13 Best Protein Powders of 2023, According to Dietitians

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Healthline's dietitians rounded up the best protein powders by type, including options for whey, casein, egg white, and plant-based powders. See the 13 products that made our list.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or simply fill gaps in your diet, protein powder can be a convenient way to increase your protein intake.

While the vast number of protein powders on the market can make the task of choosing one daunting, it also means there are probably several options that will be a good fit for you.

Protein powders are also made from different protein sources, some of which may be better suited for specific needs than others.

Healthline dietitians looked at more than 50 products to determine the 13 best overall protein powders by type.

Healthline's dietitians determined the best protein powders using the following criteria:

Additionally, every brand and product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthline's brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article meets the following criteria:

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Naked Whey Protein Powder is our pick for the best overall whey protein powder because it contains just one ingredient — whey protein concentrate — and is third-party certified by Informed Choice to ensure purity, potency, and safe manufacturing practices.

Reviewers on Amazon note that it's easy to mix and has a mild flavor that works well when combined with other ingredients.

It also has a creamy consistency and can be added to milk, yogurt, or smoothies for a quick and easy dessert or snack.

Naked Whey is also available in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry flavors, all of which are sweetened with organic coconut sugar.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Optimum Nutrition is a well-known sports supplement brand that manufactures all of its products in facilities certified by third-party organizations, including Informed Sport and Informed Choice.

In addition to the company's commitment to quality, its Gold Standard casein powder is one of the best casein protein powders because it gets rave reviews for taste and texture, is easily available online and in stores, and comes in multiple flavors.

The powder is high in protein and low in added sugars. It's also a good source of calcium, with 500 milligrams (mg) or 40% of your daily recommended value per serving, which may help improve dental and bone health (1, 2).

Just keep in mind that the powder is a bit thicker and harder to mix than the company's whey protein powder.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

NOW Sports Egg White Protein Powder is free of dairy, so it's a good choice if you’re lactose intolerant.

It's also paleo-friendly and free of fillers, additives, and sweeteners.

Additionally, this product is certified by Informed Sport, a third-party organization that tests supplements to ensure that they’re free of substances banned in competitive sports.

The smooth, unflavored powder is a great addition to shakes, smoothies, and baked goods.

Still, some reviews note that it can be somewhat hard to mix, so it may not be suitable for all uses.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

This bovine collagen peptide protein powder is free of gluten and dairy and easy to digest and absorb.

In addition to being made with non-GMO ingredients, the powder contains collagen sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows.

This supplement may help support healthy collagen production, which can promote healthy muscles, bones, skin, and joints.

While the Chocolate flavor can be used in smoothies and desserts, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Unflavored powder is even more versatile, as you can also add it to savory foods such as soups.

Note that while this product is an excellent option if you’re limiting your intake of carbs or calories, it's a bit more expensive than other varieties of protein powder and may not be ideal if you’re on a tight budget.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Garden of Life Organic Plant-Based Protein is one of the best overall vegan protein powders, thanks to its numerous third-party certifications, high quality ingredients, and mostly positive customer reviews.

Made from a blend of plant-based proteins — including peas, lentils, navy beans, and garbanzo beans — this protein powder from Garden of Life is a good option for those following a vegan lifestyle.

It features 30 g of protein per serving, along with probiotics and an antioxidant blend to support recovery.

Plus, it's NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it has been tested to verify that it's free of banned substances for athletes.

It's also certified organic, certified vegan, certified gluten-free by NSF International, and Informed Choice Certified.

Additionally, reviewers note that it tastes great and is easy to mix into smoothies, shakes, and yogurt.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

This protein powder is made from organic pea protein and sourced from non-GMO peas that are grown in the United States using regenerative farming practices.

This method of farming can help restore the health and quality of soil (3).

Not only is Ritual Essential Protein free of added sugar, but it's also a good source of nutrients such as fiber, iron, and calcium.

Plus, it's certified by Informed Sport, a third-party organization that tests supplements for strength, safety, and purity.

