8 Best Vanilla Protein Powders in 2024

With so many vanilla protein powders available, it is easy to get lost in all the marketing. So, how can you choose the best vanilla protein powder? If you are unsure how to select the best, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you can find the best vanilla protein powder reviews to help you select the one that fits your needs.

In this article, we’ll go over the best vanilla protein powders that are going to be equally nutritious and delicious.

Our team of experts, led by a certified dietitian and nutritionist, as well as a professional nutritionist, has tested over 20 vanilla protein powders available at this moment. They’ve reviewed and rated these products based on taste/texture, blending ease, content transparency, package type, and value for money in order to create this list of the 8 best vanilla protein powders.

Over 200 hours (over a span of 2 months) were invested into this so that we can provide you, the reader, with the most up-to-date list. As new vanilla protein powders get on the market, we will be sure to refresh this list!

Top 8 Best Vanilla Protein Powders Reviewed

1. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate – Top Pick
2. Jacked Factory Authentic Whey – Runner-Up
3. Cellucor XTEND Pro 100% Whey Protein Isolate
4. Huge Whey Vanilla Milkshake
5. Plantfusion Complete Vegan Protein Powder – Best Vegan
6. Naked Vanilla Whey Protein Powder – Best Artificial-Free
7. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
8. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder – Best Affordable

Product	Total	Macronutrient Breakdown	Taste/ Texture	Blending	Content Transparency	Package type	Price/ Quality
Transparent Labs	59.5	10	10	10	10	9.5	10
Jacked Factory	59	9.5	10	10	10	10	9.5
Cellucor	58	9.5	10	10	9.5	9.5	9.5
Huge Whey	57.5	9.5	9.5	10	10	9.5	9
PlantFusion	56.5	9.5	9.5	9	10	9.5	9
Naked Nutrition	55	8.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	8.5
Kaged	55	9	9.5	9	9	9	9.5
Optimum Nutrition	54.5	9	9	9	9	9	9.5

1. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate – Top Pick

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, recovery, and weight loss
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving size: 32 grams
• Price per serving: ~$1.75 (6,42 LBS)
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 88%
• Protein: 28 grams
• Carbohydrates: less than 1 gram (depends on flavor)
• Fat: 0.5 grams (depends on flavor)
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 120
• Company Founded: 1995
• Recommended by Athletes: Kelsey Henson, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, and Paul Sklar

If you want to increase your protein intake, all while drinking a delicious vanilla smoothie, in our opinion, the best-tasting vanilla protein powder is the vanilla protein powder from Transparent Labs.

One scoop of French Vanilla protein powder provides 120 calories, less than one gram of carbs, 28 grams of protein, and less than one gram of fats (Vanilla Peanut Butter has 3g of carbs and 2,5 g fats, keep in mind). One of its benefits is its high protein content. One scoop of this healthy vanilla protein powder is made up of 88% protein.

Thanks to its high protein content, it can increase fullness levels, making it an ideal option for those who want to lose weight. Since you feel fuller, you are more likely to reduce your caloric intake, which can lead to a caloric deficit.

However, one of the benefits of this protein shake, is that it can be suitable for all types of diets. For example, if you add some carbs to the shake (like fruit), you can make it higher in calories, making it a great option for muscle building.

In addition, it contains only four ingredients (grass-fed whey protein isolate, natural flavors, stevia, and sodium chloride), making it a clean option. Since the protein shake is made from whey protein isolate, it can be easier to digest, resulting in fewer digestive issues.

Coming back to its taste, Transparent Labs only uses natural vanilla flavoring, meaning you can forget about drinking a shake that tastes synthetic. Instead, you get a tasty drink that will be a pleasure to drink.

Another feature of this protein is that it is gluten-free. While whey products are naturally gluten-free, companies might add additives that contain gluten, or they might be processed in factories with other gluten-containing ingredients, which can contaminate the product. In this case, Transparent Labs is completely gluten-free.

Finally, the company provides a fully transparent label, meaning you know what you are getting. But most importantly, it comes at a reasonable price (~$1.75 per serving for 6,42 LBS opt). In case you want to save a couple of bucks, you can enter their subscription delivery and save $6 and get free shipping.

