Best Tasting Protein Powders for Weight Loss, Low Carbs, and More

Protein powder can be a great supplement to help you reach certain fitness goals, like gaining muscle, losing weight, and recovering more efficiently. These powders provide a convenient way to boost your protein intake, initiate muscle protein synthesis, and help repair muscle tissue, but with so many flavor options out there, it may be hard to track down the best-tasting formulas. (1)

Though many of the protein powders on the market have similar ingredients — 20+ grams of protein, carbs, fats, and amino acids — it’s a tedious and imprecise search to find the one that tastes the best. Instead of sugar, most protein powders are flavored with artificial sweeteners or natural sweeteners, which can be hundreds of times sweeter than sugar. Many formulas will include cocoa powder or cinnamon to tamp down the sweetness with varying success. To see which protein powders succeeded in the flavor department, we’ve done a good bit of research and picked out the best-tasting protein powders on the market.

Best Tasting Protein Powders

• Best Tasting Protein Powder: Xwerks Grow
• Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Tasting Whey Protein Powder: Xwerks Grow
• Best Tasting Vanilla Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein
• Best Tasting Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Xwerks Grow
• Best Tasting Chocolate Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein
• Best Tasting Organic Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Tasting Low Carb Protein Powder: Swolverine Whey Isolate

Best Tasting Protein Powder: Xwerks Grow

Pros

• This protein comes in four delicious flavors (we especially loved chocolate).
• This protein is sourced from naturally-raised, grass-fed New Zealand cows.
• There are no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or coloring in this product.

Cons

• If you’re looking for a plant-based protein powder, you will need to look elsewhere.
• This protein is pretty low in calories, so it’s not ideal as a substitute for a full meal after exercise.
• Other protein powders have added ingredients, like BCAAs.

When it comes to taste, we like variety. Not only does this pick come in four delicious flavors, but it also contains only whey protein isolate, so you get a super pure product with no added ingredients.

Xwerks whey comes in four flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, and strawberry. One scoop of this whey protein powder has 25 grams of protein, only 110 calories, zero grams of fat, and one gram of carbs, so it’s perfect for bodybuilders who have a close handle on their macros.

All the flavors are absolutely decadent but we particularly loved the chocolate. “The chocolate flavor tastes like a protein Yoohoo,” our personal tester says. “’Nuff said. It’s also incredibly smooth. Like this is the finest protein powder I’ve ever drank.” So, if you want something that mixes well and tastes like a dessert (a huge plus if you’re cutting for a competition), you’ve found the ideal product.

This tasty blend not only comes in a variety of flavors, but it also contains 25 grams of protein per scoop to provide the proper bang for your buck. 

Read our full Xwerks Grow Review. 

Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein

Pros

• This pea protein blend offers similar macros to animal-based protein supplements.
• The digestive enzyme blend here can help with amino acid bioavailability and potentially improve absorption.
• You get a variety of unique flavors, including Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Chip Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel Coffee, and Unflavored.

Cons

• This product only packs about 20 grams of protein, whereas other powders have more.
• Although this one has digestive enzymes, some athletes’ stomachs may not love plant protein.

It’s important to make sure you’re still getting enough protein when you follow a vegan diet, and this delicious pea protein can help with that.

This blend is unique in many ways, starting with its flavor variety. In addition to the standard Chocolate and Vanilla flavors, KOS Organic Plant Protein comes in Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Chip Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel Coffee, and Unflavored. This unique blend of pea protein, organic quinoa, and pumpkin seed protein offers 20 grams of protein with only nine grams of carbs and six grams of fat. Plus, the digestive enzyme blend may help with absorption and digestion. 

KOS gets bonus points for going above and beyond the traditional chocolate and vanilla flavors. In this lineup, the flavor that’s most likely to catch your eye is the Chocolate Chip Mint, which starts out heavy on the chocolate flavoring with the mintiness coming through on the back end. The result is a taste that brings to mind those Thin Mints Girl Scout Cookies®, which makes it a great reward after a tough workout. . 

This protein comes in unique flavors, has a great macro split, and is 100 percent vegan — though even if you aren’t vegan, this powder is still a solid option for all. 

Read our full KOS Organic Plant Protein Review.

Best Tasting Whey Protein Powder: Xwerks Grow

Pros

• This whey isolate protein powder comes in four rich flavors, including Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter, and Strawberry 
• Xwerks’ formula is super simple with only 110 calories per serving, most of which come from the 25g of whey protein.
• There are no artificial flavors or sweeteners in this product.

Cons

• Other products do have more flavors to choose from. 
• This one is about $2 per serving, which is a little pricey.

