One of the most common questions I get in coaching calls is: "What protein powder do you recommend?"
I get it—there are hundreds of options out there, and figuring out which one is actually good for you (and not full of junk) can feel overwhelming.
So let’s break it down—what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make the best choice for your goals.
First Things First: Do You Even Need Protein Powder?
Short answer: Not necessarily.
Protein powder is meant to support your protein intake, not replace high-quality whole food sources. If you can get your protein from lean meats, eggs, fish, and dairy, that’s always the best option.
But let’s be real—hitting your protein target every single day can be tough. That’s where a high-quality protein powder comes in.
What to Look for in a Good Protein Powder
Not all protein powders are created equal. Some are packed with fillers, artificial sweeteners, and ingredients you can’t even pronounce. Here’s what you actually want:
✅ Minimal Ingredients – Ideally, it should just say something like “Whey Protein Isolate, Natural Sweetener (Stevia or Monk fruit), Vanilla Bean Extract” (for a vanilla flavor).
✅ A Clean, High-Quality Source – Whey protein isolate is the best choice for digestibility and protein content, next is whey protein concentrate. If dairy isn’t an option, go for organic pea protein.
✅ Grass-Fed & Organic (If Possible) – Grass-fed whey tends to be higher quality, and if it’s organic, even better.
Things that are not so bad but would avoid in a perfect world
🔘 Natural Flavors without any specific ingredient mentioned.
🔘 Sunflower Lecithin (used for mixability)
What to Avoid in Protein Powder
🚫 Hormones & Antibiotics – Make sure it’s labeled hormone and antibiotic-free.
🚫 Wheat, Yeast, Gluten, and Soy – No need for these in a protein powder.
🚫 Carrageenan – This additive is linked to gut inflammation.
🚫 Artificial Flavors, Colors, and Sweeteners – Skip anything with sucralose, aspartame, or artificial dyes.
My Personal Recommendation
I personally like:
✔ Kaha Nutrition
✔ FlavCity
✔ Antler Farms
I travel a lot and don’t always have the luxury of picking the perfect option—and that’s okay. When choices are limited, I simply go for the grass-fed whey protein with the fewest ingredients.
How to Make Protein Powder Actually Taste Good
If you’re just shaking it with water, you’re missing out. Here are a few game-changing ways to use it:
🥣 Mix it with Greek yogurt for a high-protein dessert.
🍌 Blend it into a smoothie with frozen berries and milk or water.
🥞 Add it to pancake batter for extra protein.
You’ll find some awesome high-protein recipes in the app that make hitting your protein target delicious and easy.
Final Thoughts
A good protein powder can be a helpful tool, but it’s not essential if you’re already eating a protein-rich diet. If you do use one, choose wisely—clean, minimal ingredients and no junk.
- Maddie xxx