Supplementing with some of the best protein powders can be helpful when looking to home in your nutrition for the sake of such fitness goals as weight loss, muscle gain, and more. (1) Of course, though, these large tubs can become repetitive when trying to guzzle down shakes of the same flavor each day … unless you’re using Gainful Protein Powder. Rather than subscribe to a single taste for a set number of servings, this supp comes unflavored in its base form with “Flavor Boost” packs that give you the power to change up the menu each day.
We think Gainful can be a great option for athletes looking to avoid flavor fatigue given the array of tastes you can choose from. Plus, the customizable formulation allows you to tailor your protein to your specific goals. In this Gainful Protein Powder review, we’ll dive deeper into these formulation options and examine the powder’s real-world qualities including taste, solubility, and more. For more information on how we test supplements for our content, be sure to read the BarBend supplement testing methodology page.
Gainful Protein Powder is fully customizable, allowing you to get a product that meets your specific health needs, including losing weight, gaining weight, or building muscle.
Medical disclaimer: 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 use as 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. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Main Takeaways
- Gainful Protein Powder is available in four protein bases — Whey, Vegan, Low Lactose Whey, and Ketogenic — and three goal boosts — Lose Weight, Build Muscle, and Gain Weight — giving you the power to cater your formulation to your specific needs and goals.
- The base protein powder is unflavored, so you’ll utilize the included “Flavor Boost” packs to create the taste you desire.
- Gainful operates under a subscription-based system that allows for repeat deliveries as well as one-on-one access to a registered dietitian for nutrition-based questions.
Gainful Protein Powder Specs
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $3.21 |
| Protein Per Serving | 19-26g |
| Calories Per Serving | 110-140 |
| Protein Source | Whey (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, micellar casein), Vegan (organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein), Low Lactose Whey (whey protein isolate), Ketogenic (whey protein isolate) |
| Available Flavors | Strawberry Cream, Sea Salt Caramel, Rich Chocolate, Madagascar Vanilla, Cinnamon Toast, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Caffè Mocha |
| Third-Party Testing | None |
Gainful is available in 14-serving bags with costs per serving sitting at roughly $3.21. This is more expensive than the average $2 per serving we’ve come to associate with high-quality protein powders. That said, Gainful operates under a “Subscribe & Save” model, meaning you sign up for repeat orders every three to eight weeks. While this does add another subscription to your monthly finances, it can be a convenient way to ensure you aren’t routinely running out of stock.
In addition to the repeat deliveries, a Gainful subscription also grants you access to a registered dietitian for any inquiries you may have concerning your nutrition goals. While we haven’t taken advantage of this service, we feel it can be an excellent resource for beginner athletes just getting the hang of proper supplementation.
One factor that makes Gainful a personalized protein powder is that you can choose between four “Protein Base” options and three “Goal Boost” options, and each selection has its own unique formulation. For example, the Vegan protein base — which we’ve ranked amongst some of the best vegan protein powders — uses plant-based protein sources such as organic pea protein and organic brown rice protein.
On the other hand, Whey and Low Lactose Whey varieties utilize some combination of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and/or micellar casein depending on your intended goal. The final protein base — Ketogenic — can also be ideal for keto athletes or those with low-carb dietary restrictions.
“This model really intrigues me, and I like how you can cater your supplement choices to your fitness goals,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and our expert reviewer. “While I’d appreciate a little more variance in terms of the macronutrient counts between formulations, having the ability to fine-tune your protein powder selection is a service I’ve yet to see from other brands.”
Regardless of the different types of protein to choose from, you can expect between 110 and 140 calories per serving, making Gainful a fairly lean formulation that can be helpful for supporting weight loss goals. According to studies, supplementing with protein powder during weight loss journeys can be an efficient way to maintain muscle mass during calorie deficits. (2)
Gainful offers its protein powder as an Unflavored base. Rather than dedicating an entire 14-serving container to a singular flavor, the brand gives you multiple “Flavor Boost” packs to choose from in a given order. Tastes range from classics such as Rich Chocolate and Cookies and Cream to more adventurous profiles like Cinnamon Toast and Caffè Mocha. Of course, you can also choose the variety pack that gives you multiples of the eight available tastes — perfect for mixing up flavor profiles with each given serving.
