Looking for a workout boost? Trying to manage your weight? While protein powders have many benefits, not all protein sources are the same.
When pondering what type of protein source is right for you, there are a number of considerations:
Are you looking to protein to boost muscle recovery or to manage weight? If it’s the former and you eat meat, whey protein is probably the right one for you.
If you’re eating protein to cut pounds, consider a slower-digesting option, such as pea protein or casein.
Next, decide if you like the idea of plant protein sources over those derived from animals.
And, of course, taste and the integrity of your favorite brand should weigh into your decision, too.
Fortunately, no matter your preferences, you can find a product to fit them.
Looking for recommendations? We’ve got five of our favorite protein powders below:
Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein: Capitalizing on the bone broth craze, Ancient Nutrition offers a chicken bone broth protein concentrate. The resulting smoothie will be the thickest, creamiest, most decadent you’ll ever sample. Because it’s from bone broth, it also has joint- and skin-health ingredients like collagen.
Plant Head Real Meal: This soy-free, dairy-free earthy-tasting powder doubles as a meal replacement. The protein comes from pea, brown rice, algae, hemp and cranberries. Also included are seeds, sprouts, fruits and veggies that deliver a whopping 15 grams of fiber per serving.
Oriya Organics 100% Plant Protein: This soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free powder features sprouted rice, hemp seed, chia seeds, spirulina and chlorella. Beyond those ingredients, there’s literally nothing else added—no sweeteners, no flavors, no gums.
Vega Sport Performance Protein: A blend of plant-based protein from peas, alfalfa, pumpkins and sunflower seeds provide 30 grams of protein per scoop. Vega recommends taking it 45 and 90 minutes after a workout as a recovery aid. It contains all nine essential amino acids and 18 out of 20 amino acids. Gluten free, non-GMO.
Organic Valley Organic Fuel Whey Protein Powder: The country’s largest organic farmer co-op sells a whey protein powder derived from pasture- raised cows. It contains 26 grams of protein and just 3 grams of unrefined sugar. No GMOs, artificial sweeteners, antibiotics, hormones or pesticides.
