14 Best Protein Powders For Women in 2024, Tested and Reviewed
<p>That’s just the beginning. “<em>When</em> you eat is really just as important as what you eat,” says White. That’s especially true for protein. Unlike other macronutrients (carbs and fat), you’re not able to store protein. That means your body needs a consistent stream of it coming in. (One protein-packed meal a day will not cut it.) </p><p>There is no one-size-fits-all protein powder definition, but “‘isolated protein <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g19961434/vitamins-and-nutrients-for-women/” target=”_blank”>supplement</a>’ is probably the best way to describe it,” says White. The powder you scoop out of the tub is extracted from a protein-rich food and converted into the mixable form. “There are a variety of different animal- and plant-based protein powders,” White adds. </p><p class=”body-tip”>Meet the experts: <a href=”https://danawhitenutrition.com/” target=”_blank”>Dana White, RD</a>, is a registered dietitian and an athletic trainer who specializes in sports nutrition. <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/caraleighfit/?hl=en” target=”_blank”>Cara Carmichael, CPT</a>, is a certified fitness and nutrition coach based in Colorado. <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/dr.winnatlife/?hl=en” target=”_blank”>Winnie Yu, CSCS, DPT</a>, is a physical therapist at Bespoke Physical Therapy in New York City. </p><h2>What to consider </h2><h3>Protein Source </h3><p>While animal-based protein powders will likely be a single source (like whey, casein, or collagen), plant-based protein powders are generally a blend of different plant proteins (soy, hemp, pea, rice, and more). “Out of the 20 amino acids that exist, there are nine essential amino acids that you can only get from food,” says White. “Animal-based foods have all nine essential amino acids, whereas plant-based proteins are lacking one or more of those nine essential amino acids.” (FYI: Soy is the only plant-based protein that includes all essential amino acids; the rest need to be combined to deliver the essential amino acids.) </p><h2>How We Selected</h2><p>Now that you know <em>why</em> protein powder is awesome for your fitness goals and overall health, it’s time to find your new favorite match. We consulted registered dietitians, certified trainers, physical therapists, and WH editors, then carefully combed the product reviews, to find the 14 best protein powders for women.<br></p>”/>
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Best Protein Powder For Pregnancy/Postpartum
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum
Best Protein Powder For Pregnancy/Postpartum
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum
This perinatal-friendly formula includes pea protein and essential L-methionine for a complete amino acid profile. You don’t have to worry about confusing or questionable ingredients here, either. There is no sugar added, no artificial flavors, and it’s free of soy and gluten. It’s also third-party tested for efficacy.
Editor review: “During the early days of breastfeeding when both my daughter and I seemed to have insatiable appetites, I kept this protein powder close at hand. It was easy to whip up a shake and drink with one hand to ensure I got the nutrients I needed for all my new mom tasks.”—Jennifer Nied
Protein Source
Pea
Protein Per Serving
20 grams
Flavors
vanilla
Best Vanilla Protein Powder
Promix Whey Protein Powder
Best Vanilla Protein Powder
Promix Whey Protein Powder
Now 28% Off
Made from grass-fed cows free of hormones, this protein powder packs in 25g grams of protein and 5.9g of branched-chain amino acids for ultimate recovery and muscle-building power. It doesn’t skimp on flavor either, with multiple tasty options to choose from and subtle sweetness from coconut sugar.
Editor review: “I mix the Promix whey protein powder into my coffee every single morning. The powder just tastes so…pure. And the flavor is subtle. My favorite is the Madagascar Vanilla, which gives my coffee a slightly creamy and cozy flavor (especially with a sprinkle of cinnamon). I also love that there are only four ingredients in the Promix powder, and one of them is the whey protein from grass-fed cows.”—Abby Cuffey, WH Executive Editor
Aloha believes you shouldn’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition, and that’s certainly true with this delish chocolate protein powder. It contains a blend of organic pea, organic brown rice, organic pumpkin seed, and organic hemp seed protein to hit all the essential amino acids. Monk fruit extract provides just enough sweetness without artificial sweeteners or excess sugar.
It’s versatile and works well blended in a smoothie or added to baked goods, like muffins and cookies to up the protein content.
Protein Source
pea, brown rice
Protein Per Serving
18 grams
Flavors
chocolate, vanilla
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Best Vegetarian Protein Powder
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Best Vegetarian Protein Powder
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Pea, brown rice, and chia seed form the base for this plant-based protein powder. It also contains prebiotics and fiber to support gut and overall health. There is zero sugar, too. Instead sweetness comes from stevia and erythritol.
Fun fact it’s a fave of USWNT start Alex Morgan..
