Best Gluten Free Protein Powder Reviews: Avoid The Stomach Cramps And Still Make The Most Out Of Your Training
With at least 1% of the US population suffering from celiac disease, being able to source gluten-free sports supplements has never been more important.
My personal experience with clients over the past years has been a bit hit and miss. Unfortunately, a lot of the gluten-free proteins out there just seemed to underperform.
Both men and women that I worked with didn’t get the same results, but things seem to have changed in the last 18 months.
In this guide, I provide you the test results and some recommendation for healthy options, including some certified vegan ones as well.
Our Top Best Gluten Free Protein Powders Recommendations
| Product | Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|
#1 - Transparent Labs Whey Protein  |
| 5.0 stars out of 5 |
#2 - Vega Sport   |
| 4.5 stars out of 5 |
#3 - Orgain Organic   |
| 4.0 stars out of 5 |
Table of Contents
1. Transparent Labs Whey Protein
Hormone-free, as well as non-GMO and gluten-free, this Transparent Labs Whey Protein is ideal for those who may have allergies to many protein powders that contain gluten. If you have celiac disease, it can be difficult to find a good product, as many of them have fillers with gluten.
One thing that makes it a favorite for many athletes is that it is very easy to blend with other ingredients, so you won’t have to worry about clumps in your drink. The smooth texture allows it to go down easily.
For those who are particular about taste, you’ll appreciate how this product has a decent flavor that doesn’t leave an aftertaste. Users mention that it generally doesn’t cause bloating or an upset stomach.
Those who can’t stand artificial sweeteners appreciate that this product doesn’t contain any, and it’s only made from top-quality ingredients.
Offering 28 grams of protein per scoop, it provides the amount of protein your body needs. With so many positive reviews, this option is worth considering. While the price point for the amount of product provided is a bit higher, it’s decent enough that you won’t be breaking the bank for a good-quality protein.
Pros:
- It’s gluten-free, so it’s ideal for those with celiac disease.
- Reviewers mentioned how they liked the amount of protein per serving.
- It has a smooth texture that makes it very easy to blend.
- Most people didn’t experience bloat from it.
- Users say that it has a decent taste that is easy to combine with other ingredients.
Cons:
- The price is a bit high for the amount of product provided.
2. Vega Sport
Plant-based vegan protein powders mean that you don’t have to worry about gluten in your product.
The chocolate flavor adds a nice touch to your morning smoothie and has a pleasant taste, but a top benefit to using this product is that it provides about 30 grams of protein, so you can be sure you’re getting what you need.
Without artificial sweeteners, no artificial additives, and Non-GMO, it’s one of the cleanest products out there. It has a great consistency that is easy to blend in a smoothie or with other ingredients.
Priced affordably and offering plenty of product, it’s a pretty fair option for those who want a good-quality powder without dropping big bucks. If you don’t like a chalky aftertaste in a protein powder, this may be perfect for you. It doesn’t leave grainy powder in your mouth, unlike some poor-quality options on the market.
If you tend to get stomach-aches from most powders, this one has been reported by users as being pretty easy on the tummy. Although this plant based powder tends to get very thick after blending it with the recommended amount of water, this issue is simple to fix with a little bit of extra liquid or water.
Pros:
- Users like how affordable it is.
- Reviews mention that it doesn’t cause upset stomachaches or bloat.
- People appreciate the flavor and how easy it is to combine it with other ingredients.
- It’s free of dairy and gluten, making it a favorite for people who have allergies.
- The texture is smooth and easy to blend, as long as you have enough liquid in it.
- Certified vegan option
Cons:
- Some people consider it too sweet for a protein powder.
3. Orgain Organic
Affordable and plant-based, what’s not to love about the Orgain Organic. Offering a variety of flavors, you can pick the one that suits your fancy, which isn’t always the case with every protein powder.
With only 150 calories per serving, you don’t have to worry about whether it’s going to cause weight gain, unlike some other options. At the same time, users who were trying to gain lean muscle while using this product powder saw a difference while using it.
People like how this product is grit-free. You don’t have to worry about chalky aftertaste with this organic plant based protein powder. If you’re looking for dietary protein supplements that you can take that won’t cause allergic reactions due to celiac disease, Orgain Organic is gluten-free.
