How to Choose the Best Protein Powder, According to Nutritionists
The best protein powder makes it easy to boost your protein intake anytime, anywhere. Easily blended into smoothies or stirred into yogurt, protein powders come in various flavors, harness different types of protein, and target everything from skin health to brain function and muscle recovery. With so many powders on offer, thereâs bound to be one worth a permanent spot in your wellness regime. But where to start? Ahead, we tap three experts to detail all you need to know. Below, find Vogueâs edit of the best protein powders for vegans, workout enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a quick, delicious protein fix.
Vogueâs Favorite Protein PowdersBest Whey: Naked Whey, $90Best Low-Calorie: Podium Nutrition Whey Protein Powder, $41Most Fun Flavors: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, $18Best Sugar-Free: Ritual Essentials Protein, $40Best Vegan: Sakara Protein + Greens Super Powder, $45In This Article:What is protein powder?What to Look for in a Protein PowderHow to Consume Protein PowderIs protein powder actually good for you?Meet the ExpertsBest Vegan: Sakara Protein + Greens Super PowderSakara
Proteins + Greens Super Powder
Why We Love It: Rich in antioxidants, this plant-based powder has alkalizing greens and detoxifying algaeâbut it doesnât taste like seaweed. Its subtle vanilla flavor makes it the perfect secret ingredient for smoothies or baked goods. The powderâs protein is derived from peas, hemp, and pumpkin. âIf youâre not sensitive to those, itâs a solid choiceâespecially for vegans,â says certified holistic nutritionist Jamie Maitland. âSpirulina and chlorella are awesome additions, packing in protein, antioxidants, and detox benefits.âProtein Source: Pea, hemp, and pumpkinProtein Per Serving: 12gIngredients: Pea, hemp, pumpkin, wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, chlorellaFlavor: VanillaSize: 7.5 ozBest for Glowing Skin: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide PowderVital Proteins
Collagen Peptide Powder
Why We Love It: This single-ingredient powder, featuring bovine-derived collagen peptides, dissolves easily into hot or cold liquids. Stir the collagen into your morning coffee or sprinkle it into a glass of water, and sip your way to a dewier complexion. How dewy, exactly? Consider the perennial glow of Jennifer Aniston, who previously told Vogue that she mixes a scoop of it into her coffee every morning.Protein Source: Collagen peptidesProtein Per Serving: 18gIngredients: Collagen peptidesFlavor: Unflavored, chocolate, lemon, vanillaSize: 9.33 ozBest Sugar-Free: Ritual Essential ProteinWhy We Love It: Made with regeneratively-farmed ingredients, Ritualâs Essential Protein powder packs 20 grams of plant protein and zero grams of sugar per serving. It also boosts brain function with tartaric acid. âI like Ritual for those who can’t tolerate dairy because it’s made from pea protein and itâs easily digestible,â says wellness expert and certified pilates instructor Lia Bartha. âI also love the ingredient transparency Ritual promotes. If you’re going to take a powder, you have to know what’s in it.âProtein Source: Organic yellow peasProtein Per Serving: 20gIngredients: Organic pea protein, natural flavor, MCT oilFlavor: VanillaSize: 1.0 lbBest Whey Protein: Naked Whey Protein PowderWhy We Love It: Boasting a clean formulation with ânothing to hide,â per the brand, the GMO-, gluten-, and soy-free powder is a chocolate-flavored salve for sore muscles. Plus, it can help promote muscle growth. Maitland says that Nakedâs protein powder is âone of the betterâ options on the market. âAs a holistic nutritionist, I like to âlook under the hoodâ of protein powders,â she says. âItâs clean and simple, with minimal ingredients, which is always a win. One of the standout positives is that they use real cocoa powder, which adds a rich, natural flavor without any artificial additives.â While Maitland notes that the powder does contain coconut sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes for some, âItâs a great option overall,â she says. âEspecially for those who prioritize clean, high-quality ingredients.âProtein Source: Grass-fed wheyProtein Per Serving: 25gIngredients: Grass-fed whey, raw cacao, coconut sugarFlavor: Chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, double chocolate, unflavored, vanillaSize: 5 lbsBest Post-Workout: Promix Grass-Fed Whey Protein PowderPromix
Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
