We Evaluated Dozens of Protein Powders With Expert Scrutiny. These Deliver on Performance and Purity

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Protein powders are a staple for anyone serious about hitting their protein goals, building muscle, or recovering from intense workouts. They’re quick, convenient, and versatile, making it easy to fuel your body whether you’re running to work, hitting the gym, or stacking meals throughout the day. But with hundreds of options on the market, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Every label promises it’s clean, grass-fed, and the best-tasting, and without a little guidance, it’s hard to know which products actually deliver results.

That’s why we’ve done the testing for you, analyzing the most popular protein powders on the market and scoring them based on ingredients, taste, mixability, third-party testing, and price. We dug into dozens of products to find the ones that truly stand out, and from that research, we picked the best option in ten different categories to match a wide variety of goals.

Want the inside scoop on the best fitness gear of the year? Explore the rest of the 2026 Men’s Journal Fitness Awards, where we’ve tested everything from pre-workouts and hydration supplements to cross-training shoes and workout shorts.

Best Protein Powders of 2026 at a Glance

• Best Protein Powder Overall: Momentous Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Budget Protein Powder:Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder
• Best-Tasting Protein Powder: Raw Nutrition Bum Itholate Protein
• Best Protein Powder for Athletes:Klean Athlete Klean Isolate
• Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss:Thorne Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain: The BrickHouse Whey
• Best Clean Protein Powder:Equip Prime Protein
• Best Whey Protein Powder:XWERKS Grow 100% New Zealand Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Vegan Protein Powder: Swolverine Plant Protein
• Best Non-Dairy Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Beef Protein Isolate

Best Protein Powders of 2026

Best Protein Powder Overall: Momentous Whey Protein Isolate

Momentous Whey Protein Isolate is our choice for the best overall protein powder. From the high-quality protein sourced from European grass-fed cows to the excellent taste and mixability, this protein powder is hard to beat. Each serving delivers 20 grams of protein, making it a simple and effective way to hit your daily protein targets.

Starting with the packaging, this supplement comes in a slim white container with a screw-top lid that’s easy to open and close. The narrow design fits neatly in my pantry without taking up a lot of space, and the label, which is clean and easy to read, features both the supplement facts and a typical amino acid profile. It also highlights the NSF Certified for Sport badge, which confirms that the product is third-party tested and verified to be banned-substance-free.

For testing, I tried both the Chocolate and Vanilla flavors since they’re usually the most popular. Momentous also offers six other flavors, including Mint Chocolate, Spiced Chai, and Chocolate Coconut, for those who like variety. The first thing that stood out was how fine the powder was and how easily it mixed in a standard shaker bottle. Both flavors dissolved completely in under 30 seconds of vigorous shaking, creating a smooth, clump-free shake. The Chocolate was rich and cocoa-forward, while the Vanilla was creamy and satisfying. Both tasted natural, with a balanced sweetness from monk fruit and stevia rather than the artificial sweeteners common in other brands.

Key Product Features

• Protein Per Serving: 20g
• Protein Source: Grass-fed whey protein isolate
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Mint Chocolate, Spiced Chai, Chocolate Coconut, Pure Cinnamon, Unflavored
• Price Per Serving: $2.39 one-time purchase, $2.15 subscribe-and-save discount

Best Budget Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder

When you’re looking for a budget-friendly protein powder, Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is a great choice. For the best value, the five-pound tub comes with 63 servings of protein at just $1 per serving, making it one of the most affordable options on the market. Plus, you can save even more with Nutricost’s subscribe and save discount, which takes an additional 20 percent off your order.

The formula is straightforward, featuring a basic whey protein concentrate that delivers 25 grams of protein per scoop. I tested the vanilla flavor, which mixed easily and tasted like a sweeter version of skim milk. The vanilla flavor isn’t very strong, so the sweetness from the sucralose stands out the most. To balance the sweetness, I recommend mixing with 12 to 16 ounces of liquid instead of the suggested 6 to 10 ounces. You can also mix with milk instead of water for a thicker and creamier shake.

The only real drawback of the five-pound tub is its bulky size, which takes up a lot of pantry space. On the bright side, it lasts about two months, so you won’t have to reorder as often.

Key Product Features

• Protein Per Serving: 25g
• Protein Source: Whey protein concentrate
• Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry Milkshake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Pineapple, Churro, Cookies N’ Cream, Shaq’s Double Double Chocolate, Unflavored
• Price Per Serving: $1 one-time purchase, $0.80 subscribe-and-save discount

Best-Tasting Protein Powder: Raw Nutrition Bum Itholate Protein

If you want a protein powder that tastes great without sacrificing quality, Raw Nutrition Bum Itholate Protein is our top pick. Designed with the help of the six-time Classic Physique Mr. Olympia champion Chris Bumstead, this supplement delivers 25 grams of micro-filtered whey isolate to support lean muscle growth and recovery. In case you're curious about the name “Itholate,” it’s a playful twist on the word isolate, which is Bumstead’s way of jokingly embracing the fact that he speaks with a slight lisp.

