How to Find the Best Protein Powder for You—18 Lab-Tested and RD-Approved Picks

Legion Whey+ contains no artificial ingredients ingredients and is tested by Labdoor, a third-party laboratory that ensures supplements are free from heavy metals and banned substances. In other words, athletes and those looking to prioritize all-natural supplements can take this clean protein powder with peace of mind knowing it’s antibiotic-free, hormone-free, GMO-free, and sugar-free. Those are just some of the reasons we named it our best overall protein powder.

GGR’s own independent testing with independent accredited lab Ellipse Analytics also found that Legion Whey+ scored in the top half of the 150 protein powders we tested for label accuracy and purity, achieving an overall Meets Standard rating. This testing checks for things like bisphenols and phthalates (chemical compounds used to make plastics), which may be harmful for immune and reproductive health¹. You can learn more about these purity metrics in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.

Legion also has a Truly Grass-Fed certification, which means the cows that produced the dairy from which the protein was made spent most of their time grazing on grass in open fields—you know, the way nature intended.

The GGR team has tried several flavors of Legion Whey+ and found most, if not all to be very tasty. Anthony O’Reilly, a certified nutrition coach and GGR Performance Editor, awarded the Cinnamon Cereal flavor a 5 out of 5 on taste and says it tastes like the milk at the bottom of a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

GGR Senior Director of Content and competitive weightlifter Kate Meier has been using Legion Whey+ for a month. “The Vanilla option is perfect for my morning fruit smoothie because it adds a hint of flavor and gets me more than 20 grams of protein,” she says.

As far as solubility goes, this gets a perfect 5 out of 5 on our list, as it dissolves great in water and mixes very well in smoothies.

As far as nutrition, Legion hits it out of the park. The exact macronutrient makeup varies by flavor, though you can expect anywhere from 22 to 24 grams of protein with a modest amount of carbs and fat.

The only negative thing about this protein powder is its $2.00 per serving cost, which falls at a 3.5 out of 5 on our scoring metric. And while it doesn’t have an Informed Choice or NSF Certified for Sport certification, it is third-party tested by Labdoor for harmful and banned substances.

Learn more in our Legion whey protein review, or watch our Legion Whey+ video review.

If you’re looking for one of the best clean protein powders, check out Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate. It’s essentially pure protein, with 28 grams coming from the macronutrient responsible for building muscle and increasing satiety² (the feeling of being full). There’s just one gram of carbohydrates and zero grams of fat in most flavors, making it a great option for anyone whose main focus is protein intake. 

We like Transparent Labs for those looking to build muscle or lose weight. 

Anthony O’Reilly, a certified personal trainer and GGR Performance Editor, loves it because it tastes great—customer reviews state the eight year-round flavors are all delicious, but he couldn’t help snagging the limited edition Peppermint Hot Chocolate flavor. “This is something I’d put out for Santa Claus if he drank protein shakes instead of milk, though I would’ve liked the peppermint flavor to be a little more apparent,” Anthony says. “Still, it gets a 5 out of 5 on taste. I hope they bring this back next holiday season.”

Laila Ouldibbat, R.D., loves Transparent Labs whey isolate because it’s a clean product, starting with the grass-fed and hormone-free cows who help make the milk from which the whey protein isolate is extracted. Whey protein isolate is protein that’s been filtered to remove lactose from the product, which not only allows those with dairy sensitivities to consume it with few issues but also creates a lower-fat product.

Laila also likes the short ingredient list—there are only five—and the fact that it’s free of dyes, preservatives, or fillers, which granted this a 4.5 out of 5 on our rating metric. It’s not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, which shouldn’t be a problem if you’re getting those vital nutrients from other food sources.

And if you’re an athlete, you’ll be happy that Transparent Labs products have been checked by Informed Sport for any banned substances. GGR also enlisted Ellipse Analytics, an independent accredited lab, to test Transparent Labs’ whey isolate. It ranked as an Above Average product overall, meaning it passed our rigorous quality screen for both protein content and purity. Check out what purity really means in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.

Read our full Transparent Labs Protein Review for the rest of our thoughts on this product.