Editor review: “As a vegetarian, I’m a huge fan of Orgain plant-based protein—especially the vanilla bean and creamy chocolate fudge flavors. I mix two scoops into my breakfast smoothie every morning with some blueberries, spinach, banana, peanut butter, and almond milk because it ensures I get the necessary protein I need every day, while still allowing me to live a whole foods, plant-forward lifestyle.”—Lindsay Geller, WH Lifestyle Director
Protein Source
pea, brown rice, chia seed
Protein Per Serving
21 grams
Flavors
creamy chocolate fudge, chocolate coconut, iced coffee, cookies ‘n cream
Best Goat Whey Protein Powder
Tera’s Whey Protein
Best Goat Whey Protein Powder
Tera’s Whey Protein
Plant-based protein powders aren’t your only option if you’re sensitive to dairy. Enter goat whey protein, which is a fave of Addison Aloian, WH Editorial Assistant. The cold-pressed, non-denatured whey is smooth and creamy, perfect for blending in smoothies. You can rest easy because the goats are pasture-raised without the use of rBGH and rBST. It also contains all nine essential amino acids and no added sugar.
Editor review: “This protein powder was originally recommended to me by my mom, and I’m absolutely loving it. It packs a hefty 22 grams of protein in two scoops, and it tastes AMAZING—I personally love putting it into my blueberry breakfast smoothies, and it makes them taste like legit pie, without all the sugar.”—Aloian
Protein Source
Goat whey
Protein Per Serving
22 grams
Flavors
Unflavored
Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
Gnarly Nutrition Whey Grass-fed Protein
Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
Gnarly Nutrition Whey Grass-fed Protein
Derived from non-rBGH New Zealand grass-fed cows, this supplement supports muscle synthesis and immune health without disrupting digestion. Prebiotics and probiotics make it easy on even sensitive stomachs. Plus a digestive enzyme mix boosts protein absorption. This mix gets White’s stamp of approval.
Protein Source
Grass-fed whey
Protein Per Serving
25 grams
Flavors
Chocolate, Vanilla
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Best Greens Blend Protein Powder
Sakara Protein + Greens
Best Greens Blend Protein Powder
Sakara Protein + Greens
From the team behind the chic vegan meal-delivery service comes a convenient plant-based protein powder. It features 12 grams of protein from pea, hemp, and pumpkin and a combo of greens (organic spirulina, organic wheatgrass, organic barley grass, organic chlorella) to boost veggie intake. There is no gluten, refined sugar, or dairy on the ingredient list. Instead, it is sweetened ever so slightly by stevia leaf extract.
Protein Source
Organic pea, Hemp, Pumpkin Seed
Protein Per Serving
17 grams
Flavors
Hint of vanilla
Best Flavor Options
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
Best Flavor Options
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
This fast-absorbing 100% whey isolate protein includes 5.5 grams of BCAAs and is easy on the stomach. On top of that it tastes delicious and comes in a mind-boggling array of flavors. If you think all protein powder tastes like dirt, at least one of the unique flavors (Dunkin cappuccino, strawberry, or Cocoa Pebbles to name a few) is sure to change your mind.
Editor review: “After years of avoiding whey and the acne that generally came with it, I gave this protein powder a try. Not only did it taste delicious, but I had no skin issues whatsoever. I felt energized and satiated all day whether I added it to my coffee in the morning or a shake snack in the afternoon.”—Jennifer Nied, WH Fitness Editor
Protein Source
Whey Isolate
Protein Per Serving
25 grams
Flavors
11 varieties
Best Custom Blend
Gainful Personalized Protein Powder
Best Custom Blend
Gainful Personalized Protein Powder
Complete a quick quiz to determine what protein blend is best for your goals and nutrition needs. All the custom blends include all nine essential amino acids from seven or fewer ingredients, so you know you’re getting what your bod needs. You’ll also have access to a registered dietitian for food questions.
Each one is unflavored and comes with flavor packets. Choose from strawberry cream, Madagascar vanilla, rich chocolate, caffè mocha, cookies & cream, chocolate peanut butter, cinnamon toast, and sea salt caramel to punch up the taste.
Protein Source
Pea, Brown rice, Whey, BCAA blend, and/or Casein
Protein Per Serving
19 to 27 grams
Flavors
8 varieties
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Best Vegan Blend Protein Powder
Four Sigmatic Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Best Vegan Blend Protein Powder
Four Sigmatic Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Adaptogens give this plant-based protein a leg up to help nourish and improve mental and physical health. The unflavored formula blends quickly and tastes great thanks to a naturally sweet mix of organic coconut palm sugar, organic lucuma, pink Himalayan salt, organic cinnamon, and organic monk fruit.
In addition to 18 grams of plant-based protein, each serving includes 1000 mg of functional mushrooms (chaga extract, reishi extract, turkey tail extract, cordyceps extract, and lion’s mane extract) and 500 mg of adaptogens (ashwagandha and eleuthero).
Editor review: “I love the unflavored Four Sigmatic protein powder because it blends really nicely into smoothies and pancake mix for a quick-and-delicious boost. The fact that it’s plant-based (pea protein) is perfect for me, as whey protein typically upsets my stomach.”—Jacqueline Andriakos, Executive Health & Fitness Director
Eggs are an excellent way to fulfill your protein needs, but this protein powder has you covered when there isn’t time to crack and cook them up.
