Best Protein Powder for Pregnancy (2023): When Bodybuilding Takes on a New Definition

While pregnancy can be an exciting time, navigating the new demands that it brings can be overwhelming. For example, many women struggle to meet their increased protein needs, especially during their third trimester. If protein-rich foods aren’t cutting it, you might search for a dietary supplement to get you closer to your nutrition goals. Enter the best protein powders.

If incorporating a protein powder into your routine will help you meet your nutrition needs, you want to be sure it won’t interfere with a healthy pregnancy. So, what’s the best protein powder for pregnancy? While this list isn’t the end-all-be-all, we’ve got the scoop on eight of the market’s top protein supplements for pregnant women.

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.

Best Protein Powder for Pregnancy

• Best Overall Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Ritual Essential Protein, Pregnancy & Postpartum
• Best Organic Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
• Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Legion Whey+ Protein Powder
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Pregnancy: KOS Plant Protein
• Best Collagen Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
• Best Budget Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Naked Whey
• Best Clean Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey
• Best Unflavored Protein Powder for Pregnancy: NOW Sports Organic Whey Protein

Best Protein Powder for Pregnancy Overall: Ritual Essential Protein, Pregnancy & Postpartum

Good for: Moms-to-be who want a protein powder designed for pregnancy and postpartum

Best Overall

Ritual Essential Protein Pregnancy & Postpartum

GGR Score: 4.3

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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.

Ritual was born when the company’s founder, Katerina Schneider, was looking for a prenatal vitamin she felt comfortable taking while pregnant herself. When her search came up empty, she decided to build her own brand with a mission to create products with traceable ingredients. Essential Protein for pregnancy and postpartum is no exception to the cause.

Using USA-grown peas, each serving of Essential Protein provides 20 grams of plant-based protein and a complete amino acid profile. In addition, each serving provides eight grams of essential amino acids and four grams of branched-chain amino acids, making it a complete source of protein.

But that’s not all! This prenatal protein powder also provides 250 milligrams of essential choline, which supports fetal development.¹ Research indicates that expecting mothers should consume 450 milligrams of choline daily,² but many of us fall short of that recommendation. How convenient is it to meet more than half of our needs in a delicious protein shake?

GGR senior editor Nicole Davis, who just happens to be pregnant with her third baby at the time of this writing, found that the choline in this formula drew her in. “This is expensive, but it does provide a lot of choline, which has been shown to be super beneficial for baby’s development but most prenatal vitamins lack. You can get choline from foods, but supplementing with it is of course a good option if you don’t get enough—which interestingly, most pregnant women do not. Speaking from experience, if a product is aimed at a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, I’m more likely to buy it!” 

Essential Protein is soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. It’s available in one flavor—vanilla—but it’s formulated without artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. To use it, simply add one serving of the protein powder to 8 to 12 ounces of any cold liquid and shake it up. Nicole doesn’t love the taste of this protein, or plant-based protein in general, but says this one is fine blended into a smoothie with frozen fruit. 

RELATED: How to Use Protein Powder

Additionally, the prenatal dietary supplement is third-party tested. It is Informed-Sport Certified, meaning each lot of the product is rigorously screened for over 250 banned substances. One package of Essential Protein will set you back $40, or $2.67 per serving. And Ritual offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on your first purchase if you’re not satisfied.

Best Organic Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein

Good for: Pregnant moms who prefer organic products on a budget

Best Organic

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder

GGR Score: 4.25

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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

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.

Transparent Labs is dedicated to providing its customers with evidence-based products and formulations. The company aims to be transparent, if you will. Product labels and ingredient lists are straightforward, and any claims are backed by published research.

Their Organic Vegan Protein Powder is no exception. Each serving of Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder provides 24 grams of protein. Made with organic rice protein and pea protein isolate, the protein supplement provides a complete essential amino acid profile.

