The 14 Best Whey Protein Powders of 2023, RD-Approved

With the click of a mouse, you can order any protein powder, and it’ll arrive at your doorstep in a matter of days. This is great news since protein is an essential macronutrient that may help repair muscle tissue for strength gains, can keep you satiated, and may balance your hormones.

In 2020, the global whey protein powder market was valued at $9.4 billion and is estimated to grow to $18.4 billion by 2027. Whey protein of all types — from whey isolate to whey concentrate — may be flying off of the shelves almost as fast as pre-workout. But what isn’t always certain is which brand is right for you. There is a seemingly endless number of protein powder options, but some may not be suited for your goals or lifestyle. Fear not, we’ve tested out dozens of protein powder supps, from the biggest sellers to the little-known underdogs, and developed this list to help you find the best whey protein powder to meet your needs.

The Best Whey Protein Powders

• Best Whey Protein Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder
• Best Whey Protein for Men: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
• Best Whey For Weight Loss: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Whey Protein for Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder
• Best Tasting Whey Protein: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
• Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Organic Protein: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Whey Protein Isolate: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder
• Best Whey Protein Meal Replacement: Kaged Clean Meal
• Best Sustainably-Sourced Whey Protein: Onnit Whey Protein
• Best Vegan Non-Whey Protein: Swolverine Plant Protein
• Best Whey Protein for Bulking: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
• Best Whey Protein for Women: Legion Whey Isolate Protein Powder
• Best Hydrolyzed Whey Protein: Dymatize ISO 100

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. 

Best Whey Protein Powders Video

You can also check out this video from BarBend, where former Nutrition Editor Nick English goes over a variety of whey protein powders and their benefits. He walks you through each pick and why we chose it as a favorite.

Best Whey Protein Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder

Specs

• Protein: 28g
• Key Ingredients: 0g fat, 1g carbohydrate, 28g protein, 134mg calcium, 130mg potassium
• Price Per Serving: $2

Pros

• Trying to burn fat? This supplement is high in protein with little to no extra macronutrients. 
• You can choose from eight different unique flavors.
• This powder contains additional micronutrients, including calcium, iron, and potassium.

Cons

• This formula is pretty low in calories and may not be ideal for those looking to bulk up.
• Transparent Labs only sells 30-serving tubs. (Of course, you can purchase multiple tubs at once, but they don’t offer any bulk deals.)
• Although it’s high-quality, this product is a little pricier.

A solid whey protein will have a balanced formula that offers a high dose of protein with minimal fat, and a low dose of carbs — this pick is just that. Plus, it comes with higher protein than most other powders.

With so many protein powders on the market, it can be difficult to pick our favorite, but thankfully Transparent Labs made the decision easier with their top-notch product. It features a higher protein dose than most other powders on the market at 28 grams of high-quality whey isolate per serving. They also keep the other macros low with only one gram of carbs per serving and no fat. Plus, you’ll receive a handful of micronutrients like calcium, iron, and potassium.

This protein’s lean formula makes it great for mixing into shakes, baking with, and drinking plain with water or milk. If you like to shake things up (no pun intended), Transparent Labs makes their protein in eight different tasty flavors with unique options like Cinnamon French Toast and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie. The price is slightly higher than some other protein powders at around $59.99, which works out to about $2.00 per serving.

This formula is simple but delivers what most people looking for a protein powder want — a solid amount of protein, low carbs, no fat, and a reasonably short ingredients list. You can also select from eight delicious flavors, which is a pretty great variety. 

Read our full Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder Review. 

Best Whey Protein for Men: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

Specs

• Protein: 25g
• Key Ingredients: 0.5g fat, 1g carbohydrate, 25g protein, 94mg calcium, 98mg potassium
• Price Per Serving: $1.33

Pros

• This protein is low in calories, so it’s ideal for men looking to gain muscle, while staying lean. 
• There are no fillers in this product. 
• Anyone who is on a budget will appreciate that this is priced well, especially for the high quality of the protein included.

Cons

• This product contains sucralose, whereas others have only natural sweeteners. 
• There are no bulk purchase options with this product.

For men who are looking to pack on some muscle in the gym, protein content is key. This product is a great pick for both protein and BCAAs.

Authentic ISO is a solid protein powder for guys who have the goal of bulking up without doing a dirty bulk. Many other protein powders have extra calories from fats and carbs that you won’t need to worry about here. Authentic ISO provides a solid dose of 25 grams of protein per scoop to potentially help pack on muscle. This protein also has low amounts of carbs and fat with only a half gram of fat and one gram of carbs, making it great for men on a bulk who want to add lean muscle only. Each scoop only has 110 calories.

Since the protein source is a whey isolate, it may digest easier than other powders, which can help men who have digestive problems. Authentic ISO is available in three flavors — Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie. The price is tasty here too and cheaper than a lot of other high-quality proteins at about $39.99 per 30-serving container (approximately $1.33 per serving).

For men who are trying to round out their diets and gain some muscle, Jacked Factory Authentic ISO is a great way to pack in 25g of protein and potentially leave bloating behind. 

