The best protein powders can be great for boosting lean muscle mass, maximizing hypertrophy in training, and assisting in fat burn. (1) Sadly, though, the supplement industry can be full of snake oil, meaning your protein shake could be riddled with unwanted ingredients and synthetic additives if you’re not carefully reading through the ingredients. The best clean protein powders can help alleviate those headaches for athletes with simple yet effective makeups designed to keep your training running optimally without any smoke and mirrors.
Though the meaning of “clean” in the fitness industry can mean a lot of things (and the meaning is often misconstrued), we define a clean protein powder as one with a simple ingredients list that contains little to no artificial additives. Additionally, you want a protein powder that still contains a well-rounded amino acid profile, which influences how well your body synthesizes protein. (2) To help you find a protein powder aligned with your preferences, we got hands-on with dozens of worthy options from top brands and consulted with our in-house experts to land on our favorite clean protein powders on the market today.
The 9 Best Clean Protein Powders of 2025
- Best Clean Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Clean Budget Protein Powder: Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate
- Best Clean Vegan Protein Powder: Gainful Vegan Protein
- Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Legion Whey+
- Best Clean Plant-Based Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
- Best Clean Grass-Fed Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein
- Best Clean Casein Protein Powder: Naked Micellar Casein
- Best Clean Protein Powder for Athletes: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate
- Best Tasting Clean Protein Powder: Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
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 use as 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. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Best Clean Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: Starting at $1.82
- Protein Source: 100% grass-fed whey protein isolate
- Protein Per Serving: 28g
- Calories Per Serving: 120-150
- Third-Party Testing: Yes (Informed Choice, Informed Protein)
- Available Flavors: Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Coconut, Strawberry Milkshake, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Blueberry Pancakes, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Mint Chocolate Chip
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a top-tier clean protein that’s transparent in its makeup and testing, we’ve found the perfect pick. As one of the best whey protein powders, we highly recommend Transparent Labs’ Whey Protein Isolate.
“I love that Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is free from artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and preservatives,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and BarBend expert reviewer. “You get 28 grams of high-quality protein without any unnecessary fluff. Plus, it’s tested by a third-party lab, and the certificates of analysis are available right on the website.”
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates the formulation a 5 out of 5 due to the protein-heavy composition in each serving. Regardless of flavor choice, you can expect 28 grams of whey protein isolate in each dose, along with 0 to 2 grams of fat, 0 to 3 grams of carbohydrates, and, in total, between 120 and 150 calories.
Whey Protein Isolate has a clean makeup free of any artificial sweeteners and colorings, as well as a non-GMO and gluten-free formulation, but it’s also plenty tasty. While our tester was lucky enough to trial Peppermint Hot Chocolate — a limited holiday release — we’ve also enjoyed offerings across the wide flavor range, including Milk Chocolate, Oatmeal Cookie, Vanilla Peanut Butter, and many others.
For these reasons, we score the taste at 5 out of 5. “For my Peppermint Hot Chocolate sample, I really enjoyed the smooth texture that sits on your tongue for a bit. You could seriously drop some whipped cream and marshmallows over top of this and I wouldn’t be the wiser — the flavor is spot on,” adds our tester. We rate the solubility at 5 out of 5, as well, and report no issues with clumped powder, unwanted residue, or mid-shake separation.
Read our full Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate Review.
Best Clean Budget Protein Powder: Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate
Nutricost's Whey Protein Concentrate comes in five different flavors and packs 25 grams of protein per serving. This product is also available in two- and five-pound containers, making it easier to buy in bulk.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: Starting at $1.22
- Protein Source: Grass-fed whey protein concentrate
- Calories Per Serving: 140
- Protein Per Serving: 25g
- Third-Party Testing: Yes (certifying lab not identified)
- Available Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Unflavored, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, Pineapple Whip
Why We Like It
In order to achieve that “clean” makeup, many clean protein powders can cost a pretty penny. As one of the best protein powders on Amazon, though, we’ve been regularly able to find Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate at wallet-friendly prices. Plus, the options to purchase 2-pound or 5-pound containers helps earn this clean protein option a 5 out of 5 value rating.