Why We Love It: Designed for athletesâor anyone who craves a restorative, post-workout treat, Promixâs powder contains branched-chain amino acids to build and restore muscles. âIf youâre fine with dairy, Promix is great for post-workout recovery,â Bartha says. âJust like Ritual, the company takes pride in all-natural, clean ingredientsâand both are pretty darn tasty.â With 25 grams of minimally filtered whey protein per serving, the powder is available in chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate-peanut-butter flavors; thereâs also an unflavored version.Protein Source: WheyProtein Per Serving: 25gIngredients: Grass-fed whey, sunflower lecithin, vanilla extract, organic coconut sugarFlavor: Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter, unflavoredSize: 2.5 lbsBest Low-Calorie: Podium Nutrition Whey Protein PowderPodium Nutrition
Whey Protein Powder
Why We Love It: This low-sugar, low-calorie powder fuels lean muscles with 27 grams of protein per serving. It doesnât hurt that it tastes like coffee ice cream, and comes in other fun flavors, too, which range from maple butter pancake to churro. The brand recommends pairing the powder with a beverage: Stir a scoop of it into coffee, amp up the protein content of a shake, or simply stir it into water for a post-workout refresh thatâs 120 calories per serving.Protein Source: Whey isolateProtein Per Serving: 27gIngredients: Whey protein powder with whey protein isolateFlavor: Coffee ice cream, churro, cookies & cream, maple butter pancake, mint chocolate chip, peanut butter crunchSize: 32 ozBest Flavors: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein PowderOrgain
Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Why We Love It: A range of unconventional flavors, including churro caramel swirl and fruity cereal, make up Orgainâs low-sugar formulation. The powders also have five grams of prebiotic fiber per serving, which can support gut health. Shake the powders up with almond milk or water for a quick, protein-rich drink; alternatively, stir them into oatmeal or add them to baked goodsâa pumpkin-spice-protein muffin would make for quite the cozy breakfast.Protein Source: Pea and brown riceProtein Per Serving: 21gIngredients: Organic pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seed, creamer baseFlavor: Chai latte, churro caramel swirl, fruity cereal, horchata, pumpkin spice, strawberries & cream, vanillaSize: 16.3 ozBest for a Sensitive Stomach: Ora Plant-Based Superfood ProteinOra
Plant-Based Superfood Protein
Why We Love It: Easy on sensitive stomachs, Oraâs plant-based powder is made without gums or fillers . Itâs also infused with digestive enzymesâincluding amylase and lactaseâthat stave off bloating. Plus, it has a combination of 19 superfoods rich in micronutrients and amino acids. The brandâs signature Protein, Superfood, and Greens Blend includes ingredients such as organic sprouted quinoa, blackberry, kale, and Jerusalem artichoke.Protein Source: Pea and riceProtein Per Serving: 22gIngredients: Organic pea protein, rice protein, Oraâs Protein, Superfood, & Greens Blend, Oraâs Enzyme BlendFlavor: ChocolateSize: 1.5 lbsBest for Cooking: Form Pureblend ProteinWhy We Love It: âI like Form Nutrition a lot,â Bartha says. âThey have a nice variety of vegan options and I especially love the Pure Blend protein that’s unsweetened. Itâs great as a base for smoothies and protein balls. Form is also B-Corp certified, which is a beautiful thing,â Bartha says, referring to the brandâs commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Made without thickeners, emulsifiers, flavors, or sweeteners, the vegan powder can also be added to cooked or baked goods to amp up the protein content of a meal.Protein Source: Organic peas, brown rice, pumpkin seedsProtein Per Serving: 15gIngredients: Organic pea protein isolate, brown rice protein, pumpkin seed proteinFlavor: UnflavoredSize: 520gBest Nutritionistâs Pick: Raw Organic Whey Protein PowderRaw Organic Whey
Whey Protein Powder
Why We Love It: ââWith ingredients from a New Jersey farm,âThis oneâs a total gem if youâre into simplicity and purity,â says Maitland. âItâs certified-organic and sourced from grass-fed cows, so youâre getting the best of the bestâno fillers, no artificial additives. The taste is super clean, making it a great option if you like to keep things minimal in your smoothies or baked goods. Plus, itâs rich in muscle-loving amino acids and works beautifully if youâre looking for a protein that supports both recovery and overall wellness. This is my personal top pick!âProtein Source: WheyProtein Per Serving: 21gIngredients: Organic whey protein concentrateFlavor: UnflavoredSize: 12 ozBest for Dairy Sensitivities: Mt. Capra Clean Whey ProteinMt. Capra
Clean Whey Protein
