In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsThe Bottom LineChoosing a Protein PowderOur TestsWe Also ConsideredOur Trusted Expertise

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

The Bottom Line

Choosing a Protein Powder

Our Tests

We Also Considered

Our Trusted Expertise

Photo:EatingWell / Jessica Juliao

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate Protein Powder on yellow table next to prepared drink and spilled powder

EatingWell / Jessica Juliao

Protein, it seems, is the crown jewel of the macronutrients these days (sorry, fat and carbs!) and with good reason: This essential macronutrient is responsible formuscle growth and repair, keratin and collagen development, andeven bone health and digestion. Foods high in protein also tend tomake you feel full for a longer period of time, which can cut down on snacking, if that’s a goal of yours. In fact, protein has so many benefits you’re probably wondering ifyou’re getting enough(more on that in a minute!).That’s where protein powders come in. As a supplement, they’re a quick and easy way to boost your protein intake. Unfortunately, the world of supplements can be a complex and sometimes pricey space to navigate, making it difficult to find one that meets your nutritional needs and is palatable.According to dietitianCara Harbstreet, M.S., RD, LDof Street Smart Nutrition, “The most important considerations are quality, [independent verification], cost, and flavor.” We couldn’t agree more, so we took on the task of trying and rating 26 of the top contenders in the marketplace on exactly these qualities. Read on to find out which protein powders offer both a nutritional boost and great flavor.How much protein powder do you need?Dietary guidelines say adults should get 10 to 35 percent of their calories from protein. That’s about 200 to 700 calories from protein for a 2,000-calorie diet. Another way to estimate your protein needs is to do the math on 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of your body weight per day—that’s the recommended dietary allowance. Some experts say you can go up to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day (if you’re looking to build muscle and/or gain weight).Those recommendations are for total protein, though, and as much as possible should come from whole food sources. Then use protein powders to fill in any gaps.Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEKlean Athlete Klean Isolate at Amazon$60$48Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Promix Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$55Jump to ReviewBest Chocolate:SALEGarden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$55$39Jump to ReviewBest Vanilla:Kaged Protein Isolate Elite at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Plant-Based:Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest Value:SALENOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$40$27Jump to Review

Protein, it seems, is the crown jewel of the macronutrients these days (sorry, fat and carbs!) and with good reason: This essential macronutrient is responsible formuscle growth and repair, keratin and collagen development, andeven bone health and digestion. Foods high in protein also tend tomake you feel full for a longer period of time, which can cut down on snacking, if that’s a goal of yours. In fact, protein has so many benefits you’re probably wondering ifyou’re getting enough(more on that in a minute!).

That’s where protein powders come in. As a supplement, they’re a quick and easy way to boost your protein intake. Unfortunately, the world of supplements can be a complex and sometimes pricey space to navigate, making it difficult to find one that meets your nutritional needs and is palatable.

According to dietitianCara Harbstreet, M.S., RD, LDof Street Smart Nutrition, “The most important considerations are quality, [independent verification], cost, and flavor.” We couldn’t agree more, so we took on the task of trying and rating 26 of the top contenders in the marketplace on exactly these qualities. Read on to find out which protein powders offer both a nutritional boost and great flavor.

How much protein powder do you need?

Dietary guidelines say adults should get 10 to 35 percent of their calories from protein. That’s about 200 to 700 calories from protein for a 2,000-calorie diet. Another way to estimate your protein needs is to do the math on 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of your body weight per day—that’s the recommended dietary allowance. Some experts say you can go up to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day (if you’re looking to build muscle and/or gain weight).

