The 8 Best-Tasting Protein Powders of 2024, Tasted and Tested by Our Team

When it comes to foundational supplements, protein reigns supreme. Some of the best protein powders on the market can do wonders for your protein intake while also initiating muscle protein synthesis and restorative muscle tissue repair. (1) While this is all fine and dandy for helping you achieve your fitness goals and build muscle, the best-tasting protein powders can make your nutritional progress even more fulfilling through rich flavors and tasty makeups you’ll want to come back to day in and day out.

Naturally, however, we understand that it can be difficult to find a good-tasting protein shake based on product descriptions alone. So, to help you fine tune your search — and save your taste buds from otherwise displeasing formulas — we got hands-on with dozens of protein powders, conducted mounds of research, and consulted with customer reviews to land on our list of the best-tasting protein powders available today.

The 8 Best-Tasting Protein Powders of 2024

• Best-Tasting Protein Powder Overall: Xwerks Grow
• Best-Tasting Vanilla Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein
• Best-Tasting Whey Protein Powder: Jacked Factory Authentic Iso
• Best-Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best-Tasting Budget Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
• Best-Tasting Plant Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+
• Best-Tasting Natural Protein Powder: Legion Whey+
• Best-Tasting Chocolate Protein Powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

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 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. 

Best-Tasting Protein Powders Video Review

Join BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, and registered dietician nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, as they discuss our favorite vanilla, chocolate, and plant-based protein powders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JmB9FtXjBE

How We Tested and Chose the Best-Tasting Protein Supplements

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best-tasting protein powders available today, we’ve tested nearly 100 different profiles from the industry’s best brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

Protein Content 

If you’re investing in protein powder, you’re likely concerned with how much protein is in that powder. A solid supplement of protein can potentially help build muscle, lower body fat, enhance recovery, and improve bone mineral health. (3) All of the protein powders we included on this list have 20+ grams of protein per scoop — at a recommended daily intake of 40 to 60 grams per day, that’s about half of what you need in just one dosage. 

Protein Source

Protein can come from milk, like whey, but it can also come from plant-based ingredients, like pea protein. No one protein source is necessarily better than another, it just depends on your personal goals and dietary needs. We tried our best to provide a wide variety of picks for those wanting a traditional whey-based protein, as well as those looking for a dairy-free option that may better suit their diet or nutritional habits.

Additional Ingredients

When consuming a large amount of protein at once, some may be concerned with digestion. We’ve included a handful of picks containing a blend of digestive enzymes, which may help process and absorb the protein, allowing you to reap the benefits in full. (4) 

Other picks also contain a probiotic, which along with keeping a healthy digestive tract, may help improve recovery and endurance, while decreasing inflammation and anxiety. Though not all of our best-tasting blends contain these ingredients, a good number of them do, so you have options to choose from if this is something you prioritize. (5)

In addition to digestive assistance, many of these protein powders also include blends of amino acids. Branched-chain amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine may help provide extra energy during exercise, so having a dose of these included in your protein powder can be beneficial to athletic performance. 

Flavors

If you can’t choke down a protein shake because the taste is subpar, its high-quality ingredients will not matter. Of course, everyone is going to have differing flavor preferences, so there can’t be an end-all be-all for the “best” flavor. However, if a protein powder is on this list, we think its flavor is delicious, and while we can’t promise it will be your favorite, we think you’ll probably like it, too.

Solubility

Our team selected protein powders that mix well and dissolve completely in water. We don’t love the gritty texture you might find with some protein supplements, so we prioritized products that tasted smooth with little to no floating particles.

Third-Party Testing

We value transparency with the products we select on our round-ups. We emphasized protein powders that were third-party tested to ensure readers that the ingredients on the label are accurate and safe.

Best Overall Tasting Protein Powder: Xwerks Grow

When compiling this round-up, we had a lot of tasty protein powders to choose from, but across the board, few could match the flavor profile of Xwerks Grow. We enjoyed how rich each offering was across the four available flavors, as well as the macro profile including between 25.8 and 27.8 grams of whey protein isolate, between 1 and 2 grams of carbohydrates, and between 0 and 2 grams of fat. We scored the formulation at 5 out of 5, as such.