Why We Love It: âFor anyone sensitive to dairy, goat whey is a game changer,â Maitland says. âItâs easier to digest than cowâs milk whey, and the A2 protein makes it a bit gentler on your system.â With 24 grams of protein per serving, Mt. Capraâs powder is designed at a family-run farm in the Pacific Northwest, and the protein is derived from grass-fed goats. The powder was designed to build lean tissue and muscle while boosting oneâs protein intakeâwhether through blender creations or pancakes. âIt does have a slight tangy flavor, but it mixes really well,â Maitland says. âItâs ideal for shakes, smoothies, or even a quick protein-packed breakfast.âProtein Source: Goat wheyProtein Per Serving: 24gIngredients: Grass-fed goat whey protein, natural vanilla bean, steviaFlavor: UnflavoredSize: 16 ozBest for Coffee: Paleovalley 100% Grass-Fed Bone Broth ProteinPaleovalley
100% Grass-Fed Bone Broth Protein
Why We Love It: âI canât get enough of this in my morning coffee,â Maitland says. âThe collagen in bone broth protein does wonders for skin elasticity and joint health, and it dissolves effortlessly, with no lumps or weird taste and textures. It has this subtle, savory richness that works so well in coffee. Itâs like giving your morning ritual a little health upgrade, especially if youâre aiming to support your gut, joints, and skin from the inside out. Iâm very into this one.â Pro tip: âI also add this to my homemade chocolate espresso protein muffins,â Maitland says. âItâs divine.âProtein Source: Grass-feed beef bone brothProtein Per Serving: 13gIngredients: Beef bones, filtered water; flavored iterations incorporate natural flavoring such as vanilla-bean extractFlavor: Chocolate, unflavored, vanillaSize: 1.2 lbsBest Pea Protein: Terrasoul Pea Protein PowderTerrasoul
Pea Protein Powder
Why We Love It: âIf youâre all about keeping things clean and simple, this unflavored organic pea protein is a good choice,â Maitland says. âI love how flexible it is; itâs great for those who want to customize their flavor or just need a solid base for their shakes. It mixes well with everything, from fruits and greens to superfoods like spirulina or cacao. Plus, it has no added sugars or funky aftertaste. That said, if youâre sensitive to pea proteinâwhich doesnât always sit well with everyoneâyou might want to try [unflavored] Mikuna or Sacha Inchi protein instead.âProtein Source: Yellow peasProtein Per Serving: 8gIngredients: Organic pea protein isolate from yellow peasFlavor: UnflavoredSize: 24 ozBest Easily Digestible: Mikuna Pure Choco Protein PowderMikuna
Pure Choco Protein Powder
Why We Love It: âMikunaâs plant protein really stands out with its minimalist approachâit has just one ingredient, which I absolutely love,â Maitland says. That one ingredient is choco beans, also known as lupini beans, which are high in fiber and protein. âThis is also lectin-free, which makes it super gentle on the gut,â Maitland says. âItâs a great choice for anyone sensitive to pea protein, and itâs naturally easy on the digestive system. Clean and simpleâjust the way plant-based protein should be.â While the Pure Choco flavor has a single-ingredient recipe, the powder also comes in vanilla and chocolate-flavored iterations. In addition to choco beans, the flavored powders contain flavor agents such as sea salt, coconut-blossom nectar, monk-fruit sweetener, andâdepending on the flavorâvanilla-extract powder or cacao.Protein Source: Lupini beansProtein Per Serving: 20gIngredients: Choco beans; the flavored versions also contain sea salt, coconut-blossom nectar, monk-fruit sweetener, and vanilla extract powder or cacao powderFlavor: Pure Choco, vanilla, cacaoSize: 21 ozBest Almond Protein Powder: Wellious Almond Protein PowderWellious
Almond Protein Powder
Why We Love It: âThis is another simple protein option with just four ingredients, which I love,â Maitland says. The simple recipe combines almond and chickpea proteins with vanilla or cacao powder (depending on the flavor) and monk fruit for a dash of naturally-derived sweetness. âThe chickpea protein can be a bit tricky for some, especially if youâre sensitive to legumes, as it might cause some digestive discomfort. But for most people, itâs easy on the stomach and provides a clean, straightforward protein boost,â Maitland says. âIf chickpeas donât bother you, go for it!â Iâve been stirring a scoop of the Wellious chocolate powder and a dollop of peanut butter into Greek yogurt lately. Itâs my version of a peanut butter cup-style treatâbut with about 30 grams more protein than your average Reeseâs.Protein Source: Chickpeas and almondsProtein Per Serving: 17gIngredients: Almond protein, chickpea protein, vanilla powder, monk fruitFlavors: Chocolate, vanillaSize: 340gWhat is protein powder?
