Best Protein Powder for Women (2025): 100+ Tested to Find the Best

At a Glance 

• More expensive than average
• Higher protein content 
• No artificial ingredients 
• Informed Choice-certified 

Transparent Labs appears on many of our nutritional guides and tops our best protein powder rankings. With 28 grams of protein from pure whey protein isolate, 130 calories per serving, and a plethora of delicious flavors to choose from, Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein is the best protein powder on the market, earning an overall score of 4.6 out of 5. 

Formulation: 5/5

Price per serving: 2/5

Third-party testing: 5/5

Why We Like Transparent Labs Whey Isolate

This protein powder received perfect marks in almost all categories and is a superior option for women and men alike. We give it a 5-out-of-5 rating in taste and solubility. Of the 18 flavors offered, our team has tried a handful of them. GGR Managing Editor Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC, loves Mint Chocolate Chip. “It tastes exactly like the flavor name,” she told me. “If you enjoy peppermint mocha lattes, you’ll love adding this to your coffee.”

And it’s not all taste, either. Formulated with a substantial 28 grams of protein per serving with no preservatives, dyes, fillers, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, or gums, Transparent Labs whey isolate earns a 5 out of 5 in formulation. It’s also third-party tested by Informed Choice—another 5-out-of-5 rating. 

Additionally, we ran it through our own third-party testing with Ellipse Analytics, an accredited third-party lab, for label accuracy and the presence of pesticides, heavy metals, and other potentially harmful compounds. You’ll be happy to know it ranked above average overall. Learn more by reading through our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.

Alternatives

The only drawback to Transparent Labs whey isolate is its price. At $1.99 per serving, it’s on the high end for protein powder, earning it a 2 out of 5. This may be worth the cost, though, if you value clean ingredients, a high amount of protein, lots of flavors, and easily identifiable third-party testing. 

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that’s still third-party tested, check out Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate. You can often find it for around $1.00 per serving.

Testing Breakdown

Transparent Labs Whey Isolate is the GOAT, for men and women alike. 

Vs. The Average

It’s more expensive, but Transparent Labs whey isolate packs more protein and more flavor options into its whey isolate offering. 

Read our full Transparent Labs protein review for more in-depth information on this supplement.

At a Glance 

• Pricier than average
• Less protein per serving than average
• Biggest flavor variety 
• Super transparent company 

Man or woman aside, if you’re going to be downing a protein shake daily, you want it to taste good—lucky for you, Legion Whey+ fits the bill. And not only do we give the taste a 5 out of 5, the flavor variety is clutch, as well. Right now, there are 25 options to choose from, but they introduce new flavors regularly. 

RELATED: Best-Tasting Protein Bars

“I love to use the Cinnamon Cereal flavor of Whey+ in some oatmeal with peaches on top and maybe a little cinnamon,” Lindsay Scheele, Garage Gym Reviews Everything Lead Reviewer and CPT, told me. “It tastes like a peach crumble and is just to die for.” Yes, please, sign us up!

Formulation: 5/5

Price per serving: 1/5

Taste: 5/5

Why We Like Legion Whey+

We’ve already established that the taste of Legion Whey+ cannot be beaten, but we like lots of other things about this product, too. Legion is a super transparent company, third-party testing all of its products and detailing ingredients and dosages on their labels. It also passed our own independent third-party testing with Ellipse Analytics where we tested 150 protein powders for label accuracy and purity. Hence, Legion Whey+ earns a 5 out of 5 in this category. 

If your goal is to build muscle—we see you, muscle mommies—Legion Whey+ is a good bet, as well. Depending on which flavor you choose, you’ll get 22 to 24 grams of high-quality whey protein isolate per serving, along with 12 grams of essential amino acids¹ and 5.5 grams of BCAAs², both of which are key to muscle growth. Although this is less protein than many other options on this list, it is a solid protein content, and the formulation still earns a strong 5 out of 5.

Alternatives

Legion Whey+ has everything going for it but the price. At $2.17 per serving, this is one of the most expensive protein powders we’ve tested. However, if your budget allows, it’s definitely worth the cost. 

If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option that still provides a solid formulation, check out Sports Research Whey Isolate.

