Best Overall

Naked Whey Chocolate Protein Powder

$100

$95 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Nakednutrition.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: Whey concentrate Serving size: 2 scoops (38g)  Protein per serving: 25g Gluten-free: Yes Vegan: No Sweeteners: Coconut sugar

Who's It For

Best for those who want a protein that is sourced from grass-fed cows with minimal ingredients; and especially great for athletes looking for muscle growth and repair.

Why We Recommend It

Naked Whey is a high-quality whey protein product with a simple ingredient list and a reasonable price tag, making it our top pick. It contains whey protein concentrate that is cold-pressed and sourced from grass-fed cows on small dairy farms in California and Idaho. Whether you pick chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or unflavored, this protein powder does not contain any artificial ingredients, flavors, sweeteners, or colors.

Whey protein has been well studied and is considered to be a superior protein source for athletes due is its bioavailability and amino acid profile. It is a complete protein with high amounts of essential amino acids, particularly branch-chain amino acids, which are important for muscle repair and synthesis.

Naked Whey prides itself on keeping ingredients to a minimum. The chocolate flavor contains only whey protein concentrate, organic coconut sugar, and organic cocoa powder. Our testers loved the rich chocolate taste, subtle sweetness, and smooth texture of this powder, which pairs well with a milk base or blended into a smoothie.

This protein powder is GMO-free, soy-free, and certified gluten-free. A serving of the chocolate flavor provides an impressive 25 grams of protein, 5 grams of sugar, and 6 grams of BCAAs per serving. Naked Whey is Informed-Choice Certified, which means it does not contain banned substances for athletes and has been independently verified to be free of heavy metals.

Things To Consider

While we found in our testing that this powder doesn't dissolve completely in water alone, leaving behind some powder at the bottom of the glass, it still has a pleasant texture with no graininess.

Best Unflavored

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate

$60 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Vitacost

Key Specs:

Protein source: Whey Serving size: 2 scoops (22.3g)  Protein per serving: 20g  Gluten-free: Not certified Vegan: No Sweeteners: None

Who's It For

Best for those who are seeking a protein powder to add to more than just shakes (such as baked goods and energy bites) and for people who want a lower carbohydrate and fat option. Also, a good option if you want a whey protein but are sensitive to lactose.

Why We Recommend It

KLEAN Athlete’s KLEAN Isolate (unflavored) came out on top in our testing as the best unflavored and versatile protein powder. Its simple ingredient list—just whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin—means that you’re just getting the protein you need without added sugars, artificial sweeteners, added fibers, or other ingredients that you may want to avoid.

Whey protein isolate is a highly concentrated form of whey, with about 90% protein and fewer carbohydrates and fats. Isolates have a lower lactose content, making them a good option for lactose-sensitive people.

Because it’s unflavored, it can be easily added to a variety of foods to boost your protein intake, including oatmeal, pancakes, baked items, smoothies, energy bites, and more.

KLEAN Isolate is NSF-certified for sport, which means an independent organization ensures that the product contains what the label says and doesn't contain harmful contaminants or substances banned by sport.

Things To Consider

Since this is unflavored, our testers didn't love it on its own mixed with just water, so you'll want to mix it into a shake or baked good. It also comes in chocolate and vanilla, but these flavors do contain stevia and monk fruit extract, which some people may not like.

Best for Athletes

Momentous Recovery Protein

$55

$50 at Amazon View on Livemomentous.com View on Thefeed.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: Whey Serving size: 2 scoops (40g)  Protein per serving: 20g  Gluten-free: Not certified  Vegan: No Sweeteners: Stevia

Who's It For

Best for athletes and active individuals engaging in high-intensity and long-duration exercise who not only want protein for muscle growth and synthesis, but also looking for a higher carbohydrate option to help replenish muscle glycogen stores after intense exercise.

