These Are the Best Whey Protein Powders, as Tested by Personal Trainers and Dietitians (2024)

If supplements were ancient Greek gods, then whey protein would be Zeus—more powerful than the rest. Whey protein itself is simply a protein that’s extracted from cow’s milk that contains all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and can be found in cheese, soup stocks, and other products. 

Most people know about whey due to their quest to find the best whey protein powder out there, and we’re here to tell you that this is where your search ends. 

Our team of certified personal trainers, competitive weightlifters, and certified nutrition coaches tried more than 75 of the best protein powders (including the best clear whey protein drinks) and consulted with Laila Ouldibbat, a New York City-based registered dietitian who’s pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, to find the best whey protein out there. 

The top picks are the ones that scored the highest in our multi-point rating system that looks at:

• Ingredients and formulation: Does it use high-quality ingredients in research-backed doses? Is there at least 20 grams of protein per serving?
• Type of whey: Does the protein powder use whey protein isolate or whey protein concentrate? Whey protein isolate has less lactose.
• Price: How expensive is each serving?
• Taste: Did we like the flavor?

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Whey Protein Powder

• Best Whey Protein Powder for Overall: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Legion Athletics Whey+ Whey Isolate Protein Powder
• Best-Tasting Whey Protein Powder: XWERKS Grow
• Best Budget Whey Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
• Best Whey Protein Isolate: Jacked Factory ISO
• Best Natural Whey Protein Powder: Gainful
• Best Whey Protein Powder for Recovery: Sports Research Whey Isolate
• Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey
• Best Whey Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey
• Best Whey Protein Powder for Muscle Gain: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Best Whey Protein Video Review

Best Whey Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

Good for: People who want to use protein powder as part of a muscle-building plan

Best Overall

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• High-quality whey protein isolate
• 28 grams of protein per serving
• 15 flavors to choose from
• $1.99 per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality protein
• No artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or preservatives
• Lots of flavors to choose from
• Good customer reviews
• Whey isolate may be easier to digest for some people
• Subscribe and save 10% plus free shipping

Cons

• Price per serving on the high end
• Some reviews complain that it's too sweet

Bottom Line

Our testers love Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate because we know exactly what's in it, and almost every flavor we've tried is a 5 out of 5 on taste. Yes, it's a little more expensive than other protein powders but you get what you pay for.

We love Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate as our best overall pick. It has the largest protein content of any whey protein powder in our roundup with 28 grams, but that’s not the only reason this is our favorite protein powder overall. It also tastes great and mixes well.

The limited edition Peppermint Hot Chocolate Flavor gets a 5 out of 5 from me for its taste. This tastes like something you’d leave out for Santa, really. I love heating up my milk before mixing this with it for a nice winter treat. The solubility also earns top marks, earning another 5 out of 5.

Another big factor is Transparent Labs’ commitment to using simple, proven ingredients. Case in point, the first ingredient in this protein powder is grass-fed whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolate is one of the most bioavailable forms of protein¹ meaning your body can use more of it.

RELATED: What Is Whey Protein?

Whey protein isolate has also had most of its lactose removed by a special filtration process, so people with lactose sensitivities can consume it with little to no discomfort² (most of the fat is also removed from the whey during this filtration, resulting in a “leaner” protein powder). Whey protein is also found in high-quality products like protein bars and meal replacement products.

Transparent Labs is popular with consumers and dietary professionals like registered dietitian Laila Ouldibbat. They live up to their name by having a transparent nutrition label and ingredients list, and provide certificates of analysis and composition on their website. Laila also likes that the ingredient list is very short—only five ingredients. 

RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Women

It scores a 3.5 out of 5 for its mid-range price per serving of $1.99, but for many people, the price is worth it. We deep dive into this supplement in our Transparent Labs protein review, so be sure to take a look for more.

Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Legion Athletics Whey+ Whey Isolate Protein Powder

Good for: Those who want a clean whey protein without any artificial ingredients

Best Clean

Legion Whey+

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Sourced from small dairy farms in Ireland
• Over 5 g of BCAAs per serving
• Non-GMO and animal welfare approved
• Third-party tested for banned substances

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low in carbs and fat but high in protein
• Natural ingredients
• Money-back guarantee
• Made with ethically-sourced milk
• Lots of flavor options
• Subscribe and save 10%

Cons

• Comparably high cost per serving
• May be clumpy when mixed
• Some customers thought flavor was too sweet, or in some cases lacked flavor

Bottom Line

Legion Whey+ is a clean, sustainable protein powder that also is macro-friendly and a great option for anyone looking for a clean protein supplement. Many of our testers have bought this with their own money because they love the taste and easy mixability.

