12 Best-Tasting Protein Powders in 2024

Are you looking for the best-tasting protein powder available today?

Whether you’re going for whey, casein, or plant-based protein, we’ve done our research to find the tastiest protein powder around.

Our team of certified nutritionists and professional athletes has tested 40 protein powders for this article, and after being evaluated on 5 key factors, only 12 of them made it to this list. We have thoroughly tested most of these products over a period of 5 weeks, as well as examining hundreds of online user reviews. We’re updating our list regularly, so feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.

Top 12 Best-Tasting Protein Powders Reviewed

1. Transparent Labs Whey Isolate – Best Overall
2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein – Budget Pick
3. XTEND Pro Whey Isolate – Best Vanilla Ice Cream Flavour
4. Whey Protein Isolate by Kaged – Best Value for Money
5. Authentic Iso by Jacked Factory – Best Texture
6. Dymatize ISO 100 – Best Hydrolyzed Option
7. Legion Whey+ – Best Naturally Sweetened Option
8. XWERKS Grow – Best Chocolate Flavour
9. Huge Isolate – The Highest Protein per Serving
10. Casein Protein by Transparent Labs – Best Casein Option
11. Vegan by Huge – Best Plant-Based Option
12. KOS Vegan Protein Powder – Best Organic Option

Product	Total	Macro Breakdown	Taste/ Flavor	Mixability	Nutrition Label Transparency	Price/ Quality
Transparent LabsWhey Isolate	49.5	10	10	10	10	9.5
Optimum Nutrition	49	9	10	10	10	10
XTEND	49	9.5	9.5	10	10	10
Kaged	48.5	9.5	10	9	10	10
Jacked Factory	48.5	9.5	9.5	10	9.5	10
Dymatize	48	9	9.5	10	10	9
Legion	48	9		10	9.5	9.5
Xwerks Grow	47.5	10	9.5	10	9.5	9
Huge SupplementsHuge Isolate	47.5		9.5	9.5	9.5	9
Transparent LabsCasein Protein	47	9.5	9	10	9.5	9
Huge SupplementsVegan Protein	46	8.5	9.5	9.5	9.5	9
KOS	45.5	8	10	9.5	9.5	8.5

1. Transparent Labs Whey Isolate – Best Overall

• Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
• Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, French Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Unflavored, Strawberry, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Mocha, Cinnamon French Toast
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Isolate
• Serving Size: 32-38g
• Price Per Serving: ~$2.00
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 88%
• Calories: 120-150
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0-3g
• Fat: 0.5-2.5g
• Added Sugar: 0-1g
• Company Founded: 2015
• Recommended by Athletes: Hafthor Bjornsson, Paul Sklar, Sean Harris

Starting our list of the best flavored protein powder is our best overall pick, Transparent Labs Whey Isolate. This product is no exception to Transparent Labs’ consistent production of some of the highest-quality workout supplements around.

While whey concentrates typically have richer flavors because of their higher fat and carbohydrate content, this isolate still delivers exceptional flavor – and even better macros.

You’ll be getting 28g of protein in each serving, which is the second-highest protein content on our list. The low carb, fat, and calorie content make this an excellent option for cutting as well.

If you’re after flavor variety, Transparent Labs doesn’t disappoint with 12 unique flavors. These range from classics like milk chocolate and French vanilla to more unexpected options like cinnamon french toast and oatmeal chocolate chip cookie.

Like all Transparent Labs products, this whey isolate also uses no artificial ingredients whatsoever. Instead, it is flavored with stevia and other natural ingredients. This product is also made from grass-fed whey protein, and grass-fed dairy has been shown to be healthier than other forms of dairy.

Finally, this is one of the more expensive products on our list at around $2.00 per serving. But, considering the level of quality you’re getting, this still offers great value for money.

2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein – Budget Pick

• Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
• Flavors: Banana Cream, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Mals, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coffee, Cookies and Cream, Delicious Strawberry, Duble Rick Chocolate, Extreme Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla Creme, Mocha Cappuccino, Rocky Road, Strawberries and Cream, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla Ice Cream, White Chocolate
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate & Concentrate
• Serving Size: 30.4g
• Price per Serving: ~$1.16
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 77%
• Calories: 110-130
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 2-4g
• Fat: 1-1.5g
• Added Sugar: 0g
• Company Founded: 1986
• Recommended by Athletes: Taylor Fritz, Justin “Jets” Jefferson, Morgan Willett

Next on our list is one of the most recognizable protein brands: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard. Beyond its iconic packaging, Gold Standard also offers one of the most high-quality budget options available.

