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7 Best Gluten-Free Protein Powders
[Updated 2024]

7

Protein Powders Reviewed

41

Hours of Research

142

Reviews Examined

2

Experts Interviewed

A Lean Life Editor David

Published by David Williams

As an engineer, David loves technical product comparison and analyzing the data to assess top products.

Gluten-free protein powders have become a necessity in helping you eat right and get healthy when diets are otherwise lacking. These are our top 7 best gluten-free protein powders, and why they’re great.

They make great additions to shakes and smoothies, and 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. All of the powerhouse protein powders below are gluten free.

Table of Contents

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

Price & 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. And always consider price and value through a slightly different lens. Sometimes what appears to be a higher price might actually be better value.

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.

Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer - 8 Best-Tasting Vanilla Protein Powders in 2023

Mass Gainer

Ingredient Quality

Price

5.0
5/5
4.8
4.8/5

Overall Score

4.9
4.9/5
Gold Standard 100% Plant-Based Protein - 8 Gluten-Free Protein Powders for Smoothies and Shakes

100% PLANT

Ingredient Quality

Price

4.9
4.9/5
4.9
4.9/5

Overall Score

4.9
4.9/5
My Protein Vegan Protein Blend - 8 Gluten-Free Protein Powders for Smoothies and Shakes

Vegan Protein Blend

Ingredient Quality

Price

4.7
4.7/5
5.0
5/5

Overall Score

4.85
4.85/5

1. Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer

Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer - 8 Best-Tasting Vanilla Protein Powders in 2023When “eating more” isn’t enough, increase your gains faster and more efficiently with this Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer. The Mass Gainer contains gluten-free ingredients, and packs each serving with 488 calories, including 40 grams of protein and 55 grams of carbs.

And 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 cal
  • Protein: 40g
  • Carbs: 56.61g
  • Fat: 7.9g

Product Features and Benefits

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

Cons

2. Gold Standard 100% Plant-Based Protein

Gold Standard 100% Plant-Based Protein - 8 Gluten-Free Protein Powders for Smoothies and ShakesThis 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 cal
  • 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 $23.99, 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

Cons

3. My Protein Vegan Protein Blend

My Protein Vegan Protein Blend - 8 Gluten-Free Protein Powders for Smoothies and ShakesMy 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 2.2 lb resealable pouch costs $22.99 for a one-time purchase, and upon subscription, you can swap your flavor anytime, control delivery frequency, and cancel your subscription anytime. 

Pros

Cons

4. My Protein Impact Whey Isolate

Impact Whey Isolate Vanilla - 8 Best-Tasting Vanilla Protein Powders in 2023Impact 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

Cons

5. Kaged Plantein Premium Vegan Protein

Kaged Plantein Premium Vegan Protein - 8 Gluten-Free Protein Powders for Smoothies and ShakesKaged 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

Cons

6. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

Whey Protein Isolate 100% Grass-FedIf 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

Cons

7. My Protein Soy Protein Isolate

My Protein Soy Protein Isolate - 8 Gluten-Free Protein Powders for Smoothies and ShakesThe 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

Cons

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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Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer - 8 Best-Tasting Vanilla Protein Powders in 2023

Crazy Nutrition MASS GAINER

  • 50g of Protein
  • 488 calories
  • 55g of Low Glycemic Carbs
  • Low in Sugar
  • Bulk Up and Increase Gains
  • Added Digezyme to Avoid Bloating
  • Gluten Free
  • Chocolate & Vanilla Flavors
  • 60-day Money Back Guarantee
David Williams

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

  1. WebMD. (n.d.-f). L-citrulline: Uses and risks. WebMD.
    https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/l-citrulline-uses-and-risks
  2. 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.
  3. Protein hydrolysate. Protein Hydrolysate – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.).
    http://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/protein-hydrolysate