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While our diets should meet the majority of our protein needs, regularly supplementing with protein bars or the best protein powders has been shown to support recovery from strenuous exercise, as well as promote healthy muscle mass. Plus, supplements are great for buying in bulk, while other sources of protein may go bad. That said, not all protein powders are created equal.
The Best Protein Powders - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Protein Powder: Xwerks Grow
- Best Whey Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Plant-Based Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein
- Best Protein Powder For Men: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Protein Powder For Women: ONNIT Whey Isolate, Vanilla
- Best Low-Calorie Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Protein Powder For Beginners: Xwerks Grow
- Best Protein Powder For Triathletes: Kaged Re-Kaged®
- Best Protein Powder For Runners: BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein
- Best Organic Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein, Salted Caramel Coffee
- Best Tasting Protein Powder: ONNIT Whey Isolate, Mexican Chocolate
- Best Chocolate Protein Powder: Transparent Labs WPI, Milk Chocolate
- Best Unflavored Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein, Unflavored
- Best Personalized Protein Powder: Gainful Protein
- Best Budget Protein Powder: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
In recent years, new protein sources have emerged, some of which lack scientific backing. With so many options on the market, it's difficult to choose which one best aligns with your specific goals. In this roundup, the ACTIVE Reviews Team does the heavy lifting to help you select the best protein powder to maximize your recovery and performance.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming protein powders, we prioritize products that are independently tested by a third party. Additionally, we consulted with ACTIVE's Advisory Board, which includes nutritionists, competitive athletes, coaches, and certified trainers to make certain that the products we feature are of the highest standards. The ACTIVE Reviews Team is passionate about bringing you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Whey Protein Powder - Xwerks Grow
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 27.8g
- Flavors: 4
- Sweetener: Stevia
- Certifications: NSF-certified
- Price: $1.97 per serving
- Calories per serving: 110
- Carbs per serving: 1g
- Fats per serving: 0g
- Sugars per serving: 0g
Whey protein powders are some of the most popular when it comes to supplementing with protein. They provide a high-quality protein source that research shows can help boost muscle protein synthesis, the process through which muscle is built.(1) Xwerks Grow stands out as our best overall protein powder due to the fact that it contains 90% whey protein isolate, sourced from grass-fed cows, making it one of the purest forms of whey.
Xwerks Grow supplies 27.8 grams of high-quality whey protein isolate per scoop, enough to meet the needs of even the most ambitious athletes. It's naturally flavored and sweetened with Stevia, making it a good option for those avoiding artificial flavors or sweeteners. To promote easy digestion, this whey is microfiltered, which also means it contains minimal lactose, carbs, and fats. Xwerks Grow is an excellent option for pre- or post-workout nutrition, baking, or protein smoothies.
Why we picked it: We valued the fact that this protein powder provides high-quality whey protein isolate in a good selection of flavors without any unnecessary additives or artificial sweeteners.
Best For
- Users looking for a high quality whey protein to help enhance recovery from exercise
- Those who prefer whey protein sourced from grass-fed cows
- People who value a third-party tested protein powder with no artificial ingredients
Not Best For
- Users on a tight budget as this product is nearly $2 per serving
- Those that prefer a wider range of flavors to select from
Best Whey Protein Powder - Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 28g
- Flavors: 8
- Sweetener: Stevia
- Certifications: GMP-certified
- Price: $2 per serving
- Calories per serving: 120
- Carbs per serving: 1g
- Fats per serving: 0g
- Sugars per serving: Less than 1g
Formulated with easily digestible and fast-acting whey protein isolate—a team favorite—Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is our pick for the best whey protein powder. With only 120 calories, one gram of carbohydrates, zero fat, and minimal lactose per serving, this product is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build strong muscles while keeping their calorie count relatively low.
At 28 grams of protein per serving, Transparent Labs has one of the highest percentages of protein by weight, and is naturally sourced from 100% grass-fed cows. Transparent Labs' supplements are third-party tested and don't use artificial coloring, preservatives, flavors, or sweeteners. The ingredient list is minimal and transparent, so you can take comfort in knowing that you're getting exactly what the nutrition label says; no more, no less.
