The Best Protein Powders, Bars, and Shakes for Women Over 50

ProsHigh-quality whey isolate with 3 grams of leucine per serving to support muscleMinimal lactose compared with whey concentrateNSF Certified for SportConsOnly available in three flavorsContains milk, so it isn’t suitable for people with a milk allergy or those looking for a plant-based optionThinner consistency compared to whey concentrate Each scoop provides 25 grams of whey protein isolate and 3 grams of leucine, putting it right in the range I look for in a protein powder. Research consistently supports combining whey protein with resistance training to help preserve and build muscle, which can help you maintain strength as you age.Because it’s an isolate, most of the lactose has been filtered out. It isn’t completely lactose-free, but it may be easier to tolerate if other dairy products tend to bother your stomach.Whether you choose chocolate, mocha, or vanilla, it’s an easy way to add protein throughout the day. Mix it with water, blend it into a smoothie, or stir it into oatmeal or yogurt. Just keep in mind that whey isolate tends to be lighter and thinner than whey concentrate or casein, especially when mixed on its own.It’s also NSF Certified for Sport, and the whey is Truly Grass Fed certified, meaning it meets certain standards for grass-fed dairy from Irish farms. That commitment to quality is one reason I’ve kept BPN products in my supplement routine for years and feel confident recommending them.Read More: Best Whey Protein PowdersProtein SourceGrass-fed whey protein isolate Protein per Serving 25 gramsFlavorsFudge chocolate, mocha, vanillaThird-Party Testing NSF Certified for SportProsComplete plant-based protein with all nine essential amino acidsFull amino acid profile is disclosedInformed Sport CertifiedConsThicker texture than many whey protein powdersUnflavored version may have a noticeable soy tasteOne serving provides 20 grams of soy protein, a complete plant protein with all nine essential amino acids. NOW also publishes the full amino acid profile, so you can see exactly what you’re getting in each serving, and the powder is Informed Sport Certified.Soy is a solid option for supporting muscle, too. In a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, soy, whey, and a whey-soy blend produced similar gains in lean body mass and strength when paired with resistance training.All three flavors work well in shakes, smoothies, oatmeal, and other recipes. Chocolate and vanilla add some sweetness and flavor, while unflavored gives you more flexibility for savory dishes or recipes where you don’t want the protein powder competing with other ingredients.Read More: Best Protein PowdersProtein SourceSoy proteinProtein per Serving 20 gramsFlavorsCreamy chocolate, creamy vanilla, unflavored Third-Party Testing Informed Sport CertifiedAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsProvides complete, high-quality milk protein to support muscleExcellent source of calcium and vitamin D to support bone healthLactose-free and shelf-stable for added convenienceConsContains artificial sweetenersOnly available in two flavorsI’ve tried my fair share of protein shakes, and I genuinely love this one. The chocolate tastes remarkably close to regular chocolate milk, without that “protein-y” flavor I notice in many shakes. The biggest challenge may be not chugging the entire bottle.And there’s plenty of protein behind that chocolate-milk taste: Each bottle provides 30 grams of complete milk protein for 150 calories, plus 60 percent of the Daily Value for calcium and 25 percent for vitamin D, giving you nutrients that support both muscle and bone.It’s also lactose-free, with lactase added to break down the lactose, while ultrafiltration concentrates the protein naturally found in milk. Just keep in mind that lactose-free doesn’t mean dairy-free, so this one won’t work if you avoid milk altogether.The unopened bottles are shelf-stable, so you can toss one in your work bag or suitcase or keep a few on hand for days when mixing a shake feels like one step too many.Read More: Best Vitamin D Supplements for WomenProtein SourceUltra-filtered milk (casein and whey)Protein per Serving 30 gramsFlavorsChocolate, vanillaThird-Party Testing N/aProsProvides a substantial amount of complete protein from milk and whey protein isolatesMore than 10 grams of fiber in many flavors Widely available with plenty of flavor optionsConsSugar alcohols may cause digestive upset for some peopleDenser, chewier texture may not appeal to everyoneMany protein bars fall short on protein, but Quest gives you 20 to 21 grams per bar, mostly from milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate. Both are complete proteins, so you’re getting a substantial amount in something you can throw in your bag rather than mix in a shaker.The bars also pack in plenty of fiber, with many flavors providing more than 10 grams per bar. That can help them feel filling, though higher