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If you are trying to maintain or put on muscle mass, getting adequate amounts of protein should be a priority.
Unfortunately for those like me on a restricted diet, getting your daily protein goals is not the easiest of tasks. That is where brown rice protein powders come in.
What I liked the most about brown rice protein powders is that, unlike protein supplements that come with unnecessary additives, these are clean and designed for providing optimal amounts of protein.
But as with any other health supplement, the market has several products to choose from. To help you find your way, I have designed a list of the 5 best brown rice protein powders right now.
Best Rice Protein Powder
With 24 grams of protein per serving, this powder is great for training goals such as increased muscle strength and better recovery.
• Contains dietary fiber to reduce hunger and aid in weight control
• Great taste; includes only organic sweeteners and flavors
• Low carbohydrate content per serving provides many options for making protein shakes
Best Organic Choice
Made out of organic brown rice, this product is one of the best protein powders available at the moment. It provides 20 grams of protein and has a complete amino acid profile
• Completely organic
• Absorbs 30% faster than whey protein
• Boosts immunity and endurance
Vegan Protein Powder
Quality is second to none and comes with a very high protein content per serving. Also contains no additives and is free from gluten, GMO, and soy.
• Completely organic
• 25 grams of protein in one serving
• No additives
Based Protein Powder
If you are looking for a calorie-dense protein powder, look no further than this product. It is a blend-based supplement that can work both as a pre-workout and a post-workout.
• Uses organic ingredients
• Filled with micronutrients
• Tasty despite having zero grams of sugar
Best In Flavor
If the taste is a priority while choosing a protein supplement, this is the product for you. It comes with multiple flavor options and provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
• Completely organic
• GMO free
• Multiple flavor options
Best In Budget
A long-lasting supplement that provides 80% protein in a single serving. As it is made out of sprouted brown rice, it acts as an isolate protein supplement.
• A lean source of protein
• Free from soy and gluten
• Lasts long
Top Brown Rice Protein Powders
As with any other health supplement, there are many options on the market. To help you find your way, I've compiled a list of the 6 best brown rice protein powders.
1. Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein by Transparent Labs - Best Rice Protein Powder
Specifications:
Protein per serving: 24g
Calories: 150
Carbs: 3g
Fat: 2.5g
Flavor: French Vanilla, Chocolate
Protein source: Rice, pea
This protein powder contains a good amount of protein per serving—24 grams—as well as fiber, which reduces hunger and helps you control your weight.
The protein base is a good ratio of rice and peas, which gives the powder a smooth texture and allows it to be easily mixed. And the low carbohydrate content per serving provides many options for making protein shakes to match your diet.
The Organic Vegan protein powder is great for training goals such as increasing muscle strength, increasing performance, and improving post-workout recovery.
Plant-based protein powder doesn't always taste the best, but this product is an exception. It tastes good and doesn't contain artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners are included in small amounts.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Performance Lab Recover - Best Protein Post Workout
Specifications:
Protein per serving - 20 g
Calories - 280
Carbs - 48 g
Fat - 1.2 g
Flavor - Blend of organic cocoa, vanilla, and Ceylon cinnamon
Protein Source - Brown rice
Type - Concentrate
Performance Lab Recover from Sport Range protein powder is one of the most reliable brown rice supplements out there.
It is crafted with a patented technology that allows for a 30% faster absorption rate compared to whey. In terms of effectiveness, it levels with whey protein and chicken breast for building muscle.
Being an organic concentrated protein, this rice protein powder also provides additional benefits such as better immunity, performance, etc.
As its fat is super low and carbohydrate figures help in post workout recovery, it is ideal protein powder for those looking at post workout recovery.
Consuming this rice protein powder is also quite easy. Just add and shake the recommended serving size (2 scoops) with an adequate amount of water or milk and your protein shake is ready for consumption.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Naked Rice – Organic Brown Rice – Vegan Protein Powder
Specifications:
Protein per serving - 25 g
Calories - 120
Carbs - 4 g
Fat - 0.5 g
Flavor - Unflavored
Protein Source - Brown rice
Type - Concentrate
The consensus in the fitness community suggests that when it comes to vegan supplements, even the best vegan protein powders contain a much lower amount of essential amino acids compared to whey protein.
However, that is certainly not the case with the Naked Rice brown rice protein powder.
