Best Whey Protein Powders of 2024, and How to Choose the Best Option for You

Why We Like It

Good whey protein doesn’t need to break the bank. Take Nutricost’s Whey Protein Powder, for example. Available in 5-pound and 2-pound containers, you can get this enjoyable protein supplement for less than $0.90 per serving — a metric well below the average $1 to $2 you can expect to pay with other whey proteins on the market. “This is fantastic mixed with a milk product, either in a blender or a blender cup,” says one of our testers. “It’s super creamy. It won’t taste like you’re on a budget.”

This Amazon-available whey protein hasn’t caught our eye just based on the price, though. Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, found this Nutricost offering to rival her favorite proteins when it comes to taste. “I’m traditionally not a fan of peanut butter, but this protein powder actually had me enjoying every sip,” she said of the Chocolate Peanut Butter variety. She also rated the taste at 4 out of 5, stating, “It’s not overly sweet, and I had no issues getting a shake down each and every day.”

Of course, this Nutricost profile does only come in four flavored offerings, which is a smaller roster compared to other whey proteins we’ve tried. You’re essentially left with the traditional milkshake flavors, so this may not be the protein of choice for more adventurous palates.

Meier also scored the solubility at a perfect 5 out of 5. She had no issues blending this powder with milk or water, and reported no clumps or unwanted residue.

We’d also like to point out that this whey protein option is sweetened with sucralose. While Meier experienced no unwanted side effects, we understand that artificial sweeteners can lead to some GI distress in some. Be sure to take your personal sensitivities into consideration before signing up for this budget-friendly whey concentrate.

Why We Like It

There’s no one specific protein that’s best for any gender. However, most cisgender women have traditionally smaller builds than their cis male counterparts, so having a protein powder with higher calorie counts can be more undesirable for this crowd. (1) Gainful’s selection of protein powders features just 110 to 140 calories (depending on the type of protein you choose) while still delivering between 19 and 26 grams of the vital macronutrient.

We also like the customizable nature of Gainful’s product. On the product page, you can choose between four types of protein that cater to different diets and goals. See them below.

• Whey-based: Made with whey concentrate and whey isolate
• Plant-based: Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly with organic pea protein and organic brown rice protein
• Low-lactose whey: 98-percent lactose-free with ultra-filtered whey protein isolate and, per the brand, “fast-absorbing carbohydrates”
• Ketogenic: Made with ultra-filtered whey protein isolate and MCTs

All of these protein types are available in an Unflavored option, but you can also add on individual flavor packs for variety. “I really enjoyed how the packs let you control how much or little flavor you want to add in each shake,” said our tester, a personal trainer. “I tried most of them and even mixed a few, which was fun. I even dug the Sea Salt Caramel flavor, which is not usually a favorite.”

Taste scored a 5 out of 5, though it’s worth noting that the flavor packs will add additional calories — typically around 10 — and include organic tapioca maltodextrin, organic monk fruit, and organic stevia, which may lead to GI distress for some users. (23) “I’ve tried the Chocolate, Mocha, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Sea Salt Caramel. They were all great,” explained one of our testers. “Having control over your flavors with each drink is awesome.”

Solubility scored a 3.5 out of 5, as our tester found their powder, a whey protein blend, clumpy when mixed with milk in a shaker. “Didn’t love that, but the flavor was spot on,” they said, recommending you mix this one with a blender.

Though this Gainful profile is pricey — at $3.21 per serving, it’s more than twice the cost of other notable protein supps — we still scored the value with 4 out of 5 since the cost includes such impressive customization options and even access to a registered dietitian for nutritional guidance.

We do, however, wish a product at this price point included clear evidence of third-party testing. Since it was unclear if Gainful’s products are third-party tested, we scored this powder a 2 out of 5 in the category.

“Gainful definitely doesn’t make budget supplements, but the customization makes it a solid option for those with dietary restrictions,” said our tester. “And having access to an RD? That alone earns the price.”

Why We Like It

One of the main reasons athletes can turn to whey protein is to help support their muscle-building goals. With up to 27 grams of protein sourced from grass-fed cows, Jacked Factory’s Authentic ISO is our pick for the best whey protein powder for muscle-focused individuals. We like this powder for muscle gain, too, because the carbohydrate and fat counts are minimal — up to 4 grams for carbs and 1.5 grams for fat, depending on your chosen flavor — which can be ideal when trying to take in more protein over anything throughout the day. “If you want to keep your macros just so, this isn’t bad when you mix it with water,” one of our testers says. “It’ll obviously be better with milk or milk alternatives, but either way, it tastes really good and mixes pretty well. A solid 4 out of 5 all around.”

