Dietary choices are always important, but you may find yourself monitoring the foods and supplements you consume more closely while pregnant. Selecting a high-quality protein powder for pregnancy, free from potentially harmful ingredients and unnecessary additives, can pose a challenge. In this Ritual pregnancy protein powder review, we share our insights regarding taste, solubility, and formulation to help you decide if the product aligns with your needs during this unique phase of life.
As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I’ll dissect the ingredients list and nutrient content to explain if this product could contribute to a healthy pregnancy. I’ll specifically call out the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in the product that are of particular importance during pregnancy. Additionally, I’ll identify potential drawbacks or concerns associated with the product to ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Tried-and-True Product Testers
Among our qualified product testers, including personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, nutrition experts, and weightlifting competitors, are several women who understand how challenging it can be to maintain a healthy protein intake while pregnant. They have tested dozens of protein powders designed for pregnancy to share their findings with expecting mothers wanting to support the development of their growing baby while maintaining lean mass. Here are the categories our dedicated product testers pay closest attention to during the testing process:
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Side effects
- Third-party testing
- Price per serving
- Customer reviews
- Customer service
Ritual Pregnancy Protein
Ritual Essential Protein Pregnancy & Postpartum
Product Highlights
- Plant-based protein to help during and after pregnancy
- Added choline to help support nutrient needs
- 3rd-party tested
- Sugar-free formula
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made without major allergens like soy and gluten
- 20 g of protein per serving
- Made without stevia, sugar, sugar alcohols, or artificial sweeteners
- Made of organic pea protein
Cons
- Not fully organic
- No customer reviews
- Relatively expensive
Bottom Line
Essential Protein from Ritual is a plant-based protein aimed to help pregnant and postpartum mothers receive the added nutrients they need.
A Quick Look at Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum
Ritual offers an array of wellness supplements designed for women, men, and teens. Their products target pregnancy, stress management, gut health, and skin. The company prides itself on creating supplements made with traceable ingredients and crafting formulations free of unnecessary ingredients.
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum is made to support both mom and baby during and after pregnancy. And if you’re wondering if taking protein powder while pregnant is safe, not to worry—in most cases it definitely is, but it should be incorporated into a complete diet that includes a variety of whole protein, fruits, vegetables, and grains. This protein shake does not replace the need for a high-quality prenatal vitamin.
This Ritual pregnancy protein powder is made with plant-based protein that contains all the essential amino acids. Protein plays a crucial role in pregnancy by aiding the growth of the fetus, facilitating the production of red blood cells necessary for increased blood circulation during pregnancy, and preserving lean muscle mass.
Aside from its plant-based protein, the product also features choline, an important nutrient that supports the developing baby’s brain development. The daily shake is vegan and vegetarian-friendly. It’s free of GMOs, gluten, and major allergens like milk, soy, and wheat.
Before You Buy
- Ritual is subscription-based, meaning you’ll get a new shipment monthly unless you pause or cancel.
- This plant-based protein has a complete amino acid profile, and also includes choline for fetus neurodevelopment—both major pluses.
- Taking Ritual pregnancy protein powder won’t replace a prenatal vitamin.
Is Ritual Pregnancy Protein Powder Worth It?
Ritual’s pregnancy protein powder attracts mothers for various reasons, including its emphasis on natural ingredients and third-party testing. However, it may not suit everyone’s needs. And at $2.67 per serving, it’s definitely not cheap either. Let’s see who should give it a try.
Great for:
- Expecting mothers wanting to increase protein intake to support a healthy pregnancy
- Postpartum mothers who are breastfeeding and want to deliver essential nutrients to their baby
- Pregnant people wanting to maintain lean muscle mass
- Postpartum people aiming to enhance tissue repair and recovery after childbirth
Not recommended for:
- A meal replacement shake that substitutes for whole nutrient-rich foods
- Replacing a high-quality prenatal multivitamin
- Those looking for a budget-friendly pregnancy protein powder
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum Specs
| Price per serving | $2.67 |
| Serving size | 1 scoop |
| Flavors | Vanilla |
| Calories per serving | 115 calories |
| Protein per serving | 20 grams |
| Fat per serving | 2 grams |
| Carbs per serving | 4 grams |
| Sweeteners | Reb-M (from sugarcane), organic monk fruit extract |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
Experience Using Ritual Pregnancy Protein Powder
To take Ritual pregnancy protein powder, simply mix one scoop with 8 to 12 ounces of any cold liquid. We suggest mixing it with water or milk. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, consider mixing it with soy, almond, or oat milk.
Our expert tester Nicole Davis, GGR Head of Content, tried Ritual pregnancy protein powder while pregnant with her third baby and overall, thought it was a worthwhile buy.
