Protein powder may help you gain muscle, but there’s no point in using it if you don’t like the taste. Our team selected the five best-tasting protein powders to suit all taste buds, whether you’re a chocolate fan, a vanilla aficionado, or something in-between.
Share on PinterestA quick look at the best-tasting protein powders
- Best whey protein powder for peanut butter fans: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate | Skip to review
- Best vanilla whey protein powder: Mindbodygreen Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate+ | Skip to review
- Best chocolate whey protein powder: Naked Whey Flavored Protein Powder | Skip to review
- Best vanilla plant-based protein powder: Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein | Skip to review
- Best chocolate plant-based protein powder: Orgain Simple Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder | Skip to review
Whether you’re looking to ramp up your gym routine or simply fill the gaps in your diet, protein powder can be a helpful ingredient to have on hand.
However, finding a protein powder that tastes good can be challenging, especially if you’re looking to avoid products pumped full of sugar, additives, and artificial ingredients.
Healthline editors shared their picks of the five best-tasting protein powders, all of which passed our dietitian’s review and our rigorous vetting process.
Disclaimer: Some of the products tested below were provided for free to Healthline testers. Our opinions are ours alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the product manufacturers.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is one of the least expensive on the list, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $1.58–$2.95 per serving or $37.99–$94.99 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop and the size of the container you purchase.
Pricing guide:
- $ = under $1.75 per serving
- $$ = $1.75–$2.50 per serving
- $$$ = over $2.50 per serving
Our picks for the best-tasting protein powders
Best whey protein powder for peanut butter fans
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
4.7 (3.8k+) from Transparent Labs- Certifications: non-GMO verified, Informed Choice Certified, Informed Protein Certified
- Nutrition stats per serving: (Milk Chocolate) Calories: 130, Total carbs: 1 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 1 g, Protein: 28 g
- Price: $$
Healthline's review
Known for its commitment to transparency and quality, it’s no surprise that Transparent Labs protein powders frequently make Healthline’s “best of” lists — including this one.
Not only is Transparent Labs Whey Protein Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified, but it’s also pretty darn tasty.
Nick Trull, Healthline’s director of business development and fitness aficionado, praised the peanut butter flavor: “I have been using the Transparent Labs Whey Grass Fed Protein for several months. It has been a great additive to post-workout recovery shakes and breakfast shakes. The product consistency, smell, and taste are all great.
“I would certainly recommend the product to others, and my wife has actually incorporated it into her meals as well!”
If you’re not a peanut butter fan, not to worry. The powder is available in 13 additional flavors, most of which also get rave reviews for taste online.
Pros & cons
- Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified
- wide variety of flavors to choose from
- mixes easily
- whey sourced from grass-fed American cattle
- delicious peanut butter flavor
- contains stevia, which some people may dislike the taste of
- not vegan-friendly
- Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified
- wide variety of flavors to choose from
- mixes easily
- whey sourced from grass-fed American cattle
- delicious peanut butter flavor
- contains stevia, which some people may dislike the taste of
- not vegan-friendly
Product details
- Protein type: whey
- Number of servings: 30 per container
- Serving size: 1 scoop (34.9 g)
- Available flavors: Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cinnamon French Toast, Sugar Cookie, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Blueberry Pancakes
- Protein type: whey
- Number of servings: 30 per container
- Serving size: 1 scoop (34.9 g)
- Available flavors: Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cinnamon French Toast, Sugar Cookie, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Blueberry Pancakes
Best vanilla whey protein powder
Mindbodygreen Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate+
4.9 (14+) from mindbodygreen- Certifications: third-party tested for purity and potency
- Nutrition stats per serving: (Vanilla) Calories: 120, Total carbs: 3 g, Added sugar: 3 g, Protein: 25 g
- Price: $$$
Use code "HEALTHLINE20" for 20% off.
SHOP NOW AT MINDBODYGREENHealthline's review
If you’ve had a hard time finding a vanilla-flavored whey protein powder that’s good enough to drink outside of a smoothie, then you may want to check out this option from mindbodygreen.
Healthline contributor, Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, noted that she was surprised by how much she enjoyed this powder: “Vanilla is one of my favorite flavors, but I tend to steer clear of it with protein powders because of how hard is to find an option that isn’t artificial-tasting or overly sweet.