Overall, we love the balance of this product and gave the formulation 5 out of 5 points. “Each scoop is packed with an impressive 25 to 27 grams of protein with minimal carbohydrate and fat content,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. It also has up to 100 milligrams of calcium and 159 milligrams of potassium, electrolytes that are important for muscle contraction, among other functions.

[Related: Best Protein Powders for Muscle Gain]

However, we had to dock the formula one point because Jacked Factory does use artificial sweeteners. For some, these can cause digestive unrest, so it may not be the best product for all athletes.

We gave the overall flavor a 4 out of 5. “I tried the Fruity Cereal Splash flavor,” our tester said. “There was a slightly medicinal aftertaste, but nothing that turned me off from the product. It definitely tasted like Froot Loops.”

“This whey mixes really easily and it tastes smooth,” our tester added, giving the solubility a 5 out of 5. “But there was a tiny bit of separation that I noticed.” So, you’ll want to mix this powder in a shaker cup. Unfortunately, we had to give this whey protein powder a 1 out of 5 for third-party testing because it doesn’t seem to be verified by any labs.

If you can live with that, though, you’ll find this product has a relatively low price at about $39.99 per 30-serving container (approximately $1.33 per serving), earning it a 4 out of 5 for value. 

This 30-serving tub is the only option available, but if you purchase this whey protein isolate via Amazon, you do have the option to subscribe for repeat orders. This can also be a good way to save over time, as subscription orders typically feature a discount of 10 percent.

Why We Like It

Ora Organic Plant-Based Superfood Protein is pretty pricey at about $2.50 per serving — but that’s often the price to pay for getting USDA Certified Organic products on pretty much every line of the ingredient list. “The downside is definitely the price,” one of our testers says. “But it’s got less of that plant-y taste than other vegan protein powders, and it’s super smooth.”

Plus, registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer, likes that you’re not just getting protein in this one. In the Chocolate flavor, for example, she likes that “You get 22 g of plant-based protein along with several other important nutrients, including 39 percent of your daily iron needs and a digestive enzyme blend.” Why is that something you might look for in a protein powder? 

“Research continues to show that those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle may be at an increased risk of iron deficiency since they aren’t consuming meat products rich in heme iron. Ora Organic’s Plant-Based Protein Powder provides 39 percent of your daily iron needs in one serving. Pretty impressive. It’s also a pretty lean protein powder, great for those who need to boost their protein intake without skewing their other macros.”

You’ll want to use a flavored base with the Unflavored version, our tester advises. “With water, you won’t get anything really palatable,” they explain. “If you use milk, you’ll mostly get milk plus a bit of that classic protein powder chalkiness — not exactly the goal. Definitely put this in a fruit smoothie or something else with a lot of taste on its own.”

Our tester also recommends drinking this one very soon after mixing it because whether you use an electric mixer or shaker cup, it’ll separate pretty quickly. “There will be about an eighth left over in the shaker cup on the bottom and about a quarter for the electric mixers — at least, there was for me.” Still, overall, they give it a 4 out of 5 for overall mixability.

That said, we don’t love that the main ingredient is a proprietary blend. Bourgeois explains: “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 gives the formulation a 4 out of 5.

Why We Like It

Legion Whey+ sources its protein from grass-fed cows that are 95% grass-fed. Their dairy is also devoid of any hormones or antibiotics. Also, studies have shown that milk from grass-fed cows can be higher in phytonutrients than milk from grain-fed ones. (9) And our tester says it tastes great, too. “Remember when Ovaltine was all the rage? Well, the Dutch Chocolate flavor is an awesome throwback to those days.”

Earning a 4.75 out of 5 for formulation, Legion whey contains 22 grams of protein, three grams of carbs, and no fat. “If you’re prone to getting bored with your protein powder, Legion Whey+ might be your answer — it’s available in 16 flavors. I like the variety offered, and I love that you get more than 20 grams of protein per scoop without all the artificial junk. And and and it’s third-party tested!” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN.

[Related: Is Grass-Fed Whey Protein Right for You?]

