Is all the colorful packaging in the supplements aisle making it hard for you to settle on a protein powder? You’re not alone. With all the options, finding the right fit can be overwhelming, especially if you prefer whole-food products. But don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you.
After extensive research and taste tests, we’ve found the Organic Vegan Protein Powder by Transparent Labs to be the overall best whole-food protein powder on the market.
Transparent Lab's Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein Powder is an excellent choice for vegans and anyone seeking a lactose-free protein powder.
Discount codes:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
There’s still a slight chance that this option won’t be exactly what you’re looking for, so here’s a guide on the best whole-food protein powders.
Table of Contents
- 1 The Best Whole Food Protein Powders
- 1.1 Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
- 1.2 Essential Protein Powder – Ritual
- 1.3 Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
- 1.4 Pea Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- 1.5 Organic Rice Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- 1.6 Powdered Peanut Butter – Naked Nutrition
- 1.7 Seed Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- 1.8 Egg White Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- 1.9 Bone Broth Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- 1.10 Soy Protein Isolate – Bulk Supplements
- 2 What Is A Whole Food Protein Powder?
- 3 What Are Whole Food Sources For Protein Powder?
- 4 What Is Pea Protein Isolate?
- 5 FAQs
- 6 Conclusion
The Best Whole Food Protein Powders
- Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
- Essential Protein Powder – Ritual
- Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
- Pea Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- Organic Rice Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- Powdered Peanut Butter – Naked Nutrition
- Seed Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- Egg Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- Bone Broth Powder – Naked Nutrition
- Soy Protein Isolate – Bulk Supplements
Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
Transparent Lab's Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein Powder is an excellent choice for vegans and anyone seeking a lactose-free protein powder.
Discount codes:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
To get the ball rolling we have the best overall whole-food protein powder, Organic Vegan Protein Powder by Transparent Labs. Transparent Labs have a reputation for making some of the best protein powders on the market.
This protein powder is our top pick because it’s made from high-quality organic rice protein and organic pea protein isolate, both of which are very nutritious sources. Honestly, it’s probably the best organic plant-based protein powder that money can buy.
Another bonus with this organic protein powder is that it’s sweetened with stevia leaf extract, a natural sweetener that gives protein shakes a nice taste without the problems associated with consuming sugar. Oh, and it mixes well, too – so your shakes won’t be lumpy.
With 24 grams of protein per serving, it’s a powerhouse for supporting muscle protein synthesis, and probably your next favorite protein powder!
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Organic rice protein, Organic pea protein isolate
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract
Essential Protein Powder – Ritual
Never forget to stock up on protein powder again with Essential Protein from Ritual! After subscribing, you'll receive your monthly supply of protein powder so you're always hitting your nutrition goals. Recognized as one of the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners.
Sometimes finding whole-food protein powders can be a hassle, and when you find one you like, you might not find it the next time you go back to the store. This is where subscriptions come in handy.
If a protein powder subscription sounds good to you, then look no further than Ritual’s Essential Protein Powder. It’s easily one of the best whole-food protein powder subscriptions out there, and it’s full of nutrients.
It has 20 grams of organic pea protein per serving, is sweetened with organic monk fruit extract, and has a complete amino acid profile. It’s healthy and convenient, a no-brainer really. Plus, the subscription service will ensure your supply never runs dry.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Organic pea protein
- Sweetener: Organic Monk fruit extract, Reb-M
Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
Squeaky clean vegan protein powder made from organic Canadian yellow peas.
Contains no hormones, GMOs, fillers, glyphosate, gums, glutes, soy, antibiotics, etc.
Promix likes to keep things simple, but they do simple so well. Their Vegan Protein Powder is a good example of this. This is why it’s our pick for the best whole-food protein powder for vegans.
Promix gives you a solid 5.2 grams of branched-chain amino acids and 25 grams of protein per serving, which has been sourced from pea and brown rice protein powder, so it’s pretty much a plant-based powerhouse.
Plus, they take their 3rd party testing seriously by allowing you to look up the lot number of your exact bag of protein. If you’re not satisfied with the results, you can return it! That’s why we named it one of the best protein powders with limited heavy metals.
The addition of monk fruit and coconut sugar for sweetness gives it a great taste while keeping it natural. It’s a fantastic option for vegans seeking a protein boost without any ingredients that come from animals.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Pea protein powder and brown rice protein powder
- Sweetener: Monk fruit, Coconut sugar
Pea Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
Top-shelf, ultra-pure pea protein isolate with one ingredient: peas.
No added sugar, no artificial anything.
Just high-quality protein powder.
Ever heard the saying: “Less is more”? Well, that rule often applies to protein powder. When consuming protein powder, sometimes you don’t want to be putting too much in your body.
Enter single-ingredient protein powders. Naked Nutrition’s Pea Protein Powder is a prime example of this, made from just one ingredient: yellow peas.