It is available in French Vanilla and Chocolate, and it’s formulated without artificial preservatives, colors, or sweeteners. Simply mix one scoop of the protein powder with 6 to 9 ounces of cold water or any beverage you choose. Adjust the amount of liquid used to achieve your desired consistency and flavor. GGR staff writer Lauren Strong says it’s not too bad for a vegan protein powder, saying it tastes like a dark chocolate drink with an earthy hint. If you don’t like your organic protein powder overly sweet, this one is for you.

Additionally, Transparent Labs products are tested by third-party labs. Certificates of analysis and composition are available on the company’s website.

One tub of Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein will set you back $49.99, or $1.67 per serving. However, Transparent Labs offers a subscription service with a 10% cost savings, bringing your cost to $1.50 per serving. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but the products must be unopened.

Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Legion Whey+

Good for: Pregnant moms who want flavor variety

Best Whey Isolate

Legion Whey+

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Sourced from small dairy farms in Ireland
• Over 5 g of BCAAs per serving
• Non-GMO and animal welfare approved
• Third-party tested for banned substances

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low in carbs and fat
• Natural ingredients
• Money-back guarantee
• Made with ethically-sourced milk
• Lots of flavor options

Cons

• Comparably high cost per serving
• May be clumpy when mixed
• Some flavors have mixed reviews

Bottom Line

Legion Whey+ is a clean, sustainable protein powder that also is macro-friendly and a great option for anyone looking for a clean protein supplement.

Every serving of Legion’s Whey+ protein powder provides 22 grams of protein per serving, sourced from Truly Grass Fed milk. The whey isolate protein powder contains all nine essential amino acids and no proprietary blends.

It is available in 17 flavors, including some unique ones like Apple Pie, Birthday Cake, Cocoa Cereal, and Cinnamon Cereal. And, it’s formulated without artificial flavors, sweeteners, or food dyes.

RELATED: Best Whey Protein Powder

Whey+ is tested by third-party labs to ensure potency and purity. Plus, you can view the lab results online. We really like Legion Whey+ over here at GGR—from the flavors to the formula, all testers who have tried it have enjoyed the experience. 

One package of Whey+ will set you back $59.99, or approximately $2.00 per serving. However, Legion offers subscription savings that bring your cost to $1.80 per serving. You can schedule your deliveries every 30, 60, or 90 days. Want to order in bulk for even more cost savings? Legion offers a 5-pound tub of Whey+ for an additional 10% savings.

And if you’re not happy with the product, Legion makes returns easy. Legion will provide you with a full refund, no questions asked, and no return is necessary. However, the return policy only applies to the first-time purchase of a product.

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Pregnancy: KOS Plant Protein

Good for: Moms-to-be who follow a vegan lifestyle

Best Vegan

KOS Vegan Protein Powder

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Multi-source vegan protein powder 
• USDA-certified organic, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO
• Digestive support via DigeSEB to help maximize absorption

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Manufactured in the USA
• Superfood-infused
• 20 g protein per serving
• Chocolate flavor is rich
• Enhanced with digestive support enzymes
• Under $1.50 per serving

Cons

• Customers say it has a gritty/chalky flavor
• Some users reported protein gave them stomach issues
• Reports of strong sweetness and bad aftertaste

Bottom Line

KOS is a vegan protein with a lot of positive reviews, but a number of people experienced stomach issues using this protein powder.

Increasing your protein intake on a vegan diet can be tricky without including animal-based food sources. Enter the best vegan protein powders, like KOS Plant Protein.

The KOS protein powder is certified USDA-organic and made with organic pea, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia seed proteins. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals and formulated without soy, dairy, and gluten. Plus, without lactose, you’re less likely to experience the bloating commonly associated with whey protein.

Every serving of KOS Plant Protein contains 20 grams of protein and is available in Chocolate, Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Chip Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel Coffee, Vanilla, and Unflavored. Mix one serving of the protein powder in 8 to 12 ounces of cold water or your favorite non-dairy beverage.

GGR senior staff writer Amanda Capritto says KOS plant protein is pretty rich even when mixed with water, which is rare for a plant protein. She did have some minor issues with solubility, but that’s not uncommon for vegan protein either.

