Best Unflavored Protein Powder (2024): Simple Ingredients, Maximal Results

Unflavored protein powders are ideal for mixing into soups, smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, coffee, or baked goods because they don’t mess with the taste of your favorite foods and drinks. They deliver a clean protein boost without the artificial sweeteners, added sugars, or funky flavors some people want to avoid. The best unflavored protein powders are virtually tasteless, packed with quality protein, and free from any unnecessary extras. They give you enough protein to promote muscle growth and recovery without the aftertaste of artificial sweeteners and flavors.

Our team of nutrition experts, certified personal trainers, competitive weightlifters, and health coaches have tested dozens of the best protein powders to find the finest unflavored options. We’ve carefully evaluated everything—including taste, cost, solubility, and formulation—to bring you our top choices. Plus, as a registered dietitian, I’ve added my take on each product’s ingredients and nutrient profile to help you find the perfect unflavored protein powder to support your health and wellness goals.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

The 9 Best Unflavored Protein Powders

• Best Unflavored Protein Powder Overall: Legion Whey+
• Best Unflavored Protein Powder on Amazon: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
• Best Unflavored Collagen Protein Powder: Pro Health Longevity Collagen
• Best Organic Unflavored Protein Powder: Ora Organic Plant-Based Superfood Protein
• Best Budget Unflavored Protein Powder: NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Vegan Unflavored Protein Powder: Garden of Life Raw Organic Unflavored Protein Powder
• Best Unflavored Whey Protein Powder: Isopure Whey Isolate
• Best Low-Calorie Unflavored Protein Powder: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate
• Best Unflavored Casein Protein Powder: Naked Nutrition Casein

Best Unflavored Protein Powder Overall: Legion Whey+

Good for: Those looking for a clean protein powder without artificial ingredients or unnecessary fluff 

Best Overall

Legion Whey+

GGR Score: 4

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Sourced from small dairy farms in Ireland
• Over 5 g of BCAAs per serving
• Non-GMO and animal welfare approved
• Third-party tested for banned substances

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low in carbs and fat but high in protein
• Natural ingredients
• Money-back guarantee
• Made with ethically-sourced milk
• Lots of flavor options
• Subscribe and save 10%

Cons

• Comparably high cost per serving
• May be clumpy when mixed
• Some customers thought flavor was too sweet, or in some cases lacked flavor

Bottom Line

Legion Whey+ is a clean, sustainable protein powder that also is macro-friendly and a great option for anyone looking for a clean protein supplement. Many of our testers have bought this with their own money because they love the taste and easy mixability.

Legion Whey+ takes the top spot for best unflavored protein powder, offering 22 grams of whey isolate protein, 5.6 grams of branched-chain amino acids, and zero artificial flavors or sugars. With only 100 calories per serving, 2 grams of carbs, and no fat, we rated this stellar formulation a solid 5 out of 5. 

The 22 grams of whey protein isolate comes from grass-fed cows in Ireland. Grass-fed cows are less likely to be treated with hormones and antibiotics, making grass-fed whey protein potentially a cleaner option. Additionally, grass-fed farming is more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, and GGR Senior Director of Content Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, both tested Legion Whey+, rating the taste a 4.5 out of 5. Obviously, the unflavored option isn’t flavorful, making it a good choice for mixing into smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. This protein powder is also available in several other flavors. Anthony, who likes the Cinnamon Cereal flavor, shared, “It tastes like the milk from a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.”

Our testers rated solubility a 5 out of 5, noting that it mixed extremely well into water and smoothies. “It mixes perfectly in my morning fruit smoothie to help me get over 20 grams of protein to start my day,” adds Kate. 

A tub of Legion Whey+ costs $59.99 and provides 30 servings, bringing the price per serving to $2.00. This is fairly average compared to other protein powders, so we rated the price a 3.5 out of 5. While there are more affordable options available, the fact that Legion Whey+ uses grass-fed protein and is third-party tested might make it worth the investment.

