Healthiest Protein Powders

In the world of health and fitness, protein is often hailed as the cornerstone of a balanced diet. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone looking to improve their overall health, incorporating sufficient protein into your daily regimen is crucial. While whole food sources like chicken, fish, beef, lamb, beans and tofu are excellent options, sometimes our busy lifestyles demand convenience without sacrificing nutritional value. This is where protein powders step in, offering a convenient and efficient way to boost your protein intake. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the benefits of protein powders, why people should consider incorporating them into their diets, and what to look for in the healthiest options.

The Benefits of Protein Powders:

1. Convenient Source of High-Quality Protein: Protein powders provide a quick and easy way to increase your protein intake, especially for individuals with hectic schedules. They can be easily mixed with water, milk, or added to smoothies, making them a versatile option for any meal or snack.
2. Muscle Growth and Repair: Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, especially after intense exercise. Protein powders, particularly those containing whey protein, are rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which play a key role in promoting muscle protein synthesis.
3. Weight Management: High-protein diets have been shown to aid in weight loss and weight management by increasing feelings of fullness and boosting metabolism. Protein powders can be a convenient tool for those looking to curb cravings and support their weight loss goals.
4. Nutritional Support: Protein powders are not just for gym-goers; they can also benefit individuals with specific dietary needs, such as vegetarians, vegans, or those with food allergies. Plant-based protein powders, like pea or hemp protein, offer an excellent alternative for individuals looking to avoid animal products.

What to Look for in the Healthiest Protein Powders:

1. Quality Ingredients: When choosing a protein powder, opt for products with minimal additives, artificial flavors, and sweeteners. Look for brands that prioritize natural ingredients and avoid unnecessary fillers. Here are some common zero-sugar ingredients that you want to look for in a higher quality protein powder:
   • Stevia – Most of my “zero sugar” products contain stevia. Sometimes it has an aftertaste and other times it doesn’t. I’m not sure if it’s the amount used in certain products or if it’s a different type of Stevia.
   • Monk Fruit – sometimes combined with stevia to create less aftertaste and to offset the higher cost of monk fruit.
   • Allulose – this is also known as D-psicose, and is a simple sugar found naturally in several foods like figs, raisin, maple syrup, and brown sugar. It’s estimated that about 70% of D-psicose is absorbed in the digestive tract and then eliminated through urine, rather than used as energy, meaning it doesn’t affect blood sugar levels. It also has 90% fewer calories than sugar. This is my new favorite alternative to sugar.
   • Fermented Cane Sugar Reb-M – Reb M, or Rebaudioside M, is a new zero-calorie sweetener derived from the fermentation of sugar cane. This supposedly doesn’t have the aftertaste that Stevia can have.
2. Complete Protein Profile: Ensure that the protein powder you choose contains a balanced amino acid profile, including all nine essential amino acids. This is especially important for individuals following a plant-based diet, as some plant proteins may be lacking in certain amino acids.
3. Digestibility: Select protein powders that are easily digestible to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Whey protein isolate and hydrolyzed protein are often well-tolerated options for those with sensitive stomachs. If you’re like me and Whey still makes you bloated, then you may want to try A2 whey protein powder, egg white powder or beef protein powder. Beef protein powder is my go-to because it’s much easier to digest.
4. Third-Party Testing: Choose protein powders that undergo third-party testing for quality and purity. This ensures that the product is free from contaminants and meets stringent safety standards.
5. Personal Preferences: Consider factors such as taste, texture, and mixability when selecting a protein powder. Experiment with different flavors and types to find the one that best suits your palate and lifestyle.

Types of Protein Powders:

Protein powders come in various forms, each offering unique benefits and suitability for different dietary preferences and lifestyles.

