8 Gluten-Free Protein Powders for Smoothies and Shakes [Updated 2023]
8
Protein Powders Reviewed
68
Hours of Research
91
Reviews Examined
3
Experts Interviewed
Published by David Williams
As an engineer, David loves technical product comparison and analyzing the data to assess top products.
Table of Contents
Gluten-free protein powders have become a necessity in helping you eat right and get healthy when diets are otherwise lacking. They make great additions to shakes and smoothies; some people use them in weight loss programs. In addition, they offer much-needed nutrients when mixed with juice, milk, or even water and serve as on-the-go energy boosters, meal substitutes, and snacks.
Gluten is a protein found in rye, barley, wheat, etc. While most of the protein powders in the market use milk-based proteins, they may contain gluten because of cross-contamination during processing.
So what powders are appropriate if you have celiac disease or experience non-celiac gluten sensitivity and must steer clear of gluten?
Fortunately, we have a list of the options you can choose from today.
What to Look For When Buying Gluten-Free Protein Powder
Here’s what to look out for when purchasing your gluten-free protein powder:
Ingredients
When choosing a gluten-free protein powder, it’s essential to confirm that all its ingredients are certified as gluten-free and don’t contain gluten or wheat-based products. Gluten is in ingredients like:
- Brewer’s yeast
- Bulgur
- Certain types of food coloring
- Graham flour
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Malt
- Modified food starch
- Barley
- Modified wheat starch
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Oats, unless they are certified gluten-free
- Spelt
Value
Consider how deep your pockets are when selecting your gluten-free protein powder. Compare the different brands and their prices to get the most bang for your buck. Remember, being too expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. So, ensure the product you purchase offers value for the investment.
Quality
It’s crucial to ensure that the protein powder chosen is high quality and contains adequate proteins, as indicated on the label. Also, research the manufacturer and their manufacturing practices to settle for one with a track record of producing high-quality gluten-free protein powders.
Taste
Taste is an essential factor when choosing your protein powder. Choose a gluten-free protein powder with natural flavors and no artificial sweeteners. Also, check reviews from other customers who’ve used the powder to know which one is palatable and which one is not.
Protein/Nutrition Content
Check the nutrition label before purchase to understand the nutrients you’ll get from each serving. Ensure it contains adequate proteins and nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and other necessary components.
Allergens
If you experience food sensitivities, confirm the allergen information shown on the label before making your purchase. Choose the one that doesn’t contain allergens, especially if you have sensitivity to soy, nuts, and dairy.
Manufacturing Practices
Get to understand a company’s manufacturing safety standards and practices before purchasing your gluten-free protein powder. It helps ensure you purchase a quality product with no harmful substances or contaminants. Also, identify certifications from reputable manufacturers because it increases your confidence in your brand’s quality practices.
Protein Source
Consider choosing your protein source based on your dietary preferences and goals. Gluten-free protein powders shouldn’t contain soy, wheat, bulgur, oats, or malt.
Mass Gainer
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
Plant-Based
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
Vegan Protein
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
1. Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer
When “eating more” isn’t enough, increase your gains faster and more efficiently with this Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer. The Mass Gainer packs each serving with 488 calories, including 40 grams of protein and 55 grams of carbs.
But what sets this Mass Gainer apart from other products is that the manufacturer has added an enzyme blend to improve digestion and absorption. The enzyme blend ensures that the body utilizes ingredients without bloating.
What will you find inside the mass gainer? The powder contains gluten-free oat flour high in complex carbohydrates. In addition, it contains a super easy-to-digest MCT oil, whey protein blend, vitamins B6 and B12, crucial for healthy energy production, and Zinc and Magnesium for supporting protein synthesis.
Product Specification
- Calories: 488
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 56.61g
- Fat: 7.9g
Product Features and Benefits
This Mass Gainer is packed with complex carbs, protein, B vitamins, and MCT oil to give your body and brain the boost needed to push harder without drastically spiking your blood sugar levels. Other formulas rely heavily on low-quality carbs like maltodextrin, which spike blood sugar levels, causing health problems.