We chose this as the best tasting protein powder not only because it’s delicious, but because it comes in 19 creative flavors, including Snickerdoodle, Key Lime Pie, Cinnamon Crunch Cereal, and Grandma’s Apple Pie, to name a few. It’s also Informed Protein Certified, meaning it’s third-party tested to ensure the protein content is accurate and free from any additives that could artificially inflate the protein label claims.

I tested the Mint Chip Ice Cream flavor, which thankfully mixed into a classic chocolate-colored shake without any neon green surprises. It has a strong minty aroma reminiscent of Andes mints, without the toothpaste-like taste that sometimes comes with mint protein powders. Small chocolate chips settle at the bottom, just like a melted bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream, making it a perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. As an isolate, it mixes effortlessly in a standard shaker bottle with zero clumping.

One thing to note is that this protein powder does include both natural and artificial flavors, along with the artificial sweetener sucralose. It’s honestly hard to get these dessert-style flavors without them, but it’s still worth mentioning for anyone who prefers to avoid artificial ingredients.

Key Product Features

• Protein Per Serving: 25g
• Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
• Flavors: Pecan Pie, Grandma’s Apple Pie, Champion Mentality (Cookies & Cream), Snickerdoodle, Mocha Latte, Lemon Cake, Birthday Cake, Key Lime Pie, Mint Chip Ice Cream, Pina Colada, Strawberry Bumcake, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Frosted Frenchie Cookie, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Crunch Cereal, Froth-ted Hot Cocoa, Fudge Brownie, Milk & Cookies, Red Velvet 
• Price Per Serving: $2.20, $1.87 buy 2 discount, $1.76 buy 3 discount

Best Protein Powder for Athletes: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate

Designed specifically for athletes, Klean Athlete Klean Isolate provides 20 grams of whey protein isolate per scoop while keeping the formula free from artificial ingredients. It also carries the NSF Certified for Sport label, which means it's been third-party tested for purity. This makes it a safe choice for competitive athletes by guaranteeing the product is banned-substance-free.

I tested the Unflavored version, and it’s about as clean as a protein powder can get. It includes just two ingredients, whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin. Lecithin is an emulsifier that’s commonly added to protein powders to help them mix smoothly and prevent clumping. The powder mixed easily in a regular shaker bottle and was pretty flavorless (think of a very dilute skim milk), making it a great addition to something like a fruit smoothie.  

If you do prefer a flavored protein powder, Klean Isolate is also available in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry. These varieties still keep the ingredient list to a minimum, relying on monk fruit and stevia as natural sweeteners. 

Key Product Features

• Protein Per Serving: 20g
• Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Unflavored
• Price Per Serving: $2.98

Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Thorne Whey Protein Isolate

The key to sustainable weight loss is eating a diet that promotes fat loss while maintaining as much muscle as possible. Protein is the macronutrient that plays the biggest role in making that happen, which is why Thorne Whey Protein Isolate earned a spot on our list as the best protein powder for weight loss. Each scoop delivers 21 grams of protein for just 100 calories, helping individuals preserve lean muscle mass while keeping calories low. 

I opted for Thorne’s Chocolate flavor, and it mixed smoothly in a shaker bottle filled with eight ounces of water. For such a low-calorie protein powder, it had a surprisingly rich and creamy consistency that would definitely satisfy a chocolate craving while cutting calories. Thorne also includes the digestive enzymes papain and bromelain in the formula, which help your body break down and absorb protein more efficiently. This can be especially helpful for anyone who experiences digestive issues, such as bloating, after drinking a protein shake. 

I also have to mention that it’s NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it’s third-party tested, banned-substance-free, and safe for competitive athletes.

Key Product Features

• Protein Per Serving: 21g
• Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
• Price Per Serving: $2.17 one-time purchase, $1.95 subscribe-and-save discount

Related: I’m a Certified Sports Nutrition Coach. I Swear by These 15 Whey Protein Powders to Build Muscle

Best for Muscle Gain: The BrickHouse Whey 

The BrickHouse Whey is our pick for the best protein powder for muscle gain. It delivers an impressive 27 grams of fermented whey protein isolate per serving and plenty of leucine, the key amino acid that triggers muscle protein synthesis. 

If you’re trying to put on high-quality muscle and some real size, hitting your daily protein goal will make a big difference. During a muscle-building phase, most people need around 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or roughly 0.7 to 1 gram per pound. A high-protein powder like The BrickHouse Whey makes it much easier to meet that target.