Finally, Gainful claims this protein powder is free of artificial sweeteners, artificial dyes, artificial flavors, and preservatives making it a solid example of one of the best clean protein powders on the market today. However, there is no third-party testing certification accompanying this profile, meaning those looking for absolute label purity and transparency may be served better with a different product.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Gainful Protein Powder
Naturally, some athletes may benefit more from Gainful Protein Powder than others. After all, you can expect everyone to have the same results with, say, every single best whey isolate, right? Below are a few camps we recommend Gainful for as well as some groups that may be better off with a different protein powder source.
Recommended for:
- Athletes looking for a different flavor option with each protein serving
- Individuals who need a tailored formulation to their specific fitness goals
- Beginners who may benefit from speaking to a registered dietitian regarding health goals and nutrition
Not Recommended for:
- Budget-minded athletes not willing to pay over $3 per serving for protein powder
- Individuals sensitive to natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit extract
- Those that prefer to not sign up for another subscription-based service
Our Experience Using Gainful Protein Powder
We’ve trialed over 100 different protein powders over the years — from the best casein protein to the best proteins for muscle growth, weight loss, and more — so we’ve come to understand what separates a good supp from a less-than-stellar option. We used the same tactics when analyzing Gainful Protein Powder, examining the multitude of available formulations as well as the powder’s taste(s), solubility, and overall performance. We then rated these findings on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
Ingredients and Formulation
Examining the formulation of Gainful Protein Powder can seem tricky given the abundance of protein blends to choose from. However, we are pleased that regardless of your chosen formulation, you can expect between 19 and 26 grams of protein per serving. Plus, we appreciate the fact that Gainful doesn’t contain any fillers or artificial sweeteners, dyes, flavors, or preservatives.
However, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, a registered dietitian nutritionist and our expert reviewer, rates the formulation at 4 out of 5 given the lack of differentiation between the blends themselves. “You would think that a protein blend designed for weight loss and one curated for weight gain would be opposite one another, but the only major difference is in the carbohydrate count. I like the idea behind these formulations, but I feel Gainful has some room to improve.”
In addition to the lack of diversity, we also note that Gainful doesn’t include information on the amino acid profile featured in each blend. Listing the included essential amino acids and BCAAs can be especially for athletes following a vegan diet who otherwise may not receive adequate amino acids from their plant-based diet. (3)
Of course, if you do have questions regarding the makeup of your chosen protein blend, Gainful does offer one-on-one consultation with a registered dietitian when you sign up for repeat orders. “I didn’t take advantage of this service,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer, “But I do think it’s an intriguing perk that clears the air for any questions you may have about your supplements or general nutrition routine.”
Taste
One protein powder benefit that separates Gainful from the rest of the category is its interesting flavor variety. Rather than a single flavor per container, you’re given multiple flavor packs that act as taste enhancers for each serving — think of it as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” with a fitness and wellness twist.
Our tester, a certified nutrition coach, rates the taste at 4.5 out of 5 given the versatility and palate-pleasing tendencies of the included packs. “I tried the vegan protein blend and chose the Mocha and Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor packs, but I do like how a variety pack is available for more adventurous athletes,” they add. “While I’d prefer a stronger coffee-esque vibe from the Mocha, I do enjoy the overall taste. I even mixed my sample with some greens powder and other ingredients in a smoothie, and the flavor pack was strong enough to mask the earthy flavor of the greens supplement.”
Solubility
While the taste is a definite perk with Gainful Protein Powder, you should expect to put in some work in order to achieve a smooth consistency. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, states, “I had some present clumps in my blender bottle when trying to mix this powder with milk. Admittedly, I just dealt with the clumps because I enjoyed the taste so much, but I wish the protein was better when it comes to mixability.”
