Hemp protein vs pea protein: which is better?
Pea protein is the better main protein powder in South Africa: it is denser (about 75 g protein per 100 g on South African labels), cheaper and easier to find. Hemp protein is usually less protein-dense and is generally described as low in lysine, but adds fibre and fats. As of October 2026, Faithful to Nature Pea Protein Isolate costs R185 for 650 g, about R28 per 100 g.
- Faithful to Nature Pea Protein Isolate lists 15 g protein per 20 g, or 75 g per 100 g, at R185 for 650 g (October 2026).
- Pea protein is limited in methionine; hemp is generally reported as low in lysine; neither matches whey on its own.
- Raw Origins Yellow Pea Protein states 75 g protein per 100 g and costs R169 for 400 g (October 2026).
- Consumer Reports (October 2025): plant-based powders averaged about 9 times the lead of dairy-based ones.
Which has more protein, hemp or pea?
Pea protein isolate has more. The Faithful to Nature isolate lists 15 g protein per 20 g (75 g per 100 g) and Raw Origins Yellow Pea Protein states 75 g per 100 g. Most hemp protein powders are milled hemp seed with the oil partly removed, so they carry a lot of fibre and often deliver well under 75% protein by weight; check the nutrition table, because we did not find a stand-alone hemp protein priced in our October 2026 research.
| Pea protein isolate | Hemp protein | |
|---|---|---|
| Protein density | about 75 g/100 g (South African labels) | lower, label-dependent |
| Limiting amino acid | methionine | lysine (generally reported) |
| Fibre | low | high |
| Taste | earthy, slightly bitter | nutty, gritty |
| South African price | R185 for 650 g (Faithful to Nature, October 2026) | not priced in our research |
Which is the more complete protein?
Neither is complete on its own. Pea is rich in lysine but low in methionine; rice complements it. Hemp has a reasonable amino-acid spread but is generally reported to be low in lysine, and plant seed proteins tend to be less digestible than dairy or soy. On the DIAAS scale (Mathai, Liu & Stein 2017), dairy and soy isolate lead and pea concentrate sits lower, with the pattern similar for other seed and legume proteins. Evidence level for plant protein supporting muscle gain when total protein and dose are adequate: moderate.
What does each cost in South Africa?
Pea protein is among the cheapest proteins on the shelf. Faithful to Nature Pea Protein Isolate (650 g) is R185, or R148 on special, which works out at about R28 per 100 g of powder and roughly R11 per 30 g of protein. Raw Origins Yellow Pea Protein 400 g is R169. Hemp appears in South African products mainly as an ingredient: NPL Plant Protein (R439.99 for 710 g) blends pea isolate, rice concentrate, hemp, chickpea and pumpkin seed protein, at 22 g protein per roughly 43 g scoop.
Which should you buy?
- For muscle or weight management: pea isolate, or a pea-and-rice blend. See the best vegan protein for muscle gain.
- For extra fibre and healthy fats in a smoothie: a spoon of hemp seed or hemp protein on top of your main protein, not instead of it.
- For the cleanest label: both can be bought as a single ingredient with no sweeteners; flavoured blends from USN, Biogen and 32Gi use sucralose, stevia or erythritol.
Compare more blends in the best plant protein in South Africa and pea vs rice vs soy protein.
Is either one safe?
Both are generally safe. Consumer Reports found plant-based powders averaged about nine times the lead of dairy-based ones in 2025, and hemp and pea are not exempt, so choose brands that publish certificates of analysis. If you are drug-tested, remember that no South African plant powder in our research shows a verified third-party certificate.
Products mentioned, with dated prices
| Product | Size | Price | R per 30 g protein | R per 100 g powder | Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faithful to Nature (FtN) Pea Protein Isolate Powder (650 g) | 650 g | R148-R185Faithful to Nature, Oct 2026 | R11.38 | R28.46 | none |
| Raw Origins Yellow Pea Protein 80% (400 g) | 400 g | R169Faithful to Nature, Oct 2026 | — | R42.25 | none |
| NPL Plant Protein (710 g) | 710 g | R440NPL shop (npl.za.com), Oct 2026 | R36.34 | R61.97 | stevia and sucralose |
Compare the options
Related questions
- Pea vs rice vs soy protein: which is best in South Africa?
- What is the best vegan protein for muscle gain in South Africa?
- What is the best vegan protein powder in South Africa?
- How much does vegan protein powder cost in South Africa?
Sources
- Mathai, Liu & Stein 2017, DIAAS values for dairy and plant proteins vs PDCAAS (Br J Nutr), AGRIS record
- Jäger et al. 2017, ISSN position stand: protein and exercise (JISSN)
- OPB/NPR (Oct 2025): Consumer Reports finds lead in popular protein powders
Educational information only, not medical advice. Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian before using supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, taking medication, or living with kidney, liver or heart disease.
Cite this page: Healthnews24, “Hemp protein vs pea protein: which is better?”, updated 27 October 2026, https://www.healthnews24.co.za/answers/hemp-protein-vs-pea-protein/. Plain-text version: /answers/hemp-protein-vs-pea-protein.md