fiber content, sugar alcohols, and other sugar substitutes may cause digestive discomfort for some people. If you prefer a smaller portion, select flavors also come in minis with 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber each.You’re not stuck choosing between two or three flavors, either. Quest makes everything from chocolate chip cookie dough and cookies & cream to lemon cake and s’mores, so you have some room to figure out which ones you actually like. The bars are also certified gluten-free.Another reason I keep coming back to Quest is how accessible the bars are. They’re sold at plenty of grocery and convenience stores, so you can grab one on the road, between errands, or when you didn’t have time—or simply forgot—to pack something ahead.Read More: Best Protein Bars for WomenProtein SourceMilk protein isolate, whey protein isolateProtein per Serving 20-21 gramsFlavorsApple pie, birthday cake, blueberry muffin, chocolate brownie, chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate peanut butter, cookies & cream, double chocolate chunk, lemon cake, mint chocolate chunk, pumpkin pie, s’mores, strawberry shortcake, white chocolate raspberryThird-Party Testing N/aAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsMore nutritionally complete than a typical protein shakeShelf-stable and ready to drinkWide variety of flavors, including a variety packConsStevia may leave a noticeable aftertastePlant-based taste and texture may not appeal to everyoneUnlike a typical protein shake, this one can actually stand in for a meal. Each bottle provides about 400 calories and 35 grams of plant-based protein, plus carbs, fats, at least 6 grams of fiber, and 27 essential vitamins and minerals.The protein comes from pea and faba bean proteins, which together provide all nine essential amino acids. You’ll also get calcium and vitamin D to help support bone health as you age.The bottles are shelf-stable, so they’re easy to take with you when you need a meal without any prep. I’m partial to the chocolate, which is rich and smooth without being overly sweet. Strawberry banana is another favorite, although the banana definitely comes through more strongly. Other options include cookies & cream, vanilla, iced coffee, and chocolate peanut butter. I especially like the variety box if you want to try a few before committing to a full case of the same flavor.Huel is regulated as a conventional food rather than a dietary supplement, but the company routinely tests its raw materials and finished products for heavy metals, allergens, microbes, and pesticides.Read More: Meal Replacement Shakes GuideProtein SourcePea protein, fava bean proteinProtein per Serving 35 gramsFlavorsChocolate, strawberry banana, cookies & cream, vanilla, iced coffee, chocolate peanut butterThird-Party Testing Raw-material and finished-product testingPros20 grams of collagen peptides per servingUnflavored version has just one ingredient for a simple formulaNSF Certified for SportConsNot a complete proteinDoes not include a measuring scoopThe unflavored version gives you 20 grams of collagen peptides and 18 grams of protein, with just one ingredient: collagen peptides from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide. The bovine collagen provides primarily types I and III collagen, which are abundant in skin, bone, and connective tissue.Collagen has some promising research behind it. In one study, postmenopausal women who took collagen peptides daily for 12 months had greater improvements in bone density in the spine and hip than women who didn’t take collagen. Research also suggests collagen peptides may support skin and joint health.You can choose from flavored options like chocolate and vanilla or stick with unflavored for more versatility. I like stirring the unflavored powder into Greek yogurt or blending it into a smoothie with whey, so you get the collagen alongside a complete, leucine-rich protein.Because collagen is regulated as a dietary supplement, third-party testing matters here. The good news is that Vital Proteins is NSF Certified for Sport.Read More: The Best Collagen PeptidesProtein SourceGrass-fed bovine collagen peptidesProtein per Serving 18 gramsFlavorsChocolate, strawberry lemon, vanillaThird-Party Testing NSF Certified for SportNatascha is an editor and writer covering health, fitness, and the ways people move through the world. She’s been a NASM-certified personal trainer for more than a decade, with a background in functional strength training, corrective exercise, nutrition, and behavior change. She has additional CES, CNC, BCS, and SFC certifications. She is also a level-2 certified Spinning instructor. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, and other outlets, and her experience spans both editorial and hands-on work across the fitness industry. Whether she’s writing about training, health, or performance, she’s most interested in making complicated topics useful, approachable, and helpful.