Whether you’re looking to build muscle, recover from a challenging workout, or simply add more protein to your daily nutrition plan, protein powder is a foundational supplement for a variety of health goals. There are hundreds of options to choose from, too, with a protein powder or shake for nearly any dietary preference and health goal. All this variety, however, can make finding the right option feel overwhelming.
The Garage Gym Reviews team of fitness experts—including certified nutrition coaches, registered dietitians, certified personal trainers, and an Olympian—regularly uses protein powder to support our own fitness goals. We test as many protein powders as possible, looking to find the best protein powder for GGR readers based on dietary preferences, health and fitness goals, and taste preferences. We carefully test and score each product using the methodology we’ll share below.
Our team of certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, nutrition coaches, and fitness enthusiasts has tested over 130 protein powders to find the best formulas on the market. We’ve helped over 13,500 people find the best protein for their goals and preferences, and we’re here to help you, too.
Our Values
While most of our editorial staff have a background in fitness (and the credentials to prove it), we also consult with a team of expert advisors, such as Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Our team has spoken with registered dietitians, sports nutritionists, and physicians to ensure our protein recommendations align with current research and best health practices.
Additionally, we created this testing methodology with consultation from these aforementioned experts to set the highest testing standards when evaluating protein powders. All this effort and hands-on testing is to ensure that each product score is based on unbiased, objective testing categories, rather than our own personal preferences.
RELATED: When to Take Protein Powder
Our Process
When we’re choosing products to include in our protein guides, we carefully review all the products we’ve tested, as well as conduct market research to discover any new or updated formulations. Our goal is to ensure each buyer’s guide consists of a range of protein powders that not only score highly in our testing but also fit a variety of budgets, goals, and individual preferences.
We’ve tested mass gainers, vegan protein powders, whey protein powders, and more—many of which are available in a wide range of price points and flavors.
For each product we recommend, we provide a comprehensive review score, some pros and cons of the profile, and notes stemming from our personal experiences with the supplement. We also compare each protein supplement to the average protein powder or shake we’ve tested, using the categories shown in the table below. This allows readers to quickly see how a given product compares to current industry standards in the protein market.
| Category | Average Protein Powder We Test |
| Price per serving | $1.85 |
| Calories per serving | 130 |
| Protein per serving | 25 g |
| Available flavors | 8 |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
Additionally, we regularly review our buyer’s guides, such as the best protein powder for seniors, ensuring product information is up to date and accurate. We’ll also take this time to add or remove products, as needed, in order to provide the most up-to-date recommendations that match current availability as well as our testing standards.
Protein Powder Performance Testing
Now that we’ve covered the why and how we test protein powder, let’s take a closer look at the what. Namely, the individual categories we use when rating these popular products.
Price Per Serving
Protein powders can come in a wide range of prices and, to make things even more confusing, container sizes vary. So, you need to look at more than just the total price prior to checkout.
The average protein powder we’ve tested costs roughly $1.85 per serving, so we give an average score of 3 out of 5 stars to proteins that cost between $1.50 and $1.90 per serving. Higher scores are given to products that cost less than $1.50 per serving.
Formulation
The formulation of any supplement is one of the most important aspects to consider, especially when it comes to protein powder. Some protein powders have minimal ingredient lists, while others contain a variety of additives or proprietary blends.
Our formulation score assesses a product based on its protein, carbohydrate, and fat content, as well as additives such as BCAAs and flavorings. Many protein powders use artificial sweeteners to enhance flavor, so while we don’t dock points for that, we do make note in our findings. We also have a guide to the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners for those looking for a natural formula.
To earn 3 out of 5 stars in this category, we want to see at least 18 grams of protein per serving with little to no unnecessary ingredients. To earn 4 to 5 stars, we should see at least 20 grams of protein and may see other beneficial ingredients, such as digestive enzymes.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss
Taste
We understand that taste is very subjective, but we feel it’s essential to include in our testing—nobody wants to buy a month’s worth of protein powder they don’t enjoy drinking.
For the taste category, we consider our testers’ experiences, the total number of available flavors, and the general customer opinion from online buyer reviews.
To earn 3 out of 5 stars, a protein tastes fine–not offensive, but nothing to write home about. High scores are given to those we consider among the best-tasting protein powders we’ve ever tested.
Solubility
For solubility, we want to know how well a product dissolves in the suggested amount of liquid. Are there any clumps or floaters, and does the protein powder separate if you leave it alone for a few minutes?
To get a 3-out-of-5-star rating, you might see a floater here or there, and it might separate a bit after sitting, but a quick jostle of your shaker bottle will mix everything back up. 5-star ratings are given to protein powders that fully dissolve with no separation.
Side Effects
Since protein powder is often dairy-based, it’s not uncommon to experience side effects like bloating, stomach irritation, or other minor digestive issues. We ask our testers to note any digestive side effects, unpleasant aftertastes, or other noteworthy issues that stem from our protein trials.
To get a 3 out of 5 here, there may be a few minor complaints, but nothing too serious. To earn 5 out of 5 stars, a protein powder should cause no side effects, whatsoever.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
Transparency and Third-Party Testing
Since supplements aren’t strictly regulated by the FDA, transparency and third-party testing are essential to ensure you’re getting a product you can trust. We look for label transparency with all ingredients clearly listed along with precise dosages, as well as independent third-party testing to verify that a product contains what’s claimed on the label.
To earn 3 out of 5 stars, the manufacturer seems fairly transparent, but the product is not certified by a major organization like NSF, Informed Choice/Sport, or Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG). Top scores are given to major-organization-approved supplements featuring well-detailed ingredient lists with no proprietary blends.
In addition to looking for third-party testing from major organizations, we’ve conducted our own independent testing. We sent over 150 popular protein powders to Ellipse Analytics for evaluation of purity and label accuracy, and we include these results in each mini-review when we have testing information for a given product.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Men
Customer Experience Testing
In addition to testing the protein powder itself, we want to assess the customer experience when purchasing it. From the online user experience to available warranties, trial periods, and “subscribe-and-save” services, here are some items that play a role in our overall scores.
Customer Service
Our customer service ratings assess policies like shipping and return fees, as well as the overall helpfulness and availability of the customer support team.
To earn 3 out of 5 stars, the company is helpful, easy to reach, and may or may not offer returns. Many retailers, like Amazon, don’t allow returns of opened supplements for food safety reasons, so we don’t necessarily expect all companies to allow returns of protein powder.
RELATED: Best Protein Powder on Amazon
To earn higher scores, companies should offer excellent customer support and may even offer free returns, even on opened products. We also look for subscribe-and-save options that let customers get a lower price by setting up a recurring order. If subscription discounts are available, we’ll give the product a higher customer service score.
Customer Reviews
This is taken directly from online customer reviews. We check the manufacturer’s store, but as those reviews can be filtered to weed out negative scores, we also look at third-party retail sites like Amazon, Target, and Walmart whenever possible.
Overall Score
Once we’ve calculated a score for each category, we can determine a final review rating by averaging the protein’s results. Each mini-review shows the full scoring breakdown in a comprehensive chart, as shown in the example below:
