15 Best Protein Powders by Type, According to a Dietitian

If you want to lose weight or build muscle, you can use a powder called aProtein.

The vast number of options on the market can make choosing one difficult, but there are several options that will be a good fit for you.

Some of the ingredients used in the powders may be better suited for specific needs.

We have picked the 15 best protein powders by type.

A quick look at the best protein powders by type

• Best whey protein powder: Naked Whey Protein Powder, SFH Pure Whey Protein, Ladder Whey Protein Powder
• Best casein protein powder: BulkSupplements Casein Protein Powder
• Best egg white protein powder: NOW Sports Egg White Protein
• Best collagen protein powder: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
• Best pea protein powder: Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein, Ritual Essential Protein
• Best rice protein powder: ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
• Best hemp protein powder: Navitas Organics Hemp Powder
• Best organic plant-based protein powder: Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder
• Best superfood plant-based protein powder: Ground-Based Nutrition Superfood Protein
• Best vegan protein powder for athletes: Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder, Ladder Plant Protein
• Best personalized protein powder: Gainful Protein Powder

How to choose a protein powder

You should consider several factors when choosing a powder.

• Protein source. Protein powders contain either animal-based or plant-based protein sources. Examples of animal-based proteins include casein, whey, collagen, and egg. Plant-based protein powders often contain pea, rice, or hemp protein. Some vegan blends also contain whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
• Additional ingredients. Look for protein powders that have as few ingredients as possible. Always check the labels carefully, and consider avoiding products containing artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors.
• Quality testing. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t evaluate the safety, equality, or effectiveness of protein powders, it’s best to choose products that are third-party tested to ensure purity and potency.
• Safe for sport. Competitive athletes may also want to choose a protein powder that has been tested for banned substances by an organization like NSF International or Informed Sport.

What type is best?

The type of powder you choose depends on your needs and preferences.

• Plant-based. Vegans should opt for plant-based protein sources, such as pea or brown rice protein. These can also be suitable for people following a dairy-free diet or those who have trouble digesting dairy or lactose.
• Whey. Whey is a milk-based protein that’s quickly and easily digested and absorbed. When combined with resistance training, whey protein may help increase muscle mass, support growth, and speed post-workout recovery, so it’s a great choice for athletes (1, 2, 3, 4).
• Casein. Casein is a protein in milk that is digested and absorbed slowly, which can help you feel full longer, so it may help reduce your appetite. The slower digestion and absorption rate may also support muscle growth and recovery over longer periods (5, 6).
• Egg white. Egg white protein is a great alternative to whey or casein protein, especially for those who have an allergy to dairy products.
• Collagen powder. Collagen is a component of muscles, and supplementing with it may help stimulate muscle growth when combined with resistance training (7, 8).

Concentrate vs. isolate vs. hydrolysate

The specific form of the protein may be important to consider.

Many supplements contain a combination of the three forms of WheyProtein, in particular in concentrate, Isolate, and Hydrolysate form.

The benefits of both the concentrate and the isolate are similar, but the processing methods used to make the isolates result in a higher concentration of the main ingredient.

It may be a better option for those who are limiting their consumption of fat, carbs, and lactose.

Meanwhile, whey hydrolysate — or hydrolyzed whey — has been partially broken down to ease digestion and speed absorption (9).

Healthline’s picks for best protein powders

Best whey protein powders

Naked Whey Protein Powder

Price: $$

Naked Whey is a low-fat option that can be used to increase muscle tone.

The unflavored version is free of added sugar and contains just one ingredient: whey protein concentrate.

Reviewers on Amazon said that this powder is easy to mix and has a mild flavor that works well when combined with other ingredients.

Additionally, it’s certified by Informed Choice, meaning it’s free of banned substances and safe for athletes.

It can be added to milk, yogurt, or smoothie for a quick and easy dessert or snack.

Naked Whey is also available in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, all of which are sweetened with organic coconut sugar.

SFH Pure Whey Protein

Price: $$

SFH Pure Whey is noted for its ease of absorption and amazing taste.

Sourced from grass-fed, free-range cows in New Zealand, this minimally processed whey concentrate doesn’t contain soy, gluten, or artificial ingredients.

Because it’s low in carbs and free of added sugar, it may be a good choice for people on a low carb or ketogenic diet who are looking for an easy way to boost their protein intake.

It’s also certified by NSF International, a third-party organization that sets strict standards for the quality, strength, and purity of supplements.

Ladder Whey Protein Powder

Price: $$

Ladder Whey is a great option for athletes looking to boost their performance and intake of high quality whey.

Each batches has been tested for banned substances to ensure safety, and it is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation.

“Reviewers said that it mixes very easily and doesn’t have a bad taste like many other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other other”

It is sweetened with a substance called stevia which can make it seem like it is unpalatable to some people.

Best casein protein powder

BulkSupplements Casein Protein Powder

Price: $$$

This casein powder may help you recover from a gym session.

BulkSupplements Casein Protein Powder is also a good source of calcium — 578 mg or 45% of your daily recommended value per serving — which may help improve dental and bone health (10, 11).

