</p><p><a href=”https://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/a44942486/protein-shakes-weight-loss/” target=”_blank”>Protein</a> is key for building muscle, boosting bone health, and maintaining metabolism. As we age, we need more of it—roughly <a href=”https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/are-you-getting-too-much-protein” target=”_blank”>1 to 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight</a> after age 40. Adding the best tasting protein powder can help you reach your goals, without making you dread mealtime.</p><p>If you’re highly active or follow a plant-based diet, you may need even more of the all-important macronutrients. “Menopausal women can also benefit from increased protein intake to support bone and muscle health, while pregnant women require additional protein to meet the nutritional needs crucial for fetal development,” says <a href=”https://flourishheights.com/about/” target=”_blank”>Valerie Agyeman, R.D.N.</a>, dietitian and host of the women’s nutrition podcast, <em>Flourish Heights</em>.</p><p>Protein powder is a great way to fill that nutritional gap. “While protein powder is not a requirement for everyone, it can be an easy way to help meet protein needs,” says <a href=”https://www.mpmnutrition.com/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink”>Marissa Meshulam, M.S., R.D., C.D.N,</a> founder of MPM Nutrition. One problem: The powdery supplement isn’t always palatable. We set out to find the <strong>best-tasting protein powders</strong> that are a healthy addition to your diet <em>and</em> easy to sip.</p><p class=”body-tip”><strong>Meet the experts: <a href=”https://flourishheights.com/about/” target=”_blank”>Valerie Agyeman, R.D.N.</a>, dietitian and host of the women’s nutrition podcast, <em>Flourish Heights,</em> and <a href=”https://www.mpmnutrition.com/” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://www.mpmnutrition.com/” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Marissa Meshulam”>Marissa Meshulam</a>, M.S., R.D., C.D.N, founder of MPM Nutrition.</strong><em></em></p><p>From <a href=”https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/g27044014/best-vegan-protein-powders/” target=”_blank”>plant-based protein</a> to <a href=”https://www.prevention.com/health/g40406505/best-collagen-powder/” target=”_blank”>collagen</a> to whey protein powders, there are dozens of varieties in hundreds of flavors to try. We gathered editor and expert recommendations—about 40 total—and tasted them all to determine the most delicious winners. Read on to shop our winners, learn more about the testing process, and what to look for when shopping for protein powders.</p><p><em>Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.</em></p>”/>
1
Best-tasting whey protein powder overall
Promix Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder, Unflavored
If you like to stir protein powder into yogurt or oatmeal for a high-protein snack, reach for this two-ingredient, unsweetened pick with an ultra-fine texture. Food Producer Tina Martinez noted that it almost makes yogurt taste creamier and doesn’t cause it to thicken too much. The unflavored has slight vanilla undertones, which we liked, though it also comes in Madagascar Vanilla and Raw Chocolate. It does not contain sweeteners or artificial flavors.
| Protein source | Grass-fed whey concentrate |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 25 g |
| Sweetener(s) | None |
2
Best-tasting no-carb whey protein isolate
Isopure Zero Carb Unflavored Protein
Blended with milk, this unflavored whey protein isolate has minimal graininess or chalkiness and doesn’t impart any flavor. Like Promix, it contains just two ingredients, no sweeteners, and no artificial flavors. It’s perfect for adding protein to baked goods, healthy smoothies, oatmeal, and more without affecting their taste. Notably, it’s one of the few whey protein powders that’s carb- and lactose-free, which is great news for people who are sensitive to lactose and can’t typically consume whey.
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 25 g |
| Sweetener(s) | None |
3
Best protein powder with no taste
Great Lakes Wellness Quick Dissolve Collagen Peptides
“Quick dissolve” is no lie—this bovine collagen disappears into liquid and has little if any flavor. We stirred it into black coffee and it didn’t affect the taste, making this a great way to add a bit of protein to your morning routine. This brand of collagen peptides has less protein per serving (it contains 11 grams) than other brands we tried, but its truly unflavored taste and quick-dissolve texture made it our clear winner.
| Protein source | Bovine collagen peptides |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 11 g |
| Sweetener(s) | None |
4
Best-tasting flavored protein powder with collagen peptides
NAKED Ella Matcha Latte Collagen Protein Powder
For a dose of protein, collagen, biotin, and MCT powder in your morning matcha, reach for this multifunctional powder made with bovine collagen peptides. Stirred into milk it had a slightly sweet, earthy flavor, and Prevention Recipe Editor Susan Choung recommends blending it into a smoothie with spinach or kale, frozen pineapple, and fresh ginger. One serving offers 100% of your daily value of biotin and vitamin C, which are key for healthy hair.
| Protein source | Bovine collagen peptides |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 20 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Reb-m (from fermented sugarcane) |
5
Best-tasting chocolate protein powder
Bare Performance Nutrition Whey Protein + Casein Protein Powder Blend, Fudge Chocolate
Made with a combination of whey and casein proteins, this protein powder blends up ultra-creamy and boasts a deep, chocolate flavor. “It tastes like I’m drinking something decadent when I’m really drinking something healthy!” one taster said. Casein and whey come from milk but your body absorbs them at different rates. Casein protein digests slowly, which may keep you fuller for longer, while whey digests quickly, ideal for post-workout recovery.