When it comes to the debate over the taste of whey proteins, this one takes the cake. Considering Xwerks has no artificial flavors or sweeteners, the flavors actually taste natural, not fake. But it provides more than just great flavor — it’s also a high-quality, high-protein whey.

This tasty formula contains 25 grams of protein in the form of whey protein isolate, which we love. While there’s nothing wrong with concentrates, isolate undergoes more filtration, so you get more pure protein, without added macros and minimal lactose.

It includes zero grams of fat and only one gram of carbs. Xwerks Grow comes in four flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter, and Strawberry. Whereas other supplements can leave some chalky residue, you won’t find that problem here. “[It’s] so smooth that mixing is very rarely an issue,” our tester says. “You barely need a blender ball.”

Best Tasting Vanilla Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein

Pros

• For those who love simplicity, this is one of the best vanilla flavors you’ll find. 
• This blend is free of artificial sweeteners.
• Athletes who are concerned about macros will like that this flavor has zero fat and less than a gram of carbohydrates.

Cons

• At $2 per scoop, it’s not the cheapest option out there.
• Unlike other products, this protein doesn’t come with digestive enzymes in the formula.

Many brands of protein powder on the market offer a vanilla blend, so finding the best-tasting vanilla was no small feat. Of the many vanillas on the market, this pick stands out to us. 

Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein’s French Vanilla flavor not only tastes great, but it also has a high-quality formula. Its blend contains 28 grams of anabolic grass-fed whey isolate, with zero grams of fat and less than a gram of carbohydrates. It’s also gluten-free, sugar-free, and free of artificial colors or flavoring. 

At $2 a serving, this protein powder is on the higher end of the price range, but you can argue that the flavor alone is worth the higher cost of admission here. The vanilla is creamy and light without feeling sticky or overly sweet, thanks to the natural flavoring and stevia. It’s also subtle enough to blend in with other flavors (one BarBend favorite is to mix it with Fruit Punch Gatorade for a post-workout drink). 

Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein delivers a great vanilla flavor, as well as a formula that’s loaded with 28 grams of protein and not much else.

Best Tasting Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Xwerks Grow

Pros

• If you’re looking for a protein shake for weight loss, this product only contains 110 calories per scoop. 
• This formula is 93 percent protein by weight with barely any other macronutrients (only one gram of carbs).
• People who want great-tasting flavors — especially the basics like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. 

Cons

• XWERKS Grow runs at $59 for 30 servings, which is a little more expensive than some products on this list. 
• Some athletes may need a little more carbs after their workout to refuel.

If you’re trying to shed a few pounds, remaining in a calorie deficit is key. This pick tastes great and has a lower calorie count than many powders on the market.

This lean formula comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Peanut Butter, and though the flavors are fairly basic compared to those of some other brands on the market, they still taste great. XWERKS Grow contains 110 calories, 25 grams of whey protein isolate, and no carbs or fat. For those who are trying to hit a caloric deficit each day, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat this product’s macro split. This product also contains no lactose, soy, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, or artificial colors, and it’s 93 percent grass-fed whey protein isolate, which is one of the higher protein contents by weight we’ve seen, which may help with lean muscle growth. 

If you’re not into the intense flavoring that you may find with other protein powders (like “Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter” or “Death Wish”), these shakes are for you. The flavoring is smooth and mild when mixed with milk, since the milk compliments the flavors, but the taste may be too subtle when mixed with water, since it won’t have the milk to bring out the creaminess. 

XWERKS Grow provides a minimalist formula, lower calorie content, and higher protein content than many protein powders on the market, which is why it may help athletes build lean muscle mass. 

Best Tasting Chocolate Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein

Pros

• This product has three distinct chocolate flavors, perfect for chocolate-loving athletes who enjoy variety.
• This formula has minimal fats or carbohydrates.
• For those who value all-natural ingredients, this protein powder is grass-fed and contains no artificial ingredients.

Cons

• Buyers on a budget may find this protein powder a bit more pricey than other powders on this list. 
• Transparent Labs doesn’t add any digestive enzymes in their product. 

Chocolate protein powders are some of the most popular on the market, and this protein has three of the best chocolate options we have sampled. 

Instead of one chocolate flavor, Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein offers three tasty options for chocolate lovers — the light Milk Chocolate, a more intense Mocha, and the nutty Chocolate Peanut Butter. And not only does this product have three great chocolate-based flavors, but Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein also contains 28 grams of whey isolate protein, and depending on which of the three flavors you choose, three grams or less of both fat and carbohydrates. 

