The Best Protein Powders, And Expert Tips To Choose The Right Blend

Peruse the wellness aisles of your local health food store or browse the many online supplement shops, and you’ll find a vast selection of protein powders to choose from: whey, casein, pea and soy among them. To help cut through the noise, I spoke with dietitians to find out what to look for, what to avoid and how to identify the right blend for you—and set out to identify a selection of the best protein powders that cater to a range of needs. Based on my findings, Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein is a solid option for most people, and it tastes good, too.

When you’re shopping for protein powder, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, think about the protein source: Whey and casein are complete options (that means they contain all of the necessary amino acids to effectively build muscle), while pea and hemp are plant-based for vegan or dairy-free diets. From there, consider the ingredient list to find blends with minimal additives and artificial sweeteners. And finally, you’ll want something that mixes well and actually tastes good. With all that in mind, these are some of the best protein powders of 2025, whether you’re looking to meet daily protein requirements, build muscle or replace a meal.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted team researches and writes dozens of health and wellness guides each year, and we cover products for every stage of the fitness journey, from supplements to supportive footwear to recovery tools.

Author of this guide and Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta has over six years of experience reviewing outdoor, training and wellness equipment. With a degree in kinesiology, he understands how important it is to find supportive, durable footwear that helps you run further, train harder or simply live each day in total comfort.
This guide was reviewed by Forbes Vetted editorial director, Brinda Ayer, who’s a seasoned marathoner and fitness advocate, and has over a decade of experience in food and lifestyle journalism.
The supplement industry is loosely regulated by the FDA and FTC, meaning plenty of products make bold claims without real proof, and some even contain unsafe ingredients. That’s why we worked with dietitians to find safe, effective protein powders and reliable information: Erin Sparrold is a performance nutrition coach with over 25 years of experience and the owner of ES Performance Nutrition; and Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, is a preventive cardiology dietitian and heart health expert at EntirelyNourished.com.
By combining our own testing experience with insights from dietitians, we created a guide that works for everyone—from those looking to up their daily protein values to serious athletes looking to build muscle. Our goal is to recommend protein powders that aren’t just effective but also safe, transparent and suited to different health and fitness needs.

How We Chose The Best Protein Powders

We took a close look at what goes into transparent, simple protein powder, keeping a few key factors in mind:

The type of protein makes a big difference, depending on your goals and dietary needs. We included options with whey for a complete slate of amino acids, hydrolyzed whey for quick absorption, casein for its satiety-promoting benefits and a plant-based option for those avoiding animal products. Outside of the options on this list, collagen protein blends are great for anyone looking to get their protein in while supporting their joints and skin; soy is a solid option for plant-based athletes who want a complete protein source; egg white protein is convenient for those with dairy allergies; and hemp is ideal for those who want a non-animal source and who only need a moderate amount of protein in each serving.
What’s actually in each blend mattered just as much as the protein itself. We prioritized powders with simple, high-quality ingredients and, for the most part, steered clear of those packed with artificial sweeteners, fillers or unnecessary additives. That said, we did include one brand (Ghost) that makes delicious-tasting but comparatively more processed products.
We looked for brands that clearly list their ingredients, break down the actual protein content per serving and offer a variety of flavors or protein sources.
Effectiveness and safety were also top of mind, which is why we turned to registered dietitians for their take on which formulas actually support muscle growth, satiety and overall health—without the bold claims or questionable ingredients.

How To Shop For Protein Powder

When it comes to picking the right protein powder for you, there are a few things to keep in mind. It’s not just about the protein content, but also, what’s in the powder, where the protein comes from and even how it tastes. Here’s how to break it down:

Protein Source Or Type

The type of protein powder you consume can make a big difference in how well it works for your body and your diet. Animal-based proteins like whey are popular because they’re complete proteins, meaning they have all nine essential amino acids in consistent amounts. Not only that, but they’re fast-digesting as well, which is great after a workout.

If you’re a vegan, vegetarian or lactose-intolerant, plant-based proteins are a solid alternative—pea, brown rice, quinoa, chia, lentil and hemp proteins are common options. As Sparrold notes, plant proteins sometimes lack all the essential amino acids, but many blends combine different sources to make sure you’re getting everything you need.

Ingredients

When it comes to protein powder, simplicity is often the best choice. Try to avoid or limit powders that are packed with artificial sweeteners, fillers or preservatives. These extras don’t add to the blend’s nutritional value, and in some cases, they can do more harm than good.

“The shorter the ingredient list, the better,” explains Sparrold. “If a sweetener is involved, I look for protein supplements that [have] either stevia or monk fruit. I also avoid products that have carrageenan in them. This additive gives the shake a creamy texture but can have a negative impact on gut health.”

Also, keep an eye out for hidden sugars and unnecessary fillers. If you have any food sensitivities or allergies, it’s a good idea to double-check for things like soy, gluten or dairy in the ingredient list.

“Plant-based protein powders can be better for individuals with lactose intolerance, dairy sensitivities or those following a vegan diet,” says Routhenstein. “They can also be lower in saturated fat compared to whey and casein.”

Taste And Texture

Taste and texture can make or break your protein powder experience. If the powder is hard to mix or has a chalky, overly sweet taste, you might find yourself avoiding it after a while. If taste isn’t a primary concern, Sparrold recommends making your own shake or smoothie by combining protein powder with fiber, healthy fats, carbohydrates and greens.

“I like to start with a simple, clean base of protein powder and then choose other modular whole food components if I am trying to build a more well-rounded snack,” she says. “For fibers I will add chia seeds or some psyllium powder. For healthy fats, I will choose either a nut butter, avocado, hemp hearts or coconut oil. For carbohydrate energy, I will use oats, fresh or frozen fruits, and honey. For greater nutrient density, I will add fresh greens like spinach or kale.”

Look for powders that dissolve easily in water or milk, or that mix well in smoothies, oatmeal or even baked goods. Also consider whether the powder requires a blender or shaker bottle to get it smooth; you’ll want to keep that in mind for convenience’s sake, and so you’re prepared with the right gear.

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