10 Best protein powders of 2024

Best overall: Ka'Chava Superfood

About Ka'Chava Superfood

Ka'Chava is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free protein powder that contains no artificial ingredients. With the intention of being a holistic superblend, Ka'Chava has ingredients like super greens, probiotics, antioxidant berries, electrolytes and more. The mix offers benefits like increased energy, improved digestion and a healthy immune system boost. You can choose from five flavors: vanilla, chocolate, chai, matcha and coconut acai. 

Why we like it

• Plant-free protein
• No artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners
• Partners with The Rainforest Trust to conserve rainforests

What to consider

• Contains potential allergens

Best for taste: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey (EAAs)

About Optimum Nutrition Gold

Optimum Nutrition is a world-renowned brand in the fitness industry for providing athletes with the high-quality, protein-rich protein powder they need to support optimal performance. In 13 flavors, including unflavored, Optimum Nutrition is a versatile protein powder product that mixes well in a variety of smoothies or alone with water and milk. This gluten-free, artificial growth hormone-free formula is a trusted protein powder consumers can count on to help them meet their fitness and nutrition needs.   

Why we like it

• Ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate
• Approved by Informed Choice, a globally recognized quality assurance company
• Comes in unflavored and flavored formulas

What to consider

• Contains artificial sweeteners
• Over $1 per serving
• Not suitable for those who can’t or don’t eat dairy

Best for flavor variety: Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey

About Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey

Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey protein powder is a top-rated protein powder that comes in fun flavors perfect for even the novice protein powder consumer. With BCAA and leucine content, this protein powder product can support muscle growth and strengthening from athlete to the average older adult. Sweeten up your fitness routine with this Informed Choice-approved protein powder product.

Why we like it

• Low lactose and easy to digest hydrolyzed whey protein isolate
• Informed choice approved
• Banned substance tested

What to consider

• Around $1.50 per ounce
• Contains artificial sweeteners
• Some consumer reviews complain of being too sweet and having unpleasant aftertaste

Best for added fiber: BSN Syntha-6

About BSN Syntha-6

BSN Syntha-6 is a highly consumer-rated protein powder product known for its mixability and milkshake-like texture. This protein powder product stands out from other protein powders due to its good fiber content that helps support gut health. With 10 grams of essential amino acids per serving, BSN Syntha-6 helps to support any fitness or nutrition goals.

Why we like it

• Contains 6 grams of fiber per serving to support digestive health
• Consumer-approved flavor and texture
• Less than $1 per ounce

What to consider

• Artificially flavored
• Nearly 200 calories per scoop
• No noted approval by any quality assurance organization

Best for no artificial sweeteners: Ascent 100% Native Whey

About Ascent 100% Native Whey Protein

Ascent 100% Native Whey protein product is one of the least processed protein powders on the market with zero sugar or gluten. This artificial flavor and sweetener-free product provides an all-natural whey protein product with naturally higher leucine levels than some other whey protein products to support adequate muscle growth and strengthening. For clean fitness nutrition, choose Ascent 100% Native Whey Protein.

Why we like it

• No artificial flavors or sweeteners
• Informed Choice Certified
• Certified Gluten-free

What to consider

• Not suitable for people who can’t or don’t consume dairy
• Limited flavor options
• Over $1 per ounce

Best for high protein content: Muscle Milk

About Muscle Milk

Muscle Milk is a well-renowned protein product brand that has a rich protein content and consumer-approved flavor. This protein powder product is a good source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins A, C and D, which is an added bonus to its muscle synthesis potential. Whether your fitness goal is post-recovery support or muscle building, Muscle Milk could work for you.

Why we like it

• Potent protein content
• Contains 35% or more of the recommended daily value of five vitamins and nutrients
• Less than $1 per ounce

What to consider

• 280 calories per serving
• Contains artificial sweeteners
• Consumer complaints of texture and consistency

Best for allergen-free diets: Orgain Protein Powder

About Orgain Protein Powder

Orgain is a protein powder that is pea and brown rice protein-based, free of several allergens and any artificial ingredients. This ingredient profile makes it accessible to those who have problems with digestion. This sugar-free, kosher, non-GMO protein powder is a fairly inexpensive product that can provide a source of clean nutrition in any health or fitness routine.