Learn more in our full Legion Whey Protein review

Best Unflavored Protein Powder on Amazon: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate

Good for: Anyone looking for a fast-absorbing protein powder for muscle growth and repair that’s budget-friendly

Best On Amazon

Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate

GGR Score: 4.6

Check Price

Product Highlights

• 25 grams of whey protein concentrate per serving
• Available in 5 flavors, including unflavored
• High-quality ingredients and third-party testing
• Supports lean muscle growth and recovery after workouts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• Manufactured in GMP-compliant facility
• Unflavored option only contains one ingredient, instantized whey protein concentrate
• Subscribe-and-save options
• Cost-effective price that starts around $0.87 per serving

Cons

• Whey concentrate may not mix as well as whey isolate
• Flavored options are higher in calories than other whey proteins

Bottom Line

Nutricost Whey Concentrate contains 25 grams of high-quality whey protein concentrate, available in five flavors. It's gluten-free, non-GMO, manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, and third-party tested.

If you’re hoping to snag a deal, you won’t want to look past Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate available for a discounted price on Amazon. You can get a 2-pound container of the Unflavored option on Amazon for just $31.75 ($1.18 per serving), compared to $35.97($1.33) for the same product on the Nutricost website. It’s no wonder we rated the Amazon price a 5 out of 5.

Each serving of this protein supplement delivers 25 grams of whey protein concentrate. As a fast-acting protein with an estimated absorption rate of about 10 grams per hour¹, whey protein is ideal for quickly supplying muscles with amino acids after a workout to promote growth and repair. 

Plus, you only get 3 grams of fat and 1 gram of carbohydrates, ideal for those who don’t want to increase their other macronutrients. We also like that this unflavored product only contains 1 gram of sugar (no added sugar) and no artificial sweeteners. Ultimately, we rated the formulation a 5 out of 5. 

Two of our expert testers, GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, and GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, tried Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate. “I had small clumps in my shaker cup after shaking it for about 10 seconds. It’s drinkable but the clumps are noticeable if you don’t shake it long enough,” shared Amanda, who rated solubility a 4.5 out of 5. Anthony on the other hand didn’t experience any clumping, so it may depend on the shaker cup. 

“I feel like I get a little bloated after I drink this, though I’ve noticed the same thing with any other whey concentrate I’ve had, so it’s not unique to just this one,” Amanda adds. Whey protein concentrate contains more lactose than whey protein isolate, which can lead to gas and bloating for some people. If you’re sensitive to lactose, you might want to consider a different option.

Check out our full Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate review to learn more.

Best Unflavored Collagen Protein Powder: Pro Health Longevity Collagen

Good for: Individuals wanting a protein powder that promotes healthy aging, reduces joint pain, and improves skin elasticity 

Best Unflavored Collagen

Pro Health Longevity Collagen

GGR Score: 4.6

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Collagen supplement with types I, II, III, X & V
• Blend of beef, marine, eggshell membrane, and chicken collagen
• 20 g of collagen per serving
• Also contains glycine, proline, and vitamin C to support collagen production
• Third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Top-notch formulation
• 20 grams of collagen per serving
• Third-party tested
• Unflavored
• Good solubility

Cons

• Expensive
• Not suitable for vegans or those with a seafood allergy

Bottom Line

Pro Health's Longevity Collagen is expensive, but provides a really high-quality formulation with 20 grams of collagen from a blend of bovine, marine, chicken, and egg shell membrane. It's also third-party tested.

Those seeking firmer skin and reduced joint pain may be on the lookout for the best collagen supplements. We recommend Pro Health Longevity Collagen protein powder, which may help support healthy aging along with bone, skin, and joint health.

This protein powder contains 20 grams of types I, II, III, V, and X collagen. Combined, these types of collagen offer a wide range of health benefits, including supporting skin elasticity, cushioning joints, promoting gut lining repair, and aiding in the structure of organs, hair formation, and bone and cartilage development.

Olympic weightlifter Emelie Wilkes, USAW-L1, wife of GGR Senior Staff Writer Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, tried Pro Health Longevity and rated the taste a 5 out of 5.  “I’ve tried it with coffee and even with water and it truly is unflavored. There’s no odd taste or weird flavor,” she shared. 

Emelie found the supplement easy to mix, stating, “It dissolves easily and completely. I’ve taken a lot of collagen and they often leave a little bit of grittiness, but this mixes thoroughly with just a spoon.” She rated solubility a 5 out of 5. 

