9 Best Clean Protein Powders of 2025, Picked by Nutrition Experts

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. If you’re looking for a higher calorie total — say, to support a bulking phase — we recommend Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, one of the best meal replacements with up to 770 calories per serving.

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 (if you’re not averse to stevia, which can create an aftertaste and GI distress for some). 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.

Good For: Athletes wanting a high-protein, third-party tested powder that’s free of artificial sweeteners or other unwanted additives.

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 and recommend options like Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate or Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein for those seeking clear, decisive third-party testing approval.

Good For: Budget-minded individuals looking for a clean protein powder below the average $2.15 per serving.

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.

Our team also gives 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 such as Legion Plant+ or Bulk Supplements Soy Protein Isolate. 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.”

Good For: Vegan athletes wanting a complete protein source with a unique flavor system for varied tastes day in and day out.

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 and does vary by chosen flavor, 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.” 

However, our tester does note that the mixing procedure leaves something to be desired, rating Whey+ at 2 out of 5 for the category. “You definitely get some floating particles post-blending, but the powder (thankfully) doesn’t seem to separate easily, meaning you don’t get an unpleasant grittiness in each sip,” they add.

We also enjoy the fact that Legion Whey+ is available in multiple container sizes, giving you room to buy in bulk. 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. Other clean proteins, like Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein, are available in more manageable plastic tubs.

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% of all tested supplements for label accuracy as well as the presence of pesticides, phthalates, and bisphenols.

Good For: Those wanting a clean whey protein with an abundance of flavor options and well-rounded macro counts per serving.

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% 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.” Other flavorful plant-based protein powders include Legion Plant+ and Transparent Labs Organic Vegan.

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 powder 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 $3.27 per serving. “In my opinion, the price is too expensive for a plant-based protein powder, especially since there’s just one lone flavor option,” 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.

Good For: Plant-based enthusiasts in search of a protein option with traceable ingredients and a smooth consistency throughout each sip.

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 rate 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. “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. Of course, though, if you’re on the hunt for more flavor variety, we recommend such picks as Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate or Legion Whey+. 

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, Grass-Fed Whey Protein costs roughly $2.20 per serving — a little higher than the $2.15 average we’ve found with other brands. “I like the NSF Certified for Sport approval (which I rate at 5 out of 5), along with the taste and grass-fed makeup,” notes Meier. “However, I feel its pricing does limit how many athletes will give it the time of day.”

Good For: Individuals wanting a whey protein option sourced from ethically-raised cows.

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.” Athletes with issues gripping a bottle or shaking vigorously for long periods of time might not find this very accessible. 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 such as Onnit Plant-Based Protein or Legion Plant+.

Good For: Athletes wanting a slower-digesting protein option with few ingredients and no artificial additives.

Why We Like It

Strength athletes, and athletes in general, need to abide by strict governing agencies, meaning their options for supplements may be more limited than the average gymgoer. Clean protein powders, especially those featuring a third-party testing certification, can be a great option, but for our money, Klean Athlete’s Klean Isolate is our sport-ready recommendation. Each dose features 85 calories, and the powder is NSF-Certified for Sport, i.e., tested for and free from any banned substances or unwanted contaminants.

We scored the overall formulation at 4 out of 5, thanks to its protein-dense makeup. Each dose delivers 20 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbohydrates, and 0 grams of fat. These small, rounded measurables can make it easy to account for your daily shake, especially when figuring out how to count your macros.

Additionally, our tester, a former Olympian, described the taste as quick and painless. “I liked how the Unflavored taste could be easily added to other drinks for a quick hit of protein,” they said in reference to their 4 out of 5 taste rating. “It doesn’t overpower whatever liquid you add it to, so I’d be fine adding this to a smoothie or other concoction throughout the day.”

Our tester also scored the solubility at 5 out of 5 thanks to this Klean Athlete powder’s ability to easily dissolve after a few shakes. “This is awesome for athletes looking to quickly get some protein into their system after a hard practice or workout — no need to break out the blender,” they note.

We do wish that Klean Athlete offered a flavored option for sweet-tooth folks, but we are happy with how this powder blends with (and doesn’t overpower) whatever you add it to. You’ll just need to get a little creative when it comes to creating tasty beverages with loads of flavor. If you don’t want to play around with concocting your own tastes, we recommend opting for a flavored protein option such as Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate.

Lastly, this Klean Athlete clean protein powder is more expensive than the average $2.15 per serving. So, expect to pay a little more in order to stay within your dietary preferences.

Good For: Athletes wanting an NSF-certified protein supplement that blends easily and can be added to different beverage recipes.

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.

Of course, though, we cannot omit the fact that this Onnit protein option is only available in two flavor profiles. For added variety, we recommend something like Legion Whey+ which is available in 16 different tastes.

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.

Good For: Individuals that value flavor appeal over other factors like calorie count and third-party testing.