“It is produced in a facility that is certified by the National Science Foundation. The name of the third-party lab that BulkSupplements products go to isn’t disclosed on the company’s website.”

“The powder is a good choice for adding to smoothie or batter because it doesn’t clump. It is not ideal if you prefer a sweetened or flavored powder.”

Best egg white protein powder

NOW Sports Egg White Protein

Price: $$

NOW Sports Egg White Protein Powder is free of dairy, so it’s a good choice if you’re lactose intolerant.

It is paleo-friendly and free of artificial ingredients.

Additionally, this product is certified by Informed Sport, a third-party organization that tests supplements to ensure that they’re free of banned substances.

The smooth, unflavored powder is a great addition to shakes, smoothies, and baked goods.

It can be hard to mix, so it may not be suitable for all recipes.

Best collagen protein powder

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Price: $$

The bovine collagen peptide powder is easy to digest and absorb.

The powder is made with non-GMO ingredients and it is also made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows.

This supplement may help support healthy collagen production, which can promote healthy muscles, bones, and joints.

Vital Protein Collagen Peptides unflavored powder can be used in a variety of foods, from soups to smoothies.

If you are limited in your intake of calories or are on a tight budget, this product may not be ideal.

Best pea protein power

Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein

Price: $

This pure pea protein contains iron and all essential amino acids.

It is low in calories, free of added sugar and artificial flavors, and suitable for people who are vegan or need a dairy-free option.

“Anthony’s Premium Pea is a good option for people on a diet that is free of wheat.”

The powder can be used in drinks or smoothies. You may want to pair it with fruit, nut butter, or cocoa in a smoothie.

For this reason, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a simple option that can be mixed into water or a plant-based milk and enjoyed as is.

Ritual Essential Protein

Price: $$$

This powder is made from organic pea and non-GMO peas that have been grown in the United States.

This method of farming can help restore the health and quality of soil (12).

Ritual Essential Protein is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it is free of added sugar.

It is certified by Informed Sport, a third-party organization that tests supplements for strength, safety, and purity.

Ritual provides detailed information about the source and function of each ingredient.

Just keep in mind that it’s only available in one flavor, so it may not be as versatile as other protein powders. Additionally, several reviewers note that it’s not the best-tasting.

Best rice protein powder

ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

Price: $$

ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is formulated with a blend of plant-based proteins sourced from peas, brown rice, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

The powder contains all the essential acids. It is sweetened with coconut sugar and free of dairy and other harmful substances.

It is certified vegan and made without any artificial ingredients.

It is easy to mix this powder into drinks and smoothies because it is available in both chocolate and vanilla.

However, while it could be a good option for vegans and vegetarians hoping to ramp up their protein intake, it does contain coconut, which some people with a tree nut allergy may need to avoid.

Best hemp protein powder

Navitas Organics Hemp Powder

Price: $$

The 13 grams of Hemp-basedProtein that is offered by the Navitas Organic Hemp Powder is a good source of magnesium, iron, and fiber.

It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and all nine essential amino acids.

The powder is suitable for people who have sensitivities to certain foods.

It has a nutty taste with no aftertaste and can be used as a flour substitute.

The powder can be used in yogurt, baked goods, and smoothies. You can add it to soups, salads, and dips.

The company says that its products are tested third-party to ensure quality and safety.

“It is a bit lower in the amount of the animal kingdom’s main food group than other products on the list, which may be a disadvantage for some.”

Best organic plant-based protein powder

Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder

Price: $$

Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder features a variety of plant-based ingredients, including peas, rice, sprouted quinoa, amaranth, and hemp seed.

It is suitable for people who are vegan or vegetarian, as well as people who are sensitive to dairy or have a diet that is free of wheat.

This vegan powder is tested for heavy metals by third-party labs to ensure safety.

It’s also free of artificial ingredients and sweetened with stevia, monk fruit, and brown rice syrup. However, it does contain coconut, which some people may need to avoid.

Best superfood plant-based protein powder

Ground-Based Nutrition Superfood Protein

Price: $$$

The ground-based nutrition superfood powder is free of pesticides and genetically modified organisms. It is vegan and free of sugar.

The plant-based powder features raw greens, including kale, broccoli, and spinach, as well as superfoods like spirulina and maca.

It contains brown rice, sacha inchi, and cranberry proteins.

Every batches is tested at an accredited lab for heavy metals and other harmful substances.

The price of this powder is a bit higher than other products. People say it has a great taste that makes it easy to drink.

Best plant-based protein powder for athletes

Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder

Price: $$$

This vanilla-flavored protein powder contains tart cherry powder, which has been shown to decrease inflammation and accelerate post-workout recovery (13).

Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder also contains pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and alfalfa, and it’s free of dairy, soy, and gluten. It’s a good source of iron and calcium too.

It’s also formulated with several strains of probiotics, which are a form of beneficial bacteria that have been shown to support immunity and digestive health (14).

It is free of added sugar and is certified for sport, making it a great choice for athletes.

It may not be ideal for people with food allergies, as it is processed in a facility that also handles common allergens.