This collagen protein powder is pricier at $2.00 per serving, earning it a rating of 1 out of 5 for cost. However, it’s third-party tested for safety and quality, and it offers more collagen per serving than many competitors, which may justify the higher price. 

Best Organic Unflavored Protein Powder: Ora Organic Plant-Based Superfood Protein

Good for: Those wanting a clean protein powder that includes superfoods and digestive enzymes 

Best Organic

Ora Organic Daily Superfood Plant Protein

GGR Score: 3.9

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Plant based superfood protein with digestive enzymes 
• Features 19 organic superfoods 
• Each serving has 21+ g of protein, digestive enzymes, 3 servings of greens, and 0 added sugar

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Third party tested – can view certificate of analysis on website
• Gluten free, certified vegan, USDA organic, kosher, and dairy free
• No sugar alcohols
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• No artificial ingredients, fillers, gums, or thickeners
• Contains a superfood blend that’s not found in many other protein powders

Cons

• Only 20 servings per container
• Price per serving on higher end for a protein powder
• Only 4 flavors available
• Mixed reviews of taste
• Uses stevia

Bottom Line

Ora Superfood Plant Protein combines a vegan protein and greens blend. Each serving has at least 21 grams of protein, 3 servings of greens, and digestive enzymes. Every single batch is third party tested for quality. Customer reviews are largely positive, customers like the high quality ingredients. There were mixed reviews on the taste including multiple complaints about the stevia aftertaste.

If you’re looking for a USDA Organic-certified unflavored protein powder, you might want to consider Ora Organic Plant-Based Superfood Protein. This unique protein powder packs organic vegan protein, superfoods, and digestive enzymes into every scoop. 

Organic pea protein and organic rice protein offer 21 grams of protein per serving. This plant-based protein powder provides all nine essential amino acids, crucial for muscle growth and repair. 

RELATED: Best Organic Protein Powder

We love that this product also includes 19 organic superfoods like cranberry, sprouted quinoa, acai, blackberry, and Jerusalem artichoke. These ingredients are loaded with powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. 

Lastly, the added digestive enzymes help break down nutrients into smaller molecules so your body can absorb and utilize them more efficiently. If you’re commonly bloated after taking protein powder, you may want to give this one a shot. 

“There were absolutely no clumps, which is surprising since it’s a two-scoop serving. It only took about 10 or 15 seconds in a shaker cup,” shared GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC. He rated solubility a perfect 5 out of 5. 

Anthony pointed out that while we value the third-party testing of this product, it’s not certified by Informed or NSF, two of the most trusted agencies. As a result, we slightly bumped down the third-party testing score, giving it a 4 out of 5. However, we think it’s commendable that the certificate of analysis is available online for the public. 

In terms of price, this organic, vegan protein powder is more expensive than most, coming in at $2.50 per serving. We rated the cost a 1 out of 5. That said, a product that’s third-party tested, USDA Organic certified, and includes digestive enzymes is bound to cost more, so we weren’t surprised by the higher price tag.

Best Budget Unflavored Protein Powder: NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate

Good for: Those wanting a high-quality whey protein isolate that doesn’t break the bank 

Best Budget

NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate

GGR Score: 4.7

Check Price

Product Highlights

• 25 g of whey protein isolate per serving 
• NPA A-rated GMP certified 
• No artificial colors, flavors, or additives
• Packaged in the USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No additives
• Pure protein isolate
• Budget-friendly
• Mixes well
• Unflavored powder that is nearly undetectable in smoothies and other flavored beverages

Cons

• Some reports of a sour aftertaste
• Some users complained of missing scoopers

Bottom Line

NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate is an unflavored protein which delivers 25 grams of protein per serving along with a good profile of BCAAs.

NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate is an affordable Informed Sport certified protein powder with an impressive formulation. At only $1.33 per serving, you’re getting 25 grams of high-quality whey protein isolate for a total steal, so you can work toward your goals without breaking the bank. We rated the price a 4 out of 5. 

Whey protein isolate is known as the “golden standard” of protein powder for its high leucine content. Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid that stimulates muscle protein synthesis, the process that builds and repairs muscles. This product provides 2.7 grams of leucine per serving, supporting effective muscle recovery and growth.

