Protein is essential to a diet; an adult needs 0.8g protein per Kg body weight (0.36g/ pound) daily to sustain life and growth. The daily protein requirement is high for people with an active lifestyle, bodybuilders, and people who don't get enough protein for any reason. Here, the protein powders come to help. 

"A protein powder or a protein concentrate is a dietary supplement with a very high protein percentage. The protein percentage exceeds the daily requirement and is included in the diet of high-performance athletes and the people experiencing protein deficiency". 

(Britannica)

Protein powders offer an excellent way to boost protein intake for bodybuilders and allow for fast post-workout recovery.

How to choose the best protein powder? 

There are hundreds of products in the market; how to choose the best from them? The choice depends on many factors. Some essential factors to consider are:

• Personal preference for animal or plant-based protein powders: Animal-based protein powders contain whey, collagen, and casein, while plant-based powders derive from hemp, soy, rice, and peas. Animal-based protein sources are generally better digested and absorbed than plant-based sources. The plant-based protein powders are the choice for vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance. 
• Presence or absence of certain ingredients: Certain ingredients like sugar, sugar substitutes, preservatives, caloric value, protein/ serving, taste and texture influence the choice. The ingredients label is essential if a person is sensitive to specific ingredients. 
• Certifications and third-party testing: These factors influence the choice of health and diet-conscious people. 

No product fits all criteria, and a compromise tailored to the health goals, fitness levels, dietary preferences, and budget is necessary. 

We have tested 30 protein powders on this criteria and chose 15 best among them for you. Here is a summary of product features.

Naked Whey Chocolate Protein Powder 

Product features 

Product type: Animal source (whey)

Protein/ serving: 25g

Serving size: 38g (2 scoops)

Calories per serving: 160

Sugar per serving: 3g

Price: 75.99$ (5 lb)

Our rating

Flavour: 5/ 5

Taste: 5/ 5

Nutritional value: 5/ 5

Third-party testing: Yes

User rating: 4.5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: The naked Whey Protein Powder has three ingredients: raw cacao, grass-fed whey and coconut sugar, and each serving contains only 3g of added sugar. The low sugar, however, doesn't compromise its delicious taste. When mixed with water and shaken, it takes the texture of chocolate milk, and our testing noted that it doesn't leave any aftertaste. We, however, found that some powder was left at the bottom of the shaker, but the shake itself was delightful and not gritty or sandy. It fits excellently with different smoothies. 

With 25g of protein per serving, it is a sure way to recover quickly after a workout. It is third-party tested, informed choice verified, and free from unwanted ingredients. 

Issues: The product is otherwise excellent but doesn't give a smooth texture in a shaker and is suitable only for a blended smoothie. It contains coconut sugar and whey and is not for people with tree nut or milk allergies. Whey protein doesn't go well with some medications, so it is wise to consult it with the doctor or pharmacist while taking medications.

KOS Organic Protein Powder 

Product features 

Product type: Plant source (chia seeds, pumpkin seed protein, quinoa, flaxseed and pea)

Protein/ serving: 20g

Serving size: 39 grams (2 scoops)

Calories per serving: 160

Sugar per serving: 2g

Price: 44.79$ (2.41 lb)

Our rating

Flavour: 4/5

Taste: 4.5/5

Nutritional value: 4.5/5

Third-party testing: No

User rating: 5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: It is the best pick for people looking for plant-based organic protein powders. Besides providing 20g of protein in each serving, it is an excellent source of many other nutrients like iron (30% DV), selenium (35% DV), sodium (14% DV), vitamin B12 (40% DV), E (35% DV), and digestive enzymes. A person with digestive health issues must use it after consultation with the healthcare provider. 

The 330 mg sodium per serving is enough to replace the sodium lost during a strenuous workout, but people with hypertension and other sodium metabolism issues must take it cautiously. Its mixture with water tastes good, is non-gritty, has chocolate milk consistency and doesn't leave any aftertaste. The mild chocolate flavour makes it a good choice for smoothies with additional cocoa powder. 

Issues: It lacks third-party testing, contains digestive enzymes that are unsuitable for some people and has monk fruit extract, which some people do not like.

