Protein’s rise to fame isn’t the result of good public relations or a convincing hoax; it has many benefits when it comes to muscle recovery, weight loss, and lasting fullness. Some supplemental protein powders on the market boast additional health benefits, such as probiotics, fiber, collagen, and superfoods. There is a protein powder for every need; they are listed below, along with price, flavor, and ingredient profiles.
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FlavCity
Reviewers rave about FlavCity’s taste and smoothness, its use of no artificial sweeteners, and its ease of preparation, as it does not require a blender. The powder also includes 10g of collagen, boosting its overall nutrition profile. There are also a ton of flavors to sample. Downsides? A high price point that may not be necessary when compared with other brands with similar ingredients and taste profiles.
Best For: Vegan diets
Cost: $59.99 for 20 servings
Flavor Scale: High
ONNIT
The key ingredient to ONNIT’s powder is the whey protein isolate, which goes through an additional filtering process from whey concentrate. This means that most lactose and fat are filtered, resulting in fewer calories, carbs, and fat. Unfortunately, fillers and artificial sweeteners make this protein powder less clean than its competitors. Some also find the consistency to be too thin.
Best For: Lactose intolerance
Cost: $59.95 for 30 servings
Flavor Scale: Medium
Garden of Life
A trusted brand among supplements and known for its accessibility in many health food sections, Garden of Life cannot be beat for affordability. Plus, all of its ingredients are organic, and it contains little to no fillers. Reviewers say its consumers may want to blend this powder rather than shake it due to its chalky texture and earthy flavor.
Best For: Affordability
Cost: $35.99 for 20 servings
Flavor Scale: Medium
Ka’Chava
This brand’s claim to fame is its superfood, an extremely clean powerhouse in one serving. Ka’Chava has perhaps the longest list of ingredients with no fillers or artificial sweeteners, just powdered versions of every good-for-you food you can think of. Reviewers also rave about the great taste and smoothness when shaken with water. However, keep in mind that the product has a shorter shelf life than most protein powders, and the expense without subscriptions or special pricing is high.
Best For: Total nutrition
Cost: $69.95 for 15 servings
Flavor Scale: High
Premier Protein
Premier Protein offers basic whey protein isolate with the top flavor variety and price. Though it contains artificial sweeteners and fillers, it’s widely available and ready to drink. For caffeine, try the cafe latte powder. There are no added probiotics, collagen, fiber, or superfoods—just basic protein, low in sugar and calories.
Best For: Basic needs
Cost: $37.00 for 29 servings
Flavor Scale: High
Transparent Labs
Transparent Labs boasts that their 100% grassfed whey protein isolate is the cleanest on the market. In addition to containing no artificial sweeteners or fillers, the powder is rigorously third-party tested for heavy metals, with the results publicly reported on their website. For someone seeking weight loss, this product contains one gram each of fat, carbs, and sugar and 28 grams of protein. With flavors like vanilla, peppermint, and chocolate pretzel, it is hard to beat the flavor-to-nutrition ratio. The one downside is that they are pricy.
Best For: Weight loss
Cost: $59.99 for 30 servings
Flavor Scale: High
GHOST
You may know this brand from its popular energy drinks, and while their protein powders certainly outweigh their energy drinks in nutrition, they do contain artificial flavors and fillers. GHOST boasts that its products do not contain amino-spiking ingredients, a common practice in the supplement industry in which manufacturers use specific fillers to spike protein content artificially. Across the board, reviewers rave about flavors like Nutter Butter, Oreo, and favorite cereal brands.
Best For: Taste and variety
Cost: $49.99 for 26 servings
Flavor Scale: High
Optimum Nutrition
The brand positions itself as the gold standard for athletes, with separate formulas for bulking and weight loss. There are a few artificial sweeteners in its powders, but consumer reports show very low levels of lead compared to its competitors. The powder is consistent and reliable, with few complaints about texture, and the flavor is reported to be mildly sweet.
Best For: Athletes
Cost: $39.99 for 29 servings
Flavor Scale: Medium
Vital Proteins
This protein powder isn’t just about increasing your protein intake. Vital Proteins claims to boost hair, skin, nails, and bone health with up to 20 grams of collagen per serving. The powder can be added to hot beverages or blended into smoothies, available in unflavored or a few fun flavors, such as seasonal salted caramel. However, even with a few artificial flavors, the brand is not known for its flavorful impact.
Best For: Hair, skin, and nail support
Cost: $39.99 for 28 servings
Flavor Scale: Low, or unflavored
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