Protein Powders For Pregnancy

Did you know getting enough protein during your pregnancy is not only important for your health as a mama, from boosting low energy levels to keeping your hair and skin on point, but your baby’s growth and development as well? Whether you’re still hitting the gym or mostly hanging out by the toilet these days, adding a safe, OB-GYN-approved protein powder for pregnancy to your smoothie (and newborn checklist!) is a great way to meet increased protein needs.

This rings especially true during the first trimester when you can barely stomach anything and in the third when heartburn is at an all-time high. While the majority of your protein intake should be coming from food sources, for those with serious food aversions or nausea and pregnant women on a vegan or vegetarian-based diet, supplementing with a protein powder is a great option.

We talked to two OB-GYNs and a nutritionist to discover what to look for in the best protein powder for pregnancy and if they’re safe. Spoiler alert: protein powders for pregnancy are safe!

Is protein powder for pregnancy safe?

The good news is that most protein powders are safe to consume during pregnancy, but they shouldn't replace a balanced diet. While they can be handy if nausea is making it hard to eat, experts suggest that they act as supplements rather than replacements.

Dr. Peter Rizk, OBGYN and a medical consultant for Fairhaven Health, agrees. “Try to get your nutrition from whole foods, lean organic meats and organic vegetables first,” he says.

“But it’s understandable if it’s hard to get the whole 80 to 100g of protein down in a day.” In this case, adding a protein powder to your daily food intake is okay, but he recommends being extra selective about which one you use, focusing on those with simple, clean ingredients.

What to look for in the best protein powder for pregnancy

If there’s one thing every expert we spoke to unanimously agreed on, it’s that pregnant women should invest in protein powders with a short ingredient list. “Look for protein being the primary ingredient—whey, pea, collagen, hemp seed, etc.,” says Dr. Ben Schuff, ND, LDN, the director of naturopathy and nutrition at BIÂN Chicago.

“You might see a small amount of sea salt, monk fruit or stevia for taste, and this is usually okay,” he notes. “Less than ideal would-be artificial sweeteners, lots of pure added sugar or chemical names you don’t recognize or can’t pronounce.”

Additionally, Rizk recommends looking for words like grass-fed when selecting a bovine protein powder safe for pregnancy. “For a vegan option, it’s important to avoid soy proteins, ensure the plant ingredients are organic, and the blend is low sugar,” he tells us.

Because the FDA doesn’t regulate protein powders, OB-GYN Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG, highly advises looking for protein powders that are third-party tested for purity and have been Clean Label Project certified. This way, you know exactly what you’re getting and can be sure the protein powder is free of heavy metals and other chemicals not safe for pregnancy.

The best protein powder for pregnancy picks 2025

• Best budget: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
• Best vegan: Goodprotein Powder
• Best subscription: Drink Wholesome Chocolate Protein Powder
• Best prenatal: Baby Booster Prenatal Vitamin Supplement and Protein Shake

Best budget

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder

If you're looking for a popular protein powder for pregnancy that won't break the bank, you can't go wrong with Orgain. It has nearly 60,000 positive reviews on Amazon and a 4.5-average star rating. We love the creamy taste and texture, and knowing also available in a wide variety of sizes and flavours.

From velvety chocolate to dessert-worthy cookies 'n cream, there's something to suit most taste buds. Perfect for vegans or those with dairy or gluten allergies, this protein powder has 21 grams of organic plant-based protein per serving, no added sugar or artificial ingredients and is non-GMO and carrageenan-free, so it's gentle on the tummy.

Reviews rave about how yummy it tastes and how easily it mixes into liquids. You can also bake with Orgain, adding it to your favourite desserts, like brownies or cookies, when that sweet craving hits. We love adding it to homemade granola for a protein-packed punch that rivals some of the best lactation cookies.

Pros

• Affordable
• Vegan-friendly and ideal for those with food sensitivities
• Available in lots of flavours and sizes
• Tastes good
• Mixes well without lumps
• Gentle on the tummy
• 21 grams of protein per serving
• No added sugar, artificial ingredients or GMOs
• One of our favourite plant-based protein powders to bake with as well

Cons

• Has more ingredients than other protein powders on our list
• Not third-party tested

Best vegan

Ritual Prenatal Protein Powder

Goodprotein’s plant-based powder is designed to be more than just protein. Each scoop provides 21 grams of pea protein along with a blend of 20 fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms that add essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also includes prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion, which can be especially helpful during pregnancy.

The formula is free from dairy, gluten, GMOs, seed oils, and artificial ingredients, and is produced under strict allergen management standards. With a naturally smooth texture and no added sugar, it mixes easily into water, plant-based milk, or smoothies.

While not formulated specifically for pregnancy, Goodprotein offers a clean option for women who want a plant-based protein source with additional micronutrients from whole foods.

Pros

• Plant-based and non-GMO
• Free from dairy, gluten, seed oils, and artificial ingredients
• Includes 21g of complete pea protein per serving
• Added prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion
• Provides vitamins and minerals from 20 fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms
• No added sugar

Cons

• May contain trace allergens due to shared facility

Best subscription

Drink Wholesome Chocolate Protein Powder

Taste buds can be super weird when you're pregnant, and stomach issues seem to crop up out of nowhere, even after the rough first trimester when you can barely look at food. Drink Wholesome Chocolate Protein Powder has a lot going for it. Not only is it delicious simply mixed with plain water, but it's super gentle on the stomach without all the nasty side effects.

Kiss constipation, diarrhea, and bloating goodbye— and the horrid aftertaste of other protein powders. In fact, many reviewers praise it for being the only protein powder they can stomach, literally.

Drink Wholesome contains real food protein from pasteurized egg whites, as opposed to heavily processed protein isolates or concentrates. And there are tons of flavour options to choose from, from "treat" flavours like chocolate, vanilla and peanut butter to satisfy your sweet tooth, to matcha and mocha to get your tea and coffee fix.

There's also the option to snag an unflavored bag if you prefer. We love adding this one to smoothies, nut milks and coffee alternatives. It's easy to stomach this powder if you can't manage protein-rich foods like meat or fish.

Pros

• Tastes delicious
• Great for sensitive stomachs, digestive issues, and nausea
• No artificial sweeteners or additives
• Limited ingredients
• Contains real food protein

Cons

• Not third-party tested
• Expensive but worth it for the flavour and gentle, whole-food ingredients

Best prenatal

Ritual Prenatal Protein Powder

Ritual makes some of the best science-backed prenatals on the market, so of course, their super clean, plant-based pea protein powder is a favourite amongst pregnant and postpartum women. It's specially formulated to support women through all three trimesters and beyond, including breastfeeding, featuring key nutrients to boost mom's bone health and build muscle with 20 grams of protein per serving.

Unlike other protein powders on our list, it includes 250mg of choline to help support your baby's neurodevelopment, too. There's no sugar, artificial flavours, or sweeteners, and it's also free of all major allergens. Ritual Prenatal Protein Powder is third-party tested, and all the ingredients are traceable, so you know exactly what you're putting into your body.

The vanilla flavour isn't overly sweet either, which some people love.

Pros

• Science-backed
• Third-party tested
• Clean, traceable ingredients
• Non-GMO
• Free of gluten and major allergens
• No sugar or artificial flavours and sweeteners

Cons

• Pricey, but worth it for the quality and transparency of ingredients

Experts

• Dr. Ben Schuff, ND, LDN, the Director of Naturopathy & Nutrition at BIÂN Chicago
• Dr. Peter Rizk, OBGYN and a medical consultant for Fairhaven Health
• OB-GYN Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG