We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Iso Whey Protein Powder
Garden of Life and Naked top our nutritionists’ list of the best whey protein powders on the market.
Whey protein is a popular supplement that can support muscle gain and increase overall protein intake, which can promote weight management. It could also help lower cholesterol.
Our nutritionists have reviewed dozens of the most popular brands and picked the best whey protein powders for various needs and preferences.
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.
Generally, prices range from $0.78–$7.27 per serving, or $23.75–$89.99 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Supplements intended for weight gain tend to have a higher price per serving, as each serving generally contains a greater number of scoops.
Many people prefer to use unsweetened, unflavored protein powders. Not only are they free of added sugars, because they don’t alter the taste of other foods, they work well in smoothies and shakes.
Naked Whey protein contains just one ingredient: whey protein concentrate from cows raised on farms in Northern California. The cows spend at least 19 hours a day on pasture.
Naked Nutrition products are third-party tested, and Naked Whey is Informed Choice Trusted by Sport.
Informed Choice Trusted by Sport is a program that certifies that a product has been tested at least on a monthly basis for substances banned by LGC, a globally recognized sports doping control and supplement testing lab.
Naked Nutrition products are manufactured in a facility that adheres to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs , a set of regulations created by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the quality and purity of supplements.
Naked Whey’s unflavored profile allows for versatile use in recipes without added sweeteners or flavors, while ethical sourcing from pasture-raised cows makes it an environmentally conscious choice.
Most reviewers praise Naked Whey for not including sugar or artificial sweeteners. However, some users note that the product needs to be mixed very well. Additionally those accustomed to sweeter protein shakes may want to add additional ingredients.
NOW Sports Unflavored Organic Whey Protein is made with certified organic whey protein concentrate. It’s free of corn, soy, nuts, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
This protein powder has the Informed Choice Trusted by Sport certification and carries the LGC Informed Sport seal, which assures that the product has been tested for a number of substances that are banned in sports. NOW also adheres to CGMPs.
Reviewers praise NOW Sports Unflavored Organic Whey Protein for its organic ingredients and absence of allergens. However, some users remark that the unflavored profile may require added flavoring or mix-ins.
If you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast looking for an organic, allergen-free option without sacrificing quality or integrity, NOW Sports Unflavored Organic Whey Protein may be a suitable option.
Raw Grass Fed Whey contains only whey protein concentrate from grass-fed cows. It’s organic and free of soy, added sugars, and gluten.
Raw Organic Whey is independently tested by third-party labs for heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, and mycotoxins. Testing results are available on the company’s website.
Reviewers overwhelmingly appreciate Raw Grass Fed Whey for its single-ingredient formula and high-quality, organic protein. However, some users point out minor drawbacks like the packaging not resealing well and the powder requiring extra effort to mix smoothly.
Flavored protein powders are often preferred by those who like a boost of sweetness in their protein drinks. These powders can be sweetened naturally with sugar, monk fruit, or stevia, or with artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium.
Garden of Life Sport Grass-Fed Organic Whey Protein is made with whey protein isolate and milk protein and comes in vanilla and chocolate flavors. It’s one of the best sugar-free whey protein products, as it’s sweetened with stevia and erythritol instead of added sugars.
That being said, erythritol is a sugar alcohol, which can cause some bloating and digestive discomfort in some people.
This product is NSF Certified for Sport — an independent third-party testing certification verifying that products are free of more than 270 substances currently banned by major athletic organizations.
This whey protein has plenty of positive reviews with many commenting on the pleasant taste without any chalky aftertaste, making it a great stand-alone option that can be simply mixed with liquid and enjoyed, or added to other recipes.
Naked Whey Flavored Protein Powder is naturally sweetened with organic coconut sugar, making this a great option for someone who dislikes the aftertaste of artificial sweeteners or stevia. It comes in Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry flavors.
This flavoring does contribute to a small amount of added sugar in the product — 3 g or 3/4 of a teaspoon per 37-g serving. This is a minimal amount but still something that consumers who are particularly sugar-conscious may want to consider.
Reviewers especially appreciate the limited ingredients and natural sweetness, but some have noted that it can be a bit clumpy and needs to be blended well.
Simply Tera’s Whey Organic Bourbon Vanilla Whey Protein contains organic whey protein concentrate and is flavored with organic vanilla and stevia for sweetness. It comes in Dark Chocolate as well.
Simply Tera’s Whey tests its products quarterly using third-party independent laboratories and conducts in-house product testing.
While most reviews are positive and many describe the taste as mild and pleasant, some dislike the aftertaste that comes with whey protein sweetened with stevia.
Some people use whey protein to gain weight and muscle mass. The following whey protein powder product is high in calories as well as carbohydrates and protein, which, combined with proper resistance training, can help you gain muscle mass.
Naked Nutrition Naked Mass is a high calorie weight gainer supplement that can promote healthy weight gain.
It contains organic tapioca maltodextrin, a type of food starch that works as a thickening agent, as well as whey protein concentrate and casein, another milk protein. Naked Mass comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored.
Note that this product is extremely high in calories and carbs and is inappropriate for those who don’t need to gain weight. Also, the very high carb content of this supplement makes it inappropriate for those with blood sugar regulation issues.
Smaller servings can be used so the calorie and carb load isn’t so extreme. Just one scoop provides 313 calories and 13 g of protein.
Most customers are happy with the taste and the nutrient profile of the product, but several mention that the container is rather difficult to open.
If you’re using weight gainer supplements for weight loss related to a medical condition such as cancer, it’s important to talk with your healthcare team before adding a new supplement to your routine, to make sure it’s safe for you.