Best Whey for Weight Loss: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

Specs

• Protein: 26g
• Key Ingredients: 0.5g fat, 1g carbohydrate, 26g protein, 125mg calcium, 140mg potassium
• Price Per Serving: $2.09

Pros

• This one only has 110 calories per serving, making it ideal for anyone trying to lose weight. 
• This formula has digestive enzymes, which is ideal for those who need help processing whey. 
• Swolverine sweetens this whey isolate with all-natural stevia and monk fruit extract. 

Cons

• Naturally, sweetened proteins can sometimes lack sweetness.
• Those who are on a tight budget may want to look at more cost-effective options.

Disclaimer: Please note that none of these products describe themselves as weight loss supplements and should not be taken as such. Please consult with a medical professional before beginning any weight loss protocol.

Whey isolate protein powder is the go-to pick among people who are looking to lose weight and for good reason. It’s high in protein, but generally low in carbs, fats, and sugars, which means the calories are typically overall lower than other protein types. Our top pick for weight loss, Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate, is no different but also offers some additional benefits.

Due to its profile of ingredients and macronutrient breakdown, Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate is our favorite protein for weight loss. It’s low in calories with just 110 calories per scoop, each providing 26 grams of protein. Other than that, it only contains half a gram of fat and a gram of carbs per serving, making it very lean. Even better, Swolverine uses natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit extract, so you don’t have to worry about artificial sweeteners here. You’ll also get a blend of minerals (like calcium and phosphorus) and electrolytes, which you may be lacking if you’re dieting.

One of the things that sets this blend apart from other wheys (and why isolates) on the market is its digestive enzyme blend. You’ll get 10mg per scoop, which is made up of five milligrams of papain (that can help break down proteins) and five milligrams of protease (that can help further break down the amino acids) for potentially more efficient digestion. 

The last thing anyone wants while dieting is to feel bloated and these digestive enzymes are intended to help in that regard. At about $2.10 per serving, you’ll also have four tasty flavors to choose from — Chocolate, Vanilla, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, or Mint Chocolate Chip.

Caloric intake largely dictates whether you’ll gain or lose weight, but this protein powder may help to curb your appetite, making you less likely to indulge in higher-calorie foods. If your goal is to lose some weight while maintaining muscle mass, a lean protein shake like this one from Swolverine may be just what you’ve been looking for.

Read our full Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate Review.

Best Whey Protein for Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder

Specs

• Protein: 28g
• Key Ingredients: 0g fat, 1g carbohydrate, 28g protein, 134mg calcium, 130mg potassium
• Price Per Serving: $2

Pros

• This isolated whey ensures you’re getting just protein and essentially no other macros, ideal for athletes and bodybuilders looking to pack on muscle. 
• Transparent Labs’ powder is free of artificial sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives.
• You can buy up to three tubs at once for a discounted rate. 

Cons

• This formula is low in carbs and fats, so it’s not great for athletes who want to fuel before training.
• There are less expensive whey concentrates on the market.

It’s no secret that protein can play a key role in muscle gains. This pick is a whey protein isolate, which means it has a high protein content and is also one of the highest doses of protein on this list.

Sourced from 100 percent grass-fed American cows, Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate packs 28 grams of protein into each scoop. Many other powders only have around 20g to 25g of protein per scoop. At 88 percent protein-by-weight, it also has one of the highest protein-by-weight ratios on this list.

Clean of artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten, and preservatives, this whey isolate also contains only half a gram of fat, a single gram of carbs, and no added sugars. It comes in seven flavors, and you can buy up to three tubs at once for a discounted rate. If you buy at regular price, this protein is a bit on the pricey side at around $59.99 for a 30-serving container (about $2.00 per serving) — but the natural and transparent ingredients list may make it worth the extra money for some people.

Whey protein isolate is one of the best options to potentially help with muscle gain because of its high protein content — just be aware that you may have to dish out a little extra money for it. 

Best Tasting Whey Protein: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

Specs

• Protein: 25g
• Key Ingredients: 0.5g fat, 1g carbohydrate, 25g protein, 94mg calcium, 98mg potassium
• Price Per Serving: $1.33

Pros

• Jacked Factory makes classic and unique flavors, including Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Cookies and Cream.
• This is a lean formula with few extra macros and only 120 calories.
• You get zero fillers with this product.

Cons

• Though not the most expensive on the list, Jacked Factory is on the pricey side.
• There is sucralose in this product, whereas other powders have only natural sweeteners.

Sometimes all you’re looking for in a protein supplement is a great taste that will keep you hooked for a while. This pick comes in four yummy and different flavors for you to try out. 

Aside from being solid on macros, this pick has six downright delicious flavors to choose from, though it may be difficult to select only one. Of course, there are the classics like Vanilla and Chocolate. But Jacked Factory also makes a rich Chocolate Peanut Butter and a decadent Cookies & Cream. Our testers especially loved how easily the product mixed with water, too.