For protein sources, Naked Rice uses certified organic brown rice with no additives. While this makes it an unflavored product, it makes up for it in terms of essential amino acids.
It is a vegan protein powder that is gluten-free, soy-free, and GMO-free.
A single serving of this organic rice protein powder contains only 120 calories which makes it an ideal choice for both weight loss and hypertrophy.
Pros:
Cons
No flavor makes it hard to consume as a standalone drink
4. Orgain Organic Plant - Based Protein Powder
Specifications:
Protein per serving - 21 g
Calories - 150
Carbs - 15 g
Fat - 4 g
Flavor - Vanilla Bean
Protein Source - Brown rice, pea, chia seed
Type - Concentrate
Made with a blend of plant proteins, Orgain Organic's protein powder is the primary choice for users looking for a product that provides a multitude of benefits while keeping protein intake in mind.
The blend uses Organic Pea Protein, Organic Brown Rice Protein, Organic Chia Seed, and many more healthy ingredients as its source of protein.
One serving of this vegan protein powder contains 21 grams of complete protein. Other than its impressive protein content, this supplement also contains a few vitamins and minerals Vitamin D, calcium, and iron. In short, it is a great meal replacement.
As for the taste, there are no artificial sweeteners included in this organic protein powder. Despite that, it has a nutty vanilla taste which is liked by many customers.
Pros:
Cons
Slightly expensive
5. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder - Best In Flavor
Specifications:
Protein per serving - 20 g
Calories - 100
Carbs - 3 g
Fat - 1 g
Flavor - Multiple flavors
Protein Source - Brown rice
Type - Concentrate
Vegan protein powders get a bad rap in the fitness community for their high carbohydrate and fat count.
While the thinking is true in most cases, it certainly isn't with the Garden of Life raw organic protein powder.
Despite being a vegan protein powder, this product comes with close to no carbohydrates and fat.
Due to this nature, it is perfect for post-workout meals and you get benefits similar to that of a whey protein isolate.
Garden of Life is known for its non-GMO health supplements and their protein powder is no different.
It contains 20 grams of raw plant protein and essential amino acids obtained from organic pea, sprouted brown rice, etc.
As it comes in multiple flavor choices including chocolate, vanilla, unflavored, and vanilla chia, this product is best used with water or almond milk.
Pros:
Cons:
Expensive
6. NOW Sports Nutrition Sprouted Brown Rice Protein Powder - Best In Budget
Specifications:
Protein per serving - 4 g
Calories - 15
Carbs - 0 g
Fat - 0 g
Flavor - Unflavored
Protein Source - Brown rice
Type - Isolate
Plant-based proteins are usually very hard to accumulate without putting a hole in your pocket or loading your body with carbohydrates.
With the NOW Sports Nutrition brown rice protein powder, however, you can say goodbye to those problems.
It is made out of sprouted brown rice which ensures zero carbohydrates and fats. It contains no gluten, soy, dairy, or additives, and 80% of its serving is made out of protein.
As for the serving itself, the brand recommends a very low amount of 5 g which makes it last longer. It contains all nine essential amino acids which make it a complete protein product.
Pros:
Cons:
Only 4 g of protein per serving
Things To Consider Before Buying A Brown Rice Protein Powder
Unlike whey protein, buying plant-based protein powders is not the most straightforward task. You don't want to end up with a product that creates more problems than it solves.
To help you through your journey, here are a few things you should keep in mind before buying a brown rice protein powder.
1
Type of Protein Powder
Brown rice protein powder is available in two types: standalone and blend.
A standalone brown rice protein powder uses brown rice as the only ingredient to generate its protein content.
On the other hand, a blend will contain a blend of pea, rice, and other such ingredients as its protein sources.
While the amount of protein doesn't vary as per the ingredients, your choice will boil down to your specific dietary restrictions.
2
Protein Content
Once ethics and ingredients are out of the way, protein content should be the primary factor while buying vegan protein powders.
After all, protein is the reason you buy such a product in the first place. Make sure that the product you are looking to purchase provides at least 20 grams of protein per serving.
3
Flavor
While flavor seems to be a minuscule entity, it turns out to be a great factor while buying a protein powder.
Some people take their protein powders with fruits, milk, and other ingredients that add taste to their shakes.
