Top Protein Picks for 2023

After extensive taste testing, bake testing, and rigorous smoothie evaluations, we’ve finally curated our definitive list of the best protein powders available today – encompassing both premium whey and high-quality plant-based options. Our mission was to deliver a completely unbiased and incredibly thorough protein powder review, empowering you to confidently select the ideal product for your specific needs, whether that’s enhancing your nutrition, perfecting your baked goods, or crafting delicious smoothies.

We understand the overwhelming challenge of navigating the vast protein powder market. With hundreds, if not thousands, of choices promising various benefits, finding the right fit can feel like an impossible task. Perhaps you’re searching for a protein powder that bakes seamlessly into your favorite treats, or maybe you require a gluten-free, plant-based option specifically formulated for smooth, lump-free smoothies. Whatever your unique requirements, we’ve undertaken the exhaustive research and testing so you don’t have to.

*This comprehensive guide was last updated on 2/10/2023 to reflect our most current favorites and insights, ensuring you have the latest recommendations.

Our Rigorous Protein Powder Testing Methodology

Our journey to identify the best protein powders began by tapping into the collective wisdom of our vibrant community. We crowdsourced recommendations from our dedicated followers, asking them to share their go-to protein powders. This collaborative approach yielded a curated list of 14 highly recommended protein powders, which repeatedly emerged as favorites in our polls and discussions. These 14 contenders formed the foundation of our extensive testing process.

While the market boasts an incredible array of protein powder types and flavors, for this particular review, we chose to laser-focus on vanilla-flavored whey and plant-based protein powders. Our rationale was simple: chocolate, while delicious, can often mask the true underlying flavor and texture profile of a protein powder. Vanilla, on the other hand, provides a more neutral canvas, allowing us to accurately assess the authentic taste, sweetness, and consistency of each product without interference.

Key Factors in Our Evaluation

When embarking on the quest for the ultimate protein powder, numerous factors come into play. To provide you with a structured and comparable analysis, we devised a meticulous 5-star rating system, evaluating each protein powder across several critical qualities:

Nutrition Profile: We meticulously analyzed each product’s nutritional breakdown. This included checking for certifications and attributes such as gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, organic, non-GMO, and grass-fed status. Understanding these details is crucial for individuals with specific dietary needs, ethical considerations, or those simply seeking the cleanest ingredients.

Protein per Serving: This metric represents the actual grams of protein delivered in a single serving of the powder. A higher protein content per serving often indicates a more efficient way to boost your daily protein intake, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety.

Calories per Serving: We noted the calorie count per serving to help you integrate these powders into your dietary goals, whether you’re focusing on weight management, muscle gain, or simply maintaining a balanced intake.

Cost per Serving: To ensure a fair comparison across various brands and sizes, we calculated the cost per serving. This allows you to evaluate the economic value of each protein powder and make an informed decision that aligns with your budget.

Sugar and Sweetener Content: We scrutinized both the total grams of sugar and the type of sweeteners used. Given that many individuals are sensitive to artificial sweeteners or even natural ones like stevia, we specifically noted the presence of stevia and identified all sugar sources or alternative sweeteners listed in the ingredients.

Smoothie Taste Test: This crucial test evaluated the protein powder’s performance when blended into a simple smoothie. Using a minimalist recipe of frozen strawberries and almond milk, we focused on assessing the flavor, overall sweetness, and the final texture. We looked for powders that blended smoothly, didn’t leave a chalky or gritty residue, and enhanced the smoothie’s taste without overpowering it.

Baking Taste Test: Beyond beverages, many users incorporate protein powder into their baking. We developed a controlled baking test using our protein muffin recipe (without chocolate chips). The muffin batter was divided, and a teaspoon of each protein powder was individually mixed into separate portions before baking. This allowed us to observe how each powder affected the muffin’s flavor, sweetness, moisture, and texture, ensuring it didn’t result in dry, crumbly, or overly dense baked goods.

Understanding Protein Powder Types: Whey vs. Plant-Based

Before diving into our top picks, it’s helpful to understand the fundamental differences between whey and plant-based protein powders, as each offers distinct benefits and caters to different dietary preferences.