Testing Breakdown

Legion Whey+ is a solid choice for almost anyone. Here’s how the ratings look. 

Vs. The Average

Although it’s below average in protein content, Whey+ is also lower-calorie and provides substantially more flavors to choose from.

Check out our in-depth Legion whey protein review for more details. 

At a Glance 

• Meal replacement, not standard protein powder 
• Made with plant protein
• Great macros for a meal replacement
• Packed with vitamins and minerals 

When looking for the best protein powder for pregnancy, you may not start with a meal replacement shake. But Huel Black Edition is packed with macronutrients and micronutrients you’ll need throughout your pregnancy. Most notably, it contains 40 grams of plant-based protein, earning it a 5 out of 5 for formulation.

Registered dietitian Perry Nix adds, “Plant proteins on their own often lack certain essential amino acids, but combining pea protein, ground flaxseed, and brown rice protein ensures a rich and complete amino acid profile.” 

Perry was also impressed with the 27 included vitamins and minerals, saying, “These micronutrients provide countless benefits, including enhancing muscle function, supporting energy metabolism, bolstering immune health, and promoting bone health.” Among the micronutrients in Huel Black Edition is choline, which has been shown to be beneficial for the baby’s brain development³ during pregnancy.

Individual needs during pregnancy are unique. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding recommendations for you and your baby.

Formulation: 5/5

Taste: 5/5

Price: 1/5

Why We Like Huel Black Edition

Expert tester and mom Brittany Combs tried Huel Black Edition and loved the taste. She opted for the Cookies and Cream flavor, telling me, “It was very sweet, but not too sweet. Just right. I mix it in with my coffee and it’s great”

It scored a 4.5 out of 5 for solubility, as well. Brittany mentioned that it mixes well, but she could still feel the graininess of the protein in certain sips. Huel Black Edition has 18 grams of fat and 20 grams of carbs per serving, making it suitable as an on-the-go meal, too.

Lastly, it’s certified by NSF, earning it a 5-out-of-5 rating for third-party testing.

Alternatives

Because Huel Black Edition does pack a punch with 400 calories per serving, it may not be the best choice for every pregnant person. It’s also expensive at $3.30 per serving—earning it a 1-out-of-5 rating on this roundup—so it may not work for budget-conscious customers. 

If you’re looking for a protein powder that still provides great nutrients for you and your baby, consider Ora Organic’s Plant-Based superfood shake, an organic protein powder made with a blend of pea and rice protein.

Testing Breakdown

Although Huel Black Edition is technically a meal replacement, it still gets a strong rating. 

Vs. The Average

With more flavors to choose from, plus a more nutrient-packed formulation, Huel Black Edition might be a good choice for you. Here’s how it stacks up. 

Read our Huel review for more information.

At a Glance 

• Clean, organic protein powder 
• About average price per serving
• Average taste and solubility 
• Would like to see more transparency on label 

If you’re on the hunt for a USDA-certified organic protein powder—and one of the best organic protein powders—Ora Organic Plant-Based Superfood Protein offers a high-quality and tasty option. Our tester, CNC and CPT Amanda Capritto, doesn’t adhere to a plant-based diet, but she thought the Vanilla Chai flavor was pretty good.

“I’m not typically a fan of the earthy undertones of plant-based protein powders, but Ora Organic was neither foul nor fantastic,” she told me. 

Formulation: 4/5

Taste: 3.5/5

Price: 1/5

Why We Like Ora Organic Superfood Protein

Let’s face it: Plant proteins are oftentimes less delicious than their whey counterparts, but Ora Organic is solid. “It was firmly in the middle with a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating for taste,” Amanda told me. “I gave it a 4-star rating for solubility, too. I found that it mixed well in a shaker cup but it did leave some chalkiness and a slight film in my mouth.”

Although we’d prefer to see specific amounts of each ingredient (so you know exactly what you’re consuming) on the nutrition label, we appreciate that Ora is third-party tested, non-GMO, vegan, Kosher, and gluten-free. We gave it a 4 out of 5 for transparency and third-party testing.