[Related: Best Whey Protein Powders]

Of the available flavors — which all provided excellent sweetness and no aftertaste — our tester enjoyed Chocolate the most. “It tastes like a protein Yoohoo,” they stated. “Plus, I really enjoy how soluble the powder is. It’s one of the finest proteins I’ve ever drank. Incredibly smooth.” With this feedback, it’s clear to see why we give Xwerks Grow a 5 out of 5 for solubility.

Additionally, we like how this protein option comes in at just under $2 per serving, which keeps it on par with other powders on the market. While Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, does admit that Xwerks Grow leans toward the expensive side, she thinks getting 25 grams of protein for nearly $2 justifies the cost.

Unfortunately, Xwerks Grow is only available in 2-pound bags. We’d like to have some additional container options, which would appeal to athletes who’d rather buy in bulk instead of placing repeat orders on a near-monthly basis.

This protein powder also lists an amino acid profile in its makeup online, which can be great for limiting muscle soreness post-workout and maintaining hydration levels throughout the day. (9) 

This inclusion is somewhat misleading, though, since there’s no mention of amino acids on the packaging. We also wish this product were third-party tested.

Read our full Xwerks Grow Review. 

Best-Tasting Vanilla Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein

Vanilla is one of the most popular flavors offered in protein powder, so finding the best of this taste is no small feat. We recommend Transparent Labs’s Whey Protein Isolate for vanilla enthusiasts because the brand offers not one, but THREE variants of the bean-based flavor — Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, French Vanilla, and Vanilla Peanut Butter.

Additionally, we enjoy how (ahem) transparent the brand is with listed ingredients and dosages. Whey Protein Isolate is third-party tested for any banned substances (we rated it at 5 out of 5 for the category), and every profile, regardless of flavor, is free of any artificial preservatives, coloring, or sweeteners. 

Additionally, we like how Transparent Labs uses 100-percent grass-fed whey isolate as its protein source for this shake. Whey protein isolate is a leaner, more protein-rich form of the macronutrient thanks to the extra filtering process that removes any lactose or fat content. (10)

In testing this protein powder, our tester said the formulation mixed easily with milk and water, with no unpleasant aftereffects. “I’ve been taking this for a month now, and really enjoy the flavor profile. Getting a shake down is easy, and I haven’t experienced any stomach or digestive issues after drinking it as I sometimes do with other whey protein powders.”

We do rate this Whey Protein Isolate a 4.5 out of 5 for side effects, though, given its inclusion of stevia as a sweetening agent. Some athletes may experience a bitter aftertaste as a result, but our testers had no issue. It comes down to your tolerance, though, so it’s best to keep this information handy before ordering a tub.

[Related: The 8 Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders]

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD also recommends paying close attention to the sodium content of your chosen flavor. “Some flavors of Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate contain up to 370 milligrams of sodium per scoop, which is higher than many other protein powders on the market,” she states.

Speaking of orders, Transparent Labs only offers Whey Protein Isolate in 30-serving tubs. This may be displeasing to athletes who tend to order in bulk, but the brand does have a subscription service that makes repeat orders more convenient. 

Additionally, signing up for repeat orders gives you a discounted price per tub — a definite perk after looking at the $2 per serving cost of this protein option.

Read our full Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein Review.

Best-Tasting Whey Protein Powder: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

When it comes to searching for worthwhile protein powder, whey protein is likely going to be the most abundant category. While there is no shortage of best whey proteins on the market, we feel that Jacked Factory’s Authentic ISO reigns supreme in the taste department. Outside of the 9 flavor options to choose from, you can also rest assured that the formulation is protein-first thanks to Jacked Factory’s use of whey protein isolate.

