Protein is essential for your health and overall well-being at any age, particularly if you’re an athlete or actively working on your fitness. A high-protein diet helps you maintain muscle mass, improve performance, and grow stronger muscles.
Protein powder is an affordable, efficient, and easy method to integrate protein into your workout program, whether you’re a gym rat, a casual exerciser, or just want to lose a few pounds. While the market is saturated with protein powders of various types, their bulk doesn’t taste very good. Some are chalky and taste so bad that they might pass for fish food or old bread.
We recognize that protein powders are an investment, so you’ll want to be sure you choose one that’s excellent for both your muscles and your taste buds. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite protein powder flavors so you can tantalize your taste buds while getting amazing results. Here are some of the best protein powders on the market:
1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
This cult-favorite classic earns excellent ratings from consumers and sports nutrition experts alike for both efficacy and flavor, making it our overall top recommendation. This isn’t unexpected, given that Gold Nutrition is a seasoned company with over three decades of experience in the sports supplement industry. Their high-quality protein powders are in high demand and simple to come by.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned user, this is an excellent pick because it contains no strange-tasting sugar alcohols and only great taste! Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100 percent Whey Protein Powder is made with premium-quality Whey Protein Isolates and ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate (WPC) (WPIs). Everyone raves about how easily the powder combines, so you won’t need a shaker or a blender for this one.
Each serving contains 24 grams of whey protein, 1 gram of sugar, 120 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 3 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains 5.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to aid muscle recovery after intense workouts, as well as 4 grams of glutamine to improve digestive health. It’s a little expensive per serving, but the superior quality and flavor make it worthwhile. There are almost 20 distinct tastes to select from, ranging from cake batter to deep chocolate.
Pros
- Great Taste
- Convenient to carry
- Trusted Brand
- Inexpensive
- Fast Absorption Rate
2. Pro Jym Protein Powder
The high-end price may be due to the fact that Pro JYM Protein Powder is a fan favorite. According to fitness experts, it’s the best-tasting protein powder combination since it contains milk protein isolate, egg protein, micellar casein protein, and whey protein isolate all in one container. It does not, however, include any fillers or extra amino acids, unlike other protein powders.
Cookie and cream, chocolate cookie crunch, Tahitian vanilla bean, and chocolate mousse are just a few of the almost ten delectable varieties available. Every serving of 24 grams of protein has just 7 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fat, and 150 calories.
Cons
- Doesn’t taste great
3. Isopure Zero Carb
It’s up to the geniuses at Isopure to create a zero-carb protein powder that tastes incredible. Isopure Zero Carb packs a powerful punch, with 25 grams of protein and only 110 calories per serving. That is why this product is the hero of exercisers who wish to lose weight.
The variety of tastes in this keto-friendly protein mix, which includes strawberry and cream, banana cream, and creamy vanilla, is what makes it so special. The powder is lactose-free, gluten-free, and additive-free, and it contains immune-boosting minerals and vitamins. It mixes smoothly and fast into a thick, creamy, and delicious post-work shake.
Cons
- Contains Artificial Sweeteners
- Expensive
4. BSN Syntha-6 Whey Protein Powder
Grab a bottle of BSN Syntha-6 if you want to receive the best-tasting protein powder without spending a hefty amount. A top-tier protein powder manufacturer and a well-known ice cream producer cooperated on this fantastic creation.
The powder dissolves into a creamy milkshake consistency that is flexible, delicious, and effective in helping you bulk up. Each meal contains 22 grams of protein for muscle growth, 5 grams of fiber to keep hunger at bay, and 10 grams of key amino acids to aid protein absorption.
Mint chocolate chip, berry deliciousness, mud pie mojo, and more delicious flavors are available. While some customers have complained that the soy protein level is too high for them, this powder will not disappoint.