With 27g of protein per serving and no added or sweeteners, it’s a clean, simple, and effective way to boost your protein intake. This is why it’s our choice for the best single-ingredient pea protein powder and also why many consider it to be one of the best-unflavored protein powders.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Yellow peas
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
Organic Rice Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
There are quite a number of rice protein powders out there but none of them quite measure up to Naked Nutrition’s Organic Rice Protein Powder. Why? Because it’s made from just one ingredient: organic brown rice – making this the best single protein ingredient rice protein powder.
You’ve probably seen Naked’s packaging, it’s always simple like their dietary supplements. This simplicity ensures you’re getting a clean, whole-food protein source without any needless ingredients like fillers. Each serving packs a nice 25 grams of protein. Plus, it’s unsweetened, which is a bonus as it makes the product more dynamic.
It’s a straightforward, organic brown rice protein powder that can even rival a top-tier whey protein powder or whey protein concentrate.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Organic brown rice
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
Powdered Peanut Butter – Naked Nutrition
Naked PB from Naked Nutrition is as simple and delicious as it gets. There is precisely one ingredient: roasted peanuts.
It contains no added salt or sugar. It is dairy-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, soy-free, and vegan.
Naked PB contains 75% fewer calories and 85% less fat than traditional peanut butter.
Craving a protein powder that’s a little bit different? Give Naked Nutrition’s Powdered Peanut Butter a try. This unique protein powder is made from just one ingredient: roasted peanuts.
As the best peanut butter protein powder, it has a deliciously nutty flavor while packing in 7 grams of protein per serving. Plus, it’s low in fat compared to traditional peanut butter, making it a much healthier choice.
Whether you’re adding it to your protein shake or using it in your favorite recipes, it’s a versatile and tasty way to up your protein intake.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 50
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Protein source: Roasted peanuts
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
Seed Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
For those who prefer whole food protein sources, it doesn't get more natural than Naked Nutrition's seed protein powder.
Naked Nutrition’s Seed Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder with a slight twist. This unique protein powder harnesses the power of seeds, including organic pumpkin, sunflower, watermelon, and chia seeds. We can’t help but rank it as the best seed protein powder.
Each serving delivers 20g of protein, making it a reliable choice for muscle building and recovery. It’s also unsweetened, so the natural flavors of the seeds are allowed to shine. Whether you’re blending it into a smoothie or stirring it into oatmeal, it can be a versatile and nutrient-dense addition to your diet.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Protein source: Organic pumpkin seed, organic sunflower seed, organic watermelon seed, organic Chia seed
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
Egg White Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
Egg White Protein from Naked Nutrition is a top-shelf pick for anyone seeking a clean, lactose-free protein powder.
This is another protein powder that’s simple yet very effective. Naked Nutrition’s Egg White Protein Powder is a top contender when comparing whole-food protein powders. It’s our best single-ingredient egg white protein powder, made only from egg white protein, giving a high-quality animal-based protein source.
Each serving has 25 grams of protein, so it’s also great for speeding up recovery, making some gains, and managing your body weight. It’s also free of both natural and artificial sweeteners, allowing for versatility in how you use it.
Whether you’re whipping it into a post-workout shake or using it in your baking, it’s a reliable and easy way to increase your protein intake.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Egg white protein powder
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
Bone Broth Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
Recommended for adding to soups and stews to add clean protein to your meal.
When compared to conventional protein powders like whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate, bone broth protein powder can sound a little bit intimidating. But, it’s nothing to worry about, it’s just a unique and nutrient-rich alternative.
It’s crafted solely from beef bone broth protein concentrate, with each serving giving you a decent 20 grams of protein. This brings with it the added benefits of collagen which supports joint, skin, and gut health – something you don’t get in whey protein powder. This protein powder is also unsweetened, so the natural, savory flavor of the bone broth might come through a bit. So, we’d recommend stirring it into a soup.
If this option doesn’t sound convincing enough, then be sure to check out our guides on the best whey isolate protein powders and the best grass-fed protein powders.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Protein source: Beef bone broth protein concentrate
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
Soy Protein Isolate – Bulk Supplements
And lastly, we have the best single-ingredient soy protein powder. Bulk Supplements’ Soy Protein Isolate is a great choice for those seeking a plant-based protein powder. It’s 90% protein by weight, making it a potent source of high-quality protein and it’s particularly rich in essential amino acids, which are needed for muscle recovery and growth.
It supports your fitness goals with a whopping 27 grams of protein per serving, helping you build lean muscle and manage your body weight. It’s also lab-tested for quality and purity, ensuring you’re getting a top-notch product. Plus, it’s 100% vegan, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans alike.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Soybeans
- Sweetener: Unsweetened
What Is A Whole Food Protein Powder?
So, what exactly is a whole-food protein powder? Simply put, it’s a protein powder that’s sourced from whole food ingredients. These ingredients could be peas, eggs, rice, or other whole foods. The key here is as little processing and additives as possible.
The protein powders we’ve highlighted in this guide are prime examples of whole-food protein powders. They all have whole foods as their main – and in most cases, their only ingredients. This means you’re getting a product that is as close to its natural as it gets.
