Best Overall

Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder

$42 at Amazon $42 at Walmart $42 at Nhc.com

Key Specs

Protein Source: Organic whey protein isolate, organic milk protein Vegan: No Gluten-Free: Yes Protein Per Serving: 24 grams Independently verified: Yes, NSF Certifed for Sport and Informed Choice Certified

Why We Recommend It

Garden of Life SPORT Certified Grass Fed Whey is our top pick because it’s NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice Certified and provides 24 grams of high-quality whey protein. It’s also sustainably sourced—the whey comes from milk produced by grass-fed cows on sustainable Irish farms. Our testers loved the rich chocolate flavor and appreciated the smooth texture and how easily it dissolved.

One serving delivers 24 grams of protein from a combination of whey protein isolate and milk protein. There is an abundance of research on the benefits of whey as a protein source for muscle protein synthesis. In addition, the milk protein provides beneficial immunoglobulins—antibodies that produce an immune response in the body.

Garden of Life SPORT Certified Grass Fed Whey delivers all the essential amino acids, with 6 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and 4 grams of glutamine, both of which aid in muscle recovery and repair. In addition, the two billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of the probiotic B.lactis BL-04 may support immune health.

Things To Consider

Because this product is derived from milk, it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance. However. the amount of lactose found in whey isolate is very low, so typically is only an issue if you have an allergy or high sensitivity to lactose. Also, it does contain some emulsifiers, including sunflower lecithin and gums, which some may prefer to avoid because they are more processed ingredients.

Best for Athletes

NOW Foods Organic Whey Protein Powder

$44

$31 at Amazon

$44

$36 at Nowfoods.com

$44

$36 at Fruitfulyield.com

Key Specs

Protein Source: Organic whey protein concentrate Vegan: No Gluten-Free: No Protein Per Serving: 19 grams Independently verified: Yes, NSF Certified for Sport

Why We Recommend It

NOW Certified Organic Whey Protein is an unflavored whey protein made from organic milk. The milk used to create the powder is free of synthetic growth hormones (rBGH), antibiotics, and pesticides. “Whey protein is highly bioavailable and easily digested, making it an ideal choice in the post-workout time frame,” says Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RD, LDN, ACSM-cPT, USAT Level I Triathlon Coach, and RRCA Certified Running Coach. Whey protein also contains all the BCAAs, and Carroll notes that it’s a particularly good source of the amino acid leucine, which plays a role in recovery after exercise.

There are different types of whey to look out for on product packaging. Whey concentrate is 25 to 89 percent protein and has some lactose and fat. In comparison, whey isolate is made up of at least 90 percent protein, with less lactose and fat. “This powder's only ingredient is organic whey protein concentrate (concentrated from organic milk), with no flavors, sweeteners, or additional added ingredients—making it a great product to mix into smoothies or add to baked goods,” says Carroll. It's also NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that athletes routinely drug-tested can feel extra safe using this product.

It is sweetened with stevia and contains no added sugars. It's also free of artificial flavorings and colorings, made with cocoa and other natural flavors.

Things To Consider

We noted that it tasted like watered-down milk when mixed with just plain water, so it would be a better option to blend into a smoothie or mixed with milk.

Best Unflavored

Natural Force Organic Whey Protein Powder

$40 at Amazon $40 at Naturalforce.com

Key Specs

Protein Source: Grass-fed Organic whey protein concentrate  Vegan: No  Gluten-Free: Yes  Protein Per Serving: 20 grams  Independently verified: Yes

Why We Recommend It

Natural Force Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder is USDA Organic, Certified Gluten-Free, and independently verified for heavy metals and other contaminants. It is a single-ingredient, unflavored protein powder containing just whey protein concentrate. The unflavored version is versatile, but if you are looking for a flavored option, they also have chocolate and vanilla flavors with minimal ingredients.

Like the other whey protein powders on our list, this product is a highly bioavailable protein source with all essential amino acids and BCAAs. It's a great option for athletes, as well as anyone looking to incorporate a convenient, quality protein into their diet.

Things To Consider

We like that the unflavored version is versatile, but we recommend mixing it into smoothies to get the best texture and taste. Mixed with just plain water, it does not fully dissolve, leaving a grainy texture and some clumps, and we also noticed a slight aftertaste.

Best Budget

Orgain Plant Based Protein Powder Creamy Chocolate Fudge

$34

$32 at Amazon $38 at Orgain.com

Key Specs

Protein Source: Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic chia seed Vegan: Yes Gluten-Free: Yes Protein Per Serving: 21 grams Independently verified: No

Why We Recommend It

Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder is a great choice for those who can’t have dairy. “I prefer plant protein blends, like this one made of peas, brown rice, and chia seeds, since you tend to get a better variety of amino acids compared to one plant protein ingredient alone,” says Carroll. Amino acids are what makeup proteins, and some amino acids are limited in certain plant-based proteins. For example, lysine is present in very small amounts in grains, and methionine and cysteine are low in legumes. That’s why Carroll recommends plant-based proteins that come from a variety of food sources.