Unlike other whey proteins that often contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, or fillers, Legion Athletics Whey+ Whey Isolate Protein Powder uses all-natural, high-quality ingredients in many ways. For one, Whey+ has a Truly Grass Fed certification. This mark proves the cows that produce the dairy from which the whey protein isolate is extracted only eat grass (some companies add corn or soy to the cattle’s diet) and spend a high percentage of the year outside on Irish pastures.

Now, I’m a fan of anyone who uses Irish cows, but the 5 out of 5 taste is another reason I’m such a fan of Legion Whey+.

The cereal cinnamon flavor tastes like a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but specifically when you get to the bottom of the bowl. There weren’t any issues with the solubility either.

Even non-Irish people will love this protein powder. Each scoop comes with 22 to 24 grams of protein (depending on the flavor) and low amounts of carbs and fat. 

It also bears a Labdoor Tested for Purity certification, which shows that researchers have checked it for harmful substances such as heavy metals, banned substances, and THC (yes, it can be present in very small amounts in some protein supplements). 

Legion’s protein powder gets a 3.5 out of 5 for pricing. It’s a bit expensive, at $1.99 per serving, but you can save 10 percent by placing it on a subscription order to receive a new one every month (you can pick different flavors and quantities).

Check out our full Legion whey protein review, or the video below, for all of our thoughts on this supplement.

Best-Tasting Whey Protein Powder: XWERKS Grow

Good for: People looking for the tastiest whey protein powder 

Best-Tasting

XWERKS Grow

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Natural, healthy, convenient, and tasty way to get protein
• Uses a microfiltration process to preserve critical biological nutrients in raw whey
• Removes unwanted fats and carbohydrates
• All flavors are naturally sweetened
• Nicely flavored, easily digested, and low-carb protein powder
• Promotes muscle growth and repair

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Keto-friendly
• Naturally sweetened
• Sourced from naturally raised grass-fed cows
• Testers found it has a smooth and creamy taste
• Soy- and gluten-free
• Convenient
• Subscribe and save 5%
• Free shipping on orders over $75

Cons

• Expensive
• Some reviews talk of customer service woes, mostly receiving the wrong product or not receiving a product entirely

Bottom Line

XWERKS Grow whey protein isolate provides a solid blend of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in a whey protein isolate. Our testers have said this is one of the best-tasting protein powders they've tried, and they've had more than 100.

Whey protein powders have come a long way from their early days of just coming in vanilla or chocolate, and there are quite a few tasty ones out there. But for our money, XWERKS Grow has some of the best-tasting protein powders on the market, earning a solid 5 out of 5 in taste and solubility. 

I’ve tried the Chocolate flavor of XWERKS Grow, and it reminds me of a richer, more protein-packed version of Yoo-hoo, specifically the type you’d get in those glass bottles. It’s rich and creamy even when mixed with water, though it should go without saying that milk is the preferred beverage of choice.

XWERKS Grow doesn’t just taste good, it’s also good for you (we know that sounds like your parents trying to trick you into eating steamed broccoli, but we actually mean it). Each scoop has 25 grams of protein and very low carb and fat content (the exact amount varies by flavor). 

RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Men

XWERKS utilizes a special filtration process that keeps certain nutrients intact, including alpha-lactalbumin, a nutrient found in human breast milk that can help with muscle growth³. At $1.96 per serving, this is one of the pricier options on this list, earning a 3.5 out of 5 on its pricing. Still, with a taste like this, it might be OK to splurge a bit.

Read our full XWERKS Grow whey protein powder review for all of our thoughts on this product.

Best Budget Whey Protein: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate

Good for: People who want great-tasting and effective protein at an affordable price 

Best Budget

Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• 25 grams of whey protein concentrate per serving
• Available in 5 flavors, including unflavored
• High-quality ingredients and third-party testing
• Supports lean muscle growth and recovery after workouts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• Manufactured in GMP-compliant facility
• Unflavored option only contains one ingredient, instantized whey protein concentrate
• Subscribe-and-save options
• Cost-effective price that starts around $0.87 per serving

Cons

• Whey concentrate may not mix as well as whey isolate
• Flavored options are higher in calories than other whey proteins

Bottom Line

Nutricost Whey Concentrate contains 25 grams of high-quality whey protein concentrate, available in five flavors. It's gluten-free, non-GMO, manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, and third-party tested.

