Best Protein Powder 2024: Boost Your Nutrition According To Experts

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Reviewed by Drew Sutton

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best protein powder

Naked Whey Protein Powder

  • Easy to mix
  • Gluten-free
  • Third-party tested

best protein powder

Ora Organic Vegan

  • Gluten-free
  • Natural ingredients
  • Vegan-friendly

best protein powder

ALOHA Organic Plant-Based

  • Vegan-friendly
  • Organic ingredients
  • Rich in fiber and iron

A protein powder is a convenient way to help people in the weight loss journey and muscle development. As a consumer, you might find it challenging to choose the best protein powder in the market due to the overall increase in these supplements. On the brighter side, the wide range of protein powders provides a large pool of options for selecting the best for you. Each product is made from different elements, including organic and artificial ingredients; therefore, the user chooses the one that meets their needs better.

This article describes the ten best protein powders based on customer reviews, price, testing, quality of ingredients, and vetting. It also explains how protein powder works, stating its pros and cons; therefore, you can be more objective when choosing what product to choose.

10 Best Protein Powder In 2024

  • Naked Whey Protein Powder: Best Whey Protein Powder
  • Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder: Best Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
  • ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder: Best Rice Protein Powder
  • Gainful Protein Powder: Best Personalized Protein Powder
  • BulkSupplements Casein Protein Powder: Best Casein Protein Powder
  • NOW Sports Egg White Protein: Beat Egg White Protein Powder
  • Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: Best Collagen Protein Powder
  • Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein: Best Pea Protein Powder
  • Navitas Organics Hemp Powder: Best Hemp Protein Powder
  • Ground-Based Nutrition Superfood Protein: Best Superfood Plant-Based Protein Powder

How Does Protein Powder Work?

Protein powders are used to make protein shakes that offer amino acids that are easily absorbed in the body. Studies have shown that taking protein powders elevates the levels of amino acids in the blood flow, stimulating muscle development. Protein powders are one of the most popular supplements in nutrition. Protein is crucial in helping hormones and enzyme production, tissue repair, and building muscles. The intake of protein per serving can also help in weight loss and toning of the muscles.

10 Best Protein Powder For All Kinds Of Purposes In 2024

Naked Whey Protein Powder

This is among the most effective whey protein powders that can help individuals in their weight loss journey and muscle development.

  • Easy to mix
  • Gluten-free
  • Third-party tested
  • No added sugar
  • Not favorable for users who prefer dairy-free or organic products

Naked Whey Protein powder is a great choice if you want muscle gain while losing weight since it contains whey protein concentrate. The unflavored protein powder has a solid reputation and positive feedback from its users, reporting that it is easy to mix and has a subtle flavor that blends perfectly when mixed with other ingredients. It’s also free from illegal ingredients and suitable for athletes since Informed Choice certified it.

Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder

Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder is a top-rated best organic plant-based protein powder with a blend of hemp seed, amaranth, sprouted quinoa, rice, and peas.

  • Gluten-free
  • Natural ingredients
  • Vegan friendly
  • Third-party verified
  • Not favorable for users who do not love coconut products.

This powder is great for users who prefer gluten-free products, are vegan, or are lactose intolerant. This product is tested to ensure there are no illegal substances and is certified as organic. It has coconut, which might not be everyone’s favorite; however, it is sweetened with natural ingredients such as brown rice syrup, monk fruit, and stevia. 

ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

This supplement is considered the best rice protein powder, and it is a potent combination of pumpkin and hemp seeds, brown rice, and peas; all are plant proteins.

  • Vegan friendly
  • Organic ingredients
  • Rich in fiber and iron
  • Not suitable for users indifferent to coconut
  • Not third-party verified

This protein powder has all the nine essential amino acids, iron, and fiber. It is sweetened with coconut sugar and is favorable for users who do not like or are allergic to dairy, soy, and stevia. This supplement is vegan-friendly, has organic protein, and is made with natural ingredients. It is a good option for vegans; however, it contains coconut, which might not be every user’s cup of coffee.

Gainful Protein Powder

This supplement is subscription-based; therefore, it makes customized protein blends designed for the user. The powder is made of whey, oat powder, brown rice, or peas.

