Whether your goal is to gain muscle, get ridiculously strong, or just to lose a few pounds, consuming enough protein is a must in order to be successful. Protein powders provide an easy and effective way to boost your daily intake to keep you on track. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know which shakes are worth picking up and which ones aren’t worth shaking a stick at (see what we did there?).


There is a bit more to choosing the right protein powder than just taking the advice of the jacked person in the locker room. You should be looking for the product that has the right macronutrients, isn’t loaded up with useless additives, and also tastes good. Keeping track of all this may seem like a massive job, but we’ve done most of the heavy lifting to make it easy for you. Here’s our list of best protein powders.


Best Protein Powders

Best Protein Powder Overall
What makes a great protein powder? Great results. This pick combines highly anabolic whey protein isolate with a blend of digestive enzymes, so you can get the most out of every scoop.


Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate
Each scoop of Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate packs 25 whole grams of protein with only one gram of fat and six grams of carbs per serving. Kaged Muscle’s formula also includes ProHydrolase®, an enzyme blend designed to break down that protein and help your body absorb and utilize every gram more efficiently to reach your goals faster. Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate comes in six delicious flavors to help keep you from ever getting tired of the same old taste.




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Micropure Whey Protein Isolate











Kaged Muscle's whey protein isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.









Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate
  • Anyone who wants a product with digestive support to maximize absorption will appreciate the ProHydrolase in this formula.
  • Customers who want added BCAAs in their protein powder to ensure optimal muscle recovery.
  • Athletes who like trying exciting and innovative flavors. This product comes in six different flavor options.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate
  • Anyone who may want a 100% plant-based protein powder. This product does contain whey protein, which is animal-based.
  • Athletes looking for a high-calorie formula to fuel performance may want to look elsewhere.

The high density of anabolic whey protein isolate combined with a digestive enzyme blend make this a powerhouse protein powder that is — in our opinion — totally worth the price.


Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain
Protein is king when it comes to building muscle. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense formula to help pack on the gains, this pick is for you.


Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs wasn’t messing around with this formula – it’s made with grass-fed whey isolate, natural flavor, salt, and stevia – that’s it. With an 88 percent protein-by-weight ratio, each scoop serves up 28 grams of ultra-high quality grass-fed whey isolate to support muscle recovery and growth. That’s the highest dose of protein you’ll find on this list. Even better, there’s not much else to this protein powder – just a small dose of calcium, iron, and potassium to round out the blend.




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Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate











This transparent ingredient list includes a dose of calcium, iron, and potassium with 28 grams of protein, all from a company that goes out of its way to provide clear sourcing.









Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
  • Athletes looking for a simple whey protein formula that nixes artificial additives.
  • Anyone looking for a grass-fed protein that tastes great, but uses stevia instead of sugar.
  • People who are concerned about only consuming all-natural ingredients will appreciate the ingredient list on this blend.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
  • Shoppers looking for a less expensive protein source. A single tub of 30 servings is priced at $59.
  • Those looking for flavor variety. This product doesn’t have nearly as many options as some other protein powders on this list.
  • Folks looking for an ultra smooth texture — the trade-off for not including thickeners or gums is the mixability.

Transparent Labs’ Grass-Fed Whey Isolate is the perfect example of “you get what you pay for.” It may be on the pricier side, but when it comes to fueling muscle growth, this formula is all gas and no brakes.


Best Protein Powder for Women
Women often don’t need a protein powder high in calories or carbs. For goal-oriented women looking to balance health and performance, Cira’s women-centric whey is just for you.


Cira Bright Whey
Cira is a brand that designs their products specifically with the needs of women in mind. Bright Whey combines some pretty tasty flavors with a protein blend crafted to support any fitness goal. With a short ingredients list and a transparent label, you can feel confident that you know exactly what is in your protein powder. Each scoop is loaded with 25 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbs and 1.5 grams of fat with a total of only 120 calories per serving. Bright Whey also skips the sugar and replaces it with the natural sweetener stevia to create its Cinnamon Swirl and Cookies ‘N Cream flavors.