“This is expensive, but it does provide a lot of choline, which has been shown to be super beneficial for baby’s development.” While you can certainly get choline from foods like meat, poultry, and eggs, supplementing with it is a good option if you don’t get enough—which interestingly, most pregnant women do not.1
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Nicole adds, “If a product is aimed at a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, I’m more likely to buy it.” For this reason, she likes the product even though she’s not blown away by its taste.
Price Per Serving
Each package of Ritual pregnancy protein powder costs $40.00. There are 15 servings per package, which means each serving costs $2.67. This price is steep compared to most other protein powders on the market, so we rated the price per serving a 1 out of 5.
When you order on the website, you are automatically signed up for a monthly subscription, and you’ll get 25% off your first month. Ritual pregnancy protein is also for sale on Amazon, but surprisingly, the price isn’t discounted. You can, however, just purchase one bag this way without signing up for a subscription.
Formulation
We gave the sugar-free Ritual pregnancy protein powder formulation a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. We appreciate its high protein content, incorporation of choline, use of organic ingredients, and absence of artificial sweeteners.
Ritual Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum includes 20 grams of protein per serving, aiding in the development of the growing fetus and supporting the bone health and muscle mass retention of the mother. The American Pregnancy Association2 recommends pregnant people consume at least 75 to 100 grams of protein per day, so one scoop of this protein powder would make a dent in this goal.
Organic pea protein is a plant-based complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids the body doesn’t synthesize on its own. However, even the best pea protein powder is relatively low in the essential amino acid l-methionine, so Ritual adds this for a more complete amino acid profile. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which are needed for numerous functions in the body related to muscle building and repair, enzyme production, immune function, and hormone regulation.
RELATED: Can You Lift Weights While Pregnant?
In addition to pea protein and methionine, Ritual Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum features 250 milligrams of choline. Choline is an essential nutrient necessary for neural tube formation and brain development1 of the growing baby during pregnancy.
Choline needs increase during pregnancy, but many expecting mothers may not meet the recommended dietary allowance set by the National Academy of Medicine1, which ranges from 450 milligrams during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to 550 milligrams after the first 12 weeks.
In addition to choline, the product provides a source of calcium and iron, both essential nutrients for pregnant mothers. Calcium is crucial for preventing maternal bone loss and plays a role in the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. Iron deficiency is common in pregnant people due to increased iron needs throughout pregnancy. Pregnant people have a higher blood volume, which requires more iron to deliver oxygen through red blood cells to the body.
Additionally, Ritual pregnancy protein powder contains MCT oil, a type of fat derived from coconuts. MCT oil may provide potential benefits related to increased satiety3 and boosted energy. However, they are high in saturated fat, which can contribute to increased cholesterol levels over time.
Every serving contains only two grams of fat and four grams of carbohydrates. Out of these four grams of carbs, three grams are from fiber, resulting in merely one gram of net carbs. Net carbs are those that affect blood sugar levels. Consuming high-fiber foods with low net carbs might aid in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and sustaining energy levels throughout the day.
These shakes are sweetened and flavored naturally with vanilla, fermented sugarcane, natural flavors, and monk fruit extract. Other ingredients include xanthan gum, a thickening agent, and sunflower lecithin, an emulsifier that improves solubility.
Taste and Solubility
Our expert tester, GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, rated the taste of Ritual protein powder a 3.75 out of 5. She’s admittedly not a huge fan of plant-based protein because it often has a grassy or pea taste. However, she found the vanilla flavor of this product more than tolerable. “It definitely has a grassy flavor, but it’s a bit sweet and vanilla-flavored, so that helps mask it,” Nicole says.
She rated solubility a bit higher at a 4 out of 5. The shake had a slightly grainy texture but didn’t contain any clumps after mixing. It wasn’t nearly as difficult to mix as other brands of plant protein she’s tried.
Side Effects
Nicole encountered no adverse effects following her consumption of Ritual pregnancy protein and rated this category a 5 out of 5. Typical side effects linked with protein powders involve the potential for food allergies and gastrointestinal discomfort from sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. Nonetheless, Ritual pregnancy protein powder excludes common allergens like soy, wheat, and dairy and doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners.
RELATED: Whey Protein Side Effects
However, it’s worth noting that supplements can interfere with certain medications and medical conditions. To prevent potential contraindications, especially during pregnancy, consult your physician before starting a new supplement.
Third-Party Testing
Ritual pregnancy protein powder is third-party tested, earning it a 5 out of 5 rating in this category. The product maintains the Informed Sport certification, meaning it’s been thoroughly evaluated to ensure quality and safety. Third-party testing verifies that the ingredients on the label are accurate and the supplement doesn’t contain harmful levels of heavy metals.
Ritual Pregnancy Protein Powder vs Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein Isolate
Product Highlights
- A rice and pea protein powder
- Rated with 4.3 stars on their website
- Comes in 2 flavors
- 24 g of protein per serving
- Organic product with minimal ingredients
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives
- Organic and vegan
- Only 5-7 ingredients
- Reviewers love the taste
- 24 g of protein per serving
- Subscribe and save
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only 2 flavors
- Stevia can cause GI issues for some
- Expensive
Bottom Line
This organic rice and pea protein powder is a good choice for people who want a clean plant-based protein option with minimal ingredients.