  • Personalized nutrition advice
  • Multiple flavors option
  • Uses online quiz to make customized protein blend
  • Expensive

Despite being one of the most expensive protein powders on the market, the brand uses online questions to gather data about your dietary restrictions, lifestyle habits, and health goals and designs a protein powder that best suits your needs together with certified dietitian access. The supplement is unflavoured. However, it has nine different flavor boosts. It is also free of sweeteners, artificial flavors, soy, and gluten. 

BulkSupplements Casein Protein Powder

This is among the most effective unflavoured protein powders on the market. It boosts muscle development and quickens recovery after working out.

  • Dissolves easily
  • Gluten-free
  • No added sugar
  • Low carbs
  • Third-party verified
  • Has coconut thus not favorable for users allergic to coconut.

This protein powder will suit you if you want muscle development and enhanced recovery after a brutal workout. This protein powder contains significant calcium[1] (578 mg, which is needed daily), which can boost your bone and dental health. The manufacturer claims that the product is third-party verified; however, the specific third party is not mentioned. Also, since it mixes well, it is a great choice to add to a smoothie of your choice.

NOW Sports Egg White Protein

This protein powder is the best for lactose-intolerant consumers. 

  • No added sugars
  • Informed Sport-certified
  • Paleo-friendly
  • Daily free
  • Difficult to dissolve

This is the best protein powder for you if you are allergic to dairy products. Informed-Sport is the third party verifying the safety of such products to ensure they are free from illegal ingredients. NOW Sports Egg White Protein has no sweeteners, additives, or fillers, and you can add this supplement to baked goods, smoothies, or make a protein shake.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

This is one of the protein powders with a solid reputation due to its ability to be absorbed and digested easily. It is also dairy and gluten-free. 

  • Third-party tested
  • No added sugar
  • Daily free
  • Gluten-free
  • Made from grass-fed cattle
  • Does not mix well with cold liquids
  • Expensive

This protein powder is suitable for lactose-intolerant people and those who prioritize gluten-free products. It boosts the natural production of collagen, supporting healthy joints, bones, and muscles. It has a chocolate flavor option that can be added to desserts and smoothies; however, its unflavoured option can be more versatile and a great addition to savory meals such as soups.

Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein

Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein is rated as the best pea protein powder because it contains essential amino acids and iron.

  • Vegan friendly
  • Gluten-free
  • Low in carbs
  • No added sweeteners
  • Affordable
  • Unflavoured
  • Not third-party verified

If you are looking for a protein powder that is dairy-free, vegan-friendly, low in carbs, and has no added sugar, this is the product for you. It dissolves well with different beverages, puddings, and smoothies; however, since it is not sweetened or flavored, it might go well with cocoa, nut butter, or fruit in the smoothies. This reason makes it unsuitable for users looking for a simple choice that can be dissolved and enjoyed with water or plant-based milk.

Navitas Organics Hemp Powder

This is among the top-rated hemp protein powders on the market and is rich in fiber, iron, and magnesium.

  • Vegan friendly
  • Gluten-free
  • Third-party verified
  • Has omega-3 fatty acids
  • Low in protein

This product contains all the nine essential amino acids, omega-6 f, and omega-3 fatty acids. If you prioritize gluten-free products or have digestive problems, this supplement is a great choice. It can be used as a flour alternative due to its nutty, earthy taste with no bitter aftertaste. Navitas Organics Hemp Powder mixes well; therefore, it can be a great adoption for baked goods, smoothies, soups, salads, and dips.

Ground-Based Nutrition Superfood Protein

According to reviews, this is the best superfood plant-based protein powder because it is GMO-free, unsweetened, and organic. The powder protein is also free of sugar, soy, and gluten.

  • Unsweetened
  • Third-party verified
  • Vegan friendly
  • Has digestive enzymes
  • Expensive

This supplement is made of raw greens such as spinach, broccoli, kale, and other superfoods such as maca and spirulina. It also has nine essential branched-chain amino acids, cranberry proteins, sacha inchi, and brown rice. The product is third-party tested to ensure it has no illegal or harmful substances like bacteria and yeast. Despite being among the most expensive protein powders on the market, users report that it has a pleasant taste that makes it enjoyable to drink.

How To Use Protein Powder Effectively

To effectively take a protein powder, dissolve it with a preferred liquid such as water or smoothie. Many of the best protein powders also provide protein shakes that are ready to drink. Read the guidelines of the brand you are using and follow the instructions to the latter. Dry scooping is not good for using protein powder for weight loss since you might accidentally inhale it and choke it. 

