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I’ll be very honest with you upfront: Dietitians do not like the word “clean.” The reason we don’t care for it is that it’s so widely used, but so rarely defined. Thus, it can be confusing for people who are just trying to find the right supplements and choose the right foods for their diet. To make it simple, let me just tell you that there is no official definition of what food or supplements are classified as “clean.”
However, for our purposes, we’re defining the word “clean” in this piece as it applies to protein powders to mean protein powder supplements that contain minimal amounts of unnecessary junk and ingredients that are just not backed by enough evidence to justify their inclusion. Clean protein powders are ideal because they can be better digested, contain higher-quality protein, and have minimal allergens, which can only help you achieve your goals. You could call many of the best organic protein powders and best unflavored protein powders clean, but we think this topic deserves its own shine.
Our team of dietitians, personal trainers, and other health and fitness professionals only give you our honest opinions on supplements after actually trying them for ourselves. We are on a mission to be the supplement authority figures and guide you on your search for which protein powders are the cleanest, but also the science behind their formulations and our sincere experiences with the products themselves. We’ve tested nearly 140 protein powders and put each one through our vigorous supplement testing methodology, looking at factors such as:
- Price per serving
- Formulation
- Taste and solubility
- Third-party testing and transparency
So, let’s take a look at what our team tested and selected to crown the best clean protein powders on the market today.
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.
Best Clean Protein Powder
- Best Clean Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
- Best-Tasting Clean Protein Powder: Legion Whey+
- Best Clean Protein for Athletes: Wellah Protein Your Whey
- Best Clean Collagen Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate
- Best Organic Clean Protein Powder: Ora Organic Daily Superfood Plant Protein
- Best Clean Plant-Based Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
- Best Budget Clean Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Isolate
- Best Clean Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Huel Complete Black
- Best Clean Vegan Protein Powder: Gainful Vegan Protein Powder
- Best Clean Casein Protein Powder: Naked Nutrition Micellar Casein Protein Powder
- Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Compare Side By Side
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Transparent Labs Whey Isolate | Legion Whey+ | Wellah Protein Your Whey | Transparent Labs Collagen | Ora Organic Plant-Based | Ritual Protein | Nutricost Whey Isolate | Huel Black Edition | Gainful Vegan Protein | Naked Nutrition Casein | Momentous Whey | |
Rating Our expert product testers, who include certified personal trainers and coaches, use a multi-point testing methodology to determine average ratings out of 5 stars. | |||||||||||
| Price Per Serving | $1.99 | $2.00 | $1.33 | $1.17 | $2.50 | $2.66 | $1.00 | $2.50 | $3.00 | $1.67 | $2.70 |
| Protein Per Serving | 28 g | 22 g | 20 g | 10 g | 21 g | 20 g | 30 g | 40 g | 24 g | 26 g | 20 g |
| Type | Whey protein isolate | Whey protein | Whey isolate | Bovine I and III | Pea and rice protein | Pea protein | Whey isolate | Pea and rice protein | Rice and pea protein | Micellar casein | Whey isolate |
| Third-party Tested? | — | — | |||||||||
| Calories Per Serving | 130 | 100 | 100 | 45 | 120 | 115 | 140 | 400 | 120 | 130 | 90 |
| Flavors | 8 flavors | 17 flavors | 4 flavors | 2 flavors | 4 flavors | 1 flavor | 10 flavors | 9 flavors | 8 flavor boosts | 3 flavors | 3 flavors |
Best Clean Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Good for: People who want to know exactly how much of each ingredient they are getting
Scorecard for Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
| Rating Factors | Our Scores |
|---|---|
| Label Accuracy | Excellent |
| Bisphenols | Excellent |
| Heavy Metals | Above Average |
| Phthalates | Excellent |
| Pesticides | Excellent |
GGR collaborated with Ellipse Analytics, an accredited third-party lab, to test more than 150 protein powder products. We screened for dozens of factors and rated each product against its peers.
Our testers love Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate because we know exactly what’s in it, and almost every flavor we’ve tried is a 5 out of 5 on taste. Yes, it’s a little more expensive than other protein powders but you get what you pay for.
What our tester says:
“It mixes incredibly well with milk or water, and I can say that I feel full for quite a while after downing a protein shake.”
With a high protein ratio compared to weight, one of the highest protein-to-weight ratios in the industry, a serving of Transparent Labs whey protein isolate is 82% protein. Sourced from 100% grass-fed cows, this protein is free of hormones, pesticides, artificial sweeteners, dyes, gluten, or preservatives, and our pick for the best overall clean protein.
This is one of the purest clean whey isolate protein powders available, and it’s from a reputable brand. Transparent Labs also pays homage to its name by showing the weight of each ingredient right on the label, which is very uncommon for similar protein powders. Overall, the formulation earns a 5 out of 5.
RELATED: Best Whey Protein
It is important to recognize that there hasn’t been any evidence that supports the claim that the amino acids in grass-fed whey are superior to those in regular whey, which is understandable since it hasn’t been proven that a cow’s diet affects the quality of its milk protein.
