8 Best Healthy Protein Powders
What’s the best protein to use for protein shakes? We get this question all the time. The answer depends on a few things. The type of protein (whey, egg, vegan, etc) is a huge driving factor based on what you want for your body and so is the quality. Quality is very important to many people. Knowing the source, how it’s processed, additional ingredients, any additives and whether or not it’s organic, non gmo, gluten free and more can are all criteria that may be considered when buying a protein powder. Let’s not forget about taste - taste is also a major contender when it comes to choosing the type of protein powder you want to use for shakes (and to pop it in pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt and more). Based on the three major criteria of type, quality and taste, we’ve come up with a list of our top 8 favorite protein powders (animal and plant based options) for you to choose from.
Have they been tested? Yes! We’ve tried them all but you might need to try a few as well. Sometimes, it takes a little experimentation to decide which option works best for you.
Our Top 8 Favorite Protein Powders
Garden of Life - Certified Organic Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
Why we love it:
Taste & Quality - Not only does it taste great but and mix well with both animal and plant based milks but it is also super high quality and derived from grass fed cows.
HIGH PROTEIN: 21 grams of easy to digest, muscle building protein in a delicious chocolate flavor
POST WORKOUT RECOVERY: Help refuel and repair your muscles with a clean nutritional shake and get back in the gym faster
PROTEIN POWDER WITH PROBIOTICS: Tasty, smooth protein shake with 2 billion CFU probiotics and 4.7 gram of Branched chain amino acids for easy digestion
PROTEIN POWDER: 130 calorie organic whey protein is produced from pasture raised, grass fed cows; right and robust free
ORGANIC: Certified USDA Organic, Non GMO Project Verified, California Grass Fed, American Humane Certified
Ancient Nutrition - Bone Broth Protein
Why we love it:
Ancient Nutrition’s bone broth protein is easily one of our absolute favorites. Why? Not only does it taste great and is super high quality (and comes in a bunch of different flavors), but it’s also has collagen which helps support healthy skin, connective tissue and a healthy gut.
Love this protein in shakes, bowls and baked goods but it’s honestly great in everything.
HIGH PROTEIN - Easily digestible vanilla bone broth protein powder provides 20g of protein per serving, add one level scoop (measuring scoop provided!) of bodybuilding, gut-friendly bone broth powder to your morning coffee, breakfast shake or smoothie to enjoy the delicious benefits of a protein-rich diet
PALEO AND ALLERGY-FRIENDLY - bone broth protein superfood is paleo friendly, free of common allergens and the ideal protein source for those who are sensitive to dairy, grains, eggs, beef, nuts and legumes
COLLAGEN TYPE II - Bone broth contains potassium, calcium, selenium & magnesium, and is rich in collagen type II & gelatin that help form connective tissue & healthy skin. Collagen/gelatin and amino acids in bone broth help seal openings in the gut lining and support gut integrity
THE ULTIMATE SUPERFOOD - Chicken bone broth contains only 2g of carbs per serving and is artisanally produced with no added salt, sugars, colors, preservatives or artificial ingredients. Carefully crafted quality you can trust and tested to be non-GMO, making this the ultimate superfood to get you through your day and your workout.
Order Now: Ancient Nutrition - Bone Broth Protein
Vital Proteins - Collagen Protein Powder
Why we love it:
It’s unflavored so it goes with anything! Plus, it’s a grass fed and pasture raised source of collagen. 18g of protein per serving.
This is the perfect collagen protein boost in a shake or even as an addition to coffee (dissolves so well).
20g collagen powder per serving, sourced from bovine hide. Helps to support healthy hair, skin, nails, joints and bones**
How Do I Use Collagen? Our Collagen Peptides is easily the most versatile offering we have in our lineup, as it dissolves easily into hot and cold liquids and has no distinguishable flavor. One of the most popular ways Vital Proteins fans use the OG collagen powder is by scooping and stirring it into their morning coffee
Hydrolyzed collagen is soluble in both hot and cold liquids. They are easy to mix into coffee, smoothies or even water.
When Should I Start Taking It? While there is no preferred age to start taking collagen, it is important to note that our body’s natural collagen production begins to decline by about 1-2% around the age of 25. As for the best time in the day to take collagen, there is also no preferred time to take your daily serving of collagen. It can be taken in the morning, afternoon or in the evening.
No added sugars or sweeteners. Gluten and dairy free. Paleo Friendly & Whole30 Approved. Flavorless, odorless & easily dissolves in hot and cold liquids
Get It Here: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Naked Egg Protein Powder
Why we love it:
An unflavored protein powder that can be added to anything is a huge bonus. It’s non GMO and made from egg so for those that can’t tolerate whey, this is a great animal based alternative.