1. Whey Protein: Whey protein is one of the most popular and widely researched forms of protein powder. It is derived from milk during the cheese-making process and is known for its high bioavailability and rapid absorption. Whey protein is rich in essential amino acids, particularly leucine, making it an ideal choice for muscle building and recovery. There are three main types of whey protein: whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolysate, each varying in protein content and processing methods. Concentrate is the cheapest form and hydrolysate is the most expensive. I typically like ones with isolate or a blend of concentrate and isolate. Grass-fed whey is the best if you can find a brand you like and fits in your budget.
2. Casein Protein: Like whey protein, casein protein is also derived from milk but is absorbed at a slower rate. This slow digestion makes casein protein an excellent option for promoting satiety and providing a steady release of amino acids over time, making it ideal for use as a nighttime or prolonged-release protein supplement.
3. Plant-Based Protein: Plant-based protein powders are derived from various plant sources such as peas, rice, hemp, soy, and quinoa. These protein powders are suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Plant-based protein powders often contain a blend of different plant sources to provide a complete amino acid profile and offer comparable benefits to animal-based proteins in terms of muscle building and recovery.
4. Egg White Protein: Egg white protein powder is made from dried egg whites and is naturally high in protein while being low in fat and carbohydrates. It provides a complete source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, and is easily digestible, making it an excellent option for individuals with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
5. Collagen Protein: Collagen protein powder is derived from collagen-rich sources such as animal bones, skin, and connective tissues. It is known for its role in supporting joint health, skin elasticity, and hair and nail growth. While collagen protein may not provide as high of a protein content as other forms, it offers unique benefits for overall health and well-being. NOTE: Collagen is a source of protein but it is not considered a complete protein source. This means it’s missing some of the essential amino acids required to create a complete source of protein. You can add collagen to your other protein powder, but using it alone does not count towards your daily protein goal.
6. Beef Protein: Beef protein powder is made from hydrolyzed beef protein isolate, providing a high-quality protein source rich in essential amino acids. Beef protein is also packed with the collage, gelatin, and micro-nutrients your body needs and is bioavailable meaning your body can easily absorb it. Studies have shown that beef protein provides additional benefits to strength, hypertrophy, and fat loss over whey protein. It offers an alternative for individuals looking to avoid dairy or plant-based proteins and can support muscle growth and recovery. Beef protein powder is also typically low in fat and carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. This, just like whey should also be grass-fed.

Back in 2018, there was a study done on 134 of the top protein powder brands.They tested for heavy metals, endocrine disrupting chemicals and mycotoxins.

More than 75% of the plant-based protein powders contained measurable levels of lead while 55% had measurable levels of BPA, and certified organic products averaged twice as many heavy metals.

Heavy metals are extremely concerning because they can contribute to:

• Brain damage/cognitive impairment, especially in children
• Developmental delays in young children
• Kidney damage
• Respiratory issues
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Immune system dysfunction
• Bone diseases

The high levels of heavy metals found in these plant-based proteins are likely a result of the plants absorbing contaminants and bioaccumulating metals/minerals from the soil. It can also be because the production process can inadvertently concentrate heavy metals found in the plants.

Additionally, even when not contaminated (which appears to be rare), plant-based proteins are objectively less bioavailable than animal proteins. This means they’re an inferior product.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. Please check out my disclosure policy for more details.

Healthiest Protein Powder Brands

I’ve researched lots and lots of protein powders over the years. As I continue my health and wellness journey, I’ve become much pickier about the ingredients in my protein powders. So the following list is my top recommended protein powder brands that have the highest quality protein with no unnecessary fillers, sugars, or additives. (I personally don’t recommend plant proteins because of the above quote about heavy metals and because they are less bioavailable, but I did list a few choices below for those that still want a plant protein)