We chose Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate as the best budget whey protein because it’s super affordable and tastes delicious. It starts at just $0.73 per scoop for the 5-pound unflavored container, and only $0.99 or less if you purchase a 5-pound flavored container. This earns Nutricost a 5 out of 5 in the pricing category, as the most affordable protein powders are around $1 per serving. 

Each serving of Nutricost Whey Concentrate contains 25 grams of protein, which, according to registered dietitian Perry Nix, is plenty to stimulate protein synthesis for building and repairing muscle mass. This makes it easier for your body to adapt to increases in intensity and volume of lifts or other exercises and allows you to make gains quicker and more effectively, which we’re all about. 

One thing to keep in mind with this protein powder is that whey protein concentrate tends to contain more fat and lactose than whey protein isolate. Perry noted that because of this, it may not be the best fit for people who are lactose intolerant, or for those with weight loss as a goal. We still give Nutricost Whey Concentrate a 5 out of 5 for formulation, though. 

GGR’s Senior Director of Content Kate Meier used this protein powder almost daily for two weeks. She used it with water, milk, and also in a smoothie. Kate said it tasted great when mixed with a milk product and was super creamy whether it was mixed up in a blender bottle or an actual blender. She gave it a 5 out of 5 for solubility because there were no big clumps and it “mixes extremely well.”

Nutricost keeps it pretty straightforward with the flavors, offering Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, and Unflavored. We love fun flavors, but honestly, straightforward flavors like this allow for a lot of versatility when it comes to things like making smoothies and baking. Kate tried the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor and rated it a 5 out of 5 for taste even though she isn’t a huge peanut butter fan. “The peanut-y flavor is just right. It’s not too powerful and doesn’t overpower the chocolate flavor. I really, really liked it.” 

Another notable aspect about this protein powder is that it’s third-party tested—for a budget option, you can’t beat it.

Check out our Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate review for a more in-depth look at this protein option.

Best Whey Protein Isolate: Jacked Factory ISO

Good for: People looking for an easily digestible whey isolate

Best Whey Isolate

Jacked Factory Authentic ISO Grass-Fed Whey Protein

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Three flavors
• 25g per scoop
• 110 calories per serving
• Under 1g of fat per scoop

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 25g of protein
• Only 110 calories per scoop
• Under 1g of fat per serving
• Subscribe-and-save options

Cons

• Ultra-sweet taste
• Sweetened with sucralose
• Leaves clumps and floaters

Bottom Line

The Jacked Factory Authentic ISO Grass-Fed Whey Protein comes very close to being pure protein, making it a great choice for those who are trying to meet their macronutrient goals. Plus, the price per serving is where this ISO shines. Keep in mind our testers found this whey isolate to be a little too sweet but it was not a dealbreaker.

As we mentioned earlier in this list, increased protein intake can cause some rumblings down under, and we’re not talking about Australia. This is especially true if you have dairy sensitivities or are lactose intolerant (and yes, that’s two separate things).

RELATED: Jacked Factory Authentic Whey Review

Jacked Factory ISO is also great for digestion because it’s a whey protein isolate, meaning the whey protein has been filtered to be a more pure protein powder, containing at least 90% protein. This also means that most of the lactose has been removed. People with dairy sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance, should still consult their physician and use caution before taking this protein powder, but it’s less likely to cause any digestive issues⁴.

Our product tester, who has tried many a protein powder in his day, enjoyed the vanilla flavor of Authentic ISO, saying the texture was nice as well. We gave Authentic Iso a 5 out of 5 for formulation in our scoring, with 25 grams of protein and minimal carbs and fats. This means it’s also a great pick for anyone who needs a protein supplement to keep them full while cutting.

Read more about this whey protein isolate in our Jacked Factory Authentic ISO whey protein review.

