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Best Overall Protein Powder
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
ProsVariety of flavor optionsHigh protein content per servingNo artificial ingredients or fillersConsHigher cost per serving due to cleaner than average labelNot vegan-friendly as this whey protein isolate comes from grass-fed dairyThe brand name doesn’t lie here—Transparent Labs lists all ingredients clearly on the label and unlike some other protein brands, it doesn’tthey don’t include ingredients you can’t pronounce. Without fillers or artificial ingredients, you’re left with the important stuff: 28g of whey protein isolate, only 1g each of carbs and fat, and just 130 calories. You’ll also find a touch of three micronutrients (we’re talking less than 9% of your recommended daily value), calcium, iron, and potassium. Another perk? This protein powder is sweetened with stevia extract, so you won’t find any added sugar here.
Men’s Health Fitness and Commerce Editor Charles Thorp, NASM tested the product personally and says, “It was a refreshing surprise to try a product without unnecessary junk in it. The high-protein content of this product let’s me his my intake goals with ease, and also tastes great.”
All that said, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is sourced from grass-fed dairy, so it won’t be suitable for vegans. And a protein that’s as clean as this one comes with a higher price tag. While the average protein powder on this list costs closer to $1.50 per serving, TL will run you $2.00 a serving. But for us, Transparent Labs’ high protein content per scoop and lack of filler ingredients is well worth the extra 50 cents.
Protein SourceWhey protein isolateNutritional Profile (Per Serving)28g protein, 1g carbs, 1g fat, 130 caloriesFlavorsMilk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Mocha, Cinnamon French Toast, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Blueberry Pancakes, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Coconut, UnflavoredNumber of Servings30Price Per Serving$2Best Protein Powder for Athletes of All Ages
Thorne Whey Protein Isolate
ProsNSF-certified for professional athletesBlends wellLow calorieConsHigher in cost due to NSF-certificationContains gums, which studies show aren’t outright harmful in moderation, but some may choose to avoidWhen looking for the best protein powder for athletes of all ages, we want two things. First, we need an all-around solid product that boasts ample protein. Second, we need a product that is thoroughly third-party tested and certified safe for competitive athletes. Thorne Whey Protein Isolate ticks both of those boxes, and it also happens to taste great, according to Thorp.
Thorp didn’t just test this product for this review, “Thorne is one of the supplement brands I have used the most, and its protein powder has been a mainstay in my routine,” he says. And for good reason: It boasts 21g of bioavailable whey protein isolate, and just 4g of carbs, 1g of fat, and 100 calories. With such a low calorie count, you can also mix this powder with other ingredients (fruit, peanut butter, etc.) to create a hearty, protein-packed smoothie.
“The taste of the chocolate flavor is smooth, and blends well with any fruit or additional nutrition you want to add, or just on its own with water or milk,” Thorp says. “There is a mild amount of sweetness, but it doesn’t overpower. The result is pretty pleasant as far as taste.”
While the flavor and macros are great, it’s worth noting that this protein does contain gums, which some athletes may avoid. Thorne also costs a bit more than average at $2.17 per serving—but if you’re a competitive athlete looking for a certified product, that extra cost should provide the assurance you need.
Protein SourceWhey protein isolateNutritional Profile (Per Serving)21g protein, 4g carbs, 1g fat, 100 caloriesFlavorsChocolate, VanillaNumber of Servings30Price Per Serving$2.17Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Value Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
ProsLower than average price tag5.5g BCAAs15 flavor optionsConsThough not outright harmful in moderation, this powder does contain artificial ingredientsThe protein blend may not sit well with those sensitive to dairyIf you’ve been hunting for the right protein powder for a while, it’s likely you’ve come across Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey in the process. Optimum Nutrition is one of the most widely-known (and used) protein brands—take it from Thorp, who initially started his fitness journey taking Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard. One of the biggest draws for newbies just testing the waters (and financially-savvy folks in general)? The price point.
Depending on the jug size (the bigger you go, the cheaper the cost per serving), your price per scoop can be as low as $1.06 with the highest you’ll pay for a scoop from a smaller container being only $1.54. How does the brand keep the cost lower than the market average? Thorp explains, “It’s not a pure whey protein isolate (it’s a blend) and depending on your stomach, you’ll realize this fast.” (Sensitive stomachs may want to lean toward a less dairy-heavy whey isolate.)
