Protein powders are very popular among health-conscious people. The vast amount of protein powders on the market can make the task of choosing one daunting, but it also means there are probably several that will be suitable for your needs.

We’re here to tell you that while all powders claim to be awesome, they’re not all equal. Finding the right one for you depends on your health goals and dietary restrictions, and should also be based on a protein’s bioavailability, or how easily your body absorbs it. 

You simply want the best powder to increase your protein intake or are looking to build or maintain muscle.

Derived from cow’s milk, whey leads the herd as the best type of protein powder. It’s called a “complete” protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids—the ones your body can’t make on its own. Whey enters your bloodstream faster than any other protein and boasts the highest level of the amino acid leucine, which provides muscles with the necessary fuel to power through a workout and build mass. In fact, whey is the most effective powder at building muscle. So if that’s your goal, aim to consume it within an hour after exercise. the benefits getting enough protein can provide are huge—it can help build muscle, repair tissue, help manage weight. You can, of course, get protein many ways—if you want to eat tuna and hard-boiled eggs all day, that’s your business.

10. Best Protein Powder for Early Mornings– RSP’s TrueFit Cold Brew Coffee protein powder

If you prefer to start your day with a training session bright and early, RSP’s TrueFit Cold Brew Coffee protein powder was made for you. More meal replacement than mere protein shake, RSP TrueFit boasts 20 grams of protein on top of a blend of 12 different superfoods that will leave you feeling full until lunch. And with their new Cold Brew Coffee flavor, you can cut down on all those morning coffee runs, because there’s 100 milligrams of caffeine derived from actual coffee beans—roughly a small Dunkin’, just the right amount to kickstart your day after exhausting yourself at morning bootcamp.

Whey Protein

Whey protein comes from milk. It is the liquid that separates from the curds during the cheesemaking process. It’s high in protein but also harbors lactose, a milk sugar that many people have difficulty digesting.

While whey protein concentrate retains some lactose, the isolate version contains very little because most of this milk sugar is lost during processing.

Whey digests quickly and is rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Leucine, one of these BCAAs, plays a major role in promoting muscle growth and recovery after resistance and endurance exercise.

When amino acids are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream, they become available for muscle protein synthesis (MPS), or the creation of new muscle.

Studies reveal that whey protein can help build and maintain muscle mass, assist athletes with recovery from heavy exercise and increase muscle strength in response to strength training.

9. SFH Pure Whey Protein

This vanilla-flavored whey protein powder is noted for its amazing taste, ease of absorption, and ingredients.

Sourced from grass-fed, free-range cows in New Zealand, this minimally processed whey powder doesn’t contain soy, gluten, or artificial ingredients and has a low lactose content. No bovine growth hormones are used.

This may be a good choice if you’re looking to manage weight and increase muscle.

Casein protein

You generally use protein powder as a meal replacement or before bed, or if you want to combine it with whey for optimal muscle-building effects.

Casein, the main protein in milk, is absorbed more slowly than whey, so it’s not quite as efficient at building muscle. But it can leave you feeling fuller longer, which makes it a great addition to meal replacement shakes or your morning oatmeal, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Casein has also been found to enhance muscle building when blended with whey in a post-workout shake, such as these delicious high-protein smoothies.

8. BulkSupplements Casein Protein Powder

This unflavored casein protein powder can be used to build muscles. It may also aid in muscle recovery after workouts.

This powder contains no filler protein. It’s also a good source of calcium —578 milligrams or 45 percent of your daily recommended value (DV) per serving — which may help improve dental and bone health.

This powder may be a good choice for adding to smoothies or batters because it doesn’t clump. It can also be used to make protein fluff, which is a frozen protein ice cream.

Egg white protein

If you’re allergic to or don’t eat dairy (e.g., Paleo dieters), but still want a high-quality complete protein.

Egg white protein is just what it sounds like: Dried egg whites that have been turned into a powder. This protein digests slower than whey but faster than casein. Although it’s not quite as good as whey or casein in terms of muscle protein synthesis, it’s still a good option in a post-workout or meal-replacement smoothie.

Egg white protein is loaded with amino acids, which help to build lean muscle strength, and aid in muscle repair and recovery.

7. MRM Egg White Protein

This egg white protein powder is free of dairy, making it a good choice for people who have a lactose intolerance. It’s also gluten-free and is extracted using a process that makes it easily digestible.