| Protein source | Whey protein concentrate, casein |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 25 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Sucralose |
6
Best-tasting chocolate protein isolate
Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate, Chocolate
Like other whey protein powders, this one will make your smoothie extra-creamy and delicious while providing a hearty protein boost. It contains real cocoa for a semi-sweet chocolate taste that’s not overpowering and a hint of salt to balance the sweetness. Though it contains steviol glycosides, a sweetener, it technically has zero grams of sugar—one of the only flavored protein powders with no measurable sugar on this list (Ella and Ritual also have 0 grams of sugar).
| Protein source | Grass-fed whey protein isolate |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 20 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Glucosylated steviol glycosides |
7
Best-tasting chocolate whey protein blend
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey, Double Rich Chocolate
One taster noted that this whey protein isolate-concentrate blend tasted like chocolate milk, with a clean chocolate flavor and no unpleasant aftertaste. It contains real cocoa and it’s sweetened with acesulfame potassium, an FDA-approved artificial sweetener. According to the brand, it’s nearly 79% protein by weight (it clocks in at 24 grams of protein per 30.4-gram serving size) and contains more than five grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), important for muscle building, per serving.
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 24 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Acesulfame potassium |
8
Best-tasting chocolate pea protein powder
KOS Organic Plant Protein – Chocolate
Made with a blend of pea, flax, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia seed proteins, this tasty supplement, a favorite of Prevention Digital Director Allie Early, is perfect for anyone on a plant-based diet—or just chocolate lovers. It contains cocoa, coconut sugar (just two grams per serving), and sea salt for a chocolatey flavor that’s not too sweet, plus additional vitamins, minerals, and fruit and veggie extracts.
| Protein source | Pea, flax, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia seed proteins |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 20 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Coconut sugar, stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract |
9
Best-tasting chocolate hemp protein powder
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
This pea- and hemp-based protein powder boasts a rich, chocolatey flavor from organic cocoa. Coconut sugar provides just enough sweetness, while vanilla flavor adds depth to the chocolate taste (just like vanilla extract is key for a good chocolate cake). Hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids, meaning they are a complete protein source, so this plant-based powder offers a similar amino acid profile as animal-based proteins.
| Protein source | Pea, hemp |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 20 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Coconut sugar |
10
Best-tasting rice and pea protein powder
WelleCo Organic Brown Rice and Pea Protein Powder, Chocolate
For a more subtle chocolate flavor, go for this organic pea- and brown-rice-based protein powder. It contains various fruit powders, turmeric, and dandelion leaf extract for a vitamin- and mineral-packed sipper. Plant-based protein powders can be more difficult to blend compared to whey protein powder, so we recommend using a blender. Chocolate, peanut butter, banana smoothie, anyone?
| Protein source | Pea, brown rice |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 16 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Xylitol, maltodextrin, steviol glycosides |
11
Best-tasting vanilla pea protein powder
Ritual Essential Protein Shake
For a plant-based protein powder, this pick shakes up smoothly. Tasters agreed it mixed better than many other plant protein powders. It has a subtle vanilla flavor, like cake batter, and plenty of sweetness from reb-m, a zero-calorie sweetener made from fermented sugar cane. In addition to 20 grams of protein from pea protein, it contains MCT oil, which may act as a source of energy (key for your pre-workout routine!).
| Protein source | Pea protein |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 20 g |
| Sweetener(s) | reb-m (from fermented sugarcane), monk fruit |
12
Best-tasting vanilla whey protein blend
Cellucor Whey Sport Vanilla Protein Powder
While some alternative sweeteners in protein powder may leave a bitter aftertaste, this one does not. Instead, it has a pleasant vanilla flavor, which reminded tasters of vanilla cupcakes or a vanilla milkshake. It was sweet but not cloying and blended easily into milk. It contains both whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate for a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving, which is one of the highest amounts of protein per serving on this list.
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 30 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Sucralose |
13
Best vanilla grass-fed whey protein isolate
Clean Simple Eats Simply Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
The ice cream pictured on each bag of this vanilla, grass-fed whey protein powder isn’t an exaggeration: When mixed with milk, it has a creamy texture and sweet, creamy flavor that reminds us of melted ice cream. The word “simple” in both the brand and the flavor’s names speaks to the relatively short ingredients list, which also includes prebiotic fiber and MCT oil. While it blended easily into milk with a milk frother, some tasters found it hard to fully incorporate into water with just a shaker bottle.
| Protein source | Grass-fed whey protein isolate |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 20 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Xylitol, stevia leaf extract, monk fruit |
14
Best-tasting protein powder drink mix
Primal Kitchen Primal Fuel Vanilla Coconut Whey Protein Drink Mix
Not interested in a huge hit of protein? This vanilla-coconut protein drink mix, one of Meshulam’s favorites, offers 10 grams of protein per scoop. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a snack-size portion or if the flavor of pure protein powders is just too off-putting for you. It’s made from a mix of whey protein isolate and coconut milk powder and sweetened with monk fruit and stevia, meaning you get no added sugar. Meshulam notes that it mixes easily into smoothies and oats.