Ritual prioritizes transparency by providing detailed information about the source and function of each ingredient it uses.

Keep in mind that this powder is available in only one flavor, so it may not be as versatile as other protein powders. Additionally, several reviewers note that it doesn't have the best taste.

"[Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy] blends well into a simple smoothie with fruit, and I feel reassured that the ingredients are traceable and high quality.

"My only complaint is that I wish it came in a tub. It can be messy to scoop out of the bag each time (always gets on my hands), and the seal isn't the easiest to re-close."

— Catherine Conelly, Editor II

"As a registered dietitian, I appreciate the company's commitment to traceable ingredients, and that the Daily Shake 18+ is third-party certified.

"I found the powder easy to mix and didn't experience any clumping. However, the consistency was a bit too thick for my taste. I also found the vanilla flavor to be artificial-tasting and too overpowering compared to other powders I’ve tried."

— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition Editor II

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

This protein powder from BulkSupplements contains just one simple ingredient — rice protein — and is free of added sugar, gluten, and other additives.

It's unflavored and heat-stable, so it's a great mix-in for high protein baked goods such as muffins, cookies, and cakes.

What's more, all BulkSupplements products are third-party tested for purity and potency, and a certificate of analysis (COA) — a document that provides detailed information on testing results — is available upon request.

However, keep in mind that this supplement is slightly lower in protein than other protein powders. Additionally, some online reviewers note that it has a gritty texture, which some people may dislike.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

In addition to offering 13 g of hemp-based protein, Navitas Organic Hemp Powder is a good source of magnesium, iron, and fiber.

It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and all nine essential amino acids.

The powder is suitable for people who require gluten-free options and have digestive sensitivities.

It has an earthy, nutty taste with no chalky aftertaste and can be used as a flour substitute.

The powder also dissolves well, so it can be a delicious addition to smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods. You can even add it to dips, salads, and soups.

According to the company's website, Navitas Organics products are third-party tested to ensure quality and safety, though the name of the testing organization isn't disclosed.

One possible drawback for some is that it's a bit lower in protein than other products on this list.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

This Ora Organics vegan protein powder features a variety of plant-based ingredients, including peas, rice, sprouted quinoa, amaranth, and hemp seed.

It's not only suitable for those who are vegan or vegetarian but also a great option for people who are lactose intolerant or follow a gluten-free diet.

Additionally, this vegan protein powder is certified organic and tested for heavy metals by third-party labs to ensure safety.

It's also free of artificial ingredients and sweetened with stevia, monk fruit, and brown rice syrup. However, it does contain coconut, which some people may need to avoid.

"I’ve tried a handful of plant-based protein powders on the market, and Ora Organics is my favorite vanilla-flavored powder. Specifically, it lacks the cloyingly sweet, artificial vanilla flavor that many other powders have.

"I also appreciate that the powder mixes easily in a shaker bottle and actually feels refreshing to drink. I primarily use it in my overnight oats for a boost of protein in the morning, but it's also delicious blended into a green smoothie with a frozen banana, strawberries, and a handful of spinach."

— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition Editor II

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Sourced from high quality whey protein isolate, Ladder Whey Protein Powder is a great option for athletes looking to boost their protein intake and performance.

In fact, it's NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that each batch has been tested for purity, potency, and the presence of substances banned in competitive sports.

The powder also contains tart cherry. While more research is needed, tart cherry juice or powder may help reduce muscle soreness and support muscle strength recovery after strenuous exercise. It might also help improve endurance performance when consumed before exercising (4, 5).

According to reviewers, Ladder Whey Protein Powder mixes very easily and doesn't have a chalky aftertaste like many other protein powders on the market, so it can be a great addition to your post-workout protein shake.

However, it's a bit pricier than other supplements and is sweetened with stevia, which can have an aftertaste that some people may find unpalatable.

