FREE PREGNANCY CHALLENGE: say bye-bye to harsh chemicals & toxins.
written by Jen Brady | updated November 11, 2022
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You may be surprised at how much protein you actually need during pregnancy. Studies show 79g – 108g of protein per day is ideal depending on the stage of pregnancy.source That’s a lot!
Ideally, you’ll get this protein through whole food sources, but supplementation may be necessary. In this article, I outline the best protein powder for pregnancy.
Best Overall Protein Powder
Best Budget Protein Powder
Best One-Ingredient Protein Powder
Disclaimer time: Although I studied holistic nutrition, I’m not a doctor or a biochemist. I research ingredients because we all need to look out for ourselves. My goal is to choose what’s “safer” based on what I discover. If you have any concerns about the products below or any others, please ask your doctor or midwife.
What’s the Best Protein Powder for Pregnancy?
Go with Truvani® Plant Based Protein Powder. It’s USDA Certified, non-GMO, vegan and free of dairy, soy and gluten.
Is Protein Powder Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, protein powder can be safe during your pregnancy. Choose a protein powder that’s non-GMO, organic, and free from natural and artificial flavors.
Always consult with your doctor or midwife before taking any dietary supplements during pregnancy.
Always consult with your doctor or midwife before taking any dietary supplements during pregnancy.
Let’s dig deeper into these 3 protein powder picks. Common questions and ways to save are at the end.
1. Best Overall: Truvani Organic Protein Powder
The legendary Food Babe (aka Vani Hari) is behind Truvani.
Here’s what Vani believes: “real food without added chemicals, products without toxins and labels without lies.”
Truvani Chocolate Protein Powder delivers with only six ingredients:
- Organic Pea Protein Concentrate
- Organic Alkalized Cocoa
- Organic Vanilla Powder
- Organic Pumpkin Seed Concentrate
- Organic Monk Fruit Extract
- Organic Chia Seed Protein Concentrate
As you can tell from above, it’s 100% USDA organic. It’s also non-GMO, certified vegan, and free of dairy, gluten, and soy.
No lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury was detected by the Natural Baby Mama independent testing (note this was only one batch).
Reviews say it all:
“The taste is great. It mixes with everything, never clumpy, never chalky or anything. You could literally drink it as chocolate milk.”
Calories: 130 | Protein source: Pea, pumpkin and chia | Protein per serving: 20g | Sugar per serving: 2g | Average price at time of publication: $49.99 ($2.49 per serving)
2. Best Budget: Orgain Organic Protein Powder
Orgain’s founder is cancer survivor Dr. Andrew Abraham. While undergoing cancer treatment, he couldn’t find a shake made from all-natural, food-based ingredients.
So he made one.
Although a bigger business now owns Orgain, it still maintains high-quality standards.
I don’t love that it has natural flavors (which can include some sneaky ingredients), but this is the best bang for your buck organic protein powder.
It’s 100% USDA organic, non-GMO, certified vegan, and free of dairy, gluten and soy.
No lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury was detected by Natural Baby Mama independent testing (note this was only one batch).
Here’s a review of the Chocolate Peanut Butter:
“It blends well. No grittiness or aftertaste. It’s a good value!“
Calories: 150 | Protein source: Pea, brown rice and chia | Protein per serving: 21g | Sugar per serving: 1g | Average price at time of publication: $29.99 ($1.49 per serving)
3. Best One-Ingredient: Sprout Living Organic Protein Powder
Check out this organic pea protein powder if you don’t want added ingredients to your protein powder.
Because I only used protein powder in smoothies throughout my pregnancy, a one-ingredient powder was my go-to (and least expensive).
Sprout Living makes things in a kitchen and not a lab. They never use gums, artificial or natural flavoring, or additives.
It’s 100% USDA organic, non-GMO, certified vegan, kosher, and free of gluten grains. And:
- Organic single-source plant-based protein from North American peas
- Slightly sweet and creamy/mild flavor
- Whole30, hypoallergenic, low-FODMAP, keto & paleo
- Clean & real with no gums, flavoring, fillers or additives
Here’s a review:
“I’ve used many different protein brands. This is by far my favorite. Good, simple flavor. Easy on my stomach, which is huge for me as I have some GI issues. The ingredients are what drew me to the product. I haven’t found another powder as good as this. It’s truly the best.”
Calories: 100 | Protein source: Pea | Protein per serving: 20g | Sugar per serving: 0g | Average price at time of publication: $22.46 ($1.18 per serving)
Pregnancy Protein Powder FAQ
Is protein powder bad for pregnancy?
Protein powder’s not bad for pregnancy, but as with any supplement, you need to make sure you’re not consuming too much. Work with your doctor or midwife to determine the correct amount of protein you need.
