Best Protein Powder 2026: Tested and Chosen by Experts

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has an excellent formulation, earning 5 out of 5 stars for this category. Laila Ouldibbat, R.D., likes the short ingredient list—there are only five components—and the fact that it’s free of artificial dyes, preservatives, and fillers. 

Most importantly, it’s essentially pure protein with 28 grams coming from the macronutrient responsible for building muscle and increasing satiety¹ (the feeling of being full), while containing minimal amounts of fats and carbohydrates. 

Why We Like Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• It contains a higher-than-average protein content in each scoop
• There are 22 available flavors to choose from
• It’s third-party tested, with certificates of analysis available for review

What We Didn’t Like About Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• It’s expensive, and the 2-pound tub costs $1.99 per serving
• Since they contain less fat, whey isolates aren’t as filling as other types of protein powder
• Some users find several flavors to be a bit too sweet

If you want a more affordable option and don’t need a whey protein isolate, we recommend Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate. 

Read our full Transparent Labs Protein review to learn more.

Legion Whey+ Certified Grass-Fed Irish Whey Protein Isolate is a third-party tested whey protein powder that’s become a favorite of ours, and we appreciate that each serving has a balanced macronutrient profile that contains no artificial sweeteners or fillers. This clean protein powder earns 5 out of 5 for the formulation due to its all-natural, high-quality ingredients. 

The GGR team has tried several flavors of Legion Whey+ and found most, if not all, to be very tasty and enjoyable.

Why We Like Legion Whey+

• It’s formulated with clinically proven ingredients and no artificial sweeteners
• It uses grass-fed whey isolate
• There are plenty of great flavors to choose from

What We Didn’t Like About Legion Whey+

• It’s more expensive than the average whey protein powder
• The resealable bag can be tricky to seal completely
• The protein content ranges from 22-24 grams, which is lower than most protein powders 

If you want something that’s a bit higher in protein but still earns 5 out of 5 stars for the formulation, we recommend Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate.

For more, read our complete Legion Whey Protein review.

Taste can be subjective, but 1st Phorm Phormula-1 Clear is one of the best-tasting protein powders we’ve ever tried. Our product tester, Carter Coughlin, gave it 5 out of 5 stars for flavor, saying it’s one of the best protein powders he’s ever had the pleasure of drinking. He says, “The watermelon tastes like a nice, refreshing juice— exactly what I want after a run.”

All of the flavors are tropical, fruity flavors, so if you’re not typically a fan of dairy-based whey protein, this is a refreshing alternative. 

Why We Like 1st Phorm Phormula-1 Clear

• It has 22 grams of protein and only 90 calories, making it a very low-calorie choice
• It foams a little bit, but didn’t settle or separate at all after mixing
• It’s third-party tested for purity and label accuracy

What We Didn’t Like About 1st Phorm Phormula-1 Clear

• 22 grams of protein may be slightly lower than some prefer
• It tastes horrible when mixed with milk (yes, we tried)
• The price per serving is quite high

If you want plenty of flavor choices but prefer a typical whey protein experience, we recommend trying Legion Whey+, instead.

If you are looking for a protein powder that creates a smooth, creamy texture, NOBULL Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is a great choice. Our expert tester examined the Chocolate variety and was surprised by the smooth end result after simply mixing the powder in a shaker cup, giving it a 5 out of 5 for solubility. “I’m not usually a protein powder user—I typically think they taste bad with a chalky texture. However, I would recommend this one and might even try it again!” 

She also enjoyed the flavor, saying it tasted exactly like chocolate milk. This experience earned NOBULL a perfect 5 out of 5 for taste, as well.

Why We Like NOBULL Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

• Outstanding solubility and flavor
• Gluten-free, third-party tested formulation
• Contains a full 25 grams of protein for only 120 calories

What We Didn’t Like About NOBULL Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

• Only two flavors to choose from at the time of writing
• Above-average cost
• You need to spend $99 to get free shipping

If you’re looking for a whey isolate that has comparable mixability and taste with a higher protein content per serving, check out Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey. Transparent Labs Whey has 28 grams of protein per serving instead of 25, and you can choose from 22 different flavors instead of just two.

With only 120 calories per serving, Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake is a great option if you’re looking for a protein powder for weight loss. Available in just one flavor (Vanilla), you can mix it into Greek yogurt or simply toss a scoop in your favorite shaker bottle for a low-calorie, high-protein snack to satisfy your cravings.

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, gave this 4 out of 5 stars for the taste, an impressive score for a plant-based protein formula. 

“I tried this two ways—in a blender cup with water, and in a smoothie with strawberries and blueberries,” explains Kate. “Even just with water, this has a nice taste. It’s not super plant-y or hemp-y like some plant-based proteins are.”