Why we picked it: We liked that this whey protein is optimized for easy digestion and absorption making it gentler for most individuals interested in using a whey protein. On top of that it comes in eight appealing flavors.
Best For
- Athletes with slight lactose difficulty that want a gentler whey protein
- Those who prefer to avoid artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Users who enjoy having a number of flavors to choose from
Not Best For
- Those on a tight budget
- Users who value having several container sizes to select from
BUY: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Best Plant-Based Protein Powder - KOS Organic Plant Protein
SPECS
- Protein type: Organic pea protein
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Flavors: 8
- Sweetener: Organic Stevia
- Certifications: USDA-organic
- Price: $1.79 per serving
- Calories per serving: 165
- Carbs per serving: 9g
- Fats per serving: 5g
- Sugars per serving: 2g, included 2g added sugars
KOS Organic Plant Protein is our pick for the best plant-based protein powder because it features a sustainably-sourced mix of organic peas, flaxseeds, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds to create 20 grams of gut-friendly protein per serving. Moreso, their vegan-friendly formula also contains blends of organic fruits and vegetables, digestive enzymes, and vitamins and minerals, all in one resealable package.
When you purchase KOS, you're also contributing to Project 10 Million Meals via their partnership with Feeding America. Additionally, KOS prides itself on only using high-quality ingredients that never include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They also have a range of seven delicious flavors—and an unflavored option—including chocolate peanut butter, salted caramel coffee, and blueberry muffin.
Why we picked it: KOS is a certified organic plant protein that has a variety of delicious flavors to choose from and mixes well in comparison to other plant-based protein powders.
Best For
- Vegans or vegetarians looking to meet their daily protein requirements
- Those avoiding artificial sweeteners like erythritol
- Users wanting a great tasting plant protein powder with less grit
Not Best For
- Those who want more than 20g of protein per serving
- Users looking to keep their sugar, carbs, and fat intake low
BUY: KOS Organic Plant Protein
Best Protein Powder for Men - Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Flavors: 2
- Sweetener: Steviol glycosides, sucralose
- Certifications: Informed Sport Certified
- Price: $1.46 per serving
- Calories per serving: 120
- Carbs per serving: 4g
- Fats per serving: 1g
- Sugars per serving: 1g
Generally, men require more protein than women to support their daily needs. To boost their protein intake, some men turn to protein powders. With so many on the market, you may be wondering which one is best for men. Our top choice, Kaged Whey Protein Isolate, uses MicroPure 100% whey protein isolate to help support the growth and recovery of lean muscle tissue without any added ingredients that will slow digestion.
Additionally, it contains digestive enzymes to help you break down the protein even faster. Last but not least, this protein is ultra-filtered to remove lactose, carbs, and fats for further nutrient absorption. This whey protein isolate is a great choice for men who want to take refueling seriously to optimize performance.
Why we picked it: We liked that this protein powder provides a highly purified form of whey with digestive enzymes to promote quick digestion and reduce any potential stomach issues.
Best For
- Men looking for a fast-digesting protein to fuel up or recover from training
- Those who prefer a third-party tested protein powder
- Men who want a protein powder that is both macro and stomach-friendly
Not Best For
- Users who steer clear of artificial sweeteners
- Those who prefer to have a few different sizes to select from
BUY: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Best Protein Powder for Women - ONNIT Whey Isolate, Vanilla
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 21.1g
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract
- Certifications: Informed Sport Certified
- Price: $2 per serving
- Calories per serving: 110
- Carbs per serving: 3g
- Fats per serving: 2g
- Sugars per serving: Less than 1g
Whether you're an endurance athlete or bodybuilder, proper protein intake is essential for promoting recovery from exercise and improving lean muscle mass.(2) Although you can certainly meet your protein needs from diet alone, some women may find it difficult. Including a protein powder around workouts or throughout the day is a great way to ensure you're leaving no stone unturned when it comes to your nutrition.