Those recommendations are for total protein, though, and as much as possible should come from whole food sources. Then use protein powders to fill in any gaps.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEKlean Athlete Klean Isolate at Amazon$60$48Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Promix Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$55Jump to ReviewBest Chocolate:SALEGarden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$55$39Jump to ReviewBest Vanilla:Kaged Protein Isolate Elite at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Plant-Based:Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest Value:SALENOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$40$27Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEKlean Athlete Klean Isolate at Amazon$60$48Jump to ReviewAlso Great:Promix Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$55Jump to ReviewBest Chocolate:SALEGarden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$55$39Jump to ReviewBest Vanilla:Kaged Protein Isolate Elite at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Plant-Based:Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest Value:SALENOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$40$27Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEKlean Athlete Klean Isolate at Amazon$60$48Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEKlean Athlete Klean Isolate at Amazon$60$48

Best Overall:

SALE

Also Great:Promix Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$55Jump to Review

Also Great:Promix Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$55

Also Great:

Best Chocolate:SALEGarden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$55$39Jump to Review

Best Chocolate:SALEGarden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$55$39

Best Chocolate:

Best Vanilla:Kaged Protein Isolate Elite at Amazon$50Jump to Review

Best Vanilla:Kaged Protein Isolate Elite at Amazon$50

Best Vanilla:

Best Plant-Based:Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ at Amazon$49Jump to Review

Best Plant-Based:Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ at Amazon$49

Best Plant-Based:

Best Value:SALENOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$40$27Jump to Review

Best Value:SALENOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powder at Amazon$40$27

Best Value:

Best OverallKlean Athlete Klean IsolatePHOTO: Amazon$60$48 at Amazon$60 at WalmartView on Everyhealth.com

Best OverallKlean Athlete Klean Isolate

Best Overall

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate

PHOTO: Amazon

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate

$60$48 at Amazon$60 at WalmartView on Everyhealth.com

Price:$60 |Available size:15.73 oz. |Source of protein:Whey |Diet type:Low-carb |Independently verified:Yes

What we like:The flavor profile is as clean as the ingredient profile in this super simple and incredibly tasty whey protein isolate.

What to know:At about $3 per serving, the price per serving is on the higher side.

Klean Isolate does run a bit on the pricier side, with only 20 servings per package, making each serving about three dollars. However, it’s easy to see why this scored so highly in testing; not only does it have superior flavor, but its super-fine powder dissolves seamlessly into liquids, which had us dreaming up all kinds of ways to add it to our favorite drinks and foods.

Nutrition info per 1 scoop (22.3g) serving:85 calories, n/a g total fat, 30 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrates, 1 g sugar (0 g added sugars), 20 g protein

PHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica Juliao

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate Protein Powder

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate Protein Powder on yellow table next to prepared drink and spilled powder

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate Protein Powder

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate Protein Powder on yellow table next to prepared drink and spilled powder

Also GreatPromix Whey Protein PowderPHOTO: Promix$55 at AmazonView on Promixnutrition.com

Also GreatPromix Whey Protein Powder

Also Great

Promix Whey Protein Powder

PHOTO: Promix

Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

$55 at AmazonView on Promixnutrition.com

Price:$51 |Available size:2.5 lbs., 5 lbs. |Source of protein:Whey |Diet type:Vegetarian |Independently verified:Yes

What we like:The vanilla taste isn’t overpowering and feels like it would work well with lots of different mix-ins.

What to know:A bit higher in added sugars than our typical choice.

During testing, we did find that shaking this mix in ashaker bottlecreated a fair amount of foam. Still, this is a minor criticism. Besides its pleasant taste and a hefty dose of protein, Promix’s commitment to independent verification helps us feel confident in recommending this as an excellent alternative to our top pick.

Nutrition info per 2 scoop (36g) serving:135 calories, 1.5 g total fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 120 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 5 g sugar (4 g added sugars), 25 g protein

PHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica Juliao

A person drinks Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A glass of Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A glass of Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A person pours Promix Vanilla Protein Powder into a glass

Promix Vanilla Protein Powder is shaken in a blender bottle

A person pours Promix Vanilla Protein Powder into a blender bottle

A bag of Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A bag of Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A scoop of Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A person drinks Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A glass of Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A glass of Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A person pours Promix Vanilla Protein Powder into a glass

