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Protein powders are a convenient way to add more of this muscle building macronutrient into your diet. But when you hear the words “protein powder,” they often conjure up the image of an unappetizing, chalky, hard-to-swallow shake. Even though it might provide great results, there’s no way you would want to drink an awful tasting protein shake every day. In the same way the best diet plan is the one you can stick with, the best protein powder is the one that you actually enjoy drinking and can seamlessly integrate into your daily routine.
After much comparison, I’ve found the best tasting protein powders that are both packed with delicious flavor and contain the high-quality ingredients necessary to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. When spending your hard earned dollars on a supplement, I want you to find a product you’ll love. As a certified sports nutrition coach, I evaluated these protein powders based on their taste, ingredients and overall effectiveness. And I made sure to include both whey and vegan-based options for consumers with different dietary preferences.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Our Picks for the Best Tasting Protein Powder:
XWERKS
Key Features
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 25
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: 110 calories, one gram of carbohydrates, zero grams of sugar
- Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Strawberry
- Price: $59 (one time purchase), $56.05 (for subscribers)
XWerks Grow is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows from New Zealand. The whey is ultra-filtered to remove excess carbohydrates (including lactose) and fats to create a high quality, low calorie protein isolate. Despite having only four flavors to choose from, reviewers stand by the fact that this is one of—if not the best—tasting protein powders available. They love the fact that it mixes easily, never clumps and isn’t overly sweet.
Pros:
- Made from grass-fed, pasture raised cows
- 100 percent whey protein isolate
- No artificial sweeteners or colors
- Instant mixing with no clumping
Cons:
- High-quality, but pricey
- Strawberry flavor has artificial flavors
- Low calorie and low carb formula is not ideal for people looking to bulk
KOS
Key Features
- Protein Source: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Flax Seeds, Organic Quinoa, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Chia Seeds
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 20
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: 160 calories, nine grams of carbohydrates, two grams of sugars
- Flavors: Chocolate, Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Chip Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel Coffee, Vanilla, Unflavored
- Price: $49.99 (one time purchase), $42.49 (for subscribers)
KOS Organic is one of the vegan protein powders on our list that tastes great and is supported by a blend of plant-based protein sources, including peas, flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and quinoa. KOS also includes digestive enzymes, a blend of organic fruits and veggies and even some added vitamins and minerals. As far as taste, KOS comes in a wide variety of flavors. According to customer reviews, the chocolate and vanilla flavors are both delicious, especially when compared to other plant-based protein powders on the market.
Pros:
- USDA Certified Organic
- Vegan
- Great variety of flavors available
- Contains Organic Fruit and Veggie Blend, Digestive Enzyme Blend and KOS Vitamins and Minerals Blend
Cons:
- Not suited for consumers looking for a very low calorie protein powder
- Contains tree nuts (Coconut)
Transparent Labs
Key Features
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 28
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: 120 calories, two grams of carbohydrates, one gram of sugar
- Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Price: $59.99 (one time purchase), $53.99 (for subscribers)
Transparent Labs offers a grass-fed whey protein isolate formula that’s free from artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors. The product comes in eight different flavors, and is sweetened with stevia leaf extract. The vanilla flavor is excellent, and one of my personal favorites. For the perfect creamy consistency, I would suggest using a blender to mix the powder. With 1,600+ reviews and a rating of 4.7/5 stars, you can tell that this product is a fan favorite. I would have to agree with the reviews and say that this product checks all of the boxes of a delicious, high quality, low-calorie protein supplement.
We also want to recognize Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard French Vanilla Créme as the runner-up for best tasting vanilla protein powder. Reviewers suggest blending this flavor with milk and a little bit of ice to create a guilt-free creamy vanilla milkshake.
Pros:
- Sourced from grass-fed American cattle
- 100 percent whey protein isolate
- Low-calorie, high protein formula
- Hormone-free and no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
Cons:
- High-quality supplement, but pricey
- Low calorie and low carb formula is not ideal for people looking to bulk
Gainful
Key Features
- Protein Source: Options include Micellar Casein, Whey Protein Concentrate and Isolate, or Organic Yellow Pea, Rice and Oats
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 19-27 (based on personalization)
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: Varies depending on selected formula (whey, keto or plant-based)
- Flavors: Caffé Mocha, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Toast, Cookies & Cream, Matcha Green Tea, Madagascar Vanilla, Strawberry Cream, Sea Salt Caramel
- Price: $45 subscription
Gainful is a supplement brand that personalizes their products to align with your specific fitness and dietary needs. Their protein supplement is great for people who have different dietary preferences like dairy-free, keto or plant-based. Although the product comes with a premium price point, every Gainful subscription includes free one-on-one access to a Registered Dietitian, which is a valuable resource that you should definitely take advantage of.