Ladder Plant Protein

Price: $$

Ladder is a company founded by Arnold and LeBron James.

Pea and vegan amino acids are included in this plant-based powder.

All products are free of banned substances for athletes because they are tested to ensure safety.

Reviewers say that it tastes great and blends very easily, which makes it a good addition to a shake.

It is somewhat expensive and can be messy, but it is fine.

Best personalized protein powder

Gainful Protein Powder

Price: $$$

Gainful is a service that creates custom blends of ingredients like peas, brown rice, or oats, which are available for a fee.

The brand has an online quiz that collects information about your health goals, lifestyle habits, exercise routine, and diet and recommends a powder that will fit your needs.

“All of the powders are free of artificial flavors and sweeteners. They are unflavored and can be combined with the brand’s Flavor Boosts.”

Gainful is more expensive than other powders, but it still includes personalized nutrition and fitness advice.

Product comparison

Here is a quick look at how our top picks compare.

How to use protein powder

Keep in mind that protein powder should not be used to replace healthy sources of protein in your diet, because high protein foods also provide other valuable nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

There are many ways to use the powder, and supplements can be an easy way to increase your intake.

The simplest way to make a smoothie is to mix it with a beverage, such as water or milk, or blend it with other ingredients.

You can mix the powder into yogurt, oatmeal, or dips.

If you feel like you are getting creative, try substituting the powder for your usual ingredients. You can use the powder in soups, veggie burgers, pancakes, and baked goods.

When is the best time to take protein?

The best time to take protein powder depends on your health goals. You may want to have one large portion or several small portions of protein per day.

If you want to lose weight, you can also try incorporating more high protein foods throughout the day, as studies show that increasing your intake of protein could help reduce appetite and cravings (15).

If you’re using protein powder to improve your athletic performance or endurance, when to consume protein powder largely depends on your overall fitness goals (16).

For example, for muscle building, it’s recommended to consume protein powder within 2 hours after your weightlifting session (17).

Eating moderate amounts of protein throughout the day may also help prevent muscle loss in older adults (18).

Finally, some research suggests that taking protein powder before you go to sleep may help your muscles recover overnight (19).

What are the benefits of using protein powder?

A quick and convenient option to increase your intake is the use of a powder called aProtein.

It may be beneficial for people with increased needs for food, those who have difficulty meeting their needs through food sources alone, and those with certain restrictions.

Many athletes also take protein powder after exercising, as it may help enhance muscle growth and speed up post-workout recovery (17, 18).

Additionally, enjoying a protein shake or high protein snack may even support weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness between meals (15).

Is protein powder safe?

Most people are safe to use the powders because they are well-tolerated and have few side effects.

Certain types ofProtein may affect you in certain ways. Some types ofProtein can cause gas, smilng, and stomach pains. Skin reactions are1-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-65561-6556

Some supplements could contain contaminants, such as yeast or bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness (20).

They may also contain heavy metals, which can negatively affect the health of your kidneys, brain, thyroid gland, and reproductive system if consumed in large amounts (21).

Third-party testing can help minimize the risk ofcontamination with harmful compounds.

If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take any medications that could be affected by the powders, talk with a healthcare professional before using them.

Frequently asked questions

Are protein powders regulated by the FDA?

The FDA regulates supplements, including protein powders, as food products rather than medications, meaning that it doesn’t evaluate supplements for effectiveness or safety (22).

It is important to choose a product that is third-party tested or certified.

Which protein powder is the healthiest?

To find a healthy protein powder, look for a product that is free of, or contains minimal amounts of, artificial additives like fillers, sweeteners, flavors, and dyes.

Also consider your health goals. Some protein powders have added ingredients to boost the benefits even more, such as digestive enzymes, probiotics, or herbal extracts.

If you are managing your blood sugar levels, you may want to avoid products with added sugars.

Which protein powder is best for beginners?

Gainful is a great option for beginners, as it creates a custom blend of your desired ingredients. You can mix and match their Flavor Boosts to find the one that works for you.

A registered dietitian can give personalized nutrition advice.

Which protein powder is best for muscle gain?

If gaining muscle mass is your goal, research suggests choosing a product with at least 20 grams of high quality protein and minimal fillers, sweeteners, and artificial ingredients (17).

Naked Whey is a low in carbs and high in protein option that can be used with resistance training to support muscle gain.

Is whey protein better than plant-based protein?

People who are unable to tolerate dairy can be helped by plant-based protein. There are a lot of health benefits to be found in plant-based and whey-based powders.

In fact, some research suggests that whey protein and plant-based protein can be equally effective at increasing muscle growth and strength, as long as they contain the same amount of protein and branched-chain amino acids — a group of amino acids that boost muscle-building — per serving (23, 24, 25, 26).

The bottom line

When trying a new powder, pay attention to how your body responds. You may wish to take a break every so often or alternate between different products.

Many people get a lot of their nutrition from the foods they eat.

Adding a shake or powder to oatmeal and yogurt can help you meet your needs for more calories and more of a source of energy.

Try to eat lots of fresh, whole foods, including natural sources of fiber and water.