The 7 Tastiest Protein Powders
Best plant-based
KOS Organic Plant Protein
- Protein source: pea, flaxseeds, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds
- Available flavors: chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel, blueberry muffin, chocolate peanut butter, chocolate chip mint, and unflavored
- Nutritional stats per 2-scoop (39-gram) serving:
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbs: 9 grams
- Added sugar: 2 grams
With a protein blend sourced from peas, flaxseeds, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds, KOS Organic Plant Protein can be a delicious and nutritious addition to any plant-based diet.
It’s not only made using organic ingredients, but it’s also free of gluten, soy, and dairy, making it a great choice for those with food allergies and sensitivities.
However, keep in mind that it contains tree nuts and should be avoided by those with a tree nut allergy.
KOS protein powder is popular because it has a sweet flavor, blends well, and doesn’t have as much of an aftertaste as other products.
It also provides 20 grams of protein per serving and contains digestive enzymes, which can help support healthy digestion and enhance nutrient absorption.
KOS protein powder is available in both chocolate and vanilla.
Best low carb
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Protein source: whey protein blend
- Available flavors: banana cream, chocolate coconut, chocolate malt, chocolate peanut butter, coffee, cookies & cream, delicious strawberry, extreme milk chocolate, French vanilla, mint chocolate, rocky road, strawberry & creme, strawberry banana, vanilla ice cream, and white chocolate
- Nutritional stats per 1-scoop (31-gram) serving:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 24 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Added sugar: 2 grams
If you’re looking to cut back on your carb intake, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is a great choice.
In addition to packing 24 grams of protein into each serving, this whey-based protein powder contains just 2 grams of total carbs.
It’s also rich in several key micronutrients, including calcium and potassium.
Plus, compared with many other protein powders on the market, it’s less chalky and can be easily mixed into liquids without leaving large chunks. Moreover, it’s available in a variety of flavors.
Best vanilla
Levels 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein
- Protein source: whey concentrate
- Available flavors: chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, cold brew, mocha, strawberry, vanilla, vanilla cinnamon, and unflavored
- Nutritional stats per 1-scoop (32-gram) serving:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 24 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Added sugar: 0 grams
Boasting 24 grams of protein in every serving, Levels 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein offers a guilt-free way to satisfy any sweet tooth.
It has a great texture that dissolves easily, along with a smooth flavor and consistency.
It also contains over 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), a type of essential amino acid that has been shown to boost muscle protein synthesis, speed post-workout recovery, and increase exercise performance.
This protein powder is available in several flavored and unflavored varieties, including vanilla bean and vanilla cinnamon.
Best chocolate
Vega Sport Premium Protein
- Protein source: pea, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and alfalfa
- Available flavors: chocolate, berry, chocolate + vanilla, mocha, peanut butter, and vanilla
- Nutritional stats per 1-scoop (44-gram) serving:
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbs: 6 grams
- Added sugar: 2 grams
Rich in both flavor and protein, Vega Sport Premium Protein is a chocolate protein powder made from a plant-based blend of peas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and alfalfa.
It provides 30 grams of protein per serving, along with all 9 essential amino acids — building blocks of proteins that have to be obtained from food sources, as they can’t be produced by the body.
The powder also contains probiotics, a type of beneficial bacteria found in the gut that has been associated with improved digestive health, decreased inflammation, and enhanced immune function.
Plus, Vega Sport Premium Protein is certified for sport by NSF International, which is a third-party company that tests sports supplements to ensure that they’re free of banned substances.
In addition to its rich, slightly sweet flavor, the powder takes on a thick, smooth texture when mixed with water or milk.
Best with probiotics
Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein
- Protein source: pea, chlorella, sprouted grains (brown rice, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, and quinoa), sprouted seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds), and sprouted beans and lentils (garbanzo beans, adzuki beans, and lentils)
- Flavors: chocolate, rich chocolate, vanilla, vanilla bean, vanilla chai, and unflavored
- Nutritional stats per 1-scoop (31-gram) serving:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 22 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Added sugar: 0 grams
Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein contains a mix of plant-based protein sources and is highly absorbable.
It delivers 22 grams of protein per serving and contains probiotics and digestive enzymes.
In addition to promoting gut health, some studies show that probiotics could help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels, support skin health, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Digestive enzymes, on the other hand, can help ensure that the body is able to break down proteins, fats, and carbs efficiently to maximize nutrient absorption.
Available in chocolate and vanilla, it dissolves well in liquid and doesn’t have a chalky or unpleasant aftertaste.
Best for weight loss
Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein
- Protein source: pea
- Available flavors: unflavored
- Nutritional stats per 1-tablespoon (10-gram) serving:
- Calories: 35
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbs: less than 1 gram
- Added sugar: 0 grams
Low in calories yet loaded with plant-based protein, Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein is a great option if you’re looking to lose weight.
In fact, each tablespoon (10 grams) contains 8 grams of protein, along with just 35 calories and less than 1 gram of carbs.
It’s also unflavored, which makes it great for blending with your choice of ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Plus, as the powder is measured in tablespoons rather than scoops, it’s easier to customize the nutritional profile of your smoothie or shake, compared with other protein powders.
Interestingly, a study in 39 people found that consuming pea protein was more effective at decreasing hunger, reducing the desire to eat, and increasing feelings of fullness than other types of protein, making it a great option for weight loss.
Best organic
Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein + Superfoods Powder
- Protein source: pea, brown rice, and chia seeds
- Available flavors: chocolate and vanilla
- Nutritional stats per 2-scoop (51-gram) serving:
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 21 grams
- Carbs: 21 grams
- Added sugar: 0 grams
Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein + Superfoods Powder is an organic protein powder made from a fusion of pea protein, brown rice, and chia seeds.
It also features a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients, including organic berries, nuts, greens, herbs, and veggies.
What’s more, the powder is naturally sweetened and has a delicious flavor that can be mixed into your choice of liquid, giving it a smooth and even consistency.
In addition to providing 21 grams of protein per serving, Orgain’s protein powder contains 3 grams of fiber and is free of added sugar, gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial ingredients.
When picking a protein powder, there are several factors to look for:
- Protein source. The main source of protein is an important consideration, especially if you have any dietary restrictions. While whey is one of the most common protein powder ingredients, you can find products sourced from peas, seeds, or soy, which can be useful if you follow a plant-based or vegan diet.
- Nutritional facts. In addition to the amount of protein found in each serving, you should look at the calorie and carb content. This is especially important if you’re trying to lose weight or restricting your carb intake as part of a low carb or ketogenic diet.
- Ingredient list. In addition to protein sources, many products include ingredients that may offer other health benefits, including greens, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and healthy fats. However, try to avoid protein powders with a long list of additives, such as artificial colors and preservatives.
- Available flavors. Before choosing a flavor, consider how you plan on using the powder. For example, vanilla or plain tend to be more versatile than stronger flavors like chocolate, matcha, or coffee.
- Texture. Perhaps one of the most important considerations is the texture. While some dissolve easily when stirred or shaken, others require a blender.
- Budget. The number of servings per container varies greatly by product. Thus, when looking at the price of a protein powder, be sure to consider the cost per serving.
- Customer reviews. Reading customer reviews is a great way to obtain valuable insights into the taste and texture of a product.
Finally, many brands also offer sample packs, which allow you to try out different flavors and products before committing to a full-size purchase.
