Best Protein Powders Of 2025: Top Picks & Tips To Keep In Mind

Whatever your exercise goal is, protein can most likely help. As one of the three essential macronutrients alongside carbohydrates and fat, we need protein to function. Protein helps rebuild and repair our body tissues, improves immune function, and drives our metabolic processes. 

If you need to boost your daily intake, you can’t go wrong with protein powder. It contains mainly protein, is easy to use, and offers several versatile benefits. Because of this, it’s one of the most widely consumed supplements in the world. Some studies even claim that 80% of their participants reported using it. 

However, take one look online, and you’ll be forgiven for easily getting lost. Learning how to navigate the different protein types, formulations, flavors, and values offered are just some of the vital considerations. Luckily for you, we’re here to help. There are out 10 best protein powders on the market in 2025. 

Best Protein Powders In 2025

Here at Endomondo, we’ve done a deep dive into the best protein powders currently on the market. Each of our ten choices offers something different for your exercise goals. With help from our in-house experts, these are our top ten options.

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• 28 grams of high-quality whey isolate per serving. 
• 14 flavors to choose from, including an unflavored version. 
• Uses high-quality third-party testing.

• Higher price per serving than comparable options. 
• Not suitable for vegans.

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Transparent Labs is a household name when it comes to manufacturing high-quality supplements using research-backed doses. Their 100% grass-fed whey isolate hits the mark nicely, containing 28 grams of whey isolate per serving. With this, you’re getting a high-quality protein source with no added extras.

Each 34.9-gram serving contains 1 gram of carbohydrates and fat. It uses Stevia as the flavoring, meaning it’s free from any artificial sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives. This gives you a clean, natural protein source from a well-respected brand.

Transparent Labs prides itself on using transparent labeling with high-quality third-party testing. Each tub is Informed Sport Certified, making it a great option for tested athletes. Alongside this, you have 14 flavor options, including unflavored. 

At $2.00 per serving, it’s one of the more costly protein powders on our list. However, you’re paying for the high-quality formulation and the testing used. It’s our editor’s choice as the best whey protein powder in 2025.

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein Isolate

• 24 grams of protein per serving which is great for a vegan source. 
• Suitable for vegans.
• Uses different plant-based proteins to improve the amino acid profile.

• There are only two flavor options. 
• Some users report a chalky, artificial taste.

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As we’ve mentioned above, Transparent Labs is the go-to brand if you’re looking for high-quality protein. Therefore, the brand deserves two spots on our top ten list. Their organic vegan plant-based protein isolate is our best vegan protein powder option.

Each serving contains 24 grams of organic pea protein isolate and organic rice protein concentrate. Transparent Labs have nicely combined these to give you a full amino acid profile. With this, it’s an excellent protein option for vegans looking to meet their daily needs. 

The 6 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fat per serving is slightly higher than other options. However, you should expect this with most plant-based sources. 

Like all Transparent Labs products, it’s third-party tested and Informed Sport Certified. Furthermore, the type and amount of each ingredient are clearly shown on the transparent label.

Transparent Labs has used organic Stevia extract for its two flavor options. With this, it’s free from anything artificial. Future formulations could look to add more flavor options.

At $1.67, it’s one of the cheaper options on our list. Transparent Labs also offers a subscribe and save option, which can slightly reduce this cost. Overall, it’s one of the best vegan protein powders available.

Jacked Factory Authentic Whey Protein Powder

• Contains 24 grams of whey concentrate and isolate. 
• Low carbohydrate content. 
• No fillers and thickening agents.

• Only two flavor options.
• Uses artificial sweeteners.

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If you’re looking for a well-formulated protein powder for muscle building, Jacked Factory’s Authentic Whey is an excellent option. Each serving contains 25 grams of whey concentrate and isolate with minimal carbohydrates and fat. Both of these protein types are good options to complement a hypertrophy workout to ensure your daily protein needs are met.

