Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (2024)

Pea, brown rice, and chia seed form the base for this plant-based protein powder. It also contains prebiotics and fiber to support gut and overall health. There is zero sugar, too. Instead, sweetness comes from stevia and erythritol.

Fun fact: it's a fave of United States national soccer team star Alex Morgan.

What makes Orgain fitness editors' top choice is its balance of a well-rounded nutritional profile and affordable price point. Not only does it pack high-quality protein from pea, brown rice, and chia seeds, but the added prebiotics and fiber are game-changers for gut health. And at less than $2 per serving, it's a sustainable option for most consumers.

"As a vegetarian, I'm a huge fan of Orgain plant-based protein—especially the vanilla bean and creamy chocolate fudge flavors," says Lindsay Geller, WH Lifestyle Director. Geller mixes two scoops into her smoothie every morning with some blueberries, spinach, banana, peanut butter, and almond milk because it helps her start the day strong with a healthy dose of protein, while still allowing her to live a whole foods, plant-forward lifestyle.

Plus, the smooth texture and yummy flavors make it super easy to stick with. It’s rare to find a vegan protein powder that hits all these marks—top-notch ingredients, health perks, great taste, and versatility. Orgain does it all, making it our go-to pick for anyone looking to boost their diet with a balanced, plant-based protein source.

This perinatal-friendly formula includes pea protein and essential L-methionine for a complete amino acid profile. Plus, it's a great source of choline, perfect for helping to meet the new nutrient needs during pregnancy, postpartum, and lactation.

"During the early days of breastfeeding when both my daughter and I seemed to have insatiable appetites, I kept this protein powder close at hand," says WH contributor Jennifer Nied. "It was easy to whip up a shake and drink with one hand to ensure I got the nutrients I needed for all my new mom tasks."

You don't have to worry about confusing or questionable ingredients here, either. There is no sugar added, no artificial flavors, and it's free of soy and gluten. It's also third-party tested for efficacy, which is even more important to pay attention to when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Aloha believes you shouldn't have to sacrifice taste for nutrition, and that's certainly true with this delish chocolate protein powder. It contains a blend of organic pea, organic brown rice, organic pumpkin seed, and organic hemp seed protein to hit all the essential amino acids. Monk fruit extract provides just enough sweetness without artificial sweeteners or excess sugar.

We've also found this option to be the most versatile consistency and flavor for baking. The vanilla flavor blends seamlessly into pancake, cake, and waffle batter for an extra boost of protein, while the chocolate flavor can be baked into muffins, cupcakes, and brownies without detection.

"As a wellness junkie, I'm always on the lookout for supplements that go above and beyond," says WH Fitness Editor Talene Appleton, NASM. "This plant-based protein powder has quickly become my go-to because it fuels and satisfies me more than traditional, low carb options."

This superfood-packed powder delivers a solid 20 grams per serving, but it's not just about the protein. Ingredients like spirulina, chia seeds, and flaxseed provide an extra boost of antioxidants, omega-3s, and fiber. The balanced nutritional profile means you're not just getting protein, but also essential vitamins and minerals that support an active lifestyle when you're too busy to sit down for a meal.

The taste and texture is another win. Unlike many plant-based powders that can taste overly earthy or feel gritty, this one blends smoothly with water alone to create a rich, thick, milkshake-like result. It also mixes well with plant-based milk or in a smoothie, and doesn't leave any chalky residue.

This fast-absorbing 100% whey isolate protein includes 5.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and is easy on the stomach. "After years of avoiding whey and the acne that generally came with it, I gave this protein powder a try," says Nied. "Not only did it taste delicious, but I had no skin issues whatsoever. I felt energized and satiated all day whether I added it to my coffee in the morning or a shake snack in the afternoon."

On top of all that, it tastes delicious and comes in a mind-boggling array of flavors. If you think all protein powder tastes like dirt, at least one of the unique flavors (Dunkin cappuccino, strawberry, or Cocoa Pebbles to name a few) is sure to change your mind. Best of all, it's an absolute classic that's been favored by fitness experts for years, and is one of the most affordable whey proteins on the market.