ONNIT Whey Isolate is a high-quality protein powder formulated for women looking to optimize their protein intake without unnecessary fillers. This powder also boasts a blend of digestive enzymes to aid gut health, including protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, and lactase which helps the body process dairy. Roughly 130 milligrams of sodium per serving is also added to the formulation for an electrolyte and flavor boost. This protein powder makes a great addition to any women's supplement regimen when optimizing body composition and performance is the goal.
Why we picked it: We liked that this blend of whey protein isolate contains no added sugars and is lower in calories.
Best For
- Women in search of a high-quality whey protein isolate
- Users avoiding gluten and soy-containing products
- Women looking for a low-calorie protein powder with zero added sugar
Not Best For
- Users who are sensitive to added sodium
- Users who want multiple flavor options
BUY: ONNIT Whey Isolate, Vanilla
Best Low-Calorie Protein Powder - Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 28g
- Flavors: 8
- Sweetener: Stevia
- Certifications: GMP-certified
- Price: $2 per serving
- Calories per serving: 120
- Carbs per serving: 1g
- Fats per serving: 0g
- Sugars per serving: Less than 1g
For a lot of protein powders, the extra additives and sweeteners used to make all those fun, appealing flavors often come at a high cost to the overall calorie count. Protein powders and bars can then have an unanticipated effect on your weight loss goals if you aren't paying close attention to those nutrition facts. That's why we like Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate; it has 28 grams of fast-digesting protein powder as well as a lower amount of calories and sugar per serving. It also comes in a variety of tasty flavors to help those who still want to indulge a little while on their health and fitness journey.
Why we picked it: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is lower in calories than a lot of the protein powders on the market, but is still rich in nutrients and flavor.
Best For
- Users looking for a low-calorie protein that is gentle on the digestive system
- Those who prefer to avoid artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Users who enjoy having a number of flavors to choose from
Not Best For
- Those on a tight budget
- Users who value having several container sizes to select from
BUY: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Best Protein Powder for Beginners - Xwerks Grow
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 27.8g
- Flavors: 4
- Sweetener: Stevia
- Certifications: NSF-certified
- Price: $1.97 per serving
- Calories per serving: 110
- Carbs per serving: 1g
- Fats per serving: 0g
- Sugars per serving: 0g
As a supplement beginner, seeing the fruits of your labor is crucial to helping you stay motivated enough to reach your fitness goals. Beginners need an excellent protein powder with all the nutrients to aid progress, or they may lose motivation over time. That's why our best overall protein powder is also our best protein powder for beginners because it is such a well-rounded product. Xwerks Grow contains 90% pure whey protein isolate for muscle growth, fast digestion, and immune system health, as well as 6 grams of BCAAs for post-workout recovery. Grow also has four fantastic flavors, making it easier for any protein newbie to choose a protein powder they can stick with.
Why we picked it: Xwerks Grow is a high-quality whey protein isolate with a good selection of flavors and no unnecessary additives or artificial sweeteners. It also has a high amount of protein per serving.
Best For
- Beginners looking for a high-quality whey protein to help build muscle and enhance recovery from exercise
- Those who prefer whey protein sourced from grass-fed cows
- People who value a third-party tested protein powder with no artificial ingredients
Not Best For
- Beginners on a budget
- Those that prefer a wider range of flavors
Best Protein Powder for Triathletes - Kaged Re-Kaged®
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 28g
- Flavors: 3
- Sweetener: Steviol glycosides, sucralose
- Certifications: Informed Sport Certified
- Price: $2.25 per serving
- Calories per serving: 140
- Carbs per serving: 3g
- Fats per serving: 1g
- Sugars per serving: 1g
Protein intake for triathletes can play a huge role in the training and recovery process. It's recommended to consume between 0.6-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight, with protein shakes consumed between meals or after workouts an effective way to reach these goals.(3)
So, what makes Kaged Re-Kaged® the best protein powder for triathletes? For one, it's Informed Sport Certified, which means it's thoroughly tested and screened for up to 250 banned substances. Secondly, it contains zero grams of fiber and only 1 gram of fat per serving. Although these nutrients are important in a triathlete's diet, when consumed too close to a workout they can slow down digestion rate and cause gastrointestinal distress—not ideal during a training session or race!