Pros And Cons Of Using Protein Powder

The following are among the pros and cons of using protein powder:

Pros

  • Weight management: eating foods rich in protein and taking protein supplements can help someone feel fuller for a long time. When you are full, you tend to consume smaller meal portions and snack less; therefore, you can control calories per day and lose or manage weight.
  • Nutritional addition: if you find it difficult to consume the recommended protein intake amounts, protein powder provides an effective solution for this issue.
  • Quick recovery: these supplements help in muscle growth and in repairing[2] damaged tissues and muscles after a brutal workout. They speed up the recovery process and reduce soreness in the muscles.  
  • Muscle growth: protein powder helps in muscle growth[3]; therefore, most fitness gurus and athletes take protein shakes because they boost strength when training and muscle gain. 

Cons

  • They are not FDA-approved. FDA does not regulate the labeling and safety of these supplements; therefore, you cannot be certain if they contain what the manufacturer claims.
  • There is not enough data to determine the long-term effects of protein powders.
  • They might result in digestive discomfort. Users allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant might face digestive distress if they consume dairy-based protein powders. 
  • They might have high-added calories and sugars.  

How To Choose The Right Protein Powder?

The following are a few tips to consider when choosing the right protein powder depending on the results you need: 

  • Muscle development: To lose belly fat and build muscles, pick the brand with the highest biological value. The biological value measures how effectively your body can utilize a protein after absorption. Fed whey protein isolate and whey protein are great choices. 
  • Less protein for kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, you might not be well tolerant to high protein intake; therefore, choose powders with low-protein amounts. 
  • Losing weight. If weight loss is your intended outcome, go for supplements with no added sugars or sweeteners. Please do not select the brands with added BCAAs, because they boost weight gain and muscle gain. 
  • Avoiding digestive problems: if you have gastrointestinal challenges, you need to pick protein powders without artificial sweeteners, lactose sugars, or dextrins. 
  • Vegan: do not go for dairy-based supplements such as milk proteins or whey if you are a vegetarian. Rather use a hundred percent plant-protein-based protein powder.
  • Stick to your budget: if you want to be economical, purchase protein powder tubs rather than the ready-to-drink shakes, which are pricier due to their convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a protein shake?

For many people, the most important thing is the protein intake you consistently consume on a daily basis, not necessarily when you take it.

Who needs to use protein powder?

If you feel you struggle to gain satisfaction at meals, fall short, or are extremely hungry between meals, a protein powder may be what you need.

How much protein powder is too much?

The recommended amount is 50 grams per day; more than that might be risky to your health.

Is whey or casein better?

Casein takes a long time to digest, unlike whey. These absorption differences make casein better for use before going to bed, while whey is better for pre-workouts.

How will I know if a protein powder is safe for use?

Laboratory tests have shown that there are protein powders with harmful heavy metals. However, based on your location, these products might or might not be regulated; therefore, you need your region’s supplements’ regulations.

Can kids use protein powder?

Protein powders can help adolescents meet the healthy dietary amount for protein; however, these supplements are generally not recommended for kids and teenagers.

Are protein powders healthier than whole foods?

Whole foods are more fulfilling and have more nutrients since the protein powders are derived from the whole foods. However, protein powders provide the consumer with convenience and authority over how quickly protein is absorbed.

Do I have to use water to dissolve my protein powder?

No. Because these supplements are versatile, you can use any liquid, including smoothies, yogurt, soup, and many more. Protein powder can also be used in cooking or sprinkled on some meals to boost protein content.

+ 3 Sources

Tnhealth has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We work mostly with peer-reviewed studies to ensure accurate information. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  1. Nih.gov. (2012). Office of Dietary Supplements – Calcium. [online] Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
  2. Kim, J., Lee, C. and Lee, J. (2017). Effect of timing of whey protein supplement on muscle damage markers after eccentric exercise. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, [online] 13(4), pp.436–440. doi:10.12965/jer.1735034.517.
  3. Morton, R.W., Murphy, K.T., McKellar, S.R., Schoenfeld, B.J., Henselmans, M., Helms, E., Aragon, A.A., Devries, M.C., Banfield, L., Krieger, J.W. and Phillips, S.M. (2017). A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. British Journal of Sports Medicine, [online] 52(6), pp.376–384. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608.

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