This product is a blend of whey isolate and concentrate meaning it combines the nutritional benefits of an isolate with the delicious flavor of a concentrate.

Its protein content – despite being slightly lower than Transparent Labs – is still solid at 24g per serving. This also has fairly low carbs, fat, and calories, making it a good option for cutting.

Its flavor variety also doesn’t disappoint. There are a whopping 18 different flavors to choose from. Whether it's Banana Cream, Rocky Road, Coffee, or something in between, Optimum probably has what you’re looking for.

It should be noted that Optimum does not follow the same “all-natural” policy as Transparent Labs. This supplement is formulated with several artificial ingredients like sucralose. While this won’t matter for most, some people do prefer to avoid these ingredients, it's a matter of personal choice after all.

As mentioned, the price is one of the strong suits of this supplement. At only around $1.16 per serving, this is the cheapest supplement on our list.

3. XTEND Pro Whey Isolate – Best Vanilla Ice Cream Flavour

• Best for: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
• Flavors: Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Lava Cake
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Isolate
• Serving Size: 32.4g
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.21
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 77%
• Calories: 110-120
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 3-4g
• Fat: 0-1g
• Added Sugar: 0g
• Company Founded: 2018
• Recommended by Athletes: Corey Brooks, Paula Leyes, Trevor Bell

While the previous 2 options on our list offered exceptional flavor variety, if you just want a classic vanilla shake, look no further than XTEND Pro Whey Isolate.

This is an isolate, but it still offers exceptional flavor – in both the vanilla ice cream and chocolate lava cake flavors.

Its macros aren’t quite as impressive as Transparent Labs, but they’re still solid. You can expect 25g of protein per serving, 3-4g of carbs, and 0-1g of fats depending on the flavor. At only 110-120 calories in each scoop, this would also be a great choice for cutting.

While its flavors are undeniably delicious, variety is not XTEND’s strong suit. Your options are limited to just vanilla ice cream and chocolate lava cake.

Similar to Optimum, XTEND is also formulated with artificial ingredients like sucralose. While these do contribute to the excellent flavor, if you’re looking for an all-natural supplement this won’t be for you.

Finally, this is also a budget-friendly option. It is only around $0.05 more expensive than Optimum at around $1.16 per serving.

4. Whey Protein Isolate by Kaged – Best Value for Money

• Best for: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
• Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, S’Mores
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Isolate
• Serving Size: 31g
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.36
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 80%
• Calories: 110-120
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 2-4g
• Fat: 0-0.5g
• Added Sugar: 0g
• Company Founded: 2015
• Recommended by Athletes: Andrea Somer, Colt Nichols, Kris Gethin

While Optimum is the cheapest protein on our list, in our opinion the best value for your money is offered by Kaged with their Whey Protein Isolate.

For slightly more than Optimum, you’ll be getting an isolate supplement with a better overall macro breakdown.

In terms of protein content, you’ll be getting 25g per serving, which is slightly more than Optimum. It also has a lower calorie content on average, ranging from 110-120 calories per serving. This makes it a great choice for dieting, or any other purpose.

While it doesn’t have too much flavor variety, Kaged still offers a decent selection of 4 different flavors – vanilla, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, and s’mores.

Same as the previous 2 proteins on our list, Kaged is formulated with several artificial ingredients.

In terms of price, Kaged is slightly more expensive than Optimum and XTEND. However, it’s not by much at only around $1.36 per serving. Considering the excellent macro breakdown, this yummy protein powder offers great value for money.

5. Authentic Iso by Jacked Factory – Best Texture

• Best for: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
• Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, Blueberry Muffin, Cinnamon French Toast, Unflavored, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Vanilla, Peanut Butter
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Isolate
• Serving Size: 30.1g
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.33
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 83%
• Calories: 110
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Added Sugar: 0g
• Company Founded: 2006
• Recommended by Athletes: Morgan Mac, Mike Oliver, Bhuwan Chauhan

Next up is the Authentic Iso protein from Jacked Factory. This is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a rich, smooth shake that still delivers on the macros.

As recent reviews suggest this is not only one of the best-tasting, but smoothest proteins available. This is also an isolate, meaning you can expect solid protein content with relatively low calories.

With 25g of protein per serving, Authentic Iso falls around the average for our list. With only 1g of carbs per serving, this is one of the best-tasting low-carb protein powders available. Also, at only 110 calories, and 0.5g of fat per serving, this is easily one of the best options for dieting. It’s worth noting that Jacked Factory only provides the macros for their vanilla flavor on their site. Be aware that macros may vary slightly from flavor to flavor.