One package of KOS Plant Protein will set you back $49.99, or approximately $1.78 per serving. However, KOS offers a delivery subscription with 15% cost savings, bringing your cost to $1.52 per serving. You can schedule deliveries every 30, 45, 60, or 90 days.

If subscription deliveries aren’t your jam, you can buy in bulk for $5 to $10 cost savings, depending on how many packs you buy at once. KOS also offers a 15% military discount for active duty personnel, veterans, and dependents.

Unfortunately, third-party testing is not mentioned on the KOS website, so keep that in mind when ordering. Not 100% satisfied with your purchase? KOS offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all of its products.

Read our full KOS Vegan Protein review for the rest of our thoughts.

Best Collagen Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Good for: Pregnant women who want to support their skin, hair, and nail health

Best Collagen

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide Protein

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Designed to improve the health of hair, skin, nails, and joints 
• Each serving provides 20 grams of collagen
• Derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine
• Certified paleo and whole30 friendly
• Available as flavorless, chocolate, lemon, and vanilla

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Over 200,000 positive reviews on Amazon
• No added sugar or sweetener
• Available with added vitamin C and hyaluronic acid
• Mixes well

Cons

• Some users report canisters arrived with no safety seal
• Flavorless powder reportedly tastes bad

Bottom Line

Vital Protein’s Collagen Peptide Protein is formulated to improve the health of joints, bones, skin, ligaments, tendons, nails, and hair.

With their list of purported health benefits, collagen protein powders are becoming all the rage these days, and pregnant women don’t have to miss out. Collagen can help support skin, hair, and nail health and play a critical role in a healthy pregnancy.³

Each serving of Vital Proteins Collagen Proteins provides 18 grams of protein and 70 calories. (It’s worth noting though, that collagen is not a complete protein because it’s missing the essential amino acid tryptophan, so it shouldn’t be counted toward your daily protein intake.) 

The bovine peptides are available in an Unflavored option only, but you can mix it in hot or cold liquids, from your morning coffee to your afternoon smoothie. GGR senior staff writer Amanda Capritto says these collagen peptides really are flavorless and don’t alter the taste or texture of beverages at all.

RELATED: Best Collagen Supplements

One 9.33-ounce package of Vital Protein Collagen Peptides costs $29.99 or approximately $2.14 per serving. The 20-ounce tub is your most cost-effective option at $49.99 or $1.78 per serving. However, if you need pre-measured packs, you can pay a small upcharge for the added convenience. Vital Proteins offers a pack of 20 individual servings for $37 or $1.85 per serving.

You can also set up a delivery subscription for a 15% cost savings, bringing the cost ranges down to $1.51 to $1.82 per serving. You can schedule your deliveries every 1-8 weeks.

Unfortunately, third-party testing is not mentioned on the Vital Proteins website. Remember this, especially if using the supplement while pregnant or nursing.

Read our full Vital Proteins Review for the rest of our thoughts.

Best Budget Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Naked Whey

Good for: Moms-to-be who want to keep their protein shakes under $1.50 each

Best Budget

Naked Nutrition Naked Whey

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Flavorless option
• No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
• Sourced from small dairy farms
• Cold processed to limit contamination
• Only 3 ingredients (unflavored has 1)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Relatively low cost per serving
• GMO-free
• Non-denatured
• Zero additives

Cons

• Can be foamy when mixed
• Limited flavor options
• Some reviews mention errors on the product label

Bottom Line

Naked Nutrition Naked Whey is a great natural protein powder if you are looking for a flavorless protein option.

Every serving of Naked Nutrition’s Naked Whey provides 25 grams of protein and 5.9 grams of BCAAs, sourced from grass-fed, free-roaming cows in Northern California and Idaho. Naked Whey is free from added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and additives. It’s also soy-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free. There’s just one ingredient—grass-fed whey.

The protein powder is available Unflavored, or you can choose between Chocolate, Strawberry, or Vanilla flavors. You can use Naked Whey in your protein shakes by mixing two scoops of the powder with 6 to 10 ounces of milk, water, or another favorite beverage. You can also use Naked Whey as a protein powder for smoothies.