Our testers also gave high marks to Legion’s taste and solubility, rating both at 5 out of 5. “The Dutch Chocolate flavor was honestly delicious,” they said. “It wasn’t too sweet and it definitely had a rich flavor.” 

We also love that Legion offers 17 flavor options, so you get plenty of variety. Plus, there are zero artificial sweeteners.

At $1.60 per serving, Legion Whey+ is one of the more expensive options on the market, though it does have a solid formula. Nevertheless, our team did have to give a 3.5 out of 5 in this category, considering there are cheaper options available (even in this guide).

Why We Like It

For athletes wanting an unflavored for their supplement routine, Whey Isolate from Momentous is a clear standout. While this protein does have a couple of delightful flavor options, the Unflavored variety is a standout. It’s a solid choice to mix up with either water, milk, or a smoothie. “Just toss it into your smoothie of choice and it’ll make a creamy protein shake without having to make any weird flavor adjustments,” our tester recommends.

“Momentous Whey Protein Isolate powder is more expensive than many competing brands, but you get what you pay for. It is backed by science and formulated with the help of registered dietitians,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, who rated the formulation at 4.25 out of 5.

In addition to the impressive makeup, we also enjoyed how easily this powder blended in our shakers each day. “I thought it mixed easily enough for a quick shake,” said our tester, a former Olympian. As such, we rated the solubility at 5 out of 5.

Now, Momentous doesn’t have the same flavor roster as other whey proteins, but our tester still rated this Whey Isolate at 4 out of 5 for the category. “It was enjoyable in any liquid, but I really felt the taste come to life when mixing this powder with my milk of choice.”

Additionally, Momentous Whey Isolate is a good pick for athletes. The supplement carried certifications from NSF as well as Informed Choice, meaning it’s free of any banned substances or unwanted contaminants. 

Plus, our independent testing found that this whey protein isolate ranked in the top 10 percent of all sampled proteins for label accuracy, pesticides, bisphenols, and phthalates. Momentous Whey Isolate scored average in our purity testing.

As a final note, we understand that the $2.70 per serving is well beyond the $1 to $2 average commonly associated with high-quality whey proteins. Thankfully, Momentous does offer a subscription service that can help you stay well-stocked for a cheaper price. A subscription can knock the cost per serving down to $2.16 — still expensive, but cheaper than a one-time purchase.

Not sure Momentous Protein is for you, check out our list of best whey isolate protein powder recommendations.

Why We Like It

When you’re looking to facilitate a bulking phase, calories are king. While we’ve had the pleasure of testing multiple mass gainer whey protein blends over the years, our favorite of the bunch is Transparent Labs’ no-nonsense formula, which we gave a 4.5 out of 5. Its macros are immense, with each serving containing up to 53 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, and 110 grams of carbs, totaling up to 750 calories.

These numbers may seem like a lot, but research has shown that energy deficiencies—a.k.a not consuming enough calories to support the physical work you’re doing—can impair hypertrophy. (10) Additionally, consuming more calories than you burn is considered a helpful strategy for bulking periods. (11) 

What you won’t find in this formulation are any artificial sweeteners, fillers, or additives, which is rare in the mass gainer market. It’s also free of soy and added sugars, which, as our tester notes, makes it “pretty friendly to people with restrictive diets.”

“I’d recommend this for anyone who wants a mass gainer that won’t compromise their clean diet,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. “If you’re running into walls building muscle, don’t have a large appetite, or are just sick of eating chicken breasts, this can serve as a helpful meal replacement.”

You only get two flavor options, unfortunately, and some athletes may prefer more variety. But our team did like the taste, giving it a 4.5 out of 5. “I tried the Chocolate Donut and it actually tasted like I was eating a chocolate frosted donut,” our tester said.

We noticed no side effects. However, this product is quite a bit pricier than your standard whey protein. One 15-serving container costs $79.99, which is about $5.33 per serving. We gave this an overall 3 out of 5 for price compared to the other picks on this list. But TL’s Mass Gainer price is actually pretty comparable to other mass gainers on the market.

Why We Like It

According to registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, one of our expert reviewers, “Wellah Protein Your Whey is a way to boost your protein intake at or in between meals. One serving provides 20 grams of protein without excessive carb and fat content. Each scoop provides no fat and just 3 grams of carbs.”

One of our testers doesn’t just like the macros — they like the mixability, too. “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. A 4 out of 5 for mixability.”

