Best Recovery Protein Powder (2025): Recover Stronger, Perform Better 

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is made with grass-fed whey protein isolate. The product contains only five to seven natural and organic ingredients and may appeal to those who want to avoid artificial sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives.

Each scoop offers 24 grams of protein, making it convenient to get the 20 to 40 grams of protein every 3 to 4 hours recommended by the International Society of Sports Nutrition¹ for building muscle. With up to 28 grams of protein per serving, the formulation earned 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Expert product tester and certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly tested a limited edition flavor of Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate—Peppermint Hot Chocolate. He rated the taste a 5 out of 5, saying, “I wish the peppermint flavor was more noticeable, but this flavor is so good. All you need is whipped cream and marshmallows to make it the perfect cold-weather treat.”

Anthony also rated the solubility a 5 out of 5, noting that he had no issues getting it to dissolve.

All of the ingredients in this protein powder and their quantities are listed on the supplement facts label. It’s Informed Choice- and Informed Protein-certified, meaning you can trust that it won’t be contaminated with ingredients you don’t want to put in your body.

GGR also collaborated with Ellipse Analytics, an independent accredited lab, to test Transparent Labs’ whey isolate. It passed our rigorous quality screen for both protein content and purity and ranked as an Above Average product overall. Learn more about this testing process in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.

The cost per serving is around $2.00, which is on the high side, so we rated it a 3.5 out of 5 for price. Still, if you are able to dole out the extra cash for it, you’ll get a great-tasting protein powder with a solid formulation.

Read our full Transparent Labs Protein Review to learn more about Anthony’s experience. 

Legion Casein+ utilizes casein protein powder sourced from cows raised without hormones or antibiotics. These cows, traceable to small dairy farms in Ireland, roam freely and graze on 95% grass. This all-natural protein powder is GMO-free, gluten-free, and made without any added sugar. 

We rated the formulation of this product an impressive 5 out of 5 for its use of high-quality casein protein, high protein content, and exclusion of artificial sweeteners and dyes.

The body digests and absorbs casein protein more slowly than whey, making it an excellent choice for nighttime consumption. This slow digestion provides a steady release of amino acids throughout the night and may support muscle growth and recovery as you sleep².

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Each serving offers 24 to 26 grams of protein depending on flavor—enough to activate muscle protein synthesis. This protein provides 5.2 grams of branched-chain amino acids to repair and build tired muscles after a workout.

Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor and certified nutrition coach, tested the Banana Cream Pie flavor and rated the taste a 4.5 out of 5. He says, “It tastes more like a slightly under-ripe banana to me than the delectable dessert, but I still like it!”

The texture of casein is a little thicker than whey, but Anthony still rated solubility a perfect 5 out of 5 for this protein powder. It mixed well and didn’t leave behind any clumps. 

Legion Casein+ is third-party tested, so you know you’re getting what’s listed on the label. At $1.99 per serving, this high-quality, slow-digesting, third-party-tested protein powder is more expensive than several other options. 

To learn more, check out our full Legion Casein+ Review.

Whey protein isolate is a popular choice for those wanting to build muscle mass and recover quickly after a resistance training session. Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate contains a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving, which is higher than many other protein powder supplements. This high protein content serves to activate muscle protein synthesis, replenish amino acid stores, and support muscle repair. We rated the formula 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Whey protein is commonly thought of as the gold standard of protein powders. Whey protein isolate is rich in essential amino acids (including branched-chain amino acids), the building blocks of protein, essential for developing lean muscle mass and enhancing recovery. Leucine is an important BCAA, especially high in whey protein, that activates muscle protein synthesis for muscle building.

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Whey protein isolate is more filtered and contains less lactose (a type of carbohydrate) and fat than whey protein concentrate. Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate only contains 2 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fat per serving. This high-quality protein may lead to fewer digestive issues than those with a higher lactose content.

This protein powder contains artificial and natural ingredients. It’s sweetened with sucralose and Ace-K, artificial sweeteners that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Considering the product’s high protein content, quality protein, and additional ingredients, we rated the formulation a 4.5 out of 5. 

Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate comes in 10 flavors, including but not limited to, Cake Batter, Salted Caramel, and Strawberry Acai. The variety in flavor options gives consumers a fair amount of choices to alternate between. 

Each scoop costs $2.41, so we rated the price per serving a 3 out of 5. It’s certainly not the most expensive protein powder we have come across, but it might not fit into a tight budget. 