Momentous Collagen Peptides

Product features 

Product type: Animal source (collagen)

Protein/ serving: 15g

Serving size: 1 scoop (16.9g)

Calories per serving: 60

Sugar per serving: 0

Price: 51.95 (1.12 lb)

Our rating

Flavour: 4.5/ 5

Taste: 4/ 5

Nutritional value: 5/ 5

Third-party testing: Yes

User rating: 5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: It is an unflavored and unsweetened product for people looking for a collagen protein powder. It fits excellently with any food and drink without disturbing the taste but doesn't mix easily with cold water and is thus not a hoof travel partner. It blends well with tea and coffee without leaving any residue or aftertaste. It is Informed Sports and NSF certified and is gluten-free. It contains Fartigel, a specialised collagen that improves joint health in active and healthy people.

Issues: Lower calories mean it is not best for post-workout recovery. Moreover, the collagen peptides are not whole collagen and lack some of the essential amino acids of complete collagen. It doesn't mix well with the cold water. 

Thorne Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate

Product features 

Product type: Animal source (whey)

Protein/ serving: 21g

Serving size: 1 scoop (30g)

Calories per serving: 100

Sugar per serving: 1g

Price: 62$ (1.99 lb)

Our rating

Flavour: 4/ 5

Taste: 4.5/ 5

Nutritional value: 4/ 5

Third-party testing: yes

User rating: 4.4/ 5

Why do we choose it?: It is a proud product by Throne, a trusted brand, and is third-party tested for sports, making it a good choice for athletes for post-workout recovery and refuelling. It dissolves easily in water and is a good addition to denser smoothies due to its creamy and thick texture. Our testing found that the chocolate flavour is light, which is a plus point and makes it suitable for dishes with cocoa powder. 

Issues: It has Stevia, a sweetener not loved by some people. Whey protein is not a good choice for some people taking medications because it reduces the effectiveness of some medications and must be used after consultation. 

Dymatize Whey Protein Powder 

Product features 

Product type: Animal source (casein)

Protein/ serving: 25g

Serving size: 2 scoops (33g)

Calories per serving: 120

Sugar per serving: 0

Price: 44.67$ (4.7 lb)

Our rating

Flavour: 4.5/ 5

Taste: 4.5/ 5

Nutritional value: 5/ 5

Third-party testing: Yes

User rating: 4.5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: It is recommended for people looking for a good taste and easy blending of protein powder and willing to pay a moderate price. It contains casein, a milk protein with low lactose contents, making it a better choice for people with lactose intolerance. It dissolves very quickly, even with cold water and moderate calories, making it perfect for post-workout recovery while going. It has a mild and pleasant flavour and doesn't leave any aftertaste. 

It mixes well in various products, including energy bites and oatmeals, without leaving any residues. It is sugar-free, and besides a healthy amount of protein, it provides 45% of daily calcium needs. 

Issues: Some ingredients, e.g., sugar substitutes like sucralose and acesulfame potassium and artificial sweeteners, are disliked by some people.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey (100%) 

Product Features

Product type: Animal source (whey)

Protein/ serving: 24g

Serving size: 1 scoop (30g)

Calories per serving: 120

Sugar per serving: 0

Price: 14.99 (5 lb)

Our rating

Flavour: 4.5/ 5

Taste: 4.5/ 5

Nutritional value: 5/ 5

Third-party testing: Yes

User review: 5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: It is a good choice for a person who values quality and budget. This chocolaty powder tastes excellent when blended with a smoothie or water, albeit with a thinner consistency. It doesn't leave any grains or clumps, and its smooth texture with natural and light flavour is highly versatile. There is no aftertaste, even in the presence of 2 sweeteners. It is third-party tested and has informed choice certification. 

Issues: The texture is thin and has two sweeteners, which many people don't love. Whey interacts with many medications; consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary while taking medications.

Ora So Lean and So Clean Plant Based Superfood Protein

Product Features

Product type: Plant source (rice and pea)

Protein/ serving: 21g

Serving size: 2 scoops (33g)

Calories per serving: 130

Sugar per serving: 0

Price: 39.99 (650g)

Our rating

Flavour: 4.5/ 5

Taste: 4.5/ 5

Nutritional value: 4.5/ 5

Third-party testing: yes

User review: 4.3/ 5

Why do we choose it?: We recommend it for someone preferring organic protein. It is organic-certified and free from GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten. Besides providing 21g of plant-based protein, it has many vegetables, fruits, coconut milk and gluten-free grains with additional minerals and vitamins (mainly 39% DV of iron). Its taste is excellent with a chocolate flavour even when mixed with water. It dissolves readily in water, giving a smooth texture and without leaving any clumps. The mixture, however, leaves clumps when used after some time. 