Why we like it

• Less than $1 per ounce
• Free of artificial ingredients
• Vegan friendly and free of gluten, dairy, lactose, soy, carrageenan and added sugar

What to consider

• Limited flavor options
• Some consumer complaints of chalky texture
• Some consumer complaints about flavor

Best for versatility: Isopure Unflavored

About Isopure Unflavored

Isopure unflavored protein powder is a low-calorie protein powder product with only 100 calories per serving and is free of sugar and fat, which is perfect for those trying to manage their weight. With 100% whey protein isolate, this protein powder product contains 5.67 grams of BCAAs and 2.5 grams of naturally occurring L-glutamine per serving to help support muscle strength and recovery.

Why we like it

• Contains zero carbs, fat and sugar
• Versatility in use in smoothies, cereals, and baked good recipes
• Lactose and gluten-free

What to consider

• Nearly $2 per ounce
• Some consumers complain it does not dissolve or mix well
• No quality assurance certification noted

Best for accessibility: Premier Protein

About Premier Protein

Premier protein is a consumer-favorite protein powder product since it comes in both powder and pre-prepared forms. It is a convenient protein product with great flavor and texture but with no gluten or soy for those with allergies or intolerances. This 100% whey protein product goes perfectly in drinks, smoothies, or in your favorite hot cereal or pudding to support compliance and enjoyability.  

Why we like it

• Easily accessible in stores in powder or pre-prepared forms
• Less than $1 per ounce
•  No added sugar, gluten or soy

What to consider

• Limited flavor options
• Contains artificial sweeteners
• No quality assurance certification noted

Best for training recovery: Body Fortress

About Body Fortress 

Body Fortress is a higher-calorie protein powder made specifically for muscle strength and development. It is inexpensive, but still maintains a 100% premium whey protein product with added nutrients like vitamins C and D as well as zinc, the latter of which research shows may help support muscle growth and help reduce muscle fatigue.

Why we like it

• Less than $1 per ounce
• Contains added nutrients like vitamins C and D plus zinc
• 100% premium whey protein powder for muscle strength and post-workout recovery support

What to consider

• Not suitable for those who can’t or don’t consume dairy
• Contains artificial sweeteners
• No quality assurance certification noted

How to choose a protein powder

You may ask yourself, “What is the best protein powder?” It’s important to remember that not all protein powders will be ideal for everyone. Just like with choosing a way of eating, you should choose a protein powder that fits your taste preferences, budget and health needs. For example, if you are looking for a product to help you improve athletic performance, you should choose one with a variety of amino acids as well as BCAAs to support muscle growth and recovery.

If, on the other hand, you’re simply looking for a delicious protein shake to provide nutrition while satisfying your sweet tooth, then look for protein powders that provide a variety of flavors and an appealing taste.

Finally, if you’re following a plant-based diet or have food allergies or intolerances, then you’ll want to reach for protein powders that exclude certain ingredients. The most important part of choosing a protein powder is finding one that works best for you. Don’t choose one simply because your neighbor, friend, family member or personal trainer recommends it. Choose a protein powder that will work best with your body, health goals and lifestyle.

FAQ

Are protein powders FDA-regulated?

Protein powders are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, you should be sure to choose brands that you trust or brands that have certification by a third party to ensure safety and efficacy. You can look for protein powder products that have been tested for banned ingredients, are certified by Informed Choice or the USDA, as well as those that have undergone lab testing before reaching the shelves.

Are expensive protein powders better?

Expensive protein powders don’t necessarily perform better than lower-cost protein powder options. Those protein powders that cost more may contain additional features such as higher concentrations of amino acids, added ingredients for performance like creatine, or added nutrients such as calcium and vitamins. However, if you’re on a tight budget and simply need a convenient way to consume more protein in your daily routine, then lower-cost options that have a trusted reputation are sufficient to supplement your healthy lifestyle.

When is the best time of day to take protein powder?

Recent research shows that spreading your protein intake throughout the day is more effective than consuming a large amount all in one sitting. Not to mention that some studies suggest that consuming protein powders post-exercise or before bed can provide a great benefit to muscle recovery and synthesis, even to older adults at risk for sarcopenia or muscle loss. However, a 2023 study shows that lean body mass improvement in adults and older adults can benefit from protein powders regardless of timing. Therefore, you should base the timing of your protein powder intake on your fitness goals and lifestyle. 

References

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