“The first time I tried it, I mixed 1 scoop of mindbodygreen’s vanilla whey protein with 6 ounces (oz) [177 milliliters (mL)] of water and 2 oz (59 mL) of oat milk, fully expecting to only make it a few sips before putting it back in the fridge to be used in a smoothie later. However, before I knew it, I had finished the whole shake.
“In addition to being easy to mix, I appreciated that the consistency was both smooth and refreshing, I also really liked the addition of cinnamon. I found that it gave the powder a French vanilla-like taste.”
The powder also comes in chocolate, which McGrane also tried but didn’t like quite as much.
Mindbodygreen’s whey protein isolate is gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and third-party tested for purity and potency, though the name of the testing organization isn’t disclosed.
Pros & cons
- whey sourced from grass-fed cows
- third-party tested for purity and potency
- satisfying vanilla flavor with a hint of cinnamon
- mixes easily and has a smooth consistency
- minimal ingredients
- free from artificial additives, preservatives, and sweeteners
- easier to digest than other forms of whey protein powders
- no noticeable aftertaste, despite including stevia and monk fruit
- expensive
- not vegan-friendly
- scooping from a bag (rather than a tub) can get messy
- 3 grams (g) of added sugar per serving
- contains stevia and monk fruit, which some people may dislike the taste of
- whey sourced from grass-fed cows
- third-party tested for purity and potency
- satisfying vanilla flavor with a hint of cinnamon
- mixes easily and has a smooth consistency
- minimal ingredients
- free from artificial additives, preservatives, and sweeteners
- easier to digest than other forms of whey protein powders
- no noticeable aftertaste, despite including stevia and monk fruit
- expensive
- not vegan-friendly
- scooping from a bag (rather than a tub) can get messy
- 3 grams (g) of added sugar per serving
- contains stevia and monk fruit, which some people may dislike the taste of
Product details
- Protein type: whey
- Number of servings: 20 per container
- Serving size: 2 scoops (33.4 g)
- Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate
- Protein type: whey
- Number of servings: 20 per container
- Serving size: 2 scoops (33.4 g)
- Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate
Best chocolate whey protein powder
Naked Whey Flavored Protein Powder
4.3 (13.4k+) from Amazon- Certifications: Informed Choice Certified, certified gluten-free, non-GMO verified, third-party tested
- Nutrition stats per serving: (Chocolate) Calories: 160, Total carbs: 8 g, Added sugar: 3 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein: 25 g
- Price: $
Healthline's review
Made from just three ingredients, including organic coconut sugar and cacao powder, Naked Chocolate Whey Protein Powder is a great option for people who dislike the aftertaste of sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit.
McGrane, who has tried multiple protein powders over the years, confidently states that this is by far her favorite chocolate whey-based option.
According to McGrane: “I’m not a huge fan of stevia — the aftertaste just isn’t for me — so I like that Naked Whey uses sugar instead.
“I’ve tried multiple flavors of this powder, but the chocolate is by far my favorite. I love that it has a creamy, rich chocolate taste that isn’t overly sweet. While it’s satisfying mixed with just water and a splash of oat milk, my favorite way to use it is blended in a smoothie with a frozen banana and a handful of spinach.
“The only downside is that, as with most whey-based protein powders, I do notice some bloating and general discomfort if I drink this powder multiple days in a row.”
Naked Whey Protein is available in four additional flavors, plus an unflavored variety. It’s also Informed Choice certified, so you can trust that the powder contains what it claims to on the label and nothing more.