Jacked Factory uses whey isolate to provide a nice dose of 25 grams of protein per serving. You’ll also receive less than one gram of fat and only one gram of carbs for a total of 110 calories per scoop. In terms of price, this pick is a bit on the pricey side, but the flavor choices, and appetizing taste make it worth it in our eyes. Pick up a 30-serving container for around $39.99 (about $1.33 per serving) — and it’s available on Amazon Prime, so you’ll get it in just a matter of days.

With four special flavors to choose from and 25 grams of protein, Jacked Factory Authentic ISO whey is sure to have something that delights both your taste buds and your muscles. Just don’t be mad at us if you become hooked on the stuff.

Best Grass Fed Whey Protein: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

Specs

• Protein: 26g
• Key Ingredients: 0.5g fat, 1g carbohydrate, 26g protein, 125mg calcium, 140mg potassium
• Price Per Serving: $2.09

Pros

• This whey isolate comes from 100 percent grass-fed cows.
• If you’re looking for some multivitamins in your protein powder, this blend may help balance out your nutrient intake.
• This formula has added digestive enzymes.

Cons

• This powder is rather lean, so it’s not ideal for those who want a higher dose of carbs, fats, or sugars. 
• This is one of our more expensive picks at $2.09 per serving, so you may want to look elsewhere for those on a budget. 

If you’re on the hunt for a protein that’s derived from 100 percent grass-fed whey, this pick has you covered with 26 grams of grass-fed whey per scoop. 

If you prefer to source your protein from grass-fed cows you’ll likely enjoy Swolverine Whey Isolate since their protein is, as Swolverine says, “sourced from the happiest grass-fed cows in America.” Each scoop packs in 26 grams of high-quality whey isolate, along with a half gram of fat and only one gram of carbs for a total energy content of 110 calories. To help potentially improve digestion Swolverine also includes a 10mg digestive enzyme blend of papain and protease, along with electrolytes and calcium.

You can pick up this protein powder in tried and true flavors like Vanilla and Chocolate, or branch out a bit and try more interesting flavors like Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter or Mint Chocolate Chip. The high quality of this protein makes it a bit more expensive than some others at around $62.99 for a 30-serving tub, which is about $2.10 per serving.

Swolverine sets themselves apart from the rest of the whey isolate market with their 100-percent grass-fed whey and potentially game-changing digestive enzyme blend. The macros are also desirable with 26 grams of protein and little in the way of extra calories.

Best Organic Whey Protein: KOS Organic Plant Protein

Specs

• Protein: 20g
• Key Ingredients: 5g fat, 8g carbohydrate, 20g protein, 5mg iron, 45mg calcium, 120mg potassium, 1mg niacin, 0.8mg copper, 20mcg chromium
• Price Per Serving: $1.67

Pros

• This is an all-natural powder made from organic ingredients. 
• You get a blend of 17 micronutrients included in each scoop.
• This is a vegan protein source but ideal for those who have trouble with digestion. 

Cons

• There are products with more protein per serving.
• This formula has more carbs and fats than other products.
• Those who strictly want whey may prefer another product.

If you focus a lot on the ingredients you put into your body, you may want a protein powder that uses all organic ingredients that you can pronounce. This pick has a blend of vegetables to provide the protein and is naturally flavored and sweetened to give you peace of mind.

Right off the bat you’ll notice that this isn’t your typical “brotein” powder. KOS acquired all the ingredients from natural and organic sources to build a clean, naturally flavored vegan protein powder. To provide 20 grams of protein per scoop, they used organic pea protein and coconut milk along with flax seed and quinoa, making this a complete protein. This formula does contain five grams of fat and eight grams of carbs for a total of 150 calories per scoop, which may be a bit high for people who are strictly counting macros.

KOS Organic Plant Protein is a different kind of protein product with a blend of organic plants like peas, coconut, flax, and quinoa providing 20 grams of protein per scoop. Their light and sweet flavorings are made from natural ingredients and coconut sugar.

The flavors — Chocolate and Vanilla — are meant to be light, refreshing, and tastefully sweetened using natural flavorings and sweeteners, like coconut sugar, stevia extract, monk fruit, and Peruvian cacao. You might expect to pay quite a premium for these high-quality ingredients, but each 30-serving tub is only about $49.99 (around $1.67 per serving), which is in line with many top-notch dairy protein powders. As an added bonus, you’ll receive a blend of 17 vitamins and minerals in each scoop, including vitamin E, zinc, chromium , and B vitamins.

KOS did what they do best here, and put together an organic plant-based formula that serves. Each scoop provides a solid dose of 20 grams of protein along with a variety of micronutrients to potentially fill gaps in nutrition with clean ingredients.

Read our full KOS Organic Plant Protein Review.

Best Whey Protein Isolate: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder

Specs

• Protein: 28g
• Key Ingredients: 0g fat, 1g carbohydrate, 28g protein, 134mg calcium, 130mg potassium
• Price Per Serving: $2

Pros

• This whey isolate formula may digest more easily than other protein types, like whey concentrate.
• This blend packs 28g of protein and only 110 calories per scoop. 
• This powder is sweetened with stevia and natural flavors. 