2. Jacked Factory Authentic Whey – Runner-Up

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, recovery, or weight loss
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving size: 31 grams
• Price per serving: ~$1.33
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 77%
• Protein: 24 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Fat: 2 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 120
• Company Founded: 2006
• Recommended by Athletes: Jonathan Hambrick and Antwan Morrow

The second best vanilla whey protein powder is Jacked Factory vanilla protein. While the company offers other flavors, its vanilla protein powder is one of the most delicious options. Mix it with water or milk to create a creamy, high-protein beverage.

One scoop of this protein powder offers 120 calories, 1 gram of carbs, 24 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fats. Just like the previous option, its nutritional value is easy to manipulate, meaning it can be adjusted for people either looking to gain weight or trying to lose it.

It is made with both whey concentrate and whey isolate, which can result in an easier-to-digest protein shake.

However, keep in mind that this option is made from both stevia and sucralose. While both sweeteners are safe and well-tolerated, it's not for those who prefer only natural sweeteners.

3. Cellucor Xtend Pro 100% Whey Protein Isolate

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, muscle recovery, and weight loss.
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving size: 32 grams
• Price per serving: ~$1.60
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 78%
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Fat: 0 gram
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 110
• Company Founded: 2002
• Recommended by Athletes: Demi Bagby and Ron Everline

Another great vanilla protein shake option is the one from Cellucor, which you’ve probably heard of because they are the company behind C4. One scoop of protein powder offers 110 calories, 3 grams of carbs, 25 grams of protein, and 0 grams of fat. So, if you are looking for a fat-free option, this is a great option.

One of the benefits is that the company added 7 grams of BCAAs. Evidence suggests that BCAAs can have a positive effect on muscle growth. However, there are more significant benefits when taken along with other essential amino acids and not on their own. So, adding it to whey protein powder can have special benefits.

What makes this option stand out is that it is NSF-certified, meaning it makes sure it follows strict standards for public health protection. So, in order words, it means that the product is safe and sanitary. In addition, the supplement is also certified for Informed choice, meaning it is tested for impurities and banned substances.

While the protein powder doesn’t have any added sugars, keep in mind that it uses sucralose. So, for those who want to avoid sucralose, you might want to switch to another vanilla protein option.

4. Huge Whey Vanilla Milkshake

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, recovery, or weight loss
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving size: 31 grams
• Price per serving: ~$1.50
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 74%
• Protein: 23 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2.5 grams
• Fat: 2 gram
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 120
• Company Founded: 2019
• Recommended by Athletes: Joseph Shulkin and Brandon Harding

Next on our list of the best vanilla-flavored protein powder is Huge Protein vanilla shake. While the company offers several good flavor options, such as chocolate peanut butter and fruity cereal, one of their best flavors is the vanilla milkshake. Mix it with some milk, and you’ll feel like you are drinking a vanilla milkshake but lower in calories and higher in protein.

One scoop of the Huge whey vanilla protein powder offers 120 calories, 2.5 grams of carbs, 23 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fats. While it offers a lower protein-by-weight percentage than the other options, it still provides a decent dose to help increase your protein intake.

One of the benefits of this protein shake is that it contains papain and lactase, which are enzymes that can help improve digestion. As a result, it can lead to fewer digestive problems when taking the protein powder.

However, the powder is made with artificial sweeteners (acesulfame and sucralose), what those who prefer only natural sweeteners should consider.

5. Plantfusion Complete Vegan Protein Powder – Best Vegan

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, recovery, or weight loss
• Suitable for Vegans: Yes
• Protein Source: PlantFusion Amino Acid Infused Protein Blend (pea protein isolate, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-valine, L-glutamine, artichoke powder, sprouted amaranth powder, sprouted quinoa powder, anand whole algae powder).
• Serving size: 30 grams
• Price per serving: $2.00
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 70%
• Protein: 21 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fat: 3 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 120
• Company Founded: 2009
• Recommended by Athletes: Bethany Lewis and Graciebfit

The next great vanilla protein powder for smoothies is PlantFusion Complete Vegan Protein Powder. This is the ideal option for those who want a delicious plant-based vanilla-flavored protein shake.

One scoop of the protein powder offers 120 calories, 2 grams of carbs, 21 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fats. Since it is higher in protein and lower in carbs, it is an ideal option for those following a plant-based diet who need to supplement with protein without affecting their total carbs.