âProtein powder is a concentrated form of protein derived from various sources, such as animal products like whey and casein, or plant-based sources, like soy, pea, and hemp,â explains functional nutrition practitioner Jenny Rich. The protein is processed into powder form for convenient consumption.
âProtein powders are also a great tool to meet overall protein goals since many women are under-eating protein at baseline,” says registered dietician Brittany Beaver. âThe recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is set to prevent deficiency, not for optimal health.â The ease of consumption can help one reach or maintain that baseline as part of an overall diet.
What to Look for in a Protein Powder
âAdded vitamins, minerals, probiotics, collagen, and all 19 amino acids are something everyone should be looking for in a protein powder,â says Kylie Bensley, registered dietician and founder of Sulinu Nutrition. However, protein powders can be further vetted based on individual needs. To start, consider the powderâs protein source.
Whey isolate: âThis is higher in protein and lower in fat and carbs than whey,â Bensley notes. âIt also contains less lactose, so it may be more appropriate and tolerable for people with lactose intolerance and sensitivities.âCasein: Also found in milk, this âprovides your body with a slow, steady release of amino acids,â Bensley says. âItâs ideal before fasting situations such as sleep.âPea, hemp, or soy protein: These plant-based protein sources are ideal for vegans. âHemp also tends to be a protein that is very easy on the stomach so itâs good for those with digestive issues,â Bensley says.Aside from potential protein sources, our experts detail a few other things to consider when buying a protein powder.
Sugars: Sugar is another thing to note. âIf you are trying to lose weight, choose a protein powder with little to no added sugars, and one that is lower in calories,â Bensley says.Ingredients: âGenerally speaking, you want to pick a protein powder with fewer ingredients,â Rich advises. âSome common additives include sugar alcohols, refined sugars, flavorings, thickening agents, emulsifiers, and anti-clumping ingredients like carrageenan, lecithins, and silicon dioxide.âThird-Party Testing: Safety also comes into play. âAlthough protein powders are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), choosing a protein powder with a third-party approved label is ideal,â says Bensley. âThis means the manufacturer paid an outside company to test their powder for safety.âThe Best Way to Consume Protein Powder
âProtein powder can be easily mixed into food and drinks including smoothies, dairy or non-dairy milks, water, yogurt, oatmeal, and even baked goods,â says Beaver.
Is protein powder actually good for you?
âI always go for healthy food first and try not to depend on any supplementsâbut when it comes to protein intake, powders can be a great additive during a really active week,â says Bartha. âNow that Iâm in my 40s, I’ve found that upping my protein a bit is helpful to increase energy, strength, and lean body mass. I would just say that whenever you go down the supplement route, always make sure you read the label to make sure it’s a high-quality product with no unnecessary additivesâespecially metals.â
To determine if a powder has metals, âthere are a few things to look for,â Bartha says. âFirst, supplements sourced in the U.S. have strict standards, so âMade in the USAâ is always good. Secondly, look for ingredient transparency.â She adds that protein powders that have undergone third-party testing for metals will often have a seal of certification from organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) or US Pharmacopeia (USP). âAny high-quality protein powder should have this info prominently listed on its website and labels,â she notes.
Meet the Experts
Jenny Rich is a functional nutritionist based in New Jersey.Kylie Bensely, MS, RD is the founder of Sulinu, a nutrition method geared at faster and stronger recovery after cosmetic surgery.Brittany Beaver, MS, RD, LD is a registered dietitian and a part of Needed Changemakers, a collective of womenâs health practitioners, advisors, and advocates working to transform perinatal care.Lia Bartha is a wellness expert, certified pilates instructor, and the founder of B The Method.Jamie Maitland is a certified holistic nutritionist, author of the 21 Day Reset Cookbook, and the founder of The Office Health.