Huel Complete Powder Black is more than a protein powder, it’s a vegan meal replacement. It’s higher in calories, carbohydrates, and fat than your standard protein powder, which could be a pro for those wanting a quick, high-protein meal on the go with balanced macronutrients.

Every 2-scoop serving contains an impressive 40 grams of plant-based protein. A mix of pea protein, ground flaxseed, and brown rice protein offers a complete amino acid profile, including branched-chain amino acids particularly important for muscle repair after a workout. Forty grams of protein is much more than you’ll find in a typical protein powder that contains around 20 to 25 grams of protein.

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We love the essential vitamins and minerals featured in Huel Complete Powder Black. You get vitamin D for strong bones, iron for oxygen delivery throughout the body, vitamins A and E to support immune health, and B vitamins for enhanced energy metabolism.

As a meal replacement, this gluten-free product has significantly higher fat and carbohydrate content than a typical protein powder. Depending on the flavor, each serving provides 17 to 18 grams of fat and 20 to 25 grams of carbohydrates. Of these carbohydrates, 6 to 8 grams are fiber, which helps improve satiety, promote bowel regularity, and manage blood sugar levels.

We rated the formulation a 5 out of 5 as a meal replacement due to its high protein content, abundance of micronutrients, and substantial fiber. However, as a protein powder, we rated it a 3 out of 5. Most individuals using a protein powder aren’t typically seeking a 400-calorie supplement with extra carbs.

GGR Social Media Manager Brittany Combs tested Huel Complete Powder Black and rated the taste a 5 out of 5. She tried the Cookies & Cream flavor, describing it as “very sweet, but not too sweet, just the right amount.” 

Brittany mixed the powder with cold water and in her coffee. In water, it dissolved easily in a shaker bottle. She noted, “I can’t add the full serving size to my small espresso drink BUT putting in a fourth of the serving was still a great add to make my espresso more tasty and also give the benefits of added protein.”

At $2.50 per serving, this protein powder is pricier than most others on the market, which is why we rated it a 1 out of 5 for cost. However, if you’re using it as a meal replacement, $2.50 for a convenient meal is hard to beat. Ultimately, the value depends on how you intend to use it.

1st Phorm Level 1 is a recovery protein powder designed to release a slow, steady supply of amino acids to muscles after a workout. It contains 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), crucial for muscle repair, recovery, and growth. Leucine, a BCAA especially high in whey protein, is particularly important for stimulating muscle protein synthesis. The formula earned 4.25 out of 5 stars from our product tester, certified personal trainer and GGR editorial team member Nicole Davis.

RELATED: 1st Phorm BCAA Review

1st Phorm highlights that Level 1 is made with low-temperature processed protein to preserve its bioavailability and prevent denaturing or damage. This could improve how quickly and efficiently the protein is absorbed and utilized by the body for muscle recovery.

Each scoop provides 23 grams of protein, which is plenty to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, a process essential for muscle growth and repair. In addition to protein, a serving includes 2 to 3.5 grams of fat and around 2 grams of carbohydrates, depending on flavor.

Level 1 comes in 10 different flavors. Nicole tried Chocolate Mint, and though it appears to be unavailable now, she rated the flavor a 4.5 out of 5. “This tastes like a Thin Mint! It would be good for a dessert protein,” she said. However, each flavor includes the artificial sweetener sucralose, which won’t appeal to customers looking for an all-natural product.

Nicole gave the solubility a perfect 5 out of 5. “There was no clumping at all,” she said.

Each scoop costs $1.99, slightly above average compared to other protein powder options, so we rated the price 2 out of 5 stars. However, the high-quality protein, great taste, high protein content, and third-party testing might make it worth the splurge for those on a budget. 

Orgain Organic Grass-Fed Whey packs 21 grams of whey protein concentrate per 2-scoop serving. This is enough to stimulate protein synthesis for muscle repair and recovery. Because it’s whey concentrate, the lactose content is higher than that of whey isolate, so those with a lactose intolerance may need to avoid this product. Otherwise, whey protein concentrate is a high-quality complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle growth.

RELATED: Whey Protein Benefits

In addition to protein, Orgain Grass-Fed Whey protein contains a variety of organic ingredients, including erythritol (a sugar alcohol), sea salt, cocoa, natural flavors, sunflower lecithin, stevia, and guar gum. Erythritol, sea salt, stevia, and cocoa enhance the flavor, while lesser-known ingredients like guar gum and sunflower lecithin improve the product’s solubility and texture.