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and BarBend expert reviewer, adds, “This is a pretty lean formulation with an impressive amino acid profile. You can expect roughly 3 grams of fat and between 1 and 3 grams of carbs per serving, as well.” We rate the formulation at 3.5 out of 5, though, given this protein’s use of stevia as a natural sweetening agent. Stevia, according to studies, can lead to GI distress in some athletes. (13)
When it comes to mixing this budget-friendly protein option, Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, scores this Nutricost sample at 5 out of 5. “I mixed this powder in a blender as well as my best shaker bottle. In both instances, the mouthfeel and consistency were spot on for my preferences,” she notes.
Meier does add, though, that the flavors pair best with a milk-based liquid. “I rate the flavor at 5 out of 5 but highly suggest pairing this with a milk base for that creamy, smooth shake experience.”
Despite the lower cost per serving than other clean protein powders, we do appreciate that Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is third-party tested. That said, though, the brand does not identify the lab that conducted the tests, which leads to more questioning than you’d have with powders approved by recognizable entities such as NSF or Informed Choice. As such, we score this protein at a conservative 3.5 out of 5 for the category.
Best Clean Vegan Protein Powder: Gainful Vegan Protein
Gainful Plant-Based Protein Powder offers up to 24 grams of organic brown rice and pea protein, which delivers a complete amino acid profile. Right now, take 50% off your first order with the code: BF50.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: Starting at $2.55
- Protein Source: Organic pea protein, organic rice protein
- Protein Per Serving: 21g
- Calories Per Serving: 110
- Third-Party Testing: No
- Available Flavors: Madagascar Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Strawberry Cream, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cafe Mocha
Why We Like It
Vegan athletes can have it tough when searching for a high-quality, dairy-free, clean protein powder. As one of the best vegan protein powders available today, Gainful’s Vegan Protein Powder can be a great option, as it packs 21 grams of plant-based, complete protein, thanks to the combination of pea and rice protein.
We love that Gainful offers a clean formula with zero artificial flavorings, sweeteners, colors, or preservatives while still serving as a complete protein source with a full amino acid profile.
Our team also gave the vegan-friendly formulation a 4.5 out of 5, as you get 21 grams of plant protein. We knocked down half a point only because you can find products with slightly higher protein counts per serving. Additionally, Gainful allows you to choose your formulation based on your fitness and wellness goal — build muscle, lose weight, gain weight, get lean. However, there are only minor differences between these makeups, so we recommend paying close attention to each ingredients list and ensuring it can support your training aspirations.
Unique to Gainful, though, is the flavor situation. The powder itself comes unsweetened and unflavored, but you can choose from six different “Flavor Boosts,” which come in single-serving packets. All you do is mix this into your powder, allowing you to choose different flavors as often as you’d like. This can be a little tedious, though, for athletes who are on-the-go or in a rush.
“I’ve tried four of the brand’s flavors but the Mocha and Chocolate Peanut Butter were my favorites by far,” our tester said, giving the taste a 5 out of 5. “It was a little clumpy, though, so you might need a blender. I’d give the solubility a 3.5 out of 5 rating.”
When it comes to cost, we had to knock the brand just a bit, giving a 3 out of 5 in this category. “I really wish there were more servings to justify the cost,” notes certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial team member, Alex Polish. “That said, though, I understand (yet still dislike) the price hike given the customizations available through the Flavor Boost packets.”
Read our full Gainful Protein Powder Review.
Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Legion Whey+
An all natural, non-GMO, fat-free whey that's cheaper than many competitors, Legion Whey Isolate Protein Powder is made from 100 percent grass-fed whey protein isolate from sustainable dairy farms in Ireland. It's also higher in calcium compared to other powders on the market.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: Starting at $1.46
- Protein Source: 100% grass-fed whey protein isolate
- Protein Grams Per Serving: 21-23g
- Calories Per Serving: 100-130
- Third-Party Testing: Yes (Labdoor)
- Available Flavors: Chocolate, Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Cereal, Cocoa Cereal, Cookies and Cream, Fruity Cereal, Honey Cereal, Mocha Cappuccino, Pumpkin Pie, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Banana, Unflavored, Vanilla
Why We Like It
Legion’s Whey+ stands apart from other whey protein powders thanks to its protein source — ethically raised, grass-fed whey protein from Ireland. These bovines are brought up with no hormones added to their diet and graze predominantly outdoors in pesticide-free pastures, meaning there’s less of a chance for unnatural intruders to make their way into your post-workout treat.
