I Talked To Dietitians To Find The Best Protein Powders Of 2026

Your body relies on protein for everything from building muscle to fueling your metabolism, and protein powder is an effective way to give your body what it needs. To find the best protein powders of 2026, I spoke with dietitians about what ingredients to prioritize—and which ones to avoid. I also tried several contenders myself to make sure they taste just as good as the labels suggest. Based on my findings, Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein is a solid option for most people. Likewise, Optimum Nutrition’s Casein Protein Powder is a great option for weight loss because it helps curb your appetite.

To find the best protein powders, our team spoke to dietitians and fitness experts.

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When you’re shopping for protein powder, think about the protein source first. Whey and casein are complete options that contain all the amino acids you need to build muscle, while plant-based alternatives like pea and hemp are easier on dairy-sensitive stomachs. Next, check the ingredient list for minimal additives and look for brands that undergo third-party testing for heavy metals (like lead and cadmium) to make sure they’re safe to consume. And of course, you’ll want something that mixes well and tastes good. Ahead, see my picks for the best protein powders that check these boxes.

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When it comes to muscle building, any complete protein source with enough protein, clean ingredients and easy digestion can help facilitate gains, but Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder takes things a step further: It’s hydrolyzed and therefore easier to absorb, so your muscles get what they need right after a workout—the most important time for recovery—and it tastes good and mixes well. Granted, taste isn’t a make-or-break variable, but it does impact whether or not you’ll actually want to consume protein powder. And the combination of hydrolyzed ingredients and excellent taste/mixability is what makes this blend stand out.

I’ve tried my fair share of powders over the years that taste artificial or overly sweet, but Dymatize really gets these elements right. There are other blends in this guide with simpler nutrition profiles, but this powder’s blend of clean ingredients and taste has me reaching for all the time. Though I’m constantly testing other blends for this guide, I find myself coming back to Dymatize when in between testing.

Hydrolyzed whey is easier to digest than regular whey, so it might be a better option if whey protein powders don’t sit well in your stomach. With that said, it still contains lactose, so it’s not a silver bullet if you’re lactose intolerant. Rather, it removes as much lactose as possible, so it might be an option, but I’d still recommend trying a sample to see how your stomach feels before buying a tub. Fortunately, whether you mix it with water, milk or a smoothie, it blends well.

I’ve struggled for almost a year to find a vegan protein powder that’s clean, tasty and easy to mix, but Gnarly’s Golden Milk Vegan Protein Powder checks all those boxes and then some. Truth be told, I wasn’t too keen on it when I saw it was packed with turmeric—I’ve made my own “golden milk” drinks but they’re never that good—yet Gnarly nailed the flavoring. It tastes like a sweet holiday drink thanks to the added cinnamon and cane sugar, almost like I’m drinking a chai latte.

From there, a lot of other helpful ingredients round the blend out, including: high oleic sunflower oil (heart-healthy benefits); black pepper extract (increases the body’s absorption of curcumin, turmeric’s active compound); LactoSpore (probiotic that supports gut and immune health); and Aquamin (derived from sustainably-harvested red marine algae, supports bone, joint and gut health).

Essentially, Gnarly’s take on golden milk contains a little of everything, from fiber to vitamins and minerals, and at 200 calories per serving, it’s a great meal replacement option, too. That said, it’s not purely vegan protein powder, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for a truly simple, no-nonsense blend. It’s also very expensive, which is why I’ve used it alongside other blends, adding it in a few times a week for the anti-inflammatory benefits and added calories after a tough workout.

Other Protein Powders We Considered

• Orgain Organic Protein Powder: As our previous winner for the best plant-based protein powder, this option combines pea, brown rice, chia and mung bean protein to hit all nine essential amino acids, giving you a complete protein source without any dairy. While it’s easy to find at many grocery stores, one serving is two full scoops, so the tub won’t last as long as you might expect. Also, the Transparent Labs Organic Plant-Based Protein Isolate uses cleaner ingredients.

How We Chose The Best Protein Powders

We selected protein powders based on a few simple but impactful criteria, analyzing products for the following:

• Protein type: To accommodate a wide variety of fitness goals and dietary needs, we made sure to include multiple protein types in this guide, from whey and casein to plant- and collagen-based blends. We also checked each contender’s protein content per serving.
• Ingredients: We prioritized powders with simple, high-quality ingredients and, for the most part, steered clear of those packed with artificial sweeteners, fillers or unnecessary additives. That said, we included one product (the Ghost Protein Powder) that is delicious-tasting but has comparatively more processed ingredients.
• Effectiveness: We turned to registered dietitians for their take on which formulas actually support muscle growth, satiety and overall health.

How To Shop For Protein Powder

When it comes to picking the right protein powder to incorporate into your diet, you’ll want to consider protein type, ingredients and your preferred taste and texture.

Protein Type

The type of protein powder you consume can make a big difference in how well it works for your body. Generally speaking, there are four major kinds of protein powders to choose from, including whey, casein, collagen and plant-based.