It’s a one-of-a-kind gains formula made from whole foods and unique compounds that improves nutrient absorption faster than most formulas. Plus, it’s a safe formula with no known side effects.
Price
A single purchase of a 2.5kg pouch will cost you $89.99; if you subscribe, it’ll cost you $62.99. You also get a 60-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re dissatisfied with your order, you’re free to return it within 60 days of purchase to receive a full refund with no hassle.
Pros
- It’s a premium gains formula
- Easily absorbed and doesn’t cause digestive issues
- It’s incredible as a meal supplement
- It helps you bulk up and stack on lean muscle and not fat
Cons
- It comes only in two flavors, vanilla and chocolate
2. Gold Standard 100% Plant-Based Protein
This gluten-free powder has 100% vegan ingredients, no artificial flavors or colors, and a complete profile of amino acids. The Gold Standard, 100% plant, is Informed Choice certified and Vegan Society approved.
Each serving contains 24g of protein to support muscle repair and growth, 4g of glutamine and glutamic acid, and 4g of naturally occurring BCAAs.
The best time to enjoy your Gold Standard 100% plant is 30 minutes before or immediately after a workout or first thing in the morning.
Product Specification
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 2.4g
- Fats: 2.3g
Product Features and Benefits
The Gold Standard 100% plant-based protein has a lot going on. It’s all-natural, low in carbs, and nutritious. It contains extra vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and B12. It’s low in carbs and has a 2g serving of fiber.
The ingredients are gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free, and organic, it contains no artificial flavors, and nothing on the tab indicates animal products, which is challenging to come across in protein powders.
Price
The powder is priced at £29.99, giving you 19 servings. That’s fairly priced because it’s a natural, organic protein powder — it’s not easy to find it cheaper than this.
Pros
- Relatively low carbs
- It contains all-natural, organic ingredients
- It has extra vitamins and minerals
Cons
- It’s only available in one size
- Some users don’t like the nutty flavor
3. My Protein Vegan Protein Blend
My Protein vegan protein blend has improved texture and taste, packed with great nutritional value. It’s 100% free from artificial flavors and colors, and this all-natural protein powder is a fava and pea bean protein isolate blend, which enhances your gluten-free diet.
It’s delicious and low in sugar. It offers 22g of complete proteins per serving, has only 110 calories, and has a full amino acid profile.
Product Specification
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 3.1g
- Fat: 0.6g
Product Features and Benefits
This protein powder is convenient for incorporating extra proteins into your diet to help you grow and maintain a healthy muscle mass essential to your fitness goals. The vegan protein powder is a complete protein source with nine essential amino acids the body can’t produce independently.
In addition, it has 5g of BCAAs, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, with an optimal ratio of 2:1:1.
Get your gluten-free protein powder today and enjoy a range of flavors like turmeric latte, coffee and walnut, chocolate, and strawberry. This protein powder offers the perfect way to fuel your body using plant-based goodness.
Price
A 250g resealable pouch costs £9.99 for a one-time purchase, and upon subscription, you can swap your flavor anytime, control delivery frequency, and cancel your subscription anytime. Also, there are free UK deliveries for purchases above £45.
Pros
- Great after taste
- It mixes well
- If you bake frequently, you can use the powder, and you’ll love the excellent outcomes.
- It’s fairly priced
Cons
- The packaging is unsealable after opening
4. My Protein Impact Whey Isolate
Impact Whey Isolate is gluten-free and undergoes expert purification to maintain utmost protein integrity without unnecessary additions, resulting in a zero fat 90% protein content.
It helps maintain and grow important muscles, making the Impact Whey Isolate suitable for all training goals. So, it gives you the desired results whether you wish to beat a personal goal or are trying to tone your body. In addition, the protein helps you stay fuller for longer.
This blend has essential amino acids, like the naturally occurring BCAAs, to help build and repair new muscles. BCAAs consumed after exercise also help minimize muscle damage while promoting muscle-protein synthesis, which allows recovery.
Product Specification
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 0g
Product Features and Benefits
Simply put, this protein powder offers the best bang for your buck. It comes from a renowned company that makes well-trusted products, which makes it ideal, especially when looking for pure protein powder at a budget-friendly price.