However, whey protein that is grass-fed is an attractive asset if you’re looking for a clean whey protein isolate and care about sustainable sourcing and animal welfare. This is because grass-fed means the dairy does not come from factory-farmed cows, does not contain hormones, and has a smaller carbon footprint.
Finally, it comes in a nice variety of flavors while keeping the list of ingredients short throughout all the options, though it should be noted that the product contains Himalayan rock salt as a flavoring agent, which increases the sodium content slightly.
Anthony O’Reilly, certified personal trainer and expert product tester, is a big fan of this protein powder, and gave it a 5 out of 5 for both solubility and side effects. “I haven’t experienced any stomach or digestive issues after drinking it as I sometimes do with other whey protein powders—several customer reviewers said the same thing. It mixes incredibly well with milk or water, and I can say that I feel full for quite a while after downing a protein shake.”
Anthony tested the Peppermint Hot Chocolate flavor and gave it a 5 out of 5 for flavor, saying, “Peppermint Hot Chocolate: It’s exactly that—all you need is some whipped cream and marshmallows to complete the scene.”
Check out our full Transparent Labs Protein review for a more in-depth look.
| Price | $59.99 per container / $2.00 per serving |
| Flavors | Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Strawberry, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie |
| Main Protein Source | Grass-fed whey protein isolate |
| Calories Per Serving | 130-150, depending on the flavor |
| Protein Per Serving | 28 g |
Best-Tasting Clean Protein Powder: Legion Whey+
Good for: People who want a clean, tasty protein powder
Scorecard for Legion Whey+
| Rating Factors | Our Scores |
|---|---|
| Label Accuracy | Excellent |
| Bisphenols | Excellent |
| Heavy Metals | Meets Standard |
| Phthalates | Excellent |
| Pesticides | Excellent |
GGR collaborated with Ellipse Analytics, an accredited third-party lab, to test more than 150 protein powder products. We screened for dozens of factors and rated each product against its peers.
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.
What our tester says:
“It tastes like the milk at the bottom of a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.”
Certified personal trainer and GGR tester and certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly said Legion Whey+’s Cinnamon Cereal flavor tastes like the bottom of a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. “It’s almost exactly like what the milk tastes like when you’ve let the cereal sit for a while, and the flavor seeps into the milk,” says Anthony, who awarded the taste a 5 out of 5. “I’ve also used it to make a protein French toast recipe that you can find in my Legion Whey protein review.”
With more than 17 flavors available, you’re bound to find one that will satisfy your taste buds. It also gets a 5 out of 5 for solubility; Anthony adds, “I’ve put it in my shaker bottle and given it a good shake for about 20 seconds and would find little to no clumps.”
Legion takes every step possible to ensure they’re producing a clean protein powder that tastes good and is good for you.
It has a Truly Grass-Fed certification, which means the cows that produce the dairy are free to graze on grass as nature intended; has a third-party testing certification by Labdoor, guaranteeing that it’s free from harmful toxins and banned substances; and is free of artificial growth hormones and GMOs (genetically-modified organisms).
Legion earns 5 out of 5 stars for its formulation, which contains 22 grams of protein and minimal carbs and fats, which can vary slightly based on the flavor.
Let’s touch on the grass-fed certification for a second. While the term has become a bit of a buzzword in the fitness community, there are studies that show grass-fed cows produce milk that’s higher in antioxidants than dairy from grain-fed cows, according to registered dietitian Laila Ouldibbat.
Legion also uses whey protein isolate, a type of protein that’s had most of the lactose removed from it—making it a good option for people with dairy sensitivities.
The nutritional content varies by flavor, but you’re getting at least 20 grams of protein no matter which one you pick and a moderate amount of carbs and fat.
At $1.99 per serving, it’s not the cheapest protein powder on the market and earns a 3.5 out of 5 for the price per serving.
| Price Per Serving | $59.99 per bag / $2 per serving |
| Flavors | Dutch Chocolate, Oatmeal Cream Pie, Cinnamon Cereal, Peanut Butter Fudge, Coconut Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Hazelnut, Unflavored, Pumpkin Pie, Mint Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Cookies & Cream, Birthday Cake, Banana Bread, Cocoa Cereal, Strawberry Banana, Mocha Cappuccino, Fruity Cereal, Apple Pie, Honey Cereal |
| Main Protein Source | Whey protein isolate |
| Calories Per Serving | 100-130, depending on the flavor |
| Protein Per Serving | 20-24 g, depending on the flavor |
Best Clean Protein Powder for Athletes: Wellah Protein Your Whey
Good for: Athletes looking for a whey isolate without a ton of fillers and artificial sweeteners
Wellah’s Whey Protein contains only 5 ingredients and provides 20 grams of protein per serving. It is an affordable protein option at under $1.50 per serving but it also doesn’t contain as many grams of protein as many competitors. There are limited but positive customer reviews. Some customers were frustrated that the advertising was not clear about soy being present in the vanilla flavor.
What our tester says:
“It has a vanilla flavor that’s more on the milder side, but there is a slight ‘protein powder’ taste as well. It’s enjoyable overall, though not the best I’ve ever tasted.”