Pros
- Great Consistency
- Tastes great, even with water
- Mixes well
- Inexpensive
5. Primal Kitchen Primal Fuel
The Primitive Cooking For people who dislike the flavor of soy, Primal Fuel is arguably the finest tasting protein powder available. Consider this keto- and paleo-friendly alternative to BSN’s SYNTHA-6 as a less expensive and less potent alternative. It contains 10g of whey protein per serving, making it an entry-level protein powder; nevertheless, it may not be suitable for hardcore athletes or heavy lifters.
We like how it blends nicely with both cold and hot beverages to provide a decadently delicious and healthful post-workout beverage. It’s available in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla, with a hint of coconut in each. You can take it before your exercises or training.
Pros
- Excellent for Pre or Post Workouts
- Increases Energy
- No Crash
- Superior Taste
Cons
- Contains Contaminants
- Contains Artificial Sweeteners
6. MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder
Are you looking for the best-tasting protein powder that also comes with a timed-release option? This blend of five delicious proteins (whey protein powder, isolate whey protein, casein, and egg protein) from Muscular Pharm is intended to offer slow, medium, and rapid proteins to ensure increased performance, muscle strength, and a continuous energy boost.
This product distinguishes out for offering BCAAs, glutamine, digestive enzymes, and 25 grams of protein per serving, in addition to the award-winning flavor.
Pros
- Mixes Well
- Trusted Brand
- Massive Flavor Variety
- Aids in Quick Recovery
Cons
- High in Lactose
- Lack of Nutrients
7. MuscleTech NitroTech Whey Gold
Customers love MuscleTech because it only uses natural ingredients, and the NitroTech Whey Gold is no exception. It contains 24 grams of protein and is made up of 100% whey protein isolate, whey peptides, and natural flavors. Given that the mix has no additional sugar or carbohydrates, this is rather amazing.
Without the use of salt or harsh acids, MuscleTech employs cutting-edge filtering technology to keep lactose, fat, and other contaminants to a minimum. Consume it before or after your exercises to speed up muscle recovery.
Pros
- Great Taste
- Convenient to carry
- Quality product
- Fast Absorption Rate
Cons
- May Cause Stomach Upset
- Higher Carb Count
8. Less Naked Whey
Vanilla + grass-fed whey protein + organic coconut Equals a marriage made in heaven! You’ll enjoy the subtle ingenuity of this best-tasting protein powder if you’re an eco-conscious fitness fan who likes all things organic. It’s simple yet incredibly flexible, and it lives up to Naked Nutrition’s commitment to transparency and organic purity.
Per serving, you’ll receive 25 grams of protein, 5.9 grams of BCAAs, 150 calories, 8 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of sugar. Chocolate, vanilla, matcha, strawberry, and unflavored are among the flavors available. The pricing is also quite reasonable.
Pros
- High protein
- Diversified flavors
- Inexpensive
- Fast Digestion
Cons
- High Calories
9. Myprotein Impact Whey Protein (Salted Caramel)
MyProtein dominated the protein powder industry and is now one of the largest sellers of protein powders globally. The taste diversity in MYPROTEIN’s famous Impact Whey range might be overwhelming, even though it is one of the finest value for money quality proteins available.
In the large list of 22 varieties, there are a few standouts. However, we’ll save you the effort of reading all 22.
In our opinion, and the opinion of thousands of reviewers worldwide, Salted Caramel is the best of them all. It’s not just a novel flavor, but it’s also performed so beautifully that you’ll want to drink your protein all day!
This baby also makes a great protein coffee creamer! The best-tasting protein powder on the market by a long shot.
Pros
- Great Taste
- Convenient to carry
- Various flavors
- Fast Absorption Rate
Cons
- Contains Artificial Sweeteners
10. Sprout Living Epic Protein Powder Original Flavor
Sprout Living’s Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma is the best choice if you’re searching for a somewhat sweet protein powder that goes well with almond milk or in your favorite smoothie. The neutral vanilla taste adds a bit of sweetness to the beverage without overpowering it. Plus, the paleo-friendly plant-based protein powder (gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free) ticks all the nutrition boxes. Yellow pea and a combination of sunflower, pumpkin, sacha inchi, and cranberry seeds make up Epic Protein’s unique protein mixture. 19 grams of plant-based protein and 4 grams of dietary fiber are provided in each 2-scoop meal.