Great addition to any shake or smoothie.
ONLY TWO INGREDIENTS: Egg white protein from eggs raised on US farms and sunflower lecithin. Naked Egg contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors.
PRODUCED ON US FARMS: Our powdered egg whites are sourced exclusively from US farms and are processed in under a day to maintain the highest and most complete amino acid profile.
MAXIMUM NUTRITION: 25g of Protein, 2g of Carbs, 110 Calories, and 5.8g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) per serving.
NON-GMO EGGS: Sourced exclusively from US farms that produce non-gmo eggs.
PALEO FRIENDLY PROTEIN: An excellent choice for those following a paleo diet. Create an egg white protein shake or use in baking to supplement your diet.
Buy It: Naked Egg Protein Powder
Tera’s Whey - Whey Protein Powder
Why we love it:
It’s organic, grass fed and has 21g of protein per serving. It’s smooth and creamy and the bourbon vanilla is yummy!
It’s fantastic in shakes, protein pancakes and even protein muffins.
Our organic, grass fed whey protein is blended with organic Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla for a perfect combination of great taste and pure health
Our certified USDA Organic whey protein is locally sourced from small family farms in Wisconsin, the dairy heartland of America
One serving contains 21 grams of whey protein
Our protein powder is made with simple, clean ingredients and is low carb and low glycemic
Certified Gluten Free, rBGH/rBST and antibiotic free, and Non-GMO
Buy Now: Tera’s Whey
Garden of Life - Organic Plant Based Protein Sport
Why we love it:
Garden of Life puts so much thought and care into their products. As a whole, it’s a fantastic company who stands behind superior quality. It’s non GMO, organic and it’s certified for sport.
Awesome in shakes, added to yogurt or for smoothie bowls.
ORGANIC SPORT PROTEIN: Certified USDA Organic, Non GMO Project Verified, NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice for Sport Certified, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, No added sugars
POST WORKOUT RECOVERY: Our Garden of Life Vegan Protein helps you refuel & repair muscles after a hard workout with 30gram of Complete Protein and over 5gram BCAA amino acids, Glutamine & Glutamic Acid
RECOVERY DRINK: This sport protein powder promotes faster recovery with a Organic High Antioxidant Blend of Organic Tart Cherries, Organic Apples, Organic Turmeric, Organic Gogi berries and Organic Blueberries
IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: This BCAAs amino acids powder contains 2 Billion CFU probiotic blend to keep your immune system strong during training
CERTIFIED CLEAN: Breath easy knowing this vegan amino acids powder is clean and free of any banned substances
Get It Here: Garden of Life Plant Based Protein
Amazing Grass - Protein & Kale
Why we love it:
First of all, we love Amazing Grass as a brand. They make the really fantastic super greens that can be added to any shake but their plant based proteins are equally as delicious and nutrient dense.
So good in smoothies and any shake, of course.
Protein: 20 Grams of complete vegan plant-based protein
Clean: No Stevia & Free from Dairy, Grains & Gluten
Nutrition: 1 Full Serving of Leafy Greens
With a smooth chocolate flavor and satisfying texture, this dynamic duo of protein + greens is a convenient way to get the whole-food nutrition your body needs with an amazing flavor your taste buds will love!
Mix one serving with 12 or more oz. of water, juice, or mixed into your favorite smoothie. Scoop, stir, smile!
Purchase Now: Amazing Grass Protein & Kale
Naked Rice Protein
Why we love it:
It literally only has 1 ingredient - rice! That’s it! It is non GMO and gluten free and mixes well with food items as well as in shakes.
ONLY ONE INGREDIENT: 100% Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein with no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors and is GMO-Free, Soy-Free and Gluten Free.
VEGAN PROTEIN SOURCE: Naked Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder is an excellent source of plant based protein powder for those on a vegan diet.
PREMIUM VEGAN NUTRITION: 25g of Protein, 0g of Sugar, 4g of Carbs, 120 Calories, and 4.9g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acid) per serving.
HEAVY METALS AND MELAMINE TESTED: Our Naked Organic Rice Protein Powder is independently tested by third-parties for heavy metals and is melamine free.
EXCELLENT SOURCE OF AMINO ACIDS: Naked Rice is made using a hexane-free extraction process to create a superior vegan amino acid profile that is similar to whey protein.
Get It Now: Naked Rice Protein
WRAPPING IT UP
The thing about protein powers is that there are so many. It’s a personal choice when it comes to the kind, taste and texture. Our suggestion would be to try a few and see what you like the best for you and your needs. Good luck on your quest to find the best protein powder for you. If you need help with nutrition and health habits, make sure to check out our Health & Wellness Coaching for online personalized coaching.