Naked Whey is only offered in a 5-pound tub, so it requires a significant upfront cost. One tub costs $94.99 or $1.25 per serving. However, you may set up a delivery subscription to save 20% on your first shipment and 10% on all following shipments. You can schedule deliveries every 1 to 3 months.

Naked Whey undergoes third-party testing to ensure it complies with the safety standards set by the FDA. It is tested for heavy metals and is part of the Informed Choice program that tests for banned substances. Changed your mind about Naked Whey? Unopened products may be returned or exchanged within 14 days of delivery.

Best Clean Protein Powder for Pregnancy: Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey

Good for: Pregnant moms who want their protein powders tested by multiple third parties

Best Clean

Momentous Grass-Fed Whey

GGR Score: 4.03

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Product Highlights

• Grass-fed whey protein isolate 
• Cold-pressed with a micro-processing filtration 
• ProHydrolase enzyme blend 
• Protein is sourced from Irish cows

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clean
• Third-party verified
• Mixes well
• High-quality
• Bioavailable

Cons

• Unflavored may clump when mixing
• Expensive

Bottom Line

If you are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality grass-fed whey protein, the Momentous brand is a solid choice.

When you read the word clean, do you think, “What the heck does that even mean?” I mean—of course, we don’t want our protein powder to be dirty! While some companies use the term as a marketing gimmick, we consider clean products to be thoroughly tested and free from harmful contaminants.

The Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey powder is a high-quality protein powder certified by the National Sanitation Foundation. It has surpassed NSF standards, assuring product quality. And that’s not all—it’s also Informed-Sport certified, meaning it has also been tested for banned substances.

Every serving of this protein powder provides 20 grams of protein with an expansive amino acid profile. It also contains 200 milligrams of a pro-hydrolase enzyme blend to support digestion and improve protein absorption. Our testers tried Chocolate, and said it is super smooth and goes down easily—what more could you ask for in a clean protein powder?

You can find Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein on Amazon, available in Chocolate and Vanilla. It’s one of the more expensive options on this list at $59.50 per package or $2.48 per serving. However, you can set up a delivery subscription for a 10% cost savings bringing your cost per serving to $2.23.

Best Unflavored Protein Powder for Pregnancy: NOW Sports Organic Whey Protein

Good for: Pregnant women who might be sensitive to taste or smell

Best Unflavored

NOW Sports Nutrition Organic Whey Protein

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• A classic unflavored protein powder
• Certified organic and antibiotic-free product
• Get up to 19 g of protein per serving
• Includes vitamin D, iron, calcium, and potassium
• All natural ingredients with no artificial sweeteners

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable price compared to others
• It does not contain rBGH or antibiotics
• A soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO product
• No artificial colors, flavors, additives, or nano-particle nutrients
• Packaged and made in the USA
• Easily mixed and dissolvable powder
• Includes vitamin D, iron, calcium, and potassium
• The amino acid profile is listed clearly on the bottle

Cons

• The supplement is not FDA-approved
• Some reviewers didn't enjoy the unflavored taste
• Produced in a facility that handles common allergens

Bottom Line

The NOW Sports Organic Whey Protein Powder is an excellent and affordable option with a low-key unflavored taste and up to 19 grams of protein in every serving without using gluten or soy.

The joys of pregnancy often come with some uninvited symptoms—looking at you, morning sickness. When symptoms are out of our control, we sometimes have to work around them as best as possible. For example, taste and smell can trigger unwanted nausea. So if you’re trying to consume enough protein but need a mild or absent flavor, you might be searching for an unflavored protein powder.

NOW Sports’ Organic Whey Protein Powder is only available in an unflavored option. Mix it in eight ounces of water to make a plain protein shake, or mix it into another cold beverage you know you can tolerate. Our tester, GGR staff writer Lauren Strong, says it’s totally fine mixed into a flavored beverage, but that she could taste a bit of the whey flavor when she just drank it with water.

Each serving provides 19 grams of protein, concentrated from organic milk, and it boasts an expansive amino acid profile, including BCAAs. Furthermore, the organic milk used for the protein powder was produced without synthetic growth hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides.