We score the solubility at 3 out of 5, given that these aforementioned clumps can sometimes stick to the sides of even the best shaker bottles. Not only does this lead to a more strenuous cleaning protocol, but it could also lead to under-consuming the recommended serving. Thankfully, these problems are negated when using a countertop blender for mixing purposes — a little more power can really help get things stirred properly.
Price Per Serving
With costs per serving starting at roughly $3.21, Gainful is beyond the $2 average we’ve found in other noteworthy protein powders. As such, we score the price per serving at 2.5 out of 5. However, the subscription-based service does have its perks.
For one, signing up for repeat Gainful deliveries can ensure you don’t run out of protein powder mid-month. The orders can be scheduled based on your preferences, eliminating the need to go online, replenish your stock, and wait for the shipment to arrive at your doorstep.
Additionally, membership to Gainful’s subscription service borrows a page from some of the best personal training apps. Your subscription connects you to a registered dietitian for any inquiries regarding your supplementation or nutrition habits. This can be especially beneficial for beginner athletes who may not understand the full relationship between proper nutrition and training performance.
The perks of a Gainful membership do give some merit to the heightened cost, but we understand that every budget is different. Be sure to take a look at your finances prior to signing up for this particular protein powder.
Third-Party Testing
While Bourgeois enjoys the “minimal ingredients” featured across Gainful’s available protein blends, we do have to point out that there is no third-party certification associated with this protein powder. Yes, the labels appear to be transparent and there are no artificial fillers, but having these seals of approval can be beneficial for consumers as they further confirm a sense of label purity and accuracy, especially since dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA.
Third-party testing can also be heavily important for strength athletes who need to abide by their respective governing agencies. As such, we score Gainful Protein Powder at 2 out of 5 for the category.
What to Consider Before Buying Gainful Protein Powder
Whether looking for a new powder to freshen up your regimen or choosing between the best protein shakes for on-the-go supplementation, there are a number of factors worth considering before finalizing your cart. Below are some details we recommend thinking through when deciding on a protein powder such as Gainful.
- Protein Type: Austin Bou, RD, CDCES, ACE-CPT tells BarBend, “To figure out which type of protein to take, you may consider a few factors such as dietary preferences, restrictions, and allergies.” Think through your personal sensitivities and dietary restrictions and opt for a protein powder that supports these considerations.
- Macronutrient Breakdown: Keeping tabs on your protein powder’s protein, carb, and fat counts can be helpful when looking for a supplement that suits your training goals. For example, keto athletes should look for some of the best keto protein powders that limit carbohydrate servings and instead focus on higher protein and fat totals per dosage.
- Price Per Serving: The best protein powder for your needs is the one that suits your budget best. Crunch some numbers to ensure you can comfortably afford your supplement of choice.
- Third-Party Testing: Third-party testing can be a reassuring marker that your protein powder includes an accurate ingredients label that’s free of banned substances. This can be particularly important for strength athletes looking for supplements that abide by the regulations set forth by their respective governing body.
Gainful Protein Powder Vs. Competitors
Of course, Gainful Protein Powder is not the lone supplement to choose from these days. While the customizable protein blends and available flavor packs do put it in a class of its own, there are some comparable formulations out there that may be a better fit for some. Below, we’ve outlined two such options — Legion Whey+ and Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate.