Why we picked it: We liked that this is a whey protein isolate optimized for easy digestion and absorption. It also has 1.5 grams of creatine HCL for building lean muscle and sustaining energy levels.
Best For
- Triathletes looking for an easily digestible, high-quality protein powder
- Those looking for a protein with added creatine
- Users looking for faster recovery after training
Not Best For
- Those on a tight budget
- Triathletes who need higher carbohydrate content
Best Protein Powder for Runners - BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein
SPECS
- Protein type: Bovine hide collagen peptide
- Protein per serving: 18g
- Flavors: N/A
- Sweetener: N/A
- Certifications: NSF-Certified for Sport
- Price: $1.93 per serving
- Calories per serving: 70
- Carbs per serving: 0g
- Fats per serving: 0g
- Sugars per serving: 0g
When fueling up for a long run, carbohydrates and fats usually get the spotlight as protein and collagen take a back seat. While running is an energy-intensive sport that requires a good amount of carbs and fats for performance, protein shouldn't be overlooked. Consuming protein pre- and post-workout has been associated with improvements in endurance performance.(4) This important macronutrient helps kick-start the recovery process following exercise, helping your muscles to be fully restored for your next training session.
Additionally, supplementing with 10-15 grams of collagen has been shown to support joint health and potentially help reduce the risk of injuries.(5) BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein has 20 grams of collagen peptides and 18 grams of protein per serving, which is why we've selected it as the best for runners. That said, this protein powder is unflavored, so you may want to mix it with your beverage of choice if the taste is a deciding factor.
Why we picked it: We liked that this product has both protein and collagen to help aid in running recovery.
Best For
- Runners looking for a protein and collagen mix
- Those who prefer a NSF-Certified for Sport protein
- Runners on the keto, paleo, or whole-30 diet
Not Best For
- Users who want a flavored protein powder
- Users who require more than 18g of protein per serving
BUY: BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein
Best Organic Protein Powder - KOS Organic Plant Protein, Salted Caramel Coffee
SPECS
- Protein type: Organic pea protein
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Flavors: 8
- Sweetener: Organic Stevia
- Certifications: USDA-organic
- Price: $1.79 per serving
- Calories per serving: 150
- Carbs per serving: 8g
- Fats per serving: 6g
- Sugars per serving: 2g, included 2g added sugars
Are you looking for a protein shake that is both certified organic and tastes like your favorite coffee-sugar-milk morning beverage? KOS Organic Plant Protein in Salted Caramel coffee has you covered. Each serving contains 50 milligrams of PurCaf® organic caffeine, which equals about half the caffeine of a regular coffee. Excellent news if you're watching your caffeine intake.
KOS Organic Plant Protein is a sustainably-sourced mix of organic peas, flaxseeds, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds to create 20 grams of gut-friendly protein per serving. The formula also contains blends of organic fruits and vegetables, digestive enzymes, and vitamins and minerals in one resealable package. Additionally, KOS only uses high-quality ingredients that never include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Why we picked it: KOS is a certified organic plant protein that comes in a delicious Salted Caramel Coffee flavor and is erythritol-free.
