How to Choose the Best Protein Powder in 2024, According to an R.D. 

Why We Like It

What makes a great protein powder? Well, the answer is subjective, but we think clean and effective ingredients should do the trick. This pick combines grass-fed whey protein isolate with a blend of digestive enzymes, so you can enjoy each scoop with minimal digestive unrest.

Transparent Labs has a lean formula with only 120 to 150 calories per serving, including 1 to 3 grams of carbs, 2.5 grams of fat, and 28 grams of protein. Considering this is among the highest protein per serving (other whey supplements usually have 20 grams to 25 grams), the formulation ranked pretty well.

“While the formulation varies slightly between flavors, the core formula remains the same,” says our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “Based on the amount of whey protein, Himalayan rock salt, stevia, and natural flavors, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate scores a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation.” 

“This is, without question, one of the best protein powders I’ve had in recent memory,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. “You get the satiety you want from a mixed shake, there aren’t any negative side effects post-consumption, and the flavors are impeccable. I’d recommend this powder to anyone looking to switch up their supplement regimen. It’s a clear staple in my routine now.”

This whey isolate also has no artificial sweeteners, whereas most others often include ingredients like sucralose. Plus, it’s made with milk from grass-fed cows and includes digestive enzymes to help limit stomach discomfort. “I didn’t experience any bloating or stomach rumbles, which was a pleasant surprise as I’ve had other proteins that caused serious GI distress,” says our tester.

After mixing the powder with water in a shaker bottle, we noticed zero clumping, floaties, or settling. This is a big priority, especially for those who don’t want to spend time taking out and cleaning their blender. So, we gave this product a 5 out of 5 for solubility. 

“Although the FDA does not regulate manufacture of supplements, they do have the authority to ensure supplements are not adulterated or mislabeled. The third party testing that Transparent Labs products undergo provides confidence in the ingredients and lack of contaminants in their products,” says Dr. Karen Shackelford, M.D.

Also, we worked with an accredited, third-party lab to test more than 150 protein powders for accuracy and purity. Transparent Labs landed in the top 25% overall, earning a B. See our results below.

Unfortunately, though, this protein is a little pricey, compared to other options on the market. One serving costs about $1.99, whereas most others are around $1.50 per serving (or less). So, we had to give this product a 3.5 out of 5 in the price per serving category. If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly option, we’d recommend supps from Nutricost or Jacked Factory.

Why We Like It

We like Nutricost Whey Concentrate for muscle gain because it delivers 25 grams of protein per serving and includes a 2:1:1 ratio of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which research has shown to be the most effective when training. (19). This is also a pretty lean whey protein concentrate, according to BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, with just 1 to 3 grams of carbs and around 3 grams of fat per serving. 

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, was also a fan, scoring both this supp’s taste and solubility a 5 out of 5. “I don’t generally love peanut butter, actually,” she says. “But they have the perfect amount of peanut in this product — it doesn’t overpower the chocolate.” 

She also didn’t note any side effects. “My partner has stomach issues with some proteins, but didn’t have any with this one,” she adds.

That may not be the case for everyone, though. “This whey protein contains sucralose, which can be hard to digest for some,” notes Bourgeois. Overall, though, Bourgeois scores Nutricost’s formulation a 3.5 out of 5, with high marks for its macro and essential amino acids. If you prefer your supps to be free of artificial ingredients, we’d recommend offerings from Ritual or Legion.

Finally, this protein is about on par with other protein powders in terms of price, but you can save a bit of coin by buying in bulk, which we always like. While a 25-serving container runs around $1.50 per serving, a 69-serving container costs just $1.30 per serving. 

Why We Like It

Let’s be totally honest, there’s no one protein powder that’s better for one gender over another — we all need protein. But considering many male athletes enjoy supplements that support hypertrophy, we think this formula is a great option. And it goes without saying, this pick can work for any athlete who wants a high-protein powder.