| Gainful Protein Powder | Legion Whey+ | Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate | |
| Price Per Serving | $3.21 | $2 | $2 |
| Protein Per Serving | 19-26g | 22-23g | 28g |
| Calories Per Serving | 110-140 | 100-110 | 130-140 |
| Protein Source | Whey (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, micellar casein), Vegan (organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein), Low Lactose Whey (whey protein isolate), Ketogenic (whey protein isolate) | Grass-fed whey protein isolate | Grass-fed whey protein isolate |
| Available Flavors | Strawberry Cream, Sea Salt Caramel, Rich Chocolate, Madagascar Vanilla, Cinnamon Toast, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Caffè Mocha | Dutch Chocolate, Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Swirl, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Hazelnut, Coco Cereal, Cookies & Cream, French Vanilla, Fruity Cereal, Honey Cereal, Mocha Cappuccino, Strawberry Banana, Unflavored, Mint Chocolate, and Pumpkin Pie | Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Mint Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Pancakes |
| Third-Party Testing | None | Labdoor Tested for Purity | Informed Choice, Informed Protein |
In terms of formulations, Legion Whey+ is comparable to Gainful in that you can expect between 22 and 23 grams of protein and up to 110 calories per serving depending on your flavor of choice. Speaking of flavors, Whey+ is available in 16 varieties as opposed to the eight from Gainful. However, while this Legion offering is also available through a “Subscribe & Save” platform, you do not get access to a registered dietitian for any inquiries.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate has long been a favorite of ours here at BarBend thanks to its multiple third-party certifications, appealing flavors, and easy-to-mix makeup. That said, there’s something inviting about Gainful’s taste variety that allows you to mix up your daily menu. Like other popular protein powders, your single Transparent Labs container comes with just one flavor option.
Places to Buy Gainful Protein Powder
Gainful Protein Powder is available online directly from gainful.com. While Gainful’s “Subscribe & Save” service is only available directly through the brand’s retail site, you’re also able to purchase the protein powder and flavor packs at Target — a potential solution when in between repeat deliveries.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
With its mix of best creatine supplements, protein powders, pre-workout, hydration supplements, and more, Gainful aims to empower your health and wellness journey using high-quality ingredients with room for personalization in the form of tasty flavors and formulations. The brand also gives you one-on-one access to registered dietitians once you sign up for a dedicated subscription, providing another helpful resource for any nutrition questions you may have down the road. Gainful can be reached at hello@gainful.com or via phone at (855)-550-1975.
Gainful reviews online showcase positive experiences with the personalized protein powder earning a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on over 10,600 testimonials. “I put my personalized protein in my daily smoothie, and it is a game changer. It never makes me feel overly full, which is something I appreciate,” notes one five-star customer response.
Our Final Verdict on Gainful Protein Powder
Gainful Protein Powder can be a unique protein option for athletes open to another subscription added to their finances. The personalization process can help with fine-tuning your supplementation to your specific goals and needs, and the flavor packs just make your daily shakes a fun experience. While the differentiation across protein blends can leave something to be desired for some, we like the experimentation at play with this supplement marketing model.
Whether considering Gainful or another protein powder for your daily nutritional needs, always remember to look at the ingredients list to ensure your macronutrients are aligned with your preferences. Take your sensitivities into consideration, choose some fun flavor packs, and get started on your journey toward your best “you” yet.
Gainful Protein Powder FAQs
How much does Gainful Protein Powder cost?
Gainful Protein Powder is available online for $3.21 per serving. The brand also offers a “Subscribe & Save” service that includes repeat orders based on your scheduling preferences.
Is Gainful a complete protein?
While there is no information within the ingredients list regarding amino acid profiles, all Gainful protein blends are considered complete. This is especially helpful for vegan athletes who may struggle to consume effective amino acid servings from a plant-based diet alone. (3)
Will Gainful Protein Powder help me gain weight?
In theory, yes. The 110 to 140 calories per serving can be utilized for weight gaining protocols. However, your most effective weight-gaining method is to utilize a nutrition plan based primarily around whole-food sources with caloric assistance coming from supplementation.
References
- Samal, J. R., & Samal, I. R. (2017). Protein supplements: Pros and cons. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 15(3), 365–371. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28937838/
- Frestedt, J. L., Zenk, J. L., Kuskowski, M. A., Ward, L. S., & Bastian, E. D. (2008). A whey-protein supplement increases fat loss and spares lean muscle in obese subjects: A randomized human clinical study. Nutrition & Metabolism, 5(1). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2289832/
- Mariotti, F., & Gardner, C. D. (2019). Dietary protein and amino acids in vegetarian diets—a review. Nutrients, 11(11), 2661. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31690027/
