Save this storySave this storyFeatured in this articleBest OverallOptimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100 Percent Whey Protein PowderRead more$57 $45 (21% off) AmazonBest Whey IsolateTransparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein IsolateRead more$60 $54 (10% off) AmazonBest Plant-BasedRitual Protein Daily Shake 18+Read more$44 $29 (34% off) RitualBest TastingDymatize ISO100 Whey Protein Powder IsolateRead more$42 AmazonProtein powder is my secret ingredient. The best protein powders are an easy boost to any of your go-to recipes, from smoothies to muffins to morning waffles. I rely on it to fill in the nutritional gaps when my meals aren’t winning any wellness awards.
While the recommended daily allowance for protein is just 0.36 grams per pound of body weight, that’s the minimum to avoid deficiency, not the sweet spot for optimal health. Depending on how active you are or your dietary needs, your daily protein recommendation may increase. For more on this, check out How Much Protein Do I Need?Protein powders were once the territory of gym bros trying to bulk up, but the category has since exploded into the mainstream.
The powders are now marketed to everyone and available widely, in every form and flavor, and for every dietary preference. Whether you’re plant-based, a picky eater, or need a quick nutrient boost, protein powder is your fast pass. But with so many options, fads, and a never-ending list of additives, it’s easy to grab the wrong one for your needs.
I’ve sifted through the market to find the best of the best protein powder. (As with any dietary supplement, please consult a medical professional or registered dietitian before consuming protein powder.)For more powders, tonics, and elixirs, check out our guides to the Best Protein Bars, Creatine Supplements, and Magnesium Supplements.Table of ContentsAccordionItemContainerButtonHow I Test Protein PowdersWhat Am I Testing Next?Compare Top 10 Protein PowdersMore Protein Powders to ConsiderAvoid TheseAccessories to TryFrequently Asked QuestionsUpdated June 2026: I've updated our specs tables and removed discontinued products. I’ve also updated information, prices, and links throughout.How I Test Protein PowdersAccordionItemContainerButtonPhotograph: Boutayna ChokraneI've been downing protein powders for years, but for this guide, I put each one through a fresh round of testing. I sampled each powder at least three times to assess taste, texture, and mixability.
I mixed the powders with water, milk, and non-dairy alternatives. I also baked them into muffins and blended them into the occasional smoothie because not all of us like our protein straight.I prioritized powders with minimal to no additives and full transparency in sourcing—no unnecessary fillers, gums, or questionable sweeteners. Solubility was a major consideration, too.
I also scrutinized manufacturing practices and third-party testing. Certifications, like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Choice, mattered (learn more about these below). Every pick is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids.What Am I Testing Next?AccordionItemContainerButtonI’ll be testing Thorne Whey Protein Isolate.Best OverallPhotograph: Boutayna ChokranePhotograph: Boutayna ChokraneSave to wishlistOptimum NutritionGold Standard 100 Percent Whey Protein Powder$57 $45 (21% off) Amazon$60 GNCOptimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey has been a longtime favorite among gym rats.
It’s affordable, widely available, and the flavors we’ve tested taste good. The powder delivers 24 grams of protein per serving and is sourced from a blend of whey isolate, concentrate, and peptides. The vanilla ice cream flavor has been my go-to for three years.
I use it in smoothies, but I love it even more for baking. I like to swap a couple of scoops for some of the flour in banana bread to give it a protein boost without tasting chalky. Reviewer Louryn Strampe loves the banana cream flavor, which she swears tastes like a yellow Laffy Taffy.
While the sheer number of flavor options is nice, know that some flavors include artificial sweeteners.While there are protein powders out there with fewer additives, it’s reassuring to know the Clean Label Project gave the vanilla ice cream flavor its stamp of approval last year, confirming it tested free of arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.Note: Consumer Reports found that while certain Optimum Nutrition Powders are safe for regular use, the brand's Serious Mass contained 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per serving, which is twice the amount deemed safe by experts.SpecsProtein SourceProtein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, whey peptides)Protein per Serving24 gramsFlavors12, including cookies & cream, chocolate peanut butter, and strawberry bananaPrice Per Serving$1.37–$2.00WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonWIREDMore than 20 flavor options24 grams of protein per serving sizeA versatile blend of isolate, concentrate, and peptides whey for fast absorptionThe vanilla ice cream flavor is certified by the Clean Label ProjectTIREDSome flavors contain artificial sweetenersBest Whey IsolateCourtesy of Transparent LabsSave to wishlistTransparent LabsGrass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate$60 $54 (10% off) Amazon$60 Transparent LabsIf your priority is clean ingredients and label transparency, Transparent Labs' Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is for you. This whey is sourced from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, and the formula doesn't include artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or any of that extra junk (minus the natural flavors). It has Informed Choice and Informed Protein certifications, so you can feel confident that what’s on the label is what you’re getting.There are nearly two dozen flavors, but I opted for the unflavored version that blends well into smoothies and baked goods without hijacking the taste.