One of the biggest benefits of this protein option is that it provides all the essential amino acids. Most plant-based proteins don’t contain all the essential amino acids. However, PlantFusion added additional amino acids (L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-valine, and L-glutamine) to make it a complete protein.

Another feature that makes this option stand out over the rest is that it uses natural sweeteners (monk fruit and stevia) instead of artificial.

However, one of its biggest issues is its price. If you want a vegan vanilla shake that's great in flavor and consistency and has a great amino acid profile that's just as good as whey protein, you'll have to splurge!

6. Naked Vanilla Whey Protein Powder – Best Artificial-Free

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle and recovery
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate
• Serving size: 37 grams
• Price per serving: $1.25
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 68%
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 8 grams
• Fat: 2 gram
• Added Sugar: 3 gram
• Calories per serving: 150
• Company Founded: 2014
• Recommended by Athletes: Marni Sumbal and Erika Dawn

If you are looking for a clean protein option, Naked Protein is one of the best options. One of its biggest advantages is that it offers only three ingredients: whey protein concentrate, organic coconut sugar, and organic natural flavors.

One scoop of this whey protein powder offers 150 calories, 8 grams of carbs, 25 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fats. Keep in mind that it has a higher carb content compared to other protein options. While it is not very high, you still need to count it towards your macro intake. Another benefit is that it provides 5.9 grams of BCAAs.

Also, unlike the other options, it doesn’t contain sugar-free sweeteners. The company uses coconut sugar, meaning it does provide some added sugars. Still, the sugar content is low since it provides 3 grams of sugar per serving.

Finally, keep in mind that each serving size is two scoops. While the container has enough for 61 servings, you still need to take two scoops to get the 25 grams of protein.

Overall, for an additive-free vanilla protein option, this is the best option you can take.

7. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, recovery, or weight loss
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving size: 31 grams
• Price per serving: ~$1.36
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 81%
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fat: 0 gram
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 110
• Company Founded: 2015
• Recommended by Athletes: Tawna McCoy and Dennis Darmoroz

Kaged is a great vanilla protein option that won’t cause a massive blow to your budget but still will provide a high nutritional value. For only ~$1.36 per serving, each scoop of this protein offers 110 calories, 2 grams of carbs, 25 grams of protein, and 0 grams of fat.

One of the benefits of its nutritional value is that it can be easily adapted to anyone’s needs. If you are on a weight loss journey, you can leave it as it is. However, if you want to build muscle, you can add fruit or another healthy carb source (like oatmeal).

Another feature is that it contains digestive enzymes, and since it is made with whey isolate protein, it can be easier to digest, resulting in fewer digestive issues.

Now, while the formula is made with stevia, it also contains sucralose. So, if you are looking for a sucralose-free option, there are other options available.

8. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder – Best Affordable

• Diet Type (best for): Build muscle, recovery, or weight loss
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, and Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
• Serving size: 31 grams
• Price per serving: $1.18
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio (%): 77%
• Protein: 24 grams
• Carbohydrates: 4 grams
• Fat: 1.5 gram (depends on flavor)
• Added Sugar: 0 gram
• Calories per serving: 120
• Company Founded: 1986
• Recommended by Athletes: Maria Birova, Evan Johnson, and Taylor Fritz

Finally, the best cheap vanilla protein powder option is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder. Not only does it offers an amazing taste, but it also has good nutritional value. One scoop of the protein powder offers 120 calories, 4 grams of carbs, 24 grams of protein, and 1.5 grams of fats.

The protein powder offers 5.5 grams of BCAAs, and it is also tested for banned substances. So, you know you can drink this shake without messing up your chances of competing.

Now, while this option doesn’t have any artificial growth hormones, it does have both natural and artificial flavorings.

Overall, this is a great protein option if you are looking for a way to boost your protein intake without affecting your wallet.

How to Find the Best Vanilla Protein Powder?

1. Protein Content

First you need to figure out your protein requirements. Once you understand your protein needs and how much you are getting through your diet, it gives you a better idea of how much you need to supplement.

Currently, the recommendations for optimal protein are based on weight. Research recommends consuming a range of 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (~0.5-1.0 grams per pound). However, in some cases, for example, people who want to lose weight while maintaining body fat might need a higher range, such as 2.3 to 3.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (1.04-1.5 grams per pound).