Best Natural Whey Protein Powder: Gainful Whey Protein

Good for: People wanting a personalized protein made with high-quality ingredients

Best Natural

Gainful Customized Protein

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Specifically formulated for you 
• Choose from a variety of flavor boosts
• Contains all 9 essential amino acids 
• Tailored to meet your dietary needs 
• Subscription-based service renews each month
• Unlimited access to registered dieticians

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality ingredients
• Ability to work with registered dietitians
• Personalized to your needs and goals
• Solid profile of amino acids
• Easily mixed into smoothies
• No gluten, soy, artificial sweeteners, or dyes

Cons

• Subscription-based
• Expensive

Bottom Line

Gainful protein powder is a subscription-based supplement that is personalized by dietitians to meet your specific needs and health goals. Your subscription will even gain you access to dietitians We enjoyed the personalized formula, taste, and solubility of Gainful but it is a pricey product that will not be suitable for everyone.

If you’re wanting a clean whey that lacks fillers and artificial ingredients, Gainful has you covered. With no artificial flavoring, no sweeteners, no fillers and no dyes, Gainful provides a protein blend with simple, high-quality ingredients and nothing else. 

Gainful takes a lot of the guesswork out of finding the right protein for you by personalizing your protein powder to suit your specific needs. After filling out a short questionnaire on dietary preferences, nutrition goals, and your fitness level, Gainful provides a customized protein blend with the calories and macronutrients at portions tailored to you and your goals.

GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, received a whey-casein blend when she tested Gainful, with 24 grams of protein per serving (the protein can range from 19 to 27 grams). Because of the clean, personalized ingredients backed by research and registered dietitians, Nicole rates the formulation a 5 out of 5.

Speaking of registered dietitians, using Gainful’s subscription-based service will get you access to a registered dietitian. “I love that consumers can get expert guidance personalized to meet their unique goals and needs,” Nicole adds.

Gainful’s protein blend is unflavored by default, but you can purchase low-calorie flavor packs to add to your shake. Having tried out their variety pack, Nicole rates the taste a 5 out of 5; she says, “I like that you can control how much flavor you want in each shake or even mix flavors together.” She adds, “I’ve liked all the flavors, including Sea Salt Caramel—which is something I don’t typically choose or like.” 

Nicole does note that the protein clumps some, too, when she mixes it with milk in a shaker cup. She rates the solubility a 3.5 out of 5. “Because I like the taste, I dealt with it,” she says, “but the texture wasn’t great by any means.”

The main drawback is that this level of customization and personalization comes with a hefty price tag. Nicole’s protein costs about $2.86 per serving; it’ll be around $3 depending on your customization. Still, for a pure, natural protein suited for your own goals, this may well be worth the extra cost for you.

Best Whey Protein Powder for Recovery: Sports Research Whey Isolate 

Good for: Athletes looking to recover from intense exercise

Best for Recovery

Sports Research Whey Isolate

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• Whey protein isolate
• 25 g of protein per serving
• Available in chocolate or vanilla
• Informed Choice-certified

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Third-party tested
• 25 grams of protein per serving
• Subscribe-and-save options
• Non-GMO, gluten- and soy-free
• Creates a creamy texture when blended into smoothies

Cons

• Only two flavors available
• Our tester had issues with solubility

Bottom Line

Sports Research whey protein isolate has 25 grams of protein per serving and just 150 calories. It's third-party tested, too. Although there are only two flavors available, our testers think it's worth a try.

There are a few things that make Sports Research Whey Isolate ideal for recovery, namely the formulation of 6.96 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and an additional 1,000 milligrams of leucine. It’s worth noting that BCAAs have been linked to improved muscle recovery⁴ and muscle endurance whereas there are several opposing studies on leucine effectiveness for muscle recovery.  

RELATED: Best Muscle Recovery Tools

The formulation not only contains a healthy dose of BCAAs, but it also has an ideal ratio of proteins to carbs and fats. One serving offers 25 grams of protein isolate, 2 to 4 grams of carbs, and 3.5 or 4 grams of fats depending on flavor. Because of this, 4.5 out of 5 stars in the formulation category. 

And speaking of flavor, you’ll only have two options (Creamy Vanilla or Dutch Chocolate). I personally tested the Dutch Chocolate and wanted to curl up by a fire with roasted marshmallows on top of this protein drink. Sports Research earns a 5 out of 5 stars when it comes to flavor. 

Another reason you may be interested in supplementing with Sports Research protein is because it’s third-party tested by Informed Sport. This third-party lab guarantees that products are free from banned substances that are commonly screened for on athlete’s drug tests. It’s also non-GMO tested and gluten-free.