There are no fillers or thickening agents. However, Jacked Factory has used artificial sweeteners for the two flavor choices. This is something to bear in mind if you’re looking for a completely natural powder. 

While the ingredients have been made in a Food and Drug Administration-Registered or FDA facility, it’s not third-party tested. Therefore, it might not be the best option for tested athletes or those who want full transparency. 

Each serving comes out at a cost of $1.17, making it one of the cheapest options on our list. Despite the lack of third-party testing, it’s one of the best protein powders for muscle gain.

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

• 25 grams of high-quality whey isolate. 
• Contains digestive enzymes 
• Users report excellent taste.

• Only three flavors are available.
• Some users report issues with mixing.

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Making sure your protein powder is well-formulated is one thing. Ensuring that it tastes good so you actually enjoy drinking is something that’s often overlooked. The Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is one of the best-tasting protein powders on our list. 

In terms of ingredients, each serving contains 25 grams of high-quality whey isolate. This is the gold standard when it comes to protein type. Furthermore, it’s Informed Sport Certified, making it suitable for tested athletes. 

With only 2 grams of carbohydrates and 0 grams of fat, it’s one of the better formulations on our list. Alongside this, the added digestive enzymes are a nice touch. However, note that it does use sucralose, meaning it’s artificially sweetened. 

Bear in mind that whilst it’s reported as the best tasting, some users report issues when mixing. Therefore, you might need to use a blender to fully resolve this issue. At $1.80 per serving, it’s available at a mid-range price point. Overall, it’s well-formulated and great tasting. Because of this, it deserves a place on our top ten list.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

• 24 grams of protein per serving. 
• Banned substance tested. 
• 23 interesting flavor options.

• Contains artificial flavors.
• Uses a protein blend.

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Optimum Nutrition has long been one of the leading brands in the supplement industry. The Gold Standard 100% Whey is their flagship product. A quick look at the formulation, and it’s easy to see why.

Each serving contains 24 grams of a whey protein mix made of isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate. With this, you get three protein sources that offer different absorption speeds and digestive comfort. If you’re looking for a balance of three different types of whey, this is the best option.

Optimum Nutrition is well-known for offering a huge range of interesting flavors. Their 100% Gold Standard gives you 23 exciting choices, including ones like rocky road and fruity cereal. With this, you’re literally spoilt for choice. 

Alongside Transparent Labs, Optimum Nutrition is another supplement brand that operates with full transparency. Their 100% Gold Standard protein lists the type and amount of each ingredient. Furthermore, it’s Banned Substance Tested, making it an ideal option for tested athletes. 

If you want a protein powder from a trusted brand, this is a solid choice. It costs around $1.48 per serving, making it one of our cheaper options. It’s the best budget option in our top ten list.

Legion Whey Protein Isolate

• 22 grams of whey protein isolate.
• No artificial flavors, sweeteners, fillers, or dyes.
• Third-party tested by Labdoor.

• Less protein than comparable options.
• More expensive than other options.

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Legion is one of the leading supplement brands when it comes to using clean ingredients with scientific backing. The brand prides itself on including no unnecessary junk in its products. That’s exactly what you get with their Whey Protein Isolate; a clean protein source with nothing artificial.

Each serving contains 22 grams of whey protein isolate with 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids or BCAAs. These are primarily believed to support muscle growth and improve muscle recovery following exercise. While BCAAs might not be necessary for most people, they can help if you restrict your normal dietary intake. 

As we briefly mentioned above, there are no artificial flavors, sweeteners, fillers, or dyes in this supplement. There are only natural ingredients with lots of scientific backing. With this, you have a clean protein source from a well-respected brand. 

Legion ensures that all its supplements are tested by Labdoor, a high-quality testing organization. Therefore, you know that the ingredients in their Whey Protein Isolate are exactly as they claim. 

Not many brands can rival Optimum Nutrition for their flavor choices, but Legion sure comes close. They offer 22 exciting options, including an unflavored one for those who prefer something simple.