Instead of producing single flavor protein powders, Gainful provides you with individual flavor packets that you can use to flavor your protein shake each day. This feature is ideal for those who get tired of tasting the same flavor every day. My personal favorite flavors are Chocolate Peanut Butter, Sea Salt Caramel and Caffé Mocha.
Related: Gainful Protein Powder – A Certified Nutrition Coach’s Review
Pros:
- Every Gainful subscription includes free one-on-one access to a Registered Dietitian
- Protein personalized to your nutritional needs
- Flavor packets allow you to choose from a variety of different flavors on a daily basis
- No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
Cons:
- Expensive ($45 dollars for 14 servings)
- Subscription-only based service
Ritual
Key Features
- Protein Source: Organic Yellow Peas
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 20
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: 115 calories, three grams of carbohydrates, zero grams of sugar
- Flavors: Vanilla
- Price: $40
Ritual produces three different Essential Protein formulas: the Daily Shake 18+, Daily Shake 50+ and Daily Shake for Pregnancy and Postpartum. The main difference in these products is the levels of choline and calcium, which are optimized for different stages of life. In addition to the protein sourced from organic yellow peas, Ritual’s Essential Protein includes four grams of branched chain amino acids and eight grams of essential amino acids per serving.
The company also safety tests every lot of protein for heavy metals, microbes and over 250 banned substances in partnership with Informed Sport. This ensures that their supplement is safe for athletes.
Pros:
- Contains complete amino acid profile
- Made with non-GMO yellow organic pea protein
- Informed Sport Certified safe for athletes
- Vegan
Cons:
- Expensive ($40 for 15 servings)
- Only one flavor option available (Vanilla)
Kaged Muscle
Key Features
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 29
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: 260 calories, 20 grams of carbohydrates, two grams of sugar
- Flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Vanilla Cake, Snickerdoodle
- Price: $49.99 (one time purchase), $44.99 (for subscribers)
Kaged Muscle’s Clean Meal is a complete meal replacement formula that’s excellent for achieving your weight loss goals. The two-scoop serving comes in at 260 calories and has a great macronutrient profile. The product contains whey protein isolate and organic quinoa and oats for complex carbohydrates. It also contains vitamins sourced from organic fruits and vegetables. It’s designed to replace one of your meals or snacks during the day while still providing the nutrients your body needs to thrive.
This is a great alternative to other meal replacement powders that are often packed with added sugars and filler ingredients. Although I haven’t personally tested this one, the reviews regarding the taste (especially the Snickerdoodle flavor) are glowing. One reviewer on the Kaged Muscle website “loves that you only have to mix it with water” and that “it is creamy and delicious.” Clean Meal can be taken daily, and although healthy, it’s not meant to replace all of your meals. It’s advised to stick to one serving of Clean Meal per day.
Pros:
- Informed Sport Certified safe for athletes
- $2.25 per serving is a solid price point considering it replaces a meal
- No added sugars
- Great macronutrient profile for a meal replacement powder
Cons:
- Not suitable for individuals looking for a low-calorie shake option
- Because of the serving size, it’s advised to use a blender to mix well
Jacked Factory
Key Features
- Protein Source: Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate and Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 26
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: 230 calories, 20 grams of carbohydrates, one gram of sugar
- Flavors: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
- Price: $49.99
Authentic MRP is a premium meal replacement powder that provides a balanced profile of slow-digesting complex carbohydrates, whey protein and healthy fats. This is a great option to use as a meal replacement whether you’re pressed for time or looking for a lower calorie, macronutrient friendly option. Authentic MRP contains no added sugars, filler ingredients or artificial colors. Despite having only a single flavor option available, reviewers note that the product tastes great and mixes easily in water.
