Over the years, the number of people affected by wheat allergy, celiac disease, or gluten intolerance has sharply increased.
In turn, foods like gluten-free protein powder have grown in demand, even though most protein powders don’t contain wheat as a primary ingredient.
Is the growing need for gluten-free protein powder warranted? Or is it mostly just a marketing ploy to get people to buy certain products?
In this post, I peel the onion on gluten-related conditions, when it’s important to ensure your protein powder is entirely free of gluten, and which products are the best gluten-free protein powder.
The Complexities of Gluten Sensitivity, Simplified
The prevalence of celiac disease–a true immune system allergic response to wheat gluten–affects approximately 0.5% to 1% of the global population.[1]
However, studies show that non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) affects up to 6% of the population.[2] This condition is more widely known as gluten intolerance and does not involve the immune system, but rather issues with digesting gluten proteins.
The composition of gluten–which is the protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other foods–has changed over the last 120 years. Without delving too deep into the science, researchers suspect that modern wheat varieties contain more immunoreactive gluten proteins.
As a result, more and more people have developed gluten sensitivities, whether in the form of intolerance (largely a digestive issue) or a gluten allergy (a more severe immune system response). This has spurred a mounting trend in gluten-free foods.
For those with a gluten allergy or celiac disease, consuming even small traces of gluten can trigger a reaction. In such cases, avoiding gluten and potentially cross-contaminated products is vital for one’s health.
But for those who have a gluten intolerance, it’s less critical to ensure everything you eat is certified gluten-free. Instead, simply avoiding wheat and glute-containing products is enough to avoid triggering a reaction.
Isn’t All Protein Powder Gluten-Free?
It’s true, that most protein powders are gluten-free, as very few products use wheat as a primary protein source.
However, some may contain added gluten or may be at risk of cross-contamination. This makes checking food labels critical, whether to detect wheat as an ingredient or if a product was manufactured in a facility that processes wheat.
This includes both plant-based and animal-based (whey) protein powders. For instance, whey protein is naturally gluten-free. But it can oftentimes be cross-contaminated with gluten. Even in small quantities, this can be problematic for allergic individuals.
In such cases, it’s crucial to choose protein powders that are labeled gluten-free and have been tested and certified gluten-free by a third-party organization.
But if you have a slight intolerance to gluten, avoiding wheat-containing products (whether or not they’re officially labeled gluten-free), is enough precaution to mitigate any digestive problems.
7 Best Vegan Gluten-Free Protein Powders
Some of the best gluten-free protein powders are vegan options made from pea, brown rice, hemp, chia seed, and other plant-based protein sources.
Not only are these products certified gluten-free, but they contain quality ingredients and a diverse balance of proteins and amino acids, which today rival the efficacy of whey and animal-based proteins.
1. PlantFusion Complete Protein Powder
Allergen-free and certified gluten-free, PlantFusion Complete Protein is one of the cleanest protein powders on the market.
Its protein blend is made of pea, artichoke, sprouted quinoa, and sprouted amaranth, providing a complete and balanced protein source. With 21 grams of protein in a single scoop serving and 30 servings per tub, it’s a great value for premium gluten-free protein powder.
PlantFusion Complete Protein is a sugar-free protein powder that’s made with ‘Flavor Pure,’ a combination of monk fruit, lucuma fruit, yacon root, and stevia leaf. This low-glycemic sweetener provides a delicious taste that won’t elevate blood sugar.
Made with no fillers, no soy, no dairy, or no gluten, this vegan protein powder is pure and easy to digest. In a world where most protein powder brands use anonymous 3rd party vendors to manufacture the products they sell, PlantFusion produces all of its products in its US-based facility.
2. OWYN Plant-based Protein Powder
OWYN (Only What You Need) is a plant-based, vegan protein powder that is certified gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO. OWYN provides 20 grams of protein per serving, derived from a blend of pea, pumpkin, and chia seed proteins, which provides all essential amino acids.
OWYN also positions itself as an allergen-friendly protein powder that’s free from the top eight allergens, including dairy, soy, gluten, wheat, egg, peanuts, and tree nuts. It is also void of any artificial ingredients, sweeteners, and sugar alcohols.
As a regular consumer of OWYN protein powder, I find it to be one of the best-tasting protein powders money can buy. It also uses organic cane sugar as a sweetener (along with monk fruit extract), so it tastes delicious and natural with no weird aftertaste.
Although it’s not fully organic, it contains omega-3s from flaxseed oil, which offers anti-inflammatory properties. Its superfoods and greens blend (kale, spinach, broccoli) is designed to support gut health and everyday wellness.
3. PB2 Performance Peanut Protein
A simple and certified gluten-free protein powder made from roasted peanuts and brown rice protein, PB2 Performance Peanut Protein is a delicious choice if you’re into peanut butter protein powders.
It’s highly versatile and mixes well with water, milk, or hot beverages like coffee. PB2 Performance Peanut Protein comes in two flavors, Dutch Cocoa and Madagascar Vanilla. Sweetened with monk fruit extract, the product is naturally flavored and has zero added sugar.