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and BarBend expert reviewer, rates the formulation at 4.75 out of 5. “While the protein content per serving isn’t as dense as other protein powders, I do like the macro ratios and ingredients listed across the makeup.” However, this Legion dietary supplement doesn’t feature additional digestive enzymes to support gut health, which may leave some athletes with digestive distress.
Legion Whey+ is available in 16 different flavor options, giving you plenty of room to explore different concoctions to appease your taste buds. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scores the Chocolate variety at 4.5 out of 5, stating, “It compares to a tall glass of Ovaltine. There’s no off-putting aftertaste, and I could easily see myself turning to this powder on a regular basis.”
We also enjoy the fact that Legion Whey+ is available in multiple container sizes, giving you room to buy in bulk. Plus, prices start at roughly $1.46 per serving, which is right in-line with other clean protein powders we’ve trialed over the years. We score the value at 3 out of 5, though, since the bagged nature of the containers can be messy at times, especially when you’re fresh into your stock.
For third-party testing, Legion Whey+ scores a 4.5 out of 5 thanks to its Labdoor-approved formulation. As a certified nutrition coach, I also applaud the results of our independent testing, which rank Whey+ among the top 10 percent of all tested supplements for label accuracy as well as the presence of pesticides, phthalates, and bisphenols.
Read our full Legion Whey+ Protein Review.
Best Clean Plant-Based Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
This clean, transparent protein powder relies on organic, non-GMO yellow peas for its 20-gram protein dosage. Additionally, the subscription-based model helps ensure you’re always stocked up to help you meet your nutritional goals day in and day out.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $3.26
- Protein Source: Organic pea protein
- Protein Per Serving: 20g
- Calories Per Serving: 115
- Third-Party Testing: Yes (certifying lab not identified)
- Available Flavors: Vanilla
Why We Like It
For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet (or just looking for more plant-based supplements), Ritual Essential Daily Shake is a suitable choice. As one of the best organic protein powders we’ve tested, this clean vegan protein is made of pea protein powder with absolutely zero animal-based ingredients.
“Ritual Essential Protein scores a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation with deductions for the sodium content,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, R.D.N. We love the ingredients in this clean plant protein powder, but we do want to point out that one serving contains 13 percent of your daily sodium value.
After mixing this powder with water, we had to give the consistency a 5 out of 5. “It wasn’t gritty or thin by any means, and I quite enjoy the creamy texture,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer. “Plus, I appreciate that you don’t need milk to create that perfect consistency. Of course, though, I believe any protein shake is enhanced when added to a milk base of your choice.”
Ritual Essential’s protein is third-party tested, which is a big plus, although the certifying lab is not listed online — previous iterations of this best pea protein powder have carried seals of approval from Informed Sport and Informed Protein. Still, we score the formulation at 5 out of 5 for its easily-traceable makeup. “I’m a huge fan of companies that are transparent with their formulas, and Ritual’s got that down to a science,” Bourgeois adds.
We also give this product a 1 out of 5 for value. One 15-serving bag costs $49, which is about $3.26 per serving. “In my opinion, the price is too expensive for a plant-based protein powder,” says our tester. “If the servings per container were increased or the cost per serving was dropped, I feel this would be an easy go-to for non-dairy households.” That said, Ritual does offer subscription-based plans that can help you save on purchase totals when trying to account for future protein needs.
