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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Protein powder may help you gain muscle, but there’s no point in using it if you don’t like the taste. Our team selected the five best-tasting protein powders to suit all taste buds, whether you’re a chocolate fan, a vanilla aficionado, or something in-between.
- Best whey protein powder for peanut butter fans: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate | Skip to review
- Best vanilla plant-based protein powder: Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein | Skip to review
- Best chocolate plant-based protein powder: Orgain Simple Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder | Skip to review
Whether you’re looking to ramp up your gym routine or simply fill the gaps in your diet, protein powder can be a helpful ingredient to have on hand.
However, finding a protein powder that tastes good can be challenging, especially if you’re looking to avoid products pumped full of sugar, additives, and artificial ingredients.
Healthline editors shared their picks of the five best-tasting protein powders, all of which passed our dietitian’s review and our rigorous vetting process.
Disclaimer: Some of the products tested below were provided for free to Healthline testers. Our opinions are ours alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the product manufacturers.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is one of the least expensive on the list, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $1.58–$2.95 per serving or $37.99–$94.99 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop and the size of the container you purchase.
Pricing guide:
- $ = under $1.75 per serving
- $$ = $1.75–$2.50 per serving
- $$$ = over $2.50 per serving
| Price range | Sweetener | Vegan | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transparent Labs Whey Isolate | $$ | stevia | no | • Informed Choice • Informed Protein |
| mindbodygreen grass-fed whey isolate+ | $$$ | monk fruit | no | — |
| Naked Whey | $ | coconut sugar | no | • Informed Choice • certified gluten-free |
| Ora Organics So Lean & So Clean | $$ | • stevia • monk fruit | yes | • USDA organic • certified vegan |
| Orgain Simple Organic Plant-Based Protein | $$$ | coconut sugar | yes | • USDA organic • certified plant-based |
Note: All the options on our list are third-party tested for purity and potency.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the products on this page, we considered all the protein powders that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.
When picking a protein powder, there are several factors to look for:
- Protein source: The main source of protein is an important consideration, especially if you have any dietary restrictions. While whey is one of the most common protein powder ingredients, you can find products sourced from peas, seeds, or soy, which can be useful if you follow a plant-based or vegan diet.
- Nutritional facts: In addition to the amount of protein found in each serving, look at the calorie and carb content. This is especially important if you’re trying to lose weight or restricting your carb intake as part of a low carb or ketogenic diet.
- Ingredients list: In addition to protein sources, many products include ingredients that may offer other health benefits, including greens, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and healthy fats. However, try to avoid protein powders with a long list of additives, such as artificial colors and preservatives.
- Available flavors: Before choosing a flavor, consider how you plan on using the powder. For example, vanilla or plain tend to be more versatile than stronger flavors like chocolate, matcha, or coffee.
- Texture: Perhaps one of the most important considerations is the texture. While some dissolve easily when stirred or shaken, others require a blender.
- Budget: The number of servings per container varies greatly by product. Thus, when looking at the price of a protein powder, be sure to consider the cost per serving.
- Customer reviews: Reading customer reviews is a great way to obtain valuable insights into the taste and texture of a product.
Finally, many brands also offer sample packs, which allow you to try out different flavors and products before committing to a full-size purchase.
Looking for more protein powder options?
Be sure to check out some of our other protein powder guides:
There are many types of protein powder available to fit nearly any preference or palate.
Each product not only provides a different set of nutrients but also additional ingredients and health benefits.
With a bit of savvy shopping, it’s easy to find a protein powder that tastes great and fits seamlessly into your diet.
The tastiest way of drinking protein powder is to add the liquid that you prefer. Some protein powders have suggestions for what makes it tastiest. For example, some might recommend adding in oat milk.
Our team has said that all of the protein powders in this article do not taste chalky.
Transparent Labs, mindbodygreen, Naked, Ora Organics, and Orgain have multiple flavors that may suit most people.