Why We Like Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

• Plant-based formulation with a blend that provides all the essential amino acids
• Only 120 calories per serving
• Suitable for those with lactose intolerance

What We Didn’t Like About Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

• Only one flavor to choose from
• Costs nearly $3 per serving
• Below-average protein content

If you want something that’s a bit more affordable, you may like Quince Certified Organic Plant Protein. It’s another plant-based formulation with more protein per serving, and it’s less than half the cost of Ritual. 

For more, read our full Ritual Protein Powder review.

If you don’t enjoy dairy-based protein powders, or have lactose intolerance, a plant-based protein can be a great alternative, and we were very impressed with Quince Certified Organic Plant Protein. 

Many plant-based proteins are incomplete on their own, which means they don’t provide all of the essential amino acids that your body requires. However, Quince uses a blend of sources to ensure this protein delivers a complete protein, and it’s further enhanced with probiotics and digestive enzymes. It’s also certified organic and earns 5 out of 5 stars for its formulation. 

Why We Like Quince Certified Organic Plant Protein

• Provides a complete protein source with a blend of plant-based ingredients
• No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners
• All ingredients are certified organic

What We Didn’t Like About Quince Certified Organic Plant Protein

• It has an earthy taste that’s common with plant-based proteins
• The texture may feel somewhat gritty, depending on how you mix it
• Our tester experienced some minor bloating

If you want to stick with a plant-based protein but aren’t quite sold on this one, Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake may be a great alternative to consider, though it costs a bit more.

What We Like:

• Third-party tested
• Very affordable pricing
• 25 grams of protein per serving

What We Don’t Like:

• Whey protein concentrate can be thicker and harder to digest than whey isolate
• More fat and lactose than whey isolates
• Contains artificial sweeteners

What We Like:

• Casein protein is great for staying full between meals
• It uses grass-fed dairy
• Mixes very well for a casein protein

What We Don’t Like:

• Chocolate is the only available flavor
• Not a great post-workout protein
• Above-average cost

What We Like:

• Formulated with organic pea and rice protein
• Mixes better than most plant-based proteins
• Certified USDA Organic

What We Don’t Like:

• Costs $2.99 per serving
• We found the flavors to be good, not great
• Below-average protein content

What We Like:

• Low in calories
• Contains digestive enzymes
• Our tester says the flavor is excellent

What We Don’t Like:

• We found it to be a bit clumpy and hard to mix
• It contains sucralose, which some may not like
• Only three flavors to choose from

While you can absolutely get all the protein you need from high-protein food sources if you prefer, protein powder can be a very useful tool for just about any fitness goal you may have. Here are some of the most important benefits, and the reasons we think a good protein powder is one of the most important supplements. 

Convenience

It’s much easier and quicker to chug 8 ounces of protein powder (mixed with the liquid of your choice) than it is to defrost, prepare, cook, and eat a piece of meat (not to mention the clean-up). It may not be as portable as a protein bar, but it’s still quick and convenient, and a great choice when you need protein in a pinch. 

“One of the easiest ways to sneak in more protein is with protein powder, that can be added to most foods, without evening noticing a difference,” says Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. “Add it to oatmeal, yogurt or of course, a smoothie.”

Shelf Stability

Does protein powder expire? Well, it definitely doesn’t last forever, but protein powder can last a surprisingly long time on your shelf if properly sealed and kept out of direct sunlight.

If you’re tired of buying food that goes bad before you have time to eat, keeping a good protein powder on-hand is a great way to make sure you always hit your protein goals. 

You can also travel with protein powder without having to worry about temperature control—just throw some protein powder in a Ziploc bag, and it can stay in your backpack or suitcase while you’re on the road.

Supports Muscle Growth

Adequate protein intake has been shown to support muscle growth and strength gains² in both trained and untrained individuals. There are mountains of evidence supporting the use of protein powder to help build muscle, especially since your protein demands will be higher when you’re regularly following a strength-training program. 

While you can (and should) prioritize whole foods, protein powder makes it much easier to reach your daily protein needs, especially since whey proteins tend to digest very quickly, making them a good post-workout choice. 

Versatile Food Substitution

Since protein powder uses whole-food ingredients, either dairy or plant-based, it’s often considered a secondary food source, even though it’s technically a supplement. You can add it to a shaker cup with water, blend it into a smoothie, stir some into your yogurt or oatmeal, or even bake with protein. 

If you’re struggling to reach your protein goals, protein powder offers a convenient, easy way to boost your protein intake. 

