The 7 Best Whey Protein Powders to Buy Now, According to Registered Dietitians

ProsNSF Certified for SportWide variety of unique flavorsMixes smoothly without a chalky aftertasteConsMore carbs and fat than other whey protein powders on this listNot the best fit for individuals sensitive to lactoseIts blend of whey protein concentrate and casein provides 25 grams of protein per serving, mixes into a creamy texture, and comes in flavors that don’t taste artificial or leave an aftertaste. Blueberry Muffin may just be my personal favorite, but I haven’t tried a flavor I wouldn’t happily keep in my pantry.Like all BPN products, this checks every quality box I look for. It’s NSF Certified for Sport and independently tested by Light Labs to verify its protein content and screen for heavy metals, gluten, and harmful microorganisms like mold.Read More: Best Protein PowdersWhey Protein Source(s)instantized whey protein concentrate (also contains micellar casein)Protein per Serving25gThird-Party TestingNSF Certified for SportFlavor OptionsBanana french toast, blueberry muffin, chocolate peanut butter, cinnamon roll, fudge chocolate, milk n' cookies, peanut butter, pumpkin spice, strawberry, vanillaMost Surprising FlavorBlueberry muffinProsIndulgent and satisfying flavorsSmooth, creamy textureInformed Choice certified, with several flavors NSF Certified for SportConsContains artificial sweetenersLikely not suitable for those with lactose intoleranceAs a St. Louis native, I have to give a special shoutout to the gooey butter cake flavor. It captures the rich, buttery taste of the local classic remarkably well, and getting that alongside 24 grams of protein feels like a home run at Busch Stadium.The texture deserves just as much credit. Some protein powders are thin and watery, while others clump or leave behind a chalky mouthfeel. This one blends into a smooth, creamy, milkshake-like texture. The fact that every flavor is Informed Choice certified—and several are NSF Certified for Sport—is the cherry on top.Read More: Best Vegan Protein PowdersWhey Protein Source(s)whey protein concentrateProtein per Serving23-24gThird-Party TestingInformed Choice, NSF Certified for SportFlavor OptionsBirthday cake, blueberry muffin, caramel latte, chocolate natural, gooey butter cake, ice cream cookie, iced oatmeal cookie, milk chocolate, peppermint bark, salted peanut butter, strawberry milkshake, vanilla ice cream, vanilla naturalMost Surprising FlavorGooey butter cakeAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsExcellent value, especially with a subscriptionThird-party tested by Informed ChoiceMore than 20 flavor optionsConsNot recommended for those tested for banned substancesSome flavors contain artificial sweeteners and colorsIf protein powder is part of your day-to-day, cost per serving starts to matter. Depending on the container size and subscription, each serving of this powder costs as little as $1.09—roughly half the price of some other protein powders on this list. That makes it one of the most affordable ways to add 24 grams of high-quality protein to your day without sacrificing quality.What I appreciate is that the lower price tag doesn’t require many of the compromises you’d expect with budget-friendly supplements. For starters, it’s third-party tested through Informed Choice. You also get more than 20 flavor options—including cookies & cream, fruity cereal, and s’mores—so you’re not limited to a handful of basic choices.Each serving provides 24 grams of protein from a blend of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey, with isolate serving as the primary protein source. It also remains relatively lean, with no more than 4 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fat per serving.Read More: Best Creatine SupplementsWhey Protein Source(s)Whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed wheyProtein per Serving24gThird-Party TestingInformed ChoiceFlavor OptionsBanana cream, caramel macchiato, chocolate, chocolate coconut, chocolate hazelnut, chocolate mint, chocolate peanut butter, cinnamon roll, coffee, cookies & cream, delicious strawberry, double rich chocolate, extreme milk chocolate, french vanilla crème, fruity cereal, mocha cappuccino, rocky road, s’mores, strawberries & cream, strawberry banana, vanilla, vanilla ice cream, white chocolateMost Surprising FlavorFruity cerealProsInformed Sport certifiedUses isolate, so may be