How Much Protein is in 1 Scoop of Pea Protein Powder?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to manufacturers and nutritional data, a single scoop of pea protein powder typically contains between 15 and 25 grams of protein. This variability is influenced by the specific brand, product type (isolate or concentrate), and the designated scoop size, which can range from 20 to 33 grams.

Quick Summary

The protein content in one scoop of pea protein powder can vary significantly by brand and processing method. A typical serving delivers between 15 and 25 grams of high-quality, plant-based protein. This amount is influenced by whether the product is a concentrate or a purer isolate, as well as the manufacturer's specific scoop size.

Key Points

Variable Protein Content: A single scoop of pea protein powder typically contains 15 to 25 grams of protein, but the exact amount varies based on the brand, serving size, and product type.
Isolate vs. Concentrate: Pea protein isolates are more refined and contain a higher percentage of protein (over 90%), while concentrates are less processed and have a lower protein percentage (60-80%).
Scoop Size Matters: Always check the nutrition label for the specific serving size in grams, as manufacturers use different scoop sizes which directly affects the total protein per scoop.
Complete Amino Acid Profile: Although pea protein alone is lower in methionine, many products blend it with brown rice protein to provide a complete and balanced essential amino acid profile.
Supports Muscle and Weight Goals: Pea protein is rich in BCAAs like leucine and can help with muscle growth and repair. It also promotes satiety, which aids in weight management.
Hypoallergenic and Vegan: A great option for those with dairy or gluten sensitivities, pea protein is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and hypoallergenic.
Check for Additives: When selecting a product, look for minimal additives, sugars, and artificial sweeteners, and consider opting for third-party tested products to ensure quality and purity.

Understanding the Protein Content

While a single scoop of pea protein powder offers a substantial amount of protein, the precise quantity is not universal. The protein yield per scoop is determined by several key factors, which makes reading the product's nutrition label essential. Most consumers will find that a standard scoop provides a solid protein boost, ideal for post-workout recovery or supplementing daily intake.

Factors Influencing Protein per Scoop

Product Type: The most significant factor is whether the powder is a pea protein isolate or a concentrate. Isolates undergo more extensive filtering to remove fat and carbohydrates, resulting in a product that is often over 90% protein by weight and delivers more protein per scoop. Concentrates are less refined, retain some fat and carbs, and typically contain 60–80% protein.
Scoop Size: Manufacturers use different scoop sizes. A scoop from one brand may be 20 grams, while another's is 30 or 33 grams. Therefore, the total protein per scoop varies accordingly, even if the percentage of protein in the powder is similar. A 30-gram scoop of an isolate might have 24 grams of protein, while a 20-gram scoop of another brand's isolate might have 16 grams.
Added Ingredients: Some pea protein powders are sold as pure, unflavored isolates, while others are part of blends that include other protein sources (like brown rice protein) or added flavoring, sweeteners, and digestive enzymes. These extra ingredients can slightly dilute the protein concentration per scoop.

How to Calculate Your Scoop's Protein

To find the exact protein content, locate the nutrition facts on your product's packaging. The label will list the serving size (often in grams) and the total grams of protein per serving. If your scoop size is different from the listed serving size, you can calculate the exact amount with a simple formula:

Find the manufacturer's specified protein per serving (e.g., 20g protein per 25g serving).
Calculate the protein percentage of the powder: (20g protein / 25g serving) x 100 = 80% protein.
Weigh your personal scoop size (e.g., 30g).
Multiply your scoop's weight by the protein percentage: 30g x 0.80 = 24g of protein in your scoop.

Comparison of Pea Protein Powder Types

Choosing the right pea protein depends on your dietary goals and budget. The primary decision is often between isolates and concentrates, which differ in purity, cost, and nutrient profile. Below is a comparison to help inform your decision.


Feature	Pea Protein Isolate	Pea Protein Concentrate
Protein Percentage	Typically over 90%.	Ranges from 60–80%.
Processing	More refined; fats and carbs are filtered out.	Less refined; some fat, carbs, and fiber are retained.
Cost	Generally more expensive due to additional processing.	More budget-friendly.
Carbohydrates	Very low to zero carbs.	Contains a small amount of carbs.
Fat	Low to minimal fat content.	Contains a small amount of fat.
Best For	Lean muscle growth, cutting calories, rapid absorption.	Balanced nutrition, general wellness, budget-conscious consumers.

Benefits and Usage of Pea Protein

Beyond its high protein content, pea protein offers several health benefits that make it an excellent dietary supplement. It is a high-quality, plant-based source of protein that contains all nine essential amino acids, although it is relatively low in methionine. To overcome this, many brands blend pea protein with brown rice protein to provide a complete amino acid profile.

Key benefits of incorporating pea protein into your diet include:

Muscle Growth and Repair: The high concentration of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine supports muscle protein synthesis, aiding in muscle building and recovery, especially after resistance training.
Weight Management: Pea protein helps you feel fuller for longer, which can reduce overall calorie intake and assist with weight loss goals.
Hypoallergenic: It is naturally free of dairy, gluten, and soy, making it an excellent choice for individuals with food sensitivities or allergies.
Heart Health: Some research suggests pea protein can help reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels.
Rich in Iron: Pea protein powders are a great source of iron, a crucial mineral for oxygen transport and overall health.

Conclusion

While a single scoop of pea protein powder typically provides a significant dose of high-quality protein (ranging from 15 to 25 grams), the exact amount depends on the brand, scoop size, and whether it is an isolate or concentrate. Checking the nutrition label is the most reliable way to determine the specific protein content of your product. Overall, pea protein is a versatile, hypoallergenic, and effective supplement for supporting muscle growth, weight management, and general wellness, regardless of the precise protein per scoop.

For more detailed information on comparing plant-based proteins, including how to find the best options for your wellness routine, consult resources from trusted health organizations and nutritional websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

One scoop of pea protein powder provides a significant boost, but whether it is 'enough' depends on your total daily protein goals, body weight, and activity level. While it can help you meet your needs, it should ideally supplement a diet rich in whole food protein sources.

Pea protein is considered a high-quality protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids. However, it is relatively low in methionine. For a more balanced amino acid profile, many brands blend it with other plant proteins like brown rice protein.

The main difference is the protein concentration and processing. Isolate is more processed to remove fat and carbs, resulting in a higher protein content (over 90%). Concentrate is less processed and has a lower protein content (60-80%) but is more budget-friendly.

The 'best' protein depends on your needs. Pea protein is an excellent plant-based, hypoallergenic option that is comparable to whey for building muscle mass. However, whey is a complete protein with higher bioavailability, while pea protein offers more iron and fiber.

Pea protein powder is generally well-tolerated and less likely to cause bloating or gas compared to whole peas because the starches and fibers are largely removed during processing. Some individuals may experience mild digestive issues, especially when first introducing it.

Many people find pea protein to have an earthy or gritty taste. To improve it, blend it into smoothies with fruits, nut butters, or other flavorings. Choosing a flavored variety from a reputable brand can also help mask the natural flavor.

Look for products with transparent ingredient lists, minimal added sugars or artificial sweeteners, and third-party certifications like Informed Sport or USDA Organic. Reading customer reviews can also help gauge taste and mixability.