Protein powder can help fill in the nutritional gaps in your diet when food falls short of meeting your needs. It's also a quick and easy solution to create a well-balanced diet when you're short on time or lead an active lifestyle. Protein powder can be particularly useful for those with increased protein needs, such as highly active individuals and athletes, as well as those with dietary restrictions that have difficulty getting enough protein. It can also be a convenient post-workout supplement to help support muscle repair and growth. When it comes to protein intake and athletic performance, Andrea Chernus, Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, says, “Most of the research shows that consuming enough protein, spread throughout the day in relatively even amounts, is more important than the specific timing around exercise.” She adds, “Know too that your body also needs carbohydrates in the recovery period, so adding a large banana or box of raisins with your protein shake is super helpful.”
To select our top best-tasting protein powders, our dietitian's analyzed research, interviewed experts, and evaluated protein powders based on quality of ingredients, independent verification, and nutritional composition. We also tested the 25 top-ranked powders by mixing a serving of each powder with water in a shaker bottle and then rated them based on flavor, aftertaste, texture, smell, and value. We combined those results with independent verification information, nutrition profiles, and value scores to select our top 11 protein powder picks. When selecting a protein powder to suit your needs, you may also want to consider the protein source, either plant-based, such as pea and soy, or animal-based, like whey and casein.
Verywell Fit FYI
According to a recent Consumer Reports (CR) investigation of 23 protein powders and shakes, some protein supplements may have higher lead levels than what CR food safety experts say is safe to consume in a day. The report highlighted that plant protein powders have higher lead levels than those derived from dairy proteins, such as whey or beef-based products. Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer powder was the worst offender, having the highest lead levels of all products tested. While we don’t include this particular protein powder in our list of top recommendations, we do include other powders from the brand, which were not singled out by the report. To ensure the protein powder you choose is safe to consume and doesn’t have harmful levels of lead, it’s important to opt for brands that are third-party tested. Many of the brands on our list are third-party tested.
The Verywell Fit Team Tests the Best Tasting Protein Powders
Editor's Note
Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology.
Protein powders often contain additional ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that may interact with certain medications. Whey protein specifically can reduce the effectiveness of some antibiotics and medications for Parkinson’s disease. Also, those with Kidney disease following a low-protein diet may not benefit from a protein powder.
Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and to find out what dosage to take.