To give you an idea of how tasty Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is, GGR Senior Director of Content Kate Meier gave the Chocolate Peanut Butter a 5 out of 5—and she doesn’t like peanut butter. “It was there, but it doesn’t overpower the chocolate,” she says in her Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate review. “I really, really liked it.”

The weightlifting coach gave it a 5 out of 5 on solubility, too, noting the shake became super creamy, especially when mixed with milk.

Nutricost has a lot more than being the best-tasting protein powder going for it. It’s a high-quality protein that contains key nutrients that have been shown to help with building muscle mass. “Twenty-five grams of protein is plenty to stimulate muscle protein synthesis for building and repairing muscle mass,” explains Perry Nix, R.D. We did dock one point in the formulation category because of the artificial ingredients in some flavors of Nutricost Whey Concentrate, but it still earns a solid 4 out of 5.

At about $1.00 per serving, Nutricost Whey Concentrate is super wallet-friendly, giving it a 5-out-of-5 rating for price.

Athletes will be happy to know that Nutricost is third-party tested, though it’s not my a major lab so we’re giving it a 4 out of 5 in the transparency category.

On digestion, we rated it a 4.5 out of 5. Kate says her partner, who typically can’t eat dairy, experienced no issues but certified personal trainer Amanda Dvorak says she felt slightly bloated afterwards. “I’ve noticed the same thing with any other whey concentrate I’ve had, so it’s not unique to just this on,” she says.

As a reminder, whey protein concentrates contain much more lactose than whey protein isolates, so it might not be the best choice for those with dairy sensitivities.

We like Sports Research whey protein isolate as one of the best protein powders for smoothies because it tastes good and blends up well. 

We’ll admit, if you just use a shaker cup and some milk or water, the solubility of this product isn’t great from our experience. However, if you blend it up into a smoothie, you’ll get a creamy frozen treat that’s absolutely delicious. 

Our tester, GGR Performance Editor and certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly, tried the Dutch Chocolate flavor of this protein and rated it a 5 out of 5 for taste. “This tastes like an instant cocoa powder drink, which is a good thing,” he explains. “I want to have this with marshmallows over an open fire. No protein aftertaste at all, and no upset stomach or bloating either.”

Anthony blended this with fresh strawberries, bananas, and milk and found it to be the perfect sweet treat. “It tastes just like a chocolate-covered strawberry,” he says in our Sports Research Whey Protein review. “It’s like Valentine’s Day in a cup. The chocolate doesn’t overpower the strawberries, but it’s still there.”

Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate also gets a 4.5 out of 5 for formulation. It has 25 grams of protein per serving with 2 to 4 grams of carbs and 3.5 to 4 grams of fat, depending on the flavor. It does use artificial ingredients, so we docked it a half a point.  

Price-wise, Sports Research gets a 5-out-of-5 rating with its approximately $1.46 per serving cost; that’s significantly less than many other protein powders on the market. Also, it’s third-party tested—for the price, you can’t beat it. 

We’ve tested our share of the best vegan protein powders. And unfortunately, plant-based protein powders often have the disadvantage of being low in certain types of amino acids—case in point, pea protein lacks enough methionine to be considered a “complete” protein source (a protein with all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle growth). Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake gets around this problem by adding more methionine to the powder, providing 20 complete grams of protein per serving.

GGR Senior Director of Content and weightlifting coach Kate Meier has been using Ritual Essential protein in her morning smoothies that has blueberries, strawberries, and one serving of this vanilla protein powder. “The taste is definitely detectable, but not overly strong,” Kate says in our Ritual Protein Powder review, scoring it a 4 out of 5 on taste.

Kate and Kathleen, another one of our expert product testers, rated the solubility a 5 out of 5. “This has a shockingly great consistency,” Kate says.

Both testers also said the pouch sometimes gets powders stuck in the grooves near the top, which makes closing the bag a struggle.

Ritual only has one flavor as of this writing, and as a subscription-based company, they don’t allow you to just order one container. However, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. On the bright side, you’ll never have to worry about running out of protein powder.

Registered dietitian Bob Iafelice says True Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate contains “clean, simple ingredients with no unnecessary additives.” What’s more, many of their flavor options are made with natural and non-GMO ingredients, though there is some stevia which may not agree with everyone.