This form of protein is more refined than a concentrate, as the whey is filtered further during processing to help remove unwanted carbs, fat, and lactose. As a result, we rated the formulation at 5 out of 5 thanks to Authentic ISO’s ability to deliver up to 27 grams of protein, up to 4 grams of carbohydrates, and up to just 1.5 grams of fat per dose.

However, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD. does point out that this whey protein isolate does lack third-party testing. While we do appreciate the transparent ingredients list that’s free of any proprietary blends, having a stamp of approval from recognized agencies like Informed Sport or NSF would be a nice touch, especially for strength athletes that need to strictly abide by their respective governing agencies.

[Related: Is Grass-Fed Whey Protein Right for You? Here’s How To Know]

Taste-wise, our tester stated that this flavorful protein supplement was enjoyable, if not a bit too sweet for their palette. “I tried the Vanilla offering and found it to be palatable. I did sense some excessive sweetness, but I’m sure that’s just my personal taste buds chiming in,” they added in reference to their 4 out of 5 rating for taste. 

“I did, however, appreciate that this powder blended easily in my shaker,” they added. “I mixed with both water and almond milk and found no drop-off in terms of solubility or flavor.”

Finally, the cost per serving of Authentic ISO was a breath of fresh air for us. We appreciated the lower-than-average $1.33 price per serving, which can be more approachable for wallet-minded individuals. Other proteins of this caliber can often cost between $1.50 and $2, so while it’s not an excessive amount of savings, those pennies and dimes can begin to add up over the course of a regular supplement schedule.

[Related: The Best Post-Workout Supplements For Muscle Recovery, Mass Gain, And More]

Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein

Supplementing with protein can be a great habit for athletes following different types of diets, too. For those practicing veganism, this KOS Organic Plant Protein is one of the best vegan protein powders, in our opinion. While our tester, a certified nutrition coach, is an admitted meat eater, they said that this is one of the few vegan protein powders they don’t mind consuming. Of the Chocolate flavor, they said, “It’s a pretty rich chocolate taste, which I feel is rare with plant protein powders. Even when mixed with water, the taste is decent.”

As far as the formulation, KOS uses a plant protein blend to generate 20 grams of the macronutrient per serving. We like the inclusion of pea- and quinoa-based protein in this blend, as these ingredients are great for also providing all nine essential amino acids. 

“I like that KOS Organic Plant protein is a blend of five proteins–pea, flax seed, pumpkin seed, quinoa, and chia seed–making it a complete protein. And while it’s a proprietary blend, I like that KOS includes digestive enzymes to help support digestion,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD.

[Related: Whey Protein vs. Plant Protein — Similarities, Differences, and Benefits]

20 grams of protein per serving is on the lighter side, though, when compared to other proteins we’ve tested. For this reason, we rate the formulation at 4 out of 5, and recommend this more for wellness maintenance rather than athletic performance and muscle growth.

Mixing this vegan protein powder is a similar experience to other plant-based proteins we’ve tried. The formulation isn’t as soluble as other protein options, which can leave your concoction with some “floaties” and a chalky aftertaste if you don’t shake your mixture thoroughly. From experience, we’ve found this protein mixes best in a blender rather than a shaker cup, so it may be best to upgrade your kitchen appliances before signing up for this supplement.

Finally, we’d be remiss to not talk about the unique flavor offerings present across this protein powder. You can still choose your classic Chocolate and Vanilla offerings, but KOS also offers flavors including Blueberry Muffin, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Peanut Butter, as well as an Unflavored variety. This can be great when trying to mix up your palette to avoid flavor fatigue.

Read our full KOS Organic Plant Protein Review.

Best Tasting Budget Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg for a solid, tasty protein powder, thanks to Nutricost’s Whey Protein Concentrate. This product only costs $1.42 per serving, earning a 5 out of 5 for value. You can even buy this protein in bulk, allowing you to save even more or subscribe to recurring deliveries for a 20 percent discount.

