Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss, Muscle Gain, and More

Whether your goal is to gain muscle, get ridiculously strong, or just to lose a few pounds, consuming enough protein is a must in order to be successful. It’s a lot easier to hit carb and fat goals throughout the day, but protein in the form of beef, chicken and other meat products can be expensive and difficult to eat enough of. Protein powders provide an easy and effective way to boost your daily intake and keep you on track. But with so many protein shakes out there, which ones are worth picking up and which ones aren’t worth shaking a stick at (see what we did there)?

There is a bit more to choosing the right protein powder than just taking the advice of the jacked person in the locker room. You should be looking for the product that has the right macronutrients, isn’t loaded up with useless additives, and also tastes good. Keeping track of all this may seem like a massive job, but we’ve done most of the heavy lifting to make finding the right protein powder easy for you. Here’s our list of best protein powders.

Best Protein Powders

• Best Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate 
• Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate 
• Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Swolverine Whey Isolate
• Best Vegan Protein Powder (Plant Based): KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Tasting Protein Powder: Huge Supplements Whey Protein
• Best Organic Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
• Best Cheap Protein Powder: Muscle Feast 100% Whey
• Best Vanilla Protein Powder: Onnit Whey Protein
• Best Chocolate Protein Powder: Onnit Whey Protein
• Best Keto Protein Powder: Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder
• Best Pea Protein Powder: Kaged Plantein
• Best Protein Powder for Women: Ideallean Protein Powder

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. 

Best Protein Powders Video

You can also check out this video from BarBend, where former Nutrition Editor Nick English goes over a variety of protein powders and their benefits. 

Best Protein Powder Overall

What makes a great protein powder? Well, the answer to this is subjective, but we think a clean and effective ingredients list should do the trick. This pick combines highly anabolic whey protein isolate with a blend of digestive enzymes, so you can get the most out of every scoop.

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

This protein powder from Transparent Labs features an ultra-pure whey protein isolate sourced from hormone-free, grass-fed cows. The nutritional values vary a bit by flavor, but each scoop of French Vanilla contains a massive 28g of protein and only 120 calories — that’s about 93 percent protein per serving, which is higher than most other powders. It only has half a gram of fat and less than one gram of carbohydrates — meaning only about ten of the calories come from sources other than protein.

This powder is sweetened with stevia leaf extract, leaving it free of artificial sweeteners. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate comes in seven flavors — Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, Strawberry, Vanilla Peanut Butter, and Mocha. A heads up if you’re on a budget, you will pay a bit more for this protein powder than other whey isolates at $2 per serving, but in this case, you can see where your money’s going.

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate 

• Anyone who specifically wants whey protein isolate, since this product is made from 100 percent grass-fed whey isolate.
• Customers looking for a high-protein product that’s low in calories. Some flavors of this supp only have 120 calories, but still contain 28g of protein per scoop.
• Athletes looking for natural sweetening. This product is sweetened with stevia leaf extract. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• Anyone who may want a 100 percent plant-based protein powder. This product does contain whey protein, which is animal-based. 
• Athletes looking for a mass gainer formula that can help fuel performance may want to look elsewhere since you’re only getting 120 calories a serving with this one. 
• People who are on a tight budget might want to find a cheaper option. This protein is priced higher than other whey isolates at $2 per serving, or $59.99 per 30-serving tub.

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate has an excellent macro and calorie profile, and a wide variety of flavor options. The high amount of whey protein isolate (28g per scoop) combined with natural sweetening makes this a solid, clean protein powder that we think is well worth the price.

Read our full review of Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate.

Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain

Protein is king when it comes to building muscle. You need to get enough of it to support the repair of muscles that are broken down and the creation of new muscle tissue. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense formula that may help pack on the gains, this pick is for you.

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

When it comes to gaining muscle, protein is considered the most important macronutrient, but if your protein has a load of fat and carbohydrates in it, you’ll have to do some extra math to get your macros dialed every day. Transparent Labs knows this too, and they created a protein powder with loads of muscle-building protein without a lot of fat and carbohydrates to mess up your macros. 

Each scoop of this product contains 28g of whey protein isolate (an above-average dose) sourced from grass-fed cows that can help aid in muscle recovery and growth. Nutritional values vary a bit between flavors, but Transparent Lab’s 120-calorie French Vanilla Whey Protein Isolate clocks only half a gram of fat and under one gram of carbohydrates per scoop, making this protein very lean. The company also sweetens its protein naturally with stevia leaf extract to help each of its seven flavors taste great, too. 