That said, a big reason we picked this protein is because even the unflavored version is pretty tasty. “It actually does have a little flavor that I would compare to watered-down powdered skim milk,” says Kathleen Penner, a registered nurse and former physique competitor. “Can’t taste it at all when mixed with other liquids.” Kathleen rated the taste a 4.5 out of 5.

The formulation earns a perfect 5 out of 5. Each scoop gives you 30 grams of protein for 120 calories thanks to the cold-filtration process that removes much of the lactose, sugars, and carbohydrates naturally found in cow’s milk.

Unfortunately, that comes at a price. Each scoop is about $1.50, which isn’t the worst so we’ll give it a 3.5 out of 5 on the pricing scale. You’re also only getting 14 servings per bag, whereas most companies have closer to 30 servings per container.

Kathleen says she might be willing to pay that price. “I love the fine texture of the powder and how easily it dissolves,” she says. “I didn’t get any type of GI problems—no bloating or abdominal pain. Normally I buy flavored, but the unflavored gives an advantage for mixing with any preferred liquid without affecting the taste.”

Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein has an Informed Sport certification, meaning it’s been tested for more than 250 banned substances and meets the standards of approval of several regulatory and government agencies, sports industry organizations, and consumer groups.

Some supplements, including protein powders and pre-workouts, contain harmful ingredients or small doses of banned substances that might show up in a drug test. Different sports governing bodies have different screening policies and dose limits for certain substances, so the Informed Sport certification tells an athlete they can take that supplement without worrying about potentially failing a drug test.

There’s way more to like about Onnit Grass-Fed whey, too. It comes packed with 20 grams of protein and several billion probiotics to help with immune health³. Onnit sources their dairy from New Zealand cows, which means there are zero concerns about hormones or antibiotics in the dairy used to create this whey protein isolate and it’s more nutrient-dense.

Former GGR senior staff writer, expert product tester, and triathlon athlete Amanda Capritto grabbed the Mexican Chocolate flavor and said it was one of the more unique chocolate protein powders she’s tried. 

“It actually does taste different than other chocolate protein powders, which I honestly wasn’t expecting,” she says in our Onnit Grass Fed Whey Isolate review. “It’s rich when mixed with whole or oat milk.” The solubility, she added, was a 5 out of 5. “This dissolves great—almost too well!”

Casein protein powder is one of the best protein powders for weight loss because it digests slower than whey protein or any plant-based protein types, meaning it keeps you fuller for longer and can help you more easily achieve the caloric deficit⁷ that’s necessary to achieve weight loss.

Transparent Labs is our favorite casein powder because it tastes great and is more easily mixed into liquid than other options (casein is naturally thicker than whey). You can read our full thoughts on this product in our Transparent Labs casein protein review, but here are the highlights.

“Unlike with most casein powders, I don’t find it particularly difficult to break up all the clumps with this one,” says certified sports nutrition coach and former GGR senior staff writer Amanda Capritto, who scored the solubility a 4.5 out of 5. 

Amanda has tried dozens of protein powders—including many on our best casein protein powder list—and it’s rare that she awards a 5 out of 5 on taste—but she did for this protein powder. “This stuff tastes damn near like Jell-O chocolate pudding out of the little plastic tubs,” she says. “I actually crave this.” 

She normally uses it to create a protein pudding, which you can make by adding splashes of liquid (preferably milk) and mixing until all the powder is incorporated and it reaches your desired consistency. You can also make a thick shake with casein protein, although we definitely recommend the pudding option.

Beyond this casein’s yummy taste and consistency, it rated highly in our independent testing as well. GGR worked with independent and accredited lab Ellipse Analytics to test more than 150 protein powders for label accuracy and purity, and Transparent Labs’ casein was rated as Meets Standard overall. This means it’s in the top 50% of samples we tested and has passed our strict quality screen. Our independent supplement testing glossary provides more information about what we tested for and why.

Unlike some low-carb protein powders, Jacked Factory doesn’t compromise on taste. Although we haven’t tried the Vanilla Jacked Factory Authentic Whey, we’ve given their other flavors a 4 out of 5 or above, so we’re confident we’ll enjoy this classic option, too.

