The Best Whey Protein Powder to Supercharge Your Day
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If youâre already working on upping your protein intake, youâve likely spent some time searching for the best whey protein powder. Thatâs because whey protein is one of the highest quality forms of protein available, says vice president of nutrition research for the National Dairy Council Matthew Pikosky, PhD, RDN. âIt has significant health benefits and is a great tool for anyone looking to add higher levels of protein in their diets,â he adds.
Vogueâs Favorite Whey Protein Powders:Best Overall: Puori Whey Protein Powder, $69Best With Collagen: Vital Proteins Whey Protein Powder + Collagen Peptides, $29.98Best Vanilla: Ancient Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder, $55Best Unflavored: Naked Whey Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder, $27Best Paleo: Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein Powder, $38Best Whey Protein Isolate: Thorne Whey Protein Isolate, $65Best Organic: Natural Force Grass Fed Organic Whey Protein Powder, $38Some of those benefits include supporting weight loss, building muscle mass, improving bone health, and enhancing overall metabolic functions. âAccording to a 2019 review, whey protein may have beneficial effects on metabolic measures like waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar,â says Pikosky. âIt can help regulate your appetite, reduce cravings, and boost energy levels.â
The benefits of whey protein powder are manyâwe asked the experts to lay out everything you need to know about whey protein powder to help narrow down our list to the seven best whey protein powders on the market.
In This Article:What is whey protein?What is the difference between whey protein isolate and concentrate?Is whey protein good for you?What to Look for in Whey Protein PowdersHow do you know if your whey protein is high quality?How much whey protein should you take per day?Meet the ExpertsBest Overall: Puori Whey Protein PowderWhy We Love It: Ingredient transparency is of the utmost importance for Puori, and the reason why itâs earned the top spot for the best whey protein powders. The Clean Label Project published a report on heavy metals in protein powders and found that when it comes to protein powder, vanilla, unflavored, whey, or egg-based protein powders generally test lower for heavy metals than the average plant-based protein powders. (For reference, the study found that 28% of whey protein powders tested above Californiaâs Prop 65 safety limits for lead). Puoriâs Whey Protein Powder not only has the Clean Label Project Certified stamp of approval, itâs also pesticide-free, hormone free, antibiotics free, and non-GMO (and as an added bonus, vanilla flavored). Plus, they publish their test results on their website so consumers can see it in full detail.
Protein Source: Pasture raised whey protein concentrateProtein Per Serving: 21 gramsFlavor: Bourbon vanilla, dark chocolateSize: 2 lbsBest With Collagen: Vital Proteins Whey Protein Powder + Collagen PeptidesWhey Protein Powder + Collagen Peptides
Why We Love It: With collagen peptides and 24 grams of whey protein isolate, this NSF-certified protein powder is popular to support muscle recovery and joint health goals. âNSF certified for sport is a recognized, credible resource that certifies what is on the label is in the package,â says Pitosky. âThat means the product does not contain unsafe levels of contaminants, prohibited substances, or masking agents.â We love that this option includes collagen, too, something nutritionist Mia Rigden, MS, CNS, enjoys getting first thing in the morning by adding to her morning coffee. âCollagen is the most abundant protein in the body and makes up our hair, skin, connective tissue, bone, and more,â says Ridgen. However, because collagen lacks amino acid tryptophan, pairing it with a whey protein is a great way to ensure a full amino acid profile.
Protein Source: Whey protein isolateProtein Per Serving: 24gFlavor: ChocolateSize: 1.4 lbsBest Vanilla: Ancient Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein PowderAncient Nutrition
Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
Why We Love It: Made with grass-fed whey and organic regenerative A2 milk protein (which comes from cows that produce only the A2 type of beta-casein), this whey protein is great for sensitive stomachs as A2 is a bit gentler on your digestive system and doesnât produce as much discomfort as the A1 protein found in most cowâs milk. It also includes eggshell membrane collagen, a clinically-studied ingredient that supports joint and connective tissue health. This whey protein powder is not only delicious, but it also blends super smoothly, making it a delight for adding it to a morning smoothie, shake or protein-rich breakfast to help fuel and energize you each day.
