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The 12 Best Protein Powders for Every Health Goal, Tested and Reviewed

We taste-tested 25 nutrient-packed options to find the ones that ranked highly on flavor and were easy to mix.

protein powder
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Pixel-Shot / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Gone are the days when protein powder conjures up images of a chalky drink that only bodybuilders turn to for gains. Nowadays, protein powder is used by everyone from busy moms to runners, and you'll be surprised to find that many powders actually taste like a creamy milkshake you'd order at a diner. “Getting more protein throughout your day can help you feel fuller and help build lean muscle mass,” says registered dietitian Katherine Brooking, MS, RD.

If you're looking to get more protein in your diet, investing in a tub of protein powder is a great place to start. Protein powder, which is considered a nutritional supplement, is a concentrated source of protein and can help you build muscle, curb cravings, and accelerate muscle recovery after a workout. But you shouldn't just grab any container off a store (or Amazon) shelf. To help you find the best protein powders to fuel your health and fitness goals, we headed to our testing lab to mix and taste 25 products from popular brands. Here are the full results of our taste tests.

Calculating Your Protein Needs

Protein is a hot topic, but more isn’t always better (and can be potentially dangerous). Calculate your daily needs; aim for 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (AKA your weight in pounds divided by 2.2). Regular exercisers may need 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram, and if you’re focused on muscle building, targeting 1.6 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram may be appropriate. Protein powder is convenient but shouldn’t replace whole foods; it should be used to complement your diet. Consult a registered dietitian to determine the correct amount of protein for your individual needs and goals.

Why We Liked It: It's made from grass-fed whey, boasts a smooth texture and rich flavor, and doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners. 

It's Worth Noting: It has 3 grams of added sugar (from coconut sugar) per serving.

Naked Nutrition's whey is the best protein powder we tested because it's sourced from grass-fed cows, mixes well without leaving a chalky aftertaste, and doesn't contain any artificial ingredients. We noticed that this pick smelled like Swiss Miss hot chocolate (and we say that in the most pleasant, nostalgic way), and it boasted a nice flavor without the dreaded chalky aftertaste you get from many other protein powders. When we mixed it into cold water, it smelled, looked, and tasted like chocolate milk (yum!), but we wished it had a more prominent chocolate flavor. 

We also loved that Naked Nutrition's whey doesn't feel gritty, even if you just shake it up in a shaker bottle. Although some sediment was left in the glass after shaking it for the recommended 30 seconds, the texture was smooth and pleasant to drink. If you're watching your sugar intake, it's worth noting that this protein powder has 3 grams of sugar per serving from organic coconut sugar, which also ups the carb count to 8 grams per serving. Still, this doesn't contain artificial flavors or sweeteners, so you won't get that funky, bitter aftertaste after gulping down a shake made with Naked Nutrition's whey.

Number of Flavors: 2 | Container Size: 1 lb | Serving Size: 2 scoops (38 g) | Calories per Serving: 160 calories | Protein per Serving: 25 grams | Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate (dairy) | Sweetener Used: organic coconut sugar

Why We Liked It: Dymatize nailed the chocolate peanut butter flavor, and it's got a great protein-to-calorie ratio.

It's Worth Noting: It's sweetened with sucralose, which may be a dealbreaker if you’re concerned about artificial sweeteners.

Just as we had hoped, Dymatize's ISO100 chocolate peanut butter whey tasted exactly like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. We loved that this flavor is perfectly balanced, and while the protein powder tastes great on its own, it would also make a great addition to oatmeal or protein pancakes—so we’d definitely recommend experimenting with it in sweet recipes. Although it does contain some artificial sweeteners, there's little to no aftertaste, and we didn't feel like we needed to gulp down a glass of water after drinking this shake. We had to shake the protein for the full 30 seconds for it to dissolve fully, but then it poured seamlessly, and the texture was smooth, consistent, and very easy to drink. After pouring out the liquid, minimal protein powder residue was left at the bottom of the shaker.

Number of Flavors: 11 | Container Size: 5 lbs | Serving Size: 1 scoop (32g) | Calories per Serving: 120 calories | Protein per Serving: 25 grams | Protein Source: Whey protein isolate (dairy) | Sweetener Used: sucralose

Why We Like It: When frothed, the plant-based protein powder feels decadent in your morning coffee.