“Generally, I don’t love peanut butter but I did sample the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor and was surprised by how much I liked it,” according to our tester who gave the taste a 5 out of 5 rating. “The amount of peanut isn’t too overpowering and I really enjoyed it.”

This product’s solubility also earned a perfect 5 out of 5 score. After mixing the product in a shaker cup, our tester didn’t notice any clumping. It actually mixed really well and dissolved smoothly, she said. The texture, too, was rich and creamy, much like a melted milkshake.

Luckily, our tester didn’t notice any negative side effects, either, giving her overall experience with Nutricost’s protein a perfect 5 out of 5 score, too. “I really loved this,” she said. “Even my partner who has a sensitive stomach with protein didn’t notice any unrest or problems with this one — plus, I love the price point.”

Best Tasting Plant Protein: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+

For athletes wanting a worthwhile plant protein, it’s tough to beat Ritual’s Daily Shake 18+ formulation. This concoction relies on pea protein for its measured 20 grams per serving, and on top of that, Ritual blends in an extra 400 milligrams of L-methionine for a complete amino acid profile. 

Other pea-based protein powders don’t include this additive, leaving the formulation a little lacking when it comes to essential amino acids. Plus, “Methionine is an essential amino acid, meaning our bodies need it but can’t produce it, so it’s super convenient to get it in your protein powder,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD.

[Related: The Best Vegan Protein Powders]

Additionally, we enjoy the taste and solubility of this vanilla-flavored protein shake. Our tester stated, “I like adding this powder to my morning smoothies. The vanilla is present but not overwhelming. Plus, this has excellent consistency when blended.” Unfortunately, though, you’re locked into that vanilla bean profile — it’s the only flavor offered at this current time.

Ritual’s Daily Shake 18+ comes in a 15-serving packet, which is a smaller container than other protein powders on the market. Thankfully, the brand operates on a subscription-based service, so you automatically get signed up for repeat orders at the time of your initial purchase. We understand this method isn’t for every athlete, though, so be sure to think about your purchasing habits before going with this blend.

Finally, we cannot speak about Ritual without mentioning the brand’s excellent transparency when it comes to ingredients, which we rate at a perfect 5 out of 5. 

Every sourced component of Daily Shake 18+ can be traced back to its manufacturer, and the entire formulation is third-party tested by Informed Protein and Informed Sport. If you’re weary about protein powders that feature proprietary blends or hidden ingredients, this protein powder can surely put you at ease.

[Related: Best Clean Protein Powders]

Best Tasting Natural Protein Powder: Legion Whey+

If you’re looking for an all-natural protein supplement that’s free of any artificial additives, Legion’s Whey+ is right up your alley. This protein powder is naturally sweetened and features a makeup that’s free of hormones, GMOs, lactose, and what the brand calls “unnecessary junk.”

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD appreciates this no-nonsense approach to supplements from Legion, stating, “Legion products focus on research-backed nutrition, and their Whey+ protein powder is no exception. Whey+ is clinically dosed to support muscle building and workout recovery.”

Additionally, we like how Legion Whey+ ensures that the cows they source its whey isolate from are kept in the most ideal conditions possible. Whey+ is certified by Truly Grass Fed, meaning the cows that produce the brand’s dairy are antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and spend 90 percent of their life roaming grassy fields. The brand is also Animal Welfare Approved, further confirming that the animals are kept and raised in the most ideal conditions possible.

[Related: When Is the Best Time to Drink a Protein Shake?]

Mixing this all-natural protein powder is a bit of a chore, according to our tester. They recommend really giving this formulation a good shake for roughly 20 seconds to ensure you’re not left with any unpleasant clumps. For this reason, we rate Whey+ at a 4 out of 5 for solubility — clumps are easily avoided, but you have to put in more effort than other powders we’ve tested.

Taste-wise, though, each flavor is appealing with its sweetness and profile. Our tester, who sampled the Cinnamon Cereal variety, said, “It tasted like the end of the bowl from a particular childhood breakfast staple. You know, when you’ve consumed all the cereal and the milk has absorbed all the sugar? I see this being a big hit with some athletes.”