Whey Protein: Derived from milk during the cheesemaking process, whey is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s renowned for its rapid digestion and absorption, making it an excellent choice for post-workout recovery. Whey protein is available in several forms: concentrate (containing some lactose and fat), isolate (further processed to remove most lactose and fat, offering a higher protein percentage), and hydrolysate (pre-digested for even faster absorption). Generally, whey protein delivers a creamy texture and is often favored for its “milkshake-like” consistency in smoothies and its reliable performance in baking.

Plant-Based Protein: An ideal option for vegans, vegetarians, or those with dairy allergies or sensitivities, plant-based protein powders typically combine several plant sources to achieve a complete amino acid profile. Common sources include pea, rice, hemp, soy, and pumpkin seed protein. While some single-source plant proteins might lack certain amino acids, blends are expertly formulated to provide a comprehensive nutritional profile. Plant-based proteins can vary more widely in texture and flavor, often requiring more careful selection, which is precisely why our taste tests focused on identifying the smoothest, best-tasting options.

Our Favorite Plant-Based Protein Powders

Calling all plant-based protein enthusiasts! For those committed to a vegan lifestyle, managing allergies, or simply preferring plant-derived nutrition, this section is for you. We’re particularly fond of how well plant-based protein powders perform in baking applications. All three of our top recommendations are celebrated for being organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and, of course, vegan-friendly.

1. Garden of Life Raw Organic Vanilla Protein Powder – 5 Stars (Our #1 Plant-Based Pick!)

22g protein // 0g sugar // 110 calories // $1.56 per serving // vegan // gluten-free // soy-free // non-GMO // organic

Garden of Life Raw Organic Vanilla Protein Powder truly stood out as our all-around winner in the plant-based category, and arguably, the entire test! Its genuine vanilla flavor captivated our testers, offering a natural sweetness without any artificial aftertaste. We were equally impressed by its accessible price point, positioning it as one of the most affordable high-quality options, especially given its exceptional nutritional profile.

With an impressive 22 grams of protein and absolutely zero grams of sugar per serving, this powder delivers powerful nutrition. Crucially for a plant-based product, it completely defies the common chalky or earthy stereotypes. In our smoothie tests, it blended into a perfectly sweet, silky smooth consistency. When incorporated into muffins, it yielded moist, incredibly fluffy results, proving its versatility. We wholeheartedly recommend this product for its superior taste and performance, solidifying its place as what we consider the best-tasting plant-based protein powder on the market.

Buy now on Amazon (20 servings)

2. Sun Warrior Organic Protein Powder (Warrior Blend Vanilla) – 4 Stars

18g protein // 0g sugar // 100 calories // $1.19 per serving // vegan // gluten-free // non-GMO // no artificial flavor // organic

Securing a very close second place in our plant-based protein category is Sun Warrior Organic Protein Powder (Warrior Blend Vanilla). While it offers 4 grams less protein per serving compared to our top pick, its subtle and natural vanilla flavor was highly appreciated by our testers – it’s present but never overwhelming. The price point of Sun Warrior is exceptionally competitive, making it an excellent value, and its widespread availability in stores and online adds to its convenience. This product upholds high standards, being vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and organic, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

During our evaluations, Sun Warrior performed admirably in both smoothies and baked goods. It blended smoothly, contributing a pleasant flavor to our test smoothies, and integrated seamlessly into our muffin recipe, delivering consistent and delicious results without any undesirable textures or aftertastes.

Buy now on Amazon (30 servings)

3. Aloha Organic Protein Powder – 3.5 Stars

18g protein // 4g sugar // 140 calories // $1.87 per serving // organic // vegan // non-GMO // gluten-free // dairy-free // no stevia

As a long-time user of Aloha Organic Protein Powder, I was particularly pleased to see it earn a spot among our top three plant-based protein powders. Aloha distinguishes itself by containing 4 grams of sugar, which is sourced entirely from coconut sugar, a deliberate choice to avoid stevia. This is a significant advantage for those who are sensitive to the unique flavor profile of stevia, offering a naturally sweetened alternative.