Consumer Reports has also tested the Mass Gainer sweet vanilla and found it to be safe for daily consumption.SpecsProtein SourceGrass-fed whey protein isolateProtein per Serving28 gramsFlavors21, including blueberry pancakes, cinnamon French toast, and s'moresPrice Per Serving$1.82–$2.00WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonWIRED21 flavor optionsHigh protein portion per serving sizeNo artificial sweeteners, fillers, or colorsThird-party tested for purity and ingredient verificationTIREDContains natural flavorsBest Plant-BasedPhotograph: Boutayna ChokranePhotograph: Boutayna ChokraneSave to wishlistRitualProtein Daily Shake 18+$44 $29 (34% off) Ritual$49 $33 (33% off) AmazonRitual prides itself on transparency, offering a traceable supply chain, so you know exactly what’s going into your protein shake. The Protein Daily Shake 18+ is crafted from organic yellow peas, grown and harvested exclusively in North America. By sourcing from regenerative farms, Ritual minimizes heavy metal contamination risks and reduces its carbon footprint.
While the resulting taste is only okay, the vanilla flavor is handcrafted using vanilla extract sourced from Madagascar. No surprise that this powder is NSF-certified and also certified by the Clean Label Project, having won the organization's Purity Award.Ritual’s pea protein is enhanced with L-methionine, rounding out the powder’s amino acid profile with eight grams of essential amino acids (EAAs) and four grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) per serving. It’s a clean option: soy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and free from GMOs, stevia, sugar alcohols, and artificial flavors or colors.SpecsProtein SourceOrganic yellow peasProtein per Serving20 gramsFlavorsVanilla and chocolatePrice Per Serving$2.93WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonWIREDSoy-free, gluten-free, and veganFree from GMOs, stevia, sugar alcohols, and artificial ingredientsCertified by the Clean Label ProjectTIREDMore expensive than its competitorsNot the tastiestBest TastingCourtesy of DymatizeSave to wishlistDymatizeISO100 Whey Protein Powder Isolate$42 Amazon$55 GNCI'm very picky when it comes to chocolate milk, but I'll easily down a Dymatize Performance chocolate-flavored protein shake.
Other flavors are crowd-pleasing, too: While fan-favorite Fruity Pebbles leans a little too cereal milk for my taste, there are over 14 sweet flavors available, including fudge brownie, gourmet vanilla, and birthday cake. You're likely to find one that hits the spot.Unfortunately, flavors this tasty come with some additives: natural and artificial flavors, like salt, sucralose, and soy lecithin. It's not the cleanest label out there, but it's easy on the stomach and taste buds, and has nice inclusions like 5.5 grams of BCAAs per serving.
There’s no unflavored option to help you avoid those additions, but the powder is nonetheless a solid choice for beginners who care more about taste.SpecsProtein SourceHydrolyzed whey proteinProtein per Serving25 gramsFlavors11, including Fruity Pebbles, gourmet chocolate, and birthday cakePrice Per Serving$1.79–$2.75WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonWIRED11 flavor optionsIncludes 5.5 grams of BCAAsTIREDContains sucralose, soy lecithin, and steviol glycosides (stevia)Best for AthletesPhotograph: Boutayna ChokranePhotograph: Boutayna ChokraneSave to wishlistPromixWhey Isolate Protein Powder (Unflavored)$65 $55 (15% off) Amazon$68 PromixWhen it comes to easy-to-digest protein—a win for athletes who need to use the fuel quickly—Promix Grass-Fed Whey Isolate stands out. Micro-filtered to contain less than 1 gram of lactose, it's designed for sensitive stomachs. Each serving delivers 30 grams of protein (31 grams for the chocolate flavor), 6.6 grams of BCAAs, and 14.2 grams of essential amino acids.
