Best Protein Powder for Pregnancy, Tested by a Mom-to-Be

Needed checks all of the boxes on our list when it comes to naming the best protein powder for pregnancy. It’s tasteless, simple to use and is packed full of nutritional benefits for both mom and baby. In fact, this product performed so well that it earned high scores across the board, including a 10 out of 10 for taste, texture, ingredients and value for money. From the first scoop, this powder impressed me with how readily it dissolved in almost anything—no blender or protein shaker required. I stirred it into coffee, yogurt and oatmeal with ease. Some reviewers noted that a frother might be needed to break up lumps in cold drinks, but once mixed, you won’t even notice it’s there. And, unlike other protein powders, it’s free from that chalky texture and weird aftertaste—making this one a great choice for parents suffering from nausea.

Experts agree that any pregnancy-safe protein powder should have minimal ingredients, steer clear of artificial sugars and flavors, be third-party tested and contain at least nine essential amino acids. And this one certainly fits the bill. It contains one single ingredient: hydrolyzed bovine collagen. Chapin loves the simplicity of this supplement—and recommends hydrolyzed collagen because it's easily absorbed and gentle on the stomach, especially for folks with a dairy intolerance. Collagen also contains glycine, an amino acid that supports blood vessel flexibility, which is great for keeping your blood pressure in check, and also contributes to baby’s healthy development in utero. Plus, the collagen in this supplement is ethically sourced from the hides of grass-fed, hormone-free cows. This top-quality protein does come with a higher price tag; however, Needed offers a subscription plan with discounted prices. Bonus: Use the exclusive code BUMP20 to get 20 percent off a new subscription to Needed.

Protein type: Hydrolyzed bovine collagen | Weight: 454 grams | Serving size: 15 grams | Number of servings: 30 | Protein per serving: 14 grams | Calories per serving: 60 | Third-party tested: Yes | Clean label approved: Yes

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Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or a meat-lover, this vanilla-flavored protein powder has you covered. It’s main ingredient? Organic pea protein. It has a good amount of protein per serving—20 grams to be precise—derived from non-GMO yellow peas grown in the US. It comes in a bag with a Velcro seal, which is great for saving space in small areas. However, some reviewers mention the bag doesn’t seal well. I didn’t have this problem, but it's definitely easier for pets—such as my cats—to get into compared to a sturdier plastic canister. You need a protein shaker or blender to prepare this supplement, so I added it to a smoothie and also tried it blended with water. I enjoyed adding a kick of vanilla to my morning smoothie, though I did notice a slight chalky texture that is common with pea protein.

In addition to being plant-based, it’s free from gluten and major allergens, which is important if you plan to continue using it while breastfeeding. According to Demi Lucas, a certified lactation consultant, babies with allergies can react to what mom eats. It’s also worth noting that this protein contains 250 mg of choline. This is an essential nutrient, and the ACOG notes that it plays an important role in prenatal brain development. Prenatal nutritionist Ryann Kipping cautions against protein powders trying to double as multivitamins. She says the focus should be on protein, with as few extras as possible. But the inclusion here is a nice bonus, as Chapin says many pregnant people don’t get enough choline, even when they’re taking a daily prenatal vitamin. Bonus: Get 25 percent off your first month with the exclusive code BUMP2528.

Protein type: Organic pea protein | Weight: 461 grams | Serving size: 31 grams | Number of servings: 14 | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Calories per serving: 120 | Third-party tested: Yes | Clean label approved: No

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I've been stirring Vital Proteins collagen into my morning coffee long before I had a baby on board. Initially, I was hooked for its skin-boosting benefits and nail-strengthening perks. Once pregnant, I was thrilled this powder satisfied our pregnancy-safe protein requirements. Although it doesn't dissolve quite as smoothly as other products I’ve tested, it provides a significant amount of collagen per serving and offers great value—especially when you buy it in bulk. Like Needed, this supplement contains hydrolyzed bovine collagen, but with an added boost of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

This collagen protein powder for pregnancy earned a 10 out of 10 score for ease of use and taste. It’s easy to stir into warm beverages and can also be added to light meals, without using a shaker or blender, which is a major plus point. I love using it in smoothies, yogurt and morning lattes because it's tasteless and doesn't change the texture. One minor bugbear is that it didn't come with a scoop, so it can be tricky to weigh out the perfect amount. (I tend to add two tablespoons to shakes and snacks.) But we’ll overlook that, as this powder offers serious bang for your buck. I have been purchasing this collagen supplement for at least a year. I buy it from Costco where it comes to less than a dollar per serving, which is very good value for the quality of the product.

Protein type: Hydrolyzed bovine collagen | Weight: 547 grams | Serving size: 31 grams | Number of servings: 27 | Protein per serving 20 grams | Calories per serving 120 | Third-party tested: Yes | Clean label approved: No

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Have pregnancy cravings made you chocolate-obsessed? Same here! Instead of reaching for candy or a cookie, grab this pregnancy-safe protein powder. It's my go-to for satisfying that sweet tooth, and it’s ridiculously easy to prepare. Whether you shake it with water or milk, it dissolves in under 20 seconds—no lumps, clumps or chalky texture. Just pure, smooth chocolatey goodness without tons of sugar, thanks to natural flavors from cocoa powder, sea salt and stevia. Yum!