The protein is sweetened with lucuma, a Peruvian fruit. While there is little study on the fruit’s health advantages, recent research released in 2011 shows that lucuma may have some benefits.
Cons
- Less flavors
11. OWYN 100% Vegan Plant-Based Protein Powder
OWYN Only What You Need is flavorful and protein-dense. Peas, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds are used to make 100% Vegan Plant-Based Protein Powder, a dark chocolate protein powder.
Each meal contains 20 grams of protein and all nine essential amino acids. Because your body can’t make these precise amino acids, you’ll have to get them from diet.
It also contains probiotics, a kind of helpful bacteria found in the stomach linked to better digestive health, reduced inflammation, and increased immunological function.
When combined with water or milk, it takes on a thick, smooth texture in addition to its rich, somewhat sweet flavor.
Pros
- Great Taste
- Convenient to carry
- Trusted Brand
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Contains Artificial Sweeteners
12. Garden of Life RAW Protein Powder
Garden of Life RAW protein is made up of a variety of plant-based protein sources that are highly absorbable and suitable for women, particularly those following a plant-based diet.
It includes probiotics and digestive enzymes, as well as 22 grams of protein per serving. It comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors and dissolves quickly in drink without leaving a gritty or unpleasant aftertaste.
Pros
- Aids in Quick Recovery
- Good Sweetness Leve
- Excellent for Pre or Post Workouts
- Increases Energy
- Certified USDA organic
Cons
- Taste and texture can be somewhat chalky
13. Pes Select Protein (Frosted Chocolate Cupcake)
We’ve got a protein powder that not only smells wonderful, but also tastes terrific. You might be forgiven for believing that a chocolate cupcake will just taste like chocolate. There are a number of chocolate protein powders on the market, and while they all have different names, they all taste like chocolate.
This is not the case with PES’ Frosted Chocolate Cupcake, which tastes and smells just like a real cupcake. It smells like chocolate cupcake batter with chocolate icing. It has a distinct flavor. This powder has 24 grams of protein per serving and is one of the easiest to combine, requiring practically little effort to achieve a clump-free drink.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Comes in various flavors
- Aids in muscle recovery and performance
- Easy to mix formula
Cons
- Strand blend that may upset some people
14. Merica Labz Patriot’S Whey
Merica Labz is continuing their tour across America. And one can only appreciate their attitude and consistency, not only in terms of branding but also in terms of continuing to innovate, even in areas where you’d think they’d seen it all. Patriot’s Whey is a fantastic product that will make your protein experience even better!
You’ll love this protein powder because it was one of the first to include cereal bits in your protein powder.
Pros
- Great Consistency
- Tastes great, even with water
- Mixes well
- Inexpensive
- Fast Absorption Rate
Cons
- Contains Artificial Sweeteners
15. Man Sports Iso-Protein
MAN Sports was a latecomer to the protein game, launching their first product in 2016. Later, in the shape of the ISO-Protein, they released their Isolate product. And we can confidently state that it was well worth the wait. ISO Protein is a whey isolate protein that is ultra-pure. Out of a 31g serving size, 28g of micro filtered protein isolate is delivered. You aren’t reading this review to learn how wonderful of a protein it is, though. Right?
One of the greatest protein supplements we’ve ever tried is Iso-Protein chocolate milk. It’s also remarkably creamy for an isolate protein. It’s difficult to imagine a protein powder that tastes more like a blueberry muffin than the MAN sports protein, as you can see from our review below. And if muffins are your thing, you’re in for a great treat!