Speaking of, Jacked Factory does have a great flavor variety with 8 options to choose from. Some of the more interesting options include blueberry muffin, and cookies & cream.

This is formulated with several artificial ingredients, although it’s also made with grass-fed why, which as we’ve mentioned is some of the healthiest dairy available.

Finally, this delicious protein powder’s price is on the lower end of our list at only around $1.33 per serving, giving it excellent value for the money.

6. Dymatize ISO 100 – Best Hydrolyzed Option

• Best for: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
• Flavors: Birthday Cake Pebbles, Cocoa Pebbles, Fruity Pebbles, Gourmet Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies and Cream, Fudge Brownie, Gourmet Vanilla
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving Size: 30-32g
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.62-$1.74
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 83%
• Calories: 110-120
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 1-2g
• Fat: 0-0.5g
• Added Sugar: 0g
• Company Founded: 1994
• Recommended by Athletes: Cara Carmichael, Aicha El Mahmoudi, Sean Harris

Next on our list, we have the first hydrolyzed protein with Dymatize ISO 100. You may be wondering, what is a hydrolyzed protein, and why does it matter?

Hydrolyzed protein is whey that’s been broken down from longer protein chains into smaller chains called peptides. These proteins are typically easier to digest than standard isolates or concentrates. Hydrolyzed whey is also commonly used in protein bars to maintain a soft texture. This means hydrolyzed protein may be ideal for using protein powder in baked goods!

Dymatize has similarly solid macros to the other proteins on our list. You can expect 25g of protein, with only 1-2g of carbs, and 0-0.5g of fat. These great macros with low-calorie content make this ideal for any dietary purpose.

With 7 flavors to choose from, you’re also getting some unique flavors from Dymatize. While vanilla or chocolate would be ideal for baking, their unique fruity pebbles flavors would make for a delicious cereal-flavored shake.

Like most of the other products on our list, you can expect some artificial ingredients like sucralose.

While prices range depending on the flavor, you can expect a cost of around $1.62-1.74 per serving. This tasty protein powder is one of the more expensive products on our list, although it’s still not quite as expensive as Transparent Labs.

7. Legion Whey+ – Best Naturally Sweetened Option

• Best for: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
• Flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dutch Chocolate, Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Cereal, Birthday Cake, Cocoa Cereal, Cookies and Cream, French Vanilla, Fruity Vanilla, Fruity Cereal, Honey Cereal, Mint Chocolate, Mocha Cappuccino, Strawberry Banana, Unflavored, Pumpkin Pie
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Isolate
• Serving Size: 28.9g
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.45-$1.69
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 71-81%
• Calories: 100-120
• Protein: 22-23g
• Carbohydrates: 2-4g
• Fat: 0-1.5g
• Added Sugar: 0g
• Company Founded: 2014
• Recommended by Athletes: Gage Clark, Grant Tinsley, Machaela Brabham

Next on our list, we have the best option for a naturally sweetened protein: Legion’s Whey+. Compared to most of the other products on our list, this is one of the few that uses all-natural ingredients, making for a good-tasting whey protein powder with no artificial flavoring.

While this is an isolate, it doesn’t have the same stellar macros as many of the other products on our list. With only 22-23g of protein per serving, Legion has some of the lowest protein content on our list. However, it is still diet-friendly at only 100-120 calories with 2-4g of carbs and 0-1.5g of fat.

Legion offers a stellar 17 flavors in their 2lb size, with a significantly reduced selection of only 6 flavors at 5lbs. Some unique flavors include cinnamon cereal and strawberry banana.

This is one of the few products on our list featuring all-natural ingredients, similar to Transparent Labs. Instead of using sucralose like many of the other protein powders, Legion is flavored with stevia and other natural ingredients. Also like Transparent Labs, this product is made from grass-fed whey.

Similar to Dymatize, prices will vary somewhat between flavors because of the wide ranges in serving size. You can expect anywhere from around $1.45-$1.69 for the 5lb option, with the 2lb bags being somewhat more expensive per serving.

8. XWERKS Grow – Best Chocolate Flavour

• Best for: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
• Flavors: Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Vanilla
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving Size: 30g
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.97
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 83%
• Calories: 110
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Added Sugar: Unclear
• Company Founded: 2014
• Recommended by Athletes: Alison Scudds, Alex Walpole, Max Shusterman

While we gave the title of best-tasting vanilla protein to XTEND, for the best chocolate protein, we recommend XWERKS Grow. Although this is one of the lesser-known brands on our list, let’s see how it compares to the more established companies.