Pros:
- $2.00 per serving is a solid price point considering it replaces a meal
- No added sugars
- Great macronutrient profile for a meal replacement powder
Cons:
- Not suitable for individuals looking for a low-calorie shake option
- Only one flavor option available
- Contains natural and artificial flavors and sweeteners (sucralose)
Amazon
Key Features
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Concentrate
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 25
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: 120 calories, two grams of carbohydrates, one gram of sugar
- Flavors: Vanilla, Cinnamon Swirl, Cookies n Cream
- Price: $39.99
Bright Whey Protein from Cira Nutrition is a protein powder marketed with very bright, clean and colorful packaging that’s meant to target the female demographic. It’s a whey protein isolate dominant formula, allowing it to have 25 grams of protein per serving with only 120 calories and no added sugars. In addition to the protein, Cira Bright Whey also contains sodium, potassium and calcium as electrolytes to keep you hydrated and meet your recommended dietary allowances of these minerals. Despite having only three flavor options, they are tasty and not overly sweet. My wife and I are big fans of both the Cinnamon Swirl and Cookies n Cream flavors.
Pros:
- Whey protein isolate dominant formula
- Affordable price point
- Low calorie, high-protein
Cons:
- Contains artificial flavors
- Only three flavor options available
Orgain
Key Features
- Protein Source: Organic Pea Protein, Organic Rice Protein, Organic Chia Seed Protein
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 21
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: Varies slightly by flavor—150-190 calories, 15-16 grams of carbohydrates, zero to one gram(s) of sugar
- Flavors: Creamy Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Bean, Iced Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Natural Unsweetened, Limited Time Flavors (Chai Latte, Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Vanilla Horchata, Strawberries & Cream)
- Price: $23.99 (one time purchase), $17.99 (for subscribers)
Orgain offers a USDA-certified organic, plant-based protein mix containing peas, brown rice and chia seeds. This is one of the most popular vegan and vegetarian protein powders, and many attribute that to the wide array of delicious flavors to choose from. The Creamy Chocolate Fudge is one of the best plant-based protein powders available, in my opinion. It’s not chalky (a common complaint of plant-based proteins), and it tastes amazing blended with peanut butter, milk and a frozen banana. Orgain also sells protein bars that make our list of the best tasting protein bars.
Pros:
- Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly protein powder
- Plant-based organic protein blend includes various sources of plant powered protein
- Wide range of flavors to choose from
- 25 percent off subscribe and save plan
Cons:
- Plant-based protein powders often come with additional calories from carbohydrates and fats
- Not suitable for individuals looking for a low-calorie shake option
Transparent Labs
Key Features
- Protein Source: Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 53
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: 790 calories, 114 grams of carbohydrates, 17 grams of sugar
- Flavors: Chocolate Glaze Donut, Sweet Vanilla
- Price: $76.99 (one time purchase), $69.29 (for subscribers)
At 790 calories per serving, Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is different from a classic meal replacement shake. This formula is designed for those who struggle to gain weight and have difficulty consuming enough calories through food alone. This product is also ideal for athletes who train multiple times a day and need a quick, easy way to take in additional calories and nutrients.
If you are struggling to gain weight, I would start by taking a single-scoop of this product for a few weeks in addition to your regular meals. This would add an additional 395 calories and 27 grams of protein per day. After a few weeks, assess if you need the full two-scoop serving size to put on weight. The product does come in only two flavors, but Transparent Labs is known for their delicious protein supplements, and you can’t go wrong with classics like chocolate and vanilla.
Related: The Best Whey Protein for Muscle Growth, Weight Loss and More
Pros:
- No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
- 100 percent grass-fed whey concentrate
- Ideal for gym-goers, athletes and bodybuilders attempting to bulk up
Cons:
- Not suitable for individuals looking for a low-calorie shake option
- Only two flavor options currently available
Key Nutrients
Key Features
- Protein Source: Multi-Collagen Matrix
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: Seven
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: 30 calories, zero grams of carbohydrates, zero grams of sugar
- Flavors: Unflavored
- Price: $23.99
It might seem counterintuitive to include an unflavored protein supplement in an article titled the best tasting protein supplements. However, almost all collagen proteins are unflavored, and we wanted to include a protein powder for our Keto-friendly crowd. The fact that this product is tasteless is actually a benefit because it mixes easily into anything from water and fruit smoothies to coffee. Collagen powder is a great way to add a little extra protein into your beverages throughout the day, especially if you want an extra nutrient boost for your hair, skin, nails and joints.
Pros:
Cons:
- Only seven grams of protein per serving
- Not suitable as a meal replacement protein powder
Naked Nutrition
Key Features
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 25
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: Flavored is 150 calories, eight grams of carbohydrates, five grams of sugar; Unflavored is 120 calories, three grams of carbohydrates, two grams of sugar
- Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Unflavored
- Price: $94.99
The Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder from Naked Nutrition is sourced from year round grass-fed cattle raised without growth hormones. Naked Nutrition prides itself on having supplements free from additives like artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners, which is how their whey protein supplement contains only three ingredients: whey protein concentrate, organic coconut sugar and organic flavor. The product comes in three classic flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry (plus an unflavored option). Also, Naked Nutrition supplements are Informed Choice Certified safe for athletes.