For more information, you can read our Sports Research Whey Protein review.

Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey

Good for: People looking to add muscle mass to their physique 

Best Grass-Fed

Momentous Grass-Fed Whey

GGR Score: 4.08

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Product Highlights

• Grass-fed whey protein isolate 
• Cold-pressed with a micro-processing filtration 
• ProHydrolase enzyme blend 
• Protein is sourced from Irish cows

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clean ingredients
• Third-party verified
• Mixes well
• High-quality
• Bioavailable
• Subscribe and save 10% (25% off your first order)
• Free shipping on orders over $75
• Whey is sourced from grass-fed cows that are hormone-free, steroid-free, and antibiotic-free

Cons

• Unflavored may clump when mixing
• Expensive

Bottom Line

If you are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality grass-fed whey protein, the Momentous brand is a solid choice. It is cold-pressed and put through a micro-processing filtration which is supposed to preserve the protein’s amino acid profile. While we cannot confirm that, we know it tastes darn good and did not upset any stomach during our testing.

Momentous Grass-Fed Whey is sourced from cows in Europe, which has some of the strictest rules on what cows can eat and prohibits many of the hormones and artificial feeders used on American cows. In other words, you’re getting a higher quality product that results in a clean, easily digestible whey protein isolate.

“With milk, the flavor reminded me of vanilla bean ice cream,” says GGR Senior Editor and certified nutrition coach Nicole Davis, who rated the protein’s vanilla flavor a 4 out of 5. Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor and a certified personal trainer, scores the solubility a 5 out of 5 and often only uses a straw to mix it into milk or his morning iced coffee.

Whey protein isolate has also had much of its lactose removed, making this a great option for those with dairy sensitivities. While the powder is digestible, some people may not be able to stomach the price—more than $60 for 24 servings. We think it’s worth it only if you’re looking for the highest quality protein powder money can buy, otherwise there are more affordable options on this list.

Before we get too many questions, yes using grass-fed dairy makes a difference. One study⁵ found that grass-fed dairy had a better ratio of omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids than grain-fed cows, which can help with joint and heart health and even reduce the frequency of certain headaches.

RELATED: Best Organic Protein Powder

Grass-fed dairy also has a higher antioxidant content than grain-fed dairy, which can be beneficial to your overall health⁶.

For those who have never gone on a bulking journey before, you should know that increased protein intake can cause some digestive issues (like the kind you really don’t want to happen on a date, if you catch my drift). Momentous fixes that problem by including a digestive enzyme blend to assist with digestion, which include protease enzymes. An October 2022 study⁷on mice concluded that protease was beneficial in improving gut health. 

Read more in our Momentous Essential grass-fed whey protein review.

Best Whey Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

Good for: Anyone who wants a great-tasting whey protein powder to aid in their weight loss journey

Best for Weight Loss

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Contains 3 different kinds of whey protein
• Tested for banned substances
• Over 5 g of BCAAs per serving
• Instantized to help prevent clumping

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Contains research-backed amounts of protein per meal needed to build muscle
• Plenty of flavor options
• Low in carbs
• Free shipping on orders over $75

Cons

• Some users say it's overly sweet
• Contains artificial flavors
• Most flavors contain sucralose

Bottom Line

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is a team favorite for its budget-friendly prices and taste. Our team has tried multiple Optimum Nutrition flavors, and every one is ranked a 4 or 5 out of 5.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard has 25 grams of protein and 5.5 grams of BCAAs per serving. All whey protein contains some BCAAs, but what makes this product unique is that it combines all three whey protein sources which means a larger variety of BCAAs. In each scoop, you’ll find a mix of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and hydrolyzed whey protein. That’s quite the trifecta.

Plus, because whey isolate is the main ingredient, the fat and carbs remain low in this protein powder, making it great for people looking to lose fat and maintain muscle.

It’s also super affordable, with some options coming out to just $1.17 per scoop—which gives it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating on cost. That’s a much more budget-friendly protein source than eggs, though we recommend going for a larger container to get the best deal (psst, did you know that protein powder can last a surprisingly long time if properly sealed).

Our team of certified personal trainers and nutrition coaches have tried more than 10 Optimum Nutrition flavors, but two 5 out of 5 ones are Delicious Strawberry and Mocha Cappuccino. “It’s chocolatey and a bit coffee-flavored and just delicious,” nutrition coach and GGR head of content Nicole Davis says.