Like many of the other products on our list, this is a whey isolate. On top of its delicious flavor, you can expect solid macros as well.

It has a fairly standard 25g of protein per serving, with only 1g of carbs and 0g of fat. At 110 calories per serving, it is also around the average of our list, making it great for all different purposes.

Beyond just coming in chocolate, you can also get XWERKS in peanut butter, strawberry, and vanilla depending on your preference.

It appears this protein is also completely free from all artificial ingredients. Another pro is that the whey in this product is 100% grass-fed. 

This is also one of the more expensive products on our list at just under $2.00 per serving. XWERKS is just barely cheaper than the most expensive supplements on our list.

9. Huge Isolate – The Highest Protein per Serving

• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Isolate
• Serving Size: 37.88g
• Price Per Serving: ~$2.00
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 81%
• Calories: 145
• Protein: 30.5g
• Carbohydrates: 3.5g
• Fat: 1g
• Added Sugar: 0g
• Company Founded: 2019
• Recommended by Athletes: Matt Greggo, Tren Twins, Max Taylor

Now, if you’re simply looking for the highest protein content possible, then you can’t go wrong with Huge Isolate.

While isolates are known for their high protein content, this is the first product on our list to have over 30g of protein per serving. This is in part due to its large serving size, but this is still a great option, especially for those looking to maximize protein intake.

As mentioned, Huge has a stellar 30.5g of protein per serving. As a result, it has a slightly higher calorie content at 145 calories per serving. It still has relatively low carbs and fat with 3.5g of carbs and 1g of fat.

Similar to XTEND, Huge has very minimal flavor variety. You can only get this product in 2 flavors, Choco Madness and Fruity Cereal.

This is also a part of the majority on our list as it is made with several artificial ingredients including sucralose.

In terms of price, it’s also at the top of our list, costing about $2 per serving. While it certainly is somewhat pricey, the money is worth it if you’re looking for as much protein per serving as possible.

10. Casein Protein by Transparent Labs – Best Casein Option

• Best for: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
• Flavor: Chocolate
• Suitable for Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Casein
• Serving Size: 35g
• Price Per Serving: ~$2.00
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 71%
• Calories: 120
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Added Sugar: 0g
• Company Founded: 2015
• Recommended by Athletes: Hafthor Bjornsson, Paul Sklar, Sean Harris

As you’ve probably noticed, nearly all the products on our list so far have been whey isolates. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can’t go wrong with Transparent Labs’ grass-fed casein.

Like whey, casein is also a product of dairy. Casein is absorbed by the body slower than whey, leading to it commonly being referred to as a slow-release protein. The main difference is that it leads to a longer boost in plasma amino acids that is less intense when compared to whey.

For its macros, this casein is similar to many of the isolates on our list. It has 25g of protein per serving, 4g of carbs, and 0.5g of carbs, for a total of 120 calories.

One major downside to this protein is that it appears to only come in one flavor, chocolate. With Transparent Labs whey having a solid 12 flavors to choose from, it’s unclear why there’s such little variety here.

However, also like Transparent Labs Whey, this is made from grass-fed dairy and is completely free of all artificial ingredients.

Finally, this casein has a similarly high price point to the other Transparent Labs product on our list at about $2.00 per serving.

11. Vegan by Huge – Best Plant-Based Option

• Best for: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
• Flavor: Birthday Cake, Cookies & Cream, Cinnamon Crunch, Graham Cracker, Marshmallow Madness
• Suitable for Vegans: Yes
• Protein Source: ProVega Complete Protein
• Serving Size: 30.9g
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.80
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 65%
• Calories: 110
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 3.5g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Added Sugar: 0g
• Company Founded: 2019
• Recommended by Athletes: Matt Greggo, Tren Twins, Max Taylor

Next, we have the first vegan protein and the second supplement from Huge on our list.

This is made from the ProVega blend, which appears to be a blend of pea fava bean, mung bean, and brown rice protein. This is a complete protein containing all 9 essential amino acids.

As you may expect from a vegan protein, this does have the lowest protein content on our list so far. Each serving contains only 20g of protein, which is still solid for a plant-based blend. It also has 4g of carbs, 1.5g of fat, and 120 calories in total.