After close review, BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois scores this formula an overall 4.25 out of 5. This protein is pretty low in calories, with as few as 110 calories per scoop, including up to 27 grams of protein, up to 1.5 grams of fat, and only 1 gram of carbs. So, this is definitely a protein-dominant supplement. We don’t love, however, that Jacked Factory uses sucralose to sweeten their powder, as it can cause digestive issues for some athletes. (If you’re in the market for organic proteins, check out offerings from Legion or Ritual.)

Jacked Factory offers a good flavor variety, from Blueberry Muffin to Cinnamon French Toast. “The Fruity Cereal Splash tastes a lot like Froot Loops,” our tester, a certified personal trainer, says, giving the flavor a 4 out of 5. “I enjoyed the flavor, though the aftertaste was a tiny bit odd but it didn’t make me dislike the flavor.” 

Unfortunately, we had to dock this powder a little for solubility. “This powder mixes really easily but I did see a little separation,” our tester says, giving it a 4 out of 5 for solubility. “It’s nothing too noticeable, though.” 

“The supplement is manufactured in Canada at a cGMP certified facility, which implies high quality control standards with purity and potency of ingredients, but the product does not undergo third-party testing,” notes Dr. Karen Shackelford, M.D. 

BarBend, however, worked with an accredited, third-party lab to test more than 150 protein powders for accuracy and purity. Jacked Factory landed in the top 50% overall, earning a C. See our results below.

This supplement is among the most price-friendly, earning a 5 out of 5 for price per serving. One 30-serving container costs $39.99, which is only about $1.33. For a grass-fed protein, this is a pretty low price point, considering most other grass-fed proteins are close to $2 per serving.

Why We Like It

One protein powder isn’t necessarily better for one gender than another. However, considering people who menstruate tend to need some extra iron, finding a supplement that offers a little extra is a bonus. Legion Whey+ has about 5 to 6% of your daily iron value in some flavors That’s one reason why we chose Legion Whey+ as our best protein powder for women.

We like this pick from Legion for its no-nonsense formulation. One serving is 120 calories with 22 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs and no fat. “Legion Whey+ scores a 4.75 out of 5 for its formula,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer. “It’s not the most protein-dense protein powder, but its macro ratios and ingredient sources are impressive.” 

We also like that Legion uses grass-fed milk, no artificial sweeteners, and even has a little iron, which is great for female athletes.

There’s plenty of flavor variety, too. If you’re someone who loves to bake with their protein, there are endless possibilities with these flavor options, like Chocolate Hazelnut and Mint Chocolate. “The Cinnamon Cereal flavor tastes just like Cinnamon Toast Crunch,” our tester, a certified personal trainer, says, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 for flavor. “I wish the taste were a little stronger but I enjoyed it.” 

We also gave Legion’s protein a 5 out of 5 for solubility. “There were no problems when I mixed this protein with a shaker bottle,” our tester says. We noticed no clumping or settling, which is exactly what you’d want in a protein supplement. 

Legion is third-party tested, but we worked with an accredited, third-party lab to test it alongside more than 150 protein powders for accuracy and purity. Legion landed in the top 50% overall, earning a C. See our results below.

Unfortunately, this product may not be in every athlete’s price range. One 30-serving container costs $59.99, which is about $1.99 per serving. Most comparable protein supplements cost around $1.50, which may better fit some budgets. Browse some options from Nutricost or Bulk Supplements if you’re looking to save a few bucks or buy in bulk.

Why We Like It

Ritual’s Daily Shake 18+ might be the fanciest vanilla protein in the game, as the brand touts its “handcrafted” flavor as coming from a “direct-from-farmer vanilla bean extract sustainably harvested in Madagascar.” But taste isn’t all this vegan-friendly protein offers — BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois scored its formulation a 4.5 out of 5. “Essential Protein Daily Shake is third-party tested and made with traceable ingredients, so you know exactly what you’re putting in your body and where it came from,” she says. 