Why We Recommend It

Momentous Recovery Protein is a good whey-based option for athletes or active individuals looking to support muscle repair and growth and replenish glucose stores post-training. Registered dietitian Allison Knott, MS, RDN, CSSD, CDN, explains that consuming whey protein after resistance exercise has been shown to be more beneficial for building and repairing muscle than other protein sources such as casein and soy. She adds that it can result in increased lean muscle mass and improved strength. Additionally, this protein is NSF Certified for Sport and Informed-Sport certified, two independent verifications that ensure purity and safety for use in sport.

Momentous Recovery also provides 10 grams of carbohydrates, which can contribute to the carbohydrate intake needed to replenish muscle glycogen stores post-exercise. However, depending on the intensity and duration of your workout, you will likely need more carbohydrates than this to recover post-exercise. We recommend blending this powder into a smoothie with berries and a banana or stirring it into oatmeal for a carbohydrate boost. It also offers some sodium, which may help replenish what’s lost through sweat.

This option comes in both chocolate and vanilla flavors, which are sweetened with stevia.

Things To Consider

Take note, this product contains a digestive enzyme blend, ProHydrolase said to enhance amino acid absorption and usage. However, only one very small study in recent years has explored this theory, with no benefit found. That said, there weren’t any side effects, so while it may not be helpful, it’s also likely not problematic.

Best Vegan

KOS Vegan Superfood Protein Powder

$25

$23 at Amazon View on IHerb View on Kos.com

Key Specs:

Protein Source: Pea, flax, quinoa, pumpkin and chia seeds  Serving Size: 2 scoops (39 grams)  Protein per serving: 20 grams  Gluten-free: Yes  Vegan: Yes  Sweeteners: stevia, coconut sugar, monk fruit

Who's It For

Best option if you're looking for a protein that also contains a blend of fruits and vegetables, vitamins and minerals and even digestive enzymes.

Why We Recommend It

Kos Organic Plant Protein Chocolate is a great option if you are looking for a plant-based, organic protein powder. Plant-based powders often have a grainy texture, but we found this powder mixes well into both smoothies and plain water, with a smooth texture and no grittiness or unpleasant aftertaste. It has a mild chocolate flavor and subtle sweetness that tastes like chocolate milk. 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.

This pick is 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, with 20 grams of protein per serving, including all essential amino acids. It contains a fruit and veggie blend with apple, carrot, orange, cranberry, mushroom, and tomato, providing an antioxidant and nutrient boost. It also has 6 grams of fat from coconut milk and seeds and 3 grams of fiber.

In addition, the powder contains a vitamin and mineral blend that contributes to an impressive nutrient profile: 30% Daily Value (DV) of iron, 45% DV of vitamin B12, and 20% DV of zinc.

This product is USDA Organic, non-GMO, and free of gluten, soy, artificial sweeteners, and colors.

Things To Consider

• If you are taking a multivitamin or other supplements, make sure you are not exceeding the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of any nutrient, as this product contains added vitamins and minerals.
• This also contains a digestive enzyme blend that may be beneficial for some but lacks scientific backing to prove health benefits for regular use.
• The fiber from this protein comes from inulin, which can cause digestive issues in some people, such as bloating.
  

Best Casein

Dymatize Dymatize Casein Protein Powder

$70

$67 at Amazon View on Dymatize.com View on Muscleandstrength.com

Key Specs:

Protein Source: Casein  Serving Size: 2 scoops (36 grams)  Protein per serving: 25 grams  Gluten-free: Not certified  Vegan: No  Sweetener: sucralose, acesulfame potassium

Who's It For

Best option if you are drinking your protein powder closer to bedtime. Also good for people who need a good calcium source for bone health.

Why We Recommend It

If you're looking for a delicious-tasting casein powder, try Dymatize’s Elite Casein Protein Powder. Casein is another dairy-based protein source containing all nine essential amino acids and more calcium than whey protein. It is digested and absorbed more slowly than whey, potentially helping to promote muscle recovery overnight if consumed after exercise and 30 minutes before sleep.

