With all we know about its ability to curb hunger, build muscle, and even promote better sleep, it’s no wonder everyone seems to be prioritizing protein. Whether you’re a gymgoer looking to support your gains or a weight loss warrior striving for 100 grams per day, you’re not the only one in your protein era. While getting the right amount of protein daily can be challenging, the best protein powders can be a convenient solution that provides the boost you need at a moderate calorie count.
As a certified nutritionist and self-proclaimed foodie, I’m picky about protein powders. I’m not here for chalky texture, crummy ingredients, or lackluster nutrition. Thankfully, with so many powders on the market — and, believe me, there are a lot — I can afford to be a little selective. To end my search (and hopefully yours), I taste-tested dozens of options to find the absolute best protein powders on the market.
Shape FYI
A recent Consumer Reports (CR) investigation found that some protein powders and shakes contain higher levels of lead than what its food safety experts consider safe for daily consumption. For example, Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer powder had the highest lead levels among the 23 products tested.
While this specific powder isn’t among our top recommendations, we do feature other products from Naked Nutriton that were not flagged for contamination concerns.
Every product we recommend has undergone rigorous research and testing, and our picks are thoroughly vetted by registered dietitians and nutrition experts, including the writer of this story, Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC.
In light of these findings, Garone says whey-based protein powders are generally less likely to be contaminated with heavy metals and may be the safer choice.
Shape
Credit: Amazon
Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate | Protein Per Serving: 25 grams | Calories: 120 | Carbs: 3 grams | Fat: 2 grams | Sweeteners: Organic coconut sugar
I get asked a lot about my favorite protein powder, and Naked’s Whey Protein Powder is almost always the first one I mention. I love how transparent the brand is about its ingredients, with whey protein concentrate listed right at the top. The unflavored variation actually contains just one simple ingredient: Whey. The name “Naked” really is spot on!
If you’re focusing on muscle health, I think this is an excellent choice, boasting 25 grams of whey protein per serving. Whey is one of the best types of protein for muscle gains, helping build muscle tissue and prevent age-related muscle loss. And since it’s a dairy product, whey is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs to get from food. Just as important, this powder is as tasty as it is nutritious. The texture is silky smooth, and it mixes seamlessly with water or milk. The peanut butter chocolate flavor? Basically dessert.
Credit: Amazon
Protein Source: Pea protein | Protein Per Serving: 15 grams | Calories: 110 | Carbs: 8 grams | Fat: 2.5 grams | Sweeteners: Organic cane sugar
On a vegan diet? Despite the tired old stereotypes, cutting out animal products doesn’t mean you have to skimp on protein. Vega’s Protein Made Simple Powder packs a solid 15 grams of plant-based protein from peas. Like whey, pea protein is considered complete, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids. While it’s a little low in one (methionine), it’s not a nutritional dealbreaker if you’re eating a varied diet.
True to its name, Vega keeps things simple. Just five ingredients, all recognizable, and nothing artificial. I particularly like the delicious chocolate flavor, which is one of the smoothest-blending powders I’ve ever used. This powder earns extra bonus points for being low-calorie, at just 110 calories per serving.
Credit: Amazon
Protein Source: Pea protein | Protein Per Serving: 25 grams | Calories: 140 | Carbs: 18 grams | Fat: 2 grams | Sweeteners: Organic erythritol and stevia
It’s not just the trendy thing to do; taking collagen supplements may actually deliver some serious health benefits, like promoting better skin, gut, and joint health. Orgain’s Plant Protein Plus Collagen uses peptides from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows to deliver 10 grams of collagen per serving. This is a nice midpoint between the daily 2.5 to 15 grams that research shows is ideal.
This powder packs 25 grams of plant-based protein, 8 grams of fiber, and includes probiotics — delivering a punch of nutrition to supercharge your smoothies. You should keep in mind that this powder contains erythritol and stevia, two ingredients that may bother your stomach if you are sensitive to these zero-calorie natural sweeteners. After a good mix, the creamy consistency and strong vanilla flavor make a glass of milk feel more like a milkshake.
Other Shape-Loved Protein Powders
We’ve spent years testing protein powders under the guidance of registered dietitians. While the three options above are our top picks, we’ve also turned to Shape’s testing results hub to bring you even more expert-approved choices. These protein powders have consistently impressed us throughout our testing and may be worth considering to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
What to Know About Protein Powders
Choosing the best protein powder for you is sort of like finding the right pair of jeans — what might work for your bestie may not work for you (and vice versa). There are a few factors that you should consider when shopping:
- Protein Source: As you consider a protein source, take stock of your health goals, dietary needs and restrictions, and even your budget. If you’d prefer a powder that’s vegetarian for ethical or dietary reasons, pea protein is a smart, complete choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy animal products, whey has a great track record for promoting muscle growth when paired with strength training. If you’re lactose intolerant, whey isolate is a great choice.
- Protein Per Serving: Your personal daily protein target is unique, based on your sex, activity level, health goals, and other factors. However, a good benchmark for a protein powder supplement is 15 to 25 grams per serving. Each of the protein powders on this list has a solid protein-to-calorie ratio.
- Sweeteners and Other Additives: There’s no getting around it — too much sugar isn’t great for health, even if it’s paired with an excellent source of protein. Before buying a protein powder, check the “added sugars” line on its nutrition facts. Generally, the lower the sugar content, the better. You should also watch out for products with a lengthy list of ingredients, as this is often a sign of a higher degree of processing.
- Independent Verification: To choose a high-quality protein powder, make sure it has been third-party tested. A seal from an independent third-party organization, like InformedSport, NSF, USP, or ConsumerLab, lets you know that an outside agency has vetted a product for quality and purity.
What to Know About Supplements
Unlike medications, dietary supplements are overseen by the FDA with limited regulation. This means the quality and effectiveness can vary greatly. Our team of dietitians follows our Dietary Supplement Methodology to ensure we select the best products available based on scientific evidence and independent verification. Supplements may interact with other medications and may not be suitable for everyone, so always discuss any supplements you plan to take with a healthcare provider for individualized advice.
Why Trust Shape
Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC, has been a nutritionist for over eight years. She has researched and written extensively about the role of protein in weight maintenance, exercise recovery, and satiety, and has personally sampled dozens of protein powder supplements. Her training as an NASM-certified nutrition coach gives her a unique understanding of the protein needs of active people. And as a mom of three teenage athletes, her house is always stocked with the protein powders on this list.
