The Best Whey Protein Powders To Buy Now, According To Registered Dieticians

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Of all the protein powders on the market, whey formulas is one of the most popular types. That's because whey is easily digested and absorbs faster than other protein powder sources.

“Whey protein powders are great for anyone looking to meet their protein needs who also have trouble meeting that requirement through whole foods only or those who may be limited on time and need a convenient source of high-quality, complete protein,” says registered dietician Taylor Lucas, RDN, LD, an Olympic weightlifter.

Finding the right whey protein powder for your needs can feel daunting, with so many varieties on the market. “My hot take is that if you’re going to spend the money on a protein supplement, make sure that it is high-quality and worth the investment,” says registered dietician Katie Schimmelpfenning, RD, a swim coach, and Founder of Eat Swim Win.

Best protein powders

Our experts agree that a high-quality protein powder will be third-party tested and free from any substances banned by major athletic regulating agencies. Look at the label for third-party certification seals like USP, NSF, or Informed Choice, all verifying that the product has been tested. You’ll also want to choose a protein powder that has at least 20 grams of protein per serving and consider the taste, how you plan to use the powder (as a shake or mixed into other foods), and any sweeteners or additives that may lead to adverse reactions or gut sensitivities.

What to consider

Safety and testing

Protein powders are considered supplements, not food, so they’re not regulated by the FDA. Without regulation, there’s a higher likelihood that your protein powder includes dangerous elements or doesn’t actually provide everything it says it does.

In 2018, The Clean Label Project tested 134 protein powders and found that 70% of them had measurable levels of lead, while 74% had levels of cadmium, another heavy metal. “Third-party testing ensures the quality and honesty of what is in your protein powder," says Lucas. "USP, Informed Choice, and NSF are all certifications to look out for" This is especially important if you compete in any type of sports, as these third-party certificates guarantee that the product is free from substances banned by major athletic regulating agencies.

Amount of protein

To get the most bang for your buck, experts recommend looking for a protein powder with at least 20 grams per serving. This can help you reach your protein goals more easily than with a smaller serving.

Sweeteners and other additives

If you have a sensitive stomach or want to limit added sugars or artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or other additives, make sure to read through the ingredient list on your whey protein powder. “Chicory root, sugar alcohols, dyes, gums, excessive fiber, and artificial sweeteners can upset the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract),” says Schimmelpfenning.

How we selected

To choose the best whey protein powders, we spoke with registered dietitians who regularly work with athletes to find their favorite protein powders to recommend. Each whey protein powder is certified by Informed Choice, NSF, or USP and provides at least 20 grams of protein. Read on for our definitive list.

Native Whey Protein Blend

“Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein powder is a great option for those who prefer flavored protein powders,” says Schimmelpfenning. You can choose unflavored or five other tasty blends, like chocolate peanut butter or lemon sorbet. It’s sweetened with stevia and contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. I love the texture and taste of this protein powder, as there’s no grittiness or bitter aftertaste.

Each serving has 25 grams of protein from whey protein isolate and concentrate, 4 grams of carbohydrates, and 115 milligrams of sodium. Besides being Informed Sport Certified, it’s also certified gluten-free, so even people with celiac disease can use it confidently.

Read more: Best Vegan Protein Powders

Sports Unflavored Whey Protein Isolate

Now Sports Unflavored Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent, high-quality, and budget-friendly protein powder. “Each serving has 25 grams of protein and over 2 grams of leucine, which is the amino acid that stimulates muscle growth and repair,” says Schimmelpfenning.

If you need a protein powder that’s easy on the stomach, this one is worth trying. Whey isolate is usually 90% protein, with less lactose than conventional whey, making it easier to digest, even for those with lactose intolerance. This is one of my personal favorites since it blends well with milk or water and can be added to baked goods, oatmeal, or smoothies without changing the flavor.

“This whey protein powder is also free of chicory root, sugar alcohols, dyes, gums, fiber, and artificial sweeteners that can upset your gastrointestinal tract,” Schimmelpfenning adds. If you decide to use the vanilla or chocolate flavors, those are sweetened with xylitol (a sugar alcohol) and stevia.

Roctane Protein Recovery

Gu Roctane Protein Recovery is perfect for endurance athletes, whether mixed with milk or water. “I recommend athletes consume this protein powder post-workout to help replenish electrolytes, restore muscle glycogen, and repair muscle after training,” says Schimmelpfenning. The 30 grams of carbohydrates and 10% DV of sodium can help you replenish and recover after running, swimming, or other endurance training sessions.

The small ingredient list includes just dextrose as a carbohydrate source, whey protein, L-glutamine (an amino acid that can help improve fatigue markers after exercise, like increased glycogen synthesis and reduced ammonia), salt, and natural flavors. While this is expert-recommended for its effectiveness and quality, it is expensive at around $3 per serving.

Vanilla Whey Protein Powder

“Naked Whey protein is an excellent option for an unflavored protein powder that you can sneak into any food if you don't love protein shakes,” says Lucas. She recommends adding it to soups, dips, oatmeal, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and sauces to increase your protein intake without relying on a shake. However, if you want to use Naked Whey in a shake, it blends well with water or milk and is also available in chocolate or vanilla flavors. One serving has 25 grams of protein from whey protein concentrate.

The unflavored option includes only whey protein concentrate, while the flavored options have two more ingredients: organic sugar and flavor (chocolate or vanilla). If you’re concerned with sourcing and sustainability, the whey used in this powder is sourced from grass-fed, free-roaming cows from farms in Idaho and Northern California.

Whey Protein Isolate

“Thorne whey protein is NSF certified for sport, making it a trustworthy brand that is tested for banned substances to ensure athletes have the peace of mind that they are taking a clean product,” says Lucas. Each serving has 21 grams of protein from whey protein isolate, including 2.3 grams of leucine to aid muscle repair.

This powder also contains a blend of bromelain and papain, enzymes that help to digest protein. This helps your body digest and use as much of the protein as possible.

Meet the experts

• Taylor Lucas, RDN, LD, is a registered dietician and an Olympic weightlifter.

• Katie Schimmelpfenning, RD, is a registered dietician, swim coach, and Founder of Eat Swim Win.

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