10 Best Protein Powders, According to 3 Years of Testing (2026)

LoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyFeatured in this articleBest OverallOptimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100 Percent Whey Protein PowderRead more$57 $45 (21% off) Amazon Best Whey IsolateTransparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein IsolateRead more$60 $54 (10% off) Amazon Best Plant-BasedRitual Protein Daily Shake 18+Read more$44 $29 (34% off) Ritual Best TastingDymatize ISO100 Whey Protein Powder IsolateRead more$42 Amazon Protein powder is my secret ingredient. The best protein powders are an easy boost to any of your go-to recipes, from smoothies to muffins to morning waffles. I rely on it to fill in the nutritional gaps when my meals aren’t winning any wellness awards. While the recommended daily allowance for protein is just 0.36 grams per pound of body weight, that’s the minimum to avoid deficiency, not the sweet spot for optimal health. Depending on how active you are or your dietary needs, your daily protein recommendation may increase. For more on this, check out How Much Protein Do I Need? Protein powders were once the territory of gym bros trying to bulk up, but the category has since exploded into the mainstream. The powders are now marketed to everyone and available widely, in every form and flavor, and for every dietary preference. Whether you’re plant-based, a picky eater, or need a quick nutrient boost, protein powder is your fast pass. But with so many options, fads, and a never-ending list of additives, it’s easy to grab the wrong one for your needs. I’ve sifted through the market to find the best of the best protein powder. (As with any dietary supplement, please consult a medical professional or registered dietitian before consuming protein powder.) For more powders, tonics, and elixirs, check out our guides to the Best Protein Bars, Creatine Supplements, and Magnesium Supplements. How I Test Protein PowdersWhat Am I Testing Next?Compare Top 10 Protein PowdersMore Protein Powders to ConsiderAvoid TheseAccessories to TryFrequently Asked QuestionsUpdated June 2026: I've updated our specs tables and removed discontinued products. I’ve also updated information, prices, and links throughout. Photograph: Boutayna ChokraneI've been downing protein powders for years, but for this guide, I put each one through a fresh round of testing. I sampled each powder at least three times to assess taste, texture, and mixability. I mixed the powders with water, milk, and non-dairy alternatives. I also baked them into muffins and blended them into the occasional smoothie because not all of us like our protein straight. I prioritized powders with minimal to no additives and full transparency in sourcing—no unnecessary fillers, gums, or questionable sweeteners. Solubility was a major consideration, too. I also scrutinized manufacturing practices and third-party testing. Certifications, like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Choice, mattered (learn more about these below). Every pick is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. I’ll be testing Thorne Whey Protein Isolate. Photograph: Boutayna ChokranePhotograph: Boutayna ChokraneChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistOptimum Nutrition Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey has been a longtime favorite among gym rats. It’s affordable, widely available, and the flavors we’ve tested taste good. The powder delivers 24 grams of protein per serving and is sourced from a blend of whey isolate, concentrate, and peptides. The vanilla ice cream flavor has been my go-to for three years. I use it in smoothies, but I love it even more for baking. I like to swap a couple of scoops for some of the flour in banana bread to give it a protein boost without tasting chalky. Reviewer Louryn Strampe loves the banana cream flavor, which she swears tastes like a yellow Laffy Taffy. While the sheer number of flavor options is nice, know that some flavors include artificial sweeteners. While there are protein powders out there with fewer additives, it’s reassuring to know the Clean Label Project gave the vanilla ice cream flavor its stamp of approval last year, confirming it tested free of arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. Note: Consumer Reports found that while certain Optimum Nutrition Powders are safe for regular use, the brand's Serious Mass contained 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per serving, which is twice the amount deemed safe by experts. WIREDMore than 20 flavor options24 grams of protein per serving sizeA versatile blend of isolate, concentrate, and peptides whey for fast absorptionThe vanilla ice cream flavor is certified by the Clean Label ProjectTIREDSome flavors contain artificial sweetenersBest Whey IsolateCourtesy of Transparent LabsSave to wishlistSave to wishlistTransparent Labs If your priority is clean ingredients and label transparency, Transparent Labs' Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is for you. This whey is sourced from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, and the formula does

10 Best Protein Powders, According to 3 Years of Testing (2026)

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10 Best Protein Powders, According to 3 Years of Testing (2026)

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