This product does have significantly more flavor options when compared to Huge Isolate which has 5 different choices available

Similar to the other Huge product on our list, this is made with several artificial ingredients including dyes and sucralose.

This is a slightly cheaper choice than Huge Isolate at around $1.80 per serving, although this is still towards the higher end of our list.

12. KOS Vegan Protein Powder – Best Organic Option

• Best for: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery
• Flavor: Vanilla
• Suitable for Vegans: Yes
• Protein Source: Pea Protein + Flax Seed and Quinoa
• Serving Size: 37g
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.79
• Protein-by-Weight Ratio: 54%
• Calories: 150
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 6g
• Added Sugar: 2g
• Company Founded: 2018
• Recommended by Athletes: Carleigh Bodrug, Brooke Baevsky, Chrissy Tiegen

Closing off our list, we have another vegan protein, this time a completely organic option from KOS.

This is also a blend, made up largely of pea protein, as well as flaxseed and quinoa. KOS also contains a fruit and veggie blend containing apple, carrot, cranberry, and a variety of other superfoods.

KOS has a similarly low protein content to the previous product on our list with 20g of protein per serving. However, it is also higher in calories with 8g of carbs, and 6g of fat, for 150 calories total. This makes KOS better suited for building muscle and recovery than cutting.

Similar to Transparent Labs, this product also only comes in a single flavor, vanilla.

With this being the only completely organic protein on our list, you can also expect a formula made up of 100% natural ingredients.

Finally, the price for this product is fairly high at around $1.79 per serving. While this may seem high based on the macro content, for a completely organic protein this is a fair price.

How Do Different Protein Powders Taste?

Each type of protein will have a slightly different flavor profile. While whey will be the go-to for most people, other options include casein, plant-based, and egg protein. Follow this guide below to determine what protein is right for you.

Protein Type	Pros	Cons
Whey Protein	• Smooth texture • Milkshake-like taste • Excellent macros	• Not vegan friendly • Can be quite expensive • Not vegan friendly • Not as much flavor variety as whey
Plant-Based Protein	• Vegan friendly • Will have excellent taste & texture if it’s high-quality	• Worse macros and bioavailability than dairy-based protein • Lower quality supplements may not have the best taste/texture
Egg Protein	• Dairy-free • Great for baking • Good macro content	• Typically has a poor taste/texture on its own • Is often only sold unflavored
Soy Protein	• Complete, standalone vegan protein • Decent texture compared to some other vegan protein sources	• Won’t have as good of a taste/texture as a high-quality vegan blend • Somewhat grainy texture • Low concentration of few amino acids

1. Whey Protein

Whey protein will be the go-to for the vast majority of people, as you can see by our list being largely ¾ whey supplements. In terms of texture and flavor, whey is as close as you will get to a milkshake when using a protein supplement. This is not only because whey offers excellent macro breakdowns and bioavailability, but because of its flavor and consistency as well.

Whey comes in both isolates and concentrates. The difference here is the ratio of protein to fats and carbs. Isolates will have a concentration of 90%+ protein by calories while concentrates will usually be somewhere around 70-80%. Concentrates will have a slightly more pleasing taste because of the added fat and carbs, but isolates still deliver an excellent flavor as well. Overall we recommend isolates because of their improved macros.

It’s worth noting that despite being a dairy product, whey isolates are typically considered lactose-free because of how filtered they are. So, if you’re lactose intolerant, you may still be able to handle a whey isolate. Some concentrates are also labeled as lactose free, this is usually achieved not by removing carbohydrates but by breaking down lactose with enzymes as is done for lactose-free milk.

You’ll also be able to find the widest range of flavors with a whey supplement. Some of the whey products on our list have nearly 20 flavors on offer! Overall, there’s a good reason why whey is the most popular type of protein available.

Our expert Sergii Putsov  shared his favorite flavors with us:

"Finding a tasty protein powder that aligns with your dietary requirements and pleases your palate is not only an investment in your nutritional routine but also a smart strategy for maintaining consistency in your dietary regimen. The taste and palatability of your chosen protein supplement can have a significant impact on your commitment to consuming it regularly, ultimately helping you meet your protein intake goals with enthusiasm and ease."

2. Casein

The closest equivalent to whey is casein because it is also a dairy-based protein. It will deliver a very similar taste and texture to whey when mixed with milk.

Casein is commonly referred to as a slow-release because it is processed by our bodies differently than whey. Casein will increase plasma amino acids for around 7 hours, while whey only increases them for around 3. It’s worth noting that this spike is more significant with whey, even though it doesn’t last as long. Because of this, casein is often recommended as a supplement to take before bed. However, small differences between casein and whey have been found in terms of results on muscle growth.