Additionally, the powder is free of GMOs, antibiotics, and hormones.

The powder isn’t chalky and mixes well in shakes, coconut milk, and juice. The vanilla or chocolate flavor makes it a delicious addition to oatmeal, especially when you want a dessert option.

Pea protein

If you avoid animal-derived products, but don’t want to eat soy, or if you have digestive issues.

Pea protein, derived from the yellow pea, is the most highly digestible of the plant proteins, making it a good alternative for anyone with a sensitive stomach who doesn’t want to do dairy or soy. But it’s not a complete protein—it’s low in two amino acids—so pair it with another plant-based protein such as hemp or rice protein to round out its amino acid profile and make it complete.

6. Smart 138 Pea Protein

This pure pea protein contains iron and all essential amino acids. This low carb powder has no added sugar or artificial flavors and is suitable for people who are vegan or who need gluten-free or dairy-free options.

The powder has an earthy, naturally sweet cocoa taste and mixes well in smoothies, puddings, or drinks. It’s also available in vanilla flavor.

5. NATURALLY FLAVORED GOLD STANDARD 100% WHEY

Each serving of the world’s best-selling whey protein powder provides 24 grams of all-whey protein. Whey Protein Isolate is the primary ingredient, which has had further carbohydrates, fat, and lactose ‘isolated’ out using sophisticated filtering technologies. The powder is also instantized for glass and spoon mixing. The fact that we formulated this easy-to-mix powder with our high standards—and no artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors—makes it the GOLD STANDARD® for protein quality.

4. Ground-Based Nutrition Superfood Protein

This raw superfood protein powder is organic and GMO-free. It’s a vegan powder that’s also free of gluten, soy, and sugar.

The plant-based powder contains raw greens, including kale, broccoli, and spinach, as well as superfoods such as spirulina and maca. The powder also contains brown rice, sacha inchi, and cranberry proteins, as well as all nine essential amino acids.

People describe this powder as having a great taste, making it easy to drink and enjoy. It comes in unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate options.

Best collagen protein powder

Collagen is a component of muscles, and supplementing your body with collagen may help stimulate muscle growth after exercise. It can also help your muscles to function properly.

Additionally, a 2015 studyTrusted Source of 53 men over age 65 years found evidence that collagen supplementation may help reduce age-related muscle loss when used in combination with resistance training.

This study only looked at men, so more research is needed to better understand this relationship.

3. Willis Nutrition Pure Collagen Peptides

This bovine collagen peptide protein powder is free of gluten and dairy, and is easy to digest and absorb. It’s a non-GMO product that’s sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows in Brazil.

This powder may help support healthy collagen production, which in turn, may support healthy muscles, bones, and joints.

The unflavored powder can be mixed into drinks, smoothies, and soups.

Hemp Protein

Hemp protein powder is another plant-based supplement that is gaining popularity.

Although hemp is related to marijuana, it only contains trace amounts of the psychoactive component THC.

Hemp is rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and several essential amino acids. However, it is not considered a complete protein because it has very low levels of the amino acids lysine and leucine.

2. Navitas Organics Hemp Powder

This organic hemp powder may help boost energy, and it’s a good source of magnesium, iron, and fiber. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and all nine essential amino acids.

This hemp powder is suitable for people who require gluten-free options and have digestive sensitivities. It has an earthy, nutty taste with no chalky aftertaste and can be used as a flour substitute.

The powder dissolves well, making it a delicious addition to smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods. You can also add it to dips, salads, and soups.

1. Organic Fuel Whey Protein Powder

Organic Fuel Whey Protein Powder is made with just 4-5 simple ingredients.  It contains 26 grams of clean, organic whey protein and just three grams of unrefined sugar. Like all Organic Valley products, Organic Fuel Protein Powder is USDA certified organic and never contains artificial sweeteners, artificial ingredients, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMOs. Powered by organic milk, great tasting whey powder complements any fitness routine.

Organic Fuel Whey Protein Powder is a great way to maximize recovery and performance. Organic Valley’s new powder is the ultimate powder because it’s made with the best ingredients and best nutritional profile. It contains key nutrients important for performance, including calcium.”

Available in two flavors, Chocolate and Vanilla.