Wellah Protein Your Way is a whey protein isolate with athletes like you in mind. It has an ingredient list only a few items long and contains Himalayan rock salt for added minerals and stevia as a natural alternative to sugar.
Protein Your Way contains 20 grams of protein per serving and features low-carb fat content, so you can focus on the protein you need to recover from your workouts. It’s a no-frills protein powder that the testers at GGR and I can stand behind.
While its high-protein formulation earns a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating, we’d prefer to see that this protein supplement is third-party tested by one of the prominent organizations like NSF or Informed Sport. Because it’s not, Whellah earns a 2-star rating in the lab testing category.
As for taste, our GGR tester says the Vanilla flavor has a very light and subtle taste. Our tester reported a distinct whey protein taste and smell, but overall, he says it was enjoyable.
“The minimal ingredients essentially make a Wellah protein drink not overwhelming with flavor,” says an expert GGR tester. “It mixes well in a shaker cup, too.”
Both taste and solubility earn 4 out of stars, but our tester noted the texture is a little thin, saying, “I did notice a ‘protein powder’ taste and that the product was quite watered down for the amount of liquid that was added.”
If you’re looking for a creamy milk protein shake, this won’t be your best option, but it has a great formulation and is priced to fit most budgets, with an average cost of $1.33 per serving.
| Price | $40 per container / $1.33 per serving |
| Flavors | Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Vanilla, Coconut |
| Main Protein Source | Whey isolate |
| Calories Per Serving | 100 |
| Protein Per Serving | 20 g |
Best Clean Collagen Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate
Good for: People who want a protein supplement with multiple functions
Scorecard for Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate
| Rating Factors | Our Scores |
|---|---|
| Label Accuracy | Excellent |
| Bisphenols | Excellent |
| Heavy Metals | Meets Standard |
| Phthalates | Excellent |
| Pesticides | Excellent |
GGR collaborated with Ellipse Analytics, an accredited third-party lab, to test more than 150 protein powder products. We screened for dozens of factors and rated each product against its peers.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate is a collagen rich in type I and type III collagen peptides made without artificial sweetener, colors, or preservatives. Not only is it third-party tested, but you can also see the amounts of each individual ingredient on the supplement facts label.
What our tester says:
“It doesn’t feel grainy and I didn’t even notice any chunks when mixed with plain water. The stuff is virtually unnoticeable when mixed with another powder, like protein powder.”
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen has two types of collagen—types I and III—both of which have been linked to healthier skin, reduced muscle aches, and decreased joint pain. Each scoop provides 11 grams of collagen and 10 grams of protein, though it should be noted that collagen is not a complete protein source since it’s low in the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is used by the body for energy regulation.
Certified sports nutrition coach and GGR product tester Amanda Capritto says this collagen supplement tastes good when mixed with just about anything other than water, adding, “With water, it tastes like watered-down chocolate milk. The flavor is a 5 out of 5 when I mixed it with almond milk or greens powder, though.”
The mixability earns another 5 out of 5, though Amanda says in our Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate review that it’s “a little scary” how well this mixes into just about any liquid.
“The stuff is virtually unnoticeable when mixed with another powder, like protein powder,” she says.
Transparent Labs collagen follows the company’s mission of providing high-quality supplements with minimal ingredients and maximum transparency. Other than collagen, the only other ingredients are natural flavors, stevia, and cocoa powder. Heck, they even tell you the weight of all their ingredients right on the bottle, and the formulation earns 3 out of 5 stars.
RELATED: Best Low-Carb Protein Powders
| Price | $34.99 per container / $1.17 per serving |
| Flavors | Chocolate |
| Main Protein Source | Grass-fed bovine with types I and III collagen |
| Calories Per Serving | 45 |
| Protein Per Serving | 10 g |
Best Organic Clean Protein Powder: Ora Organic Daily Superfood Plant Protein
Good for: People wanting a plant-based, nutritionally dense protein powder with natural ingredients
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.
What our tester says:
“It tasted like the type of chai you’d get at some type of hipster cafe, which is to say it didn’t taste like authentic chai but more like ‘chai-flavored.’ I like my chai to have a little more spice, but this was still nice.”
If you’re looking to gain lean muscle, you’ll want a protein powder with no filler to avoid unwanted fat while putting on mass. Ora Organic Superfood Plant Protein fits this description perfectly and is our top choice for the best organic protein powder.
This plant-based protein powder has 21 grams of protein per serving, derived from a blend of pea protein, rice protein, and sprouted quinoa. In addition to these protein sources, each serving contains a blend of superfoods, greens, and digestive enzymes. The formulation earns 4 out of 5 stars.
Despite having so many different ingredients and flavors, the taste is still quite enjoyable, earning a 4 out of 5 from GGR product tester Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC.
Anthony said, “It tasted like the type of chai you’d get at some type of hipster cafe, which is to say it didn’t taste like authentic chai but more like ‘chai-flavored.’ I like my chai to have a little more spice, but this was still nice. Vanilla and cinnamon were the dominant flavors.”