Best For
- Users who want a protein powder with 100% organic ingredients
- Those avoiding artificial sweeteners like erythritol
- Coffee lovers or users wanting a great tasting organic protein powder with less grit
Not Best For
- Those who want more than 20g of protein per serving
- Users looking to keep their sugar, carbs, and fat intake low
BUY: KOS Organic Plant Protein, Salted Caramel Coffee
Best Tasting Protein Powder - ONNIT Whey Isolate, Mexican Chocolate
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract
- Certifications: Informed Sport Certified
- Price: $2 per serving
- Calories per serving: 110
- Carbs per serving: 5g
- Fats per serving: 2g
- Sugars per serving: Less than 1g
Many of the brands on this list have several mouthwatering flavor choices for their proteins that could satisfy any sweet tooth, but our favorite is ONNIT Whey Isolate in Mexican Chocolate. Reviewers love the chocolatey taste with a slight hint of cinnamon spice and the easy mixability. Further, ONNIT Whey Isolate is a high-quality protein powder formulated without unnecessary fillers like added sugar. It also boasts a blend of digestive enzymes to aid gut health and sodium to help replenish electrolytes after a tough training session.
Why we picked it: We liked that this blend of whey protein isolate is tasty without the use of added sugars.
Best For
- Those looking for a high-quality whey protein isolate with a great taste
- Users avoiding gluten and soy-containing products
- Users who want a low-calorie protein powder with zero added sugar
Not Best For
- Users who are sensitive to added sodium
- Users who want multiple flavor options
BUY: ONNIT Whey Isolate, Mexican Chocolate
Best Chocolate Protein Powder - Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Chocolate
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 28g
- Flavors: 8
- Sweetener: Stevia
- Certifications: GMP-certified
- Price: $2 per serving
- Calories per serving: 120
- Carbs per serving: 1g
- Fats per serving: 0g
- Sugars per serving: Less than 1g
There is nothing that quite beats good old-fashioned milk chocolate. With nearly all brands offering some form of chocolate flavoring for their protein powders, you'd be hard-pressed to find the one that stands above all the rest. We searched far and wide but still found that Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate has some of the best flavors available, including their standard Milk Chocolate, which can be consumed with water, added to a shake, or mixed into healthy baked goods.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is formulated with easily digestible and fast-acting whey protein isolate that is only 120 calories with 28 grams of protein per serving sourced from grass-fed cows. Lastly, Transparent Labs' supplements are third-party tested and don't use artificial coloring, preservatives, flavors, or sweeteners.
Why we picked it: We liked that this whey protein is optimized for easy digestion and absorption making it gentler for most individuals interested in using a whey protein. On top of that it comes in eight appealing flavors.
Best For
- Users looking for a chocolate-flavored protein powder
- Those who prefer to avoid artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Athletes with slight lactose difficulty that want a gentler whey protein
Not Best For
- Those on a tight budget
- Users who value having several container sizes to select from
BUY: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Chocolate
Best Unflavored Protein Powder - KOS Organic Plant Protein, Unflavored
SPECS
- Protein type: Organic pea protein
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Flavors: N/A
- Sweetener: N/A
- Certifications: USDA-organic
- Price: $1.79 per serving
- Calories per serving: 140
- Carbs per serving: 5g
- Fats per serving: 6g
- Sugars per serving: 1g
We've talked a lot about all the different flavors and varieties of protein powder, but sometimes a simple unflavored version is more in-line with your protein wants and needs. We believe that Unflavored KOS Organic Plant Protein is the best in this category because it is a sustainably-sourced mix of USDA-certified organic peas, flaxseeds, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds with 20 grams of protein per serving. It's also made without soy, gluten, or dairy for easier digestion. This plant protein can be mixed easily into a beverage, smoothie, or your morning oats.
Why we picked it: KOS is a certified organic plant protein and mixes well in comparison to other plant-based protein powders.