There are tons of other fun flavors: our pick for the best Optimum Nutrition flavor goes to Double-Rich Chocolate, but Mocha Cappuccino, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Chocolate Mint are also near the top of our list.

Optimum Nutrition contains whey protein concentrate, which may be harder for some people to digest, along with some additives and artificial sweeteners, but it’s still high quality and one of the best protein shakes. 

Read our full Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard Review for more.

Best Whey Protein Powder for Muscle Gain: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Good for: People looking for the highest quality whey protein powder

Best for Muscle Gain

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Whey protein isolate
• 25 grams of protein per serving
• Available in 3 flavors
• Third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Good macro profile
• Reviewers claim it's easy on the stomach
• Tastes good
• Subscribe and save 10%
• Chocolate flavor described as the best chocolate protein powder by our product tester

Cons

• Clumpy when mixed
• Certain flavors out of stock frequently
• Only 3 flavors available

Bottom Line

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is a fast-digesting protein available in five flavors with 25 grams of protein per serving.

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate was our choice for best whey protein for muscle gain for a couple of reasons: It contains only whey protein (no protein blends or fillers), has great taste, and has 25 grams of protein as well as key ingredients that may help with protein absorption.

Certified personal trainer Nicole Davis scored this chocolate whey protein powder a perfect 5 out of 5 on taste, saying it reminded her of a Carnation Instant Breakfast mix. Still, the solubility came in at 3.5 out of 5 because it was “lumpy” even after vigorous mixing, Nicole says.

In addition to a great taste and lack of fillers, Kaged Whey Protein Isolate contains a digestive enzyme called ProHydrolase that may enhance protein synthesis and help with muscle recovery. A January 2020 double-blind study⁸, the lone publicly available research on the enzyme, actually shows ProHydrolase has a minimal effect on protein absorption but did cause elevated amino acid concentration in well-trained athletes.  

Amino acids, for those who don’t know, are the building blocks of protein molecules and there are two types: essential amino acids (EAAs) and non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are ones that must be obtained through diet because they’re not created in sufficient amounts by our body (we naturally make enough of the non-essential amino acids).

A December 2020 review⁹ of studies conducted on EAAs proved these compounds improved overall protein absorption. Proteins that have all EAAs are called complete proteins, whereas plant-based proteins (with the exception of soy) are incomplete proteins because they’re deficient in some EAAs. This is why most vegan protein powders are a blend of different plant-based protein sources.

At one point one of the reasons we loved this particular whey protein was because it came with more than 40 servings per container (anywhere from 41 to 44, depending on the flavor). Sure, the container might be a bit expensive at around $60 (before shipping), but it would last you longer. 

Unfortunately, the larger containers are no longer in stock and now you can only get containers with 25 servings. Most protein powders tend to come with 25 to 30 scoops per container so this is typical but we definitely prefer the larger containers when they are available.

Read our in-depth Kaged whey protein isolate review for more information.

Other Whey Protein Powders We Researched 

The whey protein powders in our top 10 only represent a small fraction of the protein supplements available today. Here are a few others we came across in our research: 

• Simply Tera’s Whey: This protein powder actually has some good macros (21 grams of protein, four grams of carbs, and one and a half grams of fat) but it’s geared toward bakers more than athletes. So if you’re looking for a way to bulk up your next batch of cupcakes with some protein, this might be the solution. Amazon customer reviewers loved the taste. 
• Natreve MOOLESS Animal Free Whey Protein Powder: Natreve claims to have created a man-made whey protein without milking cows. It’s an interesting concept, and one that plant-based followers might be curious about, but we haven’t tried it. There also appear to be no scientific studies on this animal-less whey protein powder. Its nutritional value, however, is quite good—20 grams of protein, five grams of carbs, and 0.5 grams of fat. 
• Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate: Our testers found this protein supplement to be a bit too thin for their liking.