Cons

• Isolate formulas are generally more expensive than concentrates, and this protein is no different at about $2.00 per serving.
• You can’t buy this product in bulk.

Whey isolate is a form of whey protein that has been filtered to reduce its lactose and fat content, leaving around 90 percent protein behind. This type of whey (and this pick in particular) packs a larger amount of protein per serving than many other forms and tends to be more easily digested.

Most whey protein isolates offer a solid dose of protein with reduced lactose content but Transparent Labs stands out for what it doesn’t contain as much as for what it does. Fats are nowhere to be found here with zero grams in each serving and only one gram of carbs, meaning that the 120 calories per scoop nearly all come from the large 28-gram hit of protein in each serving.

Other highlights include an all-natural formula with no artificial sweeteners, as Transparent Labs uses stevia in their blend, and the whey sourced from 100-percent grass-fed cows. Transparent Labs makes this whey isolate in eight different flavors with options like Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, among other classics. You can snag a 30-serving tub for around $59.99 (about $2.00 per serving), which is somewhat pricey, but we think it’s worth it when considering the high quality of ingredients and potentially easier to digest formula.

This powder’s no-fat, low-carb formula delivers a high dose of protein with minimal extra calories. On top of that, it can potentially digest more easily than whey concentrate and features an all-natural ingredients list. If you want to sneak extra protein in your diet, and forgo the extra calories and potential bloating, this product may be the way to go.

Best Whey Protein Meal Replacement: Kaged Clean Meal

Specs

• Protein: 28g
• Key Ingredients: 4.5g fat, 18g carbohydrate, 28g protein, 5mcg vitamin D, 150mg Calcoum, 4.9mg iron, 213mg potassium, 229mcg vitamin A, 23mg vitamin C, 4mg vitamin E, 31mcg vitamin K
• Price Per Serving: $2.49

Pros

• This protein powder can replace an entire meal or make a hearty post-workout snack.
• With this product, you get more calories and carbs overall to help recover from tough workouts. 
• If you don’t have time to eat right after training, this is a convenient alternative.

Cons

• As a meal replacement, this powder is higher in calories than others.
• Those on a cut probably won’t want a protein with so many carbs and fats.

If you want a whey protein with solid macros and plenty of additional micronutrients to help nourish you, this product is going to be a great fit.

Whey protein is great for folks who just want protein and nothing else, but it’s not the most nutritious option. If you’re on the hunt for a protein that offers more carbs and fats for muscle recovery, or a formula that can replace a standard meal, then this pick is your best bet. 

Each one-scoop serving delivers 240 calories, four and a half grams of fat, 18g of carbs, and two grams of fiber. Plus, it also contains a dose of calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium for an added nutritional boost. However, this is one of the more expensive options on this list at around $2.49 per serving, since you are technically getting a more substantial meal out of each serving than a basic whey protein powder provides. 

You want your meal replacement powder to maintain a balanced macro profile that simply scales along with the calorie count. Kaged Clean Meal does this, and, better yet, it also contains a good amount of micronutrients to fill in some dietary gaps. 

Best Sustainably-Sourced Whey Protein: Onnit Whey Protein

Specs

• Protein: 20g
• Key Ingredients: 2g fat, 3g carbohydrate, 20g protein, 100mg calcium, 110mg potassium
• Price Per Serving: $2

Pros

• For those who want sustainably sourced protein, this product sources its whey from grass-fed New Zealand cows. 
• Onnit adds digestive enzymes to help you better process the supp.
• This powder is extra creamy and rich due to its grass-fed base.

Cons

• Although it’s a common additive in most whey supplements, this product does contain maltodextrin as a thickening agent.
• Onnit contains sunflower oil to help with flavor. 

Onnit contains effective and transparently sourced ingredients, is made from grass-fed cows, and delivers on taste.

Onnit contains zero sugar, is soy- and gluten-free, and is made of 100 percent grass-fed whey protein isolate from pasture-grazing New Zealand cows. It also contains minimal carbs and fats — just five and two grams, respectively. We like that Onnit mixes well in water and milk, and comes in delicious Mexican Chocolate or Vanilla flavors with a price tag of about $2.00 per serving. 

Plus, it contains digestive enzymes, which can help your body process the nutrients you’re receiving even better. However, if you want to avoid maltodextrin or sunflower oil, then look elsewhere; this protein powder contains both of those ingredients. This protein will cost you about $2.00 per serving, but as New Zealand is notably strict on its dairy policies, you can rest assured knowing your protein is sourced from high-quality dairy.

For people who are environmentally minded, Onnit ensures that their whey is sourced sustainably from New Zealand cows. The sourcing matters, as New Zealand has strict regulations regarding their dairy industry, which guarantees a high-quality product. 

Read our full Onnit Whey Protein Review.