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• Athletes looking for a high-protein product without a ton of added calories will enjoy the 120-calorie serving size here — 112 of those calories are from protein.
• Anyone looking for a protein powder that uses natural sweeteners. This protein is sweetened with stevia leaf extract.
• People who want to add muscle, but stay lean while doing so will appreciate the low-carb nature of this product.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• Customers who are more budget-conscious may want to check other products on this list. One tub costs $59.99 or $2 per serving.
• Anyone looking for a casein or plant-based protein. This product only contains whey isolate.
• Folks interested in meal replacement shakes for muscle gain should look elsewhere. This is strictly a protein powder.

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is a great example of “getting what you pay for.” This protein is more on the expensive side, but this formula’s clean ingredient list and high protein content can help fuel muscle growth and recovery. 

Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss

If your goal is to lose weight, it’s important to ensure you’re not consuming unnecessary calories. Some protein powders can add a ton of extra calories from carbs and sugars you don’t want when trying to maintain a caloric deficit. That’s why we like Swolverine Whey Isolate when we’re cutting. 

Swolverine Whey Isolate

Swolverine designed its protein powder to be easily digestible and taste great. They use whey isolate from rBGH-free, grass-fed cows. You also won’t find any sugar or artificial ingredients in this protein powder. The macro split is great with each scoop doling out 26g of protein, half a gram of fat, and one gram of carbs. Swolverine uses only natural sweeteners and flavors in its protein, as well. 

They’ve also included digestive enzymes that can help aid in digestion and absorption, as well as prevent bloating. Each scoop is only 110 calories to potentially help with fat loss, and the four flavors — Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip — are tasty and blend easily in water. It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum at $62.99 per container (or $2.09 per serving), but if you can swing it, this is some of the cleanest protein you’ll find.

Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Isolate

• Anyone looking for some help with digestion and absorption will like the addition of digestive enzymes to this protein powder. 
• Athletes looking for clean ingredients will appreciate that this formula is rBGH free and comes from grass-fed cows.
• Anyone who is looking to lose some weight while maintaining or building lean muscle. This provides protein to help recover without the added calories some other products have. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Whey Isolate

• People who are looking for a more budget-friendly powder may want to check elsewhere. This is around $62.99 per tub, or about $2.09 per serving.
• Anyone looking for more flavor options. The flavors are tasty, but besides the standard Chocolate and Vanilla, it only comes in Honey Peanut Butter and Mint Chocolate Chip.

The macro split here is great thanks to this product’s natural sweeteners, like stevia. This product is loaded with protein without a lot of fat, carbohydrates, or calories. So if you’re looking for a protein powder to take during your weight loss journey, this protein is a good bet. 

Read our full review of Swolverine Whey Isolate.

Best Vegan Protein Powder (Plant Based)

Getting enough protein in your diet can be challenging in general, but even more so when you’re trying to do so from strictly vegan sources. Often, people supplement vegan diets with protein from sources other than whole foods. This protein powder combines different plant-based, whole-food ingredients to build a complete protein shake with zero animal products.

KOS Organic Plant Protein

KOS Organic Plant Protein powder combines pea protein, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed protein, and chia seed to ensure that each scoop gives you a complete amino acid profile — similar to whey-based proteins. Many plant-based proteins only use one source for their protein, which can leave out certain important amino acids, especially leucine. Leucine can be essential in building muscle, so its inclusion in a protein powder formula is important. 

The macro split on this protein is solid with 160 calories per serving coming from 20g of protein, 6g of fat, and 9g of carbs. KOS’s vegan protein comes in a stack of flavors too, like Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Mint Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Blueberry Muffin, Salted Caramel Coffee, Vanilla Bavarian Cream, and Unflavored & Unsweetened. This protein is in the median range of the price spectrum at about $49.99 per container and around $1.78 per serving. 

Who Should Buy KOS Organic Plant Protein

• Customers looking for a vegan alternative to whey protein will like this product’s plant-based formula. Thanks to the multiple forms of plant protein, this product offers a full amino acid profile.
• Anyone who prefers to have only non-GMO products will appreciate that this product is made from 100 percent non-GMO ingredients. 
• People interested in trying flavors outside of the basic Chocolate and Vanilla. KOS offers flavors like Blueberry Muffin and Salted Caramel Coffee.

