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

Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (1)

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It seems like protein is on everyone's mind lately. It certainly is on mine...and on my plate, and in my cup. Still, most women are not eating enough protein to support muscle building and many other important functions.

While it's ideal to primarily rely on whole foods to hit your nutrient needs, there's not always time to whip up a high protein meal. But it's not just time-consuming to get your protein in the form of real food every day, it can be expensive, too. Enter: protein powder. "It's a very convenient way to get a decent amount of protein in a small amount of time," says Dana White, RD, a sports and culinary dietitian and athletic trainer who specializes in sports nutrition.

That's important since when you eat is really just as important as what you eat, says White. That's especially true for protein. Unlike other macronutrients (carbs and fat), you're not able to store protein. That means your body needs a consistent stream of it coming in. (So one protein-packed meal a day will not cut it.)

Best Protein Powders For Women

Protein powders come in a variety of forms, but can generally be categorized as 'isolated protein supplements,' according to White. The powder you scoop out of the tub is derived from protein-rich sources, whether animal or plant-based, and processed into a convenient, mixable form. Unlike getting your protein from whole foods like meats or legumes, protein powders usually pack in more protein with fewer fats and carbs per serving. Keep reading for everything to know about supplementing with protein powder, including the best protein powder for women.

Meet the experts: Dana White, RD, is a registered dietitian and an athletic trainer who specializes in sports nutrition. Cara Carmichael, CPT, is a certified fitness and nutrition coach based in Colorado. Winnie Yu, CSCS, DPT, is a physical therapist at Bespoke Physical Therapy in New York City.

What To Consider

When shopping for a new protein powder, it’s importantly to evaluate its protein source, protein content, flavor options, and price to find the best fit for your lifestyle, goals, and dietary preferences.

Protein Source

Animal-based: These are typically derived from single sources like whey, casein, or collagen, which provide all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and repair. "Out of the 20 amino acids that exist, there are nine essential amino acids that you can only get from food," says White. "Animal-based foods have all nine essential amino acids, whereas plant-based proteins are lacking one or more of those nine essential amino acids."

Plant-based: Often a blend of various plant proteins, these options include soy, hemp, pea, and rice. While these proteins may lack adequate amounts of one or more essential amino acids individually, combining different plant protein sources can provide a complete amino acid profile essential for optimal nutrition.

Protein Per Serving

Consider the total protein content per serving. Depending on your protein needs and fitness goals, opt for a powder that provides adequate grams of protein per serving to support muscle recovery and growth effectively.

Price Per Serving

Protein powders can vary significantly in price, so it's important to look at the cost per serving to find a product that fits within your budget while still meeting your protein and nutritional needs. Through our research and firsthand experience, we've found that protein powders priced at more than $2 per serving can be considered in the 'premium' category. This means these products may offer higher quality ingredients (such as grass-fed whey), additional nutritional benefits (such as probiotics), or special formulations that justify the higher cost. It's important to weigh these factors against your budget and nutritional needs to determine if the premium price is worthwhile for you. But remember, there are plenty of excellent options available at lower price points as well, so finding the right balance of cost and quality is key.

Flavor

The taste of protein powders varies, a lot. Chocolate and vanilla are two flavors seen most often, however some brands offer a wide range of other options. Choosing a flavor that you typically enjoy can make it easier to incorporate into your daily routine and remain consistent with protein supplementation over time.

How We Selected

Now that you know why protein powder is awesome for your fitness goals and overall health, it's time to find your new favorite match. We consulted registered dietitians, certified trainers, physical therapists, and WH editors, then carefully combed the product reviews, to find the nine best protein powders for women.

Best Overall Protein Powder

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder

Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (9)

Pros
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (10)Affordable
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (11)Contains prebiotics and fiber
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (12)USDA Organic
Cons
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (13)Slight aftertaste detected from stevia

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.

Protein SourcePea, brown rice, chia seed
Protein Per Serving21 grams
FlavorsCreamy chocolate fudge, chocolate coconut, iced coffee, cookies & cream, peppermint hot cocoa
Price Per Serving$1.41

Best Protein Powder For New Moms

Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum

Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (14)

Pros
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (15)True vanilla bean flavor
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (16)Creamy, rich consistency
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (17)Designed specifically for women
Cons
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (18)Can taste overly sweet to some people
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (19)Standing bag tends to make a mess

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.