Best Vegan Non-Whey Protein: Swolverine Plant Protein

Specs

• Protein: 22g
• Key Ingredients: 2.5g fat, 3g carbohydrate, 22g protein, 34mg calcium, 6mg iron, 142mg potassium
• Price Per Serving: $2

Pros

• This is a totally plant-based protein, blending pea and pumpkin.
• The macro breakdown of this protein is very similar to whey products.
• You get a totally transparent ingredient label.

Cons

• You only get two flavor options: Chocolate Cake and Salted Caramel.
• You can find much cheaper options on the market. 

Whey protein is the industry standard for protein supplementation, but whey also isn’t vegan-friendly as it’s a byproduct of making dairy products, like milk and cheese. Others may want to avoid whey due to potential spoilage (though this is rare if the right storage conditions are met), or unappealing smells or tastes. 

Swolverine’s plant-based protein is made from 22 grams of pea protein isolate and 7.7 grams of pumpkin protein. Compared to other protein powders for vegan diets, Swolverine Plant Protein is pretty low in fats and carbs, boasting only 0.5 and seven grams, respectively. 

While the carbs are a tad high compared to whey protein isolate formulas, they’re pretty low for a plant-based powder. It’s worth noting that this product only comes in a Chocolate Cake flavor and a Salted Caramel flavor though — while many of us do love a decadent chocolatey treat or a Salted Caramel taste, those who prefer a Vanilla or fruity flavor will have to look elsewhere.

Swolverine Plant Proteint’s not uncommon for plant-based proteins to be higher in carbs and fats (due to the source ingredients), but Swolverine’s macro profile is as close to whey as any plant-based protein we’ve seen. 

Best Whey Protein for Bulking: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

Specs

• Protein: 53g
• Key Ingredients: 14g fat, 110g carbohydrate, 53g protein, 6g fiber, 283mg calcium, 576mg potassium
• Price Per Serving: $5.33

Pros

• Thanks to the higher calories, protein content, and added creatine, this is ideal for bulking.
• This product has added fiber to help aid digestion.
• There are zero added sugars in this product.

Cons

• At 750 calories per serving, this one packs quite the calorie punch, which isn’t ideal for all athletes.
• This product is way higher in price than normal whey supplements.

The best whey protein for bulking is this no-nonsense formula from Transparent Labs. It has a solid dose of protein and some great flavors, allowing you to bulk up without having to chew through yet another chicken breast. 

If you’re looking to bulk and maybe can’t stomach another bite of food with your current macros, then you’ll appreciate the 53g of protein per scoop that this mass gainer delivers. Each scoop also has 14 grams of fat and 110 grams of carbs for 750 calories total. In addition to the protein provided, each scoop serves some creatine monohydrate, which may also help you build muscle and bulk.

This isn’t the most lean whey protein powder out there but if you’re looking to bulk and add on some muscle, this is an ideal pick. You only get two flavors, Chocolate Glaze and Sweet Vanilla, but they’re excellent alone or mixed into a smoothie. Pick up a 15-serving container for $79.99.

This whey protein is high in protein and flavor, making it an easy ask to drink, especially if you’re tired of eating tons of solid food. The added creatine is also a nice touch that may help pack on muscle even more than a traditional whey powder would.

Best Whey Protein for Women: Legion Whey Isolate Protein Powder

Specs

• Protein: 22g
• Key Ingredients: 0g fat, 3g carbohydrate, 22g protein, 136mg calcium, 0.83mg iron
• Price Per Serving: $2

Pros

• This lower-calorie formula (100 calories per scoop) is ideal for smaller bodies or women looking for a simple post-workout shake.
• You get 13 unique flavors to choose from.
• There’s no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or food dyes.

Cons

• There are more protein-dense options out there.
• This supp isn’t super pricey but you can find more budget-friendly options.

Though this protein powder isn’t marketed specifically toward women, it’s a great choice for anyone hunting for a powder that’s low in fat, carbs, and sugars, but high in protein. 

At just 100 to 130 calories per serving (depending on flavor), Legion Whey Isolate packs 22 grams of whey protein isolate into each scoop. It contains only one and a half grams of fat (or less, depending on flavor), two to four grams of carbs, and zero grams of sugar. 

This formula is ideal for women who may be looking for a leaner blend. It’s also naturally flavored and sweetened, so if you’re trying to stay away from artificial ingredients, this is a great pick for you. Another added bonus: This whey isolate comes in 13 different flavors, as well as an unflavored option. You have the choice of buying a two-pound tub, or if you know what flavor you like, you can opt for a bulk buy five-pound tub.

Though this supplement is a solid choice for anyone looking for a whey protein isolate, it’s marketed specifically to women. It’s lower in calories, fat, sugar, and carbs than many whey proteins, and it comes in a wide variety of flavors.

Read our full Legion Whey Isolate Protein Powder Review.

Best Hydrolyzed Whey Protein: Dymatize ISO 100 

Specs

• Protein: 25g
• Key Ingredients: 1g fat, 2g carbohydrate, 25g protein, 120mg calcium, 0.8mg iron
• Price Per Serving: $1.34

Pros

• If you want easy-to-absorb whey protein, hydrolyzed whey is typically your best bet.
• This formula tastes excellent just mixed with water. 
• There’s barely any fat content in any of the Dymatize flavors.

