8 best protein powders for crushing your 2026 wellness goals, tested and reviewed by a dietitian

I’m a registered dietitian, and I’ve been drinking protein shakes for more than 15 years. To find the best protein powder, I teamed up with fellow dietitians to review more than 30 brands. Then I personally taste-tested 27 of them, one scoop at a time. These days, protein powder is a non-negotiable for me as a busy, working single mom of two. Most mornings, I toss a scoop into my Beast Mighty Blender with spinach, oat milk and frozen fruit. On some days that means a spoonful of peanut butter, and on others a splash of cold brew.

And I’m clearly not the only one. Protein is basically the unofficial word of the year, from protein coffee to updated Dietary Guidelines that call for more of it. The good news? Most of us can get enough from foods like fish, chicken, beans and nuts. But if you’re a busy parent, athlete, commuter or student, hitting your goal can be tough, says Emily Hulse, RDN, of Emily Grace Nutrition. Our needs also go up as we age. “Protein powder can help counteract age-related muscle loss and support bone health,” says Marjorie Nolan Cohn, RDN, clinical director of Berry Street.

Protein bars and bottled shakes work in a pinch. But a good powder is shelf-stable and easy to fit into almost any routine, and it’s the most flexible option out there. Here are the ones that are actually worth adding to your shaker bottle.

Best overall protein powder

Other top protein powders we like for 2026

Best protein powder specs comparison chart

Types of protein powders

Choosing the right protein powder is no small task. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types to help you decide which one might be the best fit for you:

• Whey protein: Whey is a protein in cow’s milk rich in amino acids, especially BCAAs like leucine. Whey protein is best known for its effectiveness in increasing muscle mass and strength. It’s also been shown to help improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

• Whey protein isolate: This highly refined form of whey protein boasts a higher protein concentration while containing significantly less lactose and fat than whey concentrate. Its lower lactose content makes it a gentler option for those with lactose sensitivity. However, it is typically more expensive and may not retain some of the beneficial nutrients present in less processed whey concentrate.

• Whey protein concentrate: This less processed form of whey protein is a more budget-friendly option than whey isolate. While it retains more of the beneficial nutrients found in whey, it has a lower protein content and higher levels of lactose and fat, which might not suit everyone, particularly those with lactose sensitivity.

• Casein: This is the dominant protein in cow’s milk, prized for its slow digestion and absorption. This makes it an excellent choice for muscle recovery during rest periods, such as overnight. Many take casein supplements before bed to ensure a steady supply of amino acids to aid muscle repair while sleeping.

• Collagen: Collagen is a protein found in connective tissue, bones, cartilage, tendons and skin. It’s often used topically or orally as a supplement to improve hair, skin and nail health.

• Pea protein: Derived from yellow split peas, pea protein is a rare plant-based protein source that provides all nine essential amino acids. It’s known for being gentle on the digestive system and is less likely to cause gastrointestinal issues than other options. However, pea protein powders can be relatively expensive and often have a mildly earthy flavor, which may not appeal to everyone.

• Rice protein: These powders are typically more budget-friendly than other vegan protein options. However, rice protein isn’t a complete protein, as it lacks one of the essential amino acids. Additionally, rice-based powders may carry a higher risk of heavy metal contamination, so choosing a trusted brand is crucial. 

• Plant-based blends: These vegan protein powders are formulated with two or more plant-based protein sources and often contain all nine essential amino acids.

Factors to consider when choosing a protein powder

Finding the best protein powder involves weighing several factors to ensure it meets your nutritional needs and fits your lifestyle. Here are the key things to keep in mind when you’re shopping:

• Protein source: Start by deciding which protein best suits your needs, such as whey, casein or plant-based options. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so consider your dietary restrictions and preferences.

• Protein content per serving: The amount per serving should match your daily protein needs. Around 20 grams per serving is a solid baseline for most healthy adults. However, active individuals, athletes and adults over 65 may benefit from powders that offer 25-30 grams of protein per serving.

• Calories: Most protein powders contain 100-200 calories per serving. To build muscle or gain weight, consider a mass gainer with extra calories and carbohydrates. Otherwise, select a powder that matches your daily calorie requirements.

• Vitamins and minerals: Some protein powders are fortified with vitamins and minerals. For example, some plant-based powders contain additional iron, a nutrient sometimes lacking in a vegan diet. Consider your diet and supplement routine to determine whether you need a powder with additional micronutrients.

• Carbs and fat: Choose products with carb and fat levels that suit your dietary preferences and nutritional needs. For instance, if you’re on a low-carb diet, opt for a powder with 7 grams of carbs or less per serving.

• Intended use: Consider your primary goal. Are you looking to build muscle, lose weight or fill nutritional gaps? Choose a product formulated to support that specific purpose.

• Taste and mixability: A powder’s taste and how well it mixes are crucial for long-term use. Many companies offer sample-size packets, letting you test flavors and consistency before committing to a full-size product.