Who Shouldn’t Buy KOS Organic Plant Protein

• Anyone who wants a huge dose of protein will want to look somewhere else, as this only has 20 grams. 
• Lifters who prefer to have whey protein over plant-based products should look at another option on this list.
• Athletes who want to minimize fat and carbohydrate intake might want to look into other options, since this has 6g of fat and 9g of carbs.

KOS Organic Plant Protein isn’t just a solid vegan protein powder — it’s a solid protein powder in general. The complete amino acid profile and friendly macros make this a great choice to help support your goals without using animal products.

Best Tasting Protein Powder

There are a lot of important things to consider when choosing a protein powder to support your goals. You can look at the macro split, the type of protein, the amino acid profile, and more. But none of those things matter if the stuff tastes so bad you can’t stomach it. No matter how good a protein powder is on paper, if you don’t like the taste and don’t drink it — it’s useless. Here’s our pick for the best-tasting protein powder. 

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

Huge Supplements Whey Protein is a blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. There are also a few extras included, like papain, which can aid digestion. This powder includes 23g of whey protein, 2g of fat, 2.5g of carbs per serving, and only 120 calories. But the real star of the show here is the six flavors Huge Supplements offers — Cookie & Cream, Vanilla Milkshake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Cheesecake, Blueberry Muffin, and Fruity Cereal — all made with natural and artificial flavors, including sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

One downside is that it does pack less protein per serving than other options on this list at 23g. The upside is that it’s delicious. And the price is in the lower range at about $44.95 a container or around $1.49 per serving.

Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Whey Protein

• Customers looking for a great-tasting powder will like this formula. Flavors like Fruity Cereal and Strawberry Cheesecake are designed to be crowd-pleasers. 
• Anyone who appreciates digestive aids will like the papain in this protein. 
• Athletes who don’t want to spend a lot on protein, since this is only $1.49 per serving.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Whey Protein

• Lifters looking for a lot of calories to fuel their training — this powder has only 120 calories per serving.
• Individuals who follow a vegan diet and would prefer a plant-based protein source should look elsewhere, since this powder contains whey protein.
• Athletes who are looking for a casein protein should find another option as this formula only contains whey concentrate and whey isolate.

Huge Supplements didn’t make just another protein shake that you’ll try to get down as quickly as possible and may need to chase. This protein mixes smoothly and tastes great. That, combined with the solid macro split, makes this a solid option for those looking for great flavor and effectiveness.

Best Organic Protein Powder

If you’ve ever found yourself walking down the protein aisle, you may have noticed that finding a protein with an organic designation isn’t the easiest. If you’ve been struggling to find a high-quality organic protein powder, we’ve got you covered.

KOS Organic Plant Protein

KOS Organic Plant Protein is our selection for best organic protein powder — it’s vegan-friendly and fully loaded with key organic ingredients. Its plant-based protein formula packs 20 grams of plant-based protein in every scoop, and is soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. 

This organic protein uses a blend of pea protein, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed protein, and organic chia seed to provide all of the essential amino acids you may need to rebuild muscle, similar to what you’d find in whey protein. This amino acid lineup includes leucine, which can help stimulate muscle protein synthesis. (3) It’s also available in eight flavors — Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Mint Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Blueberry Muffin, Salted Caramel Coffee, Vanilla Bavarian Cream, and Unflavored & Unsweetened.

Who Should Buy KOS Organic Plant Protein

• Anyone looking for an organic protein powder option that’s also vegan-friendly.
• People looking for a plant protein with the same amino acid profile that you’ll find in whey protein will like this, thanks to its combination of protein sources.
• Customers looking for a transparent nutrition label, so they know exactly what’s in their protein powder will appreciate the straightforward ingredient list on this product. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy KOS Organic Plant Protein

• Those who prefer whey protein formulas instead of plant-based options. 
• Athletes who want a bigger shot of protein may want to look elsewhere, since this only has 20g of protein per serving.
• People who want a lower-calorie protein shake can find leaner powders than this 160-calorie blend.

Although protein powders that are designated as organic may be harder to come by, that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality. KOS Organic Plant Protein boasts an organic protein formula that provides 20g of protein, along with a stack of vitamins and minerals.

Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain

If you’re looking to gain weight, you’re likely trying to eat a lot more than most. For those who can’t possibly chew another bite, a mass gainer may be a great way to up your calorie intake, and this pick is one of the best. 

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Amidst the sea of mass gainers loaded with cheap ingredients, this product rises above. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer serves up 740 calories of all-natural muscle fuel with each serving. This includes 53 grams of protein, 109 grams of carbs, eight additional grams of fiber, and 12 grams of fat.

Unlike some similar products, Transparent Labs Mass Gainer utilizes high-quality, all-natural ingredients that are easily digestible, such as grass-fed whey concentrate, coconut milk powder, MCT oils, sweet potatoes, tapioca, oats, along with stevia, and monk fruit sweeteners. It tastes great as well, which is a great perk when you’re struggling to ingest enough calories.

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

• Those looking for a high-quality high-calorie protein powder to potentially aid in weight gain.
• Anyone looking for a mass gainer that includes a solid dose of fiber as this product includes eight grams. 
• People looking for a transparent nutrition label and all-natural ingredients in their protein powder will appreciate this product’s ingredient list. 

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

• Folks looking for a true meal replacement shake — you’ll need to get your full daily doses of vitamins and minerals from additional sources. 
• Lifters looking for some variety in taste. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer only comes in Cookies N Cream and Vanilla.
• Shoppers that are on a tight budget — this product is more expensive than many protein powders.

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is simple and effective — nothing fancy, just a lot of high-quality calories that are easy to digest.

Best Cheap Protein Powder

Everybody loves a bargain and protein powder is no exception to the rule. We know that price is a major factor when deciding which protein powder is right for you. Here is our pick for the protein powder that provides the best bang for your buck.

Muscle Feast 100% Whey

At only $32.99 for 36 servings (depending on where and when you buy, of course), Muscle Feast 100% Whey is by far the most wallet-friendly pick on this list. Each scoop still supplies 19 grams of their grass-fed protein blend per 25 gram serving. Muscle Feast’s 100% Whey formula is also vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, OU-D Kosher, and free of artificial hormones or sweeteners. It checks a lot of boxes for a protein powder that’s so easy on the checkbook. However, it only comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, or Unflavored, so there’s not a whole lot of variety in the flavor department. 

Who Should Buy Muscle Feast 100% Whey

• Athletes that are operating on a budget — this product is on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to price per serving.
• Anyone requiring vegetarian, gluten-free, or OU-D Kosher protein options. 
• People looking for an all-natural protein powder with a short list of ingredients will appreciate the label on this product.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Muscle Feast 100% Whey

• Lifters looking for a calorie-dense protein powder — this powder only has 19 grams per serving.
• Customers who prefer unique flavors. Muscle Feast 100% Whey is only offered in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored.
• Individuals with lactose sensitivities — this product is not dairy-free.

If you’re looking for a quality protein powder at a lower price-point, Muscle Feast 100% Whey is a great option. Plus, it’s also vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free. 

Best Vanilla Protein Powder

Many protein powders on the market have a vanilla flavor option — it’s a classic. From the countless vanilla flavored options out there, this pick is a standout. 

Onnit Grass-Fed Whey

When it comes to vanilla protein powders, Onnit Grass-Fed Whey is one of the best. The taste is great, but that’s not the only thing we were impressed by. The quality-focused formula combines 20 grams of anabolic grass-fed whey isolate with seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus) making it one of the most unique products we’ve come across. 

If you’re on the hunt for a protein that’s gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free, or just easy on the stomach, Onnit Grass-Fed Whey is a solid option to consider. 

Who Should Buy Onnit Grass-Fed Whey

• Anyone who prioritizes taste — this vanilla flavor is one of the best on the market. 
• Folks who prefer natural sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit extract.
• Lifters looking for an easy-to-digest protein source. The inclusion of seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic for gut health really set this formula apart.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Grass-Fed Whey

• Shoppers looking for a cheap protein option. Onnit Grass-Fed Whey has a cost of about $2 per scoop.
• People looking for a minimalistic protein formula — this one also includes added ingredients like probiotics and digestive enzymes that may help with absorption. 

If you’re a big fan of vanilla, Onnit Grass-Fed Whey delivers with an unbelievable taste and an innovative digestive formula.