RELATED: Best BCAA

The whey protein powder is certified organic by the USDA and tested by third-party labs to ensure quality and safety. In fact, NOW Sports Organic Whey Protein is also Informed-Sport certified.

You can find NOW Sports Organic Whey Protein on Amazon. Currently, one tub will set you back $28.94 or $1.52 per serving.

Other Protein Powder for Pregnancy We Researched

​​We know that our list of the best pregnancy-safe protein powders isn’t exhaustive. The market is stacked with products that offer a wide range of benefits. Here are some thoughts on a few others that we researched:

• Anthony’s Pea Protein: Anthony’s Pea Protein is a vegan-friendly, gluten-free protein powder sourced from Canada. While the serving size is only one tablespoon, each serving provides only eight grams of protein.
• Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah: Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Yeah protein powder provides 15 grams of protein and eight grams of fiber per serving, which is not quite as high as others on our list. Hemp protein is the only ingredient.

• Ora Organic: Ora Organic’s protein powder provides 21 grams of protein per serving, sourced from a blend of plant sources. It also contains an enzyme blend to help support digestion. While this is a great formula, the taste is not as good as our other plant-based options.
• Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein: Every serving of Orgain’s Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder provides 21 grams of protein per serving. It’s available in 10 flavors and three different canister sizes. While this is a great formula, the taste is not as good as our other plant-based options.
• Garden of Life Sport: Every serving of Garden of Life’s Sport protein powder provides 30 grams of vegan-friendly protein with 5.5 grams of BCAAs. It is Certified USDA Organic, NSF-Certified for Sport, and Informed-Choice for Sport certified. While this is a great formula, the taste is not as good as our other plant-based options.

• Needed Collagen Protein: Needed Prenatal Collagen Protein is designed for women during pregnancy and postpartum. Each serving provides 15 grams of protein with a tailored amino acid profile. We haven’t tried this one so didn’t include it on our list.
• Boobie Body Superfood for Super Moms: Boobie Body is designed for moms in all stages of motherhood. While superfood is a marketing term, the protein powder does contain several beneficial ingredients, such as a probiotic blend and organic protein sources. Each serving provides 19 grams of protein. We haven’t tried this one so didn’t include it on our list
• Pink Stork Pregnancy + Nursing Protein: Pink Stork Pregnancy+Nursing Protein provides 20 grams of protein and two grams of bovine collagen peptides in every scoop. It also provides small amounts of electrolytes and other nutrients. We haven’t tried this one so didn’t include it on our list.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Protein Powder for Pregnancy

Today’s dietary supplement market is stacked with endless protein powder options. So, how did we compile our list of favorite protein powders for pregnancy? Glad you asked! Our team here at GGR is made up of professionals from all different backgrounds. We’re registered dietitians, certified personal trainers, athletes, and coaches, and many of us are also parents.

We examined these products from all angles, considering their impacts from professional and personal standpoints. We chose reputable companies, assessed their many available products, and narrowed down our lists to supplements backed by evidence-based research.

We included products that provide sufficient protein per serving, free from questionable ingredients. Furthermore, we prioritized products tested by independent labs to ensure their purity and potency.

Knowing that we all have unique nutrition needs, we also tried to include a variety of products to give our readers a range of benefits to choose from. And, of course, we kept budgets in mind.

Benefits of Protein Powder for Pregnancy

Speaking from experience, meeting your nutrition needs during pregnancy can be challenging. You’re expected to maintain your normal routine, all while growing a human; talk about multitasking.

Debilitating symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and food aversions often accompany pregnancy. For these reasons and more, protein powders can be beneficial during pregnancy.

Food Aversions

When your typical protein sources don’t hit the spot anymore, you might need an efficient way to meet your daily protein needs. *Waves hello to protein powders.* Protein shakes can help you meet your nutrition needs without triggering symptoms related to food aversions.

Fatigue

Or maybe you fall victim to the dreaded drop in energy that the first trimester can bring. If you just can’t muster up the energy to fix a snack, a high-protein supplement can help you meet your macronutrient needs.