Best Clean Grass-Fed Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein
One serving of this supplement packs 20 grams of grass-fed protein with few added ingredients. You can buy a bag for $64.95, which is about $2.70 per serving.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2.19
- Protein Source: Grass-fed whey protein isolate
- Protein Per Serving: 22.27-23.4g
- Calories Per Serving: 90-100
- Third-Party Testing: Yes (NSF-Certified for Sport)
- Available Flavors: Unflavored, Vanilla, Chocolate
Why We Like It
Momentous sources its whey from dairy farmers in the European Union who utilize grass-fed cows untouched by hormones like rBST and steroids. (4) That commitment to quality has been recognized with certifications from the National Sanitation Foundation, a leading source in validating a supplement’s safety and efficacy.
In layman’s terms, this means that you can rest easy after your daily protein shake knowing it’s free from impurities and substances banned in sports.
We rated the formulation at 5 out of 5 thanks to its protein-heavy makeup and lean calorie count. Each dose of Grass-Fed Whey Protein delivers between 22.27 and 23.4 grams of protein, along with 90 to 100 calories, depending on your flavor of choice. This can be especially beneficial for athletes who are trying to lose weight but still want to maximize protein intake.
This Momentous offering is available in three flavors — Unflavored, Chocolate, and Vanilla. While we would like to see this roster increased, we do think that Momentous does them well enough for a 4 out of 5 rating. “The Chocolate option is very rich and mimics what you’d expect from a wintertime cup of hot cocoa,” says BarBend editorial team member, Kate Meier, in reference to our 4 out of 5 flavor rating.
Another standout feature of this Momentous protein powder is the inclusion of ProHydrolase — a digestive enzyme designed to help with potential GI issues while also speeding up nutrient absorption. (9) However, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., our expert reviewer, states that ProHydrolase is still a proprietary blend, meaning the included components of its specific formulation don’t need to be listed on the ingredients list.
Lastly, Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein is on the more expensive side of clean protein powders, coming in at $2.70 per serving. This is a little higher than the $2 average we’ve found with other brands, so it’s definitely a harder hit to the wallet. “I like the NSF Certified for Sport approval along with the taste and grass-fed makeup,” notes Meier. “However, I feel it’s pricing a good bit of athletes out with that near-$65 cost per bag.”
Read our full Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Review.
Best Clean Casein Protein Powder: Naked Micellar Casein
This slow-digesting protein powder contains, at max, three ingredients, making it one of the cleanest shakes you can add to your regimen. Naked Micellar Casein provides between 26 and 27 grams of protein per serving, allowing your muscles to fuel up, grow, and recover properly throughout the day.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.31
- Protein Source: 100% pure slow-digesting micellar casein
- Protein Per Serving: 26-27g
- Calories Per Serving: 110-150
- Third-Party Testing: Yes (certifying lab not identified)
- Available Flavors: Unflavored, Vanilla, Chocolate
Why We Like It
When it comes to tackling post-workout recovery, we recommend focusing on the best casein proteins. This slower-digesting protein option can provide a steady stream of amino acids to your muscles through the night, which can help prevent muscle soreness and catabolism. (10) In terms of “clean” casein protein, Naked’s Micellar Casein is the top pick simply because there are less than four ingredients in a given formulation (and just one if you opt for the Unflavored version).
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scores the formulation at 5 out of 5 thanks to its simple makeup and limited ingredients. The Vanilla and Chocolate varieties contain organic coconut sugar and either natural vanilla flavor or organic cacao powder … and that’s it! Plus, each flavor option is low in fat (up to 2 grams) and carbohydrates (up to 6 grams), all while keeping protein levels high (up to 27 grams). “Additionally, it’s free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and BarBend expert reviewer.
As far as the solubility is concerned, our tester admits that this is not a powder fit for your trusty shaker bottle. “It dissolves normally, but it’s a bit of a challenge to get all that powder mixed properly,” they note. “I’ve had other casein powders that weren’t as difficult to blend.” As such, our tester scores the solubility at 3.5 out of 5.
Naked Casein is available for $1.31 per serving, and the supplement is solely available in 5-pound tubs. This does mean that you may be paying more for a singular tub, albeit with more servings. I rate the cost at 4 out of 5, too, given that Naked offers a “Subscribe & Save” service that can help you save some coin with repeat orders.