But if the whey isolate, whey concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein blend is not an issue for your digestive system, this is a great straightforward option featuring 24g of protein and 5.5g of BCAAs. Just make sure you’re mixing with milk or in a smoothie as we did find this powder to have a synthetic aftertaste in testing when we mixed it solely with water.
Protein SourceWhey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed whey proteinNutritional Profile (Per Serving)24g protein, 3g carbs, 2g fat, 120 calories (varies by flavor)FlavorsBanana Cream, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Malt, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Roll, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Delicious Strawberry, Double Rich Chocolate, Extreme Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla Creme, Fruity Cereal, Girl Scouts Thin Mints, Mocha Cappuccino, Rocky Road, S’Mores, Strawberries & Cream, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla Ice Cream, White ChocolateNumber of Servings27-141 (depending on container size)Price Per Serving$1.06-$1.54 (depending on container size)Best Accessible Quality Protein Powder
Orgain Vegan Protein Powder
ProsFull plant-based amino acid profileNot grittyAvailable via Amazon and at grocery storesConsFull serving is two scoops, so you’ll need to use more liquid when mixingHigher in carbs and fats (which could make it more satisfying if you don’t take issue with those macros)If you’ve been to your local health foods store, you’ve likely seen Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder. Thorp can attest, “I first started using Orgain when I went vegan for a few years,” he says. “This was back when there weren’t as many vegan protein powder options as there are now. I liked how accessible it was, through both Amazon (usually at some sort of discount) and at my local Whole Foods.”
Aside from being easy to attain, Orgain is also made with a plant protein blend, which provides a full amino acid profile—a trait sometimes difficult to come across in vegan protein powders. The taste is also reliable. Thorp found the flavor lighter than some of the other protein powders he has tested in his over 10 years working in the supplement space. He also noted that it blends better than most vegan powders with a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, rather than a gritty one.
Though this powder packs 21g of protein, it also contains 15g of carbs and 3.5g of fat, which is higher than your typical whey protein. While this may not be ideal for those on a cut, Thorp offers a different perspective: “While it has more carbs and fats than others, that could be a positive for anyone looking to really supplement their diet in a larger way. [This nutrition profile] makes it a more satisfying drink.” And with that, it’s important to note that a full serving is two scoops, so you may need to blend with a little more water or milk than normal to make sure the texture is not overly thick.
Protein SourceOrganic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic mung bean protein, organic chia seedNutritional Profile (Per Serving)21g protein, 15g carbs, 3.5g fat, 150 calories (varies by flavor)FlavorsVanilla Bean, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies ‘n Cream, Creamy Chocolate Fudge, Fruity Cereal, Horchata, Iced Coffee, Peanut Butter, Strawberries & Cream, Natural UnsweetenedNumber of Servings20Price Per Serving$1.90Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Tasting Protein Powder
Dymatize ISO100
ProsHigh protein, low calorieHydrolyzed whey isolate for better absorptionConsistently great tasting powderConsContains artificial flavors and gums, which some athletes may avoidIf taste is your number one priority, Dymatize ISO100 should be your number one pick. MH Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., also stands by this protein powder. “It’s nutritional profile is great,” he says. “That’s why this Dymatize is the only protein I use.”
According to Men’s Health Associate Fitness Editor Cori Ritchey who tested the product, “The flavor is top-notch. [Dymatize] is among the most consistently best-tasting wheys, regardless of the specific flavor.”
Ritchey also noted that her sensitive stomach had no qualms with this hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, which is a testament to the product’s hydrolyzed form. Whey protein isolate is whey protein that has already been broken down into smaller peptides for easier digestion, but hydrolysis takes that processing a step further—studies show the absorption level is even higher in hydrolyzed whey isolate.
With 25g of protein and only 120 calories, this is a great lean protein option. Just note that there are artificial flavors and gums, which some may avoid for digestive purposes.