Issues: It has digestive enzymes that are undesirable for many people and an antioxidant acerola, which interacts with some medications. We recommend consulting with a healthcare provider before use. It is pricier than many other products with similar features.

Gnarly Grass-Fed Whey Vanilla Protein Supplement

Product Features

Product type: Animal source (whey)

Protein/ serving: 25g

Serving size: 2 scoops (45g)

Calories per serving: 160

Sugar per serving: 0

Price: 62.95$ (2lb)

Our rating 

Flavour: 5/ 5

Taste: 5/ 5

Nutritional value: 4/ 5

Third-party testing: Yes

User rating: 5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: It is the powder for athletes looking for a product free from harmful chemicals and tested for all ingredients. It blends so easily in water, which increases its acceptability for athletes. There is no lingering taste, and no residues are left behind. Its mixture with water feels like flavoured milk with many times the protein content. Its whey content makes it the best choice for after-exercise recovery. 

Issues: The probiotics and prebiotics in this product sometimes interact with medications and coffee, and prior consultation with the doctor is recommended. It has MCT oil and is sweetened with Stevia, which many users do not desire.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides 

Product Features

Product type: Animal source (collagen)

Protein/ serving: 18g

Serving size: 1 scoop (20g)

Calories per serving: 70

Sugar per serving: N/A

Price: 29.99$ (1.25 lb)

Our rating

Flavour: 5/ 5

Taste: 5/ 5

Nutritional value: 4.5/ 5

Third-party testing: Yes

User review: 4.5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: It is highly versatile, with excellent flavour, and unlike other collagen powders, it blends easily in cold and hot beverages. Its texture is delightful and smooth. Its mixture in cold water feels like a refreshing lemonade, and its mixture in hot water feels like lemon tea. The collagen-sourced 18g of protein boosts joint, hair and nail health and increases overall protein intake. The contents are NSF-certified and free of sugars, except Stevia, a sweetener. 

Issues: Many people do not like Stevia. Like other collagen powders, it has less protein and is relatively expensive.

Ascent Native Fuel 100% Whey Chocolate 

Product Features

Product type: Animal source (whey)

Protein/ serving: 25g

Serving size: 1 scoop (33g)

Calories per serving: 120

Sugar per serving: 0

Price: 74.99$ (4 lb)

Our rating

Flavour: 5/ 5

Taste: 5/ 5

Nutritional value: 4.5/ 5

Third-party testing: 5/ 5

User review: 5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: The users greatly appreciate this product's smooth texture and peanut butter-like flavour. Our testing found no clumps. Its natural taste and pleasant flavour makes it easy to drink. It is easy to blend with milk and bananas to improve carbohydrate and protein percentage for a fast refuelling and recovery post-workout. The shorter list of ingredients (protein, soy lecithin, Stevia and flavourings) makes it an easy choice. It is also tested for banned substances and has informed Sports certification. 

Issues: Some users complain of an aftertaste and a powdery feeling for some time after use. Peanut butter fragrance is too strong, which is only liked by some people. The packing design is less efficient and does not allow easy resealing, and air-tight containers are needed. Whey interacts with some medications.

Shaklee Collagen-9

Product Features

Product type: Both plant and animal source (pea & collagen)

Protein/ serving: 10g

Serving size: 1 stick of 11.6g)

Calories per serving: 45

Sugar per serving: 0

Price: 39.90$ (20 sticks)

Our rating

Flavour: 4.8/ 5

Taste: 4.4/ 5

Nutritional value: 5/ 5

Third-party testing: Yes

User review: 4.4/ 5

Why do we choose it?: It is recommended for a smoothie lover looking to improve the protein intake as it is flavourless and doesn't disturb the smoothie's flavour. Its flavourless feature is well-suited for smoothies, coffee and water. It provides a moderate 10g of protein, but what makes it unique is that in contrast to other collagen powders that contain protein fragments, it's a complete protein due to pea protein. Besides protein, it provides 100% DV of biotin and vitamin C and is thus suitable for healthy skin, nails and hair. It's soy-free, nut-free, gluten-free and dairy-free. 

Issues: It offers lower protein than other products with similar prices and is not third-party tested.  It dissolves poorly in the cold water and gives a grainy texture. 

