Running low on time? Well, the Baby Booster Prenatal Protein Powder is our best protein powder for pregnancy.
Pregnancy can be a stressful time for a mother. One of the last things you want to be worrying about is how healthy you are eating. A reason you should is that if you are receiving a lack of vitamins, your baby could deplete the small amount you have and lead to further problems.
One of the macronutrients commonly forgotten about during pregnancy is protein. One way to easily fit more into your diet safely is with protein powder.
The top 5 for our best protein powders for pregnancy:
- Baby Booster Prenatal Protein Powder
- Naked Nutrition Grass-Fed Protein Powder
- Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder
- Source Organic Whey Protein
- Protiva Pregnancy Pregnant Women Protein Shake
Protein powder: What is It?
Most people know what protein powder is, but some don’t. Protein powder is a supplement that contains usually 20-30g of protein and is usually taken to build or maintain muscle. That is if you are working out.
Protein powder can also be taken for a lack of protein in your diet. Instances, like pregnancy, where you need to consume more calories and protein. It is actually recommended that 10 to 35% of your diet consists of protein during pregnancy.
This can be a lot to fit into your schedule, so many soon to be mothers take protein powders to supplement.
Types
- Whey Protein: The golden child of protein supplements. Fast-acting properties and derived from whole milk. Accounts for about 20% of milk. Its the most famous for a reason.
- Casein Protein: Slow acting protein derived from milk. Accounts for about 80% of milk and is responsible for making it thicker.
- Pea Protein: Protein derived from yellow split peas. A great option for someone lactose intolerant!
- Soy Protein: Made from soybeans as a lower end protein powder. It is often genetically engineered and is recommended to avoid during pregnancy.
- Egg White Protein: Made from the whites of an egg, it is often more expensive than others.
- Hemp Protein: An expensive option but without a doubt a good one. It contains no THC or psychoactive effects and is hypoallergenic.
- Brown Rice Protein: A staple for many cuisines and cultures around the world. Unfortunately, in a protein powder form, it just doesn’t offer the other benefits.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is generally considered the safest option during pregnancy.
It is a high-quality protein that also contains a good blend of amino acids. It is actually a key ingredient in human breast milk, making up about 60%. Even most formulas are made from whey.
Is it Safe?
Im sure most of you are asking yourself; “Is whey protein safe?”
We recommend talking to your ob-gyn or doctor before trying a protein supplement. Everyone is different.
That being said, protein powders during pregnancy are safe depending on the ingredients. It is also a good way to add more protein to your diet.
You should still first try to make up your protein intake through natural sources. You should also ask your doctor if he has a recommendation for a protein powder.
What Should I Avoid?
Protein powders are generally geared towards working out and contain ingredients to aid those.
Of course, the same ingredients won’t be as helpful to you. Here’s what you should avoid when looking through the label:
- Caffeine
- Creatine
- Saccharin, Cyclamate, Nutritive Sweeteners, Sugar Alcohols, Aspartame, Sucralose, and Acesulfame Potassium
- Soy Protein
- Maltodextrin
- Excessive amounts of Vitamin A
Risks
You should also be careful with not consuming too much protein either.
Pregnant women who consume too much protein and not enough carbs can have slower growing children.
A high protein and low carb diet during pregnancy can also lead to a higher chance of gestational diabetes.
Do I Need It?
Contrary to popular belief, pregnant women might not always necessarily have to eat for 2.
You should consume a caloric surplus in the 2nd or the 3rd trimester rather than the 1st.
It is recommended that pregnant women receive about 71g of protein daily. This is achievable through a change in diet alone, but some don’t have time to either eat that much food or don’t want to.
Here steps in your protein powder.
There is nothing wrong with taking protein powder to squeeze in more protein or calories. Some even use protein powders because they can’t stomach meat and/or dairy during their 1st trimester.
Recipes
Protein Cookies
Everyone has cravings and likes to enjoy a treat. Why not have something sweet with a good amount of protein? Here is a recipe to allow you to indulge in some high protein cookies.
- 1/4 cup protein powder
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp softened butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
1. Roll the dough into balls and flatten on a baking sheet.
2. Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees.
3. Enjoy!
Vanilla Creme Frappe
Kick your feet back and enjoy yourself a refreshing frappe. Plus you can enjoy yourself even more knowing your’e consuming a high amount of protein.
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- ½ tsp. ground ginger or ½ thumb fresh ginger (peeled)
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- 250ml milk (of choice)
- 8 ice cubes
- Drizzle Sugar-Free Syrup
- Crumbled Baked Cookie (optional)
1. First, blend whey protein, ground ginger/fresh ginger, cinnamon, milk, and ice cubes and process until slushy.
2. Next, drizzle sugar-free syrup around the sides of the glass or shaker and pour the mixture into the glass.
3. Last, if you like, top with crumbled cookies for an extra post-workout protein and glycogen hit.
The Top 5 Protein Powders for Pregnancy:
#1 – Baby Booster Prenatal Protein Powder
We found this to be the best protein powders for pregnancy by a bit. This is mainly due to it being made for pregnancy specifically and ob-gyn approved. It even contains the essential prenatal vitamins like 250mg of folic acid, 5mg of vitamin B6, and 4g of fiber. Some of the prenatal vitamins like vitamin B6 and folic can reduce morning sickness.