Similar to whey isolates, casein protein is also considered to be lactose-free. Just keep in mind that casein is also a common allergen.

It’s worth noting that because casein is not nearly as popular as whey, it’s difficult to find as much flavor variety. This is shown by Transparent Labs offering their whey in 12 different flavors, while their casein is only offered in chocolate.

3. Plant-Based Proteins (Pea, Rice, Blends, Etc.)

The majority of plant-based proteins you’ll find are a blend of pea, brown rice, hemp, and other vegan protein sources. Because each of these protein sources has a slightly different taste and texture. Vegan protein powders also have a fairly wide range of flavors, although they typically won’t have as much variety as whey.

While most plant-based protein sources are not complete proteins on their own, most supplement companies combine these to have a complete set of amino acids. Keep in mind that something like brown rice or pea protein on its own will not have enough of all 9 essential amino acids to be classified as a complete protein.

Getting enough of each essential amino acid should be a concern for vegans who may not be getting enough complete protein in through diet alone. While most vegans get enough protein already, if they’re trying to build muscle, a high-quality plant-based protein may be very useful.

While plant-based proteins often get a bad rap for having an unpleasant taste or chalky texture, they have greatly improved over recent years. Especially with a high-quality blend like the one found in Huge Vegan protein there are plenty of delicious options available that rival the taste and texture of whey.

4. Egg Protein

Egg white protein is very commonly sold unflavored, which will not have the most appealing taste when mixed into water or milk on its own. Reviews for egg white protein suggest that it doesn’t mix especially well, leading to a chunky, unpleasant texture. Most people will probably find this type of protein better for baking instead of mixing into drinks.

Because it’s usually unflavored, and often doesn’t have the best taste, we decided not to include any egg proteins on our list. However, some high-quality egg proteins out there still offer excellent macros. So, if you’re interested they aren’t a bad choice!

5. Soy Protein

Finally, soy protein is the vegan protein you’re most likely to see on its own, not as part of a blend. While it will likely have a better texture than standalone brown rice or pea protein, it still isn’t as appealing as a high-quality vegan blend.

Soy, along with hemp, is one of the few standalone complete vegan proteins. This means you won’t have to worry about adding any other sources of essential amino acids, as you’ll get all 9 from soy alone (with 3 in lower doses and significantly lower leucine content compared to whey).

Like many vegan proteins, there may be a somewhat grainy texture, especially when compared to whey. However, if you’re able to find a high-quality soy-based protein, this shouldn’t be a major issue.

How to Find the Best-Tasting Protein Powder?

If you’re on the hunt for a protein powder that actually tastes good, don’t leave it up to chance. Use these 3 guidelines to help make a decision. Before buying, you’ll want to read as many reviews as you can, as well as consider the type of protein you’re buying. However, there’s no substitute for trying protein yourself, so it may take a bit of trial and error before you find one that’s right for you.

1. Read the Reviews

One of the best ways to get a feeling for the taste of a protein powder is to read reviews before buying. After checking out several reviews, you will pick up a general feeling for how well people enjoy the taste of a product.

Although this won’t always be the best metric to go by, check to see if multiple people address the same issue, like graininess or poor mixability. If there are tons of reviews praising the protein's taste and texture, then it's probably a high-quality supplement. You can also check to see if any specific flavors are recommended. If many people experience the same thing, it’s likely you’ll notice it too!

Overall, reading reviews is one of the best ways to compare different protein powders on taste, as it offers you an unbiased way to compare multiple supplements.

2. Consider Protein Type

As outlined above, there’s a ton of different protein options available that all offer slightly different flavor profiles. If you’ve only ever tried a certain type of protein, consider branching out to see if you prefer something different.

Of course, if you’re vegan you will be limited to plant-based proteins. However, you can still try different blends and mixtures, especially if you’ve only taken a standalone protein like pea or hemp. Blends will typically have a much richer flavor and smoother texture, making them the best option.

If you’re not vegan, whey will be the go-to for most people. However, you may still find you prefer casein or plant-based protein. You never know until you try!

3. Try a Few Different Options

Because taste is such a subjective thing, there’s no substitute for trying a couple of different options to see which one you like best. While you may luck out and find a protein powder you love right off the bat, you’ll likely need to try a few different options before you find one you really like.