Ritual Pregnancy Protein Powder and Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein both boast organic and natural ingredients, pea protein, and third-party testing. Ritual added the amino acid l-methionine to make the product a more complete protein, while Transparent Labs blends pea protein with rice protein to achieve a rich essential amino acid profile.
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein wasn’t formulated specifically for pregnancy and doesn’t contain added choline. Furthermore, the Transparent Labs product is slightly higher in carbs and fat but also contains a higher protein content. If you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be easily swayed towards Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein for its significantly lower price tag and additional flavor option.
Read our full Transparent Labs organic vegan protein review for more information.
| Ritual Pregnancy & Postpartum Protein | Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein | |
| Price per serving | $2.67 | $1.66 |
| Serving size | 1 scoop | 1 scoop |
| Flavors | Vanilla | Chocolate, French Vanilla |
| Protein per serving | 20 grams | 24 grams |
| Fat per serving | 2 grams | 2.5 grams |
| Carbs per serving | 4 grams | 7 grams |
| Sweeteners | Fermented sugarcane, Organic monk fruit extract | Organic stevia |
| Third-party tested? | Yes | Yes |
Customer Service and Ordering
Ritual’s business model won’t be right for everyone, which is why we rated it a 4 out of 5. Upon making your first purchase, you’re automatically enrolled in a monthly subscription. Although you can pause or cancel at any time, some people may find this cumbersome. However, Ritual offers customers free shipping with each order, so if you really do enjoy your Ritual pregnancy protein powder and want to continue taking it, subscription is a convenient option.
Ritual offers refunds for your first order if requested within 30 days post-delivery and with proof of purchase. In certain situations, the company may refund your initial order even if more than 30 days have passed.
Customer Reviews
Customers rate Ritual pregnancy protein powder 3.7 out of 5 stars on the Ritual website. Most customers speak highly of the taste, texture, and ingredients, but some complain about the product’s packaging.
One happy buyer writes, “This was the best vegan protein powder I’ve ever tried! Not chalky at all and blended like a dream to a thick creamy consistency. Flavor was also awesome with no weird aftertaste.” Another customer who drinks her shakes post-pregnancy says, “A great shake for me postpartum. I use it daily in a shake with banana, almond milk, and PB powder. It’s a tasty and healthy treat that is meeting my postpartum needs!”
However, the packaging is a concern for more than one disappointed customer. One says, “Product arrived with powder all over the bag, and because of the weird Velcro closure, it never closed and powder explodes every time I open it.” Another customer with the same concerns shares, “Bought two bags and they arrived with powder all over the box since one of the bags was slightly open at the corner top. That was disappointing.”
Final Verdict of Our Ritual Pregnancy Protein Powder Review
Ritual pregnancy protein powder contains 20 grams of high-quality vegan-friendly protein and added choline to support the mother and baby during and after pregnancy. Expecting mothers can rest assured knowing the product is third-party tested for quality and safety and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, dyes, or sweeteners. While ultimately customers approve of the product’s taste and traceable ingredients, some dislike the packaging and costly price per serving.
- Complete amino acid profile
- 250 grams of choline to support brain development
- Pea protein without the overwhelming grassy/pea aftertaste
- Third-party tested
- Above market value at $2.67 per serving
Full Rating
Ritual Pregnancy Protein
Essential Protein from Ritual is a plant-based protein aimed to help pregnant and postpartum mothers receive the added nutrients they need.
Product Brand: Ritual
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 40
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.3
Ritual Pregnancy Protein Powder: FAQs
Is Ritual pregnancy protein safe?
Ritual protein is formulated to be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. It is a clean, traceable, plant-based protein powder made without artificial ingredients. Consult with your doctor before taking a new supplement to ensure it’s safe for you.
What is the best protein powder for pregnancy?
The best protein powder for pregnancy will vary based on factors like an individual’s medical history, nutrient needs, and taste preference. Consider protein powders that are third-party tested, made with natural ingredients, and fortified with nutrients that support pregnancy like iron, choline, folic acid, and vitamin D.
What does Ritual pregnancy protein taste like?
According to our product tester, Ritual pregnancy protein has a slight vanilla flavor that masks the grassy taste common with plant-based protein powders. Customers on the Ritual website speak highly of the flavor and most prefer it when mixed with milk or a vegan milk alternative.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Jaiswal A, Dewani D, Reddy LS, Patel A. Choline Supplementation in Pregnancy: Current Evidence and Implications. Cureus. 2023;15(11):e48538. Published 2023 Nov 8. doi:10.7759/cureus.48538
- Pregnancy Nutrition. American Pregnancy Association.
- Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Is MCT Oil Worth the Hype?.
