How to Choose the Best Protein Powder, According to Nutritionists

The best protein powder makes it easy to boost your protein intake anytime, anywhere. Easily blended into smoothies or stirred into yogurt, protein powders come in various flavors, harness different types of protein, and target everything from skin health to brain function and muscle recovery. With so many powders on offer, there’s bound to be one worth a permanent spot in your wellness regime. But where to start? Ahead, we tap three experts to detail all you need to know. Below, find Vogue’s edit of the best protein powders for vegans, workout enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a quick, delicious protein fix.

Vogue’s Favorite Protein Powders

In This Article:

Best Vegan: Sakara Protein + Greens Super Powder

• Why We Love It: Rich in antioxidants, this plant-based powder has alkalizing greens and detoxifying algae—but it doesn’t taste like seaweed. Its subtle vanilla flavor makes it the perfect secret ingredient for smoothies or baked goods. The powder’s protein is derived from peas, hemp, and pumpkin. “If you’re not sensitive to those, it’s a solid choice—especially for vegans,” says certified holistic nutritionist Jamie Maitland. “Spirulina and chlorella are awesome additions, packing in protein, antioxidants, and detox benefits.”
• Protein Source: Pea, hemp, and pumpkin
• Protein Per Serving: 12g
• Ingredients: Pea, hemp, pumpkin, wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, chlorella
• Flavor: Vanilla
• Size: 7.5 oz

Best for Glowing Skin: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide Powder

• Why We Love It: This single-ingredient powder, featuring bovine-derived collagen peptides, dissolves easily into hot or cold liquids. Stir the collagen into your morning coffee or sprinkle it into a glass of water, and sip your way to a dewier complexion. How dewy, exactly? Consider the perennial glow of Jennifer Aniston, who previously told Vogue that she mixes a scoop of it into her coffee every morning.
• Protein Source: Collagen peptides
• Protein Per Serving: 18g
• Ingredients: Collagen peptides
• Flavor: Unflavored, chocolate, lemon, vanilla
• Size: 9.33 oz

Best Sugar-Free: Ritual Essential Protein

• Why We Love It: Made with regeneratively-farmed ingredients, Ritual’s Essential Protein powder packs 20 grams of plant protein and zero grams of sugar per serving. It also boosts brain function with tartaric acid. “I like Ritual for those who can’t tolerate dairy because it’s made from pea protein and it’s easily digestible,” says wellness expert and certified pilates instructor Lia Bartha. “I also love the ingredient transparency Ritual promotes. If you’re going to take a powder, you have to know what’s in it.”
• Protein Source: Organic yellow peas
• Protein Per Serving: 20g
• Ingredients: Organic pea protein, natural flavor, MCT oil
• Flavor: Vanilla
• Size: 1.0 lb

Best Whey Protein: Naked Whey Protein Powder

• Why We Love It: Boasting a clean formulation with “nothing to hide,” per the brand, the GMO-, gluten-, and soy-free powder is a chocolate-flavored salve for sore muscles. Plus, it can help promote muscle growth. Maitland says that Naked’s protein powder is “one of the better” options on the market. “As a holistic nutritionist, I like to ‘look under the hood’ of protein powders,” she says. “It’s clean and simple, with minimal ingredients, which is always a win. One of the standout positives is that they use real cocoa powder, which adds a rich, natural flavor without any artificial additives.” While Maitland notes that the powder does contain coconut sugar, which can cause blood sugar spikes for some, “It’s a great option overall,” she says. “Especially for those who prioritize clean, high-quality ingredients.”
• Protein Source: Grass-fed whey
• Protein Per Serving: 25g
• Ingredients: Grass-fed whey, raw cacao, coconut sugar
• Flavor: Chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, double chocolate, unflavored, vanilla
• Size: 5 lbs

Best Post-Workout: Promix Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder

• Why We Love It: Designed for athletes—or anyone who craves a restorative, post-workout treat, Promix’s powder contains branched-chain amino acids to build and restore muscles. “If you’re fine with dairy, Promix is great for post-workout recovery,” Bartha says. “Just like Ritual, the company takes pride in all-natural, clean ingredients—and both are pretty darn tasty.” With 25 grams of minimally filtered whey protein per serving, the powder is available in chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate-peanut-butter flavors; there’s also an unflavored version.
• Protein Source: Whey
• Protein Per Serving: 25g
• Ingredients: Grass-fed whey, sunflower lecithin, vanilla extract, organic coconut sugar
• Flavor: Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter, unflavored
• Size: 2.5 lbs

