13 Best Protein Powders of 2024

Whey is also generally easy to absorb and digest, provided you don’t have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, Asche says. (If you’re specifically concerned about lactose, look for powders made with “whey protein isolate” as opposed to “whey protein concentrate,” since, as SELF has previously reported, isolate forms contain next to no lactose.)

Casein

Casein protein is similar to whey, since it also comes from curdled milk. But casein is made from the curd itself, rather than the liquid, and is dehydrated and processed into powder.

Egg white

Egg white protein powder comes from eggs. It’s dairy-free but not vegan, so is a great option for folks who avoid dairy but haven’t sworn off all animal products. Heads up, though: Some of our reviewers don’t love the taste or smell. Don’t rule it out for boosting your baking or smoothies, though.

Plant-based

If you’re vegan, dairy-intolerant, or prefer to eat fewer animal-derived foods, you likely want a plant-based protein powder. The most common options include protein derived from peas, beans, brown rice, and soy. Just keep in mind that certain plant protein sources are considered “incomplete,” says Asche, which is why a lot of these types of powders combine multiple protein sources, which can create a complete profile. Pea protein powder is considered a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids, so Feller recommends it for vegan diets.

How to choose the best protein powder

After you pick the best type of protein for you, you want to make sure your powder of choice fits your taste and budget. Here’s what to consider:

Price

When we’re sizing up products, we compare price per serving rather than the overall price. Prices on this list range from $.67 to $2.65 per serving, with the average being about $1.65, which we think is a good spot to aim for if you’re looking for a fairly priced protein powder.

Taste

Okay here’s an obvious one, but you’ve got to pick a protein powder you actually like. Do you want a desserty flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth, or something fresh and fruity to wake up your palette?

When picking a flavor, you should also consider how you plan to use the powder. For instance, if you’re a smoothie person, consider the taste that works with your favorite blend; and if you’re looking to incorporate the supplement into your baking, unflavored might be the best for you. Be sure to also check ingredient lists for any additional sweeteners or additives that might affect the taste.

How we test protein powders

In addition to our experts’ input and recommendations, here are some key components our testers considered that factored into our picks.

Protein source

Whether a powder uses an animal-based protein source (like whey) or one made from plants is a personal preference, but we prioritized options with a complete protein profile, meaning they contain all nine of the essential amino acids that your body needs to function.

Third-party certification

Third-party certifications like Informed Choice for Sport Certified and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Certified for Sport ensure products include the ingredients their labels claim, and at the specified amount—and also that they don’t contain anything unlisted, like unsafe contaminants.

Sweeteners

This is another matter of personal preference, but some artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes can cause digestive issues, so we’ve highlighted where they’re used.

Texture

No one wants a gritty, sandy smoothie. So SELF’s testers share how each powder shakes out (wink) to ensure we select powders that blend well.

Packaging

An enormous tub of protein powder will always take up a ton of room in your pantry; but a resealable pouch can scrunch down as you make your way through the bag, which can be a perk if you’re short on storage space.

Who is protein powder good for?

Protein is essential for everyone, and powders can be an effective way to make sure you’re getting the right amount each day. The current recommended daily amount is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (or 0.36 grams per pound). Keep in mind, that amount of protein is the average minimum to prevent deficiency—if you’re an active person, you may want to shoot for closer to 1.4 to 2 grams per kilogram (or 0.64 to 0.91 grams per pound), Jones says. If you’re not sure how much protein you actually need, it’s best you speak to a nutrition professional.

Who may not find protein powder beneficial?

Most people are in the clear to add a tasty shake (or other protein-powder-enhanced cuisine) to their diet every day since we all need some level of protein in our foods. But just because it’s an essential nutrient, doesn’t mean you need to buy a powder to supplement it. Asche tells SELF that “protein powders can be pricey and are not a necessity by any means to meet your daily needs, so for some, it could be an unnecessary expense compared to whole food sources.”