Solubility earns a 5 out of 5. Anthony adds, “There weren’t any clumps, which is surprising since this is a two-scoop serving. It only took about 10 to 15 seconds of shaking in a shaker bottle, too.”
Ora Organic Superfood Plant Protein is a very clean protein that’s certified USDA organic, gluten-free, vegan, and kosher, with no artificial sweeteners. It’s also third-party tested for purity and safety against both U.S. and European health and safety standards.
At $1.99 per serving, this isn’t the cheapest protein on the market. However, with a great blend of ingredients, third-party testing, and natural ingredients, we still think this is a great choice for anyone looking for an organic, clean protein source.
| Price Per Serving | $39.99 per container / $1.99 per serving |
| Flavors | Chocolate, Vanilla, Vanilla Chai, Unflavored |
| Main Protein Source | Organic pea protein, organic rice protein |
| Calories Per Serving | 120-130, depending on the flavor |
| Protein Per Serving | 23 g |
Best Clean Plant-Based Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
Good for: Anyone who follows a plant-based lifestyle and wants protein on hand at all times
Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake has 20 grams of protein per serving and 150 milligrams of chlorine (to support brain and nervous system function).
What our tester says:
“I tried this two ways – in a blender cup with water, and in a smoothie with strawberries and blueberries. Even just with water, this has a nice taste.”
We’ll be honest: One of the big reasons why we chose Ritual Essential Daily Shake as our favorite clean plant-based protein powder is that it tastes much better than other plant-based powders we’ve tried—and we’ve downed more than two dozen of the best vegan protein powders.
“Even just with water, this has a nice taste,” says GGR Senior Director of Content and competitive weightlifter Kate Meier, who tried the Vanilla flavor. “It’s not super plant-y or hemp-y like some plant-based proteins are. Mixed in a smoothie, the taste is definitely detectable, but not overly strong.”
Kate awarded it a 5 out of 5 on taste and solubility, saying in our Ritual protein powder review, “This has a shockingly great consistency. It’s not thick, but it’s not watery like some proteins are.”
The formulation earns Ritual yet another 5 out of 5, with each scoop providing 20 grams of protein, minimal carbs and fat, and a short and no-nonsense ingredient list.
Ritual uses pea protein for its plant-based protein powder, which is a somewhat controversial choice. Yes, it contains all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle growth, but it’s low in methionine and cysteine. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem so long as you’re eating other foods high in these amino acids, such as nuts, seeds, and grains.
At $3.27 per serving, Ritual is certainly a higher-priced protein. However, keep in mind that you can save with a subscription, which may be ideal considering you only get 15 servings per container.
| Price | $49 per bag / $3.27 per serving |
| Flavors | Vanilla |
| Main Protein Source | Pea protein |
| Calories Per Serving | 120 |
| Protein Per Serving | 20 g |
Best Budget Clean Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Isolate
Good for: Those looking for a protein powder with a simple formulation at a budget-friendly price
Nutricost Whey Concentrate contains 25 grams of high-quality whey protein concentrate per serving and is available in five flavors. It’s gluten-free, non-GMO, manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, and third-party tested. Our team thoroughly enjoyed the taste, which is one of the most important factors when evaluating a protein powder.
What our tester says:
“It doesn’t have a weird aftertaste, and I don’t feel bloated after I drink it like I do having other whey concentrates. Using it in a shaker cup can leave a few clumps behind, too.”
The unflavored version of Nutricost’s whey protein isolate costs around $1.20 per serving and is often discounted to $1.00 per serving or less. Since high-quality protein powder can cost $2.00 per serving or more, we consider this a steal and give it a 4.5 out of 5 for value.
Containing nothing but whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin, the formula is about as simple as you can get. It contains 30 grams of protein per serving, which is much higher than your typical protein powder. This is likely because there aren’t other ingredients to lower the overall protein content.
We haven’t tested the unflavored version, but GGR Managing Editor Amanda Dvorak has the Strawberry flavor and speaks highly of it. “It doesn’t have a weird aftertaste, and I don’t feel bloated after I drink it like I do if I have a whey concentrate instead,” she says. She rates it a 5 out of 5 for both taste and side effects.
Amanda gives this protein powder a slightly lower score of 4 out of 5 stars for solubility. “I’ve noticed a few small clumps left behind when I use a regular shaker bottle. Sometimes the clumps are there even when I use an electric shaker bottle. They’re not totally off-putting, but they are noticeable,” she says.
While Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate is available in several flavored varieties, those versions contain sucralose and, in some cases, artificial flavorings. If you prefer a flavored protein powder that is still free from anything artificial, we recommend Wellah Protein Your Whey or Legion Whey+ instead.
| Price | $79.95 per container / $1.23 per serving |
| Flavors | Unflavored, Cake Batter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies & Cream, Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Strawberry Acai, Vanilla |
| Main Protein Source | Whey protein isolate |
| Calories Per Serving | 130 |
| Protein Per Serving | 30 g |
Best Clean Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Huel Complete Black
Good for: Anyone wanting a clean meal replacement to aid with weight loss
Huel Complete Protein Powder Black Edition is a nutritionally complete meal replacement shake powder, containing 400 calories per serving along with up to 41 grams of protein in all of the nine flavors. Fat, carb, and fiber content varies by 1 to 3 grams across flavors, but you can expect to find a healthy serving of unsaturated fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber in each shake.