Alternatives

Bob Iafelice, a registered dietitian and GGR expert panelist, offered additional insight into the nutrition label. “The biggest negative to Ora Organic is the lack of information on the amino acid profile. Most people take protein powders for muscle health. Without knowing how much leucine you’re getting, it’s difficult to be 100% confident in this formula,” Bob told me. 

It’s also quite pricey at $2.50 per serving—well above the average with a 1-out-of-5 rating here.

For another dairy-free protein powder option, try Legion Plant+. Our tester loved the flavor and had no issues with solubility when she mixed it with oat milk.

Testing Breakdown

Ora Organic stands out in customer reviews and formulation.  

Vs. The Average

Ora Organic is just about average in every category when compared to other vegan proteins—check it out for yourself. 

At a Glance 

• More affordable than other whey proteins 
• Third-party tested 
• Higher-calorie than average
• Only two flavors to choose from 

Whey protein isolate contains more protein and less carbs and fat than regular whey protein and can be favored for those with weight loss or macro-specific goals. We really like Sports Research Whey Isolate as the best whey protein for women for a few reasons: Its 5-out-of-5 price paired with its 4.5-out-of-5 taste and formulation make it a leader in the pack. 

“I love this whey isolate because sometimes whey concentrate makes me feel bloated—no tummy troubles with this one, though,” Amanda Dvorak, GGR Managing Editor and ISSA CNC told me. 

Formulation: 4.5/5

Price: 5/5

Third-party testing: 5/5

Why We Like Sports Research Whey Isolate

We like that a whey isolate that’s third-party tested by Informed Choice is sold at such an affordable price–less than $1.50 per serving if you buy a big bag. Our team also likes the flavor and texture, saying that it’s smooth and dissolves easily, although you may have to shake it up again if it sits for too long. We gave a 4 out of 5 in solubility because of this slight hangup, but it’s no big deal in our eyes.

“The Dutch Chocolate isn’t super sweet and the chocolate flavor is mild but still noticeable,” Amanda says. “It’s not a unique flavor but it’s a solid chocolate option.”

Alternatives

Sports Research doesn’t offer many flavor options in its whey isolate—Vanilla or Chocolate—so that’s a consideration if you like to switch things up. We also don’t love that this settles after a bit; this isn’t a dealbreaker, but a watch-out.   

Also, artificial sweeteners are associated with potential side effects, especially gastrointestinal.⁹ If you’d prefer a protein powder without artificial sweeteners, we recommend Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate. It doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, colors, or fillers.

Testing Breakdown

Sports Research whey isolate is solid in all categories. 

Vs. The Average

Although it lacks in flavor variety, this third-party-tested protein is more affordable and provides about the same macronutrient breakdown as other whey proteins on this list. 

Check out our in-depth Sports Research whey protein review for more details. 

At a Glance 

• Affordable protein
• Low calories per serving 
• Good flavor variety 
• Contains artificial sweeteners

Optimum Nutrition contains about 24 grams of protein per serving (the exact amount varies by flavor) with only 120 calories per serving, so from a macro perspective, it’s a solid choice for a weight loss goal—mix with water and you’ve got yourself a low-calorie, protein-packed snack. We rate the formulation of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard whey as a 4.5 out of 5, docking a half of a point due to the use of artificial sweeteners.

RELATED: Best Protein Shakes for Weight Loss

Formulation: 4.5/5

Taste: 4.5/5

Third-Party Testing: 5/5

Why We Like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

Almost every person on our testing team has at least one Optimum Nutrition flavor they love. Amanda Capritto, CPT and CNC, loves Double Rich Chocolate, I enjoy Mocha Cappuccino and Delicious Strawberry, and Lauren Strong, CPT, swears by Extreme Milk Chocolate. 

The solubility also earns a 5-out-of-5 rating. “There are no clumps when you mix this, in water or with milk,” Amanda explains. I agree—it has a thin consistency when shaken with water, but that just means the solubility is superior. I do like to mix it with milk, though, for a more substantial mouthfeel.

We also had multiple flavors of Optimum Nutrition Whey tested by third-party lab Ellipse Analytics to test for the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and other substances we go over in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary. The Delicious Strawberry flavor ranked Above Average when compared to around 150 protein powder samples.

And lastly, at $1.20 per serving, the 5-out-of-5 price cannot be beaten. 