Overall, it’s one of the best clean protein powders on the market. At $1.80 per serving, you’re paying a little more for a quality protein powder from a well-respected brand.

Gainful Protein Powder

• 26 grams of plant-based protein per serving.
• No artificial ingredients are used.
• Several customization options to choose from.

• Very costly price per serving.
• Some users report mixability issues.

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While not impossible, following a plant-based diet makes it harder to consume protein sources with a full amino acid profile. Luckily for you, Gainful has made a protein powder that does exactly that.

Each serving contains 26 grams of plant-based protein made up of organic pea protein and organic brown rice protein. With this, it offers a full amino acid profile using high-quality protein. It does include 9 grams of carbohydrates, which you have to expect when using plant-based options.

We particularly like the amount of customization options Gainful has given. After choosing your protein base and goal boost, you’re given a customized protein for your needs. 

Furthermore, you have the option of choosing different tub sizes or some handy single-serving travel packs. These are nice extra touches that most brands don’t offer.

Each protein option is unsweetened and free from artificial ingredients, giving you a clean, plant-based protein option. However, we’re not sure if it’s been third-party tested. While Gainful tests some of their products, there’s no mention of this on their official page.

At around $3.50 per serving, it’s one of the most expensive options on our list. However, it’s one of the best plant-based protein powders that uses natural ingredients. You just need to be prepared to pay for it.

Ritual Essential Protein

• 20 grams of organic pea protein.
• Informed Sport Certified.
• Users report an excellent vanilla taste.

• High in sodium.
• The bag closure mechanism is reported as being ineffective.

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If you’re a fan of vanilla protein powders, this is about as good as you’re going to get. Ritual has made a handcrafted flavor that comes directly from a vanilla bean farmer in Madagascar. Alongside being sustainably produced, the Ritual Essential protein powder offers far more if you’re looking for a well-made supplement. 

Each serving contains 20 grams of organic pea protein with 3 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fat.  That being said, it’s a sustainably sourced plant-based protein option that tastes delicious. 

On this point, users report an excellent vanilla taste. As a result, it’s the best vanilla option in our top ten choices. 

While it contains no artificial flavors, the high sodium content is something to bear in mind. Therefore, make sure to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to assess your suitability. 

If you’re a performance athlete, you need supplements that are well-tested. The Ritual Essential Protein is Informed Sport Certified which is as good as it gets. 

Each serving costs $2.35, which is at the higher end of our top ten choices. However, you’re getting a delicious vanilla protein powder made using sustainable methods.

Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder

• 25 grams of protein per serving.
• Six flavor choices, including unflavored. 
• Budget-friendly price per serving.

• Uses whey protein concentrate. 
• Contains small amounts of carbohydrates and fat.

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While having lots of flavor options is good, you don’t always need or want them. Sometimes, you may just be looking for something to add to your favorite recipe or pre-workout. That’s exactly what the Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate offers you with their unflavored option.

Each serving contains 25 grams of whey protein concentrate with small amounts of carbohydrates and fat. This is on point with what you need for a single protein serving. However, whey concentrate does have a slightly lower protein content and higher amount of fat compared to isolate.  

If you’re looking for flavor, Nutricost also has you covered. Alongside the unflavored option, you have five flavors to choose from. This includes exciting ones such as pineapple whip and strawberry milkshake.

If you choose the unflavored option, you’ve got a natural protein source with nothing artificial. However, the flavor options use sucralose as the artificial sweetener. 

Nutricost states that their Whey Protein Concentrate is third-party tested. While this is a good thing, they fail to state the testing organization. This would be a good addition for future formulations. 

Each serving costs around $1.50 per serving, making it one of the cheapest protein options on our list. However, it doesn’t quite offer the same quality as more expensive protein powder options.

Huel Protein Black Edition

• 40 grams of plant protein per serving.
• Added vitamins and minerals.
• 9 flavor options, including unflavored.

