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5 Best Protein Powders According to a Fitness Trainer (2024)

With the number of protein powders available, I know how hard it can be to find a protein powder that provides well-rounded nutritional benefits (and tastes good too). As someone who regularly strength trains, prioritizing protein is a must. These are my favorite, clean ingredient, protein powders that taste good and help maximize workout results.

I strive to get protein and produce at every meal, and having an easy, clean ingredient protein powder on hand helps me add more protein into my diet.

I personally like to add protein protein powder to a smoothie, energy bites, oatmeal or Greek yogurt rather than just adding it to water. My go-to quick and easy breakfast is protein yogurt with one scoop of Egg White Protein Powder, and one scoop of Collagen Peptides Powder topped with berries and pumpkin seeds.

Protein powders including BeWell Grass-fed protein powder, orgain organic protein powder, ora so lean and so clean protein powder, now foods egg white protein powder, ritual essentials protein

Consuming proper protein after strength traininghigh-intensity resistance training and low-impact workouts is essential. When you eat protein after exercise, it gives your muscles the essential amino acids necessary to build muscle and recover properly. Protein also gives you energy to enhance your athletic performance during your next workout.

I’m breaking down my top five favorite protein powders based on taste and ingredient list. Egg-based, grass-fed whey protein powder and plant-based powders are available depending on your dietary needs.

Lindsey drinking Now Foods egg white protein powder in a glass jar.

My Favorite

My go-to protein powder is the Creamy Vanilla Egg White Protein from NOW. It’s made with clean ingredients and has been comprehensively tested to ensure it’s safe for athletes.

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5 Best Protein Powders

infographic chart showing the best protein powders with pros and cons

Best Protein Powders

After doing a full analysis and team taste test, these are the top protein powders ranked (number one being voted best tasting and number five being our least favorite tasting).

A full report of each protein powder (including protein source, cost and more) is outlined below.

  1. NOW Egg White Protein Powder. My go-to protein powder made with clean ingredients. This protein powder has been comprehensively tested to ensure it’s safe for athletes.💜 NML Team Favorite
  2. Orgain Organic Protein Powder. Best vegan protein powder. Orgain is known for their creamy base which blends well into liquids and smoothies.
  3. Ora So Lean & So Clean Protein Powder. Best organic, plant-based protein powder. Each serving offers a superfood blend of dehydrated organic berries, veggies, and coconut milk.
  4. Ritual Essential Protein Powder. Best for pregnancy and postpartum. Clean, simple ingredients with the right amount of plant-based protein and choline for pregnant and lactating women.
  5. BeWell Grass-Fed Protein Powder. High-quality, animal-based protein powder with minimal ingredients, and free from artificial sweeteners.

1) NOW Egg White Protein Powder

  • Protein: 20 grams of protein per serving
  • Protein Source: Egg white
  • Sugar: 0 grams per serving
  • Dietary: Gluten free, dairy free and soy free
  • Cost: $35.99 for 27 servings ($1.33 per serving)
  • My Favorite Flavor: Creamy Vanilla
  • Where to Buy?  Purchase via the Now Foods website (use discount code: NML) or through Amazon.
egg white protein powder on countertop with a scoop of vanilla protein as part of best protein powder

2) Orgain Organic Protein Powder

  • Protein: 21 grams of protein per serving
  • Protein Source: Plant-based protein
  • Sugar: 1 gram per serving
  • Dietary: Gluten free, dairy free, soy free and vegan
  • Cost: $22.79 for 20 servings ($1.14 per serving)
  • My Favorite Flavor: Chocolate
  • Where to Buy? Can be found at select grocery stores or purchased on Amazon.
orgain organic chocolate protein protein powder on countertop with a scoop of chocolate protein as part of best protein powder

3) Ora So Lean & So Clean Plant Protein Powder

  • Protein: 21 grams of protein per serving
  • Protein Source: Plant-based protein
  • Sugar: 1 gram per serving
  • Dietary: Gluten free, dairy free, soy free and vegan
  • Average Cost: $35.99 for 20 servings ($1.80 per serving)
  • My Favorite Flavor: Vanilla
  • Where to Buy? Can be found at select grocery stores or purchased on Amazon.
ora so lean and so clean vanilla protein powder on countertop with a scoop of vanilla protein as part of best protein powder

4) Ritual Essential Protein Powder

  • Protein: 20 grams of protein per serving
  • Protein Source: Plant-based protein
  • Sugar: 0 grams per serving
  • Dietary: Gluten free, dairy free, soy free and vegan
  • Cost: $40.05 for 15 servings ($2.67 per serving)
  • My Favorite Flavor: Vanilla
  • Where to Buy? Can be found at select grocery stores or purchased on Amazon.
ritual essential protein powder on countertop with a scoop of vanilla protein as part of best protein powder

5) BeWell Grass-Fed Protein Powder

  • Protein: 24 grams of protein per serving
  • Protein Source: Grass-fed beef isolate
  • Sugar: 1 gram per serving
  • Dietary: Gluten free, dairy free and soy free
  • Cost: $56.99 for 30 servings ($1.90 per serving)
  • My Favorite Flavor: Chocolate
  • Where to Buy? Purchase on Amazon.
BeWell grass-fed chocolate protein powder on countertop with a scoop of vanilla protein as part of best protein powder.

Best Protein Powder FAQs

How Much Protein Do I Need Every Day?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound (Harvard Health Publishing). To determine your daily protein intake, you can multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36, or use this online protein calculator.

What Are The Best Protein Powders For Muscle Gain?

Protein plays a vital role in muscle gain since it forms the building blocks of muscle tissue in the body. Egg White ProteinGrass-Fed Beef Protein, and Plant-Based Protein are good choices for muscle building as the amount of protein per serving is high. Any of the protein powders listed above could be used as a high protein supplement to hit your protein goal and help you build muscle.

Is Protein Powder Good For Women?

Protein supplements can be beneficial for women as they help support muscle recovery, balance hormones, and nourishe skin, hair, and nails. Protein contributes to muscle growth and repair, and gives your body the energy it needs to replenish what you have used.

Can You Drink Protein Shakes Everyday?

You can drink protein shakes or add protein powder to smoothies, energy bites or oatmeal as a protein supplement. That said, I don’t recommend protein shakes as a full meal replacement or as your primary source of protein. Ideally, you want to strive for well-balanced meals that include protein, produce and carbohydrates. If you are striving to increase your daily protein intake, protein bars and high-protein snacks are good options, too.

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woman posing with five different protein powders

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2 comments
  1. This is very helpful!
    I am curious to know which protein powders didn’t make the cut, too.

    • Sandra! So glad you found this post helpful! These are our top picks and recommendations (there are too many out there to mention all that didn’t make the cut). Thank you for reading – Lindsey