The best protein powders to help meet your health goals

When people want to lose weight, gain muscle, or simply feel more satisfied throughout the day, consuming more protein is a common first step. After all, consumption of this important macro nutrient is linked to a slew of health benefits, including supporting muscle repair, immune support, and weight management. (Yes, protein can help people achieve both weight gain and weight loss goals.)

While many of us know the importance of consuming protein, our busy lifestyles mean we may not be able to consume enough of this nutrient every day, leaving us with a potential nutritional gap. That's where protein powder comes in.

Fortunately, these supplements are readily available to purchase online, in health food stores, and even in local grocery stores. As a supplement made from specific protein sources like milk, eggs, soy, and even peas, this powder can be added to smoothies, recipes, and even plain old water to help give your diet a protein boost with very little effort.

If you are a newbie, shopping for protein powder may be more overwhelming. Since it can be created from a slew of protein sources, with each variety offering its own benefits, there's a lot to choose from. From plant-based to animal-based to some combo of both, there is a surprisingly dizzying selection of protein powders that are available to us.

So what's the best protein powder? While every person will have their own unique nutritional needs that will call for one protein powder type over another, there are some more popular choices that are worth noting. If you are in the market and don’t know where to begin, read on to learn all there is to know about the different types, along with our top picks for each category.

Whey protein

What is whey protein?

Whey protein comes from dairy milk, and it contains all of the essential amino acids. It is typically digested quickly and it can mix well with many liquids. Since this protein comes from dairy milk, it is not appropriate for people who follow a vegan or dairy-free diet.

Since it only contains protein and not the lactose sugar, anyone with a lactose intolerance tends to tolerate this protein powder just fine.

Our top picks

For people who love the taste of chocolate and want the benefits of whey protein powder, this product from Primal Kitchen certainly fits the bill. Gluten free and with only 1 gram of sugar per serving, this creamy mix offers 10 grams of protein per serving. This powder is also paleo-approved and keto-friendly, making it a fantastic addition to many diets.

This whey protein powder comes from grass-fed, free-range cows that are never treated with growth hormones, and it delivers plenty of protein and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to support muscle growth. With no added sugars and gluten-free ingredients, this protein powder can easily be added to many recipes for extra protein and flavor.

Casein protein

What is casein protein?

Casein protein also comes from dairy milk and contains all of the essential amino acids. But, unlike whey protein, casein protein is absorbed at a slower rate.

This feature can be beneficial for those looking to feel satisfied for a long period of time after consuming protein powder. But it can be a drawback for anyone looking for a protein option that they can consume close to a workout without the risk of experiencing any negative side-effects, like wheezing or congestion, as casein has been tied to respiratory issues in some consumers.

However, some studies suggest that taking casein protein before bed may help support muscle recovery. It also features bioactive compounds that may help support our immune health.

Our top picks

Made from just one ingredient—micellar casein—this protein powder is unflavored and high-quality, making it a perfect addition to a slew of recipes that don’t call for additional sweetness. Naked Casein is free of additives and artificial sweeteners. And just one serving contains a whopping 26 grams of protein.

With 19 grams of slow-release protein, this powder is an ideal source for those who want to enjoy the benefits of casein protein. This micellar casein powder is free from corn, egg, soy, and nuts, and it is non-GMO. It's made with just two ingredients—micellar casein and sunflower lecithin—and it can be added to a variety of recipes with little effort.

Pea protein

What is pea protein?

Made from the humble yellow pea, pea protein is a vegan-friendly protein powder that is versatile and chock-full of all of the essential amino acids (although it is low in the amino acid methionine). This protein powder also contains fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron.

Pea protein is a great choice for vegan consumers—since it's made without dairy—as well as anyone on a gluten-free diet.

Our top picks

Now Nutrition Organic Pea Protein is unflavored and easy to use. This option is made from non-GMO vegetable protein isolate that has 15 grams of easily-digestible protein. Each two-scoop serving typically has over 2,700 mg of branched-chain amino acids, and over 1,300 mg of arginine.

Made with only one ingredient (organic peas), this pea protein powder is pure and free from any additives. Each serving offers 27 grams of protein, 18 amino acids, and only 120 calories. It is also sugar-free, non-GMO, and gluten-free.

Hemp protein

What is hemp protein?

Hemp protein is made from the cannabis plant, but it is free from THC. This plant-based protein is vegan-friendly and it tends to be easy to digest. It also contains fiber, healthy fats, micronutrients, and antioxidants.

Although this protein source is free from THC, more research is needed before it is deemed to be safe for enjoying it during lactation and pregnancy.

Our top picks

Made with just one ingredient and with 14 grams of protein per serving, Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder can be a simple addition to a vegan-friendly diet. Containing all of the essential amino acids, this protein powder is also a good source of iron and fiber. Plus, it's paleo-friendly, non-GMO, keto-friendly, and certified kosher.

This protein powder features pea protein powder as well as hemp, allowing for a more balanced amino acid profile. Each serving boasts 20 grams of plant protein, three grams of fiber, and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, it is organic, non-GMO, and vegan.