Best Low-Calorie: Podium Nutrition Whey Protein Powder

• Why We Love It: This low-sugar, low-calorie powder fuels lean muscles with 27 grams of protein per serving. It doesn’t hurt that it tastes like coffee ice cream, and comes in other fun flavors, too, which range from maple butter pancake to churro. The brand recommends pairing the powder with a beverage: Stir a scoop of it into coffee, amp up the protein content of a shake, or simply stir it into water for a post-workout refresh that’s 120 calories per serving.
• Protein Source: Whey isolate
• Protein Per Serving: 27g
• Ingredients: Whey protein powder with whey protein isolate
• Flavor: Coffee ice cream, churro, cookies & cream, maple butter pancake, mint chocolate chip, peanut butter crunch
• Size: 32 oz

Best Flavors: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder

• Why We Love It: A range of unconventional flavors, including churro caramel swirl and fruity cereal, make up Orgain’s low-sugar formulation. The powders also have five grams of prebiotic fiber per serving, which can support gut health. Shake the powders up with almond milk or water for a quick, protein-rich drink; alternatively, stir them into oatmeal or add them to baked goods—a pumpkin-spice-protein muffin would make for quite the cozy breakfast.
• Protein Source: Pea and brown rice
• Protein Per Serving: 21g
• Ingredients: Organic pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seed, creamer base
• Flavor: Chai latte, churro caramel swirl, fruity cereal, horchata, pumpkin spice, strawberries & cream, vanilla
• Size: 16.3 oz

Best for a Sensitive Stomach: Ora Plant-Based Superfood Protein

• Why We Love It: Easy on sensitive stomachs, Ora’s plant-based powder is made without gums or fillers . It’s also infused with digestive enzymes—including amylase and lactase—that stave off bloating. Plus, it has a combination of 19 superfoods rich in micronutrients and amino acids. The brand’s signature Protein, Superfood, and Greens Blend includes ingredients such as organic sprouted quinoa, blackberry, kale, and Jerusalem artichoke.
• Protein Source: Pea and rice
• Protein Per Serving: 22g
• Ingredients: Organic pea protein, rice protein, Ora’s Protein, Superfood, & Greens Blend, Ora’s Enzyme Blend
• Flavor: Chocolate
• Size: 1.5 lbs

Best for Cooking: Form Pureblend Protein

• Why We Love It: “I like Form Nutrition a lot,” Bartha says. “They have a nice variety of vegan options and I especially love the Pure Blend protein that’s unsweetened. It’s great as a base for smoothies and protein balls. Form is also B-Corp certified, which is a beautiful thing,” Bartha says, referring to the brand’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Made without thickeners, emulsifiers, flavors, or sweeteners, the vegan powder can also be added to cooked or baked goods to amp up the protein content of a meal.
• Protein Source: Organic peas, brown rice, pumpkin seeds
• Protein Per Serving: 15g
• Ingredients: Organic pea protein isolate, brown rice protein, pumpkin seed protein
• Flavor: Unflavored
• Size: 520g

Best Nutritionist’s Pick: Raw Organic Whey Protein Powder

• Why We Love It: ​​With ingredients from a New Jersey farm,“This one’s a total gem if you’re into simplicity and purity,” says Maitland. “It’s certified-organic and sourced from grass-fed cows, so you’re getting the best of the best—no fillers, no artificial additives. The taste is super clean, making it a great option if you like to keep things minimal in your smoothies or baked goods. Plus, it’s rich in muscle-loving amino acids and works beautifully if you’re looking for a protein that supports both recovery and overall wellness. This is my personal top pick!”
• Protein Source: Whey
• Protein Per Serving: 21g
• Ingredients: Organic whey protein concentrate
• Flavor: Unflavored
• Size: 12 oz

Best for Dairy Sensitivities: Mt. Capra Clean Whey Protein

• Why We Love It: “For anyone sensitive to dairy, goat whey is a game changer,” Maitland says. “It’s easier to digest than cow’s milk whey, and the A2 protein makes it a bit gentler on your system.” With 24 grams of protein per serving, Mt. Capra’s powder is designed at a family-run farm in the Pacific Northwest, and the protein is derived from grass-fed goats. The powder was designed to build lean tissue and muscle while boosting one’s protein intake—whether through blender creations or pancakes. “It does have a slight tangy flavor, but it mixes really well,” Maitland says. “It’s ideal for shakes, smoothies, or even a quick protein-packed breakfast.”
• Protein Source: Goat whey
• Protein Per Serving: 24g
• Ingredients: Grass-fed goat whey protein, natural vanilla bean, stevia
• Flavor: Unflavored
• Size: 16 oz