The Chocolate Peanut Butter only contains 150 calories, while the Mocha and Milk Chocolate flavors only have 120, so this is also a lean option when it comes to protein powders. Plus, it’s sourced from 100 percent grass-fed American cows. At $2 per serving, this is a pricier protein, but the flavor options and clean formula make it worth the investment. 

Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein chocolate flavors are both unique and delicious, which makes this protein powder a great pick in itself. But in addition, this product also has an excellent macro profile for athletes who want protein in their powder and nothing else. 

Best Tasting Organic Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein

Pros

• This formula is 100 percent organic.
• KOS adds a digestive enzyme blend to its supplement, so it’s easy on the stomach.
• This has six different flavors, as well as an unflavored option for easy supplement stacking. 

Cons

• If you’re looking specifically for a whey or casein protein, you may want to avoid this plant-based blend. 
• You only get 20g of protein per serving — other products offer a bit more.

If you’re looking for a protein powder that contains only organic ingredients, this vegan-friendly pick is a great-tasting go-to. 

KOS Organic Plant Protein comes in seven different flavor options — Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel Coffee, Vanilla and unflavored — is vegan-friendly and is filled with 100 percent organic ingredients. Its formula is entirely plant-based and contains 20 grams of protein per serving. The protein contents are made of pea protein, quinoa, and pumpkin seed protein, which combined, provide a blend that is high in protein and low in carbs and fats, just like a whey isolate. This protein is also free of soy, dairy, and gluten, and its digestive enzyme blend can help with absorption, so you can get as much out of each scoop as possible. 

KOS is known for its creative array of flavors, and that holds true for its vegan protein powder as well. Some highlights include the Chocolate Chip Mint, with its strong chocolate start and minty finish, and its Blueberry Muffin, which hits hard on the blueberry.

KOS Organic Plant Protein is an entirely organic formula that comes in three delicious flavors — Peanut Butter Cookie, Cinnamon Roll, and Banana Bread.

Best Tasting Low Carb Protein Powder: Swolverine Whey Isolate

Pros

• This product only has one gram of carbohydrates, which is perfect for athletes who need to keep carbs low.
• Folks who want to avoid sugar will appreciate that this product is flavored with sucralose. 
• This product comes in unique flavors, like Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter. 

Cons

• Artificial sweeteners may not be ideal for everyone’s stomach.
• The total calories are pretty low (110 calories), so athletes who want to put on muscle may need a denser product.

If you’re after a protein powder that’s low in carbs, this pick only has 110 calories and one gram of carbs per serving.

This protein powder is great for anyone who wants a tasty protein that’s low in carbs. Its flavors — Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip — taste more like dessert than protein powder, and the company keeps the ingredients list short. With 26 grams of protein, only one gram of carbs, half a gram of fat, and 110 calories per serving, this lean blend provides all you need to nourish your body post-workout without going overboard on any particular ingredient. Swolverine also uses sucralose in place of sugar and provides a fully transparent ingredient list for those who value that in their supplements. 

Like we mentioned, Swolverine Whey Isolate is sweetened with sucralose, which really complements the protein’s Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter flavor. This puts it on the sweeter side without overpowering the taste, as the spicy cinnamon cuts through the sucralose to prevent it from being overly sweet.

Swolverine Whey Isolate is a solid option for anyone who’s watching their calorie, carb, or sugar intake but still wants a formula that is high in protein. 

Read our full Swolverine Whey Isolate Review.

The Benefits of Protein Powder

Studies show that weightlifters need 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to maximize muscle hypertrophy, but it’s hard to down that much chicken breast every day. (2) Since they’re generally loaded with around 20 grams of protein and minimal carbohydrates and fat, protein powders are an easy way to add protein to your diet without cooking up a dozen egg whites. 

But that doesn’t make them a replacement for whole foods. Oftentimes, protein powder doesn’t have the nutrients that you would find in meat, whole grains, and vegetables. We wouldn’t recommend you using protein powder as a substitute for the protein found in whole foods, but it’s an easy way to supplement your diet with an extra dose of protein to help pack on some lean weight. 

The Different Flavors of Protein Powder

Though different brands offer many similar flavors of protein powder — we’re looking at you chocolate and vanilla — there are also some brands that sell much more unique blends. For example, some brands boast ice cream sundae flavors, cake flavors, or other dessert varieties, like s’mores or cinnamon rolls. Some blends are sweeter than others, but all of the blends we’ve picked out have flavors that will suit a variety of palates.