What our tester says:
“Its a far thicker shake than others I’ve tested, but I actually appreciate the consistency given that it’s designed to be a full-blown meal replacement shake. It’s more filling this way, at least, in my head.”
Huel Black Edition is our pick for the best clean protein powder for weight loss as long as you accept this one caveat: It’s a true meal replacement, meaning that it can actually replace a meal and provide enough nutrients within its 400-calorie serving to satiate anyone on their weight journey. It’s ideally used as a meal replacement and not as a supplementary protein, which will aid your weight loss journey best.
Former team member Brittany Combs tried out Huel Black Edition and enjoyed the flavor she tried—Cookies and Cream—rating it a 5 out of 5. “It tasted nice: sweet, but not too sweet. I enjoyed having it in my coffee the most, as it’d sweeten up my coffee, and added protein and nutrients to my morning routine.”
It mixes pretty well, as Brittany rates the solubility a 4.5 out of 5. “There are occasionally chunks, but a couple more shakes in my shaker cup mixes it all up.” She does notice that the finished mixture still has a little bit of graininess to it.
There are tons of nutrients and protein in Huel Black Edition, with 40 grams of protein per serving and a total of 27 vitamins and minerals. It earns a 5 out of 5 for its formulation. Price-wise, it’s on the expensive side, with each serving costing about $3.31. Still, with its clean formulation and great dose of macro and micronutrients, we think Huel Black Edition is a solid choice.
Learn more in our Huel Review.
| Price | $56.30 per bag / $3.31 per meal |
| Flavors | Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, Strawberry Shortcake, Coffee Caramel, Cookies and Cream, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Roll, Unflavored & Unsweetened |
| Main Protein Source | Pea protein, ground flaxseed, brown rice protein |
| Calories Per Serving | 400 |
| Protein Per Serving | 39-41 g |
Best Clean Vegan Protein Powder: Gainful Vegan Protein Powder
Good for: People looking for a plant-based substitute to whey or casein
Gainful Vegan Protein Powder is a customized plant-based protein that comes with eight available flavor boosters, which you can mix and match.
What our tester says:
“I really like that the flavors are separate because you can control how much goes into each drink. This, on top of the customized formulation, makes Gainful the most hands-on protein supplement I’ve had.”
Our pick for the best clean vegan protein powder makes a customizable protein powder based on your wants and needs. I’ve never heard of anyone selling customized protein powder before, which makes Gainful a very interesting brand. According to Gainful, by asking the same types of critical questions that dietitians use when designing individual nutrition plans, they blend nutrition science with individual nutrition considerations.
RELATED: Orgain Protein Powder Review
They do this by gathering information from you before you purchase their protein and tailor your protein needs based on your weight, activity type, duration, and intensity level. This is done with the justification that they want their protein powder to fit your unique fitness and wellness goals. You’ll also be assured there are no extra and unnecessary ingredients that don’t necessarily fit what you’re trying to get from your supplement.
We chose Gainful here for its plant-based organic brown rice and pea protein powder, but they also have protein sources from whey and casein. No matter what formulation you end up with when your assessment is complete, you can be assured that each protein blend contains all nine amino acids and at least 19-27 grams of protein.
You can also be assured, and this is my favorite part, that your formulation has registered dietitians involved who will even give you suggestions on your eating habits. Why is it so clean? Gainful promises that any given protein formula they make will contain seven ingredients or less with some protein blends containing as little as two.
RELATED: Gainful Protein Powder Review
Be ready for this quality to cost a pretty penny. GGR product tester and certified nutrition coach Erin Chancer tried Gainful Vegan Protein and her formulation with 24 grams per serving ended up costing $3.21 per serving, earning a 1 out of 5 for price per serving. Yikes.
Erin thought the taste was just OK. “The unflavored protein is pretty standard for plant-based protein. I tried the Caffe Mocha flavor boost, and while it was a pleasant taste, I didn’t find it very ‘coffee-flavored.’” She rates the taste a 3.5 out of 5.
It mixes well, too, earning a 4 out of 5 for solubility, but Erin also mentions that the mix was sticky and thick. “It’s really easy to get this shake everywhere. I got it all over my clothes the first couple of times I used this protein,” Erin adds.
| Price | $49 per bag / around $3 per serving (varies by formulation) |
| Flavors | Unflavored with optional flavor boosts: Caffe Mocha, Rich Cocoa, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Madagascar Vanilla, Strawberry Cream, Cookies & Cream |
| Main Protein Source | Organic brown rice and organic pea protein |
| Calories Per Serving | Around 110 (varies by formulation) |
| Protein Per Serving | 24 g (varies by formulation) |
Best Clean Casein Protein Powder: Naked Nutrition Micellar Casein Protein Powder
Good for: Individuals looking to optimize muscle recovery and hunger control
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.
What our tester says:
“I don’t like to drink the unflavored casein protein unless I add chocolate syrup. I’ve also mixed it with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a splash of coffee, and that was good. It even makes for a FANTASTIC chocolate mug cake!”
