There are hundreds of options, and figuring out which one is truly good for you can feel overwhelming. Let’s make it simple by breaking down what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose the best option for your goals.
Do you even need protein powder?
Not necessarily. Protein powder is designed to support your protein intake, not replace whole foods. Whenever possible, prioritize lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy. These are nutrient-rich and should always come first.
Still, consistently reaching your daily protein target can be challenging. That’s where a high-quality protein powder can help fill the gaps.
What to look for in a protein powder
Not all protein powders are created equal. Many contain fillers, artificial ingredients, or unnecessary additives. A good option will include:
Minimal ingredients: Ideally just whey protein isolate or concentrate, plus a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
A clean, high-quality source: Whey protein isolate is usually the best choice for digestibility and protein content. If you avoid dairy, look for organic pea protein.
Grass-fed and organic when possible: These options are typically higher quality and less processed.
Not ideal:
Natural flavors without specific ingredients listed
Sunflower lecithin (used to help mixability)
What to avoid in a protein powder
Hormones and antibiotics: Always choose hormone- and antibiotic-free.
Wheat, yeast, gluten, and soy: Unnecessary for protein powders.
Carrageenan: This additive is linked to gut inflammation.
Artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners: Avoid sucralose, aspartame, and dyes.
Recommendations
Finding a good protein powder can feel tricky since so many brands look similar on the label. To make it easier, here are a few reliable options:
Kaha Nutrition
FlavCity
Antler Farms
When traveling or limited on options, choose the cleanest grass-fed whey protein available with the fewest ingredients.
How to make protein powder taste better
If you only shake it with water, you’re missing out. Here are a few simple ways to make it more enjoyable:
Mix with Greek yogurt for a high-protein snack or dessert
Blend into a smoothie with frozen berries and milk or water
Add to pancake batter for an extra protein boost
You can also find high-protein recipes in the app that make reaching your target both easy and delicious.