• Whey protein: Whey is an animal-based protein that is derived from milk, and it’s a popular choice because it’s a complete protein, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids in consistent amounts. This makes it a great option for post-workout recovery and muscle growth. Whey protein is fast-digesting as well—just note that it’s not ideal for individuals with dairy sensitivities.
• Casein protein: Like whey, casein is a complete protein made from milk; however, it doesn’t digest as quickly. This makes it a better option for long-term muscle repair and recovery. Casein also keeps you feeling full longer, which can support a healthy metabolism and encourage weight loss.
• Collagen protein: These protein blends are also derived from animal sources, including bones, tendons and skins. Collagen excels at supporting joint health and skin elasticity, as well as strengthening your hair and nails.
• Plant-based protein: If you’re vegan, vegetarian or lactose-intolerant, plant-based proteins are a solid alternative to whey and casein. Common sources include pea, brown rice, quinoa, chia, lentil and hemp proteins. As Sparrold notes, plant proteins sometimes lack all the essential amino acids, but many blends combine different sources to make sure you’re getting everything you need. “They can also be lower in saturated fat compared to whey and casein,” says Routhenstein.

Ingredients

When it comes to ingredients, simplicity is key. Try to avoid or limit powders that are packed with artificial sweeteners, fillers or preservatives. These extras don’t add to the blend’s nutritional value, and in some cases, they can do more harm than good. “The shorter the ingredient list, the better,” says Sparrold.

• Sweeteners: Instead of artificial sweeteners like sucralose and erythritol, Sparrold recommends looking for mixes with stevia or monk fruit.
• Additives: Be wary of any additional fillers or preservatives. For instance, Sparrold specifically recommends avoiding carrageenan, an additive that gives shakes a creamy texture but can have a negative impact on gut health.
• Dietary needs: It’s a good idea to double check for things like soy, gluten or dairy in the ingredient list, too, if you have any food sensitivities or allergies.

Taste And Texture

Taste and texture can make or break your protein powder experience. If the powder is hard to mix or has a chalky, overly sweet taste, you might find yourself avoiding it after a while. Look for powders that dissolve easily in water or milk, or that mix well in smoothies, oatmeal or even baked goods. Also consider whether the powder requires a blender or shaker bottle to get it smooth; you’ll want to keep that in mind for convenience’s sake, and so you’re prepared with the right gear.

What To Avoid In Protein Powders

• Proprietary blends: Proprietary protein blends look enticing, but a proprietary blend is essentially a brand’s way of saying, “Our recipe is a secret, and we can’t tell you what’s in it.” As we’ve learned, transparency is key when shopping for supplements, which is why it’s important to avoid blends that hide the exact amount of each ingredient.
• Excessive additives: Powders that contain artificial sweeteners, colors and thickeners aren’t necessarily harmful, but simpler formulas are ultimately better for digestion and reducing inflammation.
• Unrealistic claims: Marketing claims like “instant muscle growth” and “immediate weight loss” are just that—claims. Protein powder has been around for decades, and research has revealed what does and doesn’t work. If a claim seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Poor third-party testing results: Look for certifications from NSF, Informed Choice and USP, especially if you’re subject to drug testing. These certifications let you know that what’s advertised on the tub is the same thing you’re ingesting.

Protein Supplements, Lead And Other Heavy Metals

Lead and other heavy metals can be found in protein powders due to factors largely beyond a manufacturer’s control. Plants naturally absorb metals from soil and water as they grow, and lead can be introduced during various stages of the production process. Plant-based proteins made of soy and peas are particularly susceptible to higher lead levels because plants accumulate heavy metals more readily than animal-based products.

A recent Consumer Reports investigation found that among 23 protein supplements tested for lead, more than two-thirds contained more lead per serving than experts consider safe for daily consumption. The analysis found that plant-based options showed lead levels nine times higher than dairy-based blends, like whey, and two times higher than beef-based ones, on average.

In light of these findings, we’ve re-evaluated our recommendations and added notes to products from brands that manufacture other protein supplements found to contain elevated levels of lead—Optimum Nutrition and Naked, specifically. We’ve also replaced our previous plant-based protein powder recommendation with an option that has demonstrated comparatively lower lead content based on rigorous third-party testing. We regularly reassess our picks to ensure the protein powders we recommend are tested for quality and safety.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted team researches and writes dozens of health and wellness guides each year, and we cover products for every stage of the fitness journey, from supplements to supportive footwear to recovery tools.

• Author of this guide and Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta has over six years of experience reviewing outdoor, training and wellness equipment. With a degree in kinesiology, he understands how important it is to find clean, healthy supplements that help you recover, gain muscle or simply meet your personal dietary goals.
• This guide was reviewed by Forbes Vetted editorial director, Brinda Ayer, who’s a seasoned marathoner and fitness advocate, and has over a decade of experience in food and lifestyle journalism.
• Updates to this guide were edited by Forbes Vetted director of commerce strategy, Lindsay Boyers, CN, a certified functional nutritionist and author of 15 health and wellness books. She has over a decade of experience covering nutrition, fitness, and supplements, including extensive research on protein powders and shakes.
• Forbes Vetted senior strategy editor, Katie Simpson, also edited updates to this guide. She has been an ACE-certified personal trainer for over two years, advising clients on nutrition and protein intake.

Our Experts

• Erin Sparrold, owner of ES Performance Nutrition and a performance nutrition coach with over 25 years of experience
• Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian and heart health expert at EntirelyNourished.com

More Ways To Supplement Protein

Our team is consistently researching and reviewing the latest protein powders and supplements on the market. We’ve complied our top recommendations in the below guides, so you can find the ideal supplement for your lifestyle and goals.

• Best Vegan Protein Powders
• Best Protein Bars
• Best Meal Replacement Shakes