Alternatives

The main hang up with Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard whey protein is the use of artificial sweeteners, and for some, this may not even be a dealbreaker. However, if it does matter to you, there are plenty of other options. 

Consider Transparent Labs whey isolate if you’d like an option without artificial ingredients. It’s more expensive, but the value is worthwhile. 

Testing Breakdown

See how Optimum Nutrition whey scored below. 

Vs. The Average

At a cheaper cost per serving and with more flavor options, this protein powder is one to consider.

Read our full Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard review for even more information. 

At a Glance 

• High protein content 
• Macro-friendly
• Third-party tested, but by unknown lab 
• Super affordable 

We’re big fans of Nutricost protein powder, and the Unflavored whey isolate is our pick for the best clean protein powder for women because all it contains is whey protein and sunflower lecithin—nothing artificial or extraneous, and with a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving, it earns a 5 out of 5 in formulation.  

Price Per Serving: 5/5

Formulation: 5/5

Third-party testing: 4/5

Why We Like Nutricost Whey Isolate Unflavored 

For the price—about $1.12 per serving—you can’t beat the quality here. While we haven’t tried the Unflavored version of this protein powder, Amanda Dvorak, GGR managing editor, CPT, CNC, really likes the Strawberry, saying that it doesn’t have a weird aftertaste and doesn’t make her bloated like sometimes whey concentrate does.

With the Unflavored version, we’d blend it into a smoothie or mix it with a liquid like flavored milk to make it taste delicious. Amanda told me the solubility was mostly good, rating it a 4 out of 5. “There were a few clumps when just mixed with milk, but it doesn’t bother me too much.”

Alternatives

Especially for a clean protein powder, we want to know the product is third-party tested by a reputable organization. Nutricost does third-party test their products, but you can’t find any detailed information about the lab, so we rate this category a 4 out of 5. 

Also, only the Unflavored version of this protein powder is considered clean, so if you’re not into figuring out a good flavor profile to pair with this powder, you may want to look elsewhere. 

If you want a flavored protein powder that’s considered clean, look at Transparent Labs whey isolate, which is made without any artificial ingredients.

Testing Breakdown

The Unflavored version of Nutricost whey isolate gets high rankings in every category. 

Vs. The Average

Although it doesn’t taste as good on its own, Nutricost whey isolate blows the average whey protein out of the water in most categories. 

Check out the full Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate review for more in-depth information on all flavors of this product.

At a Glance 

• More affordable vegan protein
• Average protein content
• Good taste 

We’ve tried our fair share of plant-based protein powder on team GGR and Swolverine Plant Protein is high on our list. With no artificial flavors, 25 grams of protein per serving from pea isolate and pumpkin protein, and 140 calories, the formulation is a 5 out of 5. Plus, it actually tastes really good, which can be a tough bill with vegan protein. 

RELATED: Best Vegan Protein Bars

Formulation: 5/5

Price: 1/5

Third-party testing: 4/5

Why We Like Swolverine Plant Protein 

Our tester, Kendall Spell, tried the Salted Caramel flavor of Swolverine Plant Protein and was impressed. “It’s sweet but not sickeningly sweet, which I appreciate,” she told me. “The nuance of the cinnamon flavor in the Salted Caramel was delicious, too.”

Alternatives

It’s very understandable if this protein powder isn’t in your budget—at $65 for a tub that will last you roughly a month, you have to really like it to spend the money on it. “While it has great reviews and provides a good amount of quality plant protein, it is comparatively overpriced,” Bob Iafelice, RD and GGR expert panelist says. 

That said, it’s a respectable price compared to other well-rated vegan protein powders alone.  Also, we didn’t love the solubility and texture here. It’s a bit gritty according to Kendall, and also a bit thin when mixed with water—both not uncommon with plant protein, but worth pointing out. 

If you want a plant protein with amazing texture and flavor, check out Truvani—our testers consistently love this protein, although it does have a lower protein content.

Testing Breakdown

Here’s how Swolverine scored in our overall protein rating system. 

Vs. The Average

When we look at Swolverine Plant Protein compared to the vegan protein—not protein powders overall—it stacks up well.