Pros:
- Only three ingredients
- No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
- Full amino acid profile is provided; 5.9 grams of BCAAs per serving
- Informed Choice Certified safe for athletes
Cons:
- Only available in a five-pound container
- Contains tree nuts (coconut sugar)
OWYN
Key Features
- Protein Source: Pea Protein Concentrate, Pumpkin Protein, Chia Protein
- Grams of Protein Per Serving: 20
- Calories, Carbs and Sugar Per Serving: 140 calories, seven grams of carbohydrates, four grams of sugar
- Flavors: Chocolate, Smooth Vanilla, Cookies and Creamless
- Price: $39.99 (one time purchase), $31.99 (for subscribers)
OWYN’s Plant Based Protein powder is 100 percent plant-based and vegan- and vegetarian-friendly. The proprietary protein blend ensures a complete amino acid profile, providing all nine essential amino acids. In addition to being a great source of protein, OWYN includes a superfoods greens blend and ten-million CFUs of probiotics to create a very well rounded protein powder supplement.
The best part is that all of OWYN’s products are tested to ensure they’re free from the top eight most common allergens, including dairy, soy, gluten, wheat, egg, peanuts and tree nuts. In addition to their protein powder, they also have fantastic ready-to-drink protein shakes that come in Regular (20 grams of protein per serving) and Elite (35 grams of protein per serving).
Pros:
- No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
- Includes 10 million CFUs of probiotics
- Includes superfoods greens blend
- Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly
Cons:
- Only three flavors available for their protein powder supplement
- The Elite ready-to-drink shakes can become thick if refrigerated
How We Chose the Best Tasting Protein Powders
In order to select the best tasting protein powders, we looked at a number of different factors, including online customer reviews, the overall quality of ingredients, the flavor options available and our own first hand experience testing these products. There are plenty of protein powders available that claim to be the tastiest, but we wanted to see which companies actually followed through. Gone are the days where the only flavor options available are chocolate and vanilla. In fact, most companies have anywhere from five to 10 different flavors including strawberry, peanut butter, coffee and cookies ‘n’ cream, to name a few. We also wanted to ensure that, in addition to tasting great, these supplements provide the high quality nutrients your body needs.
How to Choose the Best Tasting Protein Powder For You
The first factor you may want to consider is whether you’re looking for a whey-based (milk-based) or plant-based protein powder to accommodate your personal dietary preferences. From there, you’ll want to consider the flavors you would enjoy, as well as whether or not the product contains any artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. Finally, you want to be sure that the supplements you purchase aren’t going to break the bank. There are plenty of options available that will fit your budget and your taste buds.
Best Tasting Protein Powder FAQs
How do you take protein powder if you hate the taste?
With the amount of different supplement companies, protein powders and flavor options available, you would be hard pressed not to find at least one option you enjoy. However, if protein powder really isn’t your thing, then I do have a few tips to help the taste. The first is mixing the powder with something other than water, such as milk or juice. Mixing the powder with milk, whether regular or plant-based, makes a creamier protein shake. You could also try one of my personal favorites: mixing vanilla protein powder with orange juice. It’s delicious and reminiscent of a creamsicle.
Another great option is turning your shake into a protein smoothie by adding additional ingredients like berries, bananas or peanut butter to improve the taste. Lastly, make sure that your protein powder is mixed well. Using a blender or shaker bottle is definitely superior to mixing with a spoon for optimal taste and consistency.
Can I use protein powder in other ways besides a protein shake?
In addition to the classic protein shake, protein powder is a versatile ingredient you can include in a number of different recipes. The first recipe that comes to mind is protein overnight oats. This is when you combine a scoop of protein powder, half a cup of oats, milk and any additional ingredients (chocolate chips, peanut butter, fruit, nuts or seeds) in a jar and let the mixture sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious breakfast that’s ready to grab and go. Other breakfast items that are a good fit for protein powder include pancakes, waffles and even muffins. Just add a scoop or two into the mix, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Protein powder is a safe and effective tool to help you add some extra protein into your diet. If it tastes great, you’re more likely to use it, and it can be a fantastic option to choose when having a craving for something sweet. We hope that our list of the best tasting protein powders has helped you to find one that’s a tasty fit for you. For more information about the benefits of protein, check out our article on the best protein powders of 2022.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
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