This formula is pretty lean compared to other vegan proteins, which tend to be higher in carbs or fats. Ritual’s shake is only 115 calories per serving, including 3 grams of carbs (all of which are fiber), 2 grams of fat, and 20 grams of protein. It is, however, a bit high in sodium, per Bourgeois, with 290 milligrams per serving. 

We also like that this complete protein is free of sugar and major allergens. Ritual uses no artificial flavors and this supplement is third-party tested, so you can rest assured the formulation is free from banned substances. Ritual’s protein also provides a complete amino acid profile, so you can reap all the benefits you’d get with an animal-based product.

But how does its “handcrafted” vanilla taste? “Mixed only with water, this protein has a nice taste, though I did notice a tiny chalky aftertaste,” our tester, a certified personal trainer, says, giving the flavor a 4 out of 5. “I also blended it with berries in a smoothie and it mixed seamlessly. But I can still sip it in a shaker cup with no problem.” If you’re looking for a more traditional vanilla taste, we also like offerings from Onnit and Sports Research.

[Related: Ritual Essential Vitamins: Three-Month Review]

Solubility scored a 5 out of 5. “I was surprised at how much I liked the consistency of this protein,” they say. “The texture is smooth, not thick and it wasn’t too watery either. All I did was shake it in a blender cup.”

One downside? The price is pretty high compared to most other protein powders — vegan proteins included. One 15-serving bag costs $44, which is about $2.94 per serving. We also wish the package had more servings, considering most other protein powders have 30 per tub.

Why We Like It

Protein is essential for those looking to build lean muscle and increase athletic performance, and this whey protein isolate supports those goals with hefty doses of protein, BCAAs, and micronutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. Athletes may also like that it’s been third-party tested, with Informed Sport verifying it free from banned substances. 

Overall, BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois scored its formulation a 4.5 out of 5. “This is a pretty impressive whey protein powder — just take a look at its amino acid profile,” she says. “It contains 25 grams of protein per serving, including 6.9 grams of BCAAs, but minimal carbs and fat. If you’re looking to increase your protein intake without skewing your other macros, this could be a great option.”

One downside? “If you’re prone to flavor fatigue, you might get bored with Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate,” she says, noting that the supp only comes in three basic flavors. 

That said, BarBend team member Eric Pisko enjoyed the brand’s Creamy Vanilla flavor, scoring it a 5 out of 5. “Definitely got the vanilla flavor right with this protein and it does have a creamier aspect to it, whether it was taken in water or milk. Would rate this as a very good-tasting protein powder,” he says. 

He also scored its solubility a 5 out of 5 “Mixed great in a shaker cup. Not chunky at all and I found it smooth to drink,” he says. 

It’s worth noting, though, that this protein contains both tree nuts, a common allergen, and sucralose, an artificial sweetener. If you’re in the market for supps free of artificial sweeteners, we’d recommend products from brands like Ritual or Legion.

Why We Like It

Ora Organic’s protein powder promises more than just 23 grams of protein per serving — it’s also packed with more than a dozen organic superfoods that deliver micronutrients like calcium, iron, and potassium. This supp is Certified Vegan and USDA Organic, and contains no artificial flavors, GMOs, erythritol, and soy. It’s also gluten-free.

“Ora Organic’s Plant-Based Protein Powder provides 39% of your daily iron needs in one serving. Pretty impressive,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, noting that those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle often have an increased risk of iron deficiency. (15) No matter their dietary preferences, athletes need iron.

She also likes that each serving contains just 3 net grams of carbohydrates and no added sugar. “It’s a pretty lean protein powder, great for those who need to boost their protein intake without skewing their other macros,” she says.

She is, however, wary of proprietary blends. “The primary ingredient in this protein powder is a proprietary blend of several ingredients,” she notes. “I’m usually cautious with proprietary blends because I like to know exactly how much of each ingredient I’m consuming, or how much is in a product I’m recommending to a patient or client.” 

