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.
Consuming proper protein after strength training, high-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.
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.
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.
Protein plays a vital role in muscle gain since it forms the building blocks of muscle tissue in the body. Egg White Protein, Grass-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.
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.
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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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