It is 100% natural and gluten, soy, and GMO-free. Each scoop contains 20g of protein, which is a good amount. It is also stimulant, preservative, and artificial sweetener free!
They even offer a range of interesting flavors like Kona Mocha, Vanilla, Berry, and Pina Colada. (We recommend Kona Mocha if you’re missing your morning coffee!)
It comes in a one-pound bag with about 15 serving too!
One thing users did complain about though was a distinct aftertaste on some of the flavors. Keep in mind everyone’s preferences and tastes change during pregnancy. It is also more expensive than the other options offered. This could be due to it being made for pregnant mothers specifically.
Pros:
- Specifically Made for Pregnancy
- Essential Prenatal Vitamins
- 100% Natural and Safe
- Wide Range of Flavors
Cons:
- More Expensive Option
- Can Leave an Aftertaste
Check It Out on Amazon!
#2 – Naked WHEY Protein Powder
Naked Nutrition stands out from the rest of the crowd by offering the simplest and purest form. All their supplements contain no or little other ingredients than the actual product.
They make no exception here by offering a whey protein with only grass-fed whey protein.
No sweeteners, emulsifiers, preservatives, nothing.
Each serving contains 120 calories and 25g of protein. This is one of the safer options because it is nothing, but whey protein.
One thing with most Naked Nutrition products and this one is that they often don’t blend well or taste the best. This is due to the lack of emulsifiers and sweeteners. We recommend getting the unflavored option, so you can sneak it into a smoothie or one of the recipes above!
Pros:
- One of the Cleanest Protein Supplements
- High Protein per Serving
- Reputable Brand
Cons:
- Can be Difficult to Mix with Liquids
- The Taste isn’t the Best because of the Lack of Sweeteners
Check It Out On Amazon
#3 – Optimal Prenatal Protein Powder
The third best comes in the form of Optimal Prenatal Protein and their safe, but powerful blend.
It is actually a plant-based protein that gives you all of the daily prenatal vitamins you need. No other vitamin supplements are needed!
It even contains L-5-MTHF, folinic acid, vitamin B6, and ginger. These will aid you by lessening morning sickness and supporting your digestion.
It is also dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut, peanut, and wheat-free!
It comes with 15 servings and 15g of protein per scoop. It provides strong amounts of minerals and amino acids for pregnancy too. We did find that some of the vitamins were over the daily recommended amount.
It comes in 2 classic flavors, chocolate, and vanilla. There are mixed reviews on the tastes, but everyone has different tastes and cravings during pregnancy.
Pros:
- Contains all Daily Prenatal Vitamins
- Allergen-Free
- Good blend of protein, minerals, and amino acids
Cons:
- Taste has mixed reviews
- Some of the vitamins servings exceeded daily recommendations
- Only 2 flavors
Check it Out On Amazon
#4 – Source Organic Whey Protein
Source Organic Whey Protein is another brand that offers a very clean and pure whey protein. The only ingredient in this is organic 100% grass-fed whey protein concentrate.
It boasts that its whey protein is from organic milk of grass-fed cows in Northern California. These cows spend about 300 days a year outdoors and not cooped in a farm. They even feed these cows chemical-free clover, rye, and other native grasses.
As you could have guessed, it contains no sugars, preservatives, flavors, or sweeteners.
Each serving even contains 100 calories and 21g of protein to help you reach your daily goal.
This protein powder only comes in one size, 2lb, and one option, unflavored. This makes it a perfect option for squeezing into a smoothie or into your baking.
Pros:
- The Only Ingredient is Whey Protein
- One of the Most Organic Whey Proteins
- A good Serving of Protein
Cons:
- Uses Whey Protein Concentrate and not Isolate
- Can be Chalky
Check it Out On Amazon
#5 – Protiva Pregnancy Pregnant Women Protein Shake
Another strong option made specifically for pregnant women. They actually offer a during pregnancy and post-pregnancy option too.
One thing they do more interesting than the others is their use of collagen for the protein. It uses collagen as their protein base so that every ingredient can be best utilized by your body. Each scoop contains 15g of protein too.
Their product is also all-natural and has no preservatives. It is even gluten, soy, and lactose-free.
A heads up though, this protein powder is more focused on your later trimesters.
We did find that the actual powder was rather difficult to mix into the liquid. You also need a sweet tooth to truly enjoy this protein powder because it is quite sweet. What we weren’t fans of was that it contained maltodextrin and xanthan gum.
Pros:
- Made for Pregnant Women
- Uses Collagen Protein
- No Preservatives and Allergen-Friendly
- Good Amount of Protein per Serving
Cons:
- Contains Xanthan Gum & Maltodextrin
- Flavors are rather Sweet
- Targeted for Later in Pregnancy
Check it On Amazon
Take-Away
The best protein powder for pregnancy was the Baby Booster Prenatal Protein Powder. It offered all the right vitamins and ingredients for it to be a great option. It came in a variety of flavors to try which the others failed to do. Also, the fact that its made for pregnant women put us a little more at ease, and surely you too.
If you are looking for something to add into smoothies or baking then we would recommend the Naked WHEY Protein Powder. Due to it being very clean and unflavored, it makes for a great option to an add-in. The Source Organic Whey Protein would also be great for this!