Best For
- Users looking for a robust, unflavored protein powder
- Those avoiding added sugars artificial sweeteners like erythritol
- Vegans or vegetarians looking to meet their daily protein requirements
Not Best For
- Those who want more than 20g of protein per serving
- Users looking to keep their sugar, carbs, and fat intake low
BUY: KOS Organic Plant Protein, Unflavored
Best Personalized Protein Powder - Gainful Protein
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, pea protein, brown rice protein, micellar casein
- Protein per serving: 19-27g
- Flavors: 9
- Sweetener: None noted
- Certifications: None noted
- Price: Varies
- Calories per serving: Varies
- Carbs per serving: Varies
- Fats per serving: Varies
- Sugars per serving: None noted
When searching for a good protein powder you'll typically find that most of them are offered as a "one-size-fits-all" supplement, meaning that the manufacturer produces a limited amount of protein options to cater to the needs of a wide population. While for most people this is usually sufficient, some higher level athletes or people with specific preferences may seek a more customized protein powder.
Gainful offers a unique approach to supplementing with protein, providing each user with a customized blend based on their individual goals. To start out, new users will take a quiz that asks a number of questions including your sex, height, weight, and fitness goals. From there they'll provide a customized protein blend to best cater to your nutrition goals. This protein powder is a suitable choice for both men and women looking to optimize their protein intake. As an added bonus, these custom blends are available in nine different flavors to keep your taste buds guessing.
Why we picked it: We liked that this protein powder is fully customizable based on your nutrition goals.
Best For
- Athletes who may need a more customized protein formula to reach their goals
- Users who enjoy having a number of flavors to choose from
Not Best For
- Athletes on a restrictive budget as the cost per serving can add up
- Users who prefer to know the price upfront without taking a quiz
Best Budget Protein Powder - Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
SPECS
- Protein type: Whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate
- Protein per serving: 24g
- Flavors: 2
- Sweetener: Sucralose, Stevia extract
- Certifications: GMP-certified
- Price: $1.50 per serving
- Calories per serving: 120
- Carbs per serving: 1g
- Fats per serving: 2g
- Sugars per serving: 1g
There's no question that protein supplements aren't cheap, especially when on a tight budget. However, we found that Jacked Factory Authentic Whey struck a good balance between cost and quality—which is why it's at the top of our list for the best budget protein powder. This product is a no-frills whey protein blend that checks all the boxes for price and amount of protein per serving.
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey uses a unique blend of whey protein isolate and whey concentrate to support growth and recovery of the lean muscle tissue. Using an advanced filtration method, this whey is also highly purified to provide users with a protein that is low in fat and carbs, and contains minimal sugar. With minimal added ingredients, this protein is fast digesting, making it a great choice for supplementing around heavy workouts. It's manufactured in a GMP (good manufacturing practice) facility to ensure top quality and available in five flavors to suit the taste preferences of most users. Jacked Factory Authentic Whey provides a solid choice for men looking to optimize their protein intake.
Why we picked it: We liked the fact that this protein includes a blend of two types of whey protein to help support lean muscle gains and recovery following resistance training, and you get your money's worth.
Best For
- Users on a tight budget who want more servings for their money
- Those looking to support lean muscle gains
Not Best For
- Those who prefer to avoid any artificial sweeteners
- Users that prefer flavors other than vanilla or chocolate
BUY: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
Who Should Take Protein Powder?
Many people struggle to meet their protein needs from diet alone. If you feel that you are having a tough time getting enough protein from your diet, supplementing with a protein powder may be an efficient way to fill in the gaps. If you are physically active, whether competitively or recreationally, getting enough protein is even more important. So, if you regularly participate in intense exercise, regardless of the type, you will likely benefit from taking a protein powder.
How We Chose the Best Protein Powders
When reviewing the top products on the market, there were several factors we took into consideration to bring you the best protein powders.
Type
Now more than ever there are an endless amount of different types of protein on the market. We included several of the most popular types of protein including whey, pea, brown rice, and chia seed.
Dosage
When it comes to supplementing with protein, dosage is a crucial factor which influences the effectiveness of a given supplement. We selected proteins that provided 20 grams or more per serving to ensure users were getting enough to meet their needs.
Third-party testing
Third-party testing is when manufacturers send out their products to an outside lab to get tested for purity and potential contaminants. When reviewing the top protein powders we had a preference for those that underwent third-party testing to ensure safety for users.