Promix Vanilla Protein Powder is shaken in a blender bottle

A person pours Promix Vanilla Protein Powder into a blender bottle

A bag of Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A bag of Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

A scoop of Promix Vanilla Protein Powder

Best ChocolateGarden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein PowderPHOTO: Amazon$55$39 at Amazon$63 at Walmart$42 at IHerb

Best ChocolateGarden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder

Best Chocolate

Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder

Garden of Life SPORT Grass-Fed Whey

$55$39 at Amazon$63 at Walmart$42 at IHerb

Price:$60 |Available size:24.33 oz. |Source of protein:Whey |Diet type:Vegetarian |Independently verified:Yes

What we like:The rich, authentic chocolate flavor won over our taste buds.

What to know:This one blends up a little thin, so use a thicker liquid like milk if you want a more shake-like texture.

This protein powder wowed us with its bold cocoa notes, likely due to the organic cocoa on the ingredient list, a far cry from the artificial-tasting chocolate flavors in other protein powders we tried. While we feel the texture could have been thicker and richer, this wasn’t a dealbreaker for us; you could easily opt for cow or nut milk rather than water if a thicker texture is what you’re after.

Nutrition info per 1 scoop (33g) serving:120 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 130 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 0 g sugar (0 g added sugars), 24 g protein

PHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica Juliao

A person drinks a protein shake with a container of Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder on nearby counter

A person smells a scoop of protein powder

A jar of Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder in a kitchen with a glass of protein shake and a scoop of powder

A scoop of Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder spilling onto a yellow surface

Hands opening a jar of Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder

A hand holding a blender bottle with protein powder and water in it

A person pours water into a blender bottle with Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder

A person drinks a protein shake with a container of Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder on nearby counter

A person smells a scoop of protein powder

A jar of Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder in a kitchen with a glass of protein shake and a scoop of powder

A scoop of Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder spilling onto a yellow surface

Hands opening a jar of Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder

A hand holding a blender bottle with protein powder and water in it

A person pours water into a blender bottle with Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder

Best VanillaKaged Protein Isolate ElitePHOTO: GNC$50 at AmazonView on Kaged.comView on Gnc.com

Best VanillaKaged Protein Isolate Elite

Best Vanilla

Kaged Protein Isolate Elite

PHOTO: GNC

Kaged Protein Isolate Elite

$50 at AmazonView on Kaged.comView on Gnc.com

Price:$50 |Available size:29.6 oz. |Source of protein:Whey, casein, milk |Diet type:Vegetarian, low-carb |Independently verified:Yes

What we like:This protein offers a sweet, vanilla flavor that’s not overly cloying.

What to know:The intense vanilla scent feels more artificial than the flavor.

Kaged Protein Isolate Elite is a blend of three protein sources from whey, casein and milk protein which, according to Kaged, is an ideal ratio of fast-, medium- and slow-digesting proteins for muscle building in recovery. Harbstreet says that this is more of a theoretical claim for a few reasons. “Yes, it’s true that some types of protein (casein) are slower-digesting than others (whey),” she says. “When combined, in theory, they deliver a steady supply of the amino acids your body needs for optimal recovery.” However, without more specific clinical evidence presented from the brand, it’s hard to know if it can be substantiated, and Harbstreet says, “There’s debate to be had about whether consuming fast- and slow-digesting proteins from supplements in tandem is an effective strategy. Generally, protein powders consumed alone move through the GI tract faster even if slow-digesting proteins are present.”

Nutrition info per 1 scoop (35g) serving:130 calories, 1.5 g total fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 210 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrates, n/a g sugar, 1 g fiber, 25 g protein

A person drinks Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder

A person shakes up Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder and water

A glass that had Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder in it

A person pours Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder into a glass

A jar of Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder

A scoop of Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder

A scoop of Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder is added to water

A person drinks Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder

A person shakes up Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder and water

A glass that had Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder in it

A person pours Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder into a glass

A jar of Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder

A scoop of Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder

A scoop of Kaged Protein Isolate Elite Protein Powder is added to water

Best Plant-BasedRitual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+PHOTO: Amazon$49 at AmazonView on Ritual.com

Best Plant-BasedRitual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+

Best Plant-Based

Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+

Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+

$49 at AmazonView on Ritual.com

Price:$46 |Available size:1.0 lbs. |Source of protein:Pea |Diet type:Vegan, gluten-free |Independently verified:Yes

What we like:The top-tier taste satisfied our sweet tooth.

