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Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein Review: Our Honest Assessment
Find out how this plant-based protein powder performed in our tests
Products and services featured here are independently researched and tested. AARP may earn commissions from affiliate links, which support our mission and do not influence our objective reviews. Brand references do not imply endorsement by AARP. Learn more about how we test.
Protein is essential for staying strong and independent as we age. It helps maintain muscle and strength, which support mobility and everyday activities. The 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend adults consume 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of body weight each day and prioritize “high-quality, nutrient-dense protein foods” at every meal. But getting enough protein from food alone isn’t always easy, especially as we get older.
Protein supplements — like protein powders — can help fill the gap. One such protein powder, the Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein, could be a good option, especially if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. This vegan, plant-based protein powder combines pea, goji berry and hemp seed proteins and is gluten-free. It may be right for you if you’re lactose intolerant or follow a plant-based diet.
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To see if this protein powder is a smart choice for adults aged 50-plus, our AARP Smart Picks team worked with older adults to test the Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein. We looked at taste, texture, how well it mixes and overall value for your money.
We also talked with nutrition experts, ran a focus group with adults ages 50 to 69 who use protein supplements and surveyed 300 adults ages 50 and older who take them at least three times per week. Their input gave us a clearer picture of what matters most when choosing a protein powder and what real users look for.
Keep reading for our full review of Sunwarrior’s plant-based protein powder and to see if it’s right for your needs.
AARP Smart Picks reviews are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with your doctor or another health care provider before starting a new supplement or health product, especially if you have a medical condition or take prescription or over-the-counter medications. Supplements are not FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness and can cause side effects and interact with medications.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Pricing may fluctuate.
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein
What to know about Sunwarrior
Sunwarrior is a U.S. nutritional supplement company that specializes in plant-based protein powders and other wellness products. Its entire lineup accomadates people who prefer vegan supplements or who want to avoid dairy-based protein sources.
The Warrior Blend Organic Protein combines three plant-based protein sources:
- Organic pea protein: Made from yellow peas, this protein provides essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which help support muscle maintenance and repair.
- Organic goji berry protein: Made from goji berries, which contain essential amino acids needed the body needs to build and repair muscle tissue.
- Organic hemp seed protein: Derived from hemp seeds, this protein contains all nine essential amino acids, which our bodies can’t produce on their own and are the building blocks of protein.
This protein supplement uses all organic ingredients (except salt), including organic stevia to sweeten its vanilla and chocolate-flavored Warrior Blend powders. The unflavored version contains no added sweetener.
Testers said this powder had a smooth texture and was easy to mix, but said the taste was average and the amount of protein per serving was low.
If you’re comparing protein powders, pay attention to how much protein you get in each serving. Warrior Blend’s vanilla formula has 17 grams per scoop, while many dairy-based whey protein powders we tested offer 25 to 30 grams. Plant-based options like this one may also have different levels of essential amino acids, such as leucine, which helps your body build and keep muscle.
Still, plant-based protein powders like Warrior Blend may help you meet your daily goals. Just make sure to check the protein content and see if it suits your needs.
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein
AARP Smart Picks
- Pros and cons
- Features
Pros
USDA-certified organic and plant-based ingredients
Easy instructions
Excellent mixability
Cons
Only 17 grams of protein per serving
Underwhelming vanilla flavor
Type: Organic pea, goji berry and hemp seed protein blend
Protein per serving: 17 grams
Cost per serving: $1.67
Flavors: 8
Third-party tested: Yes, ARL Bio Pharma
AARP Smart Picks
Key takeaways from our testing
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein earned a spot in our best protein powders roundup in part for its organic, plant-based ingredients. Its formula combines organic pea, goji berry and hemp seed proteins and is USDA certified organic.
Unlike whey protein, which comes from cow’s milk, Warrior Blend is vegan. That could make it a good option for older adults who follow a plant-based diet or who avoid dairy because of dietary sensitivities, such as a milk allergy. It also contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors.
Tester Cindy said the Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein mixed easily and had a smooth texture, resulting in perfect marks for mixability.
AARP Smart Picks
Tester Cindy said the Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein mixed easily and had a smooth texture, resulting in perfect marks for mixability.
Warrior Blend earned perfect scores for mixability and texture in our evaluation. Tester Cindy, age 65, who prepared shakes with the vanilla flavor, found that the powder mixed easily without leaving visible clumps, foam or residue.
