Best Protein Powder – 2024

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Last Updated: May 1, 2023

Supplementing your diet with a protein powder can help you build muscle, recover after a workout, aid in weight loss or mass gain, improve performance, and if you’re like me – help you consume more protein throughout the day. Using a protein powder has numerous health benefits, but not all are created equal. It all depends on which type of protein and ingredients are right for you, so we’ve created this list of the best protein powder in order to help you find your ideal protein powder.

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The Best Protein Powders For 2024

• Best Overall Protein Powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
• Best Whey Protein: Ladder Whey Protein
• Best Casein Protein: Dymatize Elite Casein Protein
• Best Vegan Protein: Vega Sport Premium Protein
• Best Plant-Based Protein: Orgain Organic Protein
• Best Mass Gainer: BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer
• Best Keto Protein Powder: Kiss My Keto
• Best Low-Calorie Protein Powder: Naked Nutrition Naked Protein Powder Blend
• Best Collagen Peptides: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
• Best Grass-Fed Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Flavor Variety Protein Powder: Ghost Whey Protein
• Best Whey Isolate Protein: Isopure Whey Protein Isolate

Sneak Peek of the Best Protein Powder:

Best Protein Powder of 2024 – Our Experts Top Picks

Here is our list of the Best Protein Powder of 2024, our top choices for protein are on this list.

1. Best Overall Protein Powder Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is really the best all-around protein powder. It’s affordable, has an excellent macronutrient profile, high-quality protein, and comes in plenty of different flavors. No wonder it’s a favorite and so popular. It also doesn’t hurt that Optimum Nutrition has been producing supplements for over 30 years.

ON’s Gold Standard uses a blend of protein that consists of whey protein isolate and concentrate, as well as whey peptides. Whey isolate is the main source of protein, which has less fat and carbohydrates, making it ideal if you’re looking to supplement more protein into your diet. It’s also low in calories at only 120 per scoop. Whey isolate is also low in lactose, however, this protein isn’t completely lactose-free. The Gold Standard does have 24 grams of protein per serving, as well as naturally occurring BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) and all the essential amino acids for muscle repair.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey protein is formulated to support muscle recovery and growth. We love that it comes in 2, 5, and 10 lb tubs. Plus, with over 15 flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find a flavor you like.

2. Best Whey Protein Ladder Whey Protein

This next protein is backed by some impressive names, maybe you’ve heard of them: Arnold Schwarzenegger, LeBron James, Lindsey Vonn, and Cindy Crawford. They’re co-founders of Ladder. We really like that Ladder Whey Protein consists of 26 grams of protein per serving. We’ve named it the best whey protein on this list because it uses 100% whey isolate making it higher in protein and slightly lower in carbs and fats.

Per serving, Ladder Whey Protein has 5 grams of carbohydrates and just one gram of fat. It’s also fairly low in calories at just 140 per scoop or packet. Ladder is very beneficial for exercise and muscle recovery because it contains essential amino acids and BCAAs to help your muscles repair after workouts. Plus, it also has tart cherry which has been shown to help with muscle soreness. We really like that Ladder Whey Protein is free of artificial flavors and GMOs. The whey isolate is from grass-fed beef as well, even though this protein powder has a very low-fat content.

Ladder offers a percentage off the total cost when you subscribe to get the protein every 30, 45, or 60 days. This way, you’ll never miss a day. Ladder Whey Protein comes in a bag with a scoop as well as on-the-go packets so you can take it as soon as you’re done at the gym or while traveling.

3. Best Casein Protein Dymatize Elite Casein Protein

If you’re looking for another effective protein besides whey that’s derived from milk, then our pick for the best casein protein is one to consider. The Dymatize Elite Casein Protein is a complete protein that contains all the essential amino acids that our bodies need to optimally function. The micellar casein is slowly digested to help you feel fuller longer, too.

The 100% micellar casein in Dymatize Elite Casein Protein is great if you’re looking to build muscle. Per serving Dymatize includes 25 grams of protein. Depending on which of the four flavors you choose from, the calories differ slightly, but you’ll still get only about 130 calories per serving. The carbohydrates are also very low at about 2 grams. Speaking of the flavors, there is smooth vanilla, rich chocolate, cinnamon bun, and cookies & cream so you can choose a more classic flavor or step outside the box a little.