Pros
- Easy to Digest
- Smooth Texture
- Keeps You Full
- Dissolves Well
Cons
- Limited Flavors
16. Mts Nutrition Machine Whey (Peanut Butter Fluff)
With 25g of protein, 5g of BCAAs, and 5g of Glutamine, MTS Machine is an excellent protein powder in its own right. Peanut Butter Fluff is the most popular taste, and it’s delicious. To begin with, anything that tastes like peanut butter but is low in calories will be fantastic, as actual peanut butter is one of the most calorie-dense meals on the planet.
Peanut butter, aside from chocolate, is one of the most flexible tastes you can utilize. Cooking with peanut butter fluff protein is a lot of fun, and there are plenty of protein dishes that would benefit from it.
Pros
- Fully Disclosed
- Amazing Taste
- Flavor Options
- Great Mixability
Cons
- Contains High Fructose Corn Syrup
17. Bpi Best Protein
We constantly comment about how high-quality BPI products are when we review them, and their finest protein line is no exception. There are no fillers in each smoothie, and it contains 24 grams of protein (from a blend of whey concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate) and 5 grams of BCAAs.
Although there are many varieties to choose from, we think Snickerdoodle is the finest. Honorable mentions go to Salted Caramel and Vanilla.
Pros
- Great Mixability
- Quality protein blend
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- Low-fat and low-cholesterol
- 5.5 grams of BCAAs per serving
Cons
- Possible inclusion of fillers
- Chalky texture
18. Dymatize Elite (Cafe Mocha)
We have another Dymatize product, this time from their Elite line. Each meal contains 25 grams of protein, 5.5 grams of BCAAs, and only 140 calories. Cafe Mocha was created to taste like a rich cup of coffee, and it succeeds admirably.
When you open the top, the scent is the first thing you notice, and the flavor is fantastic. Blend it with ice and milk for a low-calorie iced coffee that’s packed in protein (and obviously caffeine free). Even though it’s near the bottom of the list, this protein powder has one of the greatest flavors.
Pros
- Certified by Informed Choice
- Pretty low in cholesterol
- No added sugar
- Tastes fantastic
- High in calcium
Cons
- Tiny bit salty
- Expensive
19. SFH Pure Whey Protein
This vanilla-flavored whey protein powder is praised for its delicious taste, ease of absorption, and all-natural components. This minimally processed whey powder is made from grass-fed, free-range cows in New Zealand and has no soy, gluten, or artificial chemicals.
It also has a low lactose level. There are no bovine growth hormones utilized. If you want to lose weight and gain muscle, this might be an excellent option.
Pros
- Great Taste
- Inexpensive
- Fast Absorption Rate
- Mixes Well
- Good Size Variety
Cons
- Ingredients Label Could Be More Descriptive
- Contains Lecithin And Soy
20. Levels 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein
Levels 100 percent Grass-Fed Whey Protein has 24 grams of protein per serving, making it a guilt-free solution to satisfy any sweet appetite. It has a pleasant flavor and consistency, as well as a wonderful texture that dissolves effortlessly.
It also includes almost 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), a kind of essential amino acid that has been found to promote muscle protein synthesis, accelerate recovery after a workout, and improve exercise performance.
Vanilla Bean and Vanilla Cinnamon are two of the flavored and unflavored variants of this protein powder.
Pros
- Easy to Digest
- Vegan-Friendly
- Smooth Texture
- Keeps You Full
Cons
- Chalky texture
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Should I Be Taking Protein Powder?
Protein powder is mostly used by those who want to gain muscle mass and/or improve their protein consumption. If any of these apply to you, protein powders should be considered.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Taking Protein Powder?
Protein powders have few, if any, common adverse effects, and those that do exist are mild. The only ones you’re likely to notice are potential headaches, cramps, and appetite reduction, among other things.
Do Protein Powders Help Gain Weight?
Protein supplements can certainly assist you in gaining weight. It will, however, only work if you do. You can’t expect to gain muscle by simply taking protein powder. You must follow an exercise routine that is both effective and consistent.