“There’s no grittiness or powdery texture, and I don’t see residue on the side of the glass,” she said, noting that the blend also didn’t taste chalky. She found it to be thin with water and thicker with milk, so you can adjust it to your taste — lighter or creamier.
The preparation instructions also earned top marks. The label recommends mixing, shaking or blending one scoop with 10 ounces of your preferred beverage. Cindy found the directions easy to read and follow, and she could open the container and remove its protective seal without difficulty.
Taste was one of Warrior Blend’s weaker areas in our assessment — the vanilla flavor earned a middling score on this metric, and Cindy felt it could have been more flavorful. “I don’t taste any real sweetness, but it’s not bitter or anything,” she said. She described the vanilla flavor as “subtle” and reported no noticeable aftertaste or coating on her tongue.
Cindy also felt like the flavor wasn’t good enough to make up for its lower protein content. In fact, with 17 grams per scoop, this Sunwarrior powder has one of the lowest levels of protein per serving among all the products we’ve tested, Cindy said she’d pick other powders she’s tried that offer more protein.
How we test protein supplements
We began our process by researching the market: Which protein powders are popular and why? Which companies have positive reviews — and are those reviews legitimate? We also surveyed 300 adults ages 50-plus and convened a focus group with older adults who regularly take protein supplements. Their insights helped us pinpoint which factors matter most to older adults when choosing a protein powder and what drives overall satisfaction with these products. (We quote participants using pseudonyms to preserve their privacy.)
We consult with medical professionals to review the nutritional information and formulation of every supplement we test. Nutrition experts weigh in on each product’s active ingredients, potential additives and appropriateness for various age groups or health conditions. With the experts’ help, we ensure each supplement has independent third-party verification from organizations such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF International or the U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention. That’s especially important because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not evaluate supplements for safety or effectiveness.
Our lab team then purchases supplements that pass this initial screening. We recruit independent older adult testers who prepare and evaluate the protein powders and answer questions about packaging, instructions, mixability, taste, texture and more. We also assess factors such as value and protein content per serving. For additional information, see our supplements testing methodology.
How much does Sunwarrior Warrior Blend protein powder cost?
This powder comes in a 1.65-pound tub with 30 servings. At the regular one-time purchase price of $49.97, that’s about $1.67 per serving — one of the lowest prices per serving among the protein powders we’ve tested.
You can save more with a subscription, which knocks 20 percent off and brings the price down to $39.98, or about $1.33 per serving. You can skip, change or cancel your subscription at any time.
Protein supplements: Cost matters
In our 2026 survey of 300 adults ages 50 and older who take protein supplements, the most commonly cited challenge to taking supplements was cost, chosen by one-third of respondents. To get the most for your money, compare the price per serving and how much protein you get in each scoop.
Is Sunwarrior Warrior Blend right for you?
It could be a smart pick if you want an organic, plant-based protein powder that mixes well and is dairy-free. Just know that it has less protein per serving than most whey-based powders and a milder flavor, which may not suit everyone.
Before you buy, think about your daily protein needs, what flavors you like, your dietary preferences and how much you want to spend.
Do you prefer a plant-based protein?
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein could be a good choice if you follow a vegan diet, avoid dairy or want to get more protein from plant sources.
“There is not one protein powder that is universally better than others,” says Kirsten Swantee, a registered dietitian at JM Nutrition in Nova Scotia, Canada. “The best option for an individual depends on preferences, allergies or intolerances and other factors.”
Plant proteins aren’t exactly the same as animal proteins in terms of amino acids and digestion (protein from animal products tend to have more essential amino acids and to be more easily absorbed than protein from plant sources), but both can help meet your daily needs. The best choice comes down to your preferences, nutritional needs and what works for your body.
Do you have a strict budget?
At about $1.67 per serving, Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein has one of the lowest per-serving prices among the protein powders we’ve tested. One serving a day means a 30-serving tub lasts about a month, and costs $49.97 if you buy once or $39.98 with a subscription, not including taxes or shipping.
The amount of protein you get for that price is also worth considering. Each scoop has 17 grams, so if you want more protein per serving, another powder might give you better value.
If you prefer organic ingredients, a vegan formula and a smooth texture, Warrior Blend could be worth a look. For more ways to meet your protein needs without breaking the bank, check out our guide to low-cost protein sources for older adults.