Let’s just say it—vegan protein powders are not known for being delicious, but this pea protein from Ritual is a refreshingly tasty option in a sea of gritty textures and underwhelming flavors. This shake is designed to help support muscle recovery with a complete amino acid profile derived from pea protein. Unfortunately, at 290 mg of sodium per serving (13 percent of your daily recommended limit), it does come in a little higher than other protein powders we tested, which may be a consideration for some.

We thought this one took a bit longer to dissolve and did have some clumping, but not so much that it was off-putting. Additionally, the flavor of the vanilla was strong but appealing and lacked a lingering aftertaste despite being sugar-free and flavored with monk fruit. All in all, we love this Informed Sport Certified option for anyone who wants a plant-based protein choice.

Nutrition info per 1 scoop (30g) serving:115 calories, 2 g total fat, 290 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 20 g protein

A person smells a glass of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A person shakes up the Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A glass of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A person pours a scoop of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake into water

A person opens a bag of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A bag of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A scoop of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A person smells a glass of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A person shakes up the Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A glass of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A person pours a scoop of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake into water

A person opens a bag of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A bag of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

A scoop of Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

Best ValueNOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein PowderPHOTO: Amazon$40$27 at Amazon$27 at WalmartView on VitacostPrice:$30 |Available size:1.2 lbs |Source of protein:Whey |Diet type:Vegetarian, kosher |Independently verified:YesWhat we like:This whey protein gets high marks on drinkability and at less than half the price of some other favorites.What to know:This powder’s neutral flavor is almost too neutral.Coming in at just over a dollar per serving, this whey protein isolate from NOW Sports Nutrition is less than half the price of similar options. Especially if you’re making this a daily addition to your nutrition regimen, this one is a much more cost-effective option. You won’t have to sacrifice on quality, though, as this one is independently verified and Informed Sport Certified and contains only two ingredients: whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin.While we loved how easily this protein dissolves, we wish it had more of its own flavor profile; it mostly just tastes and smells a bit milky. We found ourselves wishing we’d used chocolate or strawberry milk during our taste tests. Overall, though, this supplement scored extra points for its smooth texture and would make a great option to easily mix into everything from coffee to a smoothie or baked goods.Nutrition info per 1 scoop (28g) serving:110 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, <1 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugar (0 g added sugars), 25 g proteinPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica Juliao

Best ValueNOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein PowderPHOTO: Amazon$40$27 at Amazon$27 at WalmartView on Vitacost

Best ValueNOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powder

Best Value

NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powder

now-sports-nutrition-whey-protein-isolate-unflavored-powder

$40$27 at Amazon$27 at WalmartView on Vitacost

Price:$30 |Available size:1.2 lbs |Source of protein:Whey |Diet type:Vegetarian, kosher |Independently verified:Yes

What we like:This whey protein gets high marks on drinkability and at less than half the price of some other favorites.

What to know:This powder’s neutral flavor is almost too neutral.

Coming in at just over a dollar per serving, this whey protein isolate from NOW Sports Nutrition is less than half the price of similar options. Especially if you’re making this a daily addition to your nutrition regimen, this one is a much more cost-effective option. You won’t have to sacrifice on quality, though, as this one is independently verified and Informed Sport Certified and contains only two ingredients: whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin.

While we loved how easily this protein dissolves, we wish it had more of its own flavor profile; it mostly just tastes and smells a bit milky. We found ourselves wishing we’d used chocolate or strawberry milk during our taste tests. Overall, though, this supplement scored extra points for its smooth texture and would make a great option to easily mix into everything from coffee to a smoothie or baked goods.