It’s Worth Noting: Happy Viking is 100% plant-based and vegan but contains erythritol (a sugar alcohol that provides sweetness) and Reb M (AKA stevia).

You may not hit your protein goals if you don’t start in the morning, which is why we found Happy Viking’s Iced Coffee flavor to be the best protein powder for coffee mixing. We added a scoop to our morning joe and frothed it up with a handheld frother, which gave our coffee a creamy, luxurious taste and texture. The protein powder tasted slightly sweet, so we didn’t need to add as much of our usual creamer. It’s become an essential part of our morning routines.

Number of Flavors: 7 | Container Size: 1.5 lbs | Serving Size: 2 scoops (38 g) | Calories per Serving: 160 calories | Protein per Serving: 20 grams | Protein Source: Brown rice and pea protein | Sweeteners Used: erythritol, stevia

Why We Liked It: It's super smooth, even when just mixed with water, and doesn't clump up like other protein powders. 

It's Worth Noting: It has a strong aftertaste that might be off-putting for those who aren't fond of stevia.

If you're not too keen on adding protein powder to your routine because of most products' chalky texture, you'll want to grab a container of Ladder, stat. This protein powder is shockingly smooth, both in the package and once mixed into a glass of water. In our lab tests, we only had to shake the drink for about five to seven seconds for a completely silky and delicious final product. And we noted that there was minimal sediment on the bottom—in fact, much less than most protein powders out there. Not only that, but the flavor did not disappoint. We loved that this tasted extra chocolatey, even in plain water, and noticed there was only a tiny bit of earthiness that bloomed after mixing. It's more expensive than other options on this list, but its smoothness and drinkability may justify the price if you’re particular about texture.

Number of Flavors: 2 | Container Size: 1, 2, or 3 lb | Serving Size: 15, 30, or 45 | Calories per Serving: 160 calories | Protein per Serving: 26 grams | Protein Source: Whey protein isolate (dairy) | Sweetener Used: stevia

Why We Liked It: It's Informed Sport Certified and it dissolves well in water, boasting a smooth texture without any clumps.

It's Worth Noting: It has a strong aftertaste because it's sweetened with stevia.

We love that Ascent's whey protein powder is Informed-Sport Certified, which means it's been third-party tested for banned substances, and it has 5.7 grams of BCAAs to fuel recovery as well as 25 grams of protein for just 130 calories per scoop. This pick also boasts a delicious chocolate peanut butter flavor and smooth texture that's easy to drink. You get a lot of PB on the first sip with this pick, and the texture doesn't distract from it. There were absolutely no clumps after mixing a full scoop with just 4 ounces of water, which was a welcome surprise.

Number of Flavors: 7 | Container Size: 2 or 4 lb | Serving Size: 1 scoop (35g) | Calories per Serving: 130 calories | Protein per Serving: 25 g | Protein Source: Whey protein isolate (dairy) | Sweetener Used: stevia

Why We Liked It: It goes down easily thanks to its smooth texture and light vanilla flavor, making it ideal for a post-dinner snack. 

It's Worth Noting: It's sweetened with artificial sweeteners as well as stevia.

Casein protein powder is dairy-based, but it's absorbed at a much slower rate than whey, says Megan Hilbert, MS, RD. We love Dymatize's Elite Casein because it has a light texture, smooth consistency, and subtle vanilla flavor that makes it easy to sip before bed. If you lift in the evening, studies show that getting 40 grams of casein protein about 30 minutes before bed can help build muscle and spur recovery. So try Dymatize's casein in a high-protein dessert after dinner, or enjoy it with water or milk. The casein powder dissolved quickly, without clumps or powder left at the bottom of the glass. It's also a great value, at about $40 for a 2-pound tub (that comes out to around $1.50 per serving).

Number of Flavors: 4 | Container Size: 2 or 4 lb | Serving Size: 2 scoops (33g) | Calories per Serving: 120 calories | Protein per Serving: 25 g | Protein Source: Casein (dairy) | Sweeteners Used: sucralose, stevia

Why We Liked It: Its thick consistency is super satisfying, and it didn't have a chalky or earthy aftertaste.