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

This plant-based protein powder from Momentous features 20 g of protein in each scoop. Plus, it's NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport certified, making it a great choice for competitive athletes following a vegan lifestyle.

It also contains all the essential amino acids your body needs and provides a large amount of leucine, a branched-chain amino acid that promotes muscle growth (6).

Reviewers note that it blends well and has a creamy, rich taste without a gritty or chalky texture.

"Unlike other protein powders that come in a bag, I was pleasantly surprised to find the powder easy to scoop out. More importantly, I really enjoyed the flavor and consistency of both the Chocolate and Vanilla Chai.

"The Chocolate is my current favorite for drinking on its own as it's not overly sweet and mixes easily using a shaker bottle. While the Vanilla Chai is also nice on its own, I particularly enjoy the addition of the chai spices in my go-to banana and spinach smoothie.

"Perhaps best of all, I haven't noticed any side effects, like bloating, after consuming the protein powder."

— Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, Nutrition Editor II

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

Gainful is a subscription-based service that creates customized protein blends formulated just for you, which are sourced from ingredients such as peas, brown rice, oat powder, or whey.

The brand's online quiz collects information about your health goals, lifestyle habits, exercise routine, and dietary restrictions and recommends a protein powder designed to fit your needs.

All Gainful protein powders are free of gluten, soy, and artificial flavors and sweeteners. They are also unflavored and can be combined with the brand's Flavor Boosts, which are available in nine unique varieties.

Although it's more costly than other protein powders, each Gainful subscription includes personalized nutrition and fitness advice and access to a registered dietitian.

Nutrition stats vary as products are customized. Most formulations contain 19–27 g per scoop (30 g).

"My blend was a keto-friendly protein powder made with whey protein isolate and MCT oil that provided 140 calories and 19 grams of protein per scoop.

"While it smelled a bit like coconut because of the MCT oil, there wasn't a noticeable coconut flavor once it was mixed. I particularly enjoyed the powder prepared with unsweetened vanilla almond milk and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor Boost.

"Overall, I was really impressed with Gainful and would consider Gainful again if I became more serious about my training. However, for right now, I’ll probably stick with a less expensive alternative."

— SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD, Healthline contributor

*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.

This high calorie protein supplement from Transparent Labs is designed to support healthy weight gain.

It's formulated with whey concentrate and ingredients such as organic tapioca maltodextrin, coconut milk powder, and creatine monohydrate.

It provides 53 g of protein per serving and a hearty dose of complex carbs, so it's a good option for people who are trying to gain weight or may have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs through food sources alone.

Additionally, this product is free of artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. The company states that its products are third-party tested for purity and potency, though it does not disclose the name of the testing organization.

Here's a quick look at how our top picks compare:

*"Third-party tested" refers to whether the product is third-party tested to confirm purity and potency.

**"Safe for sport" refers to whether the product is certified by a third-party organization, such as NSF or Informed Sport, to confirm that it's free of substances banned in competitive sports.

Note that the price per serving in the table above may vary depending on where you shop, the container size, and the flavor.

When choosing a protein powder, you’ll want to consider several factors, including:

The type of protein powder you choose depends on your dietary needs, health goals, and personal preferences, such as:

The specific form of protein may also be important to consider.

Whey protein, in particular, is available in concentrate, isolate, or hydrolysate form, although many supplements contain a combination of the three.

Although whey concentrate and isolate offer similar benefits, whey protein isolate undergoes processing methods that result in a higher concentration of protein and lower amounts of fat, carbs, and lactose.

As such, it may be a better option for people who are limiting their consumption of fat, carbs, or lactose.

Meanwhile, whey hydrolysate, or hydrolyzed whey, has been partially broken down to ease digestion and speed absorption (17).

Keep in mind that protein powder should not be used to replace healthy sources of protein in your diet because high protein foods also provide other valuable nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Still, supplements can be an easy and convenient way to increase your protein intake, as there are many ways to use protein powder.

The simplest way is to mix it with a beverage, such as water or milk, or blend it with other ingredients, such as fruits and veggies, to create a smoothie.