We like the simplicity of this product. You get the boost of protein without any other unnecessary additives or fillers. There are no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. All considered, we rated the formulation a 5 out of 5. 

Regarding solubility, which we rated a 5 out of 5, GGR Senior Staff Writer Lauren Strong, CPT, says “It blended very well, just like how you’d want your protein shake to be—no clumps, not too thick or thin. All-around, it was a good consistency.” 

She adds, “I tried it with water, and by itself it definitely has that whey taste. It’d be great in a sports drink or smoothie though.” The taste wasn’t completely undetectable, earning it a rating of 4.5 out of 5. 

Learn more in our full NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate review. 

Best Vegan Unflavored Protein Powder: Garden of Life Raw Organic Unflavored Protein Powder

Good for: Those with a sensitive digestive tract who prefer dairy-free, plant-based protein 

Best Vegan

Garden of Life Raw Organic Unflavored Protein Powder

GGR Score: 3.5

Check Price

Product Highlights

• 22 grams of protein and 120 calories per serving
• Unflavored, plant-based protein powder
• Easy digestion with probiotics and digestive enzymes
• Certified organic, gluten-free, and vegan
• Organic USDA-approved and third-party certified

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Includes iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, D, E, and K
• Non-GMO, gluten-free, and lactose-free
• No artificial sweeteners, added sugar, soy, tree nuts, or fillers
• Includes fiber for digestion

Cons

• Contains sesame
• Made in a facility that processes egg, milk, soy, wheat, fish, and tree nuts

Bottom Line

Reviewers love the product for its digestive support, muscle recovery, plant-based ingredients, and smooth taste.

Not everyone can tolerate the lactose in whey or casein protein powders, and some prefer to avoid animal-derived ingredients altogether. If that sounds like you, Garden of Life Raw Organic Unflavored Protein Powder is a vegan protein powder option that might tick all your boxes.

This USDA Organic-certified product delivers 22 grams of plant-based protein sourced from organic pea protein and organic sprouted brown rice protein. It also includes a blend of digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics to support healthy digestion. These added ingredients, combined with vegan protein, may make it a good option for those who struggle with digestion issues from dairy-based protein powders.

This product uses proprietary blends, which means the exact amounts of each ingredient aren’t disclosed. While the ingredients are nutrient-rich and packed with micronutrients, we’d prefer transparency regarding their specific dosages.

“There’s a bit of earthiness to the unflavored taste, but mixing it with milk or anything other than water makes it less noticeable,” says GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC. The powder mixed well, but was a little grainy. Anthony rated both taste and solubility a 4 out of 5. 

The cost per serving is comparable to most other protein powders, earning a 3 out of 5 rating. At $1.70 per serving, it offers good value for a vegan, third-party tested, USDA Organic protein powder.

Best Unflavored Whey Protein Powder: Isopure Whey Isolate

Good for: Those wanting a quick-absorbing post-workout protein powder with a clean formulation

Best Unflavored Whey

Isopure Whey Protein Isolate

GGR Score: 4.2

Check Price

Product Highlights

• 100% unflavored whey protein isolate
• 25 g of protein
• Zero carbohydrates and fats
• Sugar-free and lactose-free
• Available in 16 servings or 47 servings

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pure whey isolate
• Sugar-free
• Lactose-free

Cons

• Only unflavored available
• Reviews report odd taste especially when mixed in water

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a pure whey protein isolate, a great option is Isopure Unflavored Whey Protein Isolate. This isolate is 100% whey with no carbohydrates and fats, making it sugar-free and lactose-free. This protein powder is available in 16 servings or 47 servings.

Isopure Whey Isolate is formulated with only two simple ingredients: whey protein isolate and soy lecithin. This easy breezy formulation results in a high-protein supplement with zero carbs, sugar, or fat. It doesn’t get much more pure than that, leading us to rate the formulation a 5 out of 5. 

RELATED: Best Whey Protein

One scoop provides 25 grams of whey protein isolate, a quick absorbing protein great for taking post-workout. Whey protein isolate is heavily filtered to remove lactose and fat. The result is a protein powder that is about 90% protein², which is ideal for those looking to avoid extra fat and carbs. 