You’ll also enjoy a wide variety of flavors but remember that the stand-alone fruit flavors are a safer bet in terms of taste.
Price
A 2.2lb pouch costs $51.99, saving you $13.00. Also, you can compare prices for the 5.5lb and 11lb pouches for vanilla and the other flavors.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- It has low carbs and sugar
- It’s a pure and safe protein
Cons
- Some flavors may be unappealing to some users
5. Kaged Plantein Premium Vegan Protein
Kaged Muscle Plantein is a premium-quality vegan protein powder that offers you what you need the most. The manufacturer guarantees a high-quality vegan protein with clean ingredients, actual results, and a transparent manufacturer backing you.
Product Specification
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 4g
Product Features and Benefits
The Kaged Muscle Plantein is an excellent plant-based protein powder suitable for those seeking a naturally-flavored, fully disclosed, and clean supplement. This protein offers 300% absorption, making the nutrients hit harder and building muscle like whey, excluding dairy.
Its mixability, texture, and superior taste offer you ultimate indulgence while offering EAAs and BCAAs. Plus, being soy, lactose, dairy, and gluten-free, protein is an excellent plant-based option for all athletes.
Price
A tab with 16 servings costs $29.99 for a one-time purchase, and when you subscribe, you save 10% of the cost and other benefits.
Pros
- It’s the best-tasting plant protein on the market
- It mixes well and offers 300% better absorption
- It’s soy, dairy, lactose, and gluten-free and free from banned substances
- Provides complete EAAs and BCAAs
Cons
- There’s only one tab size with 15 servings
6. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
If you have a sweet tooth but don’t appreciate the overly sweet protein powders, this protein powder from Transparent Labs is among the few brands that offer a taste you’ll love. Looking at products from this manufacturer, it’s evident that they aim to provide unbeatable quality.
The grass-fed whey protein isolate complies with the FDA GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines for dietary supplements.
In addition, the most highlighted benefit of consuming grass-fed whey is its high CLA levels, which improve heart health.
Product Specification
- Calories: 120-140
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 1-2g
- Fat: 0-0.5g
Product Features and Benefits
Transparent Labs grass-fed whey concentrate is 100% grass-fed whey protein, meaning it doesn’t go through the isolation process as whey isolates do. This formula comes relatively lean, with only 2g of carbs and 0.5g of fat. Plus, it has additional micronutrients like calcium, potassium, and iron.
This grass-fed whey concentrate is ideal if you’re focused on grass-fed dairy and clean ingredients. It contains 28g of protein and 140 calories.
Price
The Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate has a premium price tag. It retails for $59.99 for a one-time purchase. On subscription, you’ll save up to 15% and enjoy exclusive promos, discounts, and free shipping.
Pros
- It contains high protein levels and has no artificial ingredients
- Complies with FDA and GMP guidelines
- It has prebiotic lactoferrin, cysteine, and immunoglobulins, which are immune boosters
- It has no artificial sweeteners and is gluten-free
Cons
- It contains no digestive enzymes
7. My Protein Soy Protein Isolate
The soy protein isolate is an excellent protein source if you follow a plant-based diet. It supports all your fitness ambitions because soy protein supports muscle maintenance and growth.
It comes from defatted soybeans, and the manufacturer uses an innovative process to ensure that it contains low sugar and low fat, making it a perfect option for increasing your protein intake without the unnecessary calories.
The soy protein isolate is ideal for increasing your protein intake without the hassle of protein-heavy meals. Not only does the powder offer great nutritionals, but it also comes with a wide selection of flavors.
Product Specification
- Calories: 108
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 0.5g
- Fat: 0.5g
Product Features and Benefits
The soy protein isolate is ideal for vegetarians, vegans, and those who wish to reduce dairy intake. It offers an impressive 27g protein, with 90% protein, ideal for plant-based powders.
Price
A 1kg resealable pouch costs £23.99, while the 500g package retails at £13.99. You also enjoy free delivery in the UK for purchases over £45.