It's Worth Noting: It's a bit high in sodium and saturated fat.

Whether you have a dairy allergy or are just trying to cut down on animal products, KOS' Vegan Superfood Protein Powder is a smart addition to any eating plan. It gets its protein from a mixture of organic peas, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia, so it contains all the essential amino acids to help you build muscle. And in addition to boasting 20 grams of protein per serving, it contains 3 grams of gut-friendly fiber. You'll also get a solid number of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, B vitamins, and iron—all nutrients you might miss out on if you follow a vegan diet. 

The chocolate flavor has a light consistency similar to Yoo-hoo and a faint but pleasant chocolate taste. Although the brand's website describes the flavor as "decadent chocolate," this protein powder is actually very mild-tasting. And unlike many other plant protein powders, which can be gritty, this one felt very smooth going down. 

Number of Flavors: 8 | Container Size: 2.4 lb | Serving Size: 2 scoops (39g) | Calories per Serving: 160 calories | Protein per Serving: 20 grams | Protein Source: Organic pea powder, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia seed (plant-based)  | Sweeteners Used: coconut sugar, stevia, monk fruit

Why We Liked It: This protein powder is both NSF Content Certified and NSF for Sport Certified, and the vanilla flavor isn't artificial or cloyingly sweet. 

It's Worth Noting: It contains some fat from MCT oil and coconut-based creamer.

Gnarly's Grass-Fed Whey is the perfect pick if you're looking for a mildly flavored vanilla protein powder that mixes well on its own and with smoothies. It's not cloyingly sweet or reminiscent of sweet vanilla ice cream or cake—instead, we found that it tastes like lightly flavored milk when mixed with plain water. The powder in the can was extremely fine, and the texture of the glass was super smooth. We loved that there wasn't any clumping in the shaker bottle.

Gnarly's whey is also NSF Content Certified (which means it's tested for heavy metals, microbes, and pesticides) and NSF for Sport Certified. Plus, it contains some added functional ingredients, including prebiotics and probiotics, to support gut health.

Number of Flavors: 2 | Container Size: 2 lb | Serving Size: 2 scoops (45g) | Calories per Serving: 160 calories | Protein per Serving: 25 grams | Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate (dairy)  | Sweetener Used: stevia

Why We Liked It: The Chocolate Frosting flavor lives up to its name, and it tastes delicious even when mixed with water.

It's Worth Noting: It's sweetened with sucralose, which may be a dealbreaker if you’re concerned about artificial sweeteners. 

GNC's AMP Pure Isolate whey definitely takes the (chocolate) cake for the best cocoa flavor out of all the protein powders we tested. The Chocolate Frosting flavor is spot-on to what's advertised on the packaging. Although it has a bit of an artificial taste because of the sucralose it's sweetened with, it tasted like a delicious milkshake, even when mixed with just water. While it leaves you with more of an aftertaste than Naked Nutrition's Chocolate Whey Protein Powder, GNC's protein powder has a more pronounced chocolate flavor that really stands out. 

After shaking the drink for 30 seconds, we found it dissolved well without any residue in the shaker bottle. The texture is smooth, and we didn't notice any clumps of protein powder at the bottom of the shaker bottle. Nutrition-wise, we love the protein-to-calorie ratio in this isolate powder: You'll get an impressive 25 grams of protein for 130 calories.

Number of Flavors: 5 | Container Size: 2.13 lb | Serving Size: 1 scoop (34.5g) | Calories per Serving: 130 calories | Protein per Serving: 25 grams | Protein Source: Whey protein isolate (dairy)  | Sweetener Used: sucralose

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Weight Gainer Supplement
PHOTO:

Transparent Labs

Why We Liked It: It's easy to drink, high in calories and protein, and doesn't contain artificial sweeteners.

It's Worth Noting: The serving size is very large (two heaping scoops), but this shake's consistency is very light, which makes it easier to drink. 

If gains are your goal, Transparent Labs' Mass Gainer powder is the perfect protein shake ingredient. One large 2-scoop serving packs 750 calories, 53 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, and 110 grams of carbs. The first and most abundant ingredient in this powder is maltodextrin, a carb often used in mass gainer powders, and the protein is sourced from grass-fed cows. Plus, it doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners as most mass gainers do.