The only other ingredient, soy lecithin, is added to enhance solubility, which we rated a 5 out of 5. GGR Social Media Manager Brittany Combs had no trouble mixing the protein powder into different liquids and foods. 

“This is actually really good! I’ve added this to several different foods, and while the texture alters a little, I never notice a change in flavor,” says Brittany, who rated the taste a 5 out of 5. She’s mixed it into soups and baked goods. 

Each serving costs $1.72, which is pretty standard compared to other protein powders. We rated the cost per serving a 3 out of 5. While there are certainly cheaper options, it may be difficult to find others at this price point with such a pure formulation. 

Best Low-Calorie Unflavored Protein Powder: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate

Good for: Athletes wanting to preserve and build muscle mass while losing body fat 

Best Low-Calorie

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate

GGR Score: 4.2

Check Price

Product Highlights

• 20 g of protein per serving 
• NSF-certified for sport: no banned substances and product matches what is on the label 
• Gluten-free, GMO-free, and no artificial coloring, flavoring, or sweeteners 
• Available in 4 flavors 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• NSF-certified for sport
• Available in single-serving sachets
• No artificial flavor, color, or sweeteners
• Available in 4 flavors, including unflavored

Cons

• 20 g of protein per serving
• Limited reviews
• Not widely available in stores

Bottom Line

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate is a clean and transparent protein option that is NSF-certified for sport.This supplement is for people that are willing and able to spend extra money to know exactly what is in their supplements.

When looking for the best protein powder for weight loss, you want to choose one that’s low in calories, contains at least 20 grams of protein per serving, and is low in both carbs and fat. We suggest considering Klean Athlete Klean Isolate, which only contains 85 calories per serving, without skimping on muscle-building protein. 

We love that this product managed to still pack 20 grams of whey protein isolate into such a low-calorie protein powder. Twenty grams is enough for most people to stimulate muscle protein synthesis³, which is essential for gaining lean muscle and recovering after an intense weight lifting session. 

Other than protein you only get a single gram of carbs and no fat. It contains no artificial ingredients or added sugar. These macros may suit those wanting to boost their protein intake for muscle growth while aiming to lose body fat and lean out. We rated the formulation a solid 5 out of 5. 

“The unflavored protein has the slightest hint of protein when mixed with water. Mixing it in a shake or smoothies, you’d hardly notice the flavor,” says Caine Wilkes, GGR Senior Staff Writer and Olympian. Caine rated the taste a 4 out 5. 

When it comes to solubility, he didn’t have any trouble dissolving the powder into liquid. Caine shares, “Mixes great in just a shaker cup, although it was very frothy, too.” He didn’t find the froth problematic and rated solubility a 5 out of 5. 

Price is where this product falls short, earning a low rating of 1 out of 5 due to its steep cost of $2.87 per serving. That said, it is NSF certified, which definitely adds to the overall value. 

Best Unflavored Casein Protein Powder: Naked Nutrition Casein

Good for: Those wanting to add extra lean protein to baked goods or coffee 

Best Unflavored Casein

Naked Nutrition Micellar Casein Protein Powder

GGR Score: 3.8

Check Price

Product Highlights

• 100% micellar casein 
• 26 g of protein 
• 5.4 g of BCAAs
• Gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1–3 ingredients (depending on flavor)
• Subscribe and save 20%
• Independent heavy metals and allergen testing
• No additives or artificial ingredients
• 3 flavors, including unflavored

Cons

• Not recommended to use with shaker bottle
• 1 serving = 2 scoops
• Limited reviews

Bottom Line

Naked Casein has 26 grams of protein per serving. It won’t mix well in a shaker bottle, but customers love the short ingredient list.

Athletes who train in the evening may benefit from a slow-digesting casein protein powder, which delivers amino acids to muscles for several hours throughout the night for prime recovery. Naked Nutrition Casein is a great option, containing just one ingredient: micellar casein. 

RELATED: Best Casein Protein Powder

The 26 grams of casein per serving provide all the essential amino acids needed for repair and muscle building. Also, there’s no extra fat, carbs, or sugar to throw off your macro count and only 110 calories per scoop. Needless to say, we rated the formulation a 5 out of 5. 