There are also multiple 5-star customer reviews for the flavor, such as reviewer Jay who says, “I normally hate vanilla protein but this is hands down the best [I’ve] ever tried. Mixes easily, tastes great, and has a perfect macro ratio.”

Anthony O’Reilly, a certified nutrition coach and GGR Performance Editor, can personally attest to the fact that the Fruity Cereal Splash tastes exactly like the fruity breakfast cereal we all know and love (y’know, the one with the bird on the box). It does have a slight artificial aftertaste, though, which brought its flavor score to a 4 out of 5.

There were also no clumps, which is always a huge plus.

We’re not the type of fitness gurus who demonize carbs, but we also agree that protein powders should mostly contain…well, protein. Authentic Whey only contains one gram of carbs per scoop, making it a perfect choice for those looking to prioritize protein intake or those who need to minimize carb intake.

The magic is in Jacked Factory’s filtration process, which removes much of the carbs and lactose, making it a good choice for those who have dairy sensitivity. We also like that the high-protein product (you get 24 grams per scoop) has a short ingredients list, which helps earn it a 5 out of 5 when it comes to formulation.

Jacked Factory uses a combination of whey protein concentrate and whey isolate protein powder, both of which contain all the essential amino acids needed for protein synthesis⁴ to aid in muscle growth and recovery. 

It’s free of fillers and thickening agents, though it does contain artificial flavors (which are simply man-made flavors created in a laboratory that have little to no nutritional value and are safe for consumption).

Jacked Factory is not third-party tested, but is produced in the United States in a Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-certified and FDA-registered facility, which means it adheres to strict production standards set by the federal government.

GGR also enlisted independent accredited lab Ellipse Analytics to test more than 150 protein powders for label accuracy and purity. Jacked Factory Authentic Whey scored as Meets Standard overall, which indicates that it passed our strict quality screen. Our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary provides more information on these purity metrics if you’re curious.

And lastly, on the bright side, Authentic Whey’s $1.17 to $1.33 per serving cost is enough for it to earn a 4 out of 5 on price. You can read our full thoughts in our Jacked Factory Authentic Whey review, or check out certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele’s YouTube review.

We’ve tested more than 20 types of plant-based protein powders, and Huel Black Edition is one of our top choices due to the superior macronutrient profile and taste. This is more of a meal replacement-type protein shake, rather than one that’s used as a post-workout snack, and it’s packed with 400 calories and 40 grams of protein. It gets a 5 out of 5 on formulation.

You’re getting 18 grams of fat and 25 grams of carbs (8 grams of which are fiber, so this could be good for vegan strength athletes looking for a high-protein plant-based meal idea or someone who need an on-the-go breakfast. It’s also chockful of vitamins and minerals, which are “vital for maintaining health and preventing diseases throughout life,” according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information⁸. “While whole foods should be the primary source of micronutrients, supplementation is necessary in certain cases.”

One small warning: Huel gives you 9 milligrams of iron, which is one of the few micronutrients that could cause health issues, such as organ damage⁹, if consumed in excess. Iron requirements differ from person to person based on their physical activities and assigned sex, but 9 is very close to the upper limit for many teenage and adult people. The good thing is, most plant-based foods are low in iron so this will only be a concern if you’re not truly vegan.

We’ll be honest, most of our testers aren’t the biggest fans of vegan protein powders. That said, the Cookies and Cream flavor of Huel Black Edition won over regular dairy drinkers. “The best was adding it to my coffee,” Brittany Combs, GGR’s social media manager and a busy mom of three, says in her Huel review. “It was very sweet, but not too sweet, just the right amount of sweet.”

This is not a budget-friendly protein powder. You only get 17 servings, and the price-per-serving comes can be as high as $3.41 ($2.74 if you put it on a monthly subscription. But again, this isn’t meant to be used every day like a typical protein powder. You’re going to use this on days you need to get out the door and into your car as quick as possible. Just shake two scoops with water and you have a meal that will fill you up til lunch.

As is the case with any of the best organic protein powders, the Ora Organic Daily Superfood Protein bears the USDA Organic seal that states it’s free of synthetic or genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). It leads the pack because of what’s inside, mainly a superfoods blend for increased vitamin and mineral intake and an enzyme blend to help with digestion.