Cons

• This formula isn’t 100 percent hydrolyzed — there’s still some whey isolate in there. 
• Dymatize does have some artificial sweeteners in this product.

When it comes down to it, most proteins will offer just about the same muscle-building benefits. That said, price is a significant factor for many folks, and we think that Dymatize offers one of the best quality hydrolyzed proteins at a competitive price. 

Why Dymatize? Besides the fact that it tastes great with water — some may find it too sweet — the first ingredient in the product is hydrolyzed whey protein. We dive deeper into the science further down in this article, but the long and short of it is that hydrolyzed whey absorbs faster than other forms of whey. 

That’s because enzymes partly break it down, and this fast absorption is what makes it more expensive. However, Dymatize ISO 100 offers one of the best price points for hydrolyzed whey that you will find. On a positive note, Dymatize offers nine flavors including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies & Cream, Gourmet Chocolate, Gourmet Vanilla, Pebbles™ Birthday Cake, Cocoa Pebbles™, Fruity Pebbles™, Dunkin™ Mocha Latte, and Dunkin™ Cappuccino.

If you’re a serious lifter who desires the low-fat, low-carb formula that hydrolyzed whey offers but can’t deal with the sticker shock, then this is the pick for you. 

Read our full Dymatize ISO 100 Review.

The Benefits of Whey Protein Powder

Protein powders usually offer a higher protein concentration than food, but they may also lack other nutrients that naturally accompany proteins found in meat, fish, dairy, and whole grains. Protein from food offers vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and healthy fats often unavailable in protein powder. We would never recommend that you take protein powder as a complete protein substitute — just a dietary supplement.

There’s plenty of debate among bodybuilders and strength athletes alike about whether a post-workout shake significantly improves recovery and muscle growth.

Some research suggests that taking a protein shake after you work out might be better for muscle gain than whole foods. A study published in Physiological Reports suggests that taking 40 grams of whey protein is better than 20 grams, so maybe you should have two protein shakes. (1) Another study suggests pre-workout protein is even more important. (2) As for the type of protein you should consume, does it have to be whey? Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD, at Precision Nutrition told us:

“Whey protein has an incredibly high biological value, incredibly high leucine content, and it’s digested rapidly so you get this quick rise in muscle protein synthesis. And if you look at short-term studies, two hours after a workout you see this rapid rise in protein synthesis with whey more so than soy.”

Leucine is linked with muscle protein synthesis, and whey is super high in leucine, according to a 2012 protein comparison published in Nutrition & Metabolism. (3)(4)

If you’re regularly engaging in strenuous exercise, you need to calculate your macros and consume a relatively large amount of protein (and calories overall) to build muscle, recover properly, and get stronger for the next workout. Whey is a fantastic way to help with that.

[Related: What’s the Difference Between Grass-Fed Whey Vs. Regular Whey?]

How We Chose the Best Whey Protein

It may look uncomplicated, but assessing the key differences between different protein powders is no easy task. It’s important to emphasize that some of the areas we note below aren’t necessarily good or bad. Some athletes prefer foods without artificial sweeteners, and some try to limit soy. That said, there’s not much evidence that either has adverse effects; we simply point them out in case they are a problem for you. Here are the ingredients and factors we took into consideration when putting together this guide.

Types of Protein Powders

Whey proteins typically contain one or more of three kinds of protein: concentrate, isolate, and/or hydrolysate. They each have their own pros and cons: Whey concentrate is cheaper and extracted with an enzyme or acid; whey isolate is lower in fat and carbs; hydrolyzed whey digests more quickly and could be safer for those with allergies. All of this is taken into account, and we’ve included all types of whey on this list — no matter your preference, there’s an option for you here. 

Protein Per Calorie

A gram of protein has four calories, and many measure the protein density of a supplement by how many calories it provides per gram. If a shake offers 25 grams of protein, then you’re getting 100 calories (if there aren’t any added carbs and fat.) To keep calories lower, you typically want a protein powder with fewer grams of carbs and fats. So, pay attention to this number.

Artificial Sweeteners

We’re not taking a stance on whether artificial sweeteners are unhealthy, but we can’t ignore that many athletes prefer to avoid them. To that end, we’ll point out the presence of aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and anything else used to sweeten the product, like stevia or sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive issues among a small portion of the population.

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

Protein Powder Additives

Some people avoid soy at all costs, but soy is a trendy addition to protein supplements as a means to improve mixability. Perhaps you have issues with thickeners and stabilizers like xanthan gum or carrageenan, which can cause digestive discomfort. Again this is about your preference, but we take these ingredients into account.

Protein Powder Taste

Chalky, smooth, sweet, earthy, bitter…there are many ways a protein powder can taste. We consider the real taste test to be how a protein powder tastes with water — it’s not as hard to make something that tastes good with milk.