 If you’re unsure, consider buying smaller package sizes at first to spend less money trying different supplements. Some brands will even offer their proteins in sample sizes to make this easier! While it may take some trial and error, this process will be more than worth it once you find a protein you love.

How to Improve the Taste of Your Protein Shake?

If you can’t find any protein powder that tastes good to you there are a couple of things you can do to improve the taste. Consider changing up the liquid, or adding in a couple of extra ingredients. We’ve outlined our suggestions for a better tasting protein shake below. Try a couple of these ideas out the next time you mix up your protein to make it more enjoyable!

Our expert Sergii Putsov shared his favorite flavors with us:

"Choosing a protein powder is key to staying consistent with your supplement nutrition. Try a few flavors to find some that you genuinely enjoy and alternate them time after time. My favorite flavors are chocolate and coconut."

1. Experiment With Base Liquid (Water, Cow’s Milk, Plant-Based Milk, Etc.)

The first thing you should try if you don’t enjoy the taste of protein is to change the liquid you mix it with. This is mainly directed at those of you who mix your protein with water.

While water can do in a pinch, it just doesn’t compare to the flavor of protein mixed into milk (either dairy or plant-based). Water tends to lead to a thinner, less enjoyable shake. If you’re after the consistency and flavor of a milkshake, then there’s no substitute for milk.

You may prefer water over milk if you’re cutting because milk is relatively high in calories. In this case, consider using a lower-calorie plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk.

While milk will be the go-to for most people, feel free to experiment. Vanilla protein powder is surprisingly tasty when mixed with orange juice. And, as we’ll cover more in-depth later on, mixing protein into coffee works quite well too!

2. Add Additional Ingredients

Another great way to make protein shakes that taste good is to blend your powder up with some additional ingredients. This is especially useful if you’re looking to put on muscle, as it’s an easy way to get some extra calories in.

The main ingredients that work well in a protein shake are bananas, berries, and nut butter. By combining these ingredients with milk and protein powder, you’ll get a delicious, high-calorie, and nutrient-dense shake. While these are some of the best ingredients for improving taste, the only limit here is your imagination.

Avocado can add a pleasant creamy texture to a shake. Mixing in spinach or kale can add a nice boost of nutrition. While oatmeal may lead to a gritty texture, it’s a great way to add in some complex carbs. Seeds are also a great way to get some fats and additional protein. And if you’re looking to maximize calorie intake, make a homemade mass gainer by adding some ice cream. Experiment with different combos to find a shake that works for you!

3. Change the Ratio of Protein Powder to Liquid Volume

Another common problem people have with their protein shakes is using either too much or too little liquid to the shake. Too much will lead to thin, watered-down consistency, while too little will lead to clumpy sludge. So, what’s the secret?

While it might take some experimenting, start by seeing what’s recommended on the product package. For most protein powders, they’ll recommend you mix 1-2 cups of liquid with 1 scoop. Give this ratio a try, and adjust from there. Once you find a ratio that works for you, stick with it!

Keep in mind that plant-based proteins often require more liquid for a good shake than whey protein, otherwise they turn out too thick and it hurts the flavor.

4. Add Ice and Drink the Protein Shake Cold

Another tip that might make a difference is adding some ice to your shake. Because, let’s be honest, does a warm protein shake sound good to anyone? Especially if your protein doesn’t taste great to begin with, a bit of ice can go a long way in masking an unpleasant taste. This tip is especially relevant if you mix your protein with water.

Don’t Stick To Just Protein Shakes!

1. Add Protein Powder to Oatmeal

First, an excellent muscle-building meal is oatmeal mixed with protein powder. Oats are associated with all sorts of health benefits, making them a great dietary staple. With oats already being a source of some protein, this can be a super easy and high-protein meal. Especially if you add in some seeds or nut butter as well, this is a perfect recipe for bulking.

As a tip, consider mixing up your protein into a shake before adding it to the oatmeal. This will help ensure your protein is fully mixed and will avoid giving your oatmeal a clumpy texture.

2. Add Protein to Greek Yogurt

Another super easy high-protein meal is mixing a scoop of protein with a serving of Greek yogurt. On top of being a great source of protein on its own, Greek yogurt is also a source of calcium, and B vitamins. By using unflavored Greek yogurt, this mixture will take on the flavor of whatever protein powder you’re using. Mix in some fruit for an extra bit of nutrition and flavor, and if you’re looking to maximize the calories, try adding some granola too! If the mixture on its own isn’t sweet enough for you, consider adding in some honey or maple syrup as well.