Best Chocolate Protein Powder

Since many protein powders come in a chocolate flavor, it’s a big deal to be called “the best” in this category, but this pick deserves it. 

Onnit Grass-Fed Whey

Onnit Grass-Fed Whey did it again with their Mexican Chocolate flavor — warm hints of cinnamon add a twist to the classic chocolate shake. In addition to the excellent taste, the list of ingredients is also hard to top. Onnit Grass-Fed Whey combines 20 grams of whey isolate sourced from free-roaming, grass-fed New Zealand dairy cows with seven digestive enzymes and lactobacillus acidophilus (a probiotic).

Not only does this formula feel light on your stomach before or after a hard training session, but the enhanced digestive benefits can help you maximize every gram of protein for proper recovery. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of taste and performance, we highly recommend the Mexican Chocolate Grass-Fed Whey by Onnit.

Who Should Buy Onnit Grass-Fed Whey

• Anyone searching for a delicious protein source — the Mexican Chocolate flavor is both unique and delicious.
• Lifters who want an easy-to-digest protein that won’t feel heavy in their gut before or after workouts.
• People who want all-natural protein will appreciate that this pick is grass-fed and free of artificial ingredients.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Grass-Fed Whey

• Penny pinchers – this is definitely one of the pricier options on our list.
• Athletes looking to maximize protein intake while on restricted-calorie diets. Although one serving is only 110 calories, 35 of those calories come from carbs or fats.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better combination of flavor and performance. The Mexican Chocolate flavor takes your classic chocolate protein shake to new heights.

Best Keto Protein Powder

Following one can be difficult, but a ketogenic diet can be useful for cutting fat. Plus, a good protein powder might help you stay on track better. Two things generally comprise a high quality keto-friendly protein: a solid dose of protein and minimal carbs. Our pick for best keto protein powder checks both those boxes, and then some.

Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder

Isopure has been making high-quality protein powder for years and their distinct branding makes their products easy to spot. Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder is a high-quality whey isolate with just protein, vitamins, and minerals. Each scoop has 100 calories that packs in 25 grams of whey protein isolate with zero carbs and zero fat. For anyone trying to stick to a ketogenic diet, having a formula without any carbs is key.

The included vitamins and minerals may be helpful to fill any gaps if you’re under certain food restrictions during your keto diet. Isopure mainly makes their protein powder in Vanilla with other flavors being harder to find, although you may find Chocolate on occasion. With no sugar, fat, carbs, lactose, gluten, or artificial ingredients this protein powder is about as pure as it gets.

Who Should Buy Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder

• Anyone looking for a keto-friendly protein powder without any carbs will find this pick to be a great option.
• People who prefer a minimalist approach when selecting a protein powder. Isopure keeps their products as straightforward as possible with just protein. No artificial ingredients here.
• Athletes looking for a whey protein isolate powder in which 100 percent of the calories come from protein.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder

• Anyone who is picky about the texture and flavor of their shakes. By cutting out so many other ingredients, the powders don’t always mix as nicely.
• Shoppers who are budget conscious might want to search for another option. Isopure is on the pricier side with 20 servings costing $29.99, or $1.49 per serving.
• People who get bored with flavors quickly. Isopure is mainly available in Vanilla with other flavors more difficult to come by, but you can find Chocolate on occasion too.

Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder delivers 25 grams of high-quality whey protein isolate without any carbs, fats, or fillers. If you’re adhering to a ketogenic diet, this product is an easy way to increase your protein intake and might even help with some of those hunger pangs and food cravings.

Best Pea Protein Powder

Not all protein powders are whey-based. This pea protein isolate provides all the protein power of whey-based options in a highly-digestible plant-based formula.

Kaged Plantein

Kaged Muscle’s Plantein covers all nine essential amino acids with its 26 grams of pea-based protein. Most plant-based powders are derived from sources like hemp or oats and contain substantial amounts of carbs and fats, which tend to inflate the calorie count compared to whey protein powders.

Plantein’s unique blend of pea protein, organic quinoa, and peanut flour, however, is much more macro-friendly with only five grams of carbs and four grams of fat. At 86 percent protein-by-weight, this pea-protein packs a mighty punch. Ingredient Optimized® Technology aids digestion to improve the bioavailability of the amino acids in Plantein where other pea protein blends fall short.