What’s In Your Protein Powder?

Aside from protein, there can be a range of added nutrients included in your protein powder. Here’s a guide to the most common ingredients you’re likely to find in a tub.

Whey Concentrate, Isolate, or Hydrolysate

Usually a byproduct of cheesemaking, whey concentrate is the cheapest form of protein and contains the most fat and carbs, including lactose. Whey isolate has been processed through a microfilter and results in fewer carbs and less fat, sometimes none at all. 

In contrast, hydrolysate (aka hydrolyzed whey) has been further broken down with enzymes, so it digests the fastest.

Casein

Sometimes included with whey protein powders, casein is the other protein found in milk. (Milk protein is about 80 percent casein, 20 percent whey.) Used to make cheese — it’s not a byproduct of cheesemaking, it is the product — casein digests more slowly and is more filling. It also thickens really easily, so it’s great for making protein puddings and “ice cream.”

Artificial and Natural Sweeteners

Protein powders often contain either artificial sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame potassium, as they’re widely recognized as safe for human consumption. 

The FDA recommends a daily limit of 15 milligrams of artificial sweeteners. Some of the protein powders we’ve included on this list contain no artificial sweeteners though. These products are sweetened naturally with ingredients like Stevia. 

[Related: The Best Types of Supplements on the Market Worth Your Money]

Lecithin

This is a fatty substance used to improve mixability. Lecithin is usually made from soy, but sometimes you’ll find the more expensive sunflower lecithin in products that are more geared toward the soy-phobic Paleo crowd. There’s no good reason to fear soy lecithin unless you have an allergy or sensitivity — reams of research have found no correlation between soy ingestion and reduced testosterone or muscle mass. (5)(6)

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive Enzymes may help break down proteins, lipase fat, amylase carbs, and lactase lactose, and many protein powders include a blend of these enzymes (which may include Protease, Lipase, or Amylase). 

Some interesting evidence suggests they might help to increase the absorption rate and reduce the risk of indigestion. (7)

When To Take Whey Protein Powder

There isn’t necessarily a “best time” to take your protein powder. Just because you don’t consume your shake directly after your workout does not mean you’ll lose the muscle you worked so hard for throughout your session. As long as you are consuming enough protein throughout the course of the day, your gains should remain. 

If you can get a shake in immediately after a workout, that’s a great way to ensure you’re boosting your overall protein intake, but it’s not a requirement to keep you on track to hit your goals. 

You Don’t Have to Take Protein Before, During, or After a Workout

There are many nutrition myths perpetuated by 1990s bodybuilding magazines — one of them is that you need to down a protein shake minutes after your workout to feed your starving muscles. While that might not be a bad idea for an Olympia competitor who already has all of their calories, macros, micros, sleep, hormone levels, and everything else dialed in, it doesn’t matter for the average person. Your total calories and macronutrients determine whether or not you gain muscle and lose fat, not when you eat.

How Much Does Whey Protein Powder Cost?

If you just look at the cost of the container of whey protein that you’re buying, it’s going to be hard to tell what you’re actually getting for your money. To find out how much whey protein you’re actually getting for your money, you’ll want to compare the cost of the container to the number of servings — you’ll likely find the cost per serving to be around $1 to $2, varying by brand and ingredients. The average price of whey protein on this list is $1.78 per serving. Of course, there are some exceptions to this price range and you’ll notice a higher price based on the quality of ingredients, dosages, and type of protein.

Best Whey Protein Overall	Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder	$59.99 Per serving: $2.00
Best Whey Protein for Men	Jacked Factory Authentic ISO	$39.99 Per serving: $1.33
Best Whey for Weight Loss	Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate	$62.99 Per serving: $2.10
Best Whey Protein for Muscle Gain	Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder	$59.99 Per serving: $2.00
Best Tasting Whey Protein	Jacked Factory Authentic ISO	$39.99 Per serving: $1.33
Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein	Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate	$62.99 Per serving: $2.10
Best Organic Protein	KOS Organic Plant Protein	$49.99 Per serving: $1.67
Best Whey Protein Isolate	Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder	$59.99 Per serving: $2.00
Best Whey Protein Meal Replacement	Kaged Clean Meal	$49.99 Per serving: $2.49
Best Sustainably-Sourced Whey Protein	Onnit Whey Protein	$59.95 Per serving: $1.99
Best Vegan Non-Whey Protein	Swolverine Plant Protein	$52.99 Per serving: $1.77
Best Whey Protein for Bulking	Transparent Labs Mass Gainer	$79.99 Per serving: $5.33
Best Whey Protein for Women	Legion Whey Isolate Protein Powder	$59.99 Per serving: $2.00
Best Hydrolyzed Whey Protein	Dymatize ISO 100	$93.69 Per serving: $1.32

Cost is affected by the type of whey powder, additives, protein density, and other factors. The more natural, organic, or transparent your protein powder is, the more likely it is that the cost will be higher. In addition, added helpful ingredients (like digestive enzymes or probiotics), may also jack up the price tag. You’ll find that the most basic protein powders (some of which may include artificial flavorings) will generally be the least expensive. 