Dymatize Elite Casein Protein is a great choice if you want a protein powder from a popular brand that ensures its products are free of banned substances.

4. Best Vegan Protein Vega Sport Premium Protein

Animal products like dairy can be hard to digest even if you’re not lactose intolerant. Plus, if you’re vegan, it’s important to be able to find a protein powder that aligns with your dietary needs. Vega Protein is an excellent plant-based protein and our pick for the best vegan protein. The protein is primarily pea protein, along with pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and alfalfa protein.

For each serving, you’ll get 30 grams of complete protein filled with all essential amino acids and even probiotics to help support your gut health. It also contains only 4 grams of carbs per scoop and around 3 grams of fat. Vega Sport is great for aiding in muscle rebuilding and recovery. It will also help with muscle soreness with the added tart cherry. You can make a one-time purchase or routinely get shipments so you don’t run out.

In a shaker bottle or smoothie, Vega Sport Premium Protein mixes pretty well and it comes in chocolate, mocha, peanut butter, and vanilla flavors. Mocha might be my favorite.

5. Best Plant-Based Protein Orgain Organic Protein

Another vegan, plant-based protein option is Orgain Organic Protein. Orgain offers 21 grams of protein per serving and includes a blend of protein derived from pea, brown rice, and chia seeds. This makes it a complete protein with all essential amino acids. This protein comes in a variety of different flavors and even pumpkin spice for those who particularly love fall things. Even though this protein has a little higher carbohydrate content at 15-16 grams per serving, you’ll get extra fuel for energy. This protein can also be used as a meal replacement, too.

We’ve awarded Orgain Organic Protein as the best plant-based protein because it uses organic plant-based protein and is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, GMO-free, and contains no added sugar. Orgain is also pretty affordable. It comes in travel packs and 1 and 2-lb tubs on Amazon. When you select “subscribe & save”, you can pick how often you want it delivered and even get it as often as every 2 weeks, in case you run through it fairly quickly.

If you’re looking to add some extra protein into your diet, Orgain Organic Protein will help you achieve this. It can be mixed with water, smoothies, and milk, as well as used in meals for added protein.

6. Best Mass Gainer BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer

For those looking to gain weight and put on some size, BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer is an enticing option. One serving (3 scoops) will provide you with 700 calories, 150 of those calories coming from fat. 46 grams of protein is in every serving, along with 90 grams of carbohydrates. With macros like this, we’ve awarded the BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer as the best mass gainer among our best protein powders.

This mass gainer protein uses a blend of whey concentrate, hydrolyzed whey protein, whey isolate, milk protein isolate, micellar casein, calcium caseinate, egg whites, and glutamine peptides. With this blend of protein, you’ll get all the amino acids needed to build muscle as well as carbs to help your body absorb those amino acids.

BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer can be mixed with water, milk, or any other beverage. The flavors include chocolate milkshake, strawberry milkshake, vanilla ice cream, and cookies & cream. We highly recommend taking advantage of the “subscribe & gain” option to get a percentage off each purchase and to make sure you never run out.

7. Best Keto Protein Powder – Kiss My Keto Collagen Powder

Those on the keto diet who are looking for the best keto protein powder have come to the right place! Kiss My Keto Collagen Powder has not only landed this award here, but it also is at the top of our list of best keto protein powders.

If you’re looking to keep your carbohydrates low for ketosis or just for your own goals, Kiss My Keto only has 2 grams of carbs and 70 calories per serving. While this protein isn’t the best for building muscle because it only comes with around 10 grams of protein per scoop, the grass-fed bovine hydrolyzed collagen is wonderful for supporting your bones and joints. We don’t recommend using this protein powder as a meal replacement, but it is excellent as an additional supplement to your daily diet.

Kiss My Keto Collagen Powder is filled with MCT oil for the body to use as a source of energy. MCTs also have other health benefits like aiding in heart health. Plus, for those who have a hankering for sweets, the flavors come in chocolate and birthday cake to help you there.

Use our code GURU at checkout to get 10% off your order from Kiss My Keto!

8. Best Low-Calorie Protein Powder Naked Nutrition Naked Protein Powder Blend

For those looking to get a great amount of protein while not consuming a large number of calories should check out Naked Nutrition’s Naked Protein. It only provides 110 calories for every serving but will pack you 25 grams of protein. Naked Protein Powder Blend uses whey concentrate, micellar casein, and egg white protein to provide you with the amino acids that your body needs for proper muscle support.

