How to Choose the Best Protein Powder, According to Nutritionists | Vogue

Apr 06, 2025

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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.

Sakara

Proteins + Greens Super Powder

SAKARA

AMAZON

Vital Proteins

Collagen Peptide Powder

AMAZON

Ritual

Essence Protein

RITUAL

AMAZON

NAKED

Whey Protien Powder

AMAZON

LTH

Fuel Vegan+All-In-One

AMAZON

Promix

Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder

PROMIX

Podium Nutrition

Whey Protein Powder

AMAZON

Orgain

Organic Vegan Protein Powder

AMAZON

Ora

Plant-Based Superfood Protein

AMAZON

Form

Pureblend Protein

AMAZON

Raw Organic Whey

Whey Protein Powder

AMAZON

Mt. Capra

Clean Whey Protein

AMAZON

Paleovalley

100% Grass-Fed Bone Broth Protein

AMAZON

Terrasoul

Pea Protein Powder

AMAZON

Mikuna

Pure Choco Protein Powder

AMAZON

Wellious

Almond Protein Powder

AMAZON

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.

Is protein powder actually good for you?

“I always go for healthy food first and try not to depend on any supplements—but when it comes to protein intake, powders can be a great additive during a really active week,” says Bartha. “Now that I’m in my 40s, I've found that upping my protein a bit is helpful to increase energy, strength, and lean body mass. I would just say that whenever you go down the supplement route, always make sure you read the label to make sure it's a high-quality product with no unnecessary additives—especially metals.”

To determine if a powder has metals, “there are a few things to look for,” Bartha says. “First, supplements sourced in the U.S. have strict standards, so ‘Made in the USA’ is always good. Secondly, look for ingredient transparency.” She adds that protein powders that have undergone third-party testing for metals will often have a seal of certification from organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) or US Pharmacopeia (USP). “Any high-quality protein powder should have this info prominently listed on its website and labels,” she notes.

How to Choose 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.

Aside from potential protein sources, our experts detail a few other things to consider when buying a protein powder.

Does protein source matter when choosing a protein powder?

According to McKinney, as long as you choose a high-quality protein, the source is really up to you. “My top recommendation if tolerated is a grass-fed, third-party tested whey protein, as it has been shown to be one of the best sources of protein for foundational health and immune support, but not everyone can tolerate a dairy-sourced protein,” she says. “If that is the case, a soy-free plant-powered vegan protein from sources like pea protein with rice, chlorella, and chia protein is another great option that provides similar support. Or if someone is looking for an option that tends to be more gut-friendly, grass-fed collagen peptides can be a great protein booster as well.”

How much protein should you eat per day?

“The amount of protein your body needs can depend on a variety of factors, includingboth body weight, as well as how active you are,” says McKinney. "For active individuals, one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight per day is a good general target to optimal fuel recovery, energy stability, healthy body composition and more.” As always, check with your dietitian and doctor for specifics for your needs.

The Best Way to Consume Protein Powder

“Protein powder can be easily mixed into food and drinks including smoothies, dairy or non-dairy milks, water, yogurt, oatmeal, and even baked goods,” says Beaver.

Who Should Take Protein Powder

“Protein plays a foundational role in our health, and influences many elements of ourbodies’ functions like muscle repair, immunity, hormone levels, mood, and energy,” says McKinney. So, it’s essential to make sure we are consuming the amount of protein our bodies need on a daily basis; generally one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight, assuming there are no contraindicating underlying health conditions. “Due to our fast-paced lifestyles (and focus on quick and convenience foods), it can be hard for some people to implement optimal protein intake strictly through your food alone, unless they are very diligent about meal planning, food preparation and portion sizes,” she continues. “If you don’t see yourself meeting your optimal daily protein goals consistently (especially if you’re active), a good quality protein powder is a convenient way to enhance your nutrition plan.”

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