• Additives, artificial ingredients: When possible, opt for powders with minimal artificial additives, such as flavors, colors, sweeteners, emulsifiers and fillers. Shorter ingredient lists often mean cleaner, higher-quality products.

• Dietary restrictions: If you have food allergies or follow a specific diet, ensure your chosen product is compatible. Certifications like certified vegan or gluten-free can help you quickly identify suitable options.

• Third-party testing: Dietary supplements are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. To ensure a product contains the types and amounts of ingredients listed on the label, look for protein powders that have been third-party tested by a reputable organization, such as NSF or Informed Choice.

• Value: While you don’t need to splurge on the most expensive option, it’s essential not to sacrifice quality either. Several protein powder brands offer moderately priced products with good-quality ingredients. Most of our top picks fell somewhere between $1 and $3 per serving.

How we chose the best protein powders

With over 13 years of experience as a registered dietitian (and countless protein shakes under my belt), I’ve researched and tested a wide range of protein powders. To refine this list, I collaborated with three other registered dietitians to better understand what makes a protein powder stand out based on different dietary needs and preferences.

Combining our expertise, we reviewed products from more than 30 brands, narrowing them down to 27 top contenders. Our selection process focused on:

• Third-party certifications

• Insights from online reviews

• Personal recommendations from friends and family.

For the first round of testing, I mixed a single serving of each powder with 12 ounces of water (or the amount recommended on the label) in a blender bottle, shaking for at least 30 seconds. I evaluated each product based on how well it mixed, texture, flavor and aftertaste.

To gain a more comprehensive sense of these powders’ versatility, I retested each product over the following weeks, incorporating them into blender bottle shakes with oat milk, smoothies and overnight oats. This method allowed me to assess how each powder performed in different scenarios, ultimately helping me determine which ones deserve a spot on your shelf.

Other protein powders we tested

• Just ingredients: Every flavor of this powder I tried, from Vanilla Bean to Mint Chocolate, tasted natural and balanced. That’s because it uses real ingredients like cacao, strawberries and peppermint oil, and it’s sweetened with stevia and monk fruit without the bitter aftertaste. The blend of grass-fed whey isolate, collagen, chia seed and pumpkin seed proteins has no artificial flavors, colors or additives, and it’s easy on the stomach. The downsides: It’s about $2 a serving, and each serving has 4.5 grams of saturated fat.

• Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based: A solid option for competitive athletes following a vegan or plant-based diet, this powder is Informed Choice-certified, with test results available online. Compared with Naked Pea (our top vegan pick), it has a richer flavor. However, the stevia is front and center, and I found it a bit too sweet overall.

• Quince Certified Organic Plant Protein: Best known for its luxury clothing and luggage at reasonable prices, Quince has come through again with its new line of wellness supplements. Its Organic Plant Protein is rich, creamy and free of any lingering bad aftertaste. However, because it’s fortified with several vitamins and minerals, you might not want to pair it with a multivitamin. The only real downside is availability: you can only purchase it from Quince’s website.

• Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate: This was originally our top pick for muscle building, but it slipped to second place behind Gnarly thanks to Gnarly’s higher protein content and better taste and texture. That said, there’s still a lot to like about Momentous. Each serving delivers 20 grams of protein from grass-fed whey isolate and more than 2 grams of leucine, making it rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). It’s also NSF Certified for Sport. The powder mixes easily, though I’d stick with the chocolate. While it’s not the creamiest or richest chocolate flavor, it’s refreshing with zero artificial taste. The vanilla was more hit-or-miss for me—the stevia was noticeably stronger.

• Orgain Organic Simple Plant Protein Powder: Made with simple, organic ingredients and sweetened with coconut sugar, this plant-based protein powder has a rich, slightly nutty flavor with no artificial aftertaste. Both chocolate and vanilla taste indulgent yet balanced, delivering 20 grams of protein per serving from a multi-plant blend. However, it’s worth noting the brand relies on in-house, not third-party, testing.

• BEAM Vegan Protein: Be Amazing (BEAM) Vegan Protein comes in seven dessert-inspired flavors, is third-party tested and contains a relatively short list of ingredients. During testing, its Birthday Cake recipe was a favorite for its smooth texture and on-point vanilla cake flavor. The biggest downside is the use of sucralose, which some experts warn could have long-term adverse health effects.

• Factor Form Whey Protein Powder: Factor Form, widely recognized for its prepared meal delivery service, offers a whey protein powder that’s smooth, creamy and flavorful — particularly the chocolate. However, it has a higher price tag and is only available in single-serve packets.

• Ka’Chava All-in-One Nutrition Shake: Essentially a protein powder and multivitamin in one, Ka’Chava is a dietary supplement with gorgeous packaging. I liked the ingredients and quality, but the texture was too grainy and the taste was too earthy. These factors and the high price tag kept Ka’Chava from making our top list.

