Despite being classified as a whole grain, quinoa is a type of seed that carries tremendous nutritional qualities, particularly for its protein.
Not only is quinoa a rich source of plant protein and fiber, but unlike some plant proteins, quinoa is a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids.
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for those with gluten intolerance and celiac disease. It’s also high in nutrients like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and folate, and it’s rich in flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol), which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Beyond being a savory side dish or base for a satisfying meal, quinoa is a valuable player and is an abundant plant-based protein source found in many different products.
Benefits of Quinoa Protein Powder
Quinoa protein powder, which is a common type of plant-based protein, derives from processing quinoa seeds into a more functional powdered form.
As a complete source of plant-based protein, quinoa can help aid muscle development and recovery and offers a beneficial choice for athletes, vegans, and those with dietary limitations.
In addition to being gluten-free, quinoa has a naturally low glycemic index, which is important in regulating blood sugar levels. On its own, quinoa makes for an ideal protein powder for Type 2 diabetics, given its low-glycemic, high-fiber qualities.
But remember that most quinoa protein powders also contain added flavors, sweeteners, and other protein sources. It’s crucial to check labels for sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients that may not align with your dietary objectives.
Amino Acids in Quinoa Protein
The vegan amino acid profile for quinoa protein powder is nutritionally significant due to its essential diversity and high lysine content.
Quinoa protein delivers a wider amino acid spectrum than other grains and legumes, making it a valuable plant-based protein source.[1] The amino acids Quinoa carries include:
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
Quinoa contains a high concentration of the muscle-building amino lysine, typically between 2.4 g/100 g of protein and 7.8 g/100 g of protein.
Quinoa protein powder also has considerable methionine and threonine, critical for various physiological functions in the body.[2]
The abundance of amino acids in quinoa makes it a fan favorite among plant-based protein seekers. It packs a nutritional punch while offering an organic, gluten-free protein source.
Best Quinoa Protein Powder Products
These are some of the best quinoa-containing protein powders in terms of taste and quality. Taste is inherently subjective, but quality is measured by amino acid profile, organic or not, and the use of additives or artificial ingredients.
PlantFusion Complete Protein
PlantFusion Complete Protein is a delicious protein powder that provides 21 grams of protein across 30 servings, making it a great value for quality nutrition.
The protein blend is comprised of pea protein isolate, artichoke protein, sprouted quinoa protein, and sprouted amaranth protein. This provides no shortage of amino acids.
PlantFusion Complete Protein has 4.7 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and 9.1 grams of essential amino acids, which is high-end for plant-based protein powders.
PlantFusion Complete also contains 3.6 grams of l-glutamine, which can help aid muscle recovery. It’s also infused with an enzyme blend to support easy digestion and absorption.
Learn more about PlantFusion Complete Protein.
KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein
KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein is comprised of organic pea protein, flax seed protein, quinoa protein, pumpkin seed protein, and chia seed protein. This packs about 3.5 grams of BCAAs.
This superfood powder contains goods like coconut milk, carrot, cranberry, broccoli, orange, coconut sugar, sea salt, and stevia. Overall, it’s a well-rounded product nutritionally and flavor-wise.
With KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein, you can choose from a wide variety of flavors, including Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, and Unflavored.
KOS Organic Superfood Plant Protein is a solid product that’s free from sketchy additives and artificial ingredients. Learn more about it at KOS.com.
Sunwarrior Classic Plus Protein
The raw organic protein blend that makes Sunwarrior Classic Plus includes pea protein, fermented brown rice protein, quinoa protein, chia seed protein, and amaranth protein.
A single scoop serving provides 18 grams of protein, along with 7.5 grams of essential amino acids and 3.7 grams of BCAAs.
Sunwarrior Classic Plus is a healthy, quinoa-forward protein powder that’s flavored with stevia, a natural and gut-friendly sweetener, ancient sea salt, and organic cocoa (only chocolate). In addition to chocolate, it’s available in vanilla and natural (without stevia) flavor options.
Learn more about Sunwarrior Classic Plus.
Got a Favorite Quinoa Protein Powder?
Are you keen on a particular protein powder with quinoa in it? We’d like to know about it. Drop a comment below and share your input, or reach out and contact us.
You Might Also Like
- Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
- Low-FODMAP Protein Powder That’s Best for Your Gut
- The Lowdown on 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
Scientific References:
- Craine EB, Murphy KM. Seed Composition and Amino Acid Profiles for Quinoa Grown in Washington State. Front Nutr. 2020 Aug 12;7:126. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00126. Erratum in: Front Nutr. 2020 Nov 09;7:605674. PMID: 32903386; PMCID: PMC7434868.
- Tavano OL, Amistá MJM, Del Ciello G, Rodrigues MCM, Bono Nishida AM, Valadares LA, Siqueira BM, Gomes RADS, Parolini MT, Silva Junior SID. Isolation and evaluation of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) protein fractions. A nutritional and bio-functional approach to the globulin fraction. Curr Res Food Sci. 2022 Jun 20;5:1028-1037. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.06.006. PMID: 35769315; PMCID: PMC9234336.