The 5 Best Protein Powders Safe for Pregnancy

Protein is crucial during pregnancy because it helps to create, sustain, and maintain the cells and organs in both your developing body and the body of your unborn child. A pregnancy-safe protein powder could be useful because your demands for protein are increased during this time.

To fulfill your body's increasing demands, a nutritionist would often advise you to consume more protein-rich meals. However, it could be difficult for you to eat extra protein, particularly if your taste preferences alter or if you feel queasy. A protein powder could be useful if you are unable to satisfy your increased protein demands just via diet. We advise blending protein powder in a smoothie, adding it to baked products, or incorporating it into oatmeal to maintain a balanced protein consumption (up to 20% to 25% of daily calories).1

The best protein powders for pregnancy are those that have undergone third-party testing (to prevent cross-contamination with potentially dangerous substances), are caffeine-free, include little to no added sugars, don't contain dubious herbal blends (that might have unanticipated negative effects), and are not high in questionable herbal extracts.

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1. Klean ATHLETE Klean Isolate | Whey Protein Isolate to Enhance Daily Protein and Amino Acid Intake for Muscle Integrity

Price: $57

Because whey protein is a strong source of muscle-building branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), it is a popular protein powder choice, particularly among athletes. We like Klean Athlete as a protein powder alternative because it is NSF Certified for Sport, which satisfies one of our strictest requirements for third-party testing. This indicates that it is devoid of any compounds or masking agents that are forbidden for athletes, in addition to being tested to guarantee that it contains what it claims to contain and is free from dangerous contaminants

Whey protein isolate's lactose level can vary, however some people who are lactose intolerant may be able to take it better than other types of whey protein powder, such as whey protein concentrate. However, keep in mind that anybody with a sensitivity to or allergy to dairy should avoid using this powder.

We appreciate that whey protein powder, a milk by-product, is a source of calcium and potassium, two elements crucial for pregnancy. The powders are available in two flavors—chocolate or vanilla, which have sweeteners added—or in an unflavored variety that is made entirely of whey protein isolate. Vegans and those with dairy sensitivities should avoid this powder.

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2. Ritual Prenatal Protein Powder

Price: $44

Ritual is a pea protein-based vegan protein powder that provides all nine necessary amino acids but is thought to be deficient in methionine. Methionine is added by Ritual to transform this vegan protein powder into a full protein source. This protein powder has undergone thorough testing for over 250 prohibited compounds for use in sports and has been certified by Informed Sport.

The powder from Ritual has a vanilla taste with notes of cinnamon and caramel. It contains natural flavors, monk fruit, and the sweetener Rebaudioside-M (Reb-M, one of stevia's sweet constituents). Even while we enjoy that this protein powder is not as cloyingly sweet as some others, everyone has different taste preferences.

Other additives that serve as stabilizers are also included in it to aid in blending. Ritual adds the vitamin choline to the product, which has the advantage of making the ingredient list a little longer. Because it aids in brain development, gene expression, and placental function throughout pregnancy, choline is crucial. However, the majority of prenatal multivitamins fall short of the 450 milligrams per day choline recommendation.

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3. Needed. Expertly-Formulated & Tested Prenatal Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein Powder for Pregnancy

Price: $49

Because it gives you what you want from a protein powder without any excess, we adore Needed Prenatal Collagen. Collagen is a protein that is found in our skin, bones, and joints if you are unfamiliar with it. It may be consumed as a protein powder supplement in addition to being present in many protein-rich meals. We appreciate that this collagen powder contains only hydrolyzed bovine collagen protein, which comes from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows. (Because the protein has been hydrolyzed, it is simple for your body to digest and absorb.) Since this collagen is unflavored and collagen has a neutral flavor on its own, you may easily add it to smoothies, soups, bars, porridge, or beverages.

Due to its high glycine content, collagen protein may be especially helpful in late-stage pregnancies. In late pregnancy, when your body may not be able to manufacture enough to satisfy your baby's developmental demands, your need for dietary intake of glycine grows.

Each serving of the collagen powder from Needed contains 14 grams of pure collagen protein. The presence of heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, allergies, and other pollutants are also tested for by a third party on this product. According to Needed, this product is hormone-, GMO-, and allergen-free.

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4. Drink wholesome Chocolate Egg White Protein Powder

Price: $39

We like a lot of things about Drink Wholesome's chocolate protein powder, including: It is made with few ingredients, has 20 grams of protein per serving, and has undergone independent testing. Drink Wholesome takes pride in producing protein powders that are easy to digest and soft on the stomach, unlike certain forms of protein powder that can result in bloating and gastrointestinal pain. This could be especially useful if you're feeling queasy during pregnant. The products' higher serving size of 1/2 cup results from the absence of protein concentrates.

The only additional components in their traditional powder are coconut, cocoa, and monk fruit. Egg white protein serves as the powder's protein source. As a result, the powder serves as a good supply of fat, protein, and a little amount of carbohydrates. Additionally, it offers 11% of the Daily Value for iron, a crucial element required for producing red blood cells during pregnancy.

Blending milk, a banana, oats, and some berries for a well-balanced smoothie on the run is one method to get around the higher portion size. Drink The selection of protein powders offered by Wholesome is extensive. If you pick the mocha flavor, it's crucial to account for the caffeine amount in this flavor as part of your daily caffeine consumption. Chickpeas and peanuts are used in vegan variations as well.

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5. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Balanced Protein + Fiber Powder

Price: $20

Hemp Yeah! In addition to being a vegan product, Balanced Protein + Fiber is distinctive in that it is entirely composed of nutrient-rich hemp seeds. In addition to offering plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and a staggering 8 grams of fiber per serving, hemp seeds are typically regarded as a complete protein source. During pregnancy, it's critical to consume enough fiber to promote healthy gut flora, support regular bowel movements, and assist digestion. Most chronic illnesses associated with a sedentary lifestyle, including heart disease and diabetes, are associated with higher fiber consumption.

Hemp seeds contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which are critical for heart health. Additionally, we appreciate that hemp protein is an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals. Notably, a serving contains 90% DV of copper, 60% DV of magnesium, 35% DV of iron, and 35% DV of zinc.

Since hemp seeds are the only component, some people report that the powder has a more pronounced flavor (and color), but this is less noticeable when it is added to smoothies or porridge with fruit. The fact that Manitoba Harvest does not mention independent testing for its protein powders is worth noting.

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