The brand also comes with third-party testing, so you know there aren’t questionable substances lurking and it’s an effective batch of ingredients. What you do get are 20 grams of protein with BCAAs in every serving.
Protein Source
Egg
Protein Per Serving
20 grams
Flavors
Unflavored
Best Texture
Bare Performance Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
Best Texture
Bare Performance Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
This whey-casein protein blend contains 25 grams of protein per serving to improve recovery and build muscle. The texture is topnotch and blends to creamy perfection every time.
Editor review: “I’ve tried so many protein powders and BPN (Bare performance) vanilla whey protein powder is my go to for its simple vanilla flavor. Texture is also very important and I find this one smooth and not gritty so it’s perfect for adding to oatmeal, yogurt or blending into a smoothie.”—Tina Martinez, WH food producer
Protein Source
Whey, Casein
Protein Per Serving
25 grams
Flavors
Vanilla, Chocolate
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Best Unflavored Protein Powder
Kion Clean Protein Powder
Best Unflavored Protein Powder
Kion Clean Protein Powder
This grass-fed whey protein isolate powder boasts 20 grams of high-quality protein per serving and no additives. You won’t find any gluten, soy, or sugar on the ingredients list.
Editor review: “It’s rigorously tested so I know I’m getting the highest quality, cleanest protein possible. I have NEVER found an unflavored protein powder that actually is tasteless like Kion’s without a hint of chemical. It’s my go-to powder for overnight protein oats that taste like oats.”—Liz Plosser, WH editor in chief
Protein Source
Grass-fed whey isolate
Protein Per Serving
20 grams
Flavors
Vanilla, Chocolate, Unflavored
Most Refreshing Protein Powder
Women’s Best Clear Whey Isolate
Most Refreshing Protein Powder
Women’s Best Clear Whey Isolate
You might think protein powders must all be creamy, but that just isn’t the case. This clear version is packed with high-quality whey protein isolate to promote muscle building and recovery and skip the digestive distress that commonly comes with dairy. It’s also low in lactose, fat, and carbohydrates to support your performance and blends so well you can shake with water for an on-the-go boost.
Trainer review: “If you want the benefits of protein without the bloating/creaminess that comes with traditional protein powder, this clear whey protein has been one of my training essentials. It’s clear, light, and refreshing for a post-run recovery drink.”—Winnie Yu, CSCS, DPT, physical therapist at Bespoke Physical Therapy in New York City
Protein Source
Whey Isolate
Protein Per Serving
26 grams
Flavors
Iced tea peach, Cherry lemonade, Lemon sherbet
Why do I need protein powder in the first place?
Short answer: You need protein to live. “No one is surviving without amino acids,” says White. “If you’re not meeting your protein needs on a daily basis, you’re not going to be able to reach your fitness goals, either,” she adds.
You may immediately think about building muscle, but protein serves a lot of other important functions, too. “Those amino acids get repackaged into a variety of different things—enzymes, hormones, muscle,” says White. Immune system function, pH in the body, hormone regulation, and more come from protein consumption.
“Especially as women age and metabolism changes and hormone function changes, it’s even more important to make sure that they’re meeting those daily goals for amino acid intake,” says White.
The quality and quantity of protein matters, according to Cara Carmichael, CPT, fitness and nutrition coach. “The reason why the quality matters is for bioavailability, or how your body breaks it down and uses the nutrients,” she says. “If you’re training hard, but you’re not seeing results you’re probably not getting enough protein to build new muscle. You’re like a hamster in a wheel, not getting anywhere. Think of your diet as allowing you to reveal all your hard work.”
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How can I use protein powder in my routine?
From shaking it up with water on the simple end to baking with it on the more elaborate side, protein powder offers truly endless, tasty options. Get the scoop on how trainers prefer to load up on protein throughout the day:
Don’t skip breakfast
The first meal of the day is an excellent place to pump up your protein, according to Carmichael. If you’re skipping the morning meal, you’re missing out on a prime opportunity for 30 to 50 grams of protein, she adds. Her go-to is a protein smoothie with a scoop of protein powder, Greek yogurt, cup of fruit, and water.
Snack on protein
Another fave of Carmichael’s anytime of day is a yogurt bowl. She starts with 1.5 cups of Greek yogurt and mixes in a scoop of protein powder and berries. “It’s a fabulous sweet tooth snack,” she says.
Combine with carbs for recovery
“If you mix protein powder with water post-workout, it probably doesn’t have enough carbohydrate to support good muscle recovery,” says White. To add the necessary carbs (and replenish your body’s glycogen stores used up in your sweat), mix the powder with milk or juice, or grab a banana on the side, she adds.
Don’t dry scoop
Thankfully the trend of chowing down on a plain scoop of protein powder has largely fallen by the wayside. Whew! Still, if you’re tempted to try it, just don’t, according to White. “You definitely want to dilute protein powder in something,” she says.
Jennifer Nied is the fitness editor at Women’s Health and has more than 10 years of experience in health and wellness journalism. She’s always out exploring—sweat-testing workouts and gear, hiking, snowboarding, running, and more—with her husband, daughter, and dog.