In addition to 20 grams of protein per 2-scoops serving, PB2 Performance Peanut Protein contains added prebiotic fiber for digestive health (6 grams of fiber). It’s another highly-rated vegan protein powder that I like to have around. It also tastes fantastic combined with other products, like OWYN above.
4. Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant Protein Powder
As protein powder designed for athletic recovery, Garden of Life Sport is a completely organic plant-based protein powder that contains a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving, along with 5.5g of BCAAs and 5g of glutamine and glutamic acid, which is essential for reducing recovery time after exercise.
Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant Protein also contains a muscle recovery blend, which includes organic tart cherries, apples, turmeric, goji berries, and blueberries, known for their antioxidant properties that promote faster recovery.
In addition to being labeled as gluten-free, the protein powder is Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, NSF Certified for Sport, and Informed-Choice for Sport Certified, ensuring the absence of banned athletic substances. It’s arguably one of the cleanest and most nutrient-dense protein powders.
5. Orgain Simple Protein Powder
Organic, stevia-free, GMO-free, and gluten-free, Orgain Simple Protein Powder is made from organic peas, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds, chia seeds, and organic coconut sugar. It’s a product that’s growing in popularity for its simple and clean ingredients, and its delicious taste.
It’s a complete protein blend that provides 20 grams of protein per serving. It comes in three delicious flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter. If you prefer vegan protein powder that uses real sugar, then Orgain Simple Protein is a must-try.
There are only 15 servings in a tub, so it’s a little pricey compared to other protein powders in the vegan space. But given its 100% organic ingredients, simple protein blend, and incredible taste, it’s well worth it.
6. Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Protein Powder
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is a USDA-certified organic and gluten-free protein powder that’s made from organic fermented pea protein, goji berry, and hemp seed. This blend is added with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) from coconut, which complement the other ingredients to create a product that’s rich in amino acids and BCAAs.
As one of the few protein powders that are very low carb and contains zero sugar, artificial sweeteners, or sugar alcohols, Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is one of the best keto protein powders that won’t trigger an insulin response. It’s also free from soy, synthetics, and fillers, and it’s tested for heavy metals and micros.
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend protein powder is available in a wide variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter cup, mocha, berry, unflavored, and maple french toast. It’s an athlete-minded option that tastes great.
7. KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein
With a host of impressive certifications, KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein is USDA Certified Organic, Certified Organic by CCOF, and produced in a GMP & NSF Certified Facility, ensuring the highest standards of quality and purity.
It shows in the price tag. But if it’s worth spending a few extra dollars for a truly clean and gluten-free protein powder, KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein is a fantastic, delicious-tasting product to try.
The protein blend includes all organic pea protein, flax seed protein, quinoa protein, pumpkin seed protein, and chia seed protein. Its superfood blend contains ingredients like coconut milk, carrot, cranberry, broccoli, orange, coconut sugar, sea salt, and stevia.
KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein is available in a variety of unique flavors, including Vanilla, Chocolate, Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, and Unflavored. Overall, it’s a standout product that’s free from sketchy additives and artificial ingredients, and one that I highly recommend.
Growing Demand for Gluten-Free Protein Powder
The prevalence of gluten-free protein powders has been increasing due to the rising demand for specialized diets, such as gluten-free and vegan diets, and the growing awareness of gluten-related disorders.
The market for gluten-free protein powder is witnessing a positive trajectory, with several major players introducing gluten-free variants of their protein powders to cater to the increasing consumer demand.
Additionally, the availability of a wide range of gluten-free protein powders, including plant-based options, has expanded due to the rising health consciousness among consumers and the increasing preference for products with clean labels, free from artificial additives and allergens.
Got a Favorite Gluten-Free Protein Powder?
Are you privy to a particular gluten-free protein powder? We would love for you to share it. Leave a comment below and let us know what you like (or dislike), or reach out and contact us.
You Might Also Like
- Best Low-FODMAP Protein Powder
- Diabetic Protein Powder That Doesn’t Spike Insulin
- Best Vegan Grain-Free Protein Powder Reviewed
- Best Lactose-Free Protein Powder
About the Author
This article was written by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor here at VeganProteinPowder.reviews. Tyler is an experienced writer in the health and athletic space who has tried hundreds of different plant-based nutritional products and writes about his favorites here on this blog. Learn more about Tyler by viewing his full author bio or by following him on social platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. You can also visit his site TylerTafelsky.com to learn more about what he’s up to.
Scientific References:
- Gujral N, Freeman HJ, Thomson AB. Celiac disease: prevalence, diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment. World J Gastroenterol. 2012 Nov 14;18(42):6036-59. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i42.6036. PMID: 23155333; PMCID: PMC3496881.
- Igbinedion SO, Ansari J, Vasikaran A, Gavins FN, Jordan P, Boktor M, Alexander JS. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: All wheat attack is not celiac. World J Gastroenterol. 2017 Oct 28;23(40):7201-7210. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i40.7201. PMID: 29142467; PMCID: PMC5677194.
Josefina Herrick
Saturday 24th of February 2024
First,thank you for sharing your knowledge,I am a 67 year old lady and I am trying to avoid getting diabetes,so non sweat is a must for me,my gratitude. Josefina Herrick.