In terms of flavors, BrickHouse Nutrition currently offers Chocolate and Unflavored options. I chose the Chocolate. It mixed effortlessly in a shaker bottle and delivered a satisfying cocoa flavor. The shake leans on the sweeter side, with the stevia coming through nicely, making this a great choice if you have a sweet tooth. If you prefer a milder sweetness level, simply adding a bit more water creates a smoother and more balanced flavor. 

Another great feature of this protein powder is the inclusion of digestive enzymes, a blend of proteases, cellulase, amylase, lactase, and lipase, which help break down the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the formula. These enzymes make the shake easier to digest and may reduce bloating or discomfort for those with sensitive stomachs. 

This product also stands out for its packaging. Instead of the large plastic tubs that most companies use, BrickHouse Nutrition packages its whey in a resealable bag that’s easy to store and takes up a minimal amount of space in the pantry.

Key Product Features

• Protein Per Serving: 27g
• Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
• Flavors: Chocolate, Unflavored
• Price Per Serving: $2.31 one-time purchase, $2.08 subscribe-and-save discount

Best Clean Protein Powder: Equip Prime Protein

Equip Prime Protein is our pick for the best clean protein powder because of its simple and minimal ingredient list. Sourced from grass-fed beef protein, this supplement is free from artificial ingredients and unnecessary additives. I tested the Chocolate flavor, which wasn't overly sweet and had only a handful of ingredients, including grass-fed beef protein, cocoa powder, and stevia leaf extract. You can’t get much cleaner than that unless you opt for the Unflavored option, with the sole ingredient being grass-fed beef protein. 

A minor drawback is that the powder does clump when mixed in a shaker bottle, so I recommend using a blender to get a smooth consistency. Once blended, the texture is creamy and enjoyable, especially if you use milk as the mixer instead of water.

What sets Equip apart from typical whey protein powders is its beef protein. Unlike powders that rely on whey isolate or plant protein, Equip provides a different amino acid profile. While it may not be as high in the muscle-building BCAAs, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, it offers a broader range of collagen-supporting amino acids that can benefit joints, connective tissues, and overall recovery. Prime Protein is an excellent choice for anyone who can’t tolerate dairy, follows a paleo-style diet, or wants an easy-to-digest protein that supports the whole body as well as muscle growth.

Key Product Features

• Protein Per Serving: 21g
• Protein Source: Grass-fed beef protein 
• Flavors: Salted Caramel, Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Iced Coffee, Cinnamon Roll, Unflavored
• Price Per Serving: $2.13, $1.73 buy 2 discount, $1.72 buy 3 discount

Best Whey Protein Powder: XWERKS Grow

XWERKS Grow is our pick for the best whey protein powder, thanks to its high-quality sourcing and clean formula. The whey protein isolate comes from New Zealand grass-fed cows that are never exposed to hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides. This ensures a pure and effective protein powder that’s great for building lean muscle. 

Each serving of Grow delivers 25 grams of protein and six grams of branched-chain amino acids, making it a solid choice for muscle growth, repair, and recovery. In addition, the whey protein isolate is ultrafiltered to remove almost all of the carbs, fats, and lactose, making it ideal for anyone who’s dairy-sensitive or following a low-carb diet. 

While XWERKS Grow is available in just four flavors, it consistently ranks among the best-tasting protein powders on the market. It blends almost instantly in a shaker bottle, creating a smooth, grit-free texture with a taste that isn’t overly sweet. I tested the Peanut Butter flavor, and it had a rich, nutty taste with just the right hint of sweetness from the stevia. I enjoyed it so much that I’m planning to grab a bag of the Chocolate too and combine it with the Peanut Butter for a delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter shake.

Key Product Features

• Protein Per Serving: 25g
• Protein Source: Grass-fed whey protein isolate
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Peanut Butter
• Price Per Serving: $2.30 one-time purchase, $2.19 subscribe-and-save discount

Best Vegan Protein Powder: Swolverine Plant Protein

Swolverine Plant Protein takes our top spot as the best vegan protein powder due to its impressive nutrient profile and smart ingredient blend. Swolverine uses a blend of pea protein isolate and pumpkin seed protein, providing a complete amino acid profile plus naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids, something you don’t often see in plant-based formulas. With 25 grams of protein at just 140 calories, it’s also one of the leaner vegan protein powders on the market, making it a great pick for anyone looking to build muscle while keeping calories in check.