Protein SourceOrganic pea
Protein Per Serving20 grams
FlavorsVanilla
Price Per Serving$2.67

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Best Protein Powder For Baking

Aloha Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

Now 19% Off

Pros
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (21)Works well in baked goods of all kinds
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (22)Vanilla and chocolate flavor are equally delicious
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (23)Suitable for vegans
Cons
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (24)Thin consistency when combined with water alone

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.

Protein SourcePea, brown rice, hemp seed, pumpkin seed
Protein Per Serving18 grams
FlavorsChocolate, vanilla
Price Per Serving$2.20

Best All-In-One Protein Powder

Ka'Chava Chocolate Shakes

Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (25)

Pros
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (26)Packed with superfoods
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (27)High in fiber
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (28)Creamy, smooth consistency
Cons
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (29)Not suitable for those with tree nut allergies (contains coconut)

"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.

Protein SourceYellow pea, organic brown rice, organic sacha inchi, organic amaranth, organic quinoa
Protein Per Serving25 grams
FlavorsChocolate, vanilla, coconut acai, matcha, chai
Price Per Serving$4.66

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Best Value Protein Powder

Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder

Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (30)

Now 11% Off

Pros
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (31)Affordably priced
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (32)Huge range of flavors
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (33)Blends easily with water alone
Cons
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (34)Large tub may not be ideal for some consumers

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.

Protein SourceWhey isolate
Protein Per Serving25 grams
Flavors11 varieties
Price per serving$1.34

Best Vanilla Protein Powder

Promix Whey Protein Powder

Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (35)

Pros
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (36)Rich, real vanilla-bean flavor
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (37)Grass-fed
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (38)Tastes great in hot coffee
Cons
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (39)Standing bag tends to make a mess

"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.

Protein SourceGrass-fed whey
Protein Per Serving25 grams
FlavorsUnflavored, raw chocolate, vanilla, one ingredient whey, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter
Price Per Serving$1.58

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Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder

Gnarly Nutrition Whey Grass-fed Protein

Pros
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (41)Grass-fed
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (42)Free of antibiotics
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (43)Minimal ingredients
Cons
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (44)Priced at a premium due to grass-fed whey

This mix gets White's stamp of approval. Derived from non-rBGH New Zealand grass-fed cows, this supplement supports muscle synthesis and immune health without disrupting digestion. With prebiotics and probiotics, the powder also contains a digestive enzyme mix that's said to boost protein absorption.

Protein SourceGrass-fed whey
Protein Per Serving25 grams
FlavorsChocolate, vanilla
Price Per Serving$3.15

Best Unflavored Plant-Based Protein Powder

Four Sigmatic Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (45)

Pros
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (46)Versatile and undetectable when mixed into drinks and foods
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (47)Ideal for dairy-free folks
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (48)Smooth consistency
Cons
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (49)Contains some extra ingredients that be unnecessary for some

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).

Protein SourcePea, hemp, chia seed, pumpkin seed, coconut
Protein Per Serving18 grams
FlavorsUnflavored, creamy cacao, mocha, peanut butter
Price Per Serving$2.53

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Best Custom Blend Protein Powder

Gainful Personalized Protein Powder

Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (50)

Pros
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (51)Extremely customizable
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (52)Wide range of flavors
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (53)Tailored to your goals
Cons
  • Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (54)Priced at a premium due to its customizability

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.

Protein SourcePea, brown rice, whey, BCAA blend, and/or casein (customizable)
Protein Per Serving19 to 27 grams (dependent on protein source)
Flavors9 varieties
Price Per Serving$3.21

Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (55)

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."

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Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (56)

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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Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (58)

Jennifer Nied

Jennifer Nied is the fitness editor at Women’s Health and has more than 10 years of experience in health and wellness journalism. She’s always out exploring—sweat-testing workouts and gear, hiking, snowboarding, running, and more—with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Fitness Editors Tested The Best Protein Powders—Here Are Their Favorites (59)

Talene Appleton, NASM-CPT

Fitness Editor

Talene Appleton is the fitness editor at Women’s Health, where she covers all things fitness, nutrition, and healthy living. She studied nutrition and exercise science at George Washington University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer and nutritional consultant. Passionate about the intersections between fitness, food, and community, she strives to foster inclusive and holistic wellness narratives for underrepresented populations. When not writing, she can be found hosting dinner parties and exploring new wellness and culinary experiences around New York and Los Angeles. Prior to her role at Women’s Health, she was the fitness and commerce editor at Men’s Health and contributed to General Surgery News, The Food Institute, and The Nessie.

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

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