In this article, we are going to review the ten best protein powders on the market that contain pumpkin protein.
But first, why would you be looking for pumpkin protein powder?
What is the Difference Between Animal and Plant-Based Proteins?
The word is out that one of the key ingredients for building muscle, losing fat, and training for any serious physical adventure is eating lots of protein.
When most people imagine that, they think of sitting down to a steak dinner every night and downing raw eggs first thing in the morning. While the second of those things isn’t very appetizing for most people, the whole idea of eating a lot of protein can be a nightmare for vegans.
But it doesn’t need to be. There are lots of plants out there that contain lots of protein. And thanks to plant-based protein powders, you don’t need to eat a swimming pool’s worth of salad to get the amount of protein that you need.
Plant-based proteins aren’t considered to be quite as good for you as animal-based proteins. This is because animal-based proteins are “complete”, while most plant-based proteins are “partial”.
By complete, we mean that animal-based proteins contain all nine of the essential amino acids that our bodies need to get from dietary protein. The body can’t produce these amino acids, it must consume them.
What are these amino acids and what do they do in the body that is so important?
- Histidine – important to immune response, digestions, and sexual function
- Isoleucine – part of immune function and energy regulation
- Leucine – regulates blood sugar levels
- Lysine – support hormone and enzyme production
- Methionine – core to the metabolism and detoxification
- Phenylalanine – essential to the production of neurotransmitters
- Threonine – principal part of collagen and elastin
- Tryptophan – contributes to the regulation of appetite, sleep, and mood
- Valine – stimulates muscle growth and regeneration and supports energy production
Most plant-based proteins are considered “partial” because they don’t contain all of these amino acids, or at least not in sufficient quantities.
The exceptions, and therefore the most popular plant-based proteins, are pea protein and hemp protein. But while these contain all of the nine amino acids, they don’t contain each in the same quantity as animal-based proteins, so they just aren’t quite as complete.
But none of this means that you need to give up your vegan ways and start eating animal products.
While no individual plant contains all the nine essential amino acids, each contains a different selection of these amino acids. This means that if you mix-up which plant proteins you consume in a sensible way, you can get all the amino acids that you need with your protein.
So, when it comes to plant-based protein powders, you don’t want to buy ten kilos of one type of plant protein and eat it every day. You either want to get vegan protein powders that contain a mix of plant-based proteins, or mix it up and use a variety of different plant protein powders.
The second approach can be popular if you want maximum control over where your plant-based protein comes from because you are trying to control for allergies, or because there are certain vitamins and minerals that you know you need more of in your diet.
What Are the Benefits of Pumpkin Protein?
there are many benefits to pumpkin protein, which is considered one of the best plant-based options. It is definitely one to seek out whether you are looking for pure powders or vegan mixes.
Unfortunately, eating a lot of pumpkin pie is not going to give you a bunch of protein. Pumpkin protein comes from pumpkin seeds, which are naturally high in both protein and healthy fats.
When the seeds are ground down into a powder a lot of the fats are removed, so you can indulge in pumpkin protein powder without too many concerns.
Pumpkin protein is low in the amino acids threonine and lysine, which need to be sourced from other plants.
Green peas and soybeans can be a great alternative source of threonine. For lysine look at tempeh, a soy product, lentils, black beans, and quinoa.
But pumpkin protein is full of other things that our diets are often deficient in, in particular magnesium, zinc, and iron. The high iron content makes pumpkin protein particularly good for women.
10 Best Protein Powders Containing Pumpkin
Clearspring Organic 100% Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder
No products found.We think that the best pumpkin protein on the market is this one made by Clearspring, but be warned, it is not cheap.
They source all of their produce from organic pumpkin farms in Austria and process it in such a way that you get the maximum protein for the minimum calories and fat.
This is the best option for anyone who is upping their protein intake in an effort to lose weight.
No products found.
Bulk Powders Organic Pumpkin Protein Powder
If all you are looking for is pure, good quality pumpkin protein, then Bulk Powders provides, and it does it for less than the competition.