As a final note, casein is naturally higher in lactose given its manufacturing method, so those with sensitive stomachs may experience some rumblings and aches as their body adapts to the new food source. If you do have a lactose sensitivity, we recommend opting for one of the best dairy-free protein powders as an alternative.
Best Clean Protein Powder for Athletes: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate
For athletes that need a clean option to supplement their competitive training regimens, this simplified protein powder can be just the ticket. The Unflavored nature of this Klean Athlete powder makes it easy to add to your beverage of choice, and the NSF-Certified stamp helps assure you that the formulation is free of any banned substances, unwanted contaminants, and heavy metals.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2.98
- Protein Source: High-quality whey protein isolate
- Protein Per Serving: 20g
- Calories Per Serving: 85
- Third-Party Testing: Yes (NSF-Certified for Sport)
- Available Flavors: Unflavored
Best-Tasting Clean Protein Powder: Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
A grass-fed whey isolate includes added ingredients for digestion like seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus). It's also gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2.99
- Protein Source: 100% grass-fed whey protein isolate
- Protein Per Serving: 20g
- Calories Per Serving: 110
- Third-Party Testing: No
- Available Flavors: Mexican Chocolate, Vanilla
Why We Like It
Taking down a clean whey protein powder doesn’t need to be a battle in itself. There are plenty of great-tasting supplements on the market, but for our money, Onnit’s Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is one of the most delicious, best protein shakes out there. “The flavor is incredibly rich and the Mexican Chocolate actually does taste different from your average chocolate flavor,” said our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, giving the taste a 4 out of 5.
In terms of formulation, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, gives the product a stellar 4.5 out of 5 rating. “Onnit Whey Protein scores a 4.5 out of 5 for its formula, in my opinion. The macro ratio is on point for its goals, and the enzyme blend is intriguing,” she says. We like that the formula contains no artificial sweeteners, and you get some included digestive enzymes.
Our testers also gave this protein a high score for solubility. “I used a standard shaker bottle with a blender ball. There was no residue on the sides and no separation after sitting for 20 minutes,” our tester said, giving the mixability a 5 out of 5. “There was a thin layer of foam on top of the drink but it was minimal.”
Finally, we scored Onnit Whey Protein at 2.5 out of 5 for third-party testing. While we do like the ingredients and overall formulation, we weren’t able to find any additional evidence of third-party testing.
Read our full Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Isolate Review.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Clean Protein Powders
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best clean protein powders available today, we’ve tested over 100 different profiles from the industry’s best brands using our supplement testing methodology. Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.
- Ingredients: We’ve kept this list to clean protein powders that feature rather short ingredients lists of roughly three to seven components. We looked for proteins that relied more on natural ingredients, rather than artificial additives.
- Protein Source: We favored dairy-based protein powder derived from grass-fed cows, as studies indicate grass-fed dairy can be higher in antioxidants and healthy fats. (3)(4) And for plant proteins, we chose formulations composed of multiple high-protein plant sources, including peas, quinoa, and others to ensure it has a complete amino acid profile.
- Protein per Serving: We looked for clean proteins with at least 20 grams of protein per serving, which is aligned with the optimal recommendation of 20 to 40 grams of protein per sitting from the International Society of Sports Nutrition. (5)
- Carbs, Fats, and Calories per Serving: Because the point of protein shakes is to maximize protein intake and absorption without a lot of calories, we looked for protein powders with minimal carbs and fats per serving.
- Third-Party Testing: We prioritized proteins that have been third-party tested to guarantee the label is accurate.
- Lab Testing: BarBend also worked with a third-party accredited lab to test our favorite protein powders for heavy metals and other impurities.
- Taste: Some of the best-tasting protein powders rely on artificial ingredients. We examined clean protein powders getting their mouth appeal from natural flavor and sweetener sources like stevia and monk fruit extract.
What is a “Clean” Protein Powder?
As a certified sports nutrition coach and fitness professional, I’m the first to admit that I don’t like the word “clean” to describe foods. It implies that there are also “dirty” foods, which I don’t think is true. All food has some sort of value, regardless of the ingredients list and nutrition label.
That said, we also understand the desire to avoid artificial ingredients and impurities in your food and supplements, especially given the lack of regulation in the supplement industry.