Who Should Buy Kaged Plantein

• Anyone looking for a plant-based substitute for whey that doesn’t pack a lot of carbs.
• Those in search of an easily digestible plant-based protein. Plantein’s Ingredient Optimized® Technology improves amino acid bioavailability. 
• People looking for a potent dose of BCAAs and EAAs in their protein powder.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Plantein

• Shoppers who buy in bulk quantities. Plantein only comes in a 15-serving tub.
• Lifters who prefer the classic chocolate or vanilla flavors. Plantein only comes in Peanut Butter Cookie, Cinnamon Roll, and Banana Bread.

With a highly digestible dose of 26 grams of protein and a macro split that is similar to whey protein powders, Plantein is a solid pea-based protein choice regardless of your goals.

Best Protein Powder for Women

A lot of the protein powders on the market are targeted at men, but this one is specifically made for women. It offers both great macros and fun flavors that can help you stay hooked.

Ideallean Protein Powder

Ideallean brands itself as a protein shake for women, but really anyone can take it. What makes this our pick for best protein powder for women is that it keeps the calories low without adding in any extra carbs or fat. It packs in around 20g of whey protein isolate and only 2g of carb per 100-calorie serving, depending on the flavor. There is zero added sugar and a variety of flavors to choose from. Most of the flavors are made to replicate favorite breakfast cereals and cravings like Fruity Cereal, Birthday Cake, Caramel Mocha, and White Chocolate Peppermint. Ideallean also offers variety packs where you can try a single serving of a bunch of different flavors to find your favorite or keep things fresh.

Who Should Buy Ideallean Protein Powder

• Women looking for a low-calorie protein powder that may help support their fitness goals will appreciate that this formula is made specifically for women.
• If you’re extra conscious of your sugar intake and are looking for a sugar-free protein powder, this pick is for you. 
• Athletes who are tired of the typical chocolate and vanilla flavors and want more interesting flavors to choose from. Cold-Brew Coffee protein powder anyone?

Who Shouldn’t Buy Ideallean Protein Powder

• Athletes who prefer a pure whey isolate protein powder over a blend for potentially easier digestion.
• Shoppers who are looking to add some mass, as this product is light on calories and not ideal for those looking to bulk.
• Anyone looking for protein powder free of artificial sweeteners. This is sweetened with sucralose.

Ideallean’s protein powder is low in calories and has no sugar, making it great for women looking to get more protein without unnecessary calories. The option to get sample-size packs make this a great choice for athletes on the go, as well. 

The Different Types of Protein Powder

The protein powders on this list are all derived from either whey or pea sources. Whey comes from milk and is a byproduct of cheesemaking whereas pea proteins are plant-based. The protein from the whey or peas can then be dried to make a protein concentrate or it can be filtered down even further to create a protein isolate.

Less-processed whey concentrates are usually about 80 percent protein by weight and contain more carbohydrates (lactose and sugar) and fats than the isolate options. The extra filtration involved in producing the whey and pea protein isolates means that they are usually around 90 percent protein by weight with fewer carbs and fat. Whey protein isolates will still have about 1 gram of lactose per scoop, however, while pea protein isolates do not contain any lactose.

The Benefits of Protein Powder

Mounting evidence suggests that a high-protein diet can safely have positive effects on body composition (increased lean mass and decreased fat mass). (1) A high-protein diet has also been reported to help improve muscle recovery after a tough training session. (2) Sometimes it can be difficult to eat enough protein throughout the day though, which is where protein powders come in. 

Protein powders provide a large dose of protein in protein shake form (when mixed with water, or dairy or non-dairy milk) to help you meet your dietary needs and keep you on track. Whether your goal is to build muscle or burn fat, supplementing your diet with a protein powder can help you maximize results.

How Much is Protein Powder?

Instead of determining the value of a protein powder based on the price per pound, try calculating the price per gram of protein. That’s why you’re buying it after all. A typical price range for whey protein is somewhere between four and six cents per gram of protein.