Overall, she scored the formulation a 4 out of 5. “The balance of macronutrients is great for those who just need to boost their protein intake without affecting their carb or fat intake,” she says. 

After trying the Vanilla Chai flavor, our tester scored the taste a 4 out of 5. “It’s good, but it’s more ‘chai-flavored’ than any kind of authentic chai drink,” they say. “You can taste the vanilla and cinnamon, but I prefer a bit more spice.”

Solubility, meanwhile, scored a 5 out of 5. “No clumps, which shocked me since it’s a hefty two-scoop serving,” they say. 

The price is the only thing that would keep them from buying it again. “You only get 20 servings per container, which isn’t much considering the price is well over $2 per serving. I’d like at least 30 servings in a tub.” If a budget option is more your speed, we’d recommend protein powders from Nutricost or Bulk Supplements, both of which offer options to buy in bulk.

Why We Like It

No matter your dietary preference, there’s a protein powder that works for all athletes, including those following a plant-based diet. We like Gainful Vegan Protein Powder for its customization options — you can snag a bag with 14 or 28 servings, and experiment with six different flavors via Gainful’s single-serving flavor packets. All told, it’s one of the best vegan protein powders we’ve tested. 

“I really like that Gainful offers a personalized protein powder formula, and I like that it’s unsweetened and free from artificial ingredients,” says BarBend expert reviewer and registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, who scores the formula a 4.5 out of 5.

This vegan protein supplement combines organic brown rice and organic pea proteins to deliver 26 grams of protein per serving. BarBend’s Alex Polish, a certified personal trainer, paired their powder with two of Gainful’s six available flavor packets — Chocolate Peanut Butter and Cafe Mocha — and found both “delightful,” scoring the supp a 4.5 out of 5 for both taste and texture. 

“The mocha flavor doesn’t quite give me the coffee-esque vibe that I want, but it’s still very pleasant. It’s even strong enough to completely mask some pretty grassy greens powder taste when I tossed all of the above into a blender with a banana and some oat milk,” they say.

Solubility, meanwhile, scored a 3.5 out of 5. “In the blender, this comes out smooth,” they say. “In a shaker cup, it’s pretty sticky on the sides, but then again it doesn’t take the most shaking in the world to get it into a nice solution.” 

When buying Gainful supplements, customers fill out a questionnaire that helps the company cater to their needs. Polish appreciated this, but also found that it makes it tougher to “purchase a single pouch instead of locking yourself into a subscription.” Subscribers, though, do get text or email access to a registered dietitian who can provide nutritional advice. 

That’s a nice perk, but does it justify the cost? A 14-serving bag amounts to $3.21 per serving, making it more than $1 pricier than many other vegan protein powders. “I don’t love the price point, especially because there are so few servings per bag,” says Polish. “But if getting supps that feel customized is your thing, I understand the added allure.”

If you’d rather spend less on your protein, options from Nutricost and Jacked Factory cost a fraction of Gainful’s protein, but they do lack the brand’s sense of personalization.

Why We Like It

Whey certainly isn’t the only protein powder out there, but if you’re looking for a supplement that’s high in protein with few other macros, whey is a solid bet. One serving of Protein Your Whey contains 20 grams of whey protein isolate, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and between 0 and 0.5 grams of fat, an impressive balance that ensures you can reap the benefits of whey protein. 

“Wellah Protein Your Whey is a lean way to boost your protein intake at or in-between meals,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. Bourgeois also notes that this powder doesn’t contain any “extra fluff,” as each flavor contains roughly five to six ingredients, none of which you should have any trouble pronouncing. 

Bourgeois does note, however, that some flavors contain added sugars — a no-no for some athletes. If added sugars are something you’d like to avoid, check out protein options from Transparent Labs or Legion.

This product also has 220 milligrams of sodium per scoop. “If you’re sweating heavily and need to replenish, this probably isn’t an issue,” says Bourgeois. “However, those trying to monitor or limit their daily sodium intake may feel that this takes up a chunk of their recommended daily intake.”