Although some protein powders do contain natural flavorings and sweeteners to enhance taste, you won’t find any artificial ingredients in them. This is a big plus if you’re trying to eat clean and keep your diet natural.
Another thing to bear in mind is that none of the protein powders on our list have whey in them. Whey protein is a popular choice in many protein powders, but it’s not a whole food source.
So, if you focus on whole-food protein powders, you’ll be getting a product that’s sourced directly from nature and isn’t a byproduct of another process.
What Are Whole Food Sources For Protein Powder?
Rice
A lot of people swear by rice as a protein source, and for good reason! It’s a fantastic whole food source for protein powder, especially organic brown rice, because of its higher protein content compared to white rice.
Brown rice protein is also hypoallergenic, which means it’s very unlikely to cause allergic reactions, making it a great choice for people who are sensitive to a lot of foods.
Egg whites
Egg whites are another excellent source of protein. Egg white protein powder is typically made by removing the yolks and dehydrating the egg whites.
The result of this is a protein powder is low in fat and carbs, but high in protein. This is why it’s a popular choice for packing on some size or controlling your body weight.
Peanuts
Forget what you’ve been told. Peanuts aren’t just a tasty snack; they’re also a great source of protein!
Powdered peanut butter is made by pressing out most of the natural oils from roasted peanuts and then grinding the nuts into a fine powder. This powder is amazing because it offers a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative to traditional peanut butter.
Seeds (e.g. pumpkin, watermelon, chia, sunflower)
Seeds like pumpkin, watermelon, chia, and sunflower are often overlooked by people seeking a protein boost. Overlooking them is a mistake as they’re packed with protein and a bunch of other nutrients.
Like peanut powder, seed protein powders are usually made by grinding the seeds into a fine powder. The result? A plant-based protein source that’s also rich in fiber and healthy fats.
Soybeans
Soybeans are a complete protein, which just means they contain all nine essential amino acids to kickstart muscle protein synthesis. This process to make soy protein powder isn’t much different, once again it’s just about grinding soybeans into a fine powder.
It’s a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans because it’s one of the few plant-based proteins that comes very close to or can match animal protein in terms of nutritional profile.
Bone broth
Bone broth protein powder is made by simmering the bones and connective tissues of animals. This process extracts the protein and other key nutrients.
At the end of the process, you get a protein powder that’s not only rich in protein, but also collagen, which can support skin, joint, and gut health. Bone broth protein is a very popular option for women on a PCOS diet.
What Is Pea Protein Isolate?
As you might’ve guessed, pea protein isolate is a type of protein that comes from peas, but it’s not just ground-up peas. It’s a bit more refined than that.
To create a pea protein isolate, the outer casing of the pea has to be removed. The pea then undergoes a filtering process that removes the starch and fiber. What’s left behind is the protein.
This process is what makes pea protein isolate a concentrated source of protein. But, it’s important to note that this process also takes out some of the natural parts of the pea. While this isn’t anything to panic about, if you prefer a protein source that’s less processed, there are other, less-refined options.
For example, egg whites, brown rice, and seeds can often be found in protein powders in their full, non-isolate forms. These ingredients give you a whole food source of protein and, in turn, a nice balance of nutrients along with the protein.
FAQs
What are common whole food ingredients of protein powder?
Whole food protein powders come from a variety of natural sources. Common ingredients include peas, which are often used in vegan protein powders; rice, a hypoallergenic grain that’s easy to digest; and egg whites, a complete protein source.
There are also other sources like peanuts, which offer a rich, nutty flavor; seeds like pumpkin and sunflower, which are packed with nutrients; and soybeans, which is a complete plant-based protein.
What are some advantages of whole food ingredients?
Whole food ingredients in protein powders offer a lot of advantages. They usually contain additional nutrients and antioxidants that might be missing from more processed versions. These nutrients can help with supporting overall health and wellness.
Although missing elements can be obtained through a balanced diet, whole-food protein powders give you these nutrients in a convenient form. They also tend to be less processed, aligning with clean eating habits.
What are the benefits of plant-based protein powders?
Plant-based protein powders are a great option for vegetarians and vegans, providing a complete protein source without animal products. They’re also some of the best lactose-free protein powders, which makes them suitable for people with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
Additionally, plant-based proteins can be easier to digest and less inflammatory for some people, supporting gut health and reducing the chance of digestive issues.
Conclusion
While many people lean towards all the whey protein powders and whey protein isolate options on the market, whole food and organic protein powders can be a better choice for many.
Organic Vegan Protein Powder by Transparent Labs is an easy pick as the best overall, offering a high-quality, plant-based protein source without any artificial additives.
But, Ritual’s Essential Protein Powder and Vegan Protein Powder by Promix are close contenders, providing excellent nutritional profiles and taste. Regardless of your choice, remember that the best protein powder is the one that fits your dietary needs and taste preferences.