What to Consider Before You Buy Whey Protein Powder

Protein powder is just dehydrated milk with some sweeteners, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the process of buying a whey protein powder. Here are the most important things to keep in mind when purchasing a new protein powder.

Whey Concentrate Might Not Be Great for Those With Lactose Sensitivities

It’s the cheapest form and has the most calories, but whey concentrate isn’t bad: The difference is usually two or three grams of protein when compared to isolate. But concentrate does contain lactose. It’s not a lot but consider buying a hydrolyzed whey — which is typically easier on the stomach — if you’re really sensitive.

[Related: The Best Supplements for Bodybuilding]

Hydrolyzed Whey Is Best for the Elite Few

It’s the most expensive form of whey, and yes, some studies have found it useful for athletes who work out twice per day and need to recover really fast. However, for the average person, it won’t make a practical difference. A caveat here is that hydrolyzed whey is so broken down that it’s usually the whey of choice for people with milk allergies. (8)

(If you have a milk allergy or any food allergy for that matter, consult with your doctor before taking a protein powder.) The downsides of hydrolyzed whey — that it’s more expensive and tastes worse — probably make the added cost not worth it for most people.

You Probably Don’t Need to Worry About Soy Lecithin

The vast majority of protein powders contain a dash of soy lecithin because it helps to improve mixability. Concerns over soy raising estrogen levels or lowering testosterone levels have been floating around the strength training world for years, but studies show that most people’s hormone levels are unaffected by soy. If you want to learn more about the effects of soy, check out our video below where we dive deeper into the studies surrounding this topic. 

And note that if you’d rather avoid plant estrogen, you’ll also need to cut out coffee, oatmeal, apples, and a lot of other foods, too.

Grass-Fed Whey Probably Won’t Have a Practical Difference On Your Health

Grass-fed dairy is indeed higher in antioxidants and healthful fats, like Omega-3s and CLA, than regular dairy. (9)(10) That said, whey has almost all of the fat taken out of it anyways. For context, people supplement with one or two grams of omega-3s when consciously trying to consume more. Whey has about three grams of fat, and less than five percent are polyunsaturated fats. And even less of that fat is omega-3s. (11) 

The same dosage goes for CLA, of which you’d find 0.06 grams in a scoop of grass-fed whey. (10) Grass-fed cows probably live happier lives with more time spent outdoors, which is a valid reason to prefer it. But don’t think taking grass-fed whey over regular whey is like taking a multivitamin. (12) 

[Related: Best Macros Calculator For Tracking Muscle Gain and Fat Loss]

Final Word

There are a variety of protein types on the market, and each has its own advantages and drawbacks. We tried to pick the best for as many scenarios as we could because we know everyone is different and has different goals. Finding the right protein that interacts properly with your gut microbiota and that you actually enjoy taking can take some trial and error — that’s why we laid out a few options that could work for different situations.

It wasn’t easy to land on these top picks; we had to weigh ingredients, effectiveness, taste, and many other factors, including how different consumers value totally different qualities in their supplements. But we’re confident that we’ve selected the best whey protein powders no matter what your reasons are for turning to protein shakes. Each of the picks on this list is of the highest quality, so no matter which one you choose you’ll be getting a top-tier product. All we can say now is bottoms up.

FAQs

References

1. Macnaughton LS, et al. The response of muscle protein synthesis following whole-body resistance exercise is greater following 40 g than 20 g of ingested whey protein. Physiol Rep. 2016 Aug;4(15).
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. Norton LE, et al. Leucine content of dietary proteins is a determinant of postprandial skeletal muscle protein synthesis in adult rats. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2012 Jul 20;9(1):67.
4. Breen L, et al. Leucine: a nutrient ‘trigger’ for muscle anabolism, but what more? J Physiol. 2012 May 1;590(9):2065-6.
5. 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.
6. Kalman D, et al. Effect of protein source and resistance training on body composition and sex hormones. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007 Jul 23;4:4.
7. Oben, J et al. An open label study to determine the effects of an oral proteolytic enzyme system on whey protein concentrate metabolism in healthy males. J Int Soc Sports Nutr . 2008 Jul 24;5:10.
8. Potier, M et al. Comparison of digestibility and quality of intact proteins with their respective hydrolysates. J AOAC Int . Jul-Aug 2008;91(4):1002-5.
9. La Terra, S et al. Increasing pasture intakes enhances polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipophilic antioxidants in plasma and milk of dairy cows fed total mix ration. Dairy Sci. Technol. 90, 687–698 (2010).
10. Dhiman, TR et al. Conjugated linoleic acid content of milk from cows fed different diets. J Dairy Sci . 1999 Oct;82(10):2146-56.
11. Månsson,HL et al. Fatty acids in bovine milk fat. Food Nutr Res . 2008;52.
12. Jude, C et al. The environmental impact of corn-fed vs. grass-fed beef finishing systems. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-supplement 2):686.