Pros
- It contains low-fat and low sugar
- It’s available in four savory flavors Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- It has 27g of protein per serving
- It’s gluten-free
Cons
- Trypsin inhibitors in the soy isolate may hinder protein digestibility
8. Kaged Pre-Kaged Pre-Workout
This Pre-Kaged pre-workout formula helps athletes with the much-needed extra energy to hit the gym harder while keeping at it longer, which leads to improved cardio performance, enhanced endurance, and more gains.
With the added tyrosine, coconut water powder, BCAAs, creatine, citrulline, and more, Pre-Kaged, has a very robust list. (1)
Taking 30g of the supplement in 20 ounces of water before starting your workout helps you make the most out of your training session. It helps you feel more energized and enjoy a higher power output while experiencing solid muscle retention.
Pre-Kaged is an effective supplement containing most ingredients people desire for pre-workouts, like B vitamins, creatine, betaine, taurine, tyrosine, betaine, citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine. (2)
It also contains other necessary ingredients that people don’t look for, like BCAAs and greens powder.
Product Specification
- Calories: 20
- Muscle fuel matrix: 3.5g
- Carbs: 2g
- L-Citrulline: 6.5g
Product Features and Benefits
This award-winning pre-workout with clean ingredients improves strength, pumps, energy, and performance. One scoop gets you ready to enjoy a kick-ass workout. In addition, it’s suitable for vegans and athletes of all calibers because it’s Informed-Sport Certified.
Naturally flavored and with zero artificial colors, and a gram of sugar, the pre-workout has a great taste.
Price
It’ll cost you $49.99 for a tab with 20 servings, and on a subscription, you’ll save 10% and purchase at $40.49.
Pros
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
- Suitable for individuals adhering to vegan diets and vegetarians
Cons
- It contains beta-alanine that some experts discourage long-term use
Best Types of Gluten-Free Protein Powder
There are two primary options for gluten-free protein powders:
- Plant-based gluten-free protein powder: There are various plant-based protein sources like hemp protein, rice protein, pea protein, etc.
- Whey-based gluten-free protein powder: Whey is a byproduct of cheese making.
There are three types of whey found in protein powders. Whey concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. All these types vary in digestibility, taste, and price, but they’re all gluten-free in their pure form. Their significant difference is how they’re processed.
- Concentrate: Whey concentrate tastes best because of the fat and sugar (lactose) and is about 70-80% protein.
- Isolate: It contains less lactose, is 90% protein, and is ideal for limiting carb intake.
- Hydrolysate: This is a pre-digested whey protein type that is easier to absorb into the body. It’s ideal for building muscle. (3)
Benefits of Gluten-Free Protein Powders
Gluten-free protein powders are ideal for those following gluten-free diets due to medical reasons or personal preferences. These powders are easy on your gut, making them ideal for those with sensitive stomachs.
Also, they’re low in carbs and promote muscle growth and post-workout recovery, thanks to their high-quality nutritional value.
Final Thoughts
Protein is essential in maintaining muscle mass and staying in shape. In addition, it aids the body in fast recovery from injury. Numerous protein powders are on the market, and if you’ve come this far, you already know that we make our bet on the best.
Because extremely limited genuine gluten-free protein powders are available, we’ve done our best to compile the above list.
So, whether you’re looking to recover from an injury or gain muscle mass, you’ll find a product that suits you.
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David Williams
A diet and fitness enthusiast, David is an ex-Army Airborne Ranger and Infantry soldier with decades of fitness and wellness experience. A West Point graduate with a degree in engineering, he focuses on technical research related to fitness, nutrition, and wellness. He loves the beach, and spending time with his wife and daughters.
References
- WebMD. (n.d.-f). L-citrulline: Uses and risks. WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/l-citrulline-uses-and-risks - WebMD. (n.d.-a). Beta-alanine: Uses and risks. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/beta-alanine-uses-and-risks#:~:text=Beta%2Dalanine%20is%20a%20non,endurance%20in%20high%2Dintensity%20exercise.
- Protein hydrolysate. Protein Hydrolysate – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.).
http://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/protein-hydrolysate