Best Protein Powder Overall	Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate	$59.99 $2.00 per serving
Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain	Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate	$59.99 $2.00 per serving
Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss	Swolverine Whey Isolate	$62.99 $2.09 per serving
Best Vegan Protein Powder (Plant-Based)	KOS Organic Plant Protein	$49.99 $1.78 per serving
Best Tasting Protein Powder	Huge Supplements Whey Protein	$44.95 $1.49 per serving
Best Organic Protein Powder	KOS Organic Plant Protein	$49.99 $1.78 per serving
Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain	Transparent Labs Mass Gainer	$69.00 $4.60 per serving
Best Cheap Protein Powder	Muscle Feast 100% Whey	$32.99 $0.92 per serving
Best Vanilla Protein Powder	Onnit Whey Protein	$59.95 $1.99 per serving
Best Chocolate Protein Powder	Onnit Whey Protein	$59.95 $1.99 per serving
Best Keto Protein Powder	Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder	$19.98 $1.33 per serving
Best Pea Protein Powder	KAGED Plantein	$29.99 $1.99 per serving
Best Protein Powder for Women	Ideallean Protein Powder	$32.49 $1.08 per serving

Depending on the transparency of the brand and the ingredients included in your protein powder, the price will fluctuate. The more natural, transparent, and extensive the label, the higher the price. The more basic the powder, the lower the price. But overall, when considering cost, you’ll want to look at what you’re paying per gram or per serving, rather than what you’re paying per container. 

When Should I Take Protein Powder?

There really is no “best time” to drink your protein shake. Contrary to the myths you may have heard, you aren’t going to lose all your gains if you don’t drink your shake within 30 minutes of your workout. The main priority, instead, should be to make sure you are consuming enough protein overall throughout the day. Getting some protein in right before or immediately after a training session is certainly not going to hurt, but as long as your daily protein and calorie requirements are met you’ll be on track regardless of when you decide to enjoy your shake (3)(4)(5).

How We Chose the Best

With so many protein supplements available on the market these days, there’s a lot to consider when deciding the best products out there. Plenty of internet “experts” will try to convince you that their brand is unquestionably the best. We know that the best choice will vary from person to person though, so we’ve considered factors like ingredients, price, flavor, and more to compile an extensive list of viable protein powder options for just about anyone that is looking to add more protein to their diet

Plenty of Protein

This seems a bit obvious, but the first item on our checklist for a great protein powder is a potent dose of protein. Afterall, that’s what you’re here for. A greater daily intake of high-quality protein has been associated with such benefits as increased lean mass, lower body fat percentage, and bone mineral health. (6) Most of our selections supply around 25 grams of protein per serving with all of them offering at least 19 grams per scoop in the form of an isolate or an isolate-blend. 

Digestibility

While whey protein isolates are typically low in fat and carbs they may also contain additives like digestive enzymes that help with absorption. Several of our selections include a supportive digestion formula that enables your body to utilize nutrients more effectively. For example, some of the selections on this list include ProHydrolase® or a multi-enzyme blend, which aids in the process of breaking protein powder down into smaller particles.

Some selections also contain a probiotic, which is a friendly bacterium that aids in digestive processes within the gastrointestinal tract. For athletes, there is evidence that probiotics can improve recovery, endurance, insulin sensitivity while decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and even anxiety. (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)

Macronutrient Breakdown

Protein, fat, and carbs are what we call macronutrients (macros). These are the three primary sources of calories in our food. Each macro plays a set of different roles within the body, and the intake of each can be manipulated to better achieve certain fitness goals (e.g. gain muscle or lose weight). (14)(15)(16)(17) The amount of each macro that we choose to eat can be broken down into a ratio that we call a macro split. The protein powder options provided in this list can be used to help you stay on track. If you’re not sure what your daily macro split should be, you can use this handy calculator to dial it in based on your goals.

Quality Control

Each of the picks have been third-party tested for heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, and mycotoxins. Since these ingredients can be toxic for humans, companies ensure there are no impurities in their products before they hit the market. All of the companies in this list perform on-going third-party testing, so you won’t have to worry about quality control when you grab one of these supplements off the shelf. 

Flavors

We understand that if a protein shake is not palatable, the quality of the ingredients become obsolete. If you’re going to spend your hard-earned money on a product, it is important that you actually enjoy consuming it. Every individual has their subjective flavor preferences, so each person will like or dislike various flavors. Rest assured though, that none of the picks on this list are objectively bad-tasting. We can’t promise you will love every single flavor, but we’re pretty sure you won’t hate any of them.

