Sizing Up Hemp Protein Powder: How It Compares to Whey, Soy, and Pea

Not all protein powders are created equal. We don’t boast about hemp protein powder because it’s what we sell; we sell hemp protein because it’s the best protein source to consume.  A hemp protein powder comparison to whey, soy and pea will help you to understand why we are so into hemp.

First, nothing is fortified; nothing’s been isolated.  Hemp protein comes from a whole food source. Making it very digestible. Further, hemp protein provides natural dietary fiber along with numerous vitamins and minerals. Your body will appreciate hemp’s goodness.

Walk down the supplement aisle or scroll your way through “clean eating” blogs.  You’ll find whey, soy, pea, and—finally gaining ground—is hemp protein powder. Since we’ve been selling hemp protein powder since 2010. We’re going to walk you through a hemp protein powder comparison as to why hemp is better!

Did you know hemp is a sustainable food crop? Hemp cultivation includes reduced water and land usage. It’s naturally disease-resistant and has a rapid growth cycle. Its sustainable cultivation practices, carbon sequestration capabilities, and soil health make it an outstanding crop. The hemp plant not only provides a nutrient dense food source, it also provides the raw materials for ten’s of thousands of biodegradable, useful items we use daily. Healthy people, healthy earth, hemp can help.

At Better Option Foods, we believe in letting nutrition facts and real-food performance do the talking. We care about what you eat. So let’s size up hemp protein powder compared to its big-name competitors: whey, soy, and pea. We’ll include recipes for using hemp protein powder so you can include it in your daily diet.

Hemp Protein Powder Comparison: The Plant-Based Overachiever

What is hemp protein powder? Hemp protein powder is made by cold-pressing whole hemp seeds and milling the remaining “presscake” into a fine powder. The result? A naturally gluten-free, complete plant-based protein that’s rich in fiber, omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals—with no need for artificial additives or isolates. We know Mother Nature rules and we want you to see why.

Here’s what makes hemp stand out in the crowd:

• Complete protein – hemp has all 20 amino acids including the 9 essential amino acids.
• High in fiber, aiding digestion and gut health – which helps feed the good bacteria in your gut, while nutrients absorb. The fiber helps to keep your bowels moving. When it comes to fiber, hemp protein powder is top rated.
• Rich in magnesium, iron, and zinc – key vitamins and minerals for healthy body function.
• Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids – hemp is an anti-inflammatory food.
• Naturally easy to digest with less stress to your kidneys and less issues of constipation.

And yes—it’s also non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, low-allergen, and grown in North America.

Those other protein powders may brag about the high grams of protein per serving, but what are you really getting? Other protein powders cannot boast of all the goodness hemp has unless they add stuff to it.

Hemp Protein Powder Comparison to the Other Plant-based Proteins

Yes, soy and pea protein are also plant based, making them vegan friendly like hemp is;  but they aren’t the powerhouse hemp brings. Hemp protein powder comparison comes from the magic of Mother Nature as she’s put the nutrients together. Not some scientists in a laboratory with a goal of creating a proprietary blend with numerous ingredients and high profit margins. Hemp protein is one ingredient and provides maximum nutrition with minimum consumption.

🌱 Hemp vs Soy Protein

Soy protein is derived from soybeans and is known for its high nutritional value. Soy protein is plant-based and complete, but it comes with controversy. In the United States, most soy has  been genetically modified (GMO). Soy is also considered a high allergen food source. Some people avoid soy due to concerns about phytoestrogens, GMO crops, or allergenic reactions.

• Soy protein isolates are highly processed
• Can interfere with hormonal balance in some individuals
• Most soy in the U.S. is GMO-derived

➡️ Hemp’s edge: Minimal processing, no GMO issues, and fewer allergy concerns. Hemp offers complete plant-based protein without the baggage.

🌿 Hemp vs Pea Protein

Pea protein is another plant-based option gaining popularity. Pea protein is derived from yellow split peas. It’s dairy-free, soy-free, and fairly easy to digest. But it’s not a true complete protein meaning it does not carry all 9 essential amino acids. On a manufacturing standpoint, peas protein, like whey, is an inexpensive ingredient to incorporate into products. When it comes to profit margins, peas protein may win and consequently gains a lot of support. Read your ingredients. What’s in your protein powder?

• Pea protein is low in methionine, making it incomplete unless blended
• Lower in fiber and healthy fats
• Can have a chalky or gritty texture

➡️ Hemp’s edge: Naturally complete, higher in fiber, and contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s—a bonus you won’t find in peas.

💪Hemp Protein Powder Comparison to Whey Protein

Whey protein is a dairy-based byproduct that derives from the liquid portion of milk that’s separated during cheese production. It’s been popular for decades due to its high bioavailability, meaning rapid digestion and absorption for muscle-building properties.

Individuals who are lactose intolerant may experience unpleasant side effects, such as bloating or gastrointestinal discomfort when consuming whey. The lack of fiber can cause constipation and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), which is the last thing you want to be dealing with when you’re trying to get in a great workout at the gym.

• Whey can cause bloating, gas, and skin reactions, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or dairy-sensitive
• It lacks fiber and omega-3s
• Often contains additives, sweeteners, or artificial flavors

On an Environmental Impact side-note: When it comes to sustainability, traditional dairy farming contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions as the industry contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions; along with water overuse, and biodiversity loss.

➡️ Hemp’s edge: Easier on the stomach, more sustainable, and a better choice for those avoiding dairy or looking for an anti-inflammatory option. Hemp protein is vegan friendly – whey and casein protein is not. All part of hemp protein powder comparison.

To help you see hemp protein powder comparison side by – check out this link. It’s a comparison chart for hemp protein to whey, soy and pea.

Better Option Foods Comparison Chart for hemp protein powder to whey, soy & pea protein. The link is printer friendly so feel free to print this for future reference.  

🥄 How to Use Hemp Protein Powder

The flavor? Mild, slightly nutty, and blends beautifully into:

• Smoothies and shakes

Ginger Zing Hemp Protein Smoothie

Recipe for Ginger Zing Hemp Protein Smoothie

Hemp Protein Powder Smoothie with Dark Chocolate by Better Option Foods

Recipe for Dark Chocolate Hemp Protein Smoothie

• Pancakes and muffins – Better Option Foods has a perfect Hemp Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix that’s flexible for your dietary needs. Add hemp protein to your favorite muffin recipe.

Hemp Protein Powder Adds Excellent Nutrients to Banana Muffins

Recipe for Banana Hemp Protein Muffins

• Homemade energy balls or protein bars
• Oatmeal, granola, and more

Try swapping out half the flour in your baking with hemp protein powder for a hearty nutritional upgrade—especially rich in magnesium and fiber.

🌿 Why Better Option Foods? Hemp Protein Powder Comparison is About Real Food

We’ve been sourcing and selling North American grown hemp seed foods since 2009. With options for higher fiber hemp protein or hemp protein powder. Both are:

✅ Naturally gluten-free
✅ Clean, with no additives or fillers
✅ Easy to digest
✅ Packed with whole-food nutrition

It’s not just another protein—it’s a better option for your body, your routine, and the planet. Hemp protein powder comparison is the real deal.

🛍 Ready to Try It?

Head to BetterOptionFoods.com and explore our full lineup of hemp seed foods—because better nutrition should never come with a compromise.

Eating better is a journey. Feeling better is your reward.

Eat Better Feel Better, You’re worth it!