The macronutrients offered in each Whey+ serving vary by your chosen flavor, but we found that you can expect between 21 and 23 grams of protein, 2 and 6 grams of carbs, and 1 and 4 grams of fats per dose. We appreciate this amount of protein per serving, but understand that the lower carb and fat totals may be less ideal for some athletes. Be sure to take your nutritional goals into consideration before opting for this tasty profile.

Read our full Legion Whey+ Review.

Best-Tasting Chocolate Protein Powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

Ahh, chocolate — one of the predominant flavors in the protein powder category. While many brands offer this delectable flavor, in our opinion, few do it better than Optimum Nutrition. The flavor roster boasts eight (yes, eight) varieties of chocolate-based tastes, each with their own notes of flavor-packed performance.

“I’ve been using Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard since I got into fitness,” says our tester who’s also a certified nutrition coach. “I routinely reach for the Double Rich Chocolate variety when I need a dependable high-protein source.”

If you’re not as adamant about chocolate, Optimum Nutrition has you covered still with a wide range of available flavors. In our testing, we’ve tried some of the best Optimum Nutrition flavors such as Coffee, Cookies and Cream, Delicious Strawberry, Banana Cream, and others with no real negatives outside of subjective palette preferences. 

“I love that it’s third-party tested and available in 18 flavors. No getting bored with the taste of this protein powder,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD.

Each formulation mixes well for a great consistency, which earns this protein powder a 4.5 out of 5 for solubility.

As far as the formulation is concerned, Gold Standard uses a protein blend to generate its 24 grams per serving. The brand mixes whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein in the makeup, which allows them to keep costs low. Is it the purest protein we’ve tested? No, but it can be an excellent option for athletes wanting to save a bit of coin while still supporting their nutritional goals.

Gold Standard is also a wallet-friendly option, in our eyes, because Optimum Nutrition offers multiple container sizes that help alleviate the per serving cost. 

You can purchase Gold Standard protein in 2-pound, 5-pound, and 10-pound containers, making it a great pick for athletes who prefer to buy in bulk. We do recommend seeing which flavors are available at each offering, though. We’ve noticed that not every taste is offered in every tub size. 

Read our full Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Review.

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Tasting Proteins

When it comes to picking the right product for you, one of the most important considerations is your individual goals. Once you’ve nailed that down, you’ll need to decide what ingredients you want (or don’t want) in your protein powder. We’ve spelled out our suggested thoughts below. 

Your Training Goals

Your fitness goals should be the main deciding factor for choosing your protein powder. If you’re looking to lean out but still build some muscle, a protein powder with a high protein content that’s lower in calories could help you out. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking to bulk, you’ll want a protein powder that’s higher in calories, carbs, and fats to help you pack on some extra mass. Most of the picks on this list are fairly lean though, so if you’re really trying to gain weight, you may want to opt for a muscle gainer altogether. (8)

[Related: Mass Gainer Vs. Whey Protein — Which to Choose for Muscle, Weight Loss, and Performance?]

Additional Ingredients

While not all protein powders include additional ingredients, some do, and quite a few on this list are in that group. Additional ingredients may include a blend of amino acids, digestive enzymes, and/or probiotics. All of these help enhance the work the protein is doing in your body. 

For example, digestive enzymes may help to ensure you’re absorbing the protein properly. However, as with most supplements that add additional helpful ingredients, this may jack up the price. So, if you’re not keen on having these boosters, you may be able to find a more basic option at a lower price point. 

Lactose

It’s important to note that whey protein does contain lactose. Whey concentrate will typically contain the most amount of lactose, while whey isolate contains a small amount. If you’re sensitive to lactose, the lactose in whey isolate likely will not bother you, but it’s important to discuss it with your doctor. However, if you are still worried, there are plenty of plant-based protein powders you can consider as well that don’t contain any lactose.

