Best Gluten-Free Protein Powder

By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On February 2, 2023

Gluten-free protein powders are a modern life necessity that help us get healthy and eat right when our diets are otherwise lacking. Be sure that you are enjoying the best gluten-free protein powder with our top recommendations.

What To Look For When Buying Gluten-Free Protein Powder

1. Be sure to read the ingredients. It is important to note that, unlike foods, the labeling of nutritional supplements like protein powder is not regulated. It falls to the consumer to research the ingredients and practices of the company making the powder to know if a protein powder is safe for them to use. Generally, if you're buying from a well-known brand and they are claiming "gluten free" on the packaging, you should be ok, but it's always a good practice to read the labels.
2. Consider if you want a vegan or plant-based gluten-free protein powder, or if you'd like a whey protein option. There are gluten-free options in both categories.
3. Consider why you want to use gluten-free protein. Your reasons will help guide you toward the best option. Some gluten-free protein powders will be best for muscle building, others for meal replacement, and others can aid in weight loss.

The best gluten-free protein powders are made by companies who strive to create healthy products for people on gluten-free diets.

You can try all of the gluten-free protein powder varieties yourself and choose your favorites, but save yourself some time and check out our recommendations first!

Our picks for the best gluten-free protein powders are based on personal experience and research of gf protein powder reviews around the web.

We will tell you what the best-rated gluten-free protein powder is, and what the best-tasting gluten-free protein powder is.

All of these recommended gluten-free protein powder brands are available in stores or online.

Looking for easy gluten-free meals and snacks? Check out our list of the Best Gluten-Free Subscription Boxes.

Best Types of Gluten Free Protein Powder

There are primarily two main types of gluten free protein powders that you should know about.

• Plant Based Gluten Free Protein Powder - These can be made from a variety of plant-based protein sources, including pea protein, soy protein, rice protein, hemp protein, and other high protein seeds.
• Whey Based Gluten Free Protein Powder - Whey is derived from milk, and is a byproduct of cheese making.

There are three types of whey protein used in protein powders. Whey concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. These vary in price, taste, and digestibility, but each type is gluten-free in its pure form. The main difference is the way that they are processed.

• Concentrate: This type of whey is about 70-80% protein, and contains fat and lactose (milk sugar). Whey concentrate often tastes the best, likely because of the fat and sugar that is left.
• Isolate: this type is 90% protein, with less lactose. Isolate is generally used by people limiting their carbs.
• Hydrolysate: This whey protein has been pre-digested so that it's absorbed into the body faster. This type is ideal for building muscle.

Our top picks for gluten-free proteins include products from both categories. The type that you ultimately decide on will be based on your reasons for using gluten-free protein and your overall health and diet goals.

Best Plant-Based Gluten-Free Protein Powder

KOS Plant Based Protein Powder

This plant-based protein powder is organic, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free. It uses organic pea protein along with a variety of other healthy ingredients including flaxseed, coconut milk, and chia seeds.

As a company, KOS creates many products that are gluten-free, so you can check out their other vegan and gluten free supplements as well as their gluten-free protein powders.

• Taste: Reviews on Amazon for KOS powders are very favorable, describing a product that blends up smoothly with minimal chalkiness or grainy texture. It comes in tasty flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Mint, and Blueberry Muffin, along with the classic vanilla and chocolate.
• Protein per Serving: 20g (7g net carbs, 6g fat)
• Pros: 100% organic, with a pea and seed-powered protein profile. A great choice for vegans or anyone looking to eat fewer animal products. It works well as a meal replacement since it's high in carbs and fat. Flavors are sweetened naturally with monk fruit, coconut sugar, and stevia. We also like that KOS protein is available in an unflavored and unsweetened style.
• Cons: This protein powder is higher in fat than many others, but it's helpful to know that they are coming from healthy sources like coconut and flaxseed.

KOS Vanilla Organic Plant Based Protein Powder

KOS Chocolate Organic Plant Based Protein Powder

Runners Up Plant-Based Gluten-Free Protein Powders

Orgain Organic Protein Powder

Vega One All-in-One Protein Powder

PlantFusion Complete Protein Powder

Best Gluten-Free Whey Protein Powder

Isopure Zero Carb Whey Protein Powder

Isopure is a well-known name in protein supplements, and their protein is a whey protein isolate product that is considered gluten-free to less than 20 parts per million.

Isopure protein powders also contain a blend of vitamins and minerals, and are made without gluten, lactose, or fillers.