Pros & cons
- Informed Choice certified
- contains just three ingredients
- free of sugar substitutes
- whey sourced from grass-fed American cattle
- available in multiple flavors
- certified gluten free
- easy to mix
- creamy texture and rich chocolate taste
- most affordable option on our list
- not suitable for people with tree nut allergies or those following a vegan diet
- contains 3 g of added sugar per serving
- may cause bloating or other digestive side effects in some people
- Informed Choice certified
- contains just three ingredients
- free of sugar substitutes
- whey sourced from grass-fed American cattle
- available in multiple flavors
- certified gluten free
- easy to mix
- creamy texture and rich chocolate taste
- most affordable option on our list
- not suitable for people with tree nut allergies or those following a vegan diet
- contains 3 g of added sugar per serving
- may cause bloating or other digestive side effects in some people
Product details
- Protein type: whey
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Serving size: 2 scoops (38 g)
- Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate
- Protein type: whey
- Number of servings: 60 per container
- Serving size: 2 scoops (38 g)
- Available flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate
Best vanilla plant-based protein powder
Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein
4.2 (5.2k+) from Amazon- Certifications: USDA organic, certified vegan, third-party tested for purity and potency
- Nutrition stats per serving: (Chocolate) Calories: 130, Total carbs: 5 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein: 22 g
- Price: $$
Healthline's review
Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Vanilla is our pick as the best vanilla-flavored plant-based powder.
According to McGrane, “I’ve tried a handful of plant-based protein powders on the market, and Ora Organics is my favorite vanilla-flavored option because it lacks the cloyingly sweet, artificial vanilla flavor that many other powders have.
“I also appreciate that the powder mixes easily in a shaker bottle and actually feels refreshing to drink. I primarily use the powder in my overnight oats for a boost of protein in the morning, but it’s also delicious blended into a smoothie.”
Despite containing stevia and monk fruit, McGrane notes that it doesn’t have a noticeable aftertaste.
Ora Organics So Lean & So Clean contains a handful of certified organic plant-based ingredients, including peas, rice, amaranth, and sprouted quinoa, as well as various organic fruits and vegetables.
It’s also third-party tested for purity and potency, though the name of the testing organization isn’t disclosed.
Pros & cons
- third-party tested for purity and potency
- certified vegan
- certified organic
- high in iron, a nutrient that may be hard to get on a vegan diet
- also available in chocolate, unflavored, and vanilla chai
- mixes easily
- free of artificial additives, preservatives, or sweeteners
- smooth, not overly-thick consistency
- pure vanilla flavor that isn't overly sweet or artificial tasting
- contains coconut, which some people may need to avoid
- third-party tested for purity and potency
- certified vegan
- certified organic
- high in iron, a nutrient that may be hard to get on a vegan diet
- also available in chocolate, unflavored, and vanilla chai
- mixes easily
- free of artificial additives, preservatives, or sweeteners
- smooth, not overly-thick consistency
- pure vanilla flavor that isn't overly sweet or artificial tasting
- contains coconut, which some people may need to avoid
Product details
- Protein type: pea, rice
- Number of servings: 20 per container
- Serving size: 2 scoops
- Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Vanilla Chai, Unflavored
- Protein type: pea, rice
- Number of servings: 20 per container
- Serving size: 2 scoops
- Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Vanilla Chai, Unflavored
Best chocolate plant-based protein powder
Orgain Simple Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
4.4 (4k+) from Amazon- Certifications: USDA organic, certified plant-based, third-party tested for purity and potency
- Nutrition stats per serving: (Vanilla) Calories: 150, Total carbs: 10 g, Added sugar: 5 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein 20 g
- Price: $$$
Healthline's review
Orgain Simple Organic is our pick for chocolate lovers needing a plant-based option,
According to Healthline Senior Editor Chelsea Logan: “I chose this protein powder because I was looking for something vegan without stevia or monk fruit extract, as I don’t like the taste of these sweeteners.
“This one is sweetened with coconut sugar and tastes super sweet to me (almost too sweet), but it does have a nice chocolate flavor and smells and tastes almost like hot chocolate.
“It blends well, too, and doesn’t have any chalkiness to it, even if you just mix it with water.”
Orgain Simple Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is certified organic and certified plant-based. It’s also third-party tested for purity and potency, though the name of the testing organization isn’t disclosed.
In addition to chocolate, this vegan-friendly option is also available in vanilla and peanut butter.