As with all their powders, their pumpkin option is fully vegan, organic, and GMO-free with nothing artificial added.
They are a trusted brand so you can be sure that you are getting exactly what its says on the label.
- £27.99 per KG
- 58 grams of protein per 100 grams
- 407 calories per 100 grams
- 11 grams of fat per 100 grams
- Vegan, Organic, GMO-Free
Simply Go Vegan Protein
No products found.If you are looking for a mixed protein powder that contains the power of pumpkin, then check out this chocolate flavoured option from Simply Supplements.
It contains pea, hemp, and pumpkin protein, which are generally considered the three best plant-based proteins.
The resulting recipe is very high in protein, at 76 grams per 100 grams, and it also contains all the essential amino acids.
What more could you want on top of all that? It is also very tasty.
No products found.
Green Panda Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Another mixed powder that contains pumpkin as one of its elements, this option from Green Panda combines rice, hemp, and pumpkin protein.
The resulting recipe is higher in protein than straight pumpkin powders, with 70 grams of protein per 100 grams.
It is also lower in calories and fats than most pure pumpkin powders and is a good choice for anyone looking to lose weight while retaining their muscle density.
- £48 per KG
- 70 grams of protein per 100 grams
- 387 calories per 100 grams
- 6.5 grams of fat per 100 grams
- Mix of rice, hemp, and pumpkin proteins
Puriton 100% Vegan Organic Pumpkin Protein Powder
Puriton makes a pure pumpkin protein powder that relies on the naturally nutty taste of pumpkin seeds for its flavour.
It is made in such a way as to ensure that it is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, lectin-free, GMO-free, so basically everything free.
It is ideal for slightly sweet recipes such as pancakes and shakes.
- £15.99 per KG
- 60 grams of protein per 100 grams
- 844 calories per 100 grams
- 13 grams of fat per 100 grams
- Unsweetened and unflavoured
Primal Taste Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder
Anyone that prefers a raw food diet will like this pure pumpkin powder from Primal Taste.
It uses only organic pumpkin seeds grown within the European Union, which are then cold-pressed to maintain maximum nutrition.
The resulting powder is also a stronger taste and smell than some other options, which some people will like.
- £24 per KG
- 55 grams of protein per 100 grams
- 397 calories per 100 grams
- 12 grams of fat per 100 grams
- Cold-pressed
That Protein I Heart Pumpkin and Chia Seed Super Protein
That Protein balance out the amino acid profile of their pumpkin protein powder by adding chia seeds.
This means less protein per gram, but a more well-rounded nutritional profile in general.
It is one of many innovative powders made by the company, which also include brown rice and raw cacao, and hemp and baobab.
- £56.95 per KG
- 44 grams of protein per 100 grams
- 380 calories per 100 grams
- 17 grams of fat per 100 grams
- Mix of pumpkin and chia seeds
Green Panda Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder
Fans of the Green Panda label, but looking for pure pumpkin rather than a vegan mix, they also make an option for you.
One of the reasons this brand is so popular is that their powders are made to strict quality standards, which mean that they are GMO-free and laboratory tested to verify this.
The seeds are also not heated, but rather ground using traditional methods, which helps retain the full nutritional profile of the seeds.
- £33.33 per KG
- 59 grams of protein per 100 grams
- 402 calories per 100 grams
- 15 grams of fat per 100 grams
- Organic Austrian pumpkins
P/N Plant Based Protein Powder Blend
No products found.If you are looking for a way to make downing all that extra protein a bit more palatable, then check out this chocolate flavoured plant protein mix from P/N.
It contains protein from several plant sources including pea, rice, hemp, pumpkin, sunflower, and carob. There are also some added probiotics to ensure the best possible digestion.
The resulting powder contains a good protein boost at 50 grams per 100 grams, and has an excellent amino acid profile.
No products found.
Cold Pressed Defatted Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder
The last option on our list is very much a premium powder, which comes with a premium price tag, but will appeal to those looking for the best of the best.
This powder manages to be so good because it uses a cold-press preparation process that preserves all the nutrients of the seeds.