We found Aloha to be an excellent choice for smoothies. Its relatively mild and clean flavor ensured it didn’t dominate other ingredients, allowing the natural tastes of fruits and liquids to shine through. Furthermore, its texture in blended drinks was consistently smooth and pleasant, avoiding any grittiness. If you’re seeking a high-quality, organic, vegan protein powder free from stevia, Aloha is definitely worth considering.

Buy now on Amazon

Our Favorite Whey Protein Powders

For those who embrace dairy and seek the classic benefits of whey protein, this section is tailored for you. When selecting our top whey protein powders, our evaluation went beyond just flavor and price. We placed a strong emphasis on the sourcing of the whey, prioritizing products derived from humanely raised and grass-fed animals, reflecting a commitment to quality and ethical practices.

Whey protein powder is highly regarded for its typically smooth, non-chalky texture and often boasts a rich, “ice cream-like” flavor that many find appealing. Its superior texture also makes it a standout choice for baking, consistently yielding excellent results in recipes like our protein muffins. Our hand-picked selections are characterized by their minimalist ingredient lists, relying on naturally high-protein components. Explore our favorite whey protein powder recommendations below!

1. Garden of Life Organic Whey Protein – 5 Stars (Our #1 Whey Pick!)

24g protein // 1g sugar // 130 calories // $1.66 per serving // gluten-free // non-GMO // no artificial flavors // grass-fed // all-natural

It’s no secret we’re significant admirers of the Garden of Life brand, and their Organic Whey Protein Powder firmly established itself as our undisputed number one choice in the whey protein category. This product excels on multiple fronts: we deeply appreciate that the whey is sourced from grass-fed cows, ensuring a higher quality and more nutrient-rich protein. The fact that it’s organic and hormone-free further underscores its commitment to purity and health.

Beyond its ethical and nutritional superiority, the flavor profile of this powder is simply outstanding. It delivers a clean, natural vanilla taste that is never overpowering or artificial. We’ve extensively utilized this product in a variety of our most beloved protein-powder recipes, including our peanut butter protein balls, decadent protein ice cream, satisfying peanut butter protein bars, and our ultimate protein shakes. In every application, it consistently blends without any chalkiness, imparting a truly delicious flavor that elevates the final product.

Buy now on Amazon

2. Simply Tera’s Whey Protein Powder (Bourbon Vanilla) – 4 Stars

21g protein // 2g sugar // 110 calories // $1.24 per serving // gluten-free // non-GMO // grass-fed // organic

Simply Tera’s Whey Protein Powder stands out as an exceptional product, particularly commendable for its outstanding value. Among our top six protein powder recommendations, it ranks as the second most economical option at an attractive $1.24 per serving. This product delivers a solid 21 grams of protein per serving and boasts an incredibly clean ingredient list, featuring only four simple components. This includes whey sourced from grass-fed, organic cows, aligning with high standards of animal welfare and product purity.

Our testers were particularly impressed by its subtly sweet bourbon vanilla flavor. It offers a sophisticated and natural vanilla taste that is never cloying or excessively sweet, making it a versatile choice for various applications. It blends seamlessly into smoothies and performs reliably in baking, providing a clean protein boost without compromising on taste or quality.

Buy now on Amazon

3. Designer Whey Protein Powder – 3.5 Stars

20g protein // 2g sugar // 110 calories // $1.72 per serving // organic // non-GMO // gluten-free // no artificial sweeteners

Designer Whey Protein Powder holds a special place in my personal history as it was the very first protein powder I ever incorporated into my diet, and I remain a dedicated fan. The vanilla flavor of Designer Whey is genuinely delicious and satisfying, characterized by its commitment to using no artificial sweeteners. This makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a cleaner profile without compromising on taste.

While we ranked this product at #3, primarily because its ingredient list is somewhat longer than our top two contenders, it consistently performs exceptionally well in our tests. It bakes beautifully into a variety of recipes, contributing to moist and flavorful results, and it maintains a smooth, non-chalky texture when blended into smoothies. Designer Whey offers a reliable and enjoyable protein experience, especially for those who prioritize a great taste and appreciate the absence of artificial additives.

