Skip to Content

Pumpkin Seed Protein is a Plant-based Powerhouse. Here’s Why.

0 Comments
Pumpkin Seeds Ground Into a Protein Powder

More and more plant-based protein powder brands are using pumpkin seed protein in their products. But why?

Although there’s not as much research on pumpkin seed protein versus other vegan protein sources, we already know it’s an all-mighty plant-based powerhouse for several reasons.

Gut-friendly, allergy-friendly, nutrient-dense, and protein-rich, pumpkin seeds check all the boxes. And depending on how it’s processed, pumpkin seed protein powder delivers ample fiber and healthy fats.

You may have seen pumpkin seed protein as a key ingredient in your vegan protein powder. This is to be embraced as one of the best plant-based protein sources you could ask for. Here’s why.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder

Raw Pumpkin Seeds Offer Health Benefits

Pumpkin seed protein is considered a functional food for its incredible health properties. Not only is it one of the most sustainable sources of plant-based protein, but it also provides a wide range of health benefits.[1]

  • Rich nutritional profile: Pumpkin seed protein powder is known for its impressive nutritional content, including high amounts of protein, fiber, and essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. 
  • Pumpkin seed protein is a complete protein: Vital for muscle building and overall health, pumpkin seed protein contains all nine essential amino acids, including lysine, leucine, and arginine. Not only is it a complete protein, but it contains a high amount of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).
  • Rich in healthy fats: Pumpkin seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and blood vessel health, help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and protect against heart disease.[2, 3] These healthy fats can have anti-inflammatory benefits and boost your immune and hormone systems.
  • Supports gut health: Regular pumpkin seeds provide a significant amount of fiber, especially when consumed with the shells. However, some fiber content may be lost when the seeds are processed into a protein powder. The fiber content in pumpkin seeds aids digestion and helps you feel full, making it a beneficial addition to a weight loss diet.
  • Versatile and allergen-friendly: Pumpkin seed protein is marketed towards individuals who are intolerant or allergic to common protein sources like whey, soy, or nuts, making it a versatile and allergen-friendly option. It’s also a low-FODMAP protein source that caters well to those with IBS and other gut issues.
  • High in antioxidants: Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body from free radicals and reducing inflammation. Pumpkin seed protein is high in antioxidants, which contribute to its health benefits
  • May improve sleep: Pumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep. Consuming pumpkin seed protein before bedtime can help improve the quality of sleep.

While the research on pumpkin seed protein specifically may not be as extensive as that for more traditional protein sources like whey, soy, or hemp protein, the known health advantages of pumpkin seeds themselves provide a strong foundation for the growing use of pumpkin seed protein powder.

Pumpkin Seed Protein’s Amino Acid Profile

Pumpkin Seeds in a bowl with dried fruit and other breakfast items

Pumpkin seed protein is particularly abundant in amino acids, making it a powerful food for building and repairing muscle. It’s especially high in Glutamic Acid (glutamine), Arginine, Leucine, and Aspartic Acid. Below is the complete amino acid profile of pumpkin seed protein (per 100g).

  • Tryptophan – 0.576 g
  • Threonine – 0.998 g
  • Isoleucine – 1.281 g
  • Leucine – 2.419 g
  • Lysine – 1.236 g
  • Methionine – 0.603 g
  • Cystine – 0.332 g
  • Phenylalanine – 1.733 g
  • Tyrosine – 1.093 g
  • Valine – 1.579 g
  • Arginine – 5.353 g
  • Histidine – 0.780 g
  • Alanine – 1.485 g
  • Aspartic acid – 2.960 g
  • Glutamic acid – 6.188 g
  • Glycine – 1.843 g
  • Proline – 1.316 g
  • Serine – 1.673 g

As far as branched-chain amino acids go, pumpkin seed protein contains 5.279 grams of BCAAs – leucine (2.419 g), isoleucine (1.281 g), and valine (1.579 g) – per every 100 grams. This is why performance protein powders like Vega Sport Protein and Orgain Simple Protein contain pumpkin seed protein powder.

For bodybuilders and strength athletes, it’s also worth noting that creatine is synthesized in the body from the three amino acids glycine (1.843 g), arginine (5.353 g), and methionine (0.603 g). Pumpkin seed protein contains a whopping 7.799 grams of these amino acids per every 100 grams.

Sustainability of Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder

Pumpkin Patch Sunrise, a place where Pumpkin Seeds are Harvested

As someone who cares about the planet and where my food comes from, sustainability and sourcing are important factors when choosing the best vegan protein powder. And when it comes to pumpkin seed protein, there’s a lot to love.

Organic Pumpkin Seed Farming Practices

Many pumpkin seed protein powders are made from organic pumpkin seeds, which means they’re grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals. Organic farming practices are better for the environment and for our health, so choosing an organic pumpkin seed protein powder is a no-brainer.

Plus, organic farming practices support biodiversity and soil health, which is essential for a thriving ecosystem. By choosing organic pumpkin seed protein powder, you’re not just supporting your own health – you’re supporting the health of the planet, too.

Supporting Local Farmers

Many pumpkin seed protein powders are made from domestically grown seeds, which means they support local farmers and communities. By choosing a pumpkin seed protein powder that’s made from American-grown pumpkin seeds, you’re investing in the local economy and supporting sustainable agriculture practices.

Plus, local sourcing means a smaller carbon footprint and fresher, higher-quality ingredients. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Environmentally Friendly Processing Methods

The way pumpkin seed protein powder is processed can have a big impact on its environmental footprint. Many brands use cold-pressing methods, which are more energy-efficient and produce less waste than other processing methods.

Cold-pressing also helps preserve the nutrients and flavor of the pumpkin seeds, resulting in a higher-quality protein powder. So by choosing a pumpkin seed protein powder that’s made with environmentally friendly processing methods, you’re not just supporting sustainability – you’re also getting a better product.

Best Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder

Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder Scoop

If you’re looking for a protein powder with pumpkin seed as a primary source of protein, then consider these products below. The first four in this list are organic pumpkin seed protein powders made with the cleanest ingredients.

Most of these products contain pumpkin seed protein powder along with other plant-based protein sources. This makes for a more complete, nutritious protein powder that provides a variety of amino acids and health benefits.

You Might Also Like

About the Author

tyler tafelsky vegan protein powder review editor

This article is by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor at VeganProteinPowder.Reviews. Endurance athlete and experienced health writer in the nutrition space, Tyler has tried hundreds of 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.

Scientific References

  1. Joachim M. Dotto, James S. Chacha, The potential of pumpkin seeds as a functional food ingredient: A review, Scientific African, Volume 10, 2020, e00575, ISSN 2468-2276, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2020.e00575
  2. Batool M, Ranjha MMAN, Roobab U, Manzoor MF, Farooq U, Nadeem HR, Nadeem M, Kanwal R, AbdElgawad H, Al Jaouni SK, Selim S, Ibrahim SA. Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Potential, and Therapeutic Benefits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.). Plants (Basel). 2022 May 24;11(11):1394. doi: 10.3390/plants11111394. PMID: 35684166; PMCID: PMC9182978.
  3. Chenni A, Cherif FZH, Chenni K, Elius EE, Pucci L, Yahia DA. Effects of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Seed Protein on Blood Pressure, Plasma Lipids, Leptin, Adiponectin, and Oxidative Stress in Rats with Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2022 Mar 31;27(1):78-88. doi: 10.3746/pnf.2022.27.1.78. PMID: 35465120; PMCID: PMC9007700.