You also need to look at what’s in your protein powder. Choose one of the proteins I mention above for the best quality and ingredients.
You also need to look at what’s in your protein powder. Choose one of the proteins I mention above for the best quality and ingredients.
Is Vega protein powder good for pregnancy?
I took a look at “Vega Protein Made Simple — Vanilla”. It lists only four ingredients and is non-GMO. However, it contains “natural flavors” (which can include sneaky ingredients) and isn’t organic. I personally wouldn’t consume Vega protein during pregnancy.
Is Optimum Nutrition protein powder safe during pregnancy?
After looking at Optimum Nutrition’s White Chocolate Whey Protein, I wouldn’t consume it during pregnancy. It’s not organic and contains artificial flavors and carrageenan. Carrageenan is a controversial ingredient and easy to avoid when choosing a protein powder.
Is Amway Nutrilite protein powder good for pregnancy?
Amway’s Nutrilite Vanilla Plant Protein Powder is organic and has decent ingredients. It does contain natural flavors but they’re organic (which will limit sneaky ingredients). It also contains xanthan gum. Those who are sensitive to corn, soy, wheat, and dairy products should avoid xanthan gum.
Is Arbonne protein powder safe for pregnancy?
I love that Arbonne is non-GMO and a certified B corp. But it includes natural flavors and synthetic vitamins, and it’s not organic. For these reasons, I wouldn’t consume it during pregnancy.
Is Totally Egg protein powder good for pregnancy?
Eggs are a great source of protein, but I would pass on Totally Designer Egg Protein Powder. It’s not organic and contains natural flavors and stevia. I’d much prefer to crack a few organic eggs over the pan.
Is Abbott Ensure protein powder good for pregnancy?
I took a look at Ensure Original Vanilla Nutrition Powder. It’s not organic and contains added vitamins that may interfere with your prenatal. In addition, the first ingredient is corn syrup and it contains artificial flavors. I wouldn’t consume this powder during pregnancy.
Can I use whey protein while pregnant?
Whey can be a great protein source but remember it’s dairy-based. I avoid it completely because I’m sensitive to dairy. If you choose to consume whey protein during pregnancy, make sure it’s a grass-fed whey (better for you, better for the cows, better for the Earth).
Is B protein powder good for pregnancy?
Bloom’s “B” protein powder is a whey protein that’s not grass-fed. It also contains natural flavors, guar gum and xanthan gum. For these reasons, I personally wouldn’t consume it during pregnancy.
Is soy protein powder safe during pregnancy?
Because soy protein powder contains phytoestrogens and can mimic estrogen in your body, I wouldn’t consume it during pregnancy.
Is it necessary to take protein powder during pregnancy?
No, it’s not necessary to take protein powder during your pregnancy. You can get the protein you and baby need by eating a whole foods diet. Work with your doctor or midwife to determine the correct amount of protein you need.
What’s the best protein powder for breastfeeding and post-pregnancy?
You can use the same pregnancy protein powders I recommend for breastfeeding and postpartum.
What’s the best organic protein powder for pregnancy?
The best organic protein powder for pregnancy is Truvani Plant Based Protein Powder. It’s USDA Certified, non-GMO, vegan and free of dairy, soy and gluten.
What about protein powders marketed specifically for pregnant women?
Some of them are ok but honestly, because it’s a “pregnancy” product, you’ll notice a bump in price (excuse the pun).
What’s the best time to take protein powder during pregnancy?
The best time to take protein powder during pregnancy is the time that works for you. Having some in the morning or afternoon will give you energy. Having it at night may help you sleep better and not wake up from feeling hungry (I’ve been there).
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How to Save Money on Protein Powder for Pregnancy
1. Join TopCashBack. It’s free and the savings add up fast. Vitacost is on there and it’s often up to 6% cashback. It’s easy to redeem as well.
2. Use Honey. Forget trying to look up coupon codes. Use Honey and it’ll find the best usable codes when you go to checkout. I’ve saved hundreds.
3. Vitacost. No membership fee and there’s always a coupon code. Use TopCashBack and Honey with Vitacost, and your diaper savings are huge.
That’s all mamas, hope this list of the best protein powder for pregnancy helps! Congrats on taking one more easy step toward living a greener life for you and baby.
Peace love & baby kicks.
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About the Author
Jen Brady — Chief Green Mama
Mom of two. Wife of one. Holistic nutritional consultant. Amateur biohacker. Guide of the Green Yourself Pregnancy Challenge. Author of the Green Your Baby Registry Guide.
I'm wild about pregnancy and babies (in a sane way) and I need to steer you away from harsh chemicals and hormone disruptors. Stick with me to keep it lean and green.