Protein Source: Grass fed wheyProtein Per Serving: 23 gramsFlavor: Vanilla bean, milk chocolate, chocolate peanut butterSize: 1.31 lbsBest Unflavored: Naked Whey Grass Fed Whey Protein PowderNAKED
Whey Grass Fed Protein Powder
Why We Love It: If youâre the type of person where taste and texture can make or break your meal time, this unflavored high-performance whey protein powder may be the solution. Because itâs supremely mixable, you can give anything you bakeâcookies, muffins, cake, and moreâand instant protein boost. The brand sources from grass-fed cows from tiny dairy farms in Idaho and Northern California and uses a unique, cold processing method to deliver non-denatured wheyâwhich is said to help retain its natural amino acid profile so itâs packed full of nutrients. âWhey protein is rich in essential amino acids which are the building blocks for important structures and functions in the body,â explains Ridgen.
Protein Source: Grass-fed wheyProtein Per Serving:Flavor: Chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, double chocolate, strawberry, cookies & cream, unflavored, vanillaSize: 1 lb.Best Paleo: Santa Cruz Paleo Whey Protein PowderSanta Cruz Paleo
Paleo Whey Protein Powder
Why We Love It: For those looking for a clean, simple, and effective whey protein powder choice, this paleo-friendly powder has only one ingredient: grass-fed whey protein isolate. Without added sugars, fillers, or unnecessary additives, itâs a no-fuss option for anyone looking to up their protein intake without potential blood sugar spikes. Pitosky notes that whey protein powder can actually help support blood sugar management, particularly if consumed before a meal. âA recent systematic and meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that pre-meal whey protein can improve post-meal blood sugar levels,â he adds. âWhey protein can be a useful addition in the diets of people living with type 2 diabetes, too, so long as the powder doesnât contain high sugar content.â
Protein Source: Grass-fed whey protein isolateProtein Per Serving: 20 gramsFlavor: Au naturale, chocolate, peanut butter, strawberry, vanillaSize: 0.97 lbsBest Whey Protein Isolate: Thorne Whey Protein IsolateThorne
Whey Protein Isolate
Why We Love It: Whey protein isolate is ultimately a super-concentrated version of whey protein, which means the non-protein components of the whey have been removed where possible. âWhey protein isolate typically has a component breakdown of 90-92% protein, 0.5-1% lactose, 0.5-1% fat, 2-3% minerals, and 4.5% moisture,â says Pikosky. Because of this process, itâs often more easily digestible for those with sensitivities. âWhey isolate is lower in lactose compared to a whey concentrate so itâs a great option for those with lactose sensitivities,â adds Pikosky.
Protein Source: Whey protein isolateProtein Per Serving: 21 gramsFlavor: Chocolate, vanillaSize: 1.99 lbsBest Organic: Natural Force Grass Fed Organic Whey Protein PowderNatural Force
Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
Why We Love It: If farm-to-table is your vibe, this whey protein powder is as close as it gets when it comes to protein powders. Itâs decorated with many certifications to help assure youâre getting the highest-quality, cleanest whey protein available: USDA organic, American Humane certified, keto certified, non-GMO project verified, paleo-friendly certified, and gluten-free among the top accolades. Itâs a great choice for anyone with stringent dietary restrictions or preferences, too.
Protein Source: USDA organic, grass-fed whey proteinProtein Per Serving: 20 gramsFlavor: Unflavored, chocolate, vanillaSize: 1 lb.Everything You Need to KnowProtein plays an essential role in our health because it contributes to our overall functions like muscle repair, immunity, hormone levels, mood, and energy. Milk consists of two proteins: whey and casein. âWhen milk is used to produce cheese, the whey, which is a translucent liquid, separates from the curds,â says Pikosky. âWhey protein is a complete high-quality protein, as itâs a natural source of all nine essential amino acids, which our bodies need but cannot make on our own.â
What is the difference between whey protein isolate and concentrate?