We appreciate that it is Informed Choice Certified, so it is a good choice for athletes. Each two-scoop serving contains 130 calories, 25 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbohydrates with no added sugar and 45% of the Daily Value of calcium.

This product has a smooth texture, and we found in our testing it dissolves quickly and completely in water with no gritty texture. The vanilla flavor is mild and pleasant, with no aftertaste, and it pairs well with just plain water, a milk base, or mixed into a smoothie. It also comes in other flavors, including chocolate, cinnamon bun, and cookies and cream.

Things To Consider

Of note, it does contain artificial sweeteners, including sucralose and acesulfame potassium, as well as gums and other additives, which some may not prefer to consume; these ingredients can also cause bloating in some people.

Best Hemp

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Max Protein

$17

$16 at Amazon View on Walmart View on IHerb

Key Specs:

Protein source: Hemp Serving size: 4 tablespoons (32g)  Protein per serving: 20g  Gluten-free: Not certified  Vegan: Yes  Sweeteners: none

Who's It For

Best for someone who needs a plant-based protein powder high in omega-3s, and isn't exercising like an athlete. Also a good option for someone who gets a variety of other protein sources that can help meet essential amino acid needs.

Why We Recommend It

We love Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Max Protein for its simple ingredient list—just hemp seeds and oregano extract. In addition to 20 grams of plant-based protein, the ground hemp seeds contribute omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and some B vitamins. Studies show that omega-3 consumption can help to promote heart health, especially by lowering triglyceride levels.

Since this pick is unflavored and unsweetened, this protein powder can be added to a variety of different foods and drinks to increase your protein consumption without the aftertaste that some powders have. Hemp Yeah! Max Protein is USDA Organic, non-GMO Project verified, and certified Kosher. Manitoba Harvest is also a Certified B-Corp. Take note that some testers found the texture to be slightly grainy and gritty, with a unique, nutty-like flavor. It is best mixed with banana and other fruit and milk of choice.

Things To Consider

The one drawback to this product is that is is lower in essential amino acids, including BCAAs, so it may not be the best choice for athletes focused on muscle repair and growth. However, as long as you’re consuming other sources of protein in your diet—whether from plants or animals— you can meet all of your amino acid and protein needs.

Best Organic

Natural Force Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder

$150

$143 at Amazon View on Naturalforce.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: Whey protein concentrate Serving size: 1 scoop (26.7g)  Protein per serving: 20g  Gluten-free: Yes  Vegan: No  Sweeteners: Organic monk fruit powder

Who's It For

Best for those who are going to mix their protein into a smoothie with other flavor enhancing ingredients. Also a good choice for those who want a whey protein sourced from grass-fed and humanely treated cows.

Why We Recommend It

If you are looking for a whey protein that is certified USDA organic, we recommend Natural Force Organic Whey Protein. The vanilla bean flavor contains just three simple organic ingredients: grass-fed whey protein concentrate, vanilla flavor, and monk fruit powder. This powder is also available in unflavored and chocolate.

Natural Force's whey is sourced from grass-fed cows from family-owned farms in California, and the company prides itself on sourcing from only humanely treated cows. In addition to being USDA-Organic, this protein powder is also Non-GMO Project Certified, gluten-free, and soy-free. Natural Force states every batch of protein powder is independently verified for ingredient amounts and that it is free of heavy metals and microbial contamination. Certificate of Analysis for each batch of protein powder is listed on their website.

Each scoop serving provides 110 calories, 20 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of sugar.

Things To Consider

We recommend mixing this into smoothies to get the best taste and texture. Our testers noted that when mixed with just plain water, this powder does not fully dissolve, leaving a grainy texture and some clumps. It also has a slight aftertaste.

Best Allergen-Friendly

NOW Foods Organic Pea Protein

$30

$23 at Amazon View on Swansonvitamins.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: Pea Serving size: 2 scoops (20g)  Protein per serving: 15g  Gluten-free: Not certified  Vegan: Yes  Sweeteners: None

Who's It For

Best for those who want a single-ingredient protein, and may be mixing this product in with other protein sources, as it is on the lower end of our list for amount of protein per serving.