The flavor matched what was advertised—we noticed that it really did taste like a chocolate-glazed doughnut, and it wasn't overly artificial or chalky. While we appreciated that this powder tasted the same the whole way through, without a foul aftertaste, we were a bit surprised about the light texture; however, that did make it easier to drink, considering this serving size is large.

Number of Flavors: 2 | Container Size: 6.42 lb | Serving Size: 2 scoops (194g) | Calories per Serving: 750 calories | Protein per Serving: 53 grams | Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate (dairy)  | Sweetener Used: stevia

Best Protein Powder With Greens

Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean

Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean
PHOTO:

Ora

Why We Like It: The ingredients list boasts 19 superfoods, including sprouted quinoa, kale, broccoli, and several types of fruit.

It’s Worth Noting: We’d recommend pairing this with milk instead of water. 

For a protein powder that does double-duty, we love the Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean protein powder. The ingredients list is enough to make us into the heart-eye emoji, thanks to organic sprouted quinoa, organic acai, organic kale, organic broccoli, and organic coconut milk — just to name a few of the 19 total superfoods featured. If you want your protein powder to go above and beyond with recognizable, real-food ingredients, this is it. 

We tried the vanilla chai flavor, and its scent was intoxicating. For a full-bodied flavor, we recommend it with plant-based milk instead of water. The texture was finely milled, and while we didn’t see any clumps, we did notice a bit of separation between the powder and liquid. But at the end of the day, it didn’t keep us from gulping this protein powder down.

Number of Flavors: 4 | Container Size: 21.2 oz | Serving Size: 2 scoops (30g) | Calories per Serving: 120 calories | Protein per Serving: 21 grams | Protein Source: Pea and rice  | Sweeteners Used: monk fruit, stevia

Why We Like It: The packaging made it way easier to store than other giant tubs we tested.

It’s Worth Noting: We couldn’t find any third-party testing.

Let’s face it: most of the best protein powders come in giant plastic tubs that are difficult to store and take tons of counter space. We first fell in love with the XWERKS Grow protein powder for its Ziploc packaging, which was easy to wedge in our cabinets. But once we opened the packaging, we were entranced by the rich cocoa scent. It tasted like a Hershey’s bar, even though the flavor was technically Peanut Butter, and we found ourselves indulging in the drink rather than chugging it down. On the downside, we haven’t found any third-party testing for this protein powder. We still gave it a high nutrition rating, but we wish there was an independent party verifying its ingredients and contents.

Number of Flavors: 4 | Container Size: 2 lb | Serving Size: 1 scoop (30g) | Calories per Serving: 110 calories | Protein per Serving: 25 grams | Protein Source: Whey protein isolate  | Sweetener Used: stevia

We Also Tested

Now Sports Plant Protein Complex

Now Sports sources its plant protein complex from pea, hemp, and quinoa. It has 22 grams of protein per 140 calories, which is solid for a vegan protein powder. While the texture was smooth and clump-free, we did get a stevia-dominant aftertaste. 

Sunwarrior Classic Protein Powder

Sunwarrior Classic Protein Powder is made with fermented brown rice protein and has 18 grams of protein per 100 calories. Although it had a rich, creamy consistency, we didn't like the slightly grassy smell and harsh stevia aftertaste. 

What to Know About Supplements

Unlike medications, dietary supplements are overseen by the FDA with limited regulation. This means the quality and effectiveness can vary greatly. Our team of dietitians follows our Dietary Supplement Methodology to ensure we select the best products available based on scientific evidence and third-party testing. Supplements may have interactions and may not be appropriate for everyone, so always discuss supplements you plan to take with a healthcare provider for individualized advice.