One serving of this chocolate truffle-flavored formula will help you reach 40 percent of your daily protein intake. It combines whey isolate protein with bovine collagen to support skin, muscle and joint health, plus natural electrolytes for added hydration. Better yet, it’s made without GMOs and it's free from gluten, as well as other major allergens. While I found this protein powder to be the tastiest we tested—and undeniably packed with benefits—it's also on the pricier side. With only 15 servings per container, each serving comes out to nearly $3, making it the most expensive option on our list. But if you're craving a smooth, chocolate drink with clean, pregnancy-safe ingredients, the indulgence might just be worth it.

Protein type: Whey protein isolate and bovine collagen | Weight:* 381 grams | Serving size:* 25.4 grams | Number of servings: 15 | Protein per serving* 20 grams | Calories per serving*90 | Third-party tested: Yes | Clean label approved: No

Many people experience constipation during pregnancy, and a lack of fiber is often part of the problem. Fiber helps support a healthy gut microbiome, regulate blood sugar, promote healthy weight gain and keeps digestive issues at bay. That’s why a protein powder enriched with fiber can be beneficial. Our top choice is Boobie Body Superfood for Super Moms.

The chocolate shake mix is naturally flavored with cocoa and cinnamon, and although it wasn't my favorite flavor it didn’t taste bad. However, the texture was a little gritty and thicker than other protein shakes I tried. On the plus side, it includes 19 grams of pea protein—that's about three times the amount you’d get from a single egg. It also packs 25 percent of your daily fiber needs, thanks to the addition of flaxseed, chia seeds and sacha inchi—which are all insoluble fiber-rich superfoods. Added pre- and probiotics further support digestion and overall wellness. I was especially grateful to have Boobie Body on hand after recently giving birth, as it helped ease me back into regular postpartum bowel movements. Mamas can be assured that this product is free from soy, dairy, gluten and GMOs—and while it does contain herbal blends, it’s free from fenugreek, an herb traditionally used to increase milk production in breastfeeding women that is not considered safe to use during pregnancy. As always, consult your ob-gyn or lactation consultant before adding any supplement to your pregnancy or postpartum diet.

Protein type: Pea protein | Weight: 661 grams | Serving size: 33 grams | Number of servings: 20 | Protein per serving 20 grams | Calories per serving 120 | Third-party tested: Yes | Clean label approved: No

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Orgain Protein Plant Based Protein Powder is USDA certified organic and is made from just a handful of natural ingredients—including organic pea, brown rice and mung bean proteins. Oh, and it’s vegan to boot. Other key ingredients include organic chia seeds for fiber and calcium and iron for baby’s development. With each serving, you’ll get 21 grams of plant-based organic protein, so you can count on meeting your daily nutritional goals with ease.

This pregnancy-safe protein can be added to pancakes and baked goods for a tasty snack. Or you can make a shake by mixing it with milk or water in a protein shaker or blender, which is what I did. With nearly 15 flavors to choose from, including seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice, you'll have plenty of options to satisfy your protein needs. I tested chocolate fudge, and it was creamy and hit the spot for getting my chocolate fix. But a heads up: it may require a bit of shaking to eliminate lumps, and it has a slightly chalkier texture compared to our top pick for best taste. If you’re environmentally conscious, you’ll appreciate that Orgain uses fewer synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and is free from hormones and antibiotics. While organic options usually come with a higher price tag, this one offers great value—over 2 lbs. of plant-based protein for less than $2 per serving.

Protein type: Organic pea, brown rice and mung bean protein | Weight: 920 grams | Serving size: 46 grams | Protein per serving 21 grams | Number of servings: 20 | Calories per serving 120 | Third-party tested: Yes | Clean label approved: No

Our community says:

Not a fan of shakes or smoothies? WICKED’s clear protein is a great alternative. The main benefit of clear protein is that it offers a juice or flavored water-like texture and taste, making it perfect for those who prefer a lighter protein drink.

WICKED Clear Whey Isolate Protein Powder has just a few ingredients—like natural flavors and colors from fruits and veggies—that I can actually understand. It also uses stevia as a natural sweetener. I mixed the powder with water in a protein shaker, but it takes a lot of shaking to break up the lumps. After shaking, the liquid is quite foaming, but on the plus side there is no chalkiness. I found the Cherry Limeade flavor to be a bit sweet for my taste with a slight vitamin-like aftertaste, but there are plenty of other flavors that reviewers rave about, like lemonade, watermelon and tropical punch.

You don’t need to work out to enjoy the benefits of protein powder. But, I really enjoyed having a light protein drink that was easy to sip during a walk or after a workout. Although, a protein drink can be consumed at any time of the day, Nicole Legler, a registered dietitian and personal trainer based in Nebraska, says that it’s especially beneficial before or after exercise for quick digestion and muscle support. With 23 grams of whey isolate protein isolate per serving, WICKED packs a serious punch.

Protein type: Whey protein isolate | Weight: 504 grams | Serving size: 28 grams | Protein per serving 23 grams | Number of servings: 18 | Calories per serving 95 | Third-party tested: Yes | Clean label approved: Yes