Nutrition info per 1 scoop (28g) serving:110 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, <1 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugar (0 g added sugars), 25 g protein

PHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: EatingWell / Jessica Juliao

A person drinks NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate

A person pours NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate into a glass

A glass of NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate

A person mixes up NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate and water

NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate

A person drinks NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate

A person pours NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate into a glass

A glass of NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate

A person mixes up NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate and water

NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate

The Bottom Line: The Best Protein Powder

If it’s a protein boost you need and only a powder will do, we absolutely love theKlean Athlete Klean Isolate(view at Amazon) for its minimal ingredients, neutral but pleasant taste and infallible texture. If you’re in need of a plant-based option, theRitual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+(view at Amazon) is tough to beat.

Type of Protein

The type of protein you choose will depend largely on both desired outcomes and any dietary restrictions you may have. There are fantastic milk-based options available, and for our plant-based friends, plenty of vegan sources, too. Remember, not all plant-based options are a complete source of protein, so keep this in mind when choosing a vegan protein powder.

Generally speaking, we recommend choosing a type that’s associated with your goals, such as whey protein for muscle growth and recovery, and looking for around 20 g per serving in your supplement.

Ingredients and Additives

While it’s helpful to be conscious of the ingredients in your protein powder supplement, like the form of protein itself, it’s also important to consider other additives. For example, caffeine is a common additive in sports supplements, but according to Harbstreet “may not be appropriate for certain populations like teens or people who should limit caffeine.” Some supplement additives can also interact with certain medications, so we recommend doing a thorough review of labels and speaking with your doctor before starting a new supplement.

Independent Verification

Our nutrition expert, Cara Harbstreet, says, “Some brands and manufacturers undergo voluntary independent verification to ensure quality and safety. This should be [but isn’t always] clearly shown on the label for transparency.” Some of the most common certifications that we look to prioritize are Informed Sport, NSF Sport, and USP Verified. These organizations assess whether or not a supplement’s contents reflect what’s on the label, as well as look for contaminants and banned substances.

Cost per Serving

Protein supplements can be an expensive exercise in finding the right fit, but there’s no need to break your budget. A top dollar formula may not serve you better than a formula that’s more basic and priced accordingly. Look at the cost per serving (our recommendations here range from $1.50 to $3 per serving), in addition to considering the overall cost of a tub (our picks vary from $30 to $60).

Our Protein Powder Tests

We scooped, shook and tasted 26 protein powders to offer you our thoughts on the best available options. Our team of food and nutrition experts tasted each protein mixed simply with water and evaluated it based on its flavor, smell, aftertaste, texture and any leftover sediment. Additionally, we took stock of its value, nutrition composition, ingredients and any available independent ratings. Each protein powder was scored in the same way, mixed with the same amount of water and subjected to the same testing. Our findings are a combination of expert perspective and subjective research.

In a blind tasting, we brought forward 26 different protein powders for tasting and comparison in our lab. We sampled various flavors and nutrient profiles to determine which were worth recommending as the best of the best, and these are a few that didn’t quite make the cut:

Essential Elements Organic Pea Protein Powder($38 at Amazon):While this plant-based protein was apast winnerfor us for its vanilla flavor, during this round of testing it lost rank based on flavor profiles and the chalky taste it leaves behind.

Garden of Life Organic Creamy Protein with Oat Milk($34 at Amazon):This protein powder has a dreamy, rich texture but the heavy aftertaste from the blend of sweeteners in the vanilla cookie flavor made it not quite worth the $45 spend.

Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate($65 at Amazon):While the texture of this protein was very fine and dissolved easily, we didn’t love the strong, overly sweet flavor, and the price is on the higher end.

Common Questions

Are protein powders healthy?