How You’re Consuming Protein Powder

Though it may be easiest to scoop protein powder into some water and drink, that’s not everyone’s method of choice. Some may prefer to mix it into smoothies, while others may be stirring it into pudding or yogurt. Before you decide which protein powder to buy, you’ll want to consider how you’re consuming it, so you can choose the proper flavor. 

More basic flavors — like vanilla and chocolate — are best if you are combining your powder into other tasty ingredients. And on the other hand, you may prefer something more unique — like s’mores or cinnamon roll — if you’re just mixing it with water. 

Flavor

Protein powders come in tons of flavors, including standard options (chocolate and vanilla) and more unique selections (cinnamon cereal and oatmeal cookie, for instance). When choosing a flavor, prioritize options that you can realistically foresee yourself enjoying each day. We also recommend reading a few reviews before you choose.

Third-Party Testing

While flavor is a crucial factor when picking the best protein powder, ingredients matter, too. We recommend prioritizing third-party tested products as often as possible. This means the supplement was verified by an independent third party, who can certify that the ingredients are safe and the label is accurate.

Benefits of Protein Powder

While nutrition needs are highly individualized, studies show that weightlifters may need 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to maximize muscle hypertrophy, but it’s hard to down that much chicken breast every day. (2) Since they’re generally loaded with around 20 grams of protein and minimal carbohydrates and fat, protein powders are an easy way to add protein to your diet without cooking up a dozen egg whites.

[Related: 6 Benefits of Whey Protein for Strength Athletes Who Want to Build Muscle]

But that doesn’t make them a replacement for whole foods. Oftentimes, protein powder doesn’t have the nutrients that you would find in meat, whole grains, and vegetables. We wouldn’t recommend you using protein powder as a substitute for the protein found in whole foods, but it’s an easy way to supplement your diet with an extra dose of protein to help pack on some lean weight. 

How Much Do the Best-Tasting Proteins Cost?

Many of the best-tasting protein powders we’ve tested fall on the higher end of the average $1 to $2 per serving cost of protein powders, though you can expect to pay over that average for plant-based options and those rich in BCAAs. See the chart below to see how our picks stack up against each other in terms of price 

Best-Tasting Protein Powder Overall	Xwerks Grow	$1.97 per serving
Best-Tasting Vanilla Protein Powder	Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Protein	$2 per serving
Best-Tasting Whey Protein Powder	Jacked Factory Authentic Iso	$1.33 per serving
Best-Tasting Vegan Protein Powder	KOS Organic Plant Protein	Starting at $1.72
Best-Tasting Plant Protein Powder	Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+	$2.67 per serving
Best-Tasting Natural Protein Powder	Legion Whey+	Starting at $1.46 per serving
Best-Tasting Chocolate Protein Powder	Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard	Starting at $0.98 per serving
Best-Tasting Budget Protein Powder	Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder	Starting at $1.81 per serving

Common Protein Powder Ingredients

Well, protein, obviously. But there can be a lot more than that. Here are some of the ingredients that you’re most likely to find in your tub, including different types of protein. 

Whey (Concentrate, Isolate, or Hydrolysate) Protein

Whey concentrate, often a byproduct of cheesemaking, is the cheapest form of protein, and probably the one that most people have heard of. Whey concentrate is the cheapest form, and it’s the one that has the most fat and carbohydrates, including lactose. A bit more expensive is whey isolate, which has been processed through a microfilter, resulting in a powder that has fewer carbohydrates and fat. 

On the top of the whey pyramid is whey hydrolysate, also known as hydrolyzed whey. The priciest form of whey protein, it’s broken down even further with enzymes, which can help it digest faster than the other types of whey. 

Casein Protein

The other milk protein is casein. Casein protein digests more slowly than whey, so many athletes will take it before bed for a constant stream of protein throughout the night. It’s often a finer powder and mixes easily, so it’s excellent for making protein brownies and puddings.