There’s no way we could make a list of clean protein powders without including Naked Casein which has only one ingredient: Micellar casein. That’s it! No flavors, no emulsifiers, no sweeteners, nada. What you do get at a surprisingly low price, however, is 26 grams of high-quality protein.
Casein protein is also a sneaky device that can assist in muscle recovery. Since it is a slow-digesting protein, studies have shown that when casein is taken before bed, it provides a steady dose of amino acids to the muscles through the night to prevent muscle soreness and catabolism1. This slow digestion can also help with hunger control, which can make casein useful on a weight loss journey.
Now, the key difference between whey and casein (aside from the speed of digestion) is their composition. Whey is made when milk has been heated, the curds are skimmed off and the liquids that are left are dried and powdered. With casein, the protein is derived from those curds.
That said, the lactose content is higher in casein, so many people with milk sensitivities may not tolerate it in the tummy as well as they would whey. However, this varies from person to person, but basically, if you tend to eat dairy-free products, tread lightly with casein protein. At the very least, with Naked, you don’t have to worry about superfluous ingredients messing with your digestion.
Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and GGR expert product tester, tried this unflavored protein and gave the taste 4 out of 5 stars. “This one is unflavored, so I don’t like to drink it except if I add chocolate syrup,” says Amanda. “I’ve also mixed it with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a splash of coffee, and that was good. It’s still not awesome though. However. It makes for a FANTASTIC chocolate mug cake!”
She also gave the solubility 4 out of 5 stars, saying, “It dissolves normally; a bit harder to shake thoroughly like most casein powders.”
To read more, check out our complete Naked Nutrition Casein review.
| Price | $99.99 per container / $1.67 per serving (5-pound container) |
| Flavors | Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla |
| Main Protein Source | Casein |
| Calories Per Serving | 110-150 |
| Protein Per Serving | 26-27 g |
Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey
Good for: Those who want a simple protein powder that is sustainably sourced and easily digested
Scorecard for Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey
| Rating Factors | Our Scores |
|---|---|
| Label Accuracy | Excellent |
| Bisphenols | Excellent |
| Heavy Metals | Meets Standard |
| Phthalates | Excellent |
| Pesticides | Excellent |
GGR collaborated with Ellipse Analytics, an accredited third-party lab, to test more than 150 protein powder products. We screened for dozens of factors and rated each product against its peers.
If you are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality grass-fed whey protein, the Momentous brand is a solid choice. It is cold-pressed and put through a micro-processing filtration that’s supposed to preserve the protein’s amino acid profile. While we cannot confirm that, we know it tastes darn good and did not upset any stomachs during testing.
What our tester says:
“It was OK with water, but very good when mixed with milk. With milk, the Vanilla protein reminded me of vanilla bean ice cream.”
Momentous’ grass-fed whey is cold-pressed, which is a way of processing that prevents the protein from denaturing and preserves more amino acids and nutrients from the milk product. According to Momentous, this allows the protein to be digested more efficiently. The formulation earned a perfect 5 out of 5 from our product tester, which is why it’s our pick for the best clean whey protein powder.
Momentous also includes a compound called Prohydrolase in its protein powder. Prohydrolase is a blend of digestive enzymes called proteases, which break down protein molecules during digestion.
This means that Prohydrolase, when taken along with whey protein, can increase the levels of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) in the blood faster and allow the muscle to uptake these amino acids quicker. It can also support smoother digestion of your protein supplement.
These findings seem to be supported by a study conducted in 2020, which gave ProHydrolase to a group of males who engaged regularly in strength training. It was concluded that ProHydrolase did, indeed, increase the blood levels of amino acids more quickly compared to the placebo that didn’t include digestive enzymes2.
Studies conducted on the efficacy of ProHydrolase recommend the clinically effective dose of 10 milligrams of ProHydrolase for every 1 gram of protein, so you can’t say this protein powder isn’t evidence-based!
Caine Wilkes, an Olympic weightlifter who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, says in his Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein review that the Vanilla flavor is a 4 out of 5.
“It was ok with water, very good with milk,” says Caine. “With milk, the flavor reminded me of vanilla bean ice cream. With water, it reminded me of middle-of-the-road vanilla protein taste.”
Our biggest callout is the price, which earns 1 out of 5 stars at $2.19 per serving. This is pretty expensive for a protein powder, and while the quality is great, there are certainly more affordable options to consider.
However, athletes will like the fact that Momentous’ protein powder is third-party tested by two different labs: NSF for Sport and Informed Choice. Both certifications ensures that it’s free from banned substances. Caine adds, “It’s a relief to see these third-party certifications, because it helps me avoid supplements that could potentially be career-ending.”
| Price | $54.95 per container / $2.19 per serving |
| Flavors | Unflavored, Vanilla, Chocolate |
| Main Protein Source | Grass-fed whey protein isolate |
| Calories Per Serving | 90 |
| Protein Per Serving | 23.3 g |
Other Clean Protein Powders We Researched
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder: We really like the formulation and flavor on this one, but the price per serving was a little more than some of the other options on our list.