RELATED: Exercise During Pregnancy

Satisfying Food Cravings

Pregnancy cravings can be no joke! Protein powders can help you manage your cravings while maintaining balanced blood sugars and sneaking in a little extra protein. Chocolate was my jam during pregnancy, so I always kept chocolate protein powders stocked.

Nausea

If you struggle with nausea or morning sickness, meeting your nutrition needs through whole foods alone may be difficult. Many protein supplements are available in unflavored options, making them more tolerable than foods with strong aromas or flavors.

Dosing and Interactions 

It’s important to remember that not all protein powders are created equal. You’re wise to do your research before starting a new supplement, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. We all have unique nutrition needs and medical histories. Discuss your needs with your OB-GYN, midwife, or registered dietitian before starting any new dietary supplements.

Follow the dosing instructions provided on the nutrition labels and do not exceed the recommended servings unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Also, be mindful of the vitamin and mineral content of your protein powders, as you may be consuming excess amounts when combined with your prenatal vitamins.

Third-Party Testing

We’re big fans of third-party testing at GGR. Third-party testing ensures that a product meets quality and safety standards. And since the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements, this volunteered quality control helps customers feel confident in what they put in their bodies. In addition, most nutrition supplement companies will post the lab results directly on their websites. 

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Protein Powder for Pregnancy

When searching for the best types of protein powders for pregnancy, it’s important to remember that protein requirements vary between individuals, especially during pregnancy. Your doctor and registered dietitian nutritionist can help you navigate your nutrition needs during pregnancy, postpartum, and lactation.

However, here are a few tips to consider when shopping for a protein powder for pregnancy:

Protein Content

A supplement’s protein content is the driving force behind including a protein powder in your well-balanced diet, so you want to make it worthwhile. Look for a protein powder that provides a sufficient amount of protein per serving. Your registered dietitian nutritionist can help you calculate your daily protein needs and determine an appropriate amount of protein to aim for with each supplemental shake.

Third-Party Testing

Especially when pregnant, it’s even more important that you can trust the products you use. Look for protein powders that have been tested by independent labs. Third-party testing can ensure that your protein supplement is free from heavy metals and other dangerous contaminants.

Price Per Serving

Budget can be an important factor to consider when choosing a protein powder. Some supplements can be significantly more expensive than others, which adds up if you drink protein shakes frequently. Consider setting your budget and shopping within that price range.

Other Ingredients

It’s especially important to be aware of your supplement’s ingredients when pregnant. Exceeding vitamin and mineral recommendations may have an adverse effect on your health or your pregnancy. If you have questions about a protein powder’s impact on your nutrient needs during pregnancy, talk with your obstetrician or registered dietitian.

Flavors

Flavor can be a deal breaker when it comes to including a protein powder during pregnancy. If a protein’s flavor causes digestive upset or food aversions, you’re more likely to miss out on its full benefits. Instead, find a flavor you enjoy and can tolerate alongside potential pregnancy symptoms.

FAQs About Protein Powder for Pregnancy

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

1. Korsmo, H. W., Jiang, X., & Caudill, M. A. (2019). Choline: Exploring the Growing Science on Its Benefits for Moms and Babies. Nutrients, 11(8), 1823. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11081823
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, June 2). Choline. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/#h2 
3. Shi, J. W., Lai, Z. Z., Yang, H. L., Yang, S. L., Wang, C. J., Ao, D., Ruan, L. Y., Shen, H. H., Zhou, W. J., Mei, J., Fu, Q., & Li, M. Q. (2020). Collagen at the maternal-fetal interface in human pregnancy. International journal of biological sciences, 16(12), 2220–2234. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.45586

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois is a registered dietitian nutritionist with several years of experience working in the clinical setting. Once a track and field athlete in the Southeastern Conference, she now finds joy in combining her passions as a health writer to help people embrace their wellness through nutrition and fitness. When she’s not writing, you can find her outside with her kids or dancing to Dolly Parton in the kitchen.

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