“Many additives and preservatives can lead to inflammatory reactions and other undesirable side effects,” says Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM.
For this guide, we defined a “clean protein powder” as a supplement that keeps things simplified with natural ingredients and little to no influence from synthetics.
When looking for a clean protein powder, the biggest telltale sign is in the ingredients list. For example, if you can count how many components there are in your whey protein powder of choice on, at most, two hands, it likely meets the criteria. If you see terms you don’t recognize in the ingredients list, investigate them: Most likely, they are just there for texture.
While we won’t go too far into the weeds in identifying all artificial additives used by supplement brands, we will leave you with this small tip: Fewer ingredients is almost always better as far as “clean” protein powders go.
Benefits of Clean Protein Powders
Protein is a key macronutrient for anyone hoping to build lean muscle and burn fat, and it can also assist with muscle recovery after workouts. (1) Clean proteins can provide even more benefits, especially for those hoping to lose weight or struggling with allergy or digestive issues.
Weight-Loss Help
Protein is proven to help you feel fuller for longer than other macros, which is why it’s been scientifically linked to weight loss and weight maintenance. (11)(12) Clean protein powders also contain fewer artificial sweeteners and fillers.
Naturally, though, even the best protein powders for weight loss won’t automatically help you shed unwanted pounds. The point to remember is that protein powders should be used as supplemental tools for your fitness goals, closing the gaps that pop up within your diet consisting mainly of whole-food sources.
Cater to Allergies/Sensitivities
Clean protein powders tend to be free of many common allergens, like soy, nuts, lactose, and gluten, making them more suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions. If you’re failing to get enough protein through whole foods, yet struggle to find protein supplements without these allergens, a clean protein powder could be a potential solution.
Easier to Digest
As these clean protein picks are usually free of lactose, gluten, and artificial ingredients, clean protein powders tend to be easier on the stomach than traditional powders.
“With ‘clean’ powders, you’ll find nutrient-dense ingredients directly derived from whole foods instead of artificial sweeteners, colors, synthetic additives, and preservatives. This leaves you a lot more certain that you’re getting as many benefits from real food as possible, while minimizing the amount of different chemicals you’re consuming.”
Of course, though, this isn’t to say that all clean protein powders will leave you without potential stomach rumblings. For example, some clean proteins utilize natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to create their palate-pleasing profiles. Stevia has been shown to potentially cause GI distress in some athletes. (13) It can be wise, then, to trial your clean protein powder first and analyze your body’s response to the formulation.
What To Consider Before Buying Clean Protein Powders
You and your protein powder are going to become well-acquainted. Like any relationship, it doesn’t help anyone to rush into it. Before picking up a tub of clean protein powder, you’ll want to ask yourself what powders dovetail with your diet, fitness routine, and budget.
Your Dietary Needs
If you’re vegan or allergic to soy, gluten, or lactose, that will factor into the kind of protein powder you’ll choose. Consider your dietary requirements as you pick and choose a protein powder, reading the ingredients list closely for any present allergens.
Heavy Metal Content
If you’ve been keeping up with recent studies regarding the presence of heavy metals within protein powders, you may be left in fear. Of the 160 tested products, 47 percent showcased heavy metal levels above federal and state safety regulations. (14) While this can be a cause for concern, studies also report that exposure concentrations of the studied metals do not pose an increased health risk. (15) In layman’s terms, it’s unlikely you’re being exposed to enough heavy metals through your protein powder that would lead to potential harm.
If you are concerned with heavy metal presence in your protein powders, there are a few steps you can take. For one, studies indicate that whey protein, such as the best whey isolates, often showcase a lower hazard index than plant-derived protein sources. (15) Additionally, you can look for protein supplements approved by the Clean Label Project — a third-party testing organization that focuses on label transparency and the hidden risks of environmental contaminants and toxins lurking in everyday products.
Your Fitness Goals
Most of the supplements on this list contain 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving. But the amount of carbs and fats will differ from brand to brand, so consider your personal fitness goals as you sift through different products. For example, athletes trying to understand how to bulk may prefer a denser protein supplement with more carbs and fats, while macro-conscious individuals pursuing weight management or weight loss may prefer a powder with fewer carbs and fats.