• High price per serving.

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Last on our top ten list is something a little different. While it’s not necessarily a protein powder, it contains a huge 40 grams of plant-based protein per serving. It’s designed more as a handy meal replacement with added vitamins and minerals. 

Each serving also contains 24 grams of carbohydrates and 17 grams of fat. While these quantities are high for a normal protein powder, remember that this is a meal replacement shake. 

As a meal replacement shake, Huel has included several important vitamins and minerals. While these won’t fill your total daily intake needs, they’ll certainly help. It’s important to note that it includes 9 milligrams of iron which should not be consumed in excessive amounts. 

You have nine flavors to choose from, including an unflavored and unsweetened version. With this, you have a variety of meal replacement options to suit your needs

At $3.31, it’s the most expensive option on our list. However, you’re getting a complete meal replacement rather than a protein supplement. 

If you’re looking for a meal replacement after an intense full-body workout, this is an excellent choice. It’s our best pea protein meal replacement option with lots of added extras.

Benefits Of Protein Powders

Protein is an essential macronutrient, meaning that your body can’t produce enough to meet its needs. You don’t need to use protein powder for this. However, the convenience and excellent nutritional profile make it a worthwhile investment. 

Below are the main benefits of using protein powders.

Improves Muscle Building And Recovery

Protein is an essential macronutrient, meaning we need to intake large amounts via our diet for proper functioning. Current recommendations suggest a daily intake of 0.64–0.91 grams per pound of body weight. Higher intakes of 1.04–1.41 grams per pound of body weight are suggested for resistance-trained individuals.

Protein provides the essential amino acids (organic compounds) that join together to form muscle tissue. Adequate protein intake following resistance exercise allows our body to rebuild and repair damaged muscle fibers (single muscle cells). This ensures efficient muscle growth and repair following exercise. 

Without sufficient protein intake, both muscle growth and muscle recovery are severely slowed. Protein powders provide a convenient protein source that can be used to improve both these processes. 

Supports Weight Loss

Successful weight loss requires an energy deficit. This means that you need to expend (burn) more calories than you consume. Part of this involves the quality of your dietary intake and meal timing (when you eat different foods).

The thermic effect of food or TEF refers to the energy needed to digest and absorb food following a meal. The TEF is increased with larger meal sizes consisting of protein and carbohydrates. This is when compared to smaller meals and low-fat, plant-based diets. 

Alongside this, muscle burns more calories than fat tissue when resting and exercising.

Both of these factors mean that a high protein intake can increase energy expenditure and support weight loss. Increasing your protein intake using protein powder is a great way to do this.

Versatile And Easy To Store

Protein powders offer several versatile uses. You can mix them with water or milk, or add them to your favorite recipe. Furthermore, they can be mixed into smoothies, oatmeal, coffee, baked goods, and even soups. If you pick the right flavor, the opportunities are endless.

While protein powder doesn’t last forever, it can last a long time if correctly stored. All you need to do is keep it out of direct sunlight with the lid properly sealed. 

Convenient To Use

Consuming a high daily protein intake isn’t as simple as it seems. It requires you to prepare, cook, and then eat the protein source. This can get tiresome with high protein requirements and often means sacrificing a lot of time.

Protein powders shouldn’t replace your dietary intake. However, they can be used as a readily accessible protein source. 

All you need to do is mix the powder and drink it. Whether you use them as part of your daily bodybuilding routine or general intake, their convenience is a huge benefit. 

Potential Side Effects 

Generally speaking, protein powder is considered safe to use when following the suggested dose. This is also the case when considering the best creatine options. However, too much of a good thing can be bad in some situations. 

These are the main side effects to bear in mind when using it:

• Dehydration.
• Bone disorders. 
• Digestive discomfort (Bloating, gas, constipation).
• Kidney stress (Mainly in kidney disease).
• Bad breath (If following a keto diet with limited carbohydrates).
• Nutrient imbalances (If neglecting other nutrients).