• Momentous 100% Plant Protein: This option is NSF Certified for Sport and formulated to support muscle growth and recovery. While the powder has mixed reviews online, I enjoyed the chocolate flavor. Because it has a thinner consistency and milder flavor, I found it refreshing after a hard workout. The Vanilla Chai, on the other hand, wasn’t as enjoyable. While there were notes of cinnamon, it didn’t deliver on the promise of chai spice. It’s worth noting that a 2025 audit by Consumer Reports found high levels of lead in this powder. Per Consumer Reports, it’s recommended to limit your intake of this plant-based powder to no more than 1.5 servings per week.

• Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey: This widely available whey powder has long been a favorite in the sports supplements industry. With 24 grams of protein per serving and an impressive variety of flavors, it’s a solid choice. The Extreme Milk Chocolate flavor delivers richness and sweetness, but the artificial taste and aftertaste were less appealing. Additionally, this powder contains more additives than the other products we tested.

• OWYN Plant-Based Protein Powder: This vegan powder is certified allergen-friendly, meaning it’s free from eight of the major food allergens. While it has a loyal following, I noticed a strong chemical taste and aftertaste that was hard to ignore. The texture was also very grainy, even when I combined this powder with oat milk.

• Vega Premium Sport Protein: This powder is a solid option for athletes dedicated to a vegan lifestyle. It is NSF Certified for Sport and delivers an impressive 30 grams of complete protein per serving. It also includes 5 grams of BCAAs and tart cherry extract to aid muscle recovery. It’s available in five stevia-sweetened flavors — a potential downside for those sensitive to stevia’s distinct taste, which is prominent in this formulation.

• Mikuna Superfood Protein Powder: This plant-based protein powder stood out for its minimal ingredient list, complete amino acid profile and high fiber content. While the Vanilla had a pleasant, mild vanilla flavor, we found the powder a bit too earthy and gritty to be our top pick.

• Kailo Look Well Collagen: This 6-in-1 berry-flavored powder contains collagen, greens, antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin C and zinc. While it might be worth the splurge if you’re looking for a more comprehensive nutritional supplement, it didn’t keep us full for long and had a distinct “grassy” flavor, making it hard to justify the high cost

• Prolon L-Protein: Another contender for best plant-based powder, we were disappointed by the powder’s earthy flavor and gritty, chalky consistency. It was also one of the most expensive vegan-friendly powders we tried. 

• Groove Whey Protein Isolate: Groove is a newcomer to the protein powder scene. The company’s whey protein isolate offers 25 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbs, making it a good option for a low-carb diet. Although it contains stevia, it isn’t overly noticeable, especially in the Mexican Chocolate flavor. However, it is expensive and only available on the company’s website. At the most recent update, Groove is temporarily out of stock.

We also tested Just Ingredients Vegan Protein and Neue Theory Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder, both of which have since been discontinued.

Protein powder FAQs

How much protein powder should I take per day?

Whole foods alone can meet the daily protein needs of most healthy adults. However, if you supplement your diet with protein powder, sticking to 1 to 2 servings daily is generally safe and sufficient.

When is the best time to drink protein shakes?

“The best time to drink a protein shake depends on your goals,” says Jessica Kelly, a registered dietitian with Nutrition That Heals. She explains that for building muscle, consuming a protein shake within 30 minutes after a workout can support muscle recovery and growth.

On the other hand, if your focus is weight management or hunger control, protein shakes can serve as an excellent meal replacement or a satisfying snack. They help you curb your appetite and maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Related: Protein Coffee: Hype or a healthy morning habit?

Can protein powder help with weight loss?

“Yes, protein powder can support weight loss by promoting satiety, preserving lean muscle mass and stabilizing blood sugar levels,” explains Kelly.

However, it’s important to remember that protein powder isn’t a magic solution for shedding pounds. Since it adds calories to your diet, consuming too much could lead to weight gain if it pushes you beyond your daily calorie requirements.

Is it safe to use protein powder every day?

Protein powders are typically safe for daily use. However, consuming too much protein from powders or other sources can strain your kidneys. To avoid potential issues, healthy adults should limit their daily protein intake to no more than 2 grams per kilogram of body weight.

What is the difference between whey isolate and concentrate?

“Whey isolate is more processed, resulting in a higher protein content (90% or more) and lower fat and lactose levels,” Kelly says. She explains that this makes whey isolate an excellent choice for individuals looking for a cleaner protein source or those with lactose sensitivity. 

In contrast, whey concentrate contains slightly less protein (70%-80%) and retains more natural fats and carbohydrates, offering a creamier texture and additional nutrients. 

There’s also a price difference: Whey isolate protein powders are typically more expensive than whey concentrate powders.

Meet our experts

• Jessica Kelly, RDN, LDN, founder and lead nutrition therapist at Nutrition That Heals

Update, October 23, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best overall protein powder is unchanged. We included additional testing data, adding one new category: “best for GLP-1 users.” We also updated our “best-tasting protein powder” pick to Mindbodygreen Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate+.

A note on supplements: The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.