This organic plant-based protein powder has 21 grams of vegan protein and no added sugar. It's also a good source of iron with 6.4 milligrams (35% Daily Value) and contains 7 grams of fiber per serving. Our testers liked how easily this powder dissolves in water and the smooth and creamy texture.

Things To Consider

This protein powder is slightly more processed than others on our list. It contains sugar alcohols (erythritol) and emulsifiers, including sunflower lecithin and oil, guar gum, and xantham gum. It also does not have any independent verification certifications.

Best Plant-Based

Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein

$41 at Amazon $42 at Walmart $48 at Gardenoflife.com

Key Specs

Protein Source: Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic chia seed Vegan: Yes Gluten-Free: Yes Protein Per Serving: 30 grams Independently verified: Yes, NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice Certified

Why We Recommend It

Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein is a vegan version of the top overall pick. Again, it is NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice for Sport Certified, ensuring there are no banned athletic substances or other potential contaminants in the powder. Our testers liked the smooth and creamy texture of this protein powder and noted it dissolved well when mixed with just water.

It's made from a blend of organic pea protein, organic sprouted navy bean, organic sprouted lentil bean, organic sprouted garbanzo bean, and organic cranberry protein, making it a complete protein with all essential amino acids. It contains the highest amount of protein on our list, with 30 grams of protein per 2 scoops. It is sweetened with stevia and contains no added sugars. It's also a good source of iron, with 6.7 milligrams (40% Daily Value) per serving.

It also includes an organic recovery blend with multiple antioxidant sources, such as organic tart cherries, apples, turmeric, goji berries, and blueberries. Antioxidants help prevent the inflammation associated with exercise, which may aid in recovery. Lastly, this protein powder contains probiotics that may support immune and digestive health.

Things To Consider

Our testers noted that this protein powder tasted very sweet, with a slight artificial taste that some may not enjoy.

Best with Greens

Vega Protein & Greens

$32

$28 at Amazon $39 at Target $26 at Myvega.com

Key Specs

Protein Source: Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic sacha inchi powder  Vegan: Yes Gluten-Free: Yes Protein Per Serving: 20 grams

Why We Recommend It

Vega Protein & Greens Plant-Based Protein Powder is a protein powder with a wide variety of plant-based ingredients. The protein comes from organic peas, brown rice, and a seed called sacha inchi, containing 20 grams of protein per 1 scoop serving. It also contains a greens powder blend with organic alfalfa, spinach, broccoli, and organic kale, providing a nutrient and antioxidant boost. At 25% Daily Value each, it's a good source of vitamin K and iron.

This powder is sweetened with stevia and contains no added sugar, artificial flavorings, or colorings. Our testers noted that it blended relatively well with an overall smooth texture but slight grittiness when mixed with just water.

Things To Consider

Our testers found this protein powder to have a relatively strong sweetness level (from stevia) and an artificial taste. However, if you have a sweet tooth, you may enjoy it. To mute the artificial sweet taste, it may be best blended into a smoothie. It also does not have any independent verification certifications.

Best Flavor

Kos Organic Plant Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter

$35 at Amazon $23 at Target View on Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs

Protein Source: Organic pea protein, organic flax seed, organic quinoa, organic pumpkin seed, organic chia seed Vegan: Yes Gluten-Free: Yes Protein Per Serving: 20 grams Independently verified: No

Why We Recommend It

Kos Organic Plant Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter has a delicious flavor that isn't overpowering, so it works well mixed into water alone or blended into smoothies. It’s made with Peruvian cacao, Himalayan salt, organic coconut milk, a dash of stevia, and monk fruit, as well as five plant-based protein sources, including pea, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. It contains 20 grams of protein per serving, including all essential amino acids, making it a complete vegan protein option.

The ingredients also include a fruit and veggie blend with apple, carrot, orange, cranberry, mushroom, and tomato, providing a boost of antioxidants. In addition, the powder has a vitamin and mineral blend that creates an impressive nutrient profile. One serving of Kos Organic Plant Protein has 30 percent Daily Value (DV) of iron, 45 percent DV of vitamin E, 35 percent DV of manganese, 45 percent DV of vitamin B12, 20 percent DV of zinc, 90 percent DV of copper, 60 percent DV chromium, and 70 percent DV molybdenum.

We love that this protein powder mixes well into smoothies and plain water, with a smooth texture and no grittiness or unpleasant aftertaste. Add it to water in a shaker bottle for a simple protein shake, or try it blended with your milk of choice and a frozen banana for a dessert-like, nutrient-dense smoothie.

Things To Consider

It contains a digestive enzyme blend that may improve digestion for some but lacks scientific evidence to prove the benefits of regular everyday use. It also does not have independent verification certifications and is not suitable for those with peanut or tree nut allergies. Note that because it contains added vitamins and minerals, if you are taking other supplements, such as a multivitamin, be sure you arent exceeding the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for any nutrients.