- Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate – Best Overall
- Nutricost Whey Protein Powder – Best on Amazon
- Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate – Best Clean
- Legion Whey+ – Best Tasting
- Wellah Protein Your Whey – Best Budget
- Transparent Labs Mass Gainer – Best for Muscle Gain
Top Protein Powder Deals
- Nutricost Whey Protein Powder – Subscribe & save up to 15% off
- Legion Whey+ – Buy one get one up to 50% off
- Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate – Subscribe & save for 15% off and cancel anytime
- Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate – Subscribe & save 10% on every order + free shipping
Key Protein Powder Product Information
- 25 g protein per serving
- Grass-fed whey isolate
- Fast-acting post-workout refuel
- Includes ProHydrolase for better digestion
- Up to 30 g protein per serving
- Instantized whey protein concentrate
- Affordable option for budget shoppers
- Multiple flavor options
- 28 g protein per serving
- Grass-fed whey protein
- Clean ingredients only
- Third-party tested
- 22 g protein per serving
- Grass-fed certified whey isolate
- Over 20 flavors to choose from
- Third-party tested
- 20 g protein per serving
- Grass-fed whey protein isolate
- Only 5 ingredients
- Available on Amazon
- Up to 53 g protein per serving
- Grass-fed whey protein
- Whole-food carbs from oats, tapioca, & sweet potato
- Added creatine for strength and recovery
Our Review of the Best Protein Powders
We chose Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate because it is made from pure whey isolate, which digests faster than options like casein, making it the ideal ingredient for a quick post-workout refuel. Our tester gave it a 5 out of 5 for mixability, mentioning that it dissolved perfectly with no undissolved bits remaining after 60 seconds of shaking. While some may find the taste more overwhelming than desired and it is more expensive than other powders, we appreciate the fine consistency and the transparent labeling. For those who want a fast-acting powder with a secure zip-lock seal and third-party testing, this is a standout choice.
Nutricost is our top choice, offering a no-frills, cost-effective powder that still delivers a generous 30 grams of protein per serving for 140 calories. Our tester noted that the shake mixed easily and fully dissolved with a very thin, smooth consistency. While the flavor was a little too sweet for the tester, it gets the job done at an affordable price point.
Transparent Labs stands out for its clean formula and commitment to transparency. Our tester gave its clean packaging, taste, and mixability a perfect 5 out of 5, noting the smooth consistency and sweetness. With 28 grams of grass-fed, third-party tested protein for only 130 calories, it justifies its premium price as a high-quality choice.
Legion Whey+ earned a perfect 5 out of 5 for flavor from our tester, who described the French Vanilla as creamy and natural. It delivers 22 grams of clean, grass-fed certified whey isolate for only 100 calories. While it was rated 1 out of 5 for mixability in a shaker bottle due to clumping, its quality, flavor, and third-party testing still make it an excellent pick, especially when used with a blender.
Wellah Protein Your Whey is a simple, high-quality whey protein isolate made with just five ingredients and backed by third-party testing for quality and purity. Delivering 20 grams of protein per serving in a low-calorie formula, it offers reliable daily nutrition at a reasonable price, making it a strong option for those who prioritize ingredient quality and simplicity.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is a premium, whole-food-based mass gainer built for serious size and strength goals, delivering up to 53 grams of grass-fed protein, 750 calories, and over 100 grams of complex carbohydrates per serving. With added creatine, third-party testing, and a strong focus on clean ingredients, it stands out as a premium quality option for hard gainers and clean bulkers.
How to Pick a Protein Powder
Types of Whey Protein
- Whey Concentrate: This is the most common and budget-friendly whey, containing up to 80% protein along with slightly higher levels of fat, carbs, and lactose.
- Whey Isolate: Highly refined to contain up to 90% pure protein, this option has significantly less fat, fewer calories, and is suitable for most individuals with lactose sensitivity.
- Whey Hydrolysate: This “pre-digested” form is absorbed by the body fastest, containing up to 95% protein and offering superior absorption rates for rapid muscle recovery.
- Clear Whey Isolate: This is a highly purified and transparent form of whey isolate that is often easier on sensitive stomachs and is known for its light, rapid-absorbing, and sometimes neutral flavor profile.
Benefits of Protein Powder
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to drink protein every day?
We recommend focusing on protein-dense whole foods before jumping into a supplement. That said, consuming enough protein from food can be challenging for some. So, opting for a daily protein drink can have plenty of benefits, including muscle gains. If you consume too much protein, it might lead to weight gain, but otherwise, drinking a protein drink daily will likely support your fitness goals.
What is the cleanest protein powder you can get?
The cleanest type of protein powder is a powder with no additives, artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. It will have limited ingredients and is often labeled as unflavored. Some of the options on our list come in the unflavored variety, so take a look!
What is the best way to use protein powder?
The best way to use protein powder is by following the exact instructions on the brand’s packaging to ensure it mixes well according to their directions.