Promix also nails texture; with less than one percent non-GMO sunflower lecithin, this natural emulsifier helps dissolve the powder in water and milk without any grittiness. Even so, the protein shakes it made weren't my favorite, but I tossed the powder into muffins, which turned out delicious.The brand also sells protein puff bars (15 grams of protein) in flavors like birthday cake, snickerdoodle, and mint chocolate. While I found them too chalky, my fiancé loved them, so they might be worth trying if you're looking for snackable protein.SpecsProtein SourceGrass-fed whey protein isolateProtein per Serving30 or 31 gramsFlavors5, including vanilla, strawberry milk, and chocolatePrice Per Serving$1.87–$2.00WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonWIRED30 grams of protein per serving sizeEasy-to-digest, which is great for athletes and folks with sensitive stomachsTIREDTexture is chalky in smoothies and shakesBest for Sensitive StomachsCourtesy of MomentousPhotograph: Boutayna ChokranePhotograph: Boutayna ChokraneSave to wishlistMomentousGrass Fed Whey Protein Isolate Powder$60 Momentous$60 $51 (15% off) AmazonIf you're intentional about what goes into your protein powder, Momentous could be the brand for you.
It sources its whey from European dairy farms, where the cows are grass-fed and free from hormones, steroids, and rBST. The whey is processed using cold microfiltration to preserve its amino acid profile. It includes ProHydrolase, an enzyme blend meant to boost digestion and absorption.
You won’t find fillers, gums, or refined sugar in this powder, either—though it does use natural flavors.With 20 grams of protein per serving, it's great for most people, but bodybuilders and lifters may prefer a powder with a higher protein content. The macros are lean—just 3 grams of carbs (two of which come from fiber, which helps with satiety) and 1.5 grams of fat, likely from the sunflower lecithin that helps improve mixability. Taste-wise, it's not the most pleasant on its own; f you like to drink protein straight with water, you might find this one a little rough.
I prefer to blend it into a fruit smoothie.Momentous is NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport, and Consumer Reports also found the vanilla flavor to be safe for daily consumption.SpecsProtein SourceGrass-fed whey protein isolateProtein per Serving20 gramsFlavors8, including chocolate coconut, spiced chai, and strawberryPrice Per Serving$1.75–$2.49WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonWIREDFree from fillers, gums, and refined sugarCertified by Informed Sport and NSF Certified for SportTIREDContains natural flavorsNot the tastiestBest Low CarbPhotograph: Nena FarrellPhoto: Nena FarrellSave to wishlistIsopureZero Carb$90 $76 (16% off) AmazonThis vanilla protein powder is the secret behind my favorite post-workout snack that masquerades as dessert. I mix it with Greek yogurt, whipped cream cheese, and some crumbled graham crackers to make a little protein cheesecake treat. I usually do about half a cup of the yogurt and cheese to anywhere between half a scoop to a full scoop of powder; you should taste-test it yourself to find your perfect ratio.
It’s a great go-to after an evening workout, or in my case, a late aerial dance class that leaves my shoulder muscles screaming.The Isopure’s vanilla flavor (and scent!) is impressively strong. It can taste a little too strong without enough added ingredients to balance it out. If the protein cheesecake idea isn’t for you, try frozen banana ice cream. —Nena FarrellSpecsProtein SourceWhey protein isolateProtein per Serving25 gramsFlavors8, including banana cream, Dutch chocolate, and toasted coconutPrice Per Serving$1.69–$2.19WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonWIRED8 flavor options that work for bakingZero carbs, zero sugar25 grams of protein per serving sizeTIREDPotent taste—potentially too potentBest for PaleoPhotograph: Adrienne SoPhotograph: Adrienne SoSave to wishlistBe Well by KellyChocolate Grass-Fed Beef Protein Powder$65 AmazonBeef protein isolate is made from cow tissue that has been filtered and processed into powder.
Whey is just as effective at building muscles and is a cheaper alternative, but Be Well by Kelly's protein powder is a good option for those who follow a stricter paleo diet or are dairy- or whey-free.There are only three ingredients—organic cacao powder, beef protein isolate, and monk fruit sweetener. It packs 24 grams of protein per scoop and is a much finer powder than other protein powders I've tried. It is also a complete protein that has been third-party tested.
The main reason I like it, however, is the taste. I do find it difficult to dissolve it in plain water. But with a little peanut butter as an emulsifier, it blends well into a fruit smoothie and tastes exactly like a (breakfast) chocolate shake. —Adrienne SoSpecsProtein SourceBeef protein isolateProtein per Serving24 gramsFlavors6, including chai, mint chocolate, and pumpkin spicePrice Per Serving$2.17WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonWIREDTastes exactly like a chocolate shakeDairy- and whey-freeOnly three ingredientsTIREDExpensiveBest for FiberPhotograph: Kat MerckSave to wishlistMikunaVegan Protein Powder$44 Mikuna (15 servings)This powder is unusual in that it's not whey-, soy-, or pea-based, but consists entirely of powdered Peruvian lupin bean (chocho).