One of the things to consider when you are deciding on flavor is how you want to take your protein powder. If you’re simply mixing it in water or milk, you can opt for pretty much any variety without concern over clashing flavors. However, if you’re mixing your protein powder in a smoothie, yogurt, or pudding, you’ll want to consider how the other flavors you’re eating or drinking your powder with may affect the taste. For example, if you’re mixing up a greens smoothie, a cinnamon roll flavor may be more of a risk than your basic vanilla, which will just add a touch of sweetness to your greens. 

How We Chose the Best Tasting Protein Powders

When building this list, we (obviously) only considered products we thought were objectively great-tasting. However, when it came to narrowing down that list, we had to consider ingredients. We weighed the protein content against each pick’s additional ingredients and laid out our thought process for you below. 

Protein Content 

If you’re investing in protein powder, you’re likely concerned with how much protein is in that powder. A solid supplement of protein can potentially help increase lean mass, lower body fat, enhance recovery, and improve bone mineral health. (3) All of the protein powders we included on this list have 20+ grams of protein per scoop — at a recommended daily intake of 40 to 60 grams per day, that’s about half of what you need in just one scoop. 

Additional Ingredients

When consuming a large amount of protein at once, some may be concerned with digestion. Many of the picks we’ve included on this list contain a blend of digestive enzymes, which may help process and absorb the protein, allowing you to reap the benefits in full. (4) Other picks also contain a probiotic, which along with keeping a healthy digestive tract, may help improve recovery and endurance, while decreasing inflammation and anxiety. Though not all of our best tasting blends contain these ingredients, a good number of them do, so you have options to choose from if this is something you prioritize. (5)

In addition to digestive assistance, many of these protein powders also include blends of amino acids. Amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine may help provide extra energy during exercise, so having a dose of these included in your protein powder can be beneficial to athletic performance. 

Flavors

If you can’t choke down a protein shake because the taste is subpar, its high-quality ingredients will not matter. Of course, everyone is going to have differing flavor preferences, so there can’t be an end all be all for “the best” flavor. However, if a protein powder is on this list, we think its flavor is objectively delicious, and while we can’t promise it will be your favorite, we think you’ll probably like most flavors here.

What’s In Your Protein Powder?

Well, protein, obviously. But there can be a lot more than that. Here are some of the ingredients that you’re most likely to find in your tub, including various types of protein. 

Whey (Concentrate, Isolate, or Hydrolysate) Protein

Whey concentrate, often a byproduct of cheesemaking, is the cheapest form of protein, and probably the one that most people have heard of. Whey concentrate is the cheapest form, and it’s the one that has the most fat and carbohydrates, including lactose. A bit more expensive is whey isolate, which has been processed through a microfilter, resulting in a powder that has fewer carbohydrates and fat. 

On the top of the whey pyramid is whey hydrolysate, also known as hydrolyzed whey. The priciest form of whey protein, it’s broken down even further with enzymes, which can help it digest faster than the other types of whey. 

Casein Protein

The other milk protein is casein. Casein protein digests more slowly than whey, so many athletes will take it before bed for a constant stream of protein throughout the night. It’s often a finer powder and mixes easily, so it’s excellent for making protein brownies and puddings.

Artificial and Natural Sweeteners

To keep carbohydrates low, most protein powders will use artificial sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame potassium, which have been designated as safe for human consumption, but more comprehensive studies are needed. (6) Protein powders may also use natural sweeteners like Stevia and monk fruit sweetener, both of which are sweeter than sugar, but contain zero calories. 

Lecithin 

A mixture of fats that are essential to human cells, lecithin is used to help protein powder mix with liquids. In protein powder, it’s usually made from soy, but pricer powders use sunflower lecithin for people who want to avoid soy, despite the studies that have found no correlation between consuming soy and reduced testosterone. (7)

Digestive Enzymes

Many protein powders have a blend of digestive enzymes such as protease, lipase, and amylase. These enzymes may help break down proteins, fat, and carbohydrates, to help increase absorption rate. 

When Should I Take Protein Powder?

Despite what bodybuilding magazines told us in the 90s, you’re not leaving muscle on the table if you don’t slam 60 grams of protein right after your last rep of the day. If you can get a shake down right after a workout, it’s a solid way to boost your protein intake, but it’s not necessary to hit your goals. 

If you’re looking to dial in your nutrition, make sure you’re getting enough total calories and macros (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) throughout the day. If you’ve got that dialed in and you want to go farther down the rabbit hole, then you can start worrying about timing.

How Much is the Best Tasting Protein Powder?

It may be hard to tell the actual cost of your protein powder by just looking at the price of the container you’re buying. If you want to know how much you’re actually getting for your money, you’re better off looking at the price per serving, which tends to be around $1 to $2.