Unflavored protein powder isn’t always the most appetizing choice on its own, but it’s great for mixing with just about anything. We rated the taste of this one a 4 out of 5. “Being unflavored, I’ll find things to mix it with, like chocolate syrup, or adding it to coffee and spices. The taste isn’t the best, but it can make for a fantastic chocolate mug cake,” says Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CSNC, CF-L1.

Casein powder is generally a little harder to mix than whey and this one doesn’t include an added emulsifier ingredient to improve mixing. “It dissolves normally; a bit harder to shake thoroughly like most casein powders,” adds Amanda, who rated solubility a 4 out of 5. The company website instructs consumers to use a blender for the best results. 

Similar to several other protein powders on our list, this one costs $1.66 per serving, earning this category a 3 out of 5. For a third-party tested protein powder with a super clean formulation, we think it’s worth it. 

Other Unflavored Protein Powders We Researched

With so many great choices—as well as not-so-great options—on the market, it’s difficult to narrow down the best. Here are a few other products we tested that had high potential, but didn’t quite make our list. 

• Bulk Supplements Soy Protein Isolate: We loved that this packs 30 grams of vegan protein per serving. It makes for a great unflavored baking protein powder.
• XWERKS Grow: This is one of the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners, but unfortunately it doesn’t come with an unflavored option. Each serving offers 25 grams of protein, no fat, and only 1 gram of carbohydrates. 
• Gainful: This unique protein powder is customizable to meet your unique nutrition needs. We love the versatility of this product, but it’s more expensive than others. 

How We Picked and Tested the Best Unflavored Protein Powders

It’s safe to say our team of experts knows a thing or two about protein powder. As certified personal trainers, health coaches, competitive weightlifters, and certified nutrition coaches, we’ve tested countless of the best protein powders. When evaluating products for our top lists, we focus on key factors like formulation, taste, solubility, third-party testing, and price to ensure they meet our high standards.

When it comes to unflavored protein powders specifically, supplements with minimal ingredients, no artificial ingredients, and no added sugar ranked high on our list. Our testers prioritized products that were easy to mix and had little to no detectable flavor when combined with water or other foods and beverages. Recognizing that everyone has a different budget, we made sure to include supplements at a variety of price points.

Benefits of Unflavored Protein Powders

There are several benefits of protein powder that drive consumers to this convenient and effective supplement. While many use protein powder as a tool to enhance muscle growth, others use it to support weight loss or control appetite. Here are a few of the top benefits of unflavored protein powders. 

Muscle Growth

Eating enough protein is key for muscle building. Unflavored protein powders with at least 20 grams of protein per serving can help boost muscle growth potential. Taking protein powder after a workout provides amino acids, such as leucine, which are crucial for stimulating muscle protein synthesis. 

Weight Loss

A high-protein diet can boost metabolism, making it a helpful tool for weight loss. Protein has a higher thermic effect of food (TEF) than carbs and fats, meaning your body burns more calories digesting protein. Additionally, it supports muscle building, which is beneficial because muscle burns more calories at rest compared to fat.

Increased Satiety 

Protein powder may help curb cravings because it keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Including protein powder in your daily routine may help reduce overeating, contributing to weight loss through increased satiety. 

Improved Recovery

Protein powder derived from complete protein sources (including whey, casein, soy, pea, and egg white protein powder) contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) needed for muscle recovery after a workout. Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are crucial for activating muscle protein synthesis and helping to minimize muscle breakdown.

Convenience 

Protein powders make it easy to boost protein intake, especially for those with a busy schedule or athletes with high protein needs that are difficult to meet through whole foods alone. Unflavored protein powders are extremely versatile and can be conveniently mixed with soups, stews, oatmeal, shakes, baked goods, and yogurt. 

Dosing and Interactions 

Protein powder is intended to supplement your protein intake, not replace it. Assess how many grams of protein you consume from whole foods, then consider using protein powder or incorporating protein-rich foods to meet your nutritional needs.

For bodybuilders with higher protein needs, the International Society of Sports Medicine recommends 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram¹ for building muscle mass. According to this recommendation, someone who weighs 150 pounds would need between 95 to 136 grams of protein daily. 