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 10 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Steviol glycosides, monk fruit extract |
15
Best-tasting vanilla whey protein isolate
Revolution Nutrition ISO Whey, Vanilla Cake
If you’re looking for a sweet vanilla cake-like taste without any bitter aftertaste, this protein powder is a great option. The flavor reminds us of Clean Simple Eats simply vanilla, but it’s made from regular whey protein isolate rather than grass-fed so it comes with a more affordable price tag (about $1.19/ounce vs $1.63/ounce). While most protein powders on this list hover around 20-25 grams of protein per serving, this one offers an impressive 28 grams.
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 28 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Stevia, sucralose |
16
Best-tasting protein powder with unique flavor options
Podium Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
For unique flavor options like coffee ice cream and maple butter pancake, turn to this fan-favorite whey protein powder. Reviewers rave that the flavors are prominent but don’t taste artificial, and the powder blends in easily to drinks and smoothies. It contains creamer made from non-fat dry milk, buttermilk, and butter, but the fat content is relatively low (just one gram per serving). The added creamer is probably what causes that irresistible texture.
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate |
|---|---|
| Protein per serving | 25 g |
| Sweetener(s) | Sucralose |
How to shop for protein powder
Here’s what to pay extra-close attention to when browsing the protein powder aisle:
✔️Protein source: The best protein powders, whether plant- or animal-based, contain all nine essential amino acids and about 20 grams of protein per serving. Whey protein fits the bill, plus it contains BCAAs. Meshulam prefers whey protein isolate over concentrate because it contains a higher percentage of protein by weight and fewer carbs, though it tends to be more expensive.
“If you are choosing a plant-based protein source, I like brands that use a complete protein like pea protein or ones that mix plant sources to get a good amino acid profile,” says Meshulam. “Soy also provides a complete protein, but it’s not favorable for those with sensitivities or allergies,” says Agyeman.
The choice between animal and plant-based protein powders ultimately depends on your dietary preferences, taste, and budget. “People used to think that whey is the greatest for muscle building, but new research suggests that there isn’t much of a difference,” Meshulam points out.
✔️Ingredients list: Experts suggest avoiding excess sugar (greater than five grams per serving) and artificial ingredients, especially fake sweeteners. “Artificial sweeteners are not great for our gut health, can mess with our taste buds, and may lead us to crave more sugar later in the day. Additionally, look out for sugar alcohols (erythritol, xylitol, etc.) as these can cause gastrointestinal issues,” says Meshulam. “And always check for allergens if you have dietary restrictions,” adds Agyeman.
✔️Third-party testing: Transparent brands are best! “Opt for brands that undergo third-party testing for quality and purity,” says Agyeman. Look for this certification on labels or the protein powder’s website. Common third-party testing organizations include NSF and USP.
How to make protein powder taste good
Not into mixing protein powder with just water? Not a problem! Meshulam likes adding protein powder to meals that don’t naturally contain much protein on their own (think: oatmeal, chia pudding, plant-based yogurt, or a fruit smoothie). “My typical smoothie formula is about one cup of fruit, 1-2 scoops of protein powder, veggies (spinach, frozen riced cauliflower, etc.), liquid of choice, and 1-2 tablespoons of healthy fats, such as almond butter, peanut butter, chia seeds, or avocado,” she says.
In addition to smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal, Agyeman also likes adding protein powder to pancakes and muffins for a high-protein breakfast option.
How often should I use protein powder?
“The frequency and timing of protein powder intake depend on your unique needs and goals,” says Agyeman. Athletes looking to build muscle may use it to recover after a workout, while individuals with specific health conditions may use it to meet nutritional needs during illness or after surgery. “It’s always best to speak to your healthcare provider first before starting a protein supplement,” says Agyeman.
In general, it’s a good idea to space your protein intake throughout the day (about 20-30 grams of protein per meal) to meet your daily protein goal.
When it comes to the best sources of protein, experts agree that nothing beats real food. “While protein powder has its place, it’s best to get protein from whole foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds, which offer more complete nutrition and health benefits,” explains Agyeman.
How we chose the best protein powders
Culinary pros in the Prevention Test Kitchen collected roughly 40 different protein powders based on expert and editor recommendations. Stirred into coffee, blitzed into smoothies, shaken with milk, or enjoyed straight-up, we sipped our way through each of these powders and rated them with taste top of mind. Reviewers considered flavor, texture, aftertaste, and how well the powder blended into liquid. Our winners represent a range of protein types covering the most popular flavor options: unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla. We also consulted nutrition experts Valerie Agyeman, R.D.N.; and Marissa Meshulam, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
Samantha (she/her) is an Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success. She has taste-tasted hundreds of products and recipes since joining GH in 2020 (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
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