Whether you’re hitting the gym, training for a race, or just trying to stay healthy, protein powder can help you recover faster and build lean muscle. But with so many options, such as whey, casein, and plant-based, how do you know which one fits your needs?
To help make sense of it all, we teamed up with Anthony DiMarino, a registered dietitian and personal trainer, whose expert guidance shaped our dietitian-reviewed protein powder guide. He clarifies what to look for in a protein powder, from protein type and digestibility, to formulas that support recovery, muscle growth, and endurance.
Using that insight, we’ve rounded up the best protein powders of the year, from fast-absorbing whey isolates to gut-friendly vegan blends. Discover our top picks to help you train harder, recover smarter, and crush your goals.
If you prefer simple at-home strength work, these recommended resistance bands pair well with a protein routine to help build muscle anywhere.
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1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder – $30.39
- Protein per serving: 21 grams
- Protein source: Plant-based blend (organic peas, brown rice, and chia seeds)
- Benefits: GI-friendly; lactose- and dairy-free; good for vegans
- Drawbacks: Contains stevia extract, which can alter the taste
We love the Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, which tastes more like a vanilla milkshake than any other vanilla protein powder we’ve tried. Each serving is packed with 21 grams of organic protein from pea and brown rice, delivering all nine essential amino acids your body needs to build and repair muscle. Whether you’re vegan or just prefer plant-based protein powders, it’s a great way to incorporate aminos you might otherwise miss from meat, eggs, or dairy proteins.
Unlike whey or casein powders, which can be tough to digest, Orgain causes fewer issues since it’s free from lactose and dairy. However, it contains stevia extract. The artificial taste is more pronounced when the powder is mixed with water, but smoothies and other blends taste fine to us. If you want to avoid artificial sweeteners, try the Orgain Organic Simple Vegan Protein Powder. It has a similar plant-based protein blend but is sweetened with coconut sugar.
This vegan protein powder blends into smoothies, shakes, and baked goods, with a smooth and creamy texture that doesn’t clump or taste gritty.
Certified USDA Organic and third-party tested, Orgain comes in many delicious flavors (we’ve tried most) and is a simple way to recover after workouts, fuel your day, or boost your daily protein intake.
Looking for workouts to pair with your shake? This full-body resistance band routine is an easy way to build strength without a full gym.
2. Ascent 100% Whey Protein Powder – $45.94
- Protein per serving: 25 grams
- Protein source: Whey protein blend
- Benefits: Minimally processed; supports post-workout recovery
- Drawbacks: Stevia extract can leave an aftertaste
Looking for a clean protein powder? Ascent 100% Whey Protein Powder has zero added sugar and is low in carbs. Each scoop delivers 25 grams of whey protein plus branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to boost recovery and performance. Naturally higher in leucine, it helps improve muscle strength and lean body mass.
Crafted with a whey protein blend, it’s gluten-free, keto-friendly, and blends smoothly into cold water. Informed Choice Certified, it’s a dependable formula to train harder, recover quicker, and perform your best.
3. Ka’Chava Whole Body Vegan Meal Shake – $73.13
- Protein per serving: 25 grams
- Protein source: Plant-based blend (includes pea protein, kale, and supergreens)
- Benefits: GI-friendly; no artificial sweeteners
- Drawbacks: Texture is a little chalky
Packed with over 80 superfoods and nutrients, including kale, probiotics, and pea protein, consider Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal Shake a plant-based meal in a glass.
Formulated to support energy, digestion, weight management, and muscle recovery, this vegan protein powder is more than a meal replacement. Each serving helps nourish your muscles, heart, joints, and bones for overall vitality.
Unlike most vegan shakes that can taste earthy, Ka’Chava has palatable flavors like chocolate and vanilla that are great in smoothies and shakes. A single scoop can keep you feeling full between meals or workouts.
Made without whey, gluten, soy, dairy, or artificial ingredients, Ka’Chava is free from fillers and junk. As far as the best vegan protein powders go, this one’s a good choice for appetite management and weight control.