Regarding the vitamins and minerals, researchers have found that micronutrient intake had a direct correlation¹⁰ in overall health and for weight loss because you need certain amounts to carry out bodily processes and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Certified nutrition coach and GGR performance editor Anthony O’Reilly says he’s not sure if it’s the digestive enzyme blend, but he had no bloating or gas after trying Ora Organic’s Vanilla Chai flavor. He rated the taste a 4 out of 5. “It was more chai-flavored than anything else, and I typically like my chai with a little more spice,” he says. “I still think this would be great in an iced coffee or with almond milk.

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Regarding solubility, he says mixing it was a breeze. “Absolutely no clumps, which is surprising since it’s a two-scoop serving,” Anthony says. “Took about 10 to 15 seconds of shaking.”

Let’s talk about price. At $1.99 per serving, it gets a a 1 out of 5 on cost. You’re also only getting 20 servings per tub, so if you’re someone who wants to use protein powder every day it might not be the best choice.

Collagen has become a bit of a buzzword in the fitness industry lately, but the Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen Hydrolysate is anything but buzz. “[Collagen is] good for someone who is not only looking for increased protein intake but also considering skin, joint, bone, hair health¹¹,” says registered dietitian Laila Ouldibbat. 

There are two types of collagen found in this protein powder: Type I and Type III. “Type I is the type of collagen for preserving the levels of collagen in your skin, hair, or nails,” Laila says. It’s also a major component of the tendons, organs, and bones.

“Type III is generally found in reticular fibers, such as in the bone marrow,” she adds. “It’s usually found alongside Type I collagen in the body.”

There are 18 grams of protein per scoop and 20 grams of bovine collagen peptides in BUBS Collagen Peptides. It should be noted, however, that collagen protein is an incomplete protein, meaning it doesn’t contain one of the essential amino acids needed for muscle protein synthesis¹¹. In this case, it’s tryptophan, of which there are zero milligrams.

Laila says the collagen can be used like any other protein powder to increase satiety (being full)² and may also help with joint pain, bone health, and lean muscle growth¹¹. 

Kate Meier, GGR’s Senior Director of Content and a certified personal trainer, praised the undetectable taste of this unflavored collagen protein powder. “It’s not noticeable at all in my coffee,” she reported, giving it 5 out of 5 stars for taste.

In our BUBS NATURALS Collagen Protein review, Kate shared some concerns with solubility, but noted this is a product she’d still continue using. “It dissolves pretty well in coffee. You can see some floaties around, and when mixed in a cup of cold water, some sediment remains at the bottom. But I would still drink this every day,” she commented. She gave it 4 out of 5 stars for solubility. 

Another bonus of BUBS collagen peptides? In our independent testing with Ellipse Analytics, where they tested 150 protein powders for label accuracy and purity, this product was rated as Meets Standard overall, meaning it was in the top 50% of samples we tested. Check out our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary for more information on what we tested for.

Egg white protein powder is a great choice for people who want or need to avoid dairy products but still want an animal-based source of protein. We like Bulk Supplements Egg White Protein because it contains all-natural ingredients, is third-party tested, and offers an impressive 24 grams of protein per serving.

GGR Head of Content and certified personal trainer Nicole Davis tried Bulk Supplement Egg and says it’s not bad if mixed with other ingredients but she was still pretty impressed—enough so that we included it on our list of the best egg white protein powders. “I definitely think this is one you mix into a smoothie or bake with/make oatmeal, etc. just because it’s unflavored and by itself it’s pretty gross,” she says, giving the taste a 2 out of 5 when mixed on its own.

Since Bulk Egg Protein is unflavored, you probably won’t want to drink it mixed solely with water. However, Kate dissolved it in a glass of water to check its solubility. “It gets very very foamy on the top,” she says. “After you mix it it looks like liquid egg whites in the shaker. The texture just mixed with water is pretty thin though, once you get through the foam layer.”

Bulk Supplements is one of those brands that gives you a discount with larger container size, so if this fits into your diet you might want to opt for a more expensive bag that comes out to a more affordable per-scoop cost. However, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners, GMOs, or additives in the formula, which we consider a plus.