Cira Bright Whey











Cira targets female consumers specifically, but this protein powder is great for anyone who wants a tasty blend that’s low in calories and carbs. Bright Whey comes in two great flavors — Cinnamon Swirl and Cookies ‘N Cream.









Who Should Buy Cira Bright Whey
  • Women looking for a low-calorie protein powder that may help support their fitness goals.
  • If you’re extra conscious of your sugar intake and are looking for a sugar-free protein powder, this pick is for you.
  • Athletes who are tired of the typical chocolate and vanilla flavors and want more interesting flavors to choose from.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Cira Bright Whey
  • Lifters who prefer a pure whey protein isolate instead of a blend.
  • Shoppers who like buying their supplements in-person. As of now, Bright Whey is only available through the Cira website.

With a short and sweet list of ingredients, Bright Whey is a great option for women who are conscious of their calorie, carb, and sugar intake, and are looking to add more protein to their daily routine.


Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss
When trying to lose weight, it’s important to make sure you aren’t consuming needless calories. This pick has a lean formula complete with all of what you need and none of what you don’t.


Xwerks Grow
Xwerks Grow strips protein powder down to the bare essentials. It contains 25 grams of whey protein isolate with no carbs and no fat. This is one of the best macro splits for those who are trying to maintain a caloric deficit. If your goal is to build lean muscle, you’ll be hard pressed to find a leaner protein powder formula than this. With no lactose, soy, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, or artificial colors, each scoop of Xwerks Grow is about 93 percent grass-fed whey protein isolate by weight. This formula is perfectly designed to provide the nutrients your muscles need to recover while minimizing calories to potentially help with fat loss.






Xwerks Grow











One of the very few protein powders with no carbs or fat whatsoever, this product contains 25 grams of whey protein isolate and is great for anyone looking for a leaner protein option.









Who Should Buy Xwerks Grow
  • Anyone in need of a low-calorie protein powder that can potentially assist in weight loss.
  • Athletes looking for protein powders that utilize sugar-free sweeteners such as stevia.
  • People who are concerned about only consuming all-natural ingredients will like the ingredients list on this formula.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Xwerks Grow
  • Shoppers looking for a cheap protein powder. Xwerks Grow runs at $49 for 30 servings (shipping is free though).
  • Those looking for exciting flavors. Xwerks Grow only comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Peanut Butter. Nothing fancy here, just basic flavors that get the job done.

Xwerks Grow has high quality ingredients in their minimalist formula. If you’re in need of a protein powder that can potentially help support building lean muscle mass while cutting weight, this is a solid protein supplement for you.


Best Vegan Protein Powder
Getting in enough protein can be even more challenging when trying to do so with strictly vegan sources. This pea protein isolate provides all the protein power of the other whey-based options in a delicious 100 percent plant-based vegan formula.


Kaged Plantein
Kaged Muscle’s Plantein is a pea-based protein formula packing 26 grams of protein in every scoop. The major edge that Plantein has might actually be what’s not in the scoop though. Most plant-based powders tend to have more calories coming from carbs and fats compared to whey protein powders. Plantein has cut those extra calories out with their unique blend of pea protein, organic quinoa, and peanut flour to bring you those 26 grams of protein in a more macro-friendly formula with only five grams of carbs and four grams of fat.




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Kaged Muscle Plantein











This plant-based formula is made from pea protein and boasts a macronutrient profile similar to whey — 26 grams of protein, four grams of carbs, and five grams of fat. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.









Who Should Buy Kaged Plantein
  • Customers looking for a vegan alternative to whey protein will like this product’s plant-based formula.
  • Anyone looking for an easily digestible plant-based protein. Plantein’s Ingredient Optimized® Technology improves amino acid bioavailability to maximize benefits.
  • People interested in trying flavors outside of the basic chocolate and vanilla. Plantein comes in three flavors – Peanut Butter Cookie, Cinnamon Roll, and Banana Bread.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Plantein
  • Anyone whose favorite flavors are classic flavors, like vanilla and chocolate.
  • Lifters who prefer to consume whey protein products over plant-based protein products.

Plantein isn’t just a solid vegan protein powder option — it’s a really solid option overall. With a highly digestible dose of all nine essential amino acids and a friendly macro split, Plantein is a great choice to support your goals — vegan or not.


