Almond protein powder is becoming increasingly popular, whether as a standalone protein source or as part of a plant-based protein blend. When you consider its benefits, it’s no coincidence.
Whether almond protein is a complete protein with all essential amino acids (EAAs) is debatable. Like most plants, it may contain all EAAs but is very low in certain types (methionine and lysine). So, it’s argued that almonds alone are an incomplete protein, despite what some sources claim.
Despite its amino acid profile, almond protein has a lot going for it. Here I get deep into the weeds with almond-based protein powder, highlighting its many benefits, including some best products that use almonds as a primary protein source.
7 Health Benefits of Almond Protein Powder
The nutrients in almonds are beneficial in many ways, such as heart health, skin health, muscle repair, and reducing bad cholesterol. More specifically, some of the more unique benefits of almond protein powder include:
- Domestically produced: The United States is by far the biggest producer of almonds in the world. In turn, most almond protein powder is made in the USA. This helps keep the quality and freshness of the product high compared to other protein sources.
- Diabetic-friendly: A study published by Nature found almond protein to have a high antioxidant capacity, with a 98% potential for inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme, which inhibits the development of diabetes by regulating postprandial hyperglycemia.[1]
- Highly digestible and gut-friendly: The same study indicated that digestive proteases were efficient in almond proteins, with the highest digestibility of 85% observed. Almond protein is generally agreeable for sensitive stomachs. such as those with IBS.
- High in glutamic acid: This amino acid plays a crucial role in metabolism and neurotransmission. It synthesizes glucose and other amino acids (think BCAAs), supports antioxidant production, and serves as a neurotransmitter in the brain, facilitating the transmission of nerve signals.[2]
- Nutrient-rich: Almonds are high in several vital nutrients, including magnesium, vitamin E, and manganese. Magnesium is involved in over 300 metabolic pathways in the body, including energy production and protein synthesis, while vitamin E serves as a powerful antioxidant.
- Allergy-friendly: Almond protein powder is considered allergy-friendly in the sense that it is free from common allergens like soy, yeast, gluten, and additives. However, almonds are considered a tree nut, which can be a concern for individuals with tree nut allergies.[3]
- Improved Nitrogen Balance: Almond protein powder has been shown to improve nitrogen balance, indicating its potential as a plant-based alternative to whey protein. This is especially true when combined with other vegan protein sources for a more diverse amino acid profile.[4]
These benefits highlight almond protein as a versatile option that accommodates a variety of diets and health demands.
6 Best Almond Protein Powders
There are two types of products in this category: almond-only protein powders and vegan protein powders that contain almonds along with other protein sources. Below are some of my favorite products that cover both of these types.
Wellious Almond Protein Powder
Wellious is a clean, 4-ingredient almond protein product that combines the complementary power of chickpea protein for a balanced amino acid profile. With 15g of protein per serving, it’s high in fiber and rich in nutrients.
Available in two flavors–real vanilla and real chocolate–Wellious Almond Protein Powder is a simple product that’s one of the best-tasting protein powders on the market. Personally, I am a fan of the vanilla flavor option.
Beyond minimal ingredients, what makes Wellious clean is that it has no sodium, soy, gluten, sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, lecithins, or added fillers. The only sweetener it contains is natural monkfruit extract.
Drink Wholesome Vegan Protein Powder
Drink Wholesome’s vegan protein powder is made from almonds, coconut, cocoa (or vanilla), and monk fruit. It’s a minimalist blend that harnesses the power and purity of almond protein with nothing added to it.
Delicious in both of its flavors, Drink Wholesome has a reputation for more than just its great taste. It’s easy on the gut, mitigating bloating and gas, and provides a balanced macronutrient profile with healthy fats and fibrous carbs.
Drink Wholesome’s vegan line, which also comes in an unflavored or tasteless protein powder. Though not vegan, the company makes an egg-white protein as well.