Overall, Bourgeois gives this supp’s formulation a 4 out of 5. “This protein powder hit the mark on its protein per serving, but its sodium and added sugar content may not be for everyone,” she says.

Our testers score the solubility a 4 out of 5. “You don’t have to go nuts with your shaker bottle to get this mixed well. It’s nice and foamy on top, which is cool and makes up for some of the thinness and grit you get if it’s in water. But in milk, much better. Either way, it’s definitely best if you drink it right after mixing it up.“

Taste also gets a 4 out of 5. “Put this in milk when you want a taste of cereal milk without the cereal. It gives your milk an added sweetness boost without being too sweet or artificial,” says our tester.

Why We Like It

A typical protein powder is around 100 to 150 calories per serving. For those looking to gain some weight, these numbers won’t add much to your daily intake. Transparent Labs’ Mass Gainer, one of the best mass gainers on the market, can certainly help with that.

For the purposes of weight gain, this formula nails it. “Transparent Labs Mass Gainer scores a 4.25 out of 5 for its formulation,” Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer, says. “It accomplishes exactly what it’s intended to accomplish and the ingredients list is very transparent. However, the sodium and saturated fat content is quite high.”

One serving is 730 to 750 calories with 106 to 110 grams of carbs, 51 to 53 grams of protein, and 13 to 14 grams of fat. You get double the protein of most traditional protein powders with some extra carbs and fat to help promote weight gain. However, we think it’s important to note that this isn’t a full meal replacement — you don’t get the vitamins and minerals of a complete meal. If you’re looking for a heartier dose of macros, check out our list of the best meal replacements.

Our testers, including certified personal trainers, give the flavor an overall 4 out of 5. “I tried the Chocolate Glaze Donut and it actually tastes like a donut,” they say. You do only get two flavor options with this mass gainer, though, so if you’d like more variety, you may want to check out Huel Black Edition or Rival Nutrition Clean Gainer.

Despite the density of the powder, this supplement dissolved really well in water, earning a 5 out of 5 for solubility. “It had a nice texture and I didn’t notice any clumping or chunks in my shaker cup,” says our tester.

The price per serving is pretty expensive compared to other protein powders (about $4.67 per serving). However, most other mass gainers are actually around that price range, so comparatively, this one is pretty reasonably priced, earning a 4 out of 5 in that category. However, we do wish the container came with more servings. One tub only has 15 servings — some athletes may not want to re-up their supplements every two weeks or so.

Why We Like It

While we recommend getting the majority of your macros (and micros) from whole foods, research suggests that meal replacement supplements can help contribute to weight loss. (16) According to our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Huel Black Edition “does a better job of providing a balance of carbs, fat, and protein” than many meal replacement options on the market, making it one of the best meal replacements for weight loss we’ve tested. 

Each serving of this vegan-friendly supplement contains 400 calories, 24 grams of carbs, 18 grams of fat, and a whopping 40 grams of protein. It also packs in a “diverse micronutrient profile,” per Bourgeois, with hefty doses of calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. The carb count may be low for some, says Bourgeois, and if you’re one of them, we’d recommend one of Huel’s Ready-to-Drink shakes (37 to 41 carbs) or Orgain Organic’s Nutritional Protein Shake (28 to 30 carbs).

That said, BarBend’s Rosie Borchert found herself satiated and energized after servings. “It was totally satiating, and I felt energized and full for a good 3 or 4 hours,” she says. 

“As a meal replacement, I loved that I was getting balanced macros that could support my workout,” she adds. “Sometimes when I play beach volleyball in the morning, I get up and go to the beach at 6 a.m. So having this shake made sure I was getting fueled up when I didn’t have time to make myself some breakfast.”