4. Isopure Zero Carb 100% Pure Whey Isolate Protein Powder – $79.99
- Protein per serving: 25 grams
- Protein source: Pure whey isolate
- Benefits: No carbs or added sugar
- Drawbacks: Might cause GI issues due to milk and soy
If you don’t love flavored protein powders, this unflavored protein powder can be a good choice. Each serving delivers 25 grams of whey protein isolate to support your daily protein needs. Just blend it with water or your favorite beverage for a quick protein boost.
Like its name suggests, Isopure Zero Carb doesn’t contain extra carbs, sugar, or fillers. Instead, it’s made with a few simple ingredients that can help you build muscle or better manage your weight.
This lactose-free formula is great if you want the benefits of whey protein without the discomfort. And with no flavor added, it’s highly flexible. Use this fast-dissolving whey protein powder in your favorite shakes, smoothies, or baked goods to support muscle growth.
5. Gold Standard 100% Casein – $53.99
- Protein per serving: 24 grams
- Protein source: Casein
- Benefits: Supports muscle recovery
- Drawbacks: Artificially flavored (including sucralose)
Want the best protein powder for weight loss? A casein formula such as Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Micellar Casein Protein is a safe choice. Unlike fast-digesting whey, casein digests slowly and can help control cravings to support your goals.
Each serving packs in 24 grams of protein and 9 grams of essential amino acids, which can help repair muscle and improve recovery, especially overnight or between meals. Available in appetizing flavors such as Chocolate Supreme and Creamy Vanilla, you can blend this casein protein powder for a smooth, creamy shake or smoothie.
Whether you want to build lean muscle, stay fuller longer, or curb late-night snacking, Gold Standard Casein is a delicious, reliable way to stay on track.
6. Levels Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder – $39.16
- Protein per serving: 24 grams
- Protein source: Whey protein concentrate
- Benefits: Helps build lean muscle mass
- Drawbacks: Stevia leaf extract can impact the taste
Formulated with a handful of real ingredients, such as vanilla extract, sea salt, and monk fruit, this whey protein concentrate is pure and tasty. Levels Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder is a simple protein powder that tastes good and supports your wellness goals.
Every scoop delivers 24 grams of whey from grass-fed, hormone-free dairy, giving you a rich, creamy texture that comes from better milk. It mixes easily with water, smoothies, and shakes.
If you don’t mind the stevia aftertaste, this whey protein powder promotes lean muscle growth. It’s great for endurance athletes, including runners and cyclists.
7. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder – $41.99
- Protein per serving: 24 grams
- Protein source: Whey protein blend
- Benefits: Supports post-workout muscle recovery
- Drawbacks: Prone to clumping
If you prioritize value, Gold Standard Whey Protein fuels your fitness journey with clean, affordable nutrition. Each scoop packs in 24 grams of protein, 5.5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs, and 11 grams of essential amino acids (EAAs). Whether you aim to support muscle recovery, build strength, or recover faster, this formula has you covered.
There’s also good news if you love the benefits of whey protein but struggle with lactose intolerance. This whey isolate formula is light on fat and lactose, creating a mostly pure protein. The result? All the performance and recovery benefits of whey, such as after a tough EMOM session (here’s a breakdown of different types of interval workouts), without the discomfort.
Produced under strict quality standards and banned-substance tested, this whey protein powder can support your performance and wellness goals. Plus, it comes in several flavors and is a great value thanks to its large jar size. Try it in a shake or smoothie for the smoothest texture.
8. Premier Protein Powder – $27.70
- Protein per serving: 30 grams
- Protein source: Whey protein blend (isolate and concentrate)
- Benefits: GI-friendly; lactose- and dairy-free; good for vegans
- Drawbacks: Has artificial sweeteners
Sometimes, simple is best. Premier Protein Vanilla Whey Powder is a clean, basic formula with three trusted flavors. Each serving packs 30 grams of protein to support recovery, muscle strength, and sustained energy, with just 1 gram of sugar, low fat, and 150 calories per scoop.