As for taste, our tester has a happy report from childhood: “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. It gets a 4 out of 5 for taste.”

One thing Bourgeois encourages you to keep in mind, though, is sodium intake. “This protein powder contains 220 milligrams of sodium per scoop. If you’re sweating heavily and need to replenish, this probably isn’t an issue. However, those trying to monitor or limit their daily sodium intake may feel that this takes up a chunk of their recommended daily intake. You’re also getting 2 grams of added sugars: not a ton, but every little bit counts.”

Overall, Bourgeois rates Wellah’s formula a 4 out of 5, noting that the protein content is solid, but “its sodium and added sugar content may not be for everyone.”

[Related: Best Protein Powders for Men]

Why We Like It

Dymatize ISO 100 is hydrolyzed whey, meaning it can absorb into your system faster than other types of whey protein. It’s said to be easier on your digestive system, but it can also be a useful supplement for athletes in need of faster muscle recovery. (12) “I like to swap this protein powder in instead of my normal protein powder when I’m in the mood for a little treat,” says our tester. “I try to avoid gluten (don’t come for me) because of an auto-immune disease and the Dunkin Glazed Donut flavor takes me back to my donut-eating days.”

[Related: What’s the Best Whey: Concentrate, Isolate, Hydrolysate?]

In addition to its fast-digesting makeup, we also like ISO 100 for its more approachable price per serving. Many whey hydrolysate supplements cost roughly $1.75 to $2 per serving, making ISO 100’s $1.25 per serving price a real bargain. “This is definitely one of the cheaper protein options available,” said our tester. “It tastes decent and mixes well, so I’d recommend it to anyone on a budget.” 

Its affordable price isn’t a reflection on its ingredients, however. We rated this formulation a 5 out of 5, taking note of its macro balance — 25 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, and 2 grams of carbs. It also has just 1 gram of sugar and no saturated fat or added sugars. We like its 5.5 grams of BCAAs, which includes leucine — an amino acid that plays an important role in stimulating muscle growth. (4)

“It’s sweetened with sucralose and stevia and contains artificial flavors, which may leave a poor aftertaste for some,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “And it doesn’t feature a strong vitamin and mineral profile, so you’ll need to make sure you’re getting those nutrients from your whole foods.”

We rated ISO 100’s taste and solubility a 3.5 and a 4 out of 5, respectively. “I mixed together the Cocoa Pebbles flavor, which I found plenty rich in milk but lacking flavor in water,” said our tester. “I didn’t get any floaties with a regular shaker bottle, but I didn’t like how thin the consistency was when shaken with water.”

Despite this thin consistency, we’re still impressed with this protein source’s purity. ISO 100’s Gourmet Vanilla offering earned an A from our independent tests, ranking in the top 10 percent of all sampled powders for the presence of metals, pesticides, phthalates, bisphenols, and overall label accuracy.

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a good-tasting whey protein powder, it’s tough to look past Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein. Available in 22 different flavors, there’s practically a taste for every palate. “No getting bored with the taste of this protein powder,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “Even my kids are fans of this protein,” one of our testers reports.

Additionally, this is one of the most affordable whey proteins we’ve tried, with costs per serving dropping to $0.98 in certain container sizes — a definite drop below the $1 to $2 average.

[Related: Best Optimum Nutrition Flavors]

After trying the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor, our testers gave the taste a 4.5 out of 5. “It honestly tastes like a morning dessert or treat,” they said. However, our second tester found the consistency a little too powdery for their preferences.

Overall, our team gave the formulation a 4.5 out of 5. One serving is about 120 calories, including 4 grams of carbs, 1.5 grams of fat, and 24 grams of protein (these values may vary slightly by flavor).

They gave the blend a 5 out of 5 in terms of solubility, too. “I didn’t have any issues in a shaker or a blender with milk, and didn’t see any floaties in water, either,” they said. “Its consistency might be a bit thin for my liking, but your mileage may vary.”

Finally, we do appreciate the fact that Gold Standard is third-party tested, which resonates with our own findings from our independent lab tests. Optimum Nutrition’s Vanilla Ice Cream flavor variety earned an A from our findings, scoring in the top 10 percent among all sampled proteins for label accuracy and metals, bisphenols, phthalates, and pesticides. 

Cheap, clean, and enjoyable to the last drop — what’s not to like about this golden protein powder?