- Isopure Protein Powder Zero Carb: This is another popular option with a great formulation, but there’s no third-party testing available to verify the ingredients.
- 1st Phorm Phormula-1: This is a popular option, but it’s a little low in protein for how much it costs, so we left it off our list.
- Earth Fed Muscle Ca-Cow: The flavor and formulation earn 5 out of 5 stars, but it’s just a bit too expensive to include in our top picks.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Clean Protein Powder
Our goal when selecting protein powders for this list is that we wanted to offer something for everyone. Theoretically speaking, everyone would like their protein powder to be clean, but finding the products within that category that fit your specific needs and goals is arguably more important. Our team selected the brands on our list based on the following criteria:
Additives and Artificial Ingredients
This one is obvious. There’s plenty of junk that doesn’t serve much functional purpose in improving body composition, performance, or wellness in most commercial protein powders. However, the ones that can proudly call themselves clean keep the additives and synthetic ingredients to a minimum, so the product can be stripped down to what we are truly trying to consume: protein!
Protein Source
One other thing that non-clean (dirty protein?) powders have in common is they will sometimes throw in incomplete protein sources with a weak amino acid content as a filler just because those ingredients happen to be cheaper. So, they use subpar sources to pad the weight of the powder. See above with fillers. We wanted to select protein powders that give an adequate dose of the essential amino acids and BCAAs we need to perform optimally and support a healthy level of muscle mass.
Trusted Brands
We wanted to commit to recommending brands that are not only well-known in the world of sports nutrition but are also trusted in their integrity to make the best protein powders. The companies on this list we have used personally in our practice as dietitians (I’ll raise my hand there), trainers, athletes, or in other capacities. We’ve seen them work firsthand! So, we would be remiss if we didn’t pass off this information by name-dropping the best in the industry of protein powders.
Lab Testing
Many protein powder brands conduct third-party testing, but it’s not always easy to find the results, and we wanted to test products ourselves. We worked with an independent accredited lab, Ellipse Analytics, to taste and score more than 150 protein powders.
These tests assessed label accuracy to verify protein content, which measures how much protein is in each serving, and product purity, testing the levels of potentially harmful ingredients like heavy metals, bisphenols, phthalates, and pesticides. Many products contain trace amounts of various ingredients, but we wanted to know just how much was in each product and if the protein should still be considered safe for human consumption.
We only recommend products that scored ratings of “excellent,” “above average,” or “meets standard.”
What Is Clean Protein Powder?
When shopping for any protein source, Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, recommends looking for “added sugars, excessive sodium, and saturated fats, which could take away from the overall nutritional quality.”
When it comes to determining what makes a protein powder clean or not, we generally mean that a clean protein powder is free of extraneous filler ingredients and has good sources of protein. So, clean protein powders will typically be free of additives and artificial ingredients. Additionally, the protein will have a complete amino acid profile, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for anyone’s diet.
You can determine if your protein powder is clean by looking at the nutrition label:
- Check for artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame, etc.) and additives
- Look at the sugar content
- Research ingredients you don’t know
- Check the source of the protein
Benefits of Clean Protein Powder
According to Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, “Protein is a building block for muscle, hair, skin, and nails, and it helps build and repair tissue in the body. It’s critical for nearly every cell in the body.”
There are several other reasons to consider adding a clean protein powder to your diet:
Hunger Control
As mentioned earlier, protein powder like casein protein is slow-digesting. This means it hangs out in the stomach for a decent amount of time and can keep you feeling fuller for longer. So, thinking outside of using protein powder as a post-workout recovery tool, it can also be used as a weight loss tool to prevent overeating—and this applies to whey and plant-based products, too!
“In addition to aiding the repair and rebuilding of lean muscle, protein helps fill you up. If you’re trying to lose weight, you need to reduce your calories. Replacing foods that are lower in nutrients with quality protein sources may help you do just that,” says Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.
With this goal in mind, choosing a clean protein powder for these purposes can mean that, due to a low number of ingredients and extraneous fillers, the calories in clean protein powders tend to be low which can also help with maintaining a calorie deficit.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss
Supports Faster Recovery
A clean protein powder may absorb faster than one with extra ingredients that give the body more to sift through during digestion. Either way, science has shown that protein powder, specifically whey, absorbs faster than whole food sources of protein which results in better performance.
A study conducted in 2019 found a moderately positive effect on power and strength in athletes who took a protein supplement after training rather than the athletes who only consumed beef or carbohydrates3.
Safer for Athletes
If you are an athlete who is drug tested either on a schedule or regularly, it’s always a good idea to choose a clean protein powder that is third-party tested. In order to ensure that their protein powders are safe, brands that produce clean protein powders are usually tested by an outside lab to ensure that they do not contain any banned substances, even by accident (which does happen!).
Dosing and Interactions
When taken as directed, whey protein is likely safe for most adults. How much protein you should take will vary from person to person.