This blend is also a complex protein powder that includes fast, medium, and slow digesting protein. This will allow you to get those essential amino acids over a long period of time. It will also help you feel fuller longer – talk about a bonus when getting a low amount of calories!

What really makes Naked Protein impressive is its very low ingredient list. Beyond the proteins I mentioned, sunflower lecithin is the only other ingredient. It is unflavored but can be mixed with any beverage, or even just water. Naked Nutrition also recommends adding it to smoothies and using it when baking.

9. Best Collagen Peptides Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Taking a collagen supplement has numerous health benefits like supporting your joints, and bones, and even helping osteoarthritis. As we age, we tend to lose muscle, and taking collagen can help you maintain your muscle mass as well. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides have earned the title as best collagen peptides because they’re popular and include some impressive ingredients.

To start, collagen is best taken with vitamin c to help your body absorb the collagen consumed. Well, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides include vitamin c and even hyaluronic acid with the dissolvable unflavored option. This way your body can actually use and benefit from the collagen peptides that you give it in Vital Proteins. You can even take it if you’re on the keto diet.

While the unflavored option is definitely the most used and rated on Amazon, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides come in other flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and lemon. With every serving, you’ll receive 20 grams of collagen peptides, 18 grams of protein, and a low amount of calories (70-90 depending on the flavor). If you’re looking to slip in some additional protein and health benefits without really noticing, then check out Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.

10. Best Grass-Fed Protein Powder Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

Looking for grass-fed whey? Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is our pick for the best grass-fed protein powder. This protein is made from hormone-free whey and has 28 grams of protein in each serving. This grass-fed protein is made from whey protein isolate to offer very little carbs and fat. This is great if you’re looking to up your protein for the day while saving your carbs and fats for consuming foods. Or for a lean muscle build.

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate doesn’t include artificial sweeteners and has less lactose. This means that those who are lactose intolerant or have digestive issues when they have whey protein might have better success and less discomfort with this protein.

This whey protein isolate is fast to digest but great for building and maintaining muscle. We like that it comes in a variety of delicious flavors like cinnamon french toast, chocolate peanut butter, french vanilla, mocha, and even oatmeal chocolate chip cookie.

11. Best Flavor Variety Protein Powder Ghost Whey Protein

Supplementing your diet with a protein shake is great, but you actually have to drink it to experience the benefits. Ghost Whey Protein has the best flavor variety in a protein powder that we’ve seen. You can select from flavors like cereal milk, Chips Ahoy!, cinnamon cereal milk, coffee ice cream, fruity cereal milk, Nutter Butter, and oreo to name a few.

Not only is there a huge variety of flavors, but reviews claim this protein is delicious in several of the flavors. Okay, but what about what’s in it? Well, Ghost Whey Protein has 25 grams of whey protein isolate, concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey. It contains a pretty low amount of calories, fat, and carbohydrates per scoop as well. Although these differ slightly depending on the flavor.

You can of course mix up this protein with water in your shaker, but Ghost also encourages trying their whey protein in smoothies, baked goods, and even making protein oats, ice cream, and pancakes – yum! Ghost Whey Protein is pretty affordable and can be purchased through a subscription or individually.

12. Best Whey Isolate Protein Isopure Whey Protein Isolate

Whey protein has numerous benefits such as providing your body with a complete protein filled with all amino acids, and it helps build and maintain muscle mass. A downside to consuming whey protein however is that it can cause some digestive problems like bloating and abdominal pain. Whey is derived from milk so it typically isn’t best for folks who are lactose intolerant. Whey isolate is processed to have a lower amount of fat and lactose and a higher amount of protein. So, those who experience sensitivities with whey concentrate should check out Isopure Whey Protein Isolate.

We’ve awarded it as the best whey isolate protein on this list because Isopure Whey Protein Isolate has a high amount of protein and low amount of calories. It even has no fat or carbs. Each serving provides you with 26 grams of quality whey protein isolate and just 110 calories.

Isopure Whey Protein Isolate comes in 1 and 3 lb tubs. We recommend taking advantage of the “subscribe & gain” to never run out of your protein powder. Plus, it’s available at a discounted price when you take advantage of this feature.