See my full review on Drink Wholesome protein powder and why I like this product. Or scoop it package and see for yourself.
Complement Organic Protein
Complement Protein Powder is highly regarded as one of the cleanest vegan protein powders. Third-party tested for heavy metals and contaminants, Complement is a brand that’s very transparent and well-trusted in a market riddled with low-quality products.
The protein blend is made from yellow pea, pumpkin seed, almond, sunflower seed, and chia seed. The unflavored option contains nothing more than these ingredients (and has only 2 grams of carbs and <1 gram of sugar), making it very keto-friendly.
The chocolate flavor uses a few more ingredients, including cocoa powder, chocolate, monk fruit, and natural flavors, but still falls into the no-sugar, low-carb, low-calorie protein powder. It has a smooth, non-chalky texture, and the taste is lightly sweet with a dark chocolate flavor.
Bob’s Red Mill Almond Protein Powder
As one of my favorite brands for anything from oats to single-source protein powder, Bob’s Red Mill Almond Protein Powder is a top-tier choice that’s made only from almonds and nothing else.
With 20g of protein per serving, it’s a good balance of fat and carbohydrates, including fiber. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and overall clean.
Bob’s Red Mill Almond Protein Powder is fairly transparent in taste, offering a mild almond flavor with a texture that isn’t overly gritty. It’s one of the best in its class.
Naked Almond
If you’re looking for almond protein and nothing else, Naked Almond is the best bang for your buck. Naked is a quality brand that’s known for its single-ingredient protein powder products.
One serving is small, with only 70 calories and 10g of protein, which might not seem like a lot. But, you’re getting 38 servings per container. Even if you double up on your servings, you’re still getting more protein for the price compared to the products above.
Noosh 100% Almond Protein
Noosh has carved a niche in almond-based protein powder, providing a quality product made from California almonds using an advanced extraction process that maximizes the nutritional value of every almond.
Highly reviewed and more affordable than similar products, Noosh Almond Protein doesn’t compromise on quality and comes available in vanilla, chocolate, and flavorless options.
Noosh is a protein powder that uses cane sugar as a natural sweetener (which I prefer over synthetic, zero-sugar sweeteners.) In turn, it has a bit more carbs, in addition to 20g of protein per serving, but this may be a welcomed nourishment if you’re an athlete.
What’s Your Favorite Almond-based Protein Powder?
Do you have a favorite plant-based protein powder that uses almonds as a primary protein source? If so, let me know in the comments below or send me a message here.
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About the Author
This article is by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor here at the Vegan Protein Powder Review. As an endurance athlete and experienced writer in the health and nutrition space, Tyler has tried hundreds of different plant-based nutritional products and writes about his favorites here on this blog. View Tyler’s author bio or follow him on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. You can also visit his site TylerTafelsky.com to see what he’s up to.
Scientific References:
- de Souza, T.S.P., Dias, F.F.G., Oliveira, J.P.S. et al. Biological properties of almond proteins produced by aqueous and enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction processes from almond cake. Sci Rep 10, 10873 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-67682-3
- Gonçalves B, Pinto T, Aires A, Morais MC, Bacelar E, Anjos R, Ferreira-Cardoso J, Oliveira I, Vilela A, Cosme F. Composition of Nuts and Their Potential Health Benefits-An Overview. Foods. 2023 Feb 23;12(5):942. doi: 10.3390/foods12050942. PMID: 36900459; PMCID: PMC10000569.
- Bezerra, M.; Ribeiro, M.; Igrejas, G. An Updated Overview of Almond Allergens. Nutrients 2021, 13, 2578. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082578
- Maykish A, Nishisaka MM, Talbott CK, Reaves SK, Kristo AS, Sikalidis AK. Comparison of Whey Versus Almond Protein Powder on Nitrogen Balance in Female College Students; The California Almond Protein Powder Project (CAlmond-P3). Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 13;18(22):11939. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182211939. PMID: 34831691; PMCID: PMC8620843.