“Protein needs vary based on an individual’s age, gender, activity level, and overall health,” says Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “The recommended dietary allowance is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. This translates to about 50 grams for someone who weighs 150 pounds. However, those who are active or want to build muscle or maintain muscle as they age might need 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram. It’s always good to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to ensure you’re meeting your protein needs.”
Several side effects can be experienced with high protein doses, including bowel movement changes, acne, nausea, thirst, bloating, sleep issues, and headaches. Generally, unless you have sensitivities to whey or milk, protein powder with these sources is generally very safe.
However, collagen-based protein powder has more potential for interactions. The use of collagen peptides is not recommended for anyone with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Among collagen’s components is hydroxyproline, which is converted into oxalate by the kidneys and significantly increases the chances of forming stones for those who are prone to them.
If you have a diet rich in high-protein foods already, aim for between 20 to 50 grams of protein powder each day to supplement your current protein intake.
Third-Party Testing
In order to be classified as “clean,” protein powders do not need to be tested by a third party, but these certifications can provide you with an extra level of assurance.
Protein powder brands proudly bearing the seal of third-party testing are also letting you know an unbiased source has cleared the protein powder of containing heavy metals, banned substances, and other harmful ingredients that may have been accidentally added during processing or even put there intentionally.
Seriously, I’ve seen athletes lose out on draft placements because they were taking a protein powder that lacked third-party testing and ended up containing a banned substance, which caused them to fail a drug test. This harmless mistake can be catastrophic for a college or professional athlete’s career.
So, while third-party testing isn’t a requirement for most people just trying to find a healthy protein product, I always tell my athletes to exclusively choose third-party tested protein powder to protect themselves. Luckily, there are plenty on our list to choose from.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Clean Protein Powder
Number of Ingredients
Supplements on this list have been carefully selected to contain the fewest ingredients possible. Additives and fillers make protein powders dirty, and that’s the opposite of what you’re here for if you’re reading this! If you’re looking for a clean protein powder, this should be the number one thing you look at on the nutrition label.
Cost
The dirty truth of the sports supplement industry is most—that’s right, I said most—budget protein powders contain low-quality protein, not enough protein, or tons of cheap fillers to help the company save a buck. Therefore, clean protein powders tend to be a little more costly because the company values purity and is willing to incur the costs of production to give their consumers the cleanest product they can.
Nevertheless, there are a few on this list whose costs are comparable to those available at the store with a longer ingredient list. Our advice is to just make sure that if you’re paying a premium price, you’re getting a premium product. Start by looking at the amount of protein per gram and compare it to the grams in a serving of a scoop.
Carbohydrate and Fat Content
I think I’ve hammered you over the head enough that you’re well aware that artificial ingredients, fillers, and additives do not equal “clean.” A high carb and fat content don’t not equal clean, but they are something to note when you’re shopping around. It is ideal to have the protein in your protein powder as isolated as possible because, after all, you’re paying for a protein supplement, not a carb or fat supplement. Unless you’re trying to put on some muscle mass and need the extra calories, this is something to consider.
Best Clean Protein Powder: FAQs
What is the best quality protein powder?
Every clean protein powder comes with its own benefits, so what you consider to be the best depends on what you value in a supplement, like taste or protein content, and what your goals are. The most natural on our list, though, is probably Naked Nutrition Casein, as it is the only one that contains only one ingredient.
What is the cleanest form of protein powder?
When speaking about formulation, the fewer ingredients a protein powder has, the cleaner it tends to be. If you’re looking for a purer protein powder, look for whey hydrolysate, which is 99% protein, more than whey protein isolate or whey protein concentrate.
The same goes for plant-based proteins. Aim for an isolate protein blend, which will have more protein. Also, with a blend, all essential amino acids should be accounted for.
How do I know if a protein powder is clean?
Look at the ingredients list on the nutrition facts label and ask yourself if all of the ingredients serve a purpose, whether it be extra performance-based ingredients like creatine, natural sweeteners, or compounds to help with mixability like sunflower lecithin. If there’s an excess of ingredients you don’t recognize or the label does not explain why it’s there, it’s probably not clean.
Does Isopure have heavy metals?
Back in 2018, Consumer Reports found that Isopure protein powder had high levels of heavy metals. However, GGR recently partnered with a third-party lab, Ellipse Analytics, to test more than 150 protein powders. Isopure Zero-Carb Whey Protein received an Excellent rating, meaning it fell in the top 10% of all products we tested when looking for the presence of heavy metals. You can learn more about our testing process in our independent supplement testing glossary.
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
- Kim J. Pre-sleep casein protein ingestion: new paradigm in post-exercise recovery nutrition. Phys Act Nutr. 2020;24(2):6-10. doi:10.20463/pan.2020.0009
- Townsend JR, Morimune JE, Jones MD, et al. The Effect of ProHydrolase® on the Amino Acid and Intramuscular Anabolic Signaling Response to Resistance Exercise in Trained Males. Sports (Basel). 2020;8(2):13. Published 2020 Jan 22. doi:10.3390/sports8020013
- Cintineo HP, Arent MA, Antonio J, Arent SM. Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training. Front Nutr. 2018;5:83. Published 2018 Sep 11. doi:10.3389/fnut.2018.00083
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