Whey protein isolate has undergone more processing than whey protein concentrate and thus is lower in fat and carbs and higher in protein. It also tends to be more expensive due to the additional processing.
AGN Roots Grass-Fed Whey is made with whey from cows raised in the pastures of sustainable family farms.
It’s the only grass-fed whey product that earned a spot on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Shop with Your Heart list, which links consumers to animal-welfare certified products.
AGN Roots products are third-party tested by LGC and carry the Informed Choice and Informed Sport certifications.
While some feel the product is on expensive side, reviews are overwhelmingly positive with many calling it the “best protein.”
There are three main types of whey protein used to make protein powder supplements, though there’s currently no evidence that suggests one kind is better than the others:
People may use whey protein powder for a variety of reasons, like enhancing muscle recovery and promoting muscle growth after hard workouts, or as a way to increase overall protein intake, which has been shown to support weight management.
Some research also shows that using whey protein could help reduce blood lipid levels — including LDL (bad) cholesterol — in certain populations.
A 2020 review that included 22 studies found that supplementing with whey protein significantly reduced LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with metabolic syndrome — a cluster of symptoms that raise your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, including elevated blood sugar and blood lipid levels.
Researchers think that whey protein may help reduce LDL cholesterol and other blood lipids by decreasing fat absorption in the digestive tract and stimulating enzymes involved in the metabolism of fats.
Even though these results are encouraging, more research is needed to understand how supplementing with whey protein may benefit people with high LDL cholesterol levels.
If you’re trying to reduce your LDL cholesterol, consider using whey protein in nutritious, low-sugar protein shakes and incorporating them into a high-fiber diet rich in plant foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts.
When shopping for a whey protein supplement, there are a few key factors to consider:
The better protein powder will depend on your personal preferences and goals.
Protein powders are made from various protein sources, including animal products such as whey and casein from cow’s milk, and eggs, as well as from plant sources like brown rice, hemp, and peas.
Whey protein is often recommended for building muscle and for supporting weight loss. There are three different types of whey protein — concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate — but there is no evidence suggesting that one type is superior to the others.
If you have dairy or egg allergies or avoid animal products, plant-based protein powders can be an excellent choice for increasing your overall protein intake.
The better protein powder will also meet your needs in terms of nutrient profile, cost, and sweeteners.
It’s also best to choose a product that has been third-party tested to ensure quality, safety, and accuracy of the label.
Adding a whey protein supplement to your diet may help you lose body fat.
Protein is the most filling micronutrient, and adding protein sources to meals and snacks, including protein shakes, can help you feel more full and satisfied, which may lead to consuming fewer calories overall.
But reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight depends most on your total dietary intake and activity level. If you over-consume calories and lead a sedentary lifestyle, adding whey protein powder to your diet is unlikely to impact your body weight.
However, adding a protein supplement while also focusing on improving your overall diet quality, reducing your calorie intake, and being more active is a beneficial way to promote healthy weight loss.
Yes, you can use whey protein powder daily.
Some people like to use whey protein daily in their protein shakes or smoothies, while others use it a couple of times a week as a pre- or post-workout snack.
One misconception about protein powders is that using them increases the risk of consuming too much protein. However, there is currently no evidence that consuming protein powder or high-protein foods is harmful to healthy individuals, though some, like those with kidney issues, may need to be more cautious.
If you’re not sure how you should incorporate whey protein into your diet or how much you should be consuming, consider working with a registered dietitian. They can help answer any questions you have about dietary supplements and can help with goals related to sports performance, weight loss, and more.
High-quality whey proteins, like the products on this list, are made with limited ingredients and are free of artificial sweeteners, fillers, preservatives, and other additives that are frequently used in protein powder products.
The best quality options will also be third-party tested and carry certifications like Informed Choice and NSF Certified for Sport.
There’s also some research that suggests grass-fed protein may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because it appears to have higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, but more research on these benefits is needed.
However, grass-fed proteins do tend to be more sustainably sourced and the better environmental choices.
If this is important to you, AGN Roots Grass-Fed Whey and Raw Organic Whey offer the benefits of being grass-fed as well as third-party tested.
There are many whey protein powder products on the market, and the right one for you will depend on your needs and your preferences.
Choosing a whey protein powder from this list can help ensure that you’re buying a high-quality, safe product that can help you meet your protein needs and health goals.
Last medically reviewed on September 20, 2023
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Ellen Landes, MS, RDN, CPT, Jillian Kubala MS, RD
Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN
Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN
This is a detailed article about whey protein, a type of protein shown to have numerous benefits for muscle mass, strength, fat loss and overall…
This is a detailed article about whey protein and its health benefits. It can help you lose weight and gain muscle, while improving your overall…
Protein supplements are very popular. This article explains the best time to take them, depending on your goals.
The optimal time to have a protein shake is hotly debated. This article explains whether it's best to have a protein shake before or after your…
Protein powders are supplements that support muscle growth and weight loss. This article compares whey vs plant protein so you know what to choose.
Nutrition coaches can help teach you confidence in the kitchen when it comes to planning, prep, and creating balanced meals. But, they do have some…
Glucose is our body's favorite fuel source. Your body stores extra glucose as glycogen to use when you need more energy.
Eating this way may result in short-term weight loss, but there are no significant long-term benefits and there may be some risks.
A new research review suggests that eating chia seeds may help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of cancer.
Amino Acid Powder We'll cover the basics of meal planning for beginners, families, those on a budget, and more. We'll also cover resources for further customizations.