“I try to eat about 200 grams of protein per day, which can be difficult to do with whole foods,” says Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC. “If I’m focused on building muscle and gaining some weight, I don’t always have much of an appetite toward the end of the day. If I’m getting full but am short on protein, it’s much easier to add one or two scoops to a shake or smoothie than it is to try and force myself to eat a larger portion of chicken or beef.”

Protein powders will try to draw you in with colorful labels and attractive claims, but here’s what you should actually look for when you’re trying to decide which is the best protein powder for you. 

Nutrition Content

The calorie and protein content to look for can vary depending on your fitness goal. For example, if you’re looking to bulk (or add muscle), you’d want more calories than someone whose main goal is weight loss, and may want to choose a protein that’s higher in calories. 

Additionally, it’s important to consider how much protein is in each serving, as well as carbs and fats. Some protein powders, like whey isolates, are very low in calories and high in protein. Others tend to have a more balanced profile that may contain more carbs, fats, and calories than you’re expecting.

RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss

While not too common, you may also see added ingredients like creatine or additional amino acids, which are intended to support muscle gain and performance. If you’re already taking creatine, however, this may be unnecessary. 

Since many (but not all) vegan protein sources are incomplete on their own, meaning they don’t offer all of the essential amino acids your body needs, look for blends when choosing a plant-based protein. For example, a good vegan protein may include both pea protein and rice protein, or things like added BCAAs to help round out the amino acid profile.

Finally, if you prefer natural sweeteners, look for things like stevia or monkfruit, as many protein powders rely on artificial sweeteners, like sucralose. These sweeteners can help reduce the sugar content, which can be beneficial, according to sports dietitian Destini Moody RD, CSSD, LD.

“One of the major benefits of choosing a low-sugar protein powder is that it allows you to more precisely control your macros,” she explains. “Low-sugar protein powder allows you to just hit your protein numbers and get those carbs from nutritious foods like whole grains, rather than sugar.”

Protein Type

Most protein powders come from whey protein, but there are different protein types; the two most common alternatives being casein protein powder and plant-based protein powders. Casein is also a dairy-based protein that digests more slowly than whey, which is why athletes will often take it before going to sleep.

RELATED: Best Recovery Protein Powder

Even within the whey protein family, there are slight differences. Whey protein isolate has fewer carbs, fats, and lactose than whey protein concentrate, while hydrolyzed whey has been processed even further for faster digestion. All of these work well, and the main difference is the speed of digestion. 

There are also meal replacements, sometimes called mass gainers, which contain an entire meal’s worth of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Mass gainers are primarily used for people looking to add muscle mass, but can also be utilized by those trying to reduce their body weight.

Fitness Goals

Protein is (obviously) essential for building muscle, but how much you need depends on your fitness goals. Destini Moody RD, CSSD, LD notes that while protein recommendations can vary based on the population, athletes looking to build strength and muscle have higher needs than most.

“If you truly want more of a blanket recommendation that ensures you’ll gain muscle across multiple athletes and training types, I’ll tell you what I tell my athletes,” she explains. “As a general rule, 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight is a solid amount.”

For people on a cut, you’ll want a whey isolate for an extra boost of protein without extra fat or carbs. If you actually want those extra calories while on a bulk, go for a whey concentrate or a full-on mass gainer to make your shakes more of a meal. 

Before making any purchase, start by looking at what you actually want your protein powder to accomplish. Chances are, there’s a perfect fit out there.

Third-Party Testing

Remember to always check the third-party testing credentials of your protein powder before you buy. If the product has been tested, it will typically be noted on the packaging and on the product website. Check for things NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice/Sport, or other reputable organizations on the label, and whether the test results are available on the brand’s website. These tests will show results for a range of potential contaminants in your protein powder, including heavy metals, harmful additives, and/or banned substances. 

Allergens and Dietary Preferences

Along with third-party testing, you’ll want to research all potential allergens in any protein powder you’re considering. This includes obvious ones like wheat, nuts, and milk, along with shellfish, tree nuts, and fish oil. Even if it doesn’t seem like a protein powder would include any of these ingredients on the surface, there’s always the potential for cross-contamination at the manufacturing facility. 

You might have to avoid certain brands, depending on the type of allergy you have. In other cases, like with lactose intolerance, you could just opt for a dairy-free powder. These plant-based powders typically come from rice, pea, or pumpkin protein and are just as effective as dairy-based powders. Remember, plant-based powders should be third-party tested just like dairy powders, so don’t let your guard down.

The label should make it very clear what you’re getting, as you’ll often see things like lactose-free, non-GMO, certified organic, soy-free, and more when looking at various proteins. 

If you’re still not sure which protein powder is the best fit for your needs, here’s a quick guide to help you find the right option at a glance.