For those who are trying to lose weight, you’ll appreciate that it even helps to curb appetite. For the price, it offers fair quality, according to many reviews. Many users who have issues with bloat found that with Orgain Organic was easy to digest.
The taste is also quite good, so you can drink as much as you need without an unpleasant aftertaste.
Pros:
- It has a great taste that is easy to mix with a variety of ingredients.
- The texture is smooth and grit-free, so you won’t get a chalky aftermath.
- It is low in calories, so it can support weight loss goals.
- Users like that it’s gluten-free, especially those with celiac issues.
- It’s easy on the stomach, so you don’t have to fret about bloat.
Cons:
- The tub has a bit too much empty space, making users think they’re getting more product than they do.
4. Isopure Zero Carb
On a Keto diet? No problem. With this gluten-free protein powder, you’ll be able to stay on it while making sure you get the amount of protein that your body needs (the product contains 25 grams of protein per serving).
It’s also lactose-free, it’s ideal for those who have a dairy intolerance. Many people who have issues with protein supplements do because of some type of allergy, making this option a favorite for anyone who has celiac disease or can’t have dairy.
Low in calories, you don’t need to worry about weight gain, and it also works as a kind of appetite suppressant by making you feel full quickly; I would just say that it’s not a meal replacement.
Some people did mention that it can be a bit chalky if you don’t mix it right, but do state that adding liquid first then the powder, then more liquid allows for better consistency. Once you get it right, it’s easy to blend, and you won’t have to worry about grit.
Many users appreciate that they didn’t get bloated after drinking it. It also doesn’t leave an aftertaste like many poor-quality powders.
Pros:
- Low in calories, it’s perfect for a low carb protein shake.
- It has a pleasant taste, according to many reviews.
- It is made from healthy ingredients that are safe to consume.
- Users commented that with the right amount of liquid, it was easy to get a smooth consistency.
- Pricing for the product is fair for the quality and amount provided.
Cons:
- Some reviewers had stomach discomfort after drinking this protein powder.
5. Muscle Milk
If you would like a powder that is cheap yet provides quality results, Muscle Milk is a preferred option for many. With 32 grams of protein per serving, you can be sure that you’ll be getting the amount you need on a daily basis.
If you have issues consuming gluten, you’ll appreciate this option is gluten-free. Those who have used it also commented that it doesn’t cause bloating, which is something that happens with a lot of protein powders that have added fillers.
Some reviewers also mentioned that they were more energetic during their workouts while using Muscle Milk. Others like the taste that isn’t overpowering but enough to add flavor to your breakfast smoothie or post-workout snack.
People like the texture of Muscle Milk as it can be used in a blender and doesn’t get foamy or chalky. If you’re lactose intolerant, you’ll appreciate that this product is dairy-free. If you’re looking for a great protein supplement that has a complete amino acid profile, this could be it for you.
Pros:
- Users like how blend-able it is.
- People commented on how they don’t get bloat or gas from drinking it.
- Free of gluten and dairy, it’s ideal for those with allergies to both.
- It has pleasant flavors, according to reviewers.
- It is highly affordable and offers plenty of product.
Cons:
- Some people didn’t like the thick consistency.
- It has an odd smell, according to some reviewers.
Is Protein Powder Gluten Free?
No, not all protein powders are gluten-free, with many of them having added fillers that introduce gluten.
If you are concerned about watching out for those powders that do have gluten, there are many of them on the market. Something else to consider is that while many may say gluten-free, they contain fillers that are gluten-based [1].
It takes time and research to get the option that won’t make you sick, but once you find the right option, the benefits are worth it. The following are some options that may contain gluten, as they don’t specify that they don’t:
- BSN-SYNTHA 6
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
- Muscle Tech Platinum Creatine
Most options that are 100% gluten-free will say so on the label. If they don’t, you may not want to risk it. While you can’t always trust a label, a protein supplement that doesn’t state “gluten-free” is probably not worth throwing away your money for [2].
Why Is Gluten Free A Good Option For All Athletes?