Things To Keep In Mind When Picking The Best Protein Powder For You

Not all protein powders are created equal, and with all the different types, some might be better for you than others. When selecting a protein powder it’s important to consider the following.

Your Goals

First and foremost, you should factor in what your goals are. Do you want to build muscle? Maintain? Gain or lose weight? Help your muscles recover faster? Do you want to gain added health benefits like stronger bones, joints, and healthier hair and skin? Different types of protein powders have different benefits and ingredients so you want to be sure these align with your goals.

Protein Type

Now, let’s get into the different types of protein powders and their benefits. When you think of protein shakes, you might think of whey protein. It’s popular and packed with benefits that provide your body with complete protein and all amino acids needed to build and repair your muscles.

Whey is available in different forms such as concentrate, hydrolyzed, and isolate. Since whey is derived from milk those with an allergy to dairy should steer clear. Folks who are lactose intolerant or have sensitivities to dairy might not feel their best when taking whey. Whey isolate however has a lower amount of lactose making it a better option for those with intolerances.

Whey protein is digested quickly in the body and absorbed quickly, making it best to consume after workouts when your muscles need to repair. Casein protein is also from milk, but it is digested slowly. This can help you feel fuller longer and provide your body with a steady absorption of amino acids.

Other proteins that come from animal sources are egg white protein and collagen protein. Egg protein is high in protein and includes all essential amino acids. Collagen however is an incomplete protein that doesn’t have all the needed amino acids. Collagen protein does have a lot of health benefits and can help strengthen your joints and bones though. It can be great to take as a supplement to a diet that already contains complete protein sources from whole foods for added health benefits.

While all these protein powders are excellent if you consume animal products, for those who don’t, vegan and plant-based proteins are best. These proteins often consist of brown rice, pea, and seed proteins. Together, these types of proteins are considered complete with all essential amino acids. Plant-based protein powders are great if you’re vegan and even if you’re not. Plus, these can be more friendly to your digestive system than milk proteins.

Calories and Ingredients

If you’re trying to gain mass, you probably aren’t going to consume a super low-calorie protein shake right? The same is also most likely true if you’re hoping to lose weight and fat, you probably wouldn’t take a mass gainer protein. Some proteins are packed with calories like mass gainers, while others like collagen peptides for instance have very few calories.

If you want to use your protein shake as a meal replacement, you probably want enough calories, protein, and some fat and carbs to help hold you over until your next meal. Certain proteins like whey isolate have a lower amount of fat and carbs, while some plant-based proteins have a higher amount of carbs. MCT oil is also found in some protein powders to help provide healthy fat, keep you fuller longer, and give additional benefits like added energy as well as lower your risk of heart disease.

If you spend a lot of time in the gym, you might want to look into a protein powder that has BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) and ingredients like tart cherry to help your muscles recover from your workouts. There are even protein powders that include probiotics.

It’s always important to check the label and read the ingredients. Sugar and other additives can be found in some protein powders which might not align with your goals, especially if your goal is to consume less sugar. There are also powders that contain gluten and soy, so it’s important to look into this if you have any dietary restrictions.

Flavor and Taste

As you might have noticed above, some protein powders come in fun flavors as well as unflavored. Protein powders also aren’t exclusively used in shakes either. You can add some protein powders to baked goods and even ice cream. Adding protein powder to your food might be a more tolerable way for you to consume it rather than just mixing it in water. Or picking a dissolvable one might be the best option if you don’t want to notice when you’re taking it. However you choose to consume your protein powder doesn’t matter as long as it works for you and your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Protein Powder Is Best?

On our list of the best protein powder, we’ve awarded Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey as the best overall protein powder. It supplies you with 24 grams of complete whey protein per serving, comes in different flavors, and is popular. It includes all essential amino acids and BCAAs to support muscle maintenance, growth, and recovery.

When Should You Take Protein Powder?

Some protein powders are digested at different rates and include additional ingredients to aid in muscle recovery. While these types of protein powders are often recommended to take after a workout, however, studies have shown that it’s most important to consider your total protein intake per day rather than worrying about taking it only before or after your workouts. This means that whenever time works for you to consistently take your protein powder and get in enough protein per day is best.

Is It Better To Drink Protein Powder With Water Or Milk?

It depends on your goals. Mixing your protein powder with water can help if your goal is weight or fat loss while mixing your protein powder with milk can help you get more calories and fat if your goal is to add mass and gain weight.