[Related: The Best Casein Protein For Taste, Digestion, Baking, and More]

Artificial and Natural Sweeteners

To keep carbohydrates low, most protein powders will use artificial sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame potassium, which have been designated as safe for human consumption, but more comprehensive studies are needed. (6) Protein powders may also use natural sweeteners like Stevia and monk fruit sweetener, both of which are sweeter than sugar, but contain zero calories. 

Lecithin 

A mixture of fats that are essential to human cells, lecithin is used to help protein powder mix with liquids. Most protein powders use soy letcithin, but some pricier powders use sunflower lecithin. Those who want to avoid soy may opt for this, despite that studies that have found no correlation between consuming soy and reduced testosterone. (7)

Digestive Enzymes

Many protein powders have a blend of digestive enzymes such as protease, lipase, and amylase. These enzymes may help break down proteins, fat, and carbohydrates to help increase absorption rate. 

When Should I Take Protein?

Despite what bodybuilding magazines told us in the 90s, you’re not leaving muscle on the table if you don’t slam 60 grams of protein right after your last rep of the day. If you can get a shake down right after a workout, it’s a solid way to boost your protein intake, but it’s not necessary to hit your goals. 

If you’re looking to dial in your nutrition, make sure you’re getting enough total calories and macros (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) throughout the day. If you’ve got that dialed in and you want to go farther down the rabbit hole, then you can start worrying about timing.

Final Word

No matter your goals, protein powders can provide a delicious vehicle for adding extra protein to your diet. When we were building this list, we wanted to be sure to include options for people with varying goals and blends with varying ingredients, so everyone should be able to find a product that suits their needs. 

Before you choose your protein powder, it’s important that you consider how its ingredients will play into your goals and lifestyle before you just go for the flavor that sounds best. While taste is important, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most out of the delicious mix you’re shaking up. After you’ve chosen the proper ingredients to suit your lifestyle, this list has you covered in the flavor department, so you can let your taste buds take it from there. 

FAQs

References

1. Antonio, J., Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., Ormsbee, M. J., Saracino, P. G., & Roberts, J. (2020). Effects of dietary protein on body composition in exercising individuals. Nutrients, 12(6), 1890.
2. Stokes T, Hector AJ, Morton RW, McGlory C, Phillips SM. Recent Perspectives Regarding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training. Nutrients. 2018;10(2):180. Published 2018 Feb 7. doi:10.3390/nu10020180
3. Dolan E, Sale C. Protein and bone health across the lifespan. Proc Nutr Soc. 2019;78(1):45-55. doi:10.1017/S0029665118001180
4. Quinten, T., Philippart, J. M., De Beer, T., Vervarcke, S., & Van Den Driessche, M. (2014). Can the supplementation of a digestive enzyme complex offer a solution for common digestive problems?. Archives of Public Health, 72(Suppl 1), P7. https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-3258-72-S1-P7
5. Pyne, D.B. et al. Probiotics supplementation for athletes – clinical and physiological effects. Eur J Sport Sci. 2015;15(1):63-72.
6. Sharma, Arun, et al. Artificial sweeteners as a sugar substitute: Are they really safe? Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 2016 May-June; 48(3): 237-240
7. Reed KE, Camargo J, Hamilton-Reeves J, Kurzer M, Messina M. Neither soy nor isoflavone intake affects male reproductive hormones: An expanded and updated meta-analysis of clinical studies. Reprod Toxicol. 2021;100:60-67. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.12.019
8. Longland TM, et al. Higher compared with lower dietary protein during an energy deficit combined with intense exercise promotes greater lean mass gain and fat mass loss: a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Mar;103(3):738-46.
9. Khemtong, C., Kuo, C.-H., Chen, C.-Y., Jaime, S. J., & Condello, G. (2021). Does branched-chain amino acids (bcaas) supplementation attenuate muscle damage markers and soreness after resistance exercise in trained males? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 13(6), 1880. 
10. Sousa, R., Portmann, R., Dubois, S., Recio, I., & Egger, L. (2020). Protein digestion of different protein sources using the INFOGEST static digestion model. Food Research International, 130, 108996.