Do you have allergies or food sensitivities?
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein is vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free. Its formula contains no dairy or soy, making it an option for people who avoid these types of foods. The flavored varieties use stevia, a sweetener derived from the stevia plant. The unflavored version contains no added sweetener.
Although the product avoids several common allergens, it’s still important to read the ingredients label carefully. “Some [Sunwarrior Warrior Blend] flavors contain peanuts or coconut, so people with food allergies should check the label for the specific flavor,” says Morgan Pearson, a registered dietitian and AARP medical reviewer. Be sure to review allergen statements and manufacturing information with a health care provider before using a supplement.
Is taste the most important factor to you?
Taste makes a big difference in whether you use a protein powder consistently. It was cited as the most important factor in choosing a supplement by 77 percent of our survey respondents. And in our focus group, most participants identified it as a major consideration in their choices. One participant mentioned not wanting to regularly consume a product that didn't taste good.
Our tester thought Sunwarrior’s vanilla flavor was mild and a bit underwhelming but liked how smooth and easy it was to mix. If you want a light, subtly flavored shake, Warrior Blend might be a good choice. It could also work well in smoothies or recipes with other stronger flavors.
If you prefer a richer vanilla or want a protein powder that’s more flavorful mixed with just water, you might want to look at other options.
Benefits of protein powders for older adults
Getting enough protein becomes especially important as we age. Older adults naturally lose muscle mass and strength over time, a condition called sarcopenia.
Protein powders can help fill nutritional gaps in your diet if you struggle to get enough protein from food alone. The benefits of meeting your needs include:
- Increasing and maintaining muscle mass: Adequate protein intake helps build and preserve muscle, particularly when combined with strength training.
- Supporting bone health: As an important component of bones, protein keeps them healthy and strong.
- Helping with recovery: The body depends on protein for healing and tissue repair following illness, injury and surgery.
- Supporting strength and mobility: Protein fortifies muscles, connective tissues and bones for daily activities like walking and climbing stairs.
Protein powders aren’t necessary for everyone. Older adults can meet their nutritional needs by eating a variety of foods, such as beans, lentils, tofu, eggs, dairy products, fish and lean meats.
“Protein powders aren’t essential for older adults, but they can be an easy, convenient way to help meet protein needs either within a given meal or as part of an overall daily eating routine,” says Los Angeles-based registered dietitian Cynthia Sass. She recommends treating protein powder as a complement to whole foods rather than a replacement.
Potential side effects of protein powders
Protein powders may suit many healthy adults when used as directed, but some people could experience digestive discomfort or other reactions. Possible side effects include:
- Bloating and gas
- Stomach discomfort
- Sensitivity to added ingredients such as sweeteners
Although Sunwarrior’s Warrior Blend does not contain dairy, soy and gluten, people with food allergies should still review the full ingredient list and allergen information before using it.
People with chronic kidney disease should speak with a health care provider before taking protein supplements to determine their specific protein needs since recommendations depend on a number of factors, including kidney function and overall health.
If you take prescription medications or have an underlying medical condition, ask your health care provider or pharmacist whether a new supplement is appropriate for you.
Protein powder should complement a balanced diet rather than replace regular meals unless a health care professional recommends otherwise.
FAQs
No. Like other dietary supplements, Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein does not require approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This entity regulates dietary supplements, but has no role in approving them before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products meet applicable safety and labeling requirements.
Yes, if you are in good health and your doctor or a dietitian approves of adding a daily protein supplement to your regimen. Each serving provides 17 grams of protein, which can boost the amount you get from meals and snacks.
Getting enough protein from food alone can become more challenging with age. “Older adults may experience factors that make it harder to consume adequate protein such as reduced appetite, chewing difficulties and less energy for meal preparation,” says Kirsten Swantee, a registered dietitian in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Adding a protein shake can be a convenient way to increase your intake without eating a large meal. If you’re already meeting your protein needs through food, you don’t need a daily supplement.
You can buy Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Organic Protein on the company’s website and from brick-and-mortar and online retailers, including Amazon.
The company offers one-time purchases and discounts for subscriptions. Before buying, compare prices, container sizes, shipping costs and return policies.
Sunwarrior specializes in plant-based protein supplements, including Warrior Blend and other vegan protein formulations. Ingredients and nutritional content vary by product, so check the label to find the formula that best fits your dietary preferences and protein goals.
Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.
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