Best for Coffee: Paleovalley 100% Grass-Fed Bone Broth Protein

• Why We Love It: “I can’t get enough of this in my morning coffee,” Maitland says. “The collagen in bone broth protein does wonders for skin elasticity and joint health, and it dissolves effortlessly, with no lumps or weird taste and textures. It has this subtle, savory richness that works so well in coffee. It’s like giving your morning ritual a little health upgrade, especially if you’re aiming to support your gut, joints, and skin from the inside out. I’m very into this one.” Pro tip: “I also add this to my homemade chocolate espresso protein muffins,” Maitland says. “It’s divine.”
• Protein Source: Grass-feed beef bone broth
• Protein Per Serving: 13g
• Ingredients: Beef bones, filtered water; flavored iterations incorporate natural flavoring such as vanilla-bean extract
• Flavor: Chocolate, unflavored, vanilla
• Size: 1.2 lbs

Best Pea Protein: Terrasoul Pea Protein Powder

• Why We Love It: “If you’re all about keeping things clean and simple, this unflavored organic pea protein is a good choice,” Maitland says. “I love how flexible it is; it’s great for those who want to customize their flavor or just need a solid base for their shakes. It mixes well with everything, from fruits and greens to superfoods like spirulina or cacao. Plus, it has no added sugars or funky aftertaste. That said, if you’re sensitive to pea protein—which doesn’t always sit well with everyone—you might want to try [unflavored] Mikuna or Sacha Inchi protein instead.”
• Protein Source: Yellow peas
• Protein Per Serving: 8g
• Ingredients: Organic pea protein isolate from yellow peas
• Flavor: Unflavored
• Size: 24 oz

Best Easily Digestible: Mikuna Pure Choco Protein Powder

• Why We Love It: “Mikuna’s plant protein really stands out with its minimalist approach—it has just one ingredient, which I absolutely love,” Maitland says. That one ingredient is choco beans, also known as lupini beans, which are high in fiber and protein. “This is also lectin-free, which makes it super gentle on the gut,” Maitland says. “It’s a great choice for anyone sensitive to pea protein, and it’s naturally easy on the digestive system. Clean and simple—just the way plant-based protein should be.” While the Pure Choco flavor has a single-ingredient recipe, the powder also comes in vanilla and chocolate-flavored iterations. In addition to choco beans, the flavored powders contain flavor agents such as sea salt, coconut-blossom nectar, monk-fruit sweetener, and—depending on the flavor—vanilla-extract powder or cacao.
• Protein Source: Lupini beans
• Protein Per Serving: 20g
• Ingredients: Choco beans; the flavored versions also contain sea salt, coconut-blossom nectar, monk-fruit sweetener, and vanilla extract powder or cacao powder
• Flavor: Pure Choco, vanilla, cacao
• Size: 21 oz

Best Almond Protein Powder: Wellious Almond Protein Powder

• Why We Love It: “This is another simple protein option with just four ingredients, which I love,” Maitland says. The simple recipe combines almond and chickpea proteins with vanilla or cacao powder (depending on the flavor) and monk fruit for a dash of naturally-derived sweetness. “The chickpea protein can be a bit tricky for some, especially if you’re sensitive to legumes, as it might cause some digestive discomfort. But for most people, it’s easy on the stomach and provides a clean, straightforward protein boost,” Maitland says. “If chickpeas don’t bother you, go for it!” I’ve been stirring a scoop of the Wellious chocolate powder and a dollop of peanut butter into Greek yogurt lately. It’s my version of a peanut butter cup-style treat—but with about 30 grams more protein than your average Reese’s.
• Protein Source: Chickpeas and almonds
• Protein Per Serving: 17g
• Ingredients: Almond protein, chickpea protein, vanilla powder, monk fruit
• Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla
• Size: 340g

What is protein powder?

“Protein powder is a concentrated form of protein derived from various sources, such as animal products like whey and casein, or plant-based sources, like soy, pea, and hemp,” explains functional nutrition practitioner Jenny Rich. The protein is processed into powder form for convenient consumption.

“Protein powders are also a great tool to meet overall protein goals since many women are under-eating protein at baseline,” says registered dietician Brittany Beaver. “The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is set to prevent deficiency, not for optimal health.” The ease of consumption can help one reach or maintain that baseline as part of an overall diet.

What to Look for in a Protein Powder

“Added vitamins, minerals, probiotics, collagen, and all 19 amino acids are something everyone should be looking for in a protein powder,” says Kylie Bensley, registered dietician and founder of Sulinu Nutrition. However, protein powders can be further vetted based on individual needs. To start, consider the powder’s protein source.