Nevertheless, some of the fat is removed, and it is low in calories, so it is great for anyone using protein to slim down.
- £75.60 per KG
- 62 grams of protein per 100 grams
- 352 calories per 100 grams
- 7 grams of fat per 100 grams
- Cold-pressed and defatted
How Much Protein Do You Need?
So how much protein do you really need? Well, it all depends.
The recommended daily intake as part of a standard healthy diet is 0.35 grams per pound of bodyweight.
However, if you are trying to build muscle, lose weight, or otherwise train hard for something, you need much more.
The exact amount you need depends on what you are trying to achieve, and it is a good idea to speak to a sports dietician.
However, if you are looking for a general rule of thumb, the recommendation is 2.2 grams of protein per kg of lean body mass. So, not your total body mass, just the muscle, tissue, and essential organs. No need to feed any of the fat that you are trying to lose.
So, for example, if you weigh 90 kg and have 20 percent body fat, you will only be eating for that 72 kg of lean body mass. And yes, that is a whopping 158 grams of protein per day.
That is a lot of protein when you consider that a three-ounce steak only contains about 21 grams of protein, 100 grams of chicken about 30 grams of protein, and an egg just 13 grams.
For vegans, you need to eat about half a cup of tofu to get just 10 grams of protein, and half a cup of lentils for less than 9 grams. An entire stalk of broccoli will give you 4 grams of protein, and five medium mushrooms will give you 3 grams of protein.
So, when you need so much protein, concentrated protein powders become essential.
FAQs
Is pumpkin protein powder good for you?
Yes, pumpkin protein powder is very good for you. It gives you a nice boost of protein and contains most of the essential amino acids that your body needs to repair and build muscle. It also contains magnesium and iron, which is often lacking in our diets. Pumpkin protein is often considered a superfood because it is high in Vitamin K.
What does pumpkin protein powder taste like?
Pumpkin protein powder retains the taste of pumpkin seeds, which is a generally nutty taste. The powder itself is green, much like the original seeds.
Are there any side effects to pumpkin protein powder?
No, there are no serious side effects to pumpkin protein powder. However, when you suddenly start eating a lot of it and introduce that extra protein and fibre into your diet, it can take your body a while to adapt. You can expect gas, bloating, and constipation for a few days as your body adjusts.
Is pumpkin protein powder good for weight loss?
Yes, pumpkin protein powder is very good for weight loss because it gives you a big protein hit without a lot of calories. One of the biggest pitfalls when increasing protein intake is dramatically increasing calorie intake.
Is pumpkin protein powder good for a Keto diet?
Yes, pumpkin protein powder is very compatible with a Keto diet because while it is high in protein and healthy fats, it is very low in carbohydrates.
100 grams of pumpkin protein powder contain just 3 grams of carbohydrates. That means that you can expect just 1 carbohydrate per serving. This will barely put a dent in your 20-50 grams of carbs per day.
The Verdict
If you are trying to gain muscle or lose weight, getting enough protein in your diet can be very challenging. This is especially the case if you are vegan, and therefore can’t make use of high protein animal products.
Vegetables, nuts, and other vegan-friendly food do contain protein, but it does feel like you need to eat a bathtub full of it if you want to eat around 150 grams of protein per day.
Fortunately, vegan protein powders make it easy to up your protein intake in a way that doesn’t compromise your plant-based diet.
Vegans need to make sure that they are getting their protein from a variety of different plants because, unlike animal-derived protein, very few plants contain all the essential protein amino acids. But each contains a selection, so if you eat a variety of different plant proteins, you can still get all the essential amino acids that your body needs.
Alongside pea protein and hemp protein, pumpkin protein is one of the most complete vegan proteins, containing most of the amino acids in high quantities, and also containing healthy magnesium, iron, and vitamin K.
Pumpkin protein powder is definitely one of the vegan proteins that should be on your list.
References
- Essential Amino Acids – Healthline
- Calculate how much protein you need – Bodybuilding.com
- 17 High Protein Vegan Foods – Mens Health
Last update on 2024-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