3. Use in Baking

Another excellent use for protein powder is to put it in recipes! This is where a hydrolyzed protein like Dymatize may be best for a softer texture.

One of the most common protein recipe ideas is protein pancakes. But, protein works great in all sorts of different recipes, from cookies to muffins.

Really, with any baking recipe, you can substitute up to ¼ of the flour used with protein powder. Search around for some protein baking recipes if you’re interested! Keep in mind that it will alter the flavor and texture of a recipe, but it also greatly improves the protein content of any baked good.

Our expert Jacek Szymanowski told his secret recipes with protein powder:

"One I'm always having at home - big pack of Optimum Gold Standard. Delicious Strawberry or Vanilla Ice cream are not only good for protein shakes but I simply add them to pancakes, omelettes or… cheesecakes 😄 Try and thank me later."

4. Use in Coffee

Finally, a great way to get your protein in alongside some caffeine is to mix it into coffee. Simply stir a scoop of protein into your coffee to make a high-protein drink that rivals what you can get at your favorite coffee shop!

Depending on the flavor of protein you use, there are all sorts of different flavor combos you can achieve. Vanilla will get you a delicious vanilla latte flavor, while chocolate protein will give you a mocha-style drink. While these will likely be the 2 best flavor options, feel free to get creative and try mixing some different flavors. Anyone for banana cream protein coffee?

FAQ

Does Whey Protein Taste Good?

Yes, whey protein is widely considered to be the best-tasting protein powder available. Whey has a super smooth texture and a rich flavor that’s similar to a milkshake when mixed properly. It’s also super versatile for different recipes and smoothies. Most brands also carry their whey in a wide variety of flavors, giving you plenty of options to choose from. While it’s not for everybody, most people will prefer whey over any other form of protein.

What Is the Most Tasty Protein Powder?

In our opinion, the overall best-tasting protein available today is Transparent Labs whey isolate. However, this will come down to a matter of personal preference. All the products on our list have their pros and cons, so you might prefer a different brand over Transparent Labs. We recommend trying out a few different protein powders to find one that tastes best to you.

Which Tastes Better: Whey or Casein?

Because whey and casein are both dairy-based protein powders, they will have very similar tastes and textures. They also offer very similar macros, although whey isolates will typically have a slightly higher protein content. With that being said, whey comes in significantly more flavor options, which will make it the go-to choice for most people.

Which Tastes Better: Whey or Plant Protein?

Plant proteins often get a bad rap for having gritty textures and unpleasant tastes. While plant protein formulas have improved greatly over recent years, they still aren’t as tasty as whey on average. With that being said, a high-quality plant protein powder can compete with whey on factors like taste and texture but whey will be far superior in terms of macros and bioavailability, making it a better choice for most people.

Which Whey Protein Flavor Tastes Best?

This completely comes down to a matter of personal preference. Most people will likely want one of the 2 most basic flavors: chocolate or vanilla. These will be best mainly because of their versatility in different recipes. However, some whey proteins come in nearly 20 different flavors. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try something different if it sounds good to you!

Conclusion

Taste is largely a matter of subjective taste, so everyone will have a different opinion as to what the best-tasting protein powder is. With that being said, based on our research, the 12 supplements on our list should offer some of the best flavor and texture out of all the proteins on the market.

While most people will want a whey supplement, we’ve also included some casein and plant-based options as well. To find a good-tasting protein powder, we recommend trying a few different brands to see which one is your favorite.

While all the products on our list have their own advantages, our best choice overall is Transparent Labs Whey Isolate for its high-quality formula and wide array of flavors. For the best casein, check out Transparent Labs Casein, and for a delicious vegan protein, consider VEGAN By HUGE.

Do you have an opinion on what the best-tasting protein powder is? Do you prefer whey or plant-based protein? What’s your go-to flavor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

References:

1. Michael A. Mortenson "Flavor of whey protein concentrates and isolates" International Dairy Journal, 18(6), 649-657.
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3. Geogia State University "The Rundown on Protein Powders" https://recreation.gsu.edu/2023/03/31/the-rundown-on-protein-powders/ (accessed September 18, 2023).
4. Shaun P. Adams "Mechanisms of Nutrition Bar Hardening: Effect of Hydrolyzed Whey Protein and Carbohydrate Source" Utah State University July 18, 2011
5. Nyles V. Rife "Whey Versus Casein Supplementation in Physically Active, Healthy Individuals" Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice March 2022
6. Sophia Burnett "Protein Powder: The What, Why, & How To Choose" University Health Center
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