You can also mix protein powder into simple foods such as yogurt, oatmeal, or dips.

If you feel like getting creative, you can experiment with using protein powder as an addition or substitution in your usual recipes. For example, you can use protein powder in soups, veggie burgers, pancakes, and baked goods.

To save time, make a larger portion of smoothie mixture and freeze it to make individual ice pops.

The best time to take protein powder depends on your health goals. You may want to have one large portion or several small portions of protein per day.

Protein powder can be a quick and convenient option to increase your protein intake.

This may be especially beneficial for people who have increased protein needs, have difficulty meeting their needs through food sources alone, or have certain dietary restrictions, such as a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Many athletes take protein powder after exercising, which may help enhance muscle growth and speed up post-workout recovery (20).

Additionally, enjoying a protein shake or high protein snack may even support weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness between meals (18).

Protein powders are generally well tolerated and have few side effects, so they are safe for most adults.

However, certain types of protein may affect you, especially in terms of digestion. Certain types of protein can cause gas, bloating, or stomach cramps. Skin reactions are also possible.

Some supplements could contain contaminants, such as yeast or bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness (23).

They may also contain heavy metals, which can negatively affect the health of your kidneys, brain, thyroid gland, and reproductive system if consumed in large amounts (24).

Choosing a high quality product that has undergone third-party testing for purity and potency can help minimize the risk of contamination with these harmful compounds.

If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take any medications that could be affected by protein powders, talk with a healthcare professional before using one.

The FDA regulates supplements, including protein powders, as food products rather than medications, meaning that it doesn't evaluate supplements for effectiveness or safety (25).

For this reason, it's especially important to choose a product that is third-party tested or certified whenever possible.

Protein powders can be a helpful addition to an overall balanced diet by helping you bump up your protein intake to meet your health goals. In particular, increasing your protein consumption may support weight loss, muscle growth, and post-workout recovery (18, 20, 26).

Additionally, some products contain essential nutrients that may be helpful if you’re unable to meet your nutrient needs through diet alone.

With that said, not all products are created equal, and some could potentially expose you to heavy metals and other contaminants. Always make sure to purchase a product that has been thoroughly tested for purity and potency, ideally by a third-party lab.

Gainful is a great option for beginners, as it creates a custom protein blend based on your dietary needs and fitness goals. What's more, you can mix and match the Flavor Boosts to find what works for you.

Each subscription also includes personalized nutrition advice from a registered dietitian.

If gaining muscle mass is your goal, research suggests choosing a product with at least 20 g of high quality protein and minimal fillers, sweeteners, and artificial ingredients (20).

Though any of the protein powders listed above can support muscle gain when paired with resistance training, Naked Whey Protein Powder is a particularly great option that is low in carbs and provides a concentrated dose of protein in each serving.

Plant-based protein can be a great option for vegans and people who are unable to tolerate dairy. However, whey and plant-based protein powders offer a similar set of health benefits.

In fact, some research suggests that whey protein and plant-based protein can be equally effective at increasing muscle growth and strength, as long as they contain the same amount of protein and branched-chain amino acids — a group of amino acids that boost muscle building — per serving (27, 28, 29).

Whey protein is a great option for weight loss, as studies have shown that it could improve body composition when paired with resistance training (7).

Plant-based protein powders can also be a good dairy-free alternative if you’re trying to lose weight.

According to one small study of 30 people, whey protein and pea protein were similarly effective at reducing appetite and daily calorie intake when consumed as part of a high protein breakfast (30).

When trying a new protein powder, pay attention to how your body responds. As with any supplement, you may wish to take a break every so often or alternate between different products.

Many people get plenty of protein from the foods they eat.

However, if you’re trying to increase your protein intake, having a protein shake or adding protein powder to foods such as oatmeal and yogurt can help you meet your needs.

Finally, try to consume plenty of whole, fresh foods, including natural sources of protein and fiber, as well as plenty of water.