• Equip Prime Protein – THIS is the protein brand I use pretty much every day! This is pure beef protein isolate. It’s the same protein as in 4 oz of steak. It’s sweetened with Stevia and has no added fillers or other junk. They have lots of flavors to choose from like: Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, Iced Coffee, Strawberry, Chocolate and Vanilla (I do find the Vanilla flavor has too much of an aftertaste). Strawberry is delicious mixed in my greek yogurt with a squeeze of fresh lemon. You can use code: CARRIEFIT for 15% a one-time order. $63.99 for a 1.7lb bag (I get mine on subscription which brings it down to $54.39. You can buy it on Amazon but it’s more expensive at $67.99. 20g of protein per scoop. 20 servings per bag.
• Paleo Pro – This is another beef protein powder made with beef protein isolate and egg white protein. These are sweetened with monk fruit. I have not tried these so I can’t attest to how it tastes. These do come in fun flavors like Aztec Vanilla, ancient Cocoa, Mayan Mocha, Mocha Mint and Naked (unflavored). These do seem a little cheaper than Equip. This is $40.99 for a 1lb bag. 26g of protein per scoop. 15 servings per bag.
• Ancient Nutrition – I’m super excited to try their new Whey Protein because they use A2 Milk Protein from grass-fed cows. A2/A2 milk protein comes from cows that naturally produce only the A2 type of beta-casein protein, which is easier to digest for many people compared to the more common A1 protein. This comes in flavors like Vanilla Bean, Milk Chocolate and Chocolate Peanut Butter. This cost $54.95 for 1 container that only has 18 servings so it’s a bit more expensive. 1 Scoop has 23 grams of protein. These are sweetened with Stevia and Luo Han Guo Extract (also known as monk fruit).
• Earth Fed Muscle – This is a grass-fed whey isolate powder sweetened with stevia. They have flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate, & Mocha. They also have a casein whey blend called Nocturnal that’s a Dark Chocolate flavor which is great for a before bed protein dessert. $59.99 for a 2lb canister. 29g of protein per scoop. 22 servings per container.
• Jocko Mölk – This protein powder is a blend of whey concentrate, isolate, casein and egg white powder which I find an interesting combo. It’s sweetened with fermented cane sugar and monk fruit extract. They have flavors like Banana, Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter and Strawberry. $35.99 for a 2lb canister. 22g per scoop. 31 servings per bag. They also have ready-to-drink protein but I would avoid this one because it contains High Oleic Sunflower Oil which when consumed too frequently can cause inflammation in the body. It should be limited especially in a product that’s not refrigerated.
• MRM – This whey is a blend of concentrate and isolate and is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit. They also add in BCAA’s and glutamine for recovery as well as digestive enzymes and probiotics for gut health. This is $32.99 for a a 1lb canister that has 33 servings. It does only have 18g of protein per scoop and only comes in Vanilla and Chocolate flavors. If you wanted a step up in this brand they have a Whey Isolate protein that is $42.99 and has 30 servings per 2lb canister and 24g of protein per scoop. They also have an Egg White Protein powder for $46.19 for a 20 serving canister. 1 scoop contains 23g of protein. They also have a Veggie Protein Powder made of pea protein and brown rice protein.
• Sun Warrior Plant Protein – The Organic Active Protein from Sun Warrior has some great vegan ingredients like organic pea protein, organic brown rice and organic pumpkin seed protein. It also has a probiotic and digestive enzyme blend included. It’s sweetened with Stevia and it has 39g of protein per serving (each serving is 2 scoops.) This container only has 20 servings though for $44.97 and only comes in chocolate or vanilla.
• Bio Health Precision ISO – This is grass-fed isolate whey and has simple ingredients like cocoa powder and stevia as a sweetener. This is a 2lb container for $59.99 and according to the image it has 70 servings in this one container. 1 scoop has 27 grams of protein.
• Jay Robb Egg White Protein Powder – This has been the most popular egg white protein powder that I can remember. The flavored ones are sweetened with stevia and each scoop has 24g of protein. A 12 oz bag has 10 servings for $36.99 which seems a bit expensive. Jay Robb also sells a grass-fed Whey Protein as well which also is sweetened with stevia and comes in strawberry, chocolate, vanilla or unflavored. 1 scoop has 25g of protein.
• Promix – Grass-fed whey isolate is a plus with this one. I’m not a fan of using coconut sugar, although it’s lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar. If you’re ok with using coconut sugar since it’s not technically a zero-sugar sweetener, then this is a quality protein powder. They only have vanilla, chocolate and unflavored options. These are $57.99 for a 2.5lb bag and each bag has 30 servings. 1 scoop is 15g of protein but recommended serving size is 2 scoops which gets you a whopping 30g of protein per serving (another plus my book)
• ProDough -This brand has some really unique flavor options like Maple Donut, Apple Pie, Peach Cobbler and Cookie Crumble just to name a few. It’s not grass-fed whey but it is whey isolate. There are 20 servings in a bag for $49.99 and each scoop has 25g of protein. It’s sweetened with stevia and monk fruit. It also contains a digestive enzyme blend.
• Natural Force Grass-Fed Whey – I like that this is grass-fed and contains A2 protein, which is easier digested. This only has 3 ingredients, whey concentrate, monk fruit extract and vanilla extract. It’s $37.99 for a 1lb bag which only has about 17 servings. Each scoop has 20g of protein. They also have a chocolate and unflavored option.
• Levels Grass-Fed Whey – This one only has whey protein concentrate but is a little more affordable at $33.99 for a 2lb canister with 28 servings and has 24g protein per scoop. This is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit. This comes in lots of flavors like Cappuccino, Chocolate, Chocolate Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla, Double Chocolate, Strawberry, and Unflavored.
• ATH Build – This is a grass-fed whey from pasture-raised New Zealand Cows. The ingredients in these are fantastic and they have some fun flavors like Cinnamon Cereal, Orange Dream, Cocoa and Strawberry Milkshake. I have not personally tried this brand but love the high quality ingredients. This is sweetened with monk fruit. Each scoop has 20 grams of protein and each container has 30 servings for $49.95 or save 10% with a subscription.

Tell me…have you tried any of these brands? Are there other brands you would add to this list?

Stay healthy (and eat your protein) my friends!

XO,

Carrie A Groff

PS. If you’re looking for a meal replacement shake that has protein in it then you must check out HLTH Code. It’s the ONLY meal replacement shake I will recommend to my clients because it has enough calories to actually consider it a meal. Most meal replacement shakes are actually a snack. The HLTH Code shakes are also formulated by Dr. Ben Bikman and contain all the vitamins and macronutrients you need to keep you full and satisfied and these will help you keep your blood sugar levels from not spiking too high. Each serving has 27 grams of protein and only 4 grams net carbs. They also now come in a plant-based version for those that don’t eat meat. Check them out if a meal replacement shake is something you’re looking for. And use code: CARRIEFIT for 15% off your first order.