Plus, the texture hits the sweet spot. It’s smooth and creamy without being too thick or too watery, so you can enjoy it post-workout, on the go, or as a quick meal replacement. It blends well in water, milk, smoothies, and coffee, and tastes like a vanilla milkshake, minus the guilt.
From its simple ingredients to a keto-friendly and gluten-free profile, this protein powder proves that proper fueling doesn’t have to be expensive. However, its artificial ingredients can alter the taste or cause GI discomfort.
9. Muscle Milk Pro Series Protein Powder Supplement – $31.09
- Protein per serving: 50 grams
- Protein source: Milk protein isolate & caseinate blend
- Benefits: Great for high-volume training
- Drawbacks: A single serving (50 grams) is more than the recommended 20-40 gram limit
Serving up 50 grams of protein per scoop, Muscle Milk Pro Series Protein Powder supports demanding training goals. That’s nearly double other protein powders. It’s good if you struggle to reach your daily intake through food or want more protein for strength, recovery, and performance.
Featuring a blend of fast-digesting whey and slow-digesting casein, this formula provides sustained amino acid delivery to support immediate recovery and long-term muscle repair. Since the body typically processes around 20–40 grams of protein at a time, you can cut your intake to a half or three-quarter scoop to meet your daily needs. Bonus: this helps you absorb protein more effectively and stretch your supply longer.
Though its artificial flavors (sucralose and maltodextrin) may not suit everyone, its high protein content and balanced blend are ideal for high training volume or calorie needs.
10. NAKED Whey Chocolate Protein Powder – $44.99
- Protein per serving: 25 grams
- Protein source: Whey protein concentrate
- Benefits: All-natural ingredients; no artificial sweeteners
- Drawbacks: Slightly higher in sugar than other protein powders
Prefer to know exactly what’s going into your body? Consider the NAKED Whey Chocolate Protein Powder. It’s simple, clean, and effective with just a few basic ingredients. No artificial sweeteners, colors, GMOs, soy, or gluten. Instead, each flavor gets a boost from organic cane sugar.
Sourced from small dairy farms, this whey is cold-processed to preserve its quality and integrity. It’s free from chemical detergents and synthetic additives, so you get clean protein that’s rich in essential amino acids. With 25 grams of protein and 150 calories per scoop, it’s a balanced option to fuel workouts or increase your protein intake. However, it’s a little higher in sugar than most whey protein powders on this list.
Available in several flavors, this gentle formula blends well into fruit or veggie smoothies, post-workout shakes, or pancakes and snacks. An ideal choice for maximum nutrition with minimal ingredients, Naked Chocolate Whey gives you everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
11. Dymatize ISO100 Whey Protein Powder Isolate – $33.43
- Protein per serving: 25 grams
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Benefits: Supports muscle growth
- Drawbacks: Contains artificial sweeteners (stevia and sucralose)
Dymatize ISO100 Whey Protein Isolate caters to athletes seeking efficient, high-quality fuel. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, or gym lover, each serving delivers 25 grams of protein that your body can use right away. It digests quickly and has a complete amino acid profile to help support muscle recovery, strength, and endurance.
Since it’s low in lactose and gluten-free, ISO100 is ideal if you want a cleaner, lighter protein powder. Just know that artificial sweeteners such as stevia and sucralose may cause digestive discomfort. With 5 grams of BCAAs and one gram each of sugar and fat, it’s a lean, effective way to recover quickly and reduce soreness.
Smooth, delicious, and versatile, ISO100 mixes easily with water, milk, or your favorite milk alternative. You can also blend it into smoothies, oats, or pancakes to refuel, recover, and get ready for your next session.
Looking for ways to balance nutrition and training? Our winter base-building guide shows how to incorporate strength, endurance, and recovery so your protein intake supports real progress. You can also browse the best electrolyte powders and best energy gels to support your long-distance workouts.
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