Person sipping a shake made with Naked Whey Chocolate Protein Powder

Shape / Jhett Thompson

Protein Sources, Explained

Protein powders can be made from either animal or plant sources, but there are many different types to consider. According to Hilbert, here are the most popular types of protein powders and what they're best for: 

  • Whey: Dairy-based. Best for muscle synthesis to drink after a workout, as it's easily absorbed.
  • Casein: Dairy-based. Best for people who are looking for a more slowly absorbed protein for satiety and muscle recovery at night.
  • Collagen: Animal- or fish-based. Best for people who are looking to improve joint and/or skin health. 
  • Hemp: Plant-based. Contains all nine essential amino acids and is a good source of fiber, which also helps with blood sugar regulation and satiety.
  • Pea: Plant-based (made from yellow split peas). Contains all nine essential amino acids and has a mild flavor. Some studies show it has comparable muscle-building benefits to whey protein. 
  • Soy Protein: Plant-based. Contains all nine essential amino acids. Some may want to avoid soy protein due to intolerances or allergies. Taking soy protein isolate in moderation has not been shown to negatively affect health. 

How to Choose the Best Protein Powder

  • Look for protein powders with minimal added sweeteners. When possible, it's best to choose a product that's free of artificial sweeteners; however, depending on your personal preferences, you may tolerate stevia or monk fruit.
  • Based on your dietary preferences, consider the amount of protein per serving and the protein source (such as dairy or non-dairy). 
  • Aim for a protein powder that offers around 20 grams of protein per 100 calories, says Hilbert. (For reference, most active adults should get 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (or 0.5 to 0.9 grams per pound of body weight) every day.)
  • Look for a product that has been third-party tested to verify the ingredients stated and test for harmful contaminants. These certifications include ConsumerLab, U.S. Pharmacopeia, and NSF International.
Person shaking a blender bottle with Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder on counter nearby

Shape / Jhett Thompson

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is protein powder good for weight loss?

    Protein powder can help you lose weight if that's your goal. According to Brooking, here's how: Protein can help curb hunger and keep you fuller for longer than other macronutrients (i.e., fats and carbs). Protein also helps to build lean muscle mass, which burns more calories than other body tissues.

    While adding more protein to your diet might help you lose weight, it's best to speak with a healthcare provider about your nutritional needs.

  • What should I mix protein powder with?

    You can mix protein powder with any liquid, but it's usually combined with either water or milk. Brooking says mixing protein powder with water will result in the lowest-calorie drink, but many people like mixing it with their favorite milk instead to help improve the taste and texture. You can also add a scoop of protein powder to fruit smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt.

  • When is the best time of day to take protein powder?

    The best time to drink a protein shake depends on your health and fitness goals. Brooking says that if you're looking to lose weight while maintaining muscle mass, consuming protein powder in the morning is probably your best bet. Some studies show that eating a high-protein breakfast (with at least 35 grams of protein) helps prevent fat gain and reduce daily hunger compared to eating a lower-protein breakfast or skipping breakfast altogether.

    Some research also suggests if you exercise in the evening, having protein right before bed can help you gain muscle.

  • Do I need protein powder?

    First and foremost, before purchasing a protein powder, assess whether you need one. Chances are, you're already meeting your protein needs with food alone, says Brooking. According to the Dietary Reference Intake Report for Macronutrients, a sedentary adult should get 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. So, if you weigh 150 pounds and live a sedentary lifestyle, you'll need about 54 grams of protein daily. However, research suggests very active people, or those looking to build muscle, should eat 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, so that means a 150-pound person who's very active should eat 82 to 136 grams each day. If you're in the latter group, investing in a tub of protein powder can help you get more protein more easily. 

Hand pouring a scoop of Gnarly Grass-Fed Whey Vanilla Protein Supplement into a shaker bottle

Shape / Jhett Thompson

Why Trust Shape

April Benshosan is a health journalist and editor who graduated with a Master's in Publishing, and her dedication to responsible health journalism has led her to spearhead the nutrition verticals at two major publications before freelancing full-time. She's an avid weightlifter and relies on protein powder to meet her goals, and she's personally tested many of the products on this list. We interviewed two dietitians for this story:

  • Katherine Brooking, MS, RD: Brooking is a speaker, author, influencer, and nutrition advocate who's passionate about helping people achieve healthier lives and supporting sustainable food systems. She received her Master’s in Nutrition Science from Teachers College, Columbia University.
  • Megan Hilbert, MS, RD: Hilbert is a dietitian who specializes in chronic gut health issues, such as IBS and chronic bloating. She received her Master's from ​​Grand Valley State University and has five years of counseling experience.
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