So, you may not have celiac disease, but you do care about what you put in your body and are considering gluten-free supplements. Whether you suffer a gluten intolerance or not, there are many reasons why gluten-free foods and powders are worth considering if you’re an athlete:
- One of the number one reasons why athletes like gluten-free diets is because many people’s bodies react to gluten with poor digestion and bloat. While this is definitely true for those with celiac disease, it also happens to people without this intolerance.
- It affects performance. If you have any type of intolerance or reaction to gluten, it can make you feel sluggish and not perform as well as you normally would [3]. While healthy carbohydrates are needed in an athlete’s diet and are important for an athlete’s diet, they don’t have to be gluten-based.
- If you’re an athlete whose performance depends on lean, strong muscle, you’ll probably want to follow a diet that is either low-gluten or completely gluten-free. Gluten can be necessary for some people who want to get “gains” as a slim individual, but for athletes whose sport requires a lean, clean physique, it could be a good idea.
Knowing if you, as an athlete, should eliminate gluten from your diet is a personal decision that should be based on your specific needs. It goes without saying that you should completely eliminate gluten if you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease.
How Much Protein Powder Should You Take?
You don’t want to go overboard with protein powder. Your body does need a certain amount for you to see the positive effects that you want, but that doesn’t mean that you should pile in the scoops [4].
It is typically suggested on protein supplement tubs and packages to take one-to-two scoops of powder daily. But, before you follow this hard and fast rule, consider the type of diet you may already be on. Do you eat meals full of meat or already have a high intake of protein from animal-based foods or products? You may not need to take more than a scoop a day.
Are you using your protein shake as a meal supplement and don’t have that many other sources of protein in your diet? Then, maybe having a full two scoops is needed. Some protein powders have a higher level of protein than others, so it’s dependent on that as well.
Many people suggest those who work-out often to take protein powder before they exercise as a way to boost energy [5]. Many of these supplements are helpful for providing an increase in energy and focus, so it’s up to you on when you should take it.
Are There Any Side Effects?
So, as you can see, taking protein powder is a good idea for those who want to build muscle and aid recovery. It is also helpful for providing an enhancement of energy and can help you feel full, so it also often acts as an appetite suppressant.
But, there are a few side effects to pay attention to:
- It’s important to pay attention to what is inside of your protein powder. This is because you may have some type of allergy to fillers, sugar and ingredients. Some gluten-free powders still have dairy in them, and if you’re intolerant to it, you could end up with stomach issues and more.
- Those who take too much whey protein powders tend to end up with stomach aches and more [6]. From diarrhea to cramps and bloating, people who overdo it with whey protein isolate tend to have some stomach issues.
- If you’re not exercising enough and are drinking heavy amounts of protein powder, you could end up gaining weight. This may not always happen with certain plant-based powders, but much of the time, too much protein combined with a low-activity lifestyle can result in you gaining weight.
- Some people may get acne using certain types of protein powders, especially ones made from whey [7].
FAQ
Is all whey protein gluten free?
No, not all whey protein products are gluten-free. You have to be careful about added fillers that don’t really provide much nutritional value. Even soy and brown rice protein shakes often have ingredients added that introduce small amounts of gluten.
Does gluten-free protein powder have side effects?
No, gluten-free protein powder generally doesn’t have side effects. In most cases, some other allergies may cause problems, like a dairy allergy for example. Just make sure you check the label carefully for anything that you know you may react to.
Is gluten-free protein powder bad for your kidneys?
Yes, in very large volumes, gluten-free and any other protein may be bad for your kidneys. Your kidneys play a critical role in getting rid of waste from protein synthesis, and if you overload them, then problems may occur.
Conclusion
If we had to pick one favorite from this list, it would have to be Transparent Labs Whey Protein. While it may be a bit pricier than some other options on this list, it delivers great quality. Those who have used it mention that the smooth texture is easy to blend, and it also has a pleasant flavor.
We also like that it is non-GMO and is gluten-free, making it ideal for anyone with celiac disease, and athletes. At 28 grams of protein per serving, you get what you need from this product. The package delivers plenty of product, and it has a transparent label that you can trust, making it one of the best, affordable options on the market.