"I mix the Promix whey protein powder into my coffee every single morning. The powder just tastes so...pure. And the flavor is subtle." says WH Executive Editor Abby Cuffey. Made from grass-fed cows free of hormones, this protein powder packs in 25 grams of protein and 5.9 grams of BCAAs for ultimate recovery and muscle-building power. It doesn't skimp on flavor either, with multiple tasty options to choose from and subtle sweetness from coconut sugar.

Cuffey's go-to flavor is the Madagascar Vanilla, which she says gives her coffee a slightly creamy and cozy flavor (especially with a sprinkle of cinnamon). "I also love that there are only four ingredients in the Promix powder, and one of them is the whey protein from grass-fed cows," she says.

Adaptogens give this plant-based protein a leg up to help support mental and physical health. The unflavored formula blends quickly and tastes great thanks to a naturally sweet mix of organic coconut palm sugar, organic lucuma, pink Himalayan salt, organic cinnamon, and organic monk fruit. "I love this unflavored version because it blends really nicely into smoothies and pancake mix for a quick-and-delicious boost," says Jacqueline Andriakos, NASM, WH Executive Health & Fitness Director. "The fact that it’s plant-based (pea protein) is perfect for me, as whey protein typically upsets my stomach."

In addition to 18 grams of plant-based protein, each serving includes 1000 mg of functional mushrooms (chaga extract, reishi extract, turkey tail extract, cordyceps extract, and lion's mane extract) and 500 mg of adaptogens (ashwagandha and eleuthero).

Complete a quick quiz to determine what protein blend is best for your goals and nutrition needs. Each custom blend includes all nine essential amino acids from seven or fewer ingredients, so you know you're getting what your bod needs. You'll also have access to a registered dietitian for questions.

Each one is unflavored and comes with flavor packets. Choose from strawberry cream, Madagascar vanilla, rich chocolate, caffè mocha, cookies & cream, chocolate peanut butter, cinnamon toast, and sea salt caramel to punch up the taste.

Why do I need protein powder in the first place?

Short answer: You need protein to live. "No one is surviving without amino acids," says White. "If you're not meeting your protein needs on a daily basis, you're not going to be able to reach your fitness goals, either," she adds.

You may immediately think about building muscle, but protein serves a lot of other important functions, too. "Those amino acids get repackaged into a variety of different things—enzymes, hormones, muscle," says White. Immune system function, pH in the body, hormone regulation, and more come from protein consumption.

"Especially as women age and metabolism changes and hormone function changes, it's even more important to make sure that they're meeting those daily goals for amino acid intake," says White.

The quality and quantity of protein matters, according to Cara Carmichael, CPT, fitness and nutrition coach. "The reason why the quality matters is for bioavailability, or how your body breaks it down and uses the nutrients," she says. "If you're training hard, but you're not seeing results you're probably not getting enough protein to build new muscle. You're like a hamster in a wheel, not getting anywhere. Think of your diet as allowing you to reveal all your hard work."

How can I use protein powder in my routine?

From shaking it up with water on the simple end to baking with it on the more elaborate side, protein powder offers truly endless, tasty options. Get the scoop on how trainers prefer to load up on protein throughout the day:

Don't Skip Breakfast

The first meal of the day is an excellent place to pump up your protein, according to Carmichael. If you're skipping the morning meal, you're missing out on a prime opportunity for 30 to 50 grams of protein, she adds. Her go-to is a protein smoothie with a scoop of protein powder, Greek yogurt, cup of fruit, and water.

Snack On Protein

Another fave of Carmichael's anytime of day is a yogurt bowl. She starts with 1.5 cups of Greek yogurt and mixes in a scoop of protein powder and berries. "It's a fabulous sweet tooth snack," she says.

Combine With Carbs For Recovery

"If you mix protein powder with water post-workout, it probably doesn't have enough carbohydrate to support good muscle recovery," says White. To add the necessary carbs (and replenish your body's glycogen stores), mix the powder with milk or juice, or grab a banana on the side, she adds.

Don't Dry Scoop

Thankfully the trend of chowing down on a plain scoop of protein powder has largely fallen by the wayside. Whew! Still, if you're tempted to try it, just don't, according to White. "You definitely want to dilute protein powder in something," she says.

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