Why We Recommend It

Now Sports Organic Pea Protein contains just one ingredient—organic yellow pea protein isolate. It’s free from all major allergens and is certified vegan, non-GMO, and USDA Certified Organic. It’s independently verified and Informed Sport Certified, which means it doesn’t contain 250 banned substances by sport.

Two scoops provide 15 grams of plant-based protein powder, which contains all nine essential amino acids. It also contains 5 milligrams of iron (about 30% of your daily needs), which may be helpful for people who don’t get enough from their diet. Because it contains only one ingredient, pea protein, it is best used, either added to your favorite smoothie or mixed into pancakes or oatmeal for a post-workout meal.

Things To Consider

While this powder's protein content is still enough for a post-workout snack, it is a little lower than other powders. If you use this as a post-workout meal, you will want to add other protein sources or increase the serving size.

Best Flavored

Ascent Native Fuel Whey, Chocolate

$46

$44 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Ascentprotein.com

Key Specs:

Protein Source: Whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate  Serving Size: 1 scoop (35 grams)  Protein per serving: 25 grams  Gluten-Free: Yes  Vegan: No  Sweetener: stevia

Who's It For

Best for those who want a protein that tastes good mixed in just water, and also one that comes in single-serve packets to take on-the-go.

Why We Recommend It

While there are several flavored protein powders on our list, Ascent Native Fuel Whey in the chocolate peanut butter flavor tops our list. This delicious protein powder contains both whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. In our testing, we found the rich taste of the chocolate peanut butter tastes great on its own, mixed with a water or milk base or blended into a smoothie with complimentary flavors like frozen banana and milk. It also dissolves well, leaving no clumps and giving it a smooth texture.

One scoop contains 25 grams of protein with 2.7 grams of leucine to support muscle recovery. It is sweetened with stevia and contains natural flavorings, cocoa powder, sea salt, and lecithin, an emulsifier for a smoother texture. Ascent Native Fuel Whey is free from artificial ingredients and comes in various flavors, including chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, lemon sorbet, vanilla bean, and unflavored.

This whey protein comes in single-serve packets, so you can test the powder out before committing to a larger bag or use them for on-the-go and travel. We also like that it's Informed-Sport Certified, a certification program that verifies that sports supplements are free from banned substances. It's gluten-free, but it does contain milk and peanuts.

Things To Consider

This protein does have a slightly powdery aftertaste. If you aren't a huge fan of stevia, this may not be the best pick for you.

Best Transparent Sourcing

Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

$49

$45 at Amazon View on Ritual.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: Pea Serving size: 1 scoop (30g)  Protein per serving: 20g  Gluten-free: Yes  Vegan: Yes  Sweeteners: Reb-M (fermented sugarcane) and monk fruit extract

Who's It For

Best for those who may want to improve cognitive function.

Why We Recommend It

Rituals Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ is a favorite among flavored protein enthusiasts. It not only contributes 20 grams of plant-based protein per scoop but also contains 150 milligrams of choline, a nutrient most people don't consume enough of, especially those who don’t regularly eat eggs. Choline can help improve cognitive function and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ contains 290 milligrams of sodium per scoop, which may help replenish electrolytes lost during exercise. It also contains some iron and calcium. It is flavored with natural vanilla bean extract and sweetened with monk fruit and Reb-M (fermented sugarcane), with no added sugar. The protein source is pea protein, which is a complete protein, but it is lower in some essential amino acids, including BCAAs, than dairy protein sources like whey and casein.

Ritual prioritizes quality and transparency of ingredients through its Made Traceable™ program, providing sourcing information on each ingredient it includes in the powder. It’s also Informed Sport Certified and tested for over 250 banned substances, heavy metals, microbes, and other potential contaminants.

Things To Consider

While the sweetener blend in this product doesn't contain any calories, it may contribute to bloating in some people.