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate 

Product Features

Product type: Animal source (Whey)

Protein/ serving: 20g

Serving size: 1 scoop (22.3g)

Calories per serving: 85

Sugar per serving:1g

Price: 59.60$ (446g)

Our rating 

Flavour: 4.5/ 5

Taste: 4.5/ 5

Nutritional value: 5/ 5

Third-party testing: Yes

Why do we choose it?: It is the best choice for bodybuilders and is available in many flavours despite having a simple formula. It is gluten-free and has a small amount of sodium, making it suitable for fast post-workout recovery. An expected plus point is its packing. It comes in a handy and resalable pack that is friendly for travel or rapid refuelling at a gym. Besides strawberry, chocolate and vanilla, its unflavored version is also available for people abhorrent to flavours. 

Issues: It's a bit expensive and contains many sugar substitutes, which are not liked by many.

Garden of Life Sports Organic Vegan Protein Powder

Product Features

Product type: Plant source (pea protein)

Protein/ serving: 30g 

Serving size: 2 scoop (42g)

Calories per serving: N/A

Sugar per serving: 0

Price: 47.99$ (1lb 12 oz)

Our rating 

Flavour: 4.5/ 5

Taste: 4.5/ 5

Nutritional value: 4.5/ 5

Third-party testing: Yes 

User review: 4.7/ 5

Why do we choose it?: It is the product of a respectable brand that the professionals highly recommend due to its enormous third-party tastings and certifications. It has a high protein content in plant-based sources. It has several ingredients that aid in fitness and nutrition, e.g., probiotics for better digestive health and a mixture of antioxidant-rich fruits, e.g., blueberries and cherries, with numerous health benefits. It blends excellently with frozen fruits and smoothies. 

Issues: It has limited flavour options (only vanilla and chocolate) and has sugar substitutes.

Orgain Organic Protein Powder 

Product Features

Product type: Plant-based (chia, rice, pea)

Protein/ serving: 21g

Serving size: 2 scoops (46g)

Calories per serving: 150

Sugar per serving: 0

Price: 37.99$ (2.03 lb)

Our rating 

Flavour: 5/ 5

Taste: 5/ 5

Nutritional value: 5/ 5

Third-party testing: yes

User rating: 4.5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: This smooth-consistency product is available in a large number of flavours. The variety of protein sources provides a complete protein profile. Besides protein, it provides iron, making it ideal for menstruating athletes at risk of developing iron deficiency. The reviewers have highly appreciated its smooth texture in shake and best taste. 

Issues: It contains many sugar substitutes. 

Now Sports Pea Protein Protein Powder 

Product Features

Product type: Plant source (yellow pea protein)

Protein/ serving: 24g

Serving size: 1 scoop (33g)

Calories per serving: 120

Sugar per serving: 0

Price: 29.99$ (1.5 lb)

Our rating 

Flavour: 5/ 5

Taste: 5/ 5

Nutritional value: 5/ 5

Third-party testing: yes

User review: 5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: Now Sports is highly liked by fitness professionals due to strict third-party testing for its products. This unique product is available in unflavored form. Some colouring options are available, e.g., chocolate mocha for people who love flavours. 

Issues: Some people prefer to avoid unflavored varieties and it provides an incomplete protein profile. 

People Also Ask

What is the world's best protein powder?

Based on the criteria used to evaluate the protein powders, (?) are the best options. However, the 'best' is subjective, and many variables are involved. 

Are protein powders safe for children and adolescents? 

The children and adolescents get enough protein from their regular foods. The protein powders are not recommended for this age group because they put extra strain on the growing kidneys and pose a risk of kidney damage. 

What is the daily protein requirement? 

It depends upon several factors. However, it is recommended for adults to have 10-35% of calories from protein. For a person with 2000 daily caloric requirements, the daily protein requirement is 50-175g.

Which foods have a high protein percentage? 

Besides protein powders, many foods are packed with enough protein to provide all daily needs. These include seeds, nuts, legumes, e.g., lentils and beans, dairy products, eggs, fish, and meat. 

How do you build strong muscles? 

There are many ways. The best technique is to engage in strength training while taking enough protein.

Bottomline

Protein powders are added to the diet of high-performance athletes and protein deficient people boost daily protein intake. They are available in a variety of flavours with variable composition. Choosing the best product requires an understanding of personal health needs and the ingredient composition of the available product. Taking the help of a nutritionist and healthcare provider is a worthwhile option. 

Welzo offers vitamins and supplements which are tailored to the individual's health needs. Click here to view the products and order your desired one.