Borchert also enjoyed the taste, giving it a 5 out of 5. “I was worried this was going to be sweet and kind of gross, but the taste is so subtle and satisfying,” she says. “Outside of being flavored, it reminded me of drinking oatmeal. Really liked it a lot.”

Bourgeois notes that each serving “requires two scoops, which may not be ideal for mixing and solubility.” This turned out to be true for Borchert. “This isn’t the most soluble drink,” she says. “When you let it sit for a while, some of the mix will settle onto the bottom.” Solubility scored a 4 out of 5. 

Why We Like It

A protein smoothie is a great way to start your day, especially before a workout. Momentous Whey Isolate is one of the best protein powders for smoothies we’ve tested, as it can blend seamlessly with your favorite fruits and nut butters. Our testers noticed zero settling and the product dissolved seamlessly — after all, you don’t want your blender jamming up with powder clumps.

Momentous has all the must-have flavors, including Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored. So, you can find a flavor that combines well with your usual smoothie ingredients. Personally, I’d recommend mixing the chocolate with nut butter and banana. On the other hand, I love vanilla with berries. Or, if you make a savory-tasting smoothie with veggies, the unflavored option is probably your best bet.

After trying the chocolate, our tester, a certified personal trainer, gave the overall taste a 4 out of 5. “The chocolate has a rich flavor and is a lot like cold hot chocolate,” they SAY. “I’d definitely drink this protein time and time again.” 

Momentous protein blends well, so you don’t have to worry about it clumping at the bottom of your mixer. “I mixed a double scoop in water, which is double the dose,” our tester said, giving this protein a 5 out of 5 for solubility. “It still mixed really well even in just a cup.” So, in a blender, you should have zero issues. 

Also, we worked with an accredited, third-party lab to test more than 150 protein powders for accuracy and purity. Momentous landed in the top 50% overall, earning a C. See our results below.

Overall, our team liked this formula. It only has 100 calories per serving, including 3 grams of carbs, 0 grams of fat, and 23.27 grams of protein. We also like the inclusion of digestive enzymes, though we don’t love that it’s added in a blend. “[This protein] scores a 4.25 out of 5 for its formulation, with deductions for its cost per serving and the presence of proprietary blends,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer.

We did have to give Momentous a 1 out of 5 for price per serving, though. One 30-serving bag costs $64.95, which is about $2.70 per serving. While we do like that Momentous uses high-quality protein and is third-party tested, you can find similar products from Nutricost and Jacked Factory at a lower price point.

Why We Like It

Pea protein has proven to be a solid alternative to whey protein for vegans, with two studies published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and Sports finding no difference in muscle gains when pitting pea protein vs. whey protein.(17)(18) Pea lovers may also dig Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder, which achieves a complete protein profile by combining pea protein and brown rice protein. 

“Transparent Labs Organic Vegan protein powder contains only five to seven ingredients, depending on the flavor, and provides a whopping 24 grams of protein per scoop,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “Plus, you get 30% of your daily iron needs.” That’s great news for vegans, as research has shown that a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle can put individuals at risk of an iron deficiency. (15) Also, this supp is Informed Protein Certified, which should provide the peace of mind that what you see on the label is what you get. 

“There are only two flavors available, so if you’re not a fan of chocolate or vanilla, this may not be the protein powder for you,” adds Bourgeois.

We’re sorry to report, too, that our tester found the Vanilla option to be “more artificial” than they like, scoring its taste a 2 out of 5. “I noticed a unique smell when mixing this powder. It’s not as if the powder has gone bad, but it’s somewhat off-putting,” they add. 

Also, after mixing this powder in a shaker bottle with water, our tester noticed quite a lot of foam. It dissolved pretty well overall, but there was still a bit of texture in the liquid afterward. Solubility scored a 4 out of 5.

In terms of side effects, our tester did experience a bit of an upset stomach after. “For me, this could be a personal reaction to the stevia sweetener or specific flavor,” they say. Nevertheless, those with sensitivities to stevia may want to proceed with caution.