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The best protein powders make 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.
Our Top Picks
In This Article
Best Vegan: Sakara Protein + Greens Super Powder
- Why we love it: Rich in antioxidants, this plant-based powder has alkalizing greens and detoxifying algae—but it doesn’t taste like seaweed. Its subtle vanilla flavor makes it the perfect secret ingredient for smoothies or baked goods.
- Protein Source: Pea, hemp, and pumpkin
- Protein Per Serving: 12g
- Ingredients: Pea, hemp, pumpkin, wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, chlorella
- Flavor: Vanilla
- Size: 7.5 oz
Best for Glowing Skin: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide Powder
- Why we love it: This single-ingredient powder featuring bovine-derived collagen peptides dissolves easily into hot or cold liquids. Stir the collagen into your morning coffee or sprinkle it into a glass of water, and sip your way to a dewier complexion.
- Protein Source: Collagen peptides
- Protein Per Serving: 18g
- Ingredients: Collagen peptides
- Flavor: Unflavored, chocolate, lemon, vanilla
- Size: 9.33 oz
Best Sugar-Free: Ritual Essential Protein
- Why we love it: Made with regeneratively-farmed ingredients, Ritual’s Essential Protein powder packs 20 grams of plant protein and zero grams of sugar per serving. It also boosts brain function with tartaric acid.
- Protein Source: Organic yellow peas
- Protein Per Serving: 20g
- Ingredients: Organic pea protein, natural flavor, MCT oil
- Flavor: Vanilla
- Size: 1.0 lb
Best Whey: Naked Whey Protein Powder
- Why we love it: Boasting a clean formulation with “nothing to hide,” the GMO-, gluten-, and soy-free powder is a chocolate-flavored salve for sore muscles. Plus, it can help promote muscle growth.
- Protein Source: Grass-fed whey
- Protein Per Serving: 25g
- Ingredients: Grass-fed whey, raw cacao, coconut sugar
- Flavor: Chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, double chocolate, unflavored, vanilla
- Size: 5 lbs
Best Post-Workout: Promix Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
- Why we love it: Designed for athletes—or anyone who craves a restorative, post-workout treat, Promix’s powder contains branched-chain amino acids to build and restore muscles.
- Protein Source: Whey
- Protein Per Serving: 25g
- Ingredients: Grass-fed whey, sunflower lecithin, vanilla extract, organic coconut sugar
- Flavor: Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter, unflavored
- Size: 2.5 lbs
Best Low-Calorie: Podium Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
- Why we love it: This low-sugar, low-calorie powder fuels lean muscles with 27 grams of protein per serving. It doesn’t hurt that it tastes like coffee ice cream, and comes in other fun flavors, too.
- Protein Source: Whey isolate
- Protein Per Serving: 27g
- Ingredients: Whey protein powder with whey protein isolate
- Flavor: Coffee ice cream, churro, cookies & cream, maple butter pancake, mint chocolate chip, peanut butter crunch
- Size: 32 oz
Most Flavors: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
- Why we love it: A range of unconventional flavors, including churro caramel swirl and fruity cereal, make up the low-sugar formulation. The powder is also packed with prebiotics.
- Protein Source: Pea and brown rice
- Protein Per Serving: 21g
- Ingredients: Organic pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seed, creamer base
- Flavor: Chai latte, churro caramel swirl, fruity cereal, horchata, pumpkin spice, strawberries & cream, vanilla
- Size: 16.3 oz
Best for a Sensitive Stomach: Ora Plant-Based Superfood Protein
- Why we love it: Easy on sensitive stomachs, Ora’s plant-based powder is infused with digestive enzymes to stave off bloating. Plus, it has a combination of 19 superfoods rich in micronutrients and amino acids.
- Protein Source: Pea and rice
- Protein Per Serving: 22g
- Ingredients: Organic pea protein, rice protein, Ora’s Protein, Superfood, & Greens Blend, Ora’s Enzyme Blend
- Flavor: Chocolate
- Size: 1.5 lbs
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 and Needed founder 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.
What to look for in 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.
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