Whey protein not only contains protein, but also other components like lactose, fat, minerals, and moisture. The main difference between whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate is the formula concentration.
âWhey protein concentrate is made by removing these non-protein components, aka concentrating the protein,â says Pikosky. âWhey protein concentrate contains 80% protein (by weight) with 4-8% lactose, 3-4% minerals, and 3.5-4.5% moisture as the remaining components.â
Whey protein isolate is further concentrated, with the component breakdown having an even higher protein content. âWhey protein isolate typically shows 90-92% protein, 0.5-1% lactose, 0.5-1% fat, 2-3% minerals, and 4.5% moisture,â adds Pikosky. âAdditionally, whey protein hydrolysate is simply whey protein isolate that has been partially digested using enzymes.â
Is whey protein good for you?
Something called the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) is a measurement currently recognized by the FDA in the United States, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) internationally to assess the nutritional value of protein in food. According to its PDCAAS score, whey protein is one of the highest quality forms of protein. âWhey protein has a perfect PDCAAS score of 1.0, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids and is highly digestible,â he adds.
However, like with most supplements, nutritionists agree that getting the majority of your protein from natural, whole foods should take priority over supplements. âUse whey protein powder as a way to assist your protein intake, rather than replace it,â says Ridgen. Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, and seeds are all great options to work into your diet for adequate protein intake.
Itâs also important to consider the amount of added sugars. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends added sugars make up 10% or less of total recommended calories. âIf youâre mixing whey protein with other liquid or food sources, you should try to avoid options that are high in sugar content or empty calories when possible as those donât always benefit overall nutrition and health,â says Pikosky.
What to Look for in Whey Protein Powders
When it comes to choosing the best whey protein powder, Ridgen says there are two things that make a great protein powder: quality ingredients and personal preference. Because dietary supplements, including protein powders, are not regulated like foods and beverages, itâs important to stick with products that are third-party certified by an independent lab to ensure youâre getting a quality supplement with clean, safe ingredients. Pikosky likes to look for certifications like Informed Choice or NSF Certified while Rigden also likes to check for Clean Label Certified.
You also want to check for a bunch of common additives like sugars, flavorings, thickening agents, emulsifiers, and more. A general rule of thumb is to find a whey protein powder with less ingredients on the label. âThis can help you avoid hidden sugar bombs or empty calories,â says Pikosky.
And with the differences in lactose, fat, and mineral content between a concentrate and isolate, the general taste and mouthfeel can be different. âIf youâre mixing powder into your own blend of smoothies or juices, it may make sense to try both to see what your preference is,â adds Pikosky.
Beyond that, Pikosky likes to consider caloric intake and lactose sensitivity. âFor a given protein target, isolates and hydrolysates will provide slightly less calories as they are more concentrated sources of protein by weight,â he says. âWhey isolate is lower in lactose when compared to a concentrate so it may be a better option for those with lactose intolerance.â
How do you know if your whey protein is high quality?
High quality whey protein starts with high quality ingredients. Because the supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA, itâs important to find companies you can trust to deliver safe, non-toxic products. âMake sure your whey protein has undergone third-party testing,â says Ridgen. âLook for certifications like Clean Label Certified or NSF Certified on the product labels.â
How much whey protein should you take per day?
Thereâs no one-size-fits-all approach for how much whey protein you should take daily, explains Pikosky, who suggests consulting with a medical professional to guide you to what your ideal protein intake should be. You have to look at the bigger picture of what youâre consuming overall to assess where your nutritional gaps lie. âYour exact protein needs depend on your age, size, and activity level,â says Ridgen.
Matthew Pikosky, PhD, RDN is the vice president of nutrition research for the National Dairy Council.Mia Rigden, MS, CNS, is a Los Angelesâbased nutritionist, chef, and author.