• Taste: Reviews on the taste of Isopure protein powders are varied, with many enjoying the cookies and cream and vanilla salted caramel flavors and others finding them too sweet.
• Protein per Serving: 25g (0g net carbs, 0g fat)
• Pros: A variety of flavors and availability in many stores make Isopure easy to buy. The fact that this protein powder is carb and fat-free makes it a good option if you're using protein shakes for weight loss.
• Cons: Some people just couldn't love the taste of this one, but you'll need to try it for yourself to see what you think.

Other Good Gluten-Free Whey Protein Powders to Try:

• Levels Grass Fed Whey Protein
• Muscle Milk Protein Powder
• Quest Nutrition Protein Powder

Best Ready to Drink Gluten-Free Protein Shakes

If you'd rather buy your protein shakes already mixed, try some of these shakes and drinks:

Orgain Grass Fed Clean Protein Shake

Pirq Vegan Protein Shake

Iconic Protein Drinks

OWYN Vegan Plant-based Protein Shake

Protein Powders To Avoid

If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, it's important to understand that some brands of protein powders that claim to be gluten-free are not actually safe.

• Amazing Grass Plant Protein Superfood Powder claims to be gluten-free, but the ingredients include wheat grass and barley grass, which are not gluten-free ingredients.
• Garden of Live Raw Organic Shake contains the same grain grasses which are not considered celiac safe.
• Many popular protein powders won't say anything about gluten on their labeling. You should probably avoid these, as that means that they haven't considered gluten in their products.

What Protein Powder has Absolutely NO Gluten?

If you are particularly sensitive to trace amounts of gluten, you will be best to stick with protein powders that are relatively unprocessed or with very few added ingredients.

Thorne Research Protein Shakes are both made by a company that doesn't use any wheat or gluten in their facilities at all.

Are Most Protein Powders Gluten-Free?

Many protein powders are gluten-free because the sources of protein used in them are things like whey, peas, and nuts, which are gluten-free in their natural forms.

The issue with protein powder is that they are made from processed protein sources. Gluten can be found in protein powders made on equipment shared with wheat, and gluten can be found in things that are added to these powders to improve their taste and texture.

Your best bet is to choose a protein powder that is known to be gluten-free. Here we'll share our favorites, and help you decide which is the best gluten-free protein powder for your needs.

Why You Should Use Gluten-Free Protein Powder

Protein is the building block for muscle, and also helps the body produce hormones, enzymes, and other chemicals.

The benefits of gluten-free protein powder are the same as the benefits of all protein supplements.

Protein powders are used to help people build muscle and gain energy. They can be used to create quick and easy smoothies that can replace meals. Some use protein powder as part of a weight loss plan, while others might use it to increase their calorie intake.

If you're looking for high-protein gluten-free recipes, you will love our recipes for Grain Free Protein Crepes and Gluten Free Double Chocolate Muffins.

Gluten-Free Smoothie Recipes

Add a scoop of protein powder to any of our delicious smoothie recipes! These are amazing for breakfast, after a workout, or any time you need a little boost.

STRAWBERRY WATERMELON SMOOTHIE - A simple, yet refreshing Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie that uses minimal ingredients, is perfectly sweet, and filling. You're going to love this delightful watermelon smoothie.

PINEAPPLE SPINACH SMOOTHIE - A simple, yet refreshing Pineapple Spinach Smoothie that uses only three ingredients.

STRAWBERRY BANANA PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE - This Strawberry Banana Pineapple Smoothie is a perfect healthy treat for breakfast, snack, or any time you want to blend up and enjoy some delicious fresh fruit.

STRAWBERRY PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE - Start your day off right with a great-tasting and naturally healthy Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie. There are only 3 base ingredients in this strawberry smoothie with lots of optional add-ins.

CHOCOLATE AVOCADO SMOOTHIE - This Chocolate Avocado Smoothie is rich, creamy, and chocolaty. It's made with simple, healthy ingredients and it is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo. Freeze the leftovers from this chocolate avocado smoothie recipe for yummy pudding pops.

TURMERIC SMOOTHIE - A creamy, sweet, healthy Turmeric Smoothie that is super easy to make and is packed with vitamins and nutrients. This turmeric smoothie recipes uses a dairy-free milk, but you can use your milk of choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Leave a comment and let us know what your go-to protein supplement is! Did we miss any important gluten-free brands that you love?