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout for Women

How We Picked and Tested the Best Whey Protein Powder

Here are a few things we kept in mind when creating our list of the best whey protein: 

• Protein content: How much protein did each scoop contain? Does it come from easily digestible whey protein isolate or whey protein concentrate, the latter of which contains more lactose and may cause digestive issues.
• Carb and Fats: How much of the other macronutrients were present and were they in low and/or moderate amounts? 
• Digestibility: Did the whey protein cause any digestive issues such as bloating?  
• Dairy quality: Is the whey protein sourced from cows who are hormone-free, pesticide-free, and antibiotic-free?  
• Solubility: How well does this product dissolve in the suggested amount of liquid? Are there floaties? Is it grainy? Is it super thick or super thin? Does it separate after a few minutes?
• Flavor: How was the taste? We considered the notes from our expert product testers and customer reviews (because everyone’s taste is a bit different).
• Transparency and third-party testing: Since dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA, having an independent third-party lab verify that what’s on the label is what’s in the protein powder is super important, especially for athletes. Transparency also plays a part in this—does the company provide COAs, not use proprietary blends, and generally seem very upfront about what’s used in their protein powder and why?
• Price: How much did the container cost and what was the cost per serving? 

RELATED: Best Protein Chips

Benefits of Whey Protein Powder

Wondering why you should consider purchasing or using whey protein? Here are just a few reasons: 

• Convenience: It’s much easier and quicker to drink some whey protein than it is to make an entire meal with the same protein content. 
• Shelf stable: Whey protein can last quite a while if its container is properly sealed. 
• Builds muscle: Whey protein along with a good strength-training program can help the body create muscle and preserve lean muscle mass¹.
• Lose weight: Protein powder can also benefit those looking to lose weight by placing themselves in a caloric deficit¹.

How Much Whey Protein Should I Take?

Let’s be clear; the majority of protein you get each day should be coming from whole food sources and high-protein foods. That’s why we call them “supplements,” as they should supplement a balanced diet of fats, carbohydrates, and protein.

The USDA suggests a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day¹¹ for adults. However, reputable organizations like the International Society for Sports Nutrition suggest a larger amount, between 1.2 and 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day¹². A larger amount is especially important if your goal is weight loss or muscle gain.

RELATED: How Much Protein Do I Need?

If you’re trying to increase your protein intake, then protein powder is great way to add some extra protein without too much hassle. A scoop or two each day can help get you to meet daily quotas. Much more than that, however, and you may want to look into how you can adjust your diet to add more whole foods that are rich in protein.

RELATED: When To Take Protein Powder

Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Whey Protein Powder  

Here’s what you should look for when you’re trying to purchase the best whey protein for your fitness and wellness goals:  

• Caloric content: Are you looking to add muscle mass and want a high-calorie protein powder or are you on a weight-loss journey and want a low-calorie option? 
• Protein content: Regardless of your goal, you’ll want at least 25-30 grams of protein per serving, but servings as low as 20 grams can support muscle building activities and weight loss¹.
• Dairy quality: Are the cows well taken care of or are they pumped full of hormones?  
• Taste: Do you enjoy drinking it? Some companies also offer unflavored products if you’re looking to just add protein to your morning smoothies.
• Price: This shouldn’t have to be explained, but find a whey protein that agrees with your wallet. 
• Protein source: Does the protein source just contain whey protein or is it mixed with casein or plant-based proteins?  
• Additives: Did the company put in added sugars, probiotics, or anything else that might alter your experience with this whey protein? Check the ingredients. 

RELATED: Best Protein Bars

Protein Powder Subscriptions: What Are They and Are They Worth It? 

You might find the option on some of the best whey proteins to “subscribe and save.” This refers to putting your whey protein powder on a subscription basis so you always have protein on hand, which can be set up on most companies’ websites and on Amazon.

The delivery frequency can be anywhere from two weeks to six months. 

Companies will often knock a few bucks off a container’s price since they know you’ll be a repeating customer next month. 

RELATED: Muscle Milk Review

Types of Whey Protein

There are three main types of whey protein: whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolysate. All three come from whey, which is a byproduct of cow’s milk. The whey is then processed and filtered and can become one of the three types of protein.

Whey Protein Concentrate

Made up of 30 to 89 percent protein, with the rest of the calories coming from carbohydrates (lactose) and fats.

Whey Protein Isolate

A more filtered form of whey protein that’s made up of at least 90 percent protein. Much of the lactose has been removed from whey protein isolate (WPI), so those with dairy sensitivities may be able to drink it.

Whey Protein Hydrolysate

A pre-digested form of whey protein that’s undergone partial hydrolysis.

Potential Side Effects of Protein Powder

Most people won’t experience side effects when taking whey protein powder, but if it’s consumed in excess you may experience changed bowel movements, acne, bloating, reduced appetite, fatigue, headaches, and nausea.