Sugar alcohols are natural sweeteners, but some people may have difficulty digesting them. This can lead to uncomfortable bloating and gas. All considered, we rated the formulation a 4 out of 5. 

This protein powder provides 130 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The higher carbohydrate content helps replenish glycogen stores depleted during high-intensity exercise. During such activities, the body relies on glycogen as a quick and efficient energy source.

Expert tester Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor and certified nutrition coach, rated Orgain Organic Grass-Fed Whey a 3.5 out of 5 for taste. “The vanilla is just fine…nothing special, but not horrible either. Very middle of the road,” he shared. Solubility rated slightly higher than taste at a 4 out of 5. There were a few floaties but overall it mixed just fine. 

At $2.00 per serving, we rated the cost a 4.5 out of 5. While this price might seem mid-range compared to other protein powders, it’s a steal considering the product is made with mostly organic ingredients. 

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Momentous Recovery is a blend of whey protein isolate and carbohydrates created to support rapid recovery post-workout. Additionally, it features glutamine, an amino acid that may promote muscle repair and reduce soreness after a workout, and carnitine, a compound found naturally in muscles that could enhance energy production and delay muscle fatigue.

A serving of Momentous Recovery offers 20 grams of whey protein isolate, 1.5 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbohydrates. The relatively higher carbohydrate content serves to replenish glycogen stores, which are depleted during intense bursts of exercise or prolonged endurance exercise. Replenishing glycogen stores post-exercise is crucial for promoting muscle recovery and restoring energy levels.

RELATED: Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein Review

Even more, the product contains electrolytes, including magnesium, sodium, and potassium to support hydration. The added ingredients in Momentous Recovery earn it a 4.5 out of 5 rating for formulation. 

GGR Performance Editor and certified personal trainer, Anthony O’Reilly, tested Momentous Recover. He explains the consistency of the powder as “finer than sand” and rated solubility a 5 out of 5. 

Regarding taste, Anthony says, “Any NYC native knows the name Mr. Softee and their iconic vanilla ice cream—this tastes like that.” He describes it as slightly malted with a high-quality vanilla flavor and deliciously creamy. He rated Momentous Recovery a 5 out of 5 for taste.

The third-party-tested product falls short in the price per serving category, which we rated a 1 out of 5. With each serving costing $3.66 per serving, Anthony says, “This is an insanely expensive protein powder, but in terms of taste, it’s unbeatable.”

Muscle Milk Pro packs an insane amount of protein per serving to promote muscle growth and post-workout recovery. In two scoops, you get 50 grams of protein, mostly from milk protein isolate, 4 to 5 grams of fat, and 17 to 18 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the flavor. With 310 calories per serving and 20 vitamins and minerals, you could easily mix this with milk, fruit, and nut butter for a balanced meal replacement protein shake. 

Milk protein isolate contains both whey and casein protein. Casein is a slow-digesting protein that provides a steady supply of amino acids, and whey is a fast-digesting protein that provides a quick influx of amino acids. Additionally, milk protein has a complete amino acid profile. The combination of casein and whey supports muscle recovery, making milk protein a popular choice for post-workout sports nutrition.

Expert tester Caine Wilkes, GGR senior staff writer, Olympian, and strength coach, tried the chocolate flavor of Muscle Milk Pro and rated the taste a 4.5 out of 5. “I tried the Chocolate and it was very good and very rich. Not overpowering, although I could see someone thinking it has a bit of an artificial taste,” he shared. 

The slight artificial taste Caine mentions is likely due to the artificial flavors and sweeteners in the formulation. The product is sweetened with sucralose and Ace-K, both of which are artificial sweeteners. Despite this, we still rated the formulation a 4.5 out of 5, considering its high protein content and the inclusion of several vitamins and minerals.

Furthermore, Caine noted that the consistency of Muscle Milk Pro was a bit thick, but still rated solubility a 5 out of 5. With enough water, the powder mixed well without leaving behind any clumps. 

At $2.31 per serving, this NSF-certified product is expensive, earning a rating of 1 out of 5 for cost. While there are many more affordable protein powders available, few offer the same amount of protein per serving. Nevertheless, you can still effectively activate muscle protein synthesis with 20 to 40 grams of protein per serving.

Check out our full Muscle Milk Pro Series review to learn more.