Price
Price is going to depend on several factors, including the type of protein, the macro split, the taste, and the quality of ingredients. If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to consider the areas where you can compromise and still achieve your goals.
Calories Per Serving
On average, most clean protein powders can deliver around 100 to 150 calories per serving, which can be great for keeping you fueled between whole-food meals. Take a look at your daily nutrition habits, though, to ensure your chosen formulation aligns with your needs and wants. For example, mass gainers can be excellent for adding extra calories to your diet during a bulking phase, but they may be less than desirable when trying to cut calories for the sake of a weight loss journey.
Third-Party Testing
Having a clean protein powder that is third-party tested can go a long way in ensuring your shakes are free of any harmful contaminants or banned substances. This can be especially helpful for athletes that need to abide by certain regulations when competing.
When looking for third-party testing, look directly on the packaging for any present seals of approval. Labs such as NSF and Informed Choice have well-defined logos that need to be displayed on your protein’s packaging for quick identification. Some clean protein powders can also label their products as “third-party tested,” but a lack of a specific group’s identification does leave more questions than answers. Go with what you can see, especially if you’re unsure.
Ingredients and Sweeteners
The best clean protein powders typically use natural ingredients in place of artificial additives, similar to the best natural pre-workouts. Opt for products that use stevia or monk fruit as sweeteners, rather than sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame K, or other artificial sweeteners.
How Much Do Clean Protein Powders Cost?
Clean protein powders can cost more than your average protein supplement given their emphasis on clean formulations free of unwanted additives or ingredients. That said, you can expect to pay roughly $2.08 per serving for a high-quality, clean protein with obvious deviations depending on brand, container size, and more. Below are the costs per serving for each protein supplement featured in this guide.
| Best Clean Protein Powder Overall | Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate | Starting at $1.82 |
| Best Clean Budget Protein Powder | Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate | Starting at $1.22 |
| Best Clean Vegan Protein Powder | Gainful Vegan Protein | Starting at $2.55 |
| Best Clean Whey Protein Powder | Legion Whey+ | Starting at $1.46 |
| Best Clean Plant-Based Protein Powder | Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake | $3.26 |
| Best Clean Grass-Fed Protein Powder | Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein | $2.19 |
| Best Clean Casein Protein Powder | Naked Micellar Casein | $1.31 |
| Best Clean Protein Powder for Athletes | Klean Athlete Klean Isolate | $2.98 |
| Best Tasting Clean Protein Powder | Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Isolate | $2.99 |
Clean Protein Powder FAQs
What’s the best clean protein powder?
After factoring in quality, price, macros, and flavor variety, we chose Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate. This clean protein powder is ideal for those looking to cultivate lean muscle, as it balances 28 grams of protein with only 120 calories and a near-total lack of fats and carbs. Its whey isolate is sourced from grass-fed cows on American farms untouched by hormones and antibiotics, and its list of ingredients contains no gluten, added sugars, or artificial flavors. Perhaps most impressive? You can choose from 13 flavors.
Can protein powder be part of a clean diet?
Absolutely, protein powder can definitely be part of a clean diet. However, the protein powder you select matters. You want to pick a powder that has as few artificial or unnecessary ingredients as possible. We recommend any of the picks on this list.
Which clean protein powder has the least amount of heavy metals?
It can be difficult to determine just how many heavy metals are present in your protein powder based on the ingredients list alone. The easiest way to see if your protein is low in heavy metals is by seeking out supplements carrying a Clean Label Project seal of approval. For example, Ritual Essential Daily Protein Shake 18+ is approved by the Clean Label Project, certifying that its label is accurate, transparent, and free of underlying toxins that could be infiltrating your protein’s formulation.
What is the best, cleanest source of protein?
Whether you’re drinking plant or animal-based protein, you can find clean options available. Grass-fed whey protein isolate with little to no artificial ingredients is among the cleanest sources of protein. However, you can also opt for a plant-based protein that’s free of artificial colors or sweeteners.
References
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