FAQs About Best Whey Protein Powder

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Kadam,  B., Ambadkar, R., Rathod, K., &  Landge, S. (2018). Health Benefits  of Whey- A Brief Review. International Journal of Livestock Research, 8(5), 31-49. doi: 10.5455/ijlr.20170411022323
2. A Castro LH, S de Araújo FH, M Olimpio MY, B de B Primo R, T Pereira T, F Lopes LA, B S de M Trindade E, Fernandes R, A Oesterreich S. Comparative Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Concentrated, Hydrolyzed, and Isolated Whey Protein Supplementation on Body Composition of Physical Activity Practitioners. Nutrients. 2019 Sep 2;11(9):2047. doi: 10.3390/nu11092047. PMID: 31480653; PMCID: PMC6769754.
3. Layman DK, Lönnerdal B, Fernstrom JD. Applications for α-lactalbumin in human nutrition. Nutr Rev. 2018 Jun 1;76(6):444-460. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy004. PMID: 29617841; PMCID: PMC5934683.
4. Arroyo-Cerezo A, Cerrillo I, Ortega Á, Fernández-Pachón MS. Intake of branched chain amino acids favors post-exercise muscle recovery and may improve muscle function: optimal dosage regimens and consumption conditions. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2021 Nov;61(11):1478-1489. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.21.11843-2. Epub 2021 Feb 15. PMID: 33586928.
5. Benbrook, C. M., Davis, D. R., Heins, B. J., Latif, M. A., Leifert, C., Peterman, L., Butler, G., Faergeman, O., Abel-Caines, S., & Baranski, M. (2018). Enhancing the fatty acid profile of milk through forage-based rations, with nutrition modeling of diet outcomes. In Food Science & Nutrition (Vol. 6, Issue 3, pp. 681–700). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.610
6. van Vliet, S., Provenza, F. D., & Kronberg, S. L. (2021). Health-Promoting Phytonutrients Are Higher in Grass-Fed Meat and Milk. In Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (Vol. 4). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.555426
7. Kostiuchenko O, Kravchenko N, Markus J, Burleigh S, Fedkiv O, Cao L, Letasiova S, Skibo G, Fåk Hållenius F, Prykhodko O. Effects of Proteases from Pineapple and Papaya on Protein Digestive Capacity and Gut Microbiota in Healthy C57BL/6 Mice and Dose-Manner Response on Mucosal Permeability in Human Reconstructed Intestinal 3D Tissue Model. Metabolites. 2022 Oct 26;12(11):1027. doi: 10.3390/metabo12111027. PMID: 36355110; PMCID: PMC9696696.
8. Townsend JR, Morimune JE, Jones MD, Beuning CN, Haase AA, Boot CM, Heffington SH, Littlefield LA, Henry RN, Marshall AC, VanDusseldorp TA, Feito Y, Mangine GT. The Effect of ProHydrolase® on the Amino Acid and Intramuscular Anabolic Signaling Response to Resistance Exercise in Trained Males. Sports (Basel). 2020 Jan 22;8(2):13. doi: 10.3390/sports8020013. PMID: 31978998; PMCID: PMC7077235.
9. Church DD, Hirsch KR, Park S, Kim IY, Gwin JA, Pasiakos SM, Wolfe RR, Ferrando AA. Essential Amino Acids and Protein Synthesis: Insights into Maximizing the Muscle and Whole-Body Response to Feeding. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 2;12(12):3717. doi: 10.3390/nu12123717. PMID: 33276485; PMCID: PMC7760188.
10. Stokes T, Hector AJ, Morton RW, McGlory C, Phillips SM. Recent Perspectives Regarding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training. Nutrients. 2018 Feb 7;10(2):180. doi: 10.3390/nu10020180. PMID: 29414855; PMCID: PMC5852756.
11. Hudson, J. L., Wang, Y., Bergia Iii, R. E., & Campbell, W. W. (2020). Protein Intake Greater than the RDA Differentially Influences Whole-Body Lean Mass Responses to Purposeful Catabolic and Anabolic Stressors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 11(3), 548–558. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmz106
12. Carbone, J. W., & Pasiakos, S. M. (2019). Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients, 11(5), 1136. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051136

Anthony O'Reilly, CPT, CNC

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

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