What to Consider Before Buying Protein Powder

Since there are so many options on the market, before you decide which one is best for you, you have a lot of factors to take into consideration. For example, different athletes are going to want different kinds of protein powder depending on what their goals are in the gym. That’s just one aspect you need to consider — keep on reading for a few more tips. 

Your Training Goals

Ultimately, your fitness goals should influence which protein powder you choose. Are you interested in getting lean or do you want to put on some size?

If you have aspirations of getting shredded, you’ll want to prioritize selecting a protein that delivers maximal protein content with as few calories as possible. If getting big is your goal, you won’t need to be as conservative with your calories and may even want to add some with a mass gainer.

Lactose Sensitivity

If you do happen to be sensitive to lactose, you’ll want to be cognizant of the type of protein powder you purchase. While it may only be two or three grams, whey concentrate does contain more lactose than whey isolate protein and may not sit well with some. Those sensitive to lactose may prefer to stick with whey isolates or lactose-free plant-based options, such as pea protein.

Final Word

Protein powders are an effective and tasty way to increase your daily protein intake. Regardless of your goals, you’ll find something on this list that will help support your training and recovery. We’ve taken ingredients, effectiveness, taste and plenty of other factors into consideration to help you find the best option to suit your training and lifestyle. 

Before you decide which one to buy, you’ll also want to consider how each product may fit into your daily routine. No product on this list is a perfect fit for every single person, so make sure you’re choosing the one that is best for you personally, rather than the least expensive product or the one that’s listed as the “Best Overall.” Once you know what you want, all that’s left for you to do is to choose a flavor, add to cart, and get to mixing. 

FAQs

References

1. Antonio, J., Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., Ormsbee, M. J., Saracino, P. G., & Roberts, J. (2020). Effects of dietary protein on body composition in exercising individuals. Nutrients, 12(6), 1890.
2. Davies, R. W., Carson, B. P., & Jakeman, P. M. (2018). The effect of whey protein supplementation on the temporal recovery of muscle function following resistance training: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 10(2), 221.
3. Hoffman JR, et al. Effect of protein-supplement timing on strength, power, and body-composition changes in resistance-trained men. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2009 Apr;19(2):172-85.
4. Aragon AA, et al. Nutrient timing revisited: is there a post-exercise anabolic window? J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Jan 29;10(1):5.
5. Schoenfeld BJ, et al. The effect of protein timing on muscle strength and hypertrophy: a meta-analysis. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Dec 3;10(1):53.
6. Loenneke, J. P., Balapur, A., Thrower, A. D., Syler, G., Timlin, M., & Pujol, T. J. (2010). Relationship between quality protein, lean mass and bone health. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 57(3-4), 219-220.
7. Pyne, D.B. et al. Probiotics supplementation for athletes – clinical and physiological effects. Eur J Sport Sci. 2015;15(1):63-72.
8. Nichols, A.W. Probiotics and athletic performance: a systematic review. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2007 Jul;6(4):269-73.
9. Hsu, Y.J. et al. Effect of intestinal microbiota on exercise performance in mice. J Strength Cond Res. 2015 Feb;29(2):552-8.
10. Jäger, R. et al. Probiotic Streptococcus thermophilus FP4 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 Supplementation Attenuates Performance and Range-of-Motion Decrements Following Muscle Damaging Exercise. Nutrients. 2016 Oct 14;8(10).
11. Jäger, R. et al. Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 reduces exercise-induced muscle damage and increases recovery. PeerJ. 2016 Jul 21;4:e2276.
12. Messaoudi, M. et al. Assessment of psychotropic-like properties of a probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) in rats and human subjects. Br J Nutr. 2011 Mar;105(5):755-64.
13. Schmidt, K. et al. Prebiotic intake reduces the waking cortisol response and alters emotional bias in healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2015 May;232(10):1793-801.
14. Rodriguez NR, et al. Position of the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and athletic performance. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Mar;109(3):509-27.
15. Burke LM, et al. International Association of Athletics Federations Consensus Statement 2019: Nutrition for Athletics. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2019 Mar 1;29(2):73-84.
16. Helms ER, et al. Evidence-based recommendations for natural bodybuilding contest preparation: nutrition and supplementation. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2014 May 12;11:20.
17. Longland TM, et al. Higher compared with lower dietary protein during an energy deficit combined with intense exercise promotes greater lean mass gain and fat mass loss: a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Mar;103(3):738-46.