Protein SourceHydrolyzed whey protein isolate, whey protein isolateNutritional Profile (Per Serving)25g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat, 120 calories (varies by flavor)FlavorsGourmet Chocolate, Dunkin’ Glazed Donut, Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Pebbles, Pebbles Birthday Cake, Gourmet Vanilla, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Fudge Brownie, Strawberry, Dunkin’ Cappuccino, Dunkin’ Mocha Latte, Cinnamon CerealNumber of Servings20Price Per Serving$1.47Best Vegan Protein Powder
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
ProsHigh protein content for a vegan optionComplete amino acid profile15 percent of your daily recommended ironConsNot many flavor options, though the ones available are tastyNo bulk-buy options, but you can subscribe and saveIf you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just want to add a little variety to your protein sources, Transparent Labs is pulling through. Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein is our favorite vegan protein powder for two reasons. One, it is a blend of pea and rice protein, which studies have shown offers a complete protein (similar to a whey) with a full amino acid profile. You’ll find if you decide to go with just a pea protein product, you’ll likely still be recommended to take it with a rice product as well. And two, it boasts 15 percent of your recommended daily iron, which studies show some vegans may be deficient in.
This vegan protein also packs a higher protein content per serving than most vegan powders—24g compared to the more typical 20g. Thorp tested Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein and thinks it’s a great option not just for vegans, but for anyone looking for a different source of protein: “This is one of my favorite proteins around, and it [just] happens to be vegan, for any of those living by that diet or [who are] lactose intolerant. Also, if your diet already has a lot of dairy in it, using this protein powder can help to diversify your intake,” he notes.
It is also worth noting that though Transparent Labs Whey Isolate comes in a wide variety of flavors, the flavor options for the pea protein and rice protein products are more limited—just chocolate or vanilla.
Read More: Best Vegan Protein Powders
Protein SourceRice and pea proteinNutritional Profile (Per Serving)24g protein, 6g carbs, 3g fat, 140 caloriesFlavorsChocolate, French VanillaNumber of Servings30Price Per Serving$1.67Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Benefits of Protein PowderIf you’re finding it difficult to get enough protein in your daily diet, protein powders can help. They’re a convenient way to help hit your protein goals—easier than downing four or five chicken breasts a day, at least.
Getting enough protein in your diet can help you build lean muscle and recover better after your workouts. This is thanks to amino acids (the building blocks of protein), which help stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Studies show during muscle protein synthesis, the body uses these amino acids to repair muscle tissue after your workouts—i.e. your body’s way of building muscle.
If you’re following a solid workout regimen, protein powders can be a great way to sneak in some additional protein on top of your whole food diet. Studies show protein can help you stay fuller for longer, too. But remember that protein powders are meant to be a supplement, meaning you should still be getting most of your protein from whole food sources.
What to Avoid in Protein PowderProtein powders can contain additional ingredients—like artificial flavors or sweeteners, fillers or gums, allergens, and/or added sugars—that some customers may try to avoid. The key with these types of ingredients is moderation.
While artificial flavors and sweeteners haven’t been proven harmful in moderation, there isn’t enough evidence on how consuming them consistently can impact long term health. Gums and fillers should also be consumed in moderation as they can cause digestive issues. Like artificial flavors/sweeteners, there’s also a broader concern over the long term effects these ingredients may have, but more research is needed. Added sugars—ingredients like table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, honey, molasses, and fruit juice concentrates—are also best in moderation, as they’re high in calories but offer no real nutritional value. Studies show added sugar should make up less than 10% of your daily calories.
Allergens—like gluten, dairy, or nuts—are the only ingredients you’ll want to avoid entirely if you have a specific food sensitivity. Dairy is probably the most relevant one with protein powders as most whey and casein products do contain dairy (even if it’s in trace amounts).
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Lauren Keary is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and fitness/nutrition writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is an ex-collegiate rower, and received her M.A. in magazine journalism and B.A. in literary journalism. She has nearly a decade of professional journalism experience and has covered topics all across the wellness and lifestyles spaces.
Her bylines include Fortune, BarBend, Outside Magazine, Evening Standard, BuzzFeed, Modern Luxury, Women’s Running Magazine, TripSavvy, San Diego Magazine, Orange Coast Magazine, Fitt and FoodBeast.
When she’s not writing or editing, you can catch her walking with her dog and an iced vanilla latte (half sweet) beachside or catching a flight.
Jordan Sullivan has an Undergraduate Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science, and a Masters of Dietetic Studies. Jordan is founder of The Fight Dietitian, where he and his team work with World Champion Fighters, Olympians, and top CEOs. Over the years, Jordan has handled the performance nutrition for a number of UFC champions, including Israel Adeanya, Alexander Volkanovski, and Leon Edwards.
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.
Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
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