The 14 Best Protein Powders to Kick-Start Your Health Journey, Recommended by RDs

Also, with USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and vegan certifications, Manitoba Harvest’s protein powder can suit a variety of diets and is ideal if you’re looking for a plant-based product with no additives. However, the product is not gluten-free, so if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you might need to choose a different option to avoid potential digestive issues.

Vega Sport Protein can fit a range of dietary needs with its non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan profile, and it avoids artificial flavors and preservatives. However, it does use stevia, which has a slightly bitter aftertaste that some might not enjoy. Additionally, while the 430 milligrams of sodium per serving might be beneficial for athletes who sweat heavily, as it helps replenish lost electrolytes, it could be less ideal for those watching their sodium intake or managing high blood pressure.

During testing, Vega Sport dissolved smoothly without any grit, offering a mild flavor with a noticeable stevia aftertaste.

Orgain Simple Plant Protein Powder made our list thanks to its organic, minimalist ingredient list. With only eight ingredients, including organic pea protein, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and coconut sugar, the product offers plant-based protein that’s simple yet effective. The formula is free of dairy, lactose, artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives, making it a great option if you’re looking for wholesome, straightforward protein powder without unnecessary additives.

Beyond its ingredient simplicity, we also appreciate that this protein powder is non-GMO and gluten-free. However, since it contains peanuts, almonds, and coconut, it may not be suitable for individuals with these food allergies. It also contains 5 grams of sugar per serving, which is more than the other powders on our list and may not be the best option if you’re watching your blood sugar.

During testing, we found the vanilla flavor to be very mild, but it did have a licorice-like aftertaste. While it dissolved smoothly, we wouldn’t recommend drinking it with plain water.

We love that Future Kind is third-party tested for quality and packaged in a compostable pouch, a rare but eco-conscious feature in the protein powder market. It’s also vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and contains just a few, simple, plant-based ingredients. However, one drawback is that it’s sweetened with stevia, which can leave a slight aftertaste that doesn’t appeal to everyone. Also, it’s not as widely available as other protein powders on our list, as it can only be purchased through Amazon or the Future Kind website, limiting your shopping options.

With its Informed Choice certification, Naked Whey is rigorously tested for banned substances, making it a perfect option if you’re looking for a trustworthy protein powder. That being said, it’s important to note that as a whey-based product, it’s not suitable for vegans or those with dairy sensitivities.

In our testing, the unflavored variety had a neutral taste, as expected, and blended well in both a blender bottle and a standard blender, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture — even when just mixed with water. It does get a little foamy when mixed, but overall, it’s versatile for adding to smoothies or other recipes.

Primal Kitchen Primal Fuel Chocolate Coconut Whey Protein Drink Mix has a rich, dessert-like, delicious flavor that we absolutely love. Our tester came in skeptical after hearing the taste compared to that of a Wendy’s Frosty, but after trying it, she agreed that it delivered a similar creamy, indulgent flavor. The chocolate coconut blend is subtle, with just a hint of coconut, so even those who aren’t coconut fans will still love it. It’s also smooth and dissolves easily, leaving no gritty or chalky texture.

We also appreciate that Primal Kitchen’s protein powder is made without gluten or refined sugars and uses only monk fruit extract for sweetness. This natural sweetener keeps the flavor profile rich without adding any artificial aftertaste.

This chocolate-flavored protein powder is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a delicious, high-quality, dairy-free option. Certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly, Truvani’s formula is made without gluten and contains only a handful of simple ingredients, making it a great addition to your dairy-free lifestyle.

Additionally, while the product itself is free of common allergens, it’s produced in a facility that also processes wheat, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, peanuts, and eggs, so it may not be suitable if you have allergies to those ingredients.

Naked Nutrition Naked Casein is perfect if you’re looking for a simple, high-quality protein powder without any additives. With only one ingredient — casein — this powder is great if you’re looking for steady, overnight support for muscle recovery and growth.

It’s worth noting that Naked Casein doesn’t dissolve as easily as other powders on our list and has a slightly chalky texture, so you may be better off mixing it into yogurt or blending it into a smoothie. Additionally, it’s on the pricier side, but its pure ingredient list and quality may be well worth it if you’re looking for a high-quality casein option.

NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate balances affordability with quality nutrition. Despite its low price, NOW Sports doesn’t skimp on quality standards — this product is third-party tested and Informed Sport certified, meaning it’s tested for banned substances and contaminants, so you can trust that it meets rigorous quality benchmarks. With 25 grams of protein per serving, it provides an impressive protein boost to support muscle growth and recovery, without unnecessary fillers or artificial ingredients.

We also love its simplicity, as NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate contains just two ingredients — whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin, with no additives. However, since it’s completely unflavored, it may not suit those looking for something tasty. Mixing it with flavored ingredients, however, like fruit, cocoa powder, or your favorite smoothie mix can add some much-needed flavor to this budget-friendly option.

NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate contains sunflower lecithin to improve mixability, which may trigger sensitivities in those with sunflower allergies.

We also love that the product is NSF Certified for Sport, which guarantees it’s free from 280 substances banned by top athletic organizations. Additionally, this unflavored option is versatile, allowing you to easily mix it into beverages, smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods without altering the taste. Plus, with no artificial sweeteners or flavors, it is an excellent choice if you prefer a more natural, straightforward protein supplement.

One thing to keep in mind with this protein powder is that it can get a bit foamy when mixed, which may not be ideal if you prefer a smoother texture. It’s also on the pricier side compared to others on our list, so if budget is a priority, this may not be the best choice for you.

Legion Whey+ Whey Protein Powder tops our list for people with diabetes because it combines low-carb, high-quality protein with no added sugars, helping maintain stable blood sugar levels.

“With over 15 naturally flavored, low-sugar options like Birthday Cake, Cinnamon Cereal, and Salted Caramel, Legion Whey+ offers a high-quality, all-natural protein powder free from artificial ingredients and added sugars,” notes Sydney Lappe, RDN, adding that it is “an excellent option for individuals managing diabetes, since it satisfies cravings without spiking blood sugars.”

Our research has found that this protein powder can get a bit lumpy when mixed, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a smoother texture. Also, it’s not the best choice if you have sunflower allergies, since it contains sunflower lecithin.

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate offers high protein with minimal added ingredients, making it easy to incorporate into a calorie-conscious diet without extra sugars. “This whey-based protein powder contains a generous 28 grams of protein per scoop, with only 150 calories, and contains no added sugar, food dyes, or fillers,” says Melissa Mitri, RD, noting how the clean ingredient list supports weight management goals.

We like that there are 13 flavor options available, including an unflavored option for versatility. Mitri notes, “I love their French Vanilla flavor mixed with almond milk or in a smoothie with peanut butter, banana, and spinach.”

We also appreciate that this product is Informed Choice certified, meaning every batch undergoes rigorous testing for banned substances, quality, and purity, offering you an added layer of confidence in its safety. That said, it’s important to note that this product isn’t as widely available as others on our list and contains sunflower lecithin, making it unsuitable for those with sunflower allergies.