainy. It’s best in baked goods rather than a smoothie since it settles quickly in liquid.”

I was a little disappointed in the protein content, as 12 grams is a bit low for a protein powder. It can still help you eat more plant-based protein, but people with high protein needs may prefer another product. Check out our protein intake calculator to find out if this is adequate for your needs and food habits. It’s also the most expensive option on this list.

However, the incredible dietary fiber content blew me away. Most Americans don’t get enough anti-inflammatory dietary fiber, so I love that one serving provides 11 grams. If you aren’t used to eating much fiber, however, you could experience some digestive symptoms like gas and bloating as your body adjusts. You may need to start with a tablespoon and work your way up to a full serving.

Overall, Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder is hard to beat when looking for a great-tasting, minimally processed hemp protein, as long as you don’t mind the grainy texture it has in smoothies.

[Related: 7 Protein Powder Benefits That’ll Convince You to Restock That Tub, From an RD]

Best Pea and Hemp Protein Powder Blend: NOW Sports Plant Protein Complex

When creating plant-based protein powders, brands will provide a slightly more balanced amino acid profile by creating blends of complementary plant proteins. While you don’t need to combine complementary plant foods at every meal, using them in protein powder formulations can provide a helpful edge when your goal is hypertrophy or gaining strength. (4) With a blend of pea, quinoa, and hemp protein, NOW Sports Plant Protein Complex easily made our top choice for the best plant protein blend made with hemp protein.

This hemp protein provides 22 grams of protein per serving, which is pretty impressive for a plant-based protein powder. It also provides 1,832 milligrams of the branched-chain amino acid leucine, a potent trigger for muscle protein synthesis. This fits well within the 700- to 3,000-milligram range recommended by the International Society of Sports Nutrition for building muscle. (5)

Besides the plant protein blend, we also appreciated the lack of added sugars. It does contain xylitol (a sugar alcohol) and stevia extract, which provides sweetness but can also cause digestive upset in some people.

While we were unable to try this protein ourselves, customers seem pretty mixed on the taste. Most love the chocolate mocha flavor, although some thought the hemp flavor overpowered the chocolate. Those who blended their hemp protein into a shake with fruit or peanut butter or who used it in baking seemed the most satisfied. Taking these comments into consideration, we rated it a 3.5 out of 5 for flavor.

As with many plant protein powders, this has a slight grittiness but blends well with water or non-dairy milk. It’s a little thick, but not unpleasantly so, earning a 4 out of 5 for solubility.

Out of all our testing criteria, this protein scored the lowest in third-party testing. There’s no mention of whether it’s been independently tested for purity, so we rated it a 2 out of 5 here. Overall, though, this is a solid plant protein blend.

[Related: Are Protein Shakes Good For You? An RDN Explains]

Best Unflavored Hemp Protein Powder: Sunwarrior Organic Hemp Seed Protein

If you’re looking for a way to boost the protein content of your favorite meals, smoothies, and shakes without altering the taste too much, an unflavored protein powder that doesn’t taste too strong on its own is your best bet. Here, Sunwarrior Organic Hemp Seed Protein fits the bill with its mild hemp flavor and lack of sweeteners.

Our product tester, a USA Weightlifting Level-2 instructor, rated the formulation a 4 out of 5. They liked that the only ingredient is organic hemp protein but wished there was more protein in each serving. At 15 grams, it’s pretty standard for hemp protein powders, but low compared to the majority of protein supplements.

Our tester tried it with milk, cocoa powder, and powdered peanut butter mixed in a blender cup, and noted that while the hemp flavor was noticeable, it tasted fine with the other ingredients. “It’s not the greatest taste ever, but it’s also not gross, so you should be good to go,” they said, giving it a 3 out of 5. 

It also got a mid-range score for solubility. “It has a slightly grainy consistency when blended with milk and doesn’t completely dissolve, but it’s still smooth enough to drink,” they said. 

We gave it a 2 out of 5 for third-party testing since there’s no mention of this anywhere on the product label. However, it’s well-tolerated and easy to digest for most people, including our product tester, who didn’t experience any digestive side effects after their shake.

That said, people with peanut and tree nut allergies will want to be careful with this protein due to the risk of cross-contamination during processing.

All of the hemp protein powders we’ve tried have a noticeable hemp flavor, but this is one of the milder ones. Overall, it’s a great unflavored hemp protein for anyone planning to combine it with other flavors in a smoothie or for use in baked goods, oatmeal, or waffles. 

[Related: The 10 Best Protein Powders for Sensitive Stomachs]

Benefits of Hemp Protein Powders

Protein powders aren’t just for gym rats, although they certainly have their place in supporting active lifestyles. Hemp protein also serves as a convenient source of essential nutrients and can promote overall health and well-being while accommodating a variety of dietary needs — it’s not called a superfood for nothing.

• Helps build muscle size and strength: Hemp protein powders can help you meet increased protein requirements for building muscle and gaining strength. That said, they usually contain less leucine than soy protein or pea protein, so you may need to up the serving size depending on how quickly you want to see results with complete protein.
• Can assist with weight loss: As a concentrated protein source, hemp protein powder can help boost your protein intake when used to supplement a balanced diet. Higher-protein diets are effective for weight loss thanks to the satiating effect of protein, as well as the very small increase in metabolism that results from digesting and utilizing protein compared to carbohydrates and fat. (6)
• May help reduce inflammation: Hemp seeds are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation and fight oxidative damage in the body. (7) While most of the healthy fats are removed from hemp seeds during the production of hemp protein powder, small amounts remain. 
• Rich in non-heme iron: Hemp protein is particularly rich in non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant-based foods. To boost the absorption of non-heme iron and best optimize iron stores in the body, try consuming it with fruits high in vitamin C, such as strawberries.
• Easy to digest: Since hemp protein is lactose-free, it’s well-tolerated by people with lactose intolerance. If you don’t normally get enough fiber in your diet, however, you could experience gas or bloating with higher-fiber hemp protein powders.
• Dairy-free: Hemp protein is dairy-free, making it a great alternative to whey protein powder for vegans and individuals with cow’s milk allergies or lactose intolerance.
• Low-histamine: Unlike other plant-based proteins like beans and soybeans, hemp protein is likely low in histamine and won’t trigger the body to release its own histamine. This makes it a valuable source of plant protein for individuals with histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome.