If you are the same, an unflavored protein powder might be a great option for you. If you like your whey protein with water or tasteless liquids, I highly recommend going with a flavored option.
Benefits Of Buying A Brown Rice Protein Powder
Buying protein powders is always beneficial as they take care of the user's daily protein intake keeping them healthy in body and mind.
But with so many options in the market, why would one go for a rice protein powder specifically? Here's why:
Complete Protein
Rice proteins is as good as animal-based proteins. Organic brown rice protein powder can be used without loss of essential nutrients like other protein isolates or concentrates. [1]
Good digesting
Rice protein is considered a medium-digesting protein. Studies have shown that its digesting is slower than whey protein powders (which are considered the fastest absorbed), but faster than casein protein powders (slow digesting). [2]
Aids blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Many people are under the impression that protein supplements only help in reaching your daily protein intake goals. This is not the case with brown rice protein powders.
Other than providing high-quality protein, plant-based protein products also help in balancing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. [3]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How are brown rice protein powders different from other protein powders?
A. They are made from organic vegan ingredients usually with no additives which is a rarity in this market where most products are filled with harmful chemicals.
Other than that, these powders contain complete protein with all essential amino acids.
Q. Are these powders good for weight loss?
A. They are a great choice for weight loss. Unlike actual brown rice, brown rice powders are a very lean source of protein.
Some of them contain no carbohydrates and fats which goes a long way for losing weight.
Q. When should you consume rice protein powders?
A. Due to their fast absorption properties, rice protein is best consumed after a workout.
Q. Is a rice protein powder good for building muscle?
A. Absolutely. Since it is fast-acting while also being a complete source of protein, it is a great choice for building muscle.
One could argue that they are even better than whey protein.
Q. Are there any side effects of organic rice protein powder?
A. No. Since they are made from pure ingredients with no additives, there are no side effects with consuming this supplement.
Addressing Controversies
Vegan diet models are a controversial topic among many and rice protein powders are no different.
Most people are under the impression that these supplements are loaded with carbohydrates due to brown rice's carb heavy natural state.
Due to this, many have look past these supplements especially during weight loss.
If you delve deep into the topic, however, they are one of the leanest protein sources available right now.
These protein powders are made with organic sprouted brown rice which extracts all the unnecessary nutrition and produces a product that has a high volume of complete protein.
Recommended posts:
- Best Paleo Protein Powders
- Best Gluten Free Protein Powders
- Best Protein Powder for Smoothies
- Best Protein Powders Without Artificial Sweeteners
Conclusion
Buying vegan protein powders is not easy. Even after rigorous research, I could only find 6 good choices. But which one is the best?
According to my research, the Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein by Transparent Labs is the best rice protein powder on the market at the moment.
It contains a good amount of protein per serving—24 grams—and has all the essential amino acids that are important for better training results. It also has fiber to help you stay fuller longer and better control your weight.
In second place is Performance Lab Sport. It is absorbed 30% faster than whey protein while also providing the optimal amount of protein with essential amino acids.
The other products on the list are great choices as well, but I just can't look past the benefits of our winner and the runner-up.
William Toro ‧ CPT & Nutritionist
William is a certified personal trainer from NASM, he has also been a rehab physiologist for sports persons. He has more than 15 years of experience training people. And has featured in multiple publications like FoxNews, CNBC, Bustle, and other.
References:
1. Douglas S. Kalman, Amino Acid Composition of an Organic Brown Rice Protein Concentrate and Isolate Compared to Soy and Whey Concentrates and Isolates, retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302255/
2. Ralf Jäger, Joshua E. Dudeck, Jordan M. Joy, Ryan P. Lowery, Sean A. McCleary, Stephanie MC Wilson, Douglas S. Kalman, Jacob M. Wilson, Martin Purpura, Comparison of rice and whey protein osolate digestion rate and amino acid absorption, retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4042376/
3. Laura Chiavarolia, Stephanie K. Nishi, Tauseef A. Khan, Catherine R. Braunstein, Andrea J. Glenn, Sonia Blanco Mejia, Dario Rahelić, Hana Kahleová, Jordi Salas-Salvadó, David J. A. Jenkins, Cyril W. C. Kendall, John L. Sievenpiper, Portfolio Dietary Pattern and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Controlled Trials, retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003306201830094X