I decided to test out the Salted Caramel flavor and was definitely surprised at how well it mixed in a standard shaker bottle, something most plant-based protein powders struggle with. The texture is slightly grainier than whey, which is expected for plant proteins, but it’s not off-putting. As far as the flavor, the caramel comes through nicely and tastes natural, though the “salted” element is barely noticeable. Overall, it has a fairly smooth consistency and subtle sweetness that’s impressive for a vegan protein powder.

Key Product Features

• Protein Per Serving: 25g
• Protein Source: Pea protein isolate, pumpkin protein
• Flavors: Chocolate Cake, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie
• Price Per Serving: $2.10 one-time purchase, $1.78 subscribe-and-save discount

Best Non-Dairy Isolate Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Beef Protein Isolate

If you’re looking for an alternative to whey protein but don’t want to go plant-based, Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Beef Protein Isolate is an excellent non-dairy option. Because it’s made from beef protein isolate, it’s completely lactose-free, making it ideal for anyone with a dairy sensitivity. The protein is also third-party tested, with test results and certificates of analysis available on Transparent Labs’ website, ensuring both purity and quality.

I tested the Vanilla flavor, which comes in a two-pound white plastic container with a screw-top lid that keeps the protein powder fresh and easy to access. The label is clean and visually appealing, featuring a small graphic of a vanilla plant and vanilla ice cream to indicate the flavor. I also appreciated that the scoop was placed right on top of the powder instead of buried inside, making it quick and convenient to use without having to dig around. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the Vanilla flavor. It’s rich, creamy, and all-natural tasting without being overly sweet. After mixing with eight ounces of water, I noticed some foam and a few small clumps that didn’t fully dissolve after the initial shake. A second shake helped, but a few clumps still remained. Overall, the mixability was decent for a beef protein isolate, but for the smoothest texture, I’d highly recommend using a blender. 

This protein powder is slightly pricier than Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate, but for those avoiding dairy, it’s a perfect alternative that delivers 25 grams of high-quality protein, great flavor, and peace of mind from third-party testing. 

Key Product Features

• Protein Per Serving: 25g
• Protein Source: Grass-fed beef protein isolate
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter
• Price Per Serving: $2.17 one-time purchase, $1.95 subscribe-and-save discount

Related: How Much Protein Can Your Body Really Absorb? A Top Expert Weighs In

How We Chose the Best Protein Powders

To find the best protein powder for each superlative, our team tested over 40+ products and scored them across several key criteria. We looked beyond the marketing claims and focused on the things that actually matter for health, performance, and overall value. Each protein powder was evaluated based on the following standards:

• Ingredient Quality: We selected formulas that use high-quality sources of protein and minimal unnecessary additives. 

• Macronutrient Profile: Each protein powder was compared by the protein-to-calorie ratio, carbohydrate and fat content, and suitability for specific goals like muscle gain or weight loss.

• Taste: We evaluated each protein powder to see how good it tastes and whether it was true to flavor. We considered factors like the sweetness level, the texture and consistency, and whether it tasted natural or artificial.

• Mixability: All powders were tested using a standard shaker bottle to assess the texture, consistency, and any clumping. This allowed us to determine which powders require a blender and which mix smoothly on their own. 

• Third-Party Testing: We prioritized brands that sent their products out for third-party testing. Protein powders with widely trusted certifications like NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Choice Certified received additional recognition.

• Cost: We checked the total cost of each protein powder and how many servings it provides. Then we compared the price per serving to see whether the formula and dosage justify the cost.

What to Consider When Choosing a Protein Powder

Before buying a protein powder, it’s important to consider factors like the formula, taste, mixability, third-party testing, and cost. It’s also smart to think about your goals and what you want the protein powder to help you achieve. 

For example, not all whey protein powders are created equal. If your goal is weight loss, it’s best to look for a formula with a high protein-to-calorie ratio, like a whey protein isolate that has fewer calories from carbohydrates and fats. On the other hand, if your goal is to build muscle or improve athletic performance, a whey protein concentrate with some extra calories can assist with muscle growth and recovery. 

You’ll also have to choose a protein powder that fits your diet and any food sensitivities you may have. If you are a vegan or lactose intolerant, then a plant-based powder made with pea, rice, or soy protein is a great alternative to whey. If you avoid dairy but still eat meat, an egg-white or beef protein isolate can work well too. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein should I eat to gain muscle?

Individuals who exercise a lot need more protein than those who are less active. This is especially true if you’re trying to build muscle. During a “bulking” phase, the research suggests a protein intake of 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight, or approximately 0.7 to 1 gram per pound.

Can I take protein powder without working out?

Yes, you can definitely use a protein powder without working out. Protein is important for everyone, not just for those who lift weights or play sports. If you don’t exercise regularly, you may not need as much protein, but it can still be helpful if you struggle to eat enough protein or simply want a quick and easy snack.

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