Optimum Nutrition’s 100% Gold Standard Whey Protein is easily the most affordable protein powder we’ve tried, and it also happens to be a great option if you’re looking for one of the best protein powders for muscle gain.

Laila Ouldibbat, R.D., is a fan of this protein powder for multiple reasons. For one, it contains 24 grams of protein per serving, which is just about the research-backed amount¹² per meal for an average-sized person to help build lean muscle, from a mix of protein sources (whey isolate and concentrate and hydrolyzed whey protein) that comes from hormone-free cows. It also contains 5.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in support of improved muscle endurance and recovery.

Certified personal trainer and GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis has tried multiple flavors and awarded all of them a 5 out of 5 for taste. “I ordered Delicious Strawberry and it’s amazing,” she says. “I wouldn’t have normally picked this flavor but my husband said this was his favorite protein back in the day and it didn’t disappoint. Even my kids liked it.”

Nicole noted it mixed well in her morning smoothie but that it was very thin compared to other protein powders. Don’t like strawberries? No worries, we tried multiple Optimum Nutrition protein powders to find the best Optimum Nutrition flavor.

It should come as no surprise that a budget-friendly protein powder comes with artificial sweeteners like sucralose and thickeners (that’s how they’re able to make it so affordable), but there’s a lot to like about Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard. For one, there are more than 20 flavors that are beloved by Amazon customer reviewers and our expert product testers.

Also, we tested four flavors of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey with independent accredited lab Ellipse Analytics for label accuracy and purity, which includes heavy metals, bisphenols, phthalates, and pesticides, and all met our quality screen (Read more on this in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary). The Vanilla Ice Cream flavor in particular was rated as Excellent, meaning it was in the top 10% of samples that we tested.

Read out Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard Review for a deep dive. 

At about 99 cents per serving, Cellucor Cor-Performance Whey Protein is one of the most affordable protein powders available and gets a 5 out of 5 on our pricing scale. It also bucks the trend of budget-friendly proteins either not being tasty or being filled with junk ingredients—Cellucor earned two more 5 out of 5 scores on formulation

“This tastes exactly like chocolate milk,” says certified personal trainer and GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly. “My girlfriend said the exact same thing. It’s very rich, but not overly so.”

A full serving is two scoops, which Anthony says results in a thick consistency. “It coats your mouth and you definitely feel it sit in your stomach more than other proteins,” he says, “which helps me stay fuller longer.”

Cellucor, mostly known for their great-tasting pre-workouts, uses some artificial flavorings. On the bright side, it contains two digestive enzymes that could help with the digestion process. The first is protease⁵, an enzyme that’s been linked with increased protein absorption. You’re already getting 24 grams of protein per serving, so protease may help ensure your body is making the most of each shake.

Lactase⁶, the second enzyme, is produced naturally by the body but some people might be deficient in it, which could cause upset stomachs or other digestion issues. Adding it to the protein may help those with lactose intolerance. Cellucor uses a whey protein isolate and concentrate blend, meaning it might contain some lactose.

Anthony has no problem processing dairy, so he couldn’t tell if the two enzymes had any impact. It’s also backed by Informed Choice, meaning it’s been checked for harmful or banned substances that might show up on an athlete’s drug test.

Yes, most of the protein powders on this list are whey protein, but Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein uses a special type of protein that’s more easily digestible. Unlike other powders that solely contain whey protein isolate, Momentous has ProHydrolase¹³ for improved protein absorption and muscle recovery—and that’s what pushes it over the edge.

Additionally, whey protein isolate is more easily digestible than whey protein concentrate, which has more lactose in it. Momentous also uses grass-fed dairy that has higher concentrations of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed dairy, and they source the dairy from European cows that have not been given antibiotics or growth hormones.

Certified personal trainer and New York City native Anthony O’Reilly says the Momentous Grass-Fed Whey vanilla protein powder reminds him of his childhood ice cream cone, Mister Softee, and rated it a 5 out of 5 on taste. “It tastes like natural vanilla and nothing is artificial-tasting about it,” he says.