Most of these side effects relate to specific situations rather than the effect of protein powder itself. Always consult a trained professional if you’re unsure of your potential risks. 

How To Choose The Best Protein Powder 

With thousands of brands to choose from using different ingredient formulations, it’s hard to know where to start. However, considering these main factors when deciding is a good place to start. Here’s what to bear in mind when choosing the best protein powder for your exercise needs.

Protein Content And Type 

Generally speaking, look for a protein powder that offers at least 20 grams of protein per serving. This would be around the minimum suggested amount per meal. However, this also depends on your intake of other macronutrients, such as carbohydrates and fat.

Different protein powder types have varying amino acid profiles and digestion rates. This influences the overall protein quality and the effect on the body. These are the main ones:

• Whey Protein — This can be split into whey isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate. Whey tends to be the most popular source as it is rapidly digested and high in essential amino acids.
• Casein Protein — This digests slowly, providing a sustained amino acid release. Therefore, it is commonly taken before bed to support muscle maintenance. 
• Soy Protein — This is a plant-based protein source that comes from soybeans. It offers a great protein source for vegans and vegetarians but contains fewer essential amino acids.
• Pea Protein — This is another plant-based protein source that comes from split peas. It’s easily digestible and good for those who are sensitive to soy.

Carbohydrate And Fat Content 

Carbohydrates and fat are also essential macronutrients. This means that your body requires them from your diet in large amounts. However, the primary goal of a protein powder is to provide a large protein source. 

Consider the overall carbohydrate and fat content of your chosen protein powder. Ideally, these should be present in small amounts. Furthermore, a powder with more carbohydrates and fat will likely contain more calories. 

Label Transparency And Third-Party Testing 

Label transparency refers to the brand providing clear information on what’s present in their protein powder. This includes information about the ingredient types, amounts, production methods, and overall nutritional content.

Choosing a protein powder with good label transparency means you know exactly what’s in it. This allows you to make an informed decision about what you’re taking.

The Food and Drug Administration or FDA doesn’t regulate protein powder supplements. Therefore, they can’t ensure that the protein powder contains what it states on the label. 

Look for protein powders that have undergone third-party testing. This means that an independent laboratory has analyzed the protein to check for quality and the presence of unwanted substances. This is especially important for tested athletes who cannot consume banned substances.

If a protein powder is third-party tested, the tub or pouch should have the stamp of the testing organization. Highly respected organizations to look out for include Informed Choice, Informed Sport, and Labdoor.

This is also an important factor to consider when choosing other supplements. We’ve discussed our best pre-workout options in a separate article.

Flavors And Taste 

Available flavors and reported taste are not the most important considerations when it comes to purchasing protein powder. However, they’re worth considering.

A protein powder that offers a range of flavors means that you have more options to choose from. With this, you can choose a flavor you like, which may help you to consume the powder longer-term. Furthermore, check if the brand offers an unflavored version if you want to mix it with other ingredients. 

Most user reviews discuss the different flavors and how they taste. Read through these before purchasing to see if the flavors taste as advertised. 

Value For Money

The protein powders in our top ten list each offer different prices per serving. This refers to the cost per scoop or suggested dose. Most of the time, this is based on the amount and quality of the main ingredients used.

Look at the different supplement formulations and compare these to the price per serving. This allows you to decide whether or not the protein powder offers good value for money.

Conclusion

There’s no denying the power of protein and the benefits it can offer. While you might not necessarily need protein powder, it’s certainly worth including in your supplement routine.

The Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is our top pick. It contains a large amount of high-quality protein and uses excellent third-party testing. While you need to pay a little more, we definitely think it’s worth it.

Each of our top 10 protein powders offers something different. They all deserve a place on our list if you’re looking for something to enhance your training. Take your pick and enjoy some of the many benefits they offer!

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