Not Sure Which Protein Powder to Get? Here Are The Best Ones

Protein powders are everywhere. Walk into any supplement store, and you’ll see rows of options – whey, plant-based, collagen, and more. 

But which one actually fits your needs? For instance, I take a protein drink whenever I’m not getting enough protein for the day, just to make sure I’m getting my daily dose of this essential nutrient. Some take protein to help build muscle. Others support recovery. A few work better for digestion. 

Well, if you’re trying to pick the right one, you’re in the right place. We’ll cover who benefits most from protein powders, compare different types, and help you decide what works best for your goals.

Who Needs Protein Powders?

Not everyone needs a protein shake. But if you struggle to hit your daily protein intake, they make life easier. Here’s who benefits the most.

• Gym-goers & athletes. More protein helps with muscle growth, recovery, and performance.
• People with busy schedules. If you don’t have time to cook high-protein meals, a shake is a quick fix.
• Older adults. Protein helps maintain muscle mass and strength as we age.
• Those on plant-based diets. It can be harder to get enough protein from plants alone.
• Anyone looking to lose weight. High-protein diets help with appetite control and muscle retention.

Some people get plenty of protein from food. But again, if you’re like me and can’t get enough from food alone, a powder can fill the gap.

9 Best Protein Powders

Now, let’s take a look at the best protein powders you can get this year.

Isopure Zero Carb Unflavored Protein Powder

Isopure’s one of the best protein brands out there, and there’s a good reason for that. Need protein without the extra carbs? Their unflavored powder packs 25g of 100% whey protein isolate per serving with zero sugar and minimal ingredients. It’s a clean, simple way to boost your daily protein intake – just mix it into smoothies, oatmeal, or recipes. If you want protein without artificial fillers, this one gets the job done.

Price: $61.17 for about 47 Servings

Get it on Amazon

Ancient Nutrition Whey Protein + Fat Loss Blend

Looking for a protein that supports muscle growth and fat loss? Ancient Nutrition’s whey protein powder packs 23g of grass-fed whey and organic A2/A2 milk protein. Even better: it’s got a Fat Loss Blend with organic Ceylon cinnamon and ashwagandha. It’s designed to help burn calories and promote a leaner, fitter body – something I’ve been working hard to achieve for the past year. It’s also easy to digest and comes in a smooth vanilla cinnamon flavor.

Price: $59.95 for 18 Servings

Get it on Amazon | Get it on Ancient Nutrition

PlantVital Unflavored Organic Plant-Based Protein

PlantVital’s offering is a clean, plant-based protein powder with 24g of protein per serving. Free from sugar, gluten, soy, and artificial additives, it’s packed with BCAAs, B12, and probiotics for gut support. We love that it mixes well and doesn’t come with the weird aftertaste some plant proteins have. It’s also labeled safe for pregnant women (though we recommend still checking with your doctor!) and anyone looking for a high-quality plant-based alternative to typical protein powders.

Price: $26.09 for 15 Servings

Get it on Amazon | Get it on PlantVital

PlantVital Flavored Organic Plant-Based Protein

Want a tasty, plant-based protein? If you’re a chocolate lover like me, this one’s for you. This blend from PlantVital features a rich chocolate flavor and pea protein, making it a delicious way to meet your protein goals. It’s sugar-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free! This means it fits seamlessly into a vegan or plant-based lifestyle – as well as a lactose-intolerant one. Every scoop is packed with clean, organic ingredients for a smooth and nutritious shake.

Price: $26.09 for 12 Servings

Get it on Amazon

Wholesome Wellness Multi Collagen Peptides Protein Powder

Hair, skin, joints, muscles, this collagen powder covers it all. Made from grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, wild-caught fish, and eggshell membrane, it delivers five types of collagen in one scoop. Toss it in your coffee, smoothie, or even soup. It’s flavorless and mixes well, so you don’t have to worry about clumps or weird aftertastes.
Price: $32.92 for 16 oz
Get it on Amazon | Get it on Wholesome Wellness

Wellious Plant-Based Protein Powder

Wellious’s plant-based protein powder boasts only four real-food ingredients. Without gums, sugar alcohols, or other artificial junk, this plant-based protein is as clean as it gets. It’s a nutrient-packed protein powder that supports muscles, skin, hair, and gut health. For a natural taste, Wellious lightly sweetened it with monk fruit. Definitely an easy choice for those avoiding bloating and digestive discomfort.

Price: $28.80 for 340g

Get it on Amazon

Sunwarrior Plant-Based Protein

Sunwarrior’s formula is backed by science and proudly made in the USA with top-quality ingredients. It’s plant-based, third-party tested, and works well for daily nutrition or post-workout recovery. If you want a plant-based protein powder that fits into any routine without unnecessary fillers, this is a solid pick.

Price: $80.97 for 45 Servings

Get it on Amazon | Get it on Sunwarrior

Ghost Whey Protein Powder – Coffee Ice Cream

Protein shakes that feel like a treat? Yes, please, count me in! Ghost’s whey protein powder has 25g of whey protein with a bold coffee ice cream flavor. It tastes smooth, creamy, and actually enjoyable. The formula mixes easily with water or milk and has no soy or gluten. It’s a pretty great option if you’re tired of protein powders that taste like cardboard.

Price: $49.99 for 28 Servings

Get it on Amazon | Get it on GHOST

Levels Grass-Fed Whey Protein – Vanilla Bean

Levels offers pure, grass-fed whey with no artificial anything. This vanilla bean-flavored protein delivers 24g of protein per scoop and a clean, natural taste. It has no weird aftertaste and no fillers. The formula also mixes well and works for shakes, oatmeal, or even baked goods if you’re looking for that nutritious boost. If you want real ingredients without the junk, this one’s worth trying.

Price: $39.16 for 2lb

Get it on Amazon

Clear Whey Protein Powder vs Whey Protein Isolate vs …

The protein aisle isn’t just about whey anymore. Now, you’ll see options like clear whey, whey isolate, and even beef protein powders. What’s the difference?

• Clear whey protein – A lighter, juice-like alternative to traditional whey. It digests fast and feels refreshing, making it great for post-workout hydration.
• Whey protein isolate – Ultra-filtered to remove most carbs, fat, and lactose. A solid choice if you want high protein with fewer extras.
• Beef protein powder – A dairy-free option made from hydrolyzed beef protein. It’s packed with amino acids but has a different taste and texture.
• Casein protein – Slow-digesting, ideal for nighttime recovery.

Each type has its place. If you want something refreshing, clear whey is a good pick. If you need high protein with fewer carbs, go for whey isolate.

Are Plant-Based Protein Powders Effective?

Short answer: Yes. But not all are created equal.

The biggest concern with plant-based protein is getting enough of the right amino acids. Some single-source plant proteins—like rice or pea—are missing key ones. That’s why good plant-based powders use blends. A mix of pea, rice, and hemp protein can provide a complete amino acid profile, making them just as effective as whey.

Another plus? Plant-based proteins tend to be easier on digestion. If whey gives you bloating or discomfort, switching to a clean plant-based protein powder could help.

Final Thoughts

Protein powders aren’t one-size-fits-all. The best one depends on your goals, diet, and digestion. For example, whey isolate works well for muscle building, clear whey is a light, refreshing option, while plant-based blends are great for those avoiding dairy. And if you’re looking into something different, beef protein powders might be worth considering.

At the end of the day, what matters most is finding a protein you’ll actually stick with. So pick one, mix it up, and see what works best for you!

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