Price
Like most supplements, protein powders can vary greatly in price based on the type, ingredients, flavors options, and a number of other factors. We chose protein powders that provided the best balance between quality and price to give users the best value.
Flavors
Protein powders are typically available in a number of different flavors to appeal to a wide range of users. We made sure to include products that offered several flavor options to best suit the taste preferences of our readers.
Sweeteners
Protein powders fall into either one of three categories, naturally sweetened, artificially sweetened, or simply unsweetened. While the majority of the products we selected are naturally sweetened, we made sure to include some from each category.
What to Consider When Shopping for Protein Powders
Protein Source
For many people, this will be the most important factor when selecting a protein powder. The protein source determines where the protein is derived from.
The most common protein sources include:
- Whey
- Casein
- Soy
- Pea
- Brown rice
- Egg
- Beef
Serving Size
The typical protein powder serving size is anywhere from 25-40 grams, which usually contains around 10-30 grams of actual protein depending on the brand. Research suggests a protein dose of 20-40 grams to maximize protein synthesis, depending on your body size. (2) If the serving size is too large, it may be impractical to consume around workouts.
Taste
Not all protein powders taste great—plain and simple. That said, it's much easier to consume a protein powder on a regular basis that does taste good. You may want to purchase a sample size of several proteins to try them out before committing to a larger size. Some of the plant-based protein powders may have a slight gritty texture, though they have improved significantly in recent years. When shopping around, be aware of how many flavors a protein powder comes in, so when you get tired of one you can try some others.
Additional Ingredients
In most cases, protein powders will contain a protein source, an emulsifier (for mixing), a sweetener, flavoring, and some sodium. Some powders will contain additional ingredients such as maltodextrin (to provide bulk or texture), enzymes (to assist with digestion), or even vitamins or minerals for extra nutrition. Beware of protein powders that seem to have an excessive ingredient list, as a good protein powder should have relatively few ingredients, often 10 or less.
How to Use Protein Powder
Protein powders are meant to be included as a supplement to your diet and should not replace meals. You can start by adding in a scoop of protein powder before or after you work out. Most protein powders are meant to be mixed with 8 ounces of some kind of liquid, usually water or a milk of your choice. We recommend you use a shaker bottle for best results. In addition, you may choose to make a fruit smoothie and add a scoop of protein powder. Others enjoy adding protein powder to their oatmeal to boost their nutrition. There are many ways to add protein powder into your diet.
FAQs about Protein Powder
When is the best time to take protein powder?
Generally speaking, the best time to take a protein powder is before or after working out, in the morning after fasting overnight, or when eating a meal that is low in protein. Most people supplement with protein after a tough workout, as it can be put to good use rebuilding muscle and aiding in recovery. Others choose to take protein powder to fuel up before a big workout.
Is protein powder safe?
The majority of the protein powders on the market are very safe. Most manufacturers follow stringent quality control procedures to ensure their products are clean and safe to consume. That said, it's always important to do a bit of research before buying a protein powder since it's something you are putting into your body. Look for products that are produced in facilities that follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) as well as products that are third-party tested for contaminants, both of which will often be found on the label.
How much protein do I need a day?
To maximize lean body mass and performance, research suggests consuming 0.6-1.4 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day.(2) For a 150-pound person, this is 90-210 grams. While this may seem like a lot to some people, keep in mind that protein is an important nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining the structures of our body, including building muscle. Aim to eat 20-40 grams of protein with each meal, filling in the gaps with protein powders as needed.
What to Eat Before a Workout | Creatine Timing | Protein Timing | Best Pre-workout Supplements | Best Post-Workout Supplements | Best Creatine Supplements | Best Protein Powder Supplements | Best Peanut Butter | Best Greek Yogurt
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
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About the Author
Daniel Preiato is a registered dietitian who specializes in sports nutrition and nutrition education. He is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist, and an avid strength athlete. He uses his background in clinical nutrition to dissect research and help individuals meet their health and fitness goals.
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