Now, remember that it’s always better to reach your protein requirements through natural sources such as eggs, Greek yogurt, meat, and fish. But, if you are always on the run, or find it challenging to eat that much protein, a protein powder can be of help.

2. Select the Protein Source

Another thing you need to consider is what is your preferred protein source. In this case, you need to think if you want to have an animal protein source or a plant-based protein source. This will all depend on several factors, such as intolerances, digestive problems, and core beliefs (vegetarian or vegan).

Additionally, keep in mind that not all plant-based proteins are complete, meaning they sometimes lack certain amino acids. If you want a complete protein option, animal proteins are usually the preferred choice, but if you want a plant-based source, make sure it contains all the essential amino acids either naturally or reinforced with.

3. Read Customer Reviews

Finally, to get an idea of the flavor and texture of the beverage without drinking it, the best thing you can do is check customer reviews. This is a great way to determine if the flavor is good, if it has good mixability, or if it has any possible side effects.

However, remember that taste is subjective, so while some people might like the flavor, some might hate it.

Differences Between Natural and Artificial Vanilla Flavorings

The natural vanilla flavor has a more complex flavor than the artificial flavoring. Natural vanilla flavor has vanillin as one of its compounds. But there are other compounds that create a more depth flavor.

However, the artificial vanilla flavor only uses vanillin, meaning it can produce a product with just one note of flavor. In other words, it won’t provide a complex flavor compared to using natural flavoring.

In the end, using a natural vanilla flavor can provide a more pleasant experience than the artificial vanilla flavor.

What Sweeteners Are Used in Vanilla Protein Powder?

The most common sweetener used in vanilla protein powders is sucralose. However, you can also find other options such as stevia, monk fruit, acesulfame, and aspartame. In the end, it all depends on the brand’s formulation.

All of the sweeteners listed are approved for use and are safe, at least in the amounts that are commonly consumed with food and beverages. If you doubt the safety of artificial sweeteners,, try to opt for those that use natural sweeteners (stevia and monk fruit) instead of artificial ones (sucralose, acesulfame, and aspartame).

FAQ

What Is Vanilla Protein Powder Good For?

Vanilla protein powder is good for increasing your total protein intake. Since it offers a neutral flavor, you can combine it with other options to create a delicious protein shake. For example, you can add some bananas and peanut butter to create a delicious banana and peanut butter smoothie.

Is Vanilla Protein Better With Milk or Water?

If you are looking for a creamier option, it’s better to mix it with milk. However, you need to add the milk into your total calories and macros. So, if you don’t want to spend more calories on the shake, it’s better to mix it with water.

What Can I Mix My Vanilla Protein Powder With?

You can mix your vanilla protein powder with milk, water, coffee, and fruits. Vanilla flavor goes great with most other flavors and aromas, so feel free to experiment to find your perfect mix.

Conclusion

So, is vanilla protein powder good?

Vanilla options can be a great protein flavor to purchase. While most people can find it bland, vanilla protein offers the possibility to be mixed with other flavors. For example, add some protein powder to your coffee to make a delicious low-calorie and high-protein iced coffee latte.

If you are wondering which is the best protein option available, in our opinion, there is no clear winner other than Transparent Labs Vanilla Protein Shake. It offers 120 calories and a protein-by-weight ratio of 88%, which is pretty high. On top of that, it offers a delicious vanilla flavor, which you’ll just simply love.

What is your favorite way to use your vanilla protein powder? Let us know in the comments.

Also read:

• Best Protein Powder to Mix With Coffee
• Best Protein Powder to Gain Weight
• Best Low Fodmap Protein Powder
• Best Cookies and Cream Protein Powder
• Best Soy Free Protein Powder
• Best Low Calorie Protein Powder
• Best Gluten Free Protein Powder
• Do Protein Shakes Make You Poop
• Vegan vs Whey Protein
• Kaged Whey Protein Isolate Review

References:

1. Protein, weight management, and satiety //NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ 18469287/
2. Activation of mTORC1 by leucine is potentiated by branched-chain amino acids and even more so by essential amino acids following resistance exercise //NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /27053525/
3. A high protein diet (3.4 g/kg/d) combined with a heavy resistance training program improves body composition in healthy trained men and women--a follow-up investigation //NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ 26500462/
4. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise // NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ 28642676/
5. Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food //FDA: https://www.fda.gov/food /food-additives-petitions/aspartame-and-other-sweeteners-food