How Much Do Hemp Protein Powders Cost?

The price of hemp protein varies based on the number of ingredients, certifications, and manufacturing process, among other factors. Most hemp protein powders will cost you about $1-2 per serving.

Best Hemp Protein Powder Overall	Anthony’s Organic Hemp Seed Protein	$0.97
Best Budget Hemp Protein Powder	Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder	Starting at $1.29
Best Organic Hemp Protein Powder	Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein	$0.96
Best Non-GMO Hemp Protein Powder	Food to Live Organic Hemp Protein Powder	$1.00
Best Tasting Hemp Protein Powder	Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder	$1.86
Best Pea and Hemp Protein Powder Blend	NOW Sports Plant Protein Complex	$1.28
Best Unflavored Hemp Protein Powder	Sunwarrior Organic Hemp Seed Protein	$1.62

What to Consider Before Buying Hemp Protein Powders

Even though they’re all made from hemp seed protein, hemp protein powders can vary significantly from each other in many ways. If you’re having trouble choosing between a few options, consider the following important factors to help you make your decision.

Your Health & Fitness Goals

Depending on your personal goals, the nutrition profile of hemp protein powders can make a big difference. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, choosing a protein powder with 100 to 120 calories per serving may be the most helpful. Some flavors, like chocolate, often have upwards of 150 to 160 calories.

If your goal is to build muscle, you may want to choose a hemp-pea protein powder blend with at least 20 grams of protein. Most powders made with hemp seeds as the sole ingredient only contain about 12 to 15 grams.

Additionally, you may prefer to avoid added sugars if you struggle with managing your blood sugar levels or follow a low-carb diet.

How You Plan to Consume It

Taste and solubility play a big role in how much you’ll enjoy a particular protein powder, so keep your culinary plans in mind. 

If you plan to drink a scoop of protein mixed only with water or milk, you may need a flavored option for it to taste good. However, if you plan to blend your protein in a fruit smoothie or use it in loaded oatmeal or flavorful baked goods, unflavored hemp protein will likely work just fine. Be sure to choose a hemp protein with good solubility and minimal graininess for smoothies and shakes.

Your Budget

Be honest with yourself about how much you can afford to spend on protein powder. Choosing one that fits within your budget will help you consistently meet your protein goals without extra stress.

Determining the price per serving can help you understand how much a protein powder will add to your daily or weekly expenses. To do this, divide the total container price by the number of servings per container, which can be found on the nutrition facts label. Don’t forget to consider how many servings you plan to consume each day.

Your Ingredient Preferences

The ingredients in protein powder can vary significantly by brand and product. Some hemp protein powders are made with hemp seed protein as the only ingredient, while others contain natural or artificial flavors, other sources of plant protein, sugar alcohols, sugar, calorie-free natural sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, and gums. 

While all food additives are approved by the FDA and considered safe to consume in normal food amounts, it’s up to you to decide which you are OK with consuming.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing offers consumers peace of mind that their supplements don’t contain dangerous contaminants. It’s not the end of the world if a supplement isn’t third-party tested as long as the brand is trustworthy, but it’s definitely a plus. Look for certifications such as Informed Choice Certified or NSF Certified for Sport. If third-party testing isn’t mentioned on the product label, you may be able to find information on the company’s website.

Hemp Protein Powders FAQs

References

1. Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:20. Published 2017 Jun 20. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28642676/
2. Szabo Z, Marosvölgyi T, Szabo E, et al. Effects of Repeated Heating on Fatty Acid Composition of Plant-Based Cooking Oils. Foods. 2022;11(2):192. Published 2022 Jan 12. doi:10.3390/foods11020192. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8774349/ 
3. Tsatsakis AM, Nawaz MA, Tutelyan VA, et al. Impact on environment, ecosystem, diversity and health from culturing and using GMOs as feed and food. Food Chem Toxicol. 2017;107(Pt A):108-121. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.06.033. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28645870/ 
4. Langyan S, Yadava P, Khan FN, Dar ZA, Singh R, Kumar A. Sustaining Protein Nutrition Through Plant-Based Foods. Front Nutr. 2022 Jan 18;8:772573. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.772573. PMID: 35118103; PMCID: PMC8804093.
5. Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:20. Published 2017 Jun 20. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28642676/
6. Calcagno M, Kahleova H, Alwarith J, et al. The Thermic Effect of Food: A Review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2019;38(6):547-551. doi:10.1080/07315724.2018.1552544. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31021710/
7. Fu Y, Wang Y, Gao H, et al. Associations among Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, the Gut Microbiota, and Intestinal Immunity. Mediators Inflamm. 2021;2021:8879227. Published 2021 Jan 2. doi:10.1155/2021/8879227. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33488295/ 
8. Shen S, Gong C, Jin K, Zhou L, Xiao Y, Ma L. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and Coronary Heart Disease Risks: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Front Nutr. 2022 Feb 3;9:809311. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.809311. PMID: 35187035; PMCID: PMC8850984.