Tips for Choosing the Right Protein Powder for You

With so many excellent options, selecting the perfect protein powder can still be a personal journey. Here are some key considerations to guide your decision:

• Your Dietary Needs and Preferences: Are you vegan, vegetarian, or do you have allergies to dairy, soy, or gluten? This will immediately narrow down your choices to either plant-based or whey, and then to specific ingredient compositions.
• Your Health and Fitness Goals: If muscle building is your primary goal, a rapidly absorbed whey isolate or a high-quality complete plant protein blend might be ideal. For weight management, look for options with lower calorie and sugar content.
• Intended Use: How do you plan to use your protein powder most often? For smooth, post-workout shakes, a powder that dissolves easily is paramount. If you love to bake, consider options known for their good performance in baked goods, which tend to be whey or specific plant blends that don’t dry out or alter texture significantly.
• Taste and Texture: These are highly subjective but crucial. Our reviews give a good starting point, but don’t hesitate to try smaller sizes or sample packs if available, especially if you’re sensitive to certain flavors or textures like chalkiness or grittiness.
• Sweetener Sensitivities: As noted in our reviews, some individuals react poorly to stevia or other artificial sweeteners. Pay close attention to the ingredient list if this applies to you.
• Budget: Protein powders come at various price points. Calculating the cost per serving, as we did, helps you compare value effectively and find a high-quality product that fits your financial comfort zone.

By considering these factors alongside our detailed reviews, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed choice that supports your health, tastes great, and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Comprehensive List of All Tested Protein Powders

Before we conclude, we want to share the complete roster of protein powders that underwent our extensive testing, along with their assigned 5-star ratings and concise notes from our evaluation. As mentioned earlier, every single one of these recommendations came directly from the invaluable Fit Foodie community. We acknowledge that the protein powder universe is vast, and while we couldn’t test every single product, this carefully curated list provides a solid foundation. This list is ranked from the highest-rated (5-star, best) down to the lowest-rated (1-star, worst).

• Garden of Life Raw Organic Vanilla – 1st Place (Plant-Based) – 5 Stars – See above for a comprehensive review of our top plant-based pick.
• Garden of Life Organic Whey Protein – 2nd Place (Whey) – 4.25 Stars – Refer to the section above for an in-depth review of our top whey choice.
• Sun Warrior Organic Protein Powder – 3rd Place – 4 Stars – Detailed review available in the plant-based protein section above.
• Simply Tera’s Whey Protein – 3rd Place – 4 Stars – For a complete review, please see our favorite whey protein powders section.
• Designer Whey Protein – 4th Place – 3.5 Stars – Find its detailed assessment in the whey protein section.
• Aloha Organic Protein Powder – 4th Place – 3.5 Stars – Its full review is provided in our favorite plant-based protein powders section.
• Vega Sport Protein Powder – 5th Place – 2.75 Stars – A decent option, but fell short in taste and texture compared to our top picks.
• Amazing Grass Protein Powder – 6th Place – 2.5 Stars – While this brand is known for its nutrient-rich greens, this protein powder left both our smoothies and muffins with a distinctly chalky and grainy texture, which was a significant drawback for our testers.
• Tone It Up Protein Powder – 7th Place – 2 Stars – Noted for its artificial vanilla taste and excessive sweetness. The monk fruit sweetener was overpowering, and it offered only 15g protein per serving, which is lower than many competitors.
• Trader Joe’s Protein Powder – 7th Place – 2 Stars – The flavor was acceptable, but the ingredient list was not as clean as preferred, notably including cane sugar, which many health-conscious consumers aim to limit.
• Nuzest Clean Lean Protein – 8th Place – 1.5 Stars – Received low marks due to a pronounced metallic aftertaste and an overall unpleasant flavor profile.
• Orgain Organic Protein Powder – 8th Place – 1.5 Stars – Testers noted a tangy and strange aftertaste, along with a grainy texture. When used in baking, it left muffins notably dry and flakey.
• ON Gold Standard 100% Whey – 9th Place – 1 Star – This product was widely disliked for its chemical taste and artificial vanilla flavor. We would strongly advise against this option based on our comprehensive testing.