A boon for those looking for a clean, single source of protein, Mikuna is vegan, paleo, keto, and gluten-free. Even its non-plain flavors (vanilla, cacao) only have five ingredients—along with calcium, fiber, iron, and all nine amino acids.The flavored versions are actually quite tasty, sweetened with cacao powder or vanilla extract, coconut blossom nectar, and monk fruit. Be forewarned, though, that the powder alone can be texturally challenging—online reviews describe it as gritty and chalky, and after drinking it regularly for a few months, I think that’s being generous. (It will keep its suspension longer if mixed with a handheld electric whisk.) Mikuna is, however, an excellent way to bulk up a smoothie, and it’s a potential game changer for those with digestive problems aggravated by dairy, soy, or peas. —Kat MerckSpecsProtein SourceChochoProtein per Serving20 gramsFlavors3, including pure chocho, vanilla, and cacaoPrice Per Serving$3.00WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonWIREDPlant-basedVegan, paleo, keto, and gluten-freeTIREDGritty and chalky textureMore expensive than its competitorsCleanest ProteinCourtesy of PuoriSave to wishlistPuoriPW1 - Whey Protein with Bourbon Vanilla$79 PuoriPuori's PW1 stands out for its clean credentials.
It's certified by the Clean Label Project for transparency and tested against 200-plus contaminants—with third-party test results found here. It has a relatively simple ingredients list without artificial additives: whey concentrate, coconut palm sugar, vanilla powder, vanilla seeds, and natural flavors. Each serving packs a decent 21 grams of protein, sourced from pasture-raised, non-GMO cows with zero hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides.
It's minimally processed at low temperatures, preserving the whey's natural structure for better bioavailability. Because of this, the powder mixes well with water or almond milk. But in a blender, it gets a little too frothy for my taste.
I'd stick to a shaker bottle for a smoother sip.SpecsProtein SourceWhey protein concentrateProtein per Serving21 gramsFlavorsUnflavored, bourbon vanilla, and dark chocolatePrice Per Serving$2.63WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonWIREDCertified by the Clean Label ProjectThird-party tested for purity and ingredient verificationMinimal ingredient listTIREDFroths easily in a blenderContains natural flavorsCompare Top 10 Protein PowdersProductProtein SourceProtein Per ServingFlavorsPrice per ServingOptimum Nutrition Gold StandardProtein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, whey peptides)24 grams12+$1.37–$2.00Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein IsolateGrass-fed whey protein isolate28 grams21$1.82–$2.00Ritual Protein Daily Shake 18+Organic yellow peas20 grams2$2.93Dymatize ISO100Hydrolyzed whey protein25 grams11$1.79–$2.75Promix Grass-Fed Whey IsolateGrass-fed whey protein isolate30 grams5$1.87–$2.00Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate PowderGrass-fed whey protein isolate20 grams8$1.75–$2.49Isopure Zero CarbWhey protein isolate25 grams8$1.69–$2.19Be Well by Kelly Protein PowderBeef protein isolate24 grams4$2.17Mikuna Pure Chocho Vegan Protein PowderChocho20 grams3$3.00Puori PW1 Whey ProteinWhey protein concentrate21 grams3$2.63More Protein Powders to ConsiderPhotograph: Boutayna ChokraneNaked Casein: With only one ingredient—micellar casein sourced from hormone-free skim milk—this is about as clean as it gets. No added sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and no unnecessary additives. It's cold-processed to avoid any nastiness from chemicals or synthetic fillers, and it’s independently tested for both heavy metals and gluten.
Each serving packs 26 grams of protein and 618 milligrams of calcium (about 48 percent of your daily value). But Naked Casein doesn’t contain the emulsifying lecithin, so it won’t dissolve as smoothly as other powders. The best way to mix is with a blender, but I couldn't stomach the taste of this one.Ghost Whey Protein Powder: Ghost is the protein powder for people who want their post-workout snack to taste like dessert.
With flavors like Trix, Cinnabon, and coffee ice cream, it's unsurprisingly one of the best-tasting whey proteins on the market. Each scoop delivers 25 grams of protein (nearly 50 percent of the daily value for many people) and blends well in shakes, oats, or even DIY protein ice cream. The trade-off here is a longer ingredient list that includes gums, high-fructose corn syrup, and—in some flavors—titanium dioxide, which is a whitening pigment banned as a food additive in Europe.Seeq Clear Protein Powder: At first, I was skeptical of Seeq Clear Protein (how could it be clear!?!), but I’m a sucker for anything watermelon-flavored.
I was pleasantly surprised. It tastes like a creamier sports drink (I promise it’s better than that description sounds), and each serving has 22 grams of protein and 4.5 grams of BCAAs. There are zero grams of sugar.
Like a lot of other clear protein powders, it’s often more expensive than its traditional counterparts. B