Pros & cons
- third-party tested for purity and potency
- free of artificial additives, preservatives, or sweeteners
- high in iron, a nutrient that may be hard to get on a vegan diet
- mixes well
- satisfying taste, reminiscent of hot chocolate
- contains sugar instead of sugar substitutes
- certified organic and plant-based
- 5 g of added sugar per serving
- fewer flavor options than others on our list
- expensive
- third-party tested for purity and potency
- free of artificial additives, preservatives, or sweeteners
- high in iron, a nutrient that may be hard to get on a vegan diet
- mixes well
- satisfying taste, reminiscent of hot chocolate
- contains sugar instead of sugar substitutes
- certified organic and plant-based
- 5 g of added sugar per serving
- fewer flavor options than others on our list
- expensive
Product details
- Protein type: pea, brown rice, almond, pumpkin seed, peanut
- Number of servings: 15 per container
- Serving size: 2 scoops
- Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter
- Protein type: pea, brown rice, almond, pumpkin seed, peanut
- Number of servings: 15 per container
- Serving size: 2 scoops
- Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter
A comparison of the best-tasting protein powders
Price rangeSweetenerVeganCertificationsTransparent Labs Whey Isolate$$steviano• Informed Choice• Informed Proteinmindbodygreen grass-fed whey isolate+$$$monk fruitno—Naked Whey$coconut sugarno• Informed Choice
• certified gluten-freeOra Organics So Lean & So Clean$$• stevia
• monk fruityes• USDA organic
• certified veganOrgain Simple Organic Plant-Based Protein$$$coconut sugaryes• USDA organic
• certified plant-based
Note: All the options on our list are third-party tested for purity and potency.
How to choose the best protein powder
Why Trust Healthline75protein powders evaluated by our medical standards team58protein powders met our criteria19protein powders personally tested by our teamHow we evaluate protein powdersOur Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the products on this page, we considered all the protein powders that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.
When picking a protein powder, there are several factors to look for:
- Protein source: The main source of protein is an important consideration, especially if you have any dietary restrictions. While whey is one of the most common protein powder ingredients, you can find products sourced from peas, seeds, or soy, which can be useful if you follow a plant-based or vegan diet.
- Nutritional facts: In addition to the amount of protein found in each serving, look at the calorie and carb content. This is especially important if you’re trying to lose weight or restricting your carb intake as part of a low carb or ketogenic diet.
- Ingredients list: In addition to protein sources, many products include ingredients that may offer other health benefits, including greens, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and healthy fats. However, try to avoid protein powders with a long list of additives, such as artificial colors and preservatives.
- Available flavors: Before choosing a flavor, consider how you plan on using the powder. For example, vanilla or plain tend to be more versatile than stronger flavors like chocolate, matcha, or coffee.
- Texture: Perhaps one of the most important considerations is the texture. While some dissolve easily when stirred or shaken, others require a blender.
- Budget: The number of servings per container varies greatly by product. Thus, when looking at the price of a protein powder, be sure to consider the cost per serving.
- Customer reviews: Reading customer reviews is a great way to obtain valuable insights into the taste and texture of a product.
Finally, many brands also offer sample packs, which allow you to try out different flavors and products before committing to a full-size purchase.
Looking for more protein powder options?
Be sure to check out some of our other protein powder guides:
- Best Protein Powders, According to Dietitians
- Best Pea Protein Powders
- Best Whey Protein Powders
- Best Vegan Protein Powders
- Best Protein Powders for Women
The bottom line
There are many types of protein powder available to fit nearly any preference or palate.
Each product not only provides a different set of nutrients but also additional ingredients and health benefits.
With a bit of savvy shopping, it’s easy to find a protein powder that tastes great and fits seamlessly into your diet.
What is the tastiest way of drinking protein powder?
The tastiest way of drinking protein powder is to add the liquid that you prefer. Some protein powders have suggestions for what makes it tastiest. For example, some might recommend adding in oat milk.
The tastiest way of drinking protein powder is to add the liquid that you prefer. Some protein powders have suggestions for what makes it tastiest. For example, some might recommend adding in oat milk.
What is the best protein powder that doesn't taste chalky?
Our team has said that all of the protein powders in this article do not taste chalky.
Transparent Labs, mindbodygreen, Naked, Ora Organics, and Orgain have multiple flavors that may suit most people.
Our team has said that all of the protein powders in this article do not taste chalky.
Transparent Labs, mindbodygreen, Naked, Ora Organics, and Orgain have multiple flavors that may suit most people.