Best Tasting Protein Powder
Let’s be real, the first thing you look at when picking out a protein powder is likely not the nutrition label — it’s the flavor. The ingredients are important, but if it doesn’t taste good, the ingredients probably won’t matter as you won’t be able to stand drinking the shake. Here’s our pick for best tasting protein powder.


Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate
The only thing better than great flavors is multiple great flavors. Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate does not disappoint with six delicious options — Coffee Latte, Cinnamon French Toast, Chocolate Peanut Butter, S’mores, Chocolate, and Vanilla. This easily mixable whey isolate won’t just please your taste buds — it also packs 25 grams of highly anabolic whey protein isolate and additional essential amino acids to fuel muscle recovery into its powder, along with a digestive enzyme blend designed to help maximize absorption for potentially better results.




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Micropure Whey Protein Isolate











Kaged Muscle's whey protein isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.









Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate
  • Customers looking for a great tasting, easy-to-mix protein powder option will like this formula.
  • Anyone who wants added BCAAs in their protein powder.
  • Athletes who are tired of the typical chocolate and vanilla flavors and want more unique flavors to choose from.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate
  • Lifters looking for a lot of calories to fuel their training — this powder has only 130 calories per serving.
  • Individuals who follow a vegan diet and would prefer a plant-based protein source.

This isn’t just another protein shake you’ll want to choke down as quickly as possible. Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate hits you with incredible flavors and follows it up with highly effective ingredients.


Best Pea Protein Powder
Not all protein powders are whey-based. This pea protein isolate provides all the protein power of whey-based options in a highly-digestible plant-based formula.


Kaged Plantein
Kaged Muscle’s Plantein covers all nine essential amino acids with its 26 grams of pea-based protein. Most plant-based powders are derived from sources like hemp or oats and contain substantial amounts of carbs and fats, which tend to inflate the calorie count compared to whey protein powders. Plantein’s unique blend of pea protein, organic quinoa, and peanut flour, however, is much more macro-friendly with only five grams of carbs and four grams of fat. At 86 percent protein-by-weight, this pea-protein packs a mighty punch. Ingredient Optimized® Technology aids digestion to improve the bioavailability of the amino acids in Plantein where other pea protein blends fall short.




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Kaged Muscle Plantein











This plant-based formula is made from pea protein and boasts a macronutrient profile similar to whey — 26 grams of protein, four grams of carbs, and five grams of fat. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.









Who Should Buy Kaged Plantein
  • Anyone looking for a plant-based substitute for whey that doesn’t pack a lot of carbs.
  • Those in search of an easily digestible plant-based protein. Plantein’s Ingredient Optimized® Technology improves amino acid bioavailability.
  • People looking for a potent dose of BCAAs and EAAs in their protein powder.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Plantein
  • Shoppers who buy in bulk quantities. Plantein only comes in a 15-serving tub.
  • Lifters who prefer the classic chocolate or vanilla flavors. Plantein only comes in Peanut Butter Cookie, Cinnamon Roll, and Banana Bread.

With a highly digestible dose of 26 grams of protein and a macro split that is similar to whey protein powders, Plantein is a solid pea-based protein choice regardless of your goals.


Best Keto Protein Powder
A keto-friendly protein powder typically starts with two key characteristics: a solid dose of protein and minimal carb content. Our pick for best keto protein powder checks those boxes and then some.


Xwerks Grow
Xwerks Grow is a high-quality bare essentials formula. The formula packs 25 grams of whey protein isolate in each scoop without any carbs. For those trying to stick to a ketogenic diet, having a formula without any carbs is key. With no lactose, soy, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, or artificial colors, about 93 percent of each scoop is pure grass-fed whey protein isolate. If you are looking for a protein powder that can help feed your muscles without the extra carbs, Xwerks Grow is our pick.






Xwerks Grow











One of the very few protein powders with no carbs or fat whatsoever, this product contains 25 grams of whey protein isolate and is great for anyone looking for a leaner protein option.