Caine Wilkes, a GGR Staff Writer and Olympic weightlifter who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics scored it a 4 out of 5. “With milk, the flavor reminded me of vanilla bean ice cream,” he says.

Both expert testers agreed the solubility is a 5 out of 5. “It’s incredibly smooth,” Anthony says. “I’ve mixed this with a straw and there were no lumps left behind.”

We’ll be very transparent and warn you that this is an expensive protein powder—one 24-serving bag is more than $60, though you can save nearly $10 by putting it on a subscription plan. Is it worth it? Yes, but in the same way a ribeye steak is worth it so long as you have the budget for it, or you’re someone who enjoys the best-of-the-best.

For one, as we found with our testing of 150 protein powders done by Ellipse Analytics, an independent accredited lab, Momentous Essential Whey was rated as Meets Standard overall. This means that it’s in the top 50% of all samples we tested and passes our strict quality screen.

Read more about this in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.

This whey protein isolate, which contains less lactose than whey protein concentrate, comes in three flavors: Unflavored, Chocolate, and Vanilla. Want to read more about this protein powder option? Check out our Momentous Essential grass-fed whey protein review.

Now Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate contains two ingredients: whey protein isolate and a minimal amount of sunflower lecithin emulsifier (which prevents the protein from separating). That’s it. No flavorings or artificial sweeteners, though GGR Staff Writer and certified personal trainer Lauren Strong detected a “whey taste,” which she says is neither good nor bad.

“Blended just like you would want a protein powder to—no clumps, not too thick or thin,” Lauren says in her NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate review. “Pretty decent all around.” She landed on a 4 out of 5 for taste and a perfect 5 out of 5 for solubility—aka no chunks in your morning protein smoothie.

Laila Ouldibbat, R.D., noted that the powder is free of most notable allergens, including corn, egg, soy, and is gluten-free.  It’s also safe for those who follow kosher and halal lifestyles, which she says is “extremely rare” in protein powders.

She also likes that the company is very transparent in listing the protein powder’s amino acid content, including non-essential amino acids (amino acids that don’t need to be obtained through diet because our body creates enough of them on its own) and branched-chain amino acids, which may help reduce muscle fatigue².  

Each 28-gram scoop delivers 25 grams of protein and less than a gram of fat and carbs. Now Sports only gives you 19 servings in the 1.2-pound tub, which comes out to about $1.31 per serving. We usually like to see at least a month’s worth of protein in each tub, but we can’t complain much about the price, which is why we named it our budget pick for the best unflavored protein powder.

Yes, most of the protein powders on this list are whey protein and have a chocolate flavor option, but Kaged Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate stands out. 

Nicole Davis, GGR Head of Content and a certified nutrition coach, likened the Chocolate flavor to “one of those Carnation instant breakfast mixes” and gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 for taste.

However, be warned, solubility might be an issue, so you may want to use a blender if you go with this protein. “It’s clumpy just mixed in a shaker (even with the ball),” says Nicole, who rated the mixability a 3.5 out of 5. She said there were some clumps remaining even after a vigorous shake.

Kaged Whey Isolate uses a special type of protein that’s more easily digestible. Unlike other powders that solely contain whey protein isolate, Kaged has ProHydrolase¹³ for improved protein absorption and muscle recovery. It’s also a clean product with minimal ingredients, which is what we and many other people like to see in a whey protein powder. You get 25 grams of protein per 31-gram scoop, so it’s mostly protein (it has under a gram of fat and only two to three grams of carbs).

Kaged products are Informed Sport certified, so athletes can use them with the peace of mind that they’ve been checked for banned substances. GGR also tested Kaged’s whey isolate using Ellipse Analytics, an independent accredited lab, for label accuracy (protein content), as well as purity (heavy metals, bisphenols, phthalates, and pesticides). It scored as Meets Standard overall, which means that it passed our rigorous quality screen. This protein powder scored especially well (in the top 10%) for bisphenols (chemicals often found in plastic products), phthalates (also found in plastics), and pesticides—meaning it has very low levels of each. If you’re curious about what all of these purity metrics really mean, check out our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.

For more about this protein powder, check out our full Kaged whey protein isolate review.