Protein powder isn’t suitable for some people with specific medical conditions or those taking certain medications. People with kidney disease, or those with certain food allergies may need to avoid protein powder. Always talk with your doctor before starting a new supplement.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Unflavored Protein Powders

There’s a lot to consider when shopping for the best unflavored protein powder. Below are some tips to help guide your shopping experience so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. 

Ingredients

Plenty of flavored protein powders have an ingredients list full of unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients. Luckily, when it comes to unflavored protein powders, you typically find more simplistic formulations. There are several options on our list that simply include the protein source (such as whey protein isolate or micellar casein) with an emulsifier (like soy lecithin) to enhance mixability. 

Those with unique dietary needs should pay close attention to the ingredients list. Keep an eye out for potential allergens such as milk and soy, as well as ingredients that might cause gastrointestinal discomfort, like sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.

Type of Protein 

There are several different types of protein powder. Whey and casein protein are both milk proteins great for muscle building. Whey protein is fast-absorbing, while casein absorbs and delivers amino acids to muscles over several hours. Bodybuilders who pound a shake right after their workout may prefer whey protein for a quick supply of amino acids that stimulate growth. Athletes who train at night may prefer casein, which is great for muscle recovery while you sleep. 

Plant-based protein powders typically blend various protein sources to create a more balanced amino acid profile. However, pea protein and soy protein provide a complete amino acid profile on their own, which is great for muscle growth and repair. 

Macros

Look for protein powders with at least 20 grams of protein per serving to activate muscle protein synthesis. If you’re looking to keep calories low, consider products with minimal carbs and fat and no added sugar. If you want something a little more substantial in terms of calories and carbs, consider a high-quality meal replacement shake. 

Third-Party Testing

Seek out unflavored protein powders that are third-party tested. NSF and Informed Choice are two reputable agencies that commonly test dietary supplements we review. Third-party testing ensures that the ingredients on the label are what’s in the product. It also verifies that the supplement doesn’t contain harmful contaminants and heavy metals. 

Cost Per Serving

Calculating the cost per serving of supplements makes it easier to determine how they match up against others. The protein powders on our list generally range from $1.00 to $2.50 per serving. Factors like third-party testing, organic ingredients, and added ingredients like digestive enzymes likely increase the cost of the product. Find a supplement that comfortably fits within your budget so you can make repeat purchases in the future. 

Best Unflavored Protein Powders: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Schoenfeld, B. J., & Aragon, A. A. (2018). How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15, 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0215-1
2. A Castro, L. H., S de Araújo, F. H., M Olimpio, M. Y., B de B Primo, R., T Pereira, T., F Lopes, L. A., B S de M Trindade, E., Fernandes, R., & A Oesterreich, S. (2019). Comparative Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Concentrated, Hydrolyzed, and Isolated Whey Protein Supplementation on Body Composition of Physical Activity Practitioners. Nutrients, 11(9), 2047. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092047

Perry Nix, MS, RD, LD

Perry Nix, the owner of The Free RD, is a registered dietitian and freelance nutrition writer. Her passion is breaking down complex nutrition information into bite-sized pieces that are easy to digest and apply. With experience in corporate wellness, public health, and clinical dietetics, Perry has crafted engaging nutrition content for a variety of health-conscious audiences. She resides with her husband and two boys in Texas and enjoys hiking and traveling.

Further reading

The Best Creatine Alternatives That Help with Muscle Growth

by Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD

A registered dietitian explains the best creatine alternatives for anyone who’s still looking to pack on quality muscle. Read more

Tested and Proven: The Best Ellipticals for Home in 2024

by Amber Nelson

personally tested some of the best ellipticals on the market to determine which could work best for you, based on your needs. While these are often large and expensive machines, they do offer significant benefits for those looking for a low-impact workout at home. Read more

Power Up Your Hamstrings With The Nordic Curl

by Shane McLean, CPT

Curious about the Nordic curl? This low-impact hamstring builder looks simple, but packs a punch for your leg gains. Read on for a how-to and CPT-approved form tips. Read more

How To Do Shrugs: A Simple Strength Move for Bigger Shoulders and Traps

by Christopher Covello

Do you know how to do shrugs in the gym? If you answered with an unironic shoulder shrug, check out our expert guide for everything you need to know! Read more