Best Tasting Protein Powder	Xwerks Grow	$59 $1.97 per serving
Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder	KOS Organic Plant Protein	$49.99 $1.78 per serving
Best Tasting Whey Protein Powder	Xwerks Grow	$59 $1.97 per serving
Best Vanilla Protein Powder	Transparent Labs Whey Isolate	$59.99 $2 per serving
Best Tasting Protein Powder for Weight Loss	Xwerks Grow	$59 $1.97 per serving
Best Tasting Chocolate Protein Powder	Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein	$59.99 $2.00 per serving
Best Tasting Organic Protein Powder	KOS Organic Plant Protein	$49.99 $1.78 per serving
Best Tasting Low Carb Protein Powder	Swolverine Whey Isolate	$62.99 $2.09 per serving

The cost of whey protein powder may be higher if the ingredients in the formula are more organic, natural, or transparent. Added ingredients like digestive enzymes or probiotics could also add an extra cost to the product. The more basic protein powders and those with artificial ingredients will generally cost less. 

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Tasting Protein Powders

When it comes to picking the right product for you, one of the most important considerations is your individual goals. Once you’ve nailed that down, you’ll need to decide what ingredients you want (or don’t want) in your protein powder. We’ve spelled out our suggested thoughts below. 

Your Training Goals

Your fitness goals should be the main deciding factor for choosing your protein powder. If you’re looking to lean out but still build some muscle, a protein powder with a high protein content that’s lower in calories could help you out. On the other hand, if you’re looking to bulk, you’ll want a protein powder that’s higher in calories, carbs, and fats to help you pack on some extra mass. Most of the picks on this list are fairly lean though, so if you’re really trying to gain weight, you may want to opt for a muscle gainer altogether — don’t worry, we have a list for that, too. (8)

Additional Ingredients

While not all protein powders include additional ingredients, some do, and quite a few on this list are in that group. Additional ingredients may include a blend of amino acids, digestive enzymes, and/or probiotics. All of these help enhance the work the protein is doing in your body. For example, digestive enzymes may help to ensure you’re absorbing the protein properly. However, as with most supplements that add additional helpful ingredients, this may jack up the price. So if you’re not keen on having these boosters, you may be able to find a more basic option at a lower price point. 

Lactose

It’s important to note that whey protein does contain lactose. Whey concentrate can contain two or three grams of lactose, while whey isolate typically includes less than one gram. If you’re sensitive to lactose, the lactose in whey isolate likely will not bother you. But if you are still worried, there are plenty of plant-based options you can consider as well that don’t contain any lactose.

How You’re Consuming Protein Powder

Though it may be easiest to scoop protein powder into some water and drink, that’s not everyone’s method of choice. Some may prefer to mix it into smoothies, while others may be stirring it into pudding or yogurt. Before you decide which protein powder to buy, you’ll want to consider how you’re consuming it, so you can choose the proper flavor. More basic flavors — like vanilla and chocolate — are best if you are combining your powder into other tasty ingredients. And on the other hand, you may prefer something more unique — like s’mores or cinnamon roll — if you’re just mixing it with water. 

Final Word

No matter your goals, protein powders can provide a delicious vehicle for adding extra protein to your diet. When we were building this list, we wanted to be sure to include options for people with varying goals and blends with varying ingredients, so everyone should be able to find a product that suits their needs. 

Before you choose your protein powder, it’s important that you consider how its ingredients will play into your goals and lifestyle before you just go for the flavor that sounds best. While taste is important, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most out of the delicious mix you’re shaking up. After you’ve chosen the proper ingredients to suit your lifestyle, this list has you covered in the flavor department, so you can let your taste buds take it from there. 

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. Stark M, et al. Protein timing and its effects on muscular hypertrophy and strength in individuals engaged in weight-training. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012 Dec 14;9(1):54.
3. 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.
4. Quinten, T., Philippart, J. M., De Beer, T., Vervarcke, S., & Van Den Driessche, M. (2014). Can the supplementation of a digestive enzyme complex offer a solution for common digestive problems?. Archives of Public Health, 72(Suppl 1), P7. https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-3258-72-S1-P7
5. Pyne, D.B. et al. Probiotics supplementation for athletes – clinical and physiological effects. Eur J Sport Sci. 2015;15(1):63-72.
6. Sharma, Arun, et al. Artificial sweeteners as a sugar substitute: Are they really safe? Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 2016 May-June; 48(3): 237-240
7. Hamilton-Reeves JM, et al. Clinical studies show no effects of soy protein or isoflavones on reproductive hormones in men: results of a meta-analysis. Fertil Steril. 2010 Aug;94(3):997-1007.
8. 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.