suitable for those with lactose intoleranceConsSweeteners vary by flavor, but include stevia, sucralose, and acesulfame potassiumHigher calories, carbs, and fat than some ultra-lean isolatesLimited flavor selection compared to others on this listThis whey protein isolate proves you don’t have to sacrifice texture to get the benefits of an isolate. It offers the lower lactose content and high-quality protein that’s expected from an isolate, without the thin, watery texture common in many formulas.The formula includes 1 gram of added L-leucine and 20 micrograms of vitamin D3, nutritional extras you don’t often find in many whey isolates. The added MCTs give the shake a more satisfying and creamier texture.Whey Protein Source(s)Whey protein isolateProtein per Serving25gThird-Party TestingInformed SportFlavor OptionsChocolate peanut butter, creamy vanilla, dutch chocolate, fruity cereal, unflavoredMost Surprising FlavorDutch chocolateAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsEvery flavor is NSF Certified for SportTravel-friendly packet optionsIncludes digestive enzymes to support protein digestionConsFewer flavor options than many competitorsTravel packets only available for select flavorsEvery flavor is NSF Certified for Sport, giving athletes added confidence during training and competition.I also appreciate that it’s available in travel packets in select flavors. Whether you’re traveling for a race, heading to training camp, or simply packing your gym bag before work, it’s much easier to grab a few packets than carry around an entire tub of protein powder.The convenience doesn’t come at the expense of solid nutrition. Made with grass-fed whey protein isolate, it delivers 20 grams of protein for just 90 calories while remaining naturally low in carbohydrates and fat.Whey Protein Source(s)Grass-fed whey protein isolateProtein per Serving20gThird-Party TestingNSF Certified for SportFlavor OptionsChocolate, chocolate coconut, pure cinnamon, spiced chai, strawberry, unflavored, vanillaMost Surprising FlavorSpiced chaiProsGenerous protein per serving with little to no carbs and fatBlends seamlessly into foods and recipesInformed Choice & Informed Protein certifiedConsPricier than many other picks on this listBest suited for mixing into foods or smoothiesThis one blends seamlessly into smoothies, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, baked goods, and more, adding protein while letting the original flavors have their moment.Made with just two ingredients—grass-fed whey protein isolate and a small amount of sunflower lecithin for easier mixing—it delivers 28 grams of protein with 0 grams of carbohydrates and just 0.5 grams of fat per serving. That also means no added sweeteners, flavors, or unwanted fillers.Along with Informed Choice certification, it’s also Informed Protein certified, meaning the protein content has been independently verified. Product purity and ingredient verification results are also available online.Whey Protein Source(s)Grass-fed whey protein isolateProtein per Serving28gThird-Party TestingInformed Choice, Informed ProteinFlavor OptionsUnflavored, but also available in 20+ optionsMost Surprising Flavorn/aAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsOffers 20 grams of whey protein isolate for just 100 caloriesLight, refreshing alternative to creamy shakesInformed Sport & Certified Gluten-FreeConsOnly two flavor optionsSlightly less protein per serving than other powdersAfter a long summer run or steamy workout, sometimes you want your protein to feel more like a thirst-quenching sports drink than a milkshake. That’s exactly what this clear whey formula delivers, packing 20 grams of high-quality protein into a light, refreshing drink for just 100 calories—a welcome change from traditional protein shakes.It’s Informed Sport certified and Certified Gluten-Free, meaning the finished product—not just the ingredients—has been independently verified to meet strict gluten-free standards.The two flavor options, orange mango and pineapple coconut, are bright, fruit-forward, and lightly sweetened. If you’ve ever wished protein powder tasted a little less like dessert, this formula is a refreshing reminder that it doesn’t have to.Whey Protein Source(s)Whey protein isolateProtein per Serving20gThird-Party TestingInformed Sport, Certified Gluten-FreeFlavor OptionsOrange mango, pineapple coconutMost Surprising FlavorPineapple coconut