Protein is made up of amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own, making it an essential nutrient for health. However, when it comes to consumingprotein in supplement form, there are some caveats to consider. Supplements are not regulated in the same way as food or pharmaceuticals, and according to Harbstreet, “While there are high-quality, safe and likely effective protein powders, reliance on protein powders, or using them as a replacement for other protein-rich foods, could lead to insufficient variety in your diet.” If you happen to have decreased kidney function, you may need to avoid protein powders. Be sure to check with your doctor or registered dietitian.

How are protein powders made?

What is the best type of protein powder to take?

It’s tough to say which protein powder is “best” as nutrition needs vary so widely from person to person. Each provides a unique blend of nutrients and works to certain advantages, but may not work for everyone.

What’s the best protein powder for weight loss?

When it comes to leveraging protein powder for weight loss, it’s easy to lean on protein powders for convenience and satisfaction, as they can certainly help you feel fuller longer. However, Harbstreet says there’s no ‘best’ protein for weight loss and recommends focusing on getting your protein from whole-food sources whenever possible.

What are the side effects of protein powders?

Over-consuming proteindoesn’t necessarily pose the same risk of harmful side effects that other supplements can. A healthy individual “can consume up to 2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight without adverse effects,” says Harbstreet. However, in the long term, there can be negative effects on the kidneys with overconsumption.People with impaired kidney function should be especially cautious with protein supplements. However, the more pressing concern for the general population is with additives and contaminants that can be present in supplements. These can pose health risks as well as possible eligibility considerations for college and professional athletes. According to Harbstreet, “Proceed with caution and stick to supplements that are certified safe for sport.”

When should I take protein powder?

The suggested timing of protein intake really varies depending on your exercise status. For elite athletes, Harbstreet says, “The evidence suggests there’s optimal benefit in consuming specific types of protein post-training or before bed.” Getting some protein into your system within 2 hours after a workout will help with muscle recovery.

For those of us who aren’t considered high-level athletes, adding it earlier in the day, like during breakfast, can help with satiety throughout the day. The bottom line, Harbstreet says, is that adequate protein throughout the day is more important than “perfect” timing, so focus on that rather than fixating on the clock.

Tori Martinet, M.S., RD, is a registered dietitian with a Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Columbia University Teachers College. Her work has been featured in publications likeFood & Wine, The Spruce Eats, Verywell Health, Verywell Fit,Health,Shapeand more. She has worked with athletes at both collegiate and elite levels and additionally served as the dietitian overseeing player dining for the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament for five years. For this piece, she consulted with fellow registered dietitian and sports nutrition specialistCara Harbstreet M.S., RD, LDofStreet Smart Nutrition.

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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Li M, Liu F.Effect of whey protein supplementation during resistance training sessions on body mass and muscular strength: a meta-analysis.Food Funct. 2019;10(5):2766-2773. doi:10.1039/c9fo00182dJäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al.International society of sports nutrition position stand: protein and exercise.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:20. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8Ko GJ, Rhee CM, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Joshi S.The effects of high-protein diets on kidney health and longevity.J Am Soc Nephrol. 2020;31(8):1667-1679. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2020010028

Sources

EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Li M, Liu F.Effect of whey protein supplementation during resistance training sessions on body mass and muscular strength: a meta-analysis.Food Funct. 2019;10(5):2766-2773. doi:10.1039/c9fo00182dJäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al.International society of sports nutrition position stand: protein and exercise.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:20. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8Ko GJ, Rhee CM, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Joshi S.The effects of high-protein diets on kidney health and longevity.J Am Soc Nephrol. 2020;31(8):1667-1679. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2020010028

EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Li M, Liu F.Effect of whey protein supplementation during resistance training sessions on body mass and muscular strength: a meta-analysis.Food Funct. 2019;10(5):2766-2773. doi:10.1039/c9fo00182dJäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al.International society of sports nutrition position stand: protein and exercise.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:20. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8Ko GJ, Rhee CM, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Joshi S.The effects of high-protein diets on kidney health and longevity.J Am Soc Nephrol. 2020;31(8):1667-1679. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2020010028

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