Who Should Buy Xwerks Grow
  • Anyone looking for a keto-friendly protein powder without any carbs will find this pick to be a great option.
  • Individuals that prefer sugar-free sweeteners like stevia, which Xwerks uses in their powder.
  • Athletes looking for a whey protein isolate powder that is over 90 percent protein.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Xwerks Grow
  • Folks who are picky about the texture of their shake — by cutting out ingredients such as lecithin, the mixability of these shakes suffers a bit.
  • Shoppers on a budget — Xwerks Grow costs $49 for 30 servings.
  • People who get bored with flavors quickly. Xwerks Grow only comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Peanut Butter.

Xwerks Grow delivers high-quality protein without any carbs or fillers. For those adhering to a ketogenic diet, this is an easy way to increase your protein intake.


Best Organic Protein Powder
The organic designation is not an easy one to come by in the protein aisle. If you’ve been struggling to find an organic protein powder, this pick has you covered.


Kaged Plantein
Kaged Muscle’s Plantein is our selection for best organic protein powder — it’s vegan-friendly and fully loaded with key organic ingredients. Its plant-based protein formula packs 26 grams of protein in every scoop, and is soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. This organic blend of pea protein, quinoa, and peanut flour also provides a high-protein, low-carb, low-fat macronutrient breakdown similar to whey isolate. Also similar to whey, Plantein delivers a potent dose of all nine essential amino acids including 2.1 grams of leucine which stimulates muscle protein synthesis. The Ingredient Optimized® Technology can help improve digestibility to ensure you get the most out of every scoop.




15% Off






Kaged Muscle Plantein











This plant-based formula is made from pea protein and boasts a macronutrient profile similar to whey — 26 grams of protein, four grams of carbs, and five grams of fat. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.









Who Should Buy Kaged Plantein
  • Anyone looking for an organic protein powder option that’s also vegan friendly.
  • People looking for an easily digestible plant-based protein thanks to Kaged’s Ingredient Optimized® Technology.
  • Customers looking for a transparent nutrition label, so they know exactly what’s in their protein powder will appreciate the ingredient list on this product.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Plantein
  • Those who prefer whey protein formulas instead of plant-based options.
  • Shoppers looking for chocolate or vanilla options — this blend doesn’t offer those flavors.

Although protein powders that are designated as organic may be harder to come by, that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality. Kaged Muscle Plantein provides an organic protein formula that still packs a punch.


Best Protein Powder for Building Muscle
You can’t build a strong house with weak bricks. The same goes for building muscle and your choice of protein sources. If you’re looking for a protein powder designed to help build strong, dense muscle, check out this pick.


Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate was designed with the goal of enhancing muscle recovery to help you pack on muscle. It combines 25 grams of anabolic whey protein isolate with an additional blend of BCAAs that may help bolster muscle repair and growth. A digestive enzyme blend supports the absorption and utilization of these muscle-building compounds. With delicious flavors like Coffee Latte, Cinnamon French Toast, Chocolate Peanut Butter, S’mores, Chocolate, and Vanilla that are easy to mix, Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate makes for a strong addition to anyone’s muscle building toolbox.




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Micropure Whey Protein Isolate











Kaged Muscle's whey protein isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.










Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate
  • Customers looking for a protein powder with added BCAAs to support recovery.
  • Anyone who likes having a variety of flavors to choose from — this pick has six.
  • Athletes in need of a protein powder that’s easy to digest will like that his powder contains a digestive enzyme blend.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate
  • Individuals in search of a high-calorie protein powder to fuel their training sessions — this powder only has 130 calories per serving.
  • Those that follow a vegan diet or just prefer plant-based protein sources.

In addition to hard training, building muscle requires a solid nutritional foundation of proper fuel. Kaged Muscle Micropure Whey Protein Isolate provides a high-quality source of protein to support your gains and keep you growing.


Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain
If you’re looking to gain weight, you’re likely trying to eat a lot more than most. For those who can’t possibly chew another bite, a mass gainer may be a great way to up your calorie intake, and this pick is one of the best.


Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Amidst the sea of mass gainers loaded with cheap ingredients, this product rises above. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer serves up 740 calories of all-natural muscle fuel with each serving. This includes 53 grams of protein, 109 grams of carbs, eight additional grams of fiber, and 12 grams of fat. Unlike some similar products, Transparent Labs Mass Gainer utilizes high-quality, all-natural ingredients that are easily digestible, such a grass-fed whey concentrate, coconut milk powder, MCT oils, sweet potatoes, tapioca, oats, along with stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. It tastes great as well, which is a great perk when you’re struggling to ingest enough calories.




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Transparent Labs Mass Gainer











With nothing artificial, whey from New Zealand, a good amount of fiber, and little sugar, this mass gainer will satisfy most athletes. It's a clean mass gainer that focuses on simplicity over added bells and whistles.









Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
  • Those looking for a high-quality high-calorie protein powder to potentially aid in weight gain.
  • Anyone looking for a mass gainer that includes a solid dose of fiber as this product includes eight grams.
  • People looking for a transparent nutrition label and all-natural ingredients in their protein powder will appreciate this product’s ingredient list.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
  • Folks looking for a true meal replacement shake — you’ll need to get your full daily doses of vitamins and minerals from additional sources.
  • Lifters looking for some variety in taste. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer only comes in Cookies N Cream and Vanilla.
  • Shoppers that are on a tight budget — this product is more expensive than many protein powders.

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is simple and effective — nothing fancy, just a lot of high-quality calories that are easy to digest.


Best Cheap Protein Powder
Everybody loves a bargain and protein powder is no exception to the rule. We know that price is a major factor when deciding which protein powder is right for you. Here is our pick for the protein powder that provides the best bang for your buck.


Muscle Feast 100% Whey
At only $32.99 for 36 servings (depending on where and when you buy, of course), Muscle Feast 100% Whey is by far the most wallet-friendly pick on this list. Each scoop still supplies 19 grams of their grass-fed protein blend per 25 gram serving. Muscle Feast’s 100% Whey formula is also vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, OU-D Kosher, and free of artificial hormones or sweeteners. It checks a lot of boxes for a protein powder that’s so easy on the checkbook. However, it only comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, or Unflavored, so there’s not a whole lot of variety in the flavor department.






Muscle Feast 100% Whey











This product is easily one of the most affordable whey proteins on the market. Plus, it's all natural, vegetarian-friendly, grass-fed, and contains 19 grams of whey protein per serving.









Who Should Buy Muscle Feast 100% Whey
  • Athletes that are operating on a budget — this product is on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to price per serving.
  • Anyone requiring vegetarian, gluten-free, or OU-D Kosher protein options.
  • People looking for an all-natural protein powder with a short list of ingredients will appreciate the label on this product.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Muscle Feast 100% Whey
  • Lifters looking for a calorie-dense protein powder — this powder only has 19 grams per serving.
  • Customers who prefer unique flavors. Muscle Feast 100% Whey is only offered in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored.
  • Individuals with lactose sensitivities — this product is not dairy-free.

If you’re looking for a quality protein powder at a lower price-point, Muscle Feast 100% Whey is a great option. Plus, it’s also vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free.


Best Vanilla Protein Powder
Many protein powders on the market have a vanilla flavor option — it’s a classic. From the countless vanilla flavored options out there, this pick is a standout.


Onnit Grass-Fed Whey
When it comes to vanilla protein powders, Onnit Grass-Fed Whey is one of the best. The taste is great, but that’s not the only thing we were impressed by. The quality-focused formula combines 20 grams of anabolic grass-fed whey isolate with seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus) making it one of the most unique products we’ve come across. If you’re on the hunt for a protein that’s gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free, or just easy on the stomach, Onnit Grass-Fed Whey is a solid option to consider.






Onnit's Grass-Fed Whey Isolate











A grass-fed whey isolate includes added ingredients for digestion like seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus). It's also gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free.









Who Should Buy Onnit Grass-Fed Whey
  • Anyone who prioritizes taste — this vanilla flavor is one of the best on the market.
  • Folks who prefer natural sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit extract.
  • Lifters looking for an easy to digest protein source. The inclusion of seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic really set this formula apart.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Grass-Fed Whey
[list][*]Shoppers looking for a cheap protein...

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