The Best Protein Powders of 2023
By: Jordan & Taylor | Updated May 17th, 2023

Protein is important for reaching goals because it plays several vital roles in the body. Whether you’re aiming to build muscle, lose weight, or improve athletic performance, protein is crucial for supporting your progress. Here are some key reasons why protein is important:
- Muscle growth and repair: Protein provides the building blocks (amino acids) necessary for the growth, repair, and maintenance of muscle tissue. When you engage in resistance or strength training exercises, protein becomes particularly important for repairing and building new muscle fibers.
- Increased satiety: Protein is highly satiating, meaning it helps you feel fuller for longer. Including an adequate amount of protein in your meals and snacks can help control hunger and reduce overeating, which is beneficial for weight management and reaching body composition goals.
- Thermic effect of food: Protein has a higher thermic effect of food compared to carbohydrates or fats. This means that a portion of the calories from protein is burned during digestion and metabolism, resulting in a slightly higher energy expenditure. This can contribute to weight management and a higher metabolic rate.
- Nutrient partitioning: Consuming sufficient protein can optimize nutrient partitioning in the body. It means that nutrients are directed toward muscle tissue synthesis, repair, and other essential functions rather than being stored as fat. This can help you maintain or increase lean muscle mass while minimizing fat gain.
- Recovery and injury prevention: Protein plays a crucial role in the recovery process after exercise or physical activity. It helps repair damaged tissues, supports the immune system, and reduces muscle soreness. Sufficient protein intake can also help prevent injuries by promoting stronger muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Metabolic function: Protein is involved in various metabolic processes in the body. It aids in the production of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, and contributes to maintaining proper fluid balance and pH levels.
To benefit from protein’s effects, it’s important to consume an adequate amount based on your individual needs. The recommended daily intake varies depending on factors such as age, sex, weight, activity level, and specific goals. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help you determine the appropriate protein intake for your goals.

GAINFUL PERSONALIZED PROTEIN
With the ability to build your own custom blend of protein, Gainful earned our top spot among protein powders.
- Serving Size: One Scoop (30 grams)
- Protein per serving: 20g – 26g, depending on the blend
- Protein source: Whey Protein, Whey protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Stevia Extract Leaf, Monk Fruit Extract
- Available Flavors: 9+ flavor options
- Build your own custom blend of protein made specifically for you based on their online quiz
- They have blends for your goals – gain muscle, loose weight, meal supplementation and much more.
- No need to commit to a flavor. Every order comes with Flavor Boosts so you can change the taste of your shake every single day
- Comes with unlimited access to your own Registered Dietitian, who can answer any questions about your fitness or nutrition journey
- Contains high-quality, clean, natural ingredients that are backed by science – no fillers, additives, artificial flavors
- All protein blends are gluten-free and soy-free.
- They have blends for a variety of dietary restrictions – lactose free, vegan blends, KETO blends, gluten-free blends, and more.
- It’s a premium product, priced on the higher end due to the quality of the ingredients

GOLD STANDARD
- HERE IS SOME TEXT ABOUT GOLD STANDARD
- Serving Size: One Scoop (31 grams)
- Protein per serving: 24g
- Protein source: Protein blend (whey, isolate, concentrate, hydrolyzed)
- Calories, carbs, fat per serving: 120 calories, 3g carbs, 1.5g fat per serving
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Available Flavors: 20+ flavor options
- One of the most popular and top-rated whey protein powders on the market
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- 20+ flavor options (however, the flavor offerings contain artificial flavoring and acesulfame potassium)
- Uses artificial flavors which cause inflammation and digestive issues
- Includes dangerous fillers like Yellow 5 and Red 40 Lake, which are banned in Europe

VEGA PROTEIN
- HERE IS SOME TEXT ABOUT VEGA
- Serving Size: One Scoop (31 grams)
- Protein per serving: 24g
- Protein source: Protein blend (whey, isolate, concentrate, hydrolyzed)
- Calories, carbs, fat per serving: 120 calories, 3g carbs, 1.5g fat per serving
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Available Flavors: 20+ flavor options
- One of the most popular and top-rated whey protein powders on the market
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- 20+ flavor options (however, the flavor offerings contain artificial flavoring and acesulfame potassium)
- Uses artificial flavors which cause inflammation and digestive issues
- Includes dangerous fillers like Yellow 5 and Red 40 Lake, which are banned in Europe

MUSCLE MILK
- HERE IS SOME TEXT ABOUT MUSCLE MILK
- Serving Size: One Scoop (31 grams)
- Protein per serving: 32g
- Protein source: Protein blend (whey, isolate, concentrate, hydrolyzed)
- Calories, carbs, fat per serving: 120 calories, 3g carbs, 1.5g fat per serving
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Available Flavors: 20+ flavor options
- Provides more fat, vitamins and minerals, and carbs than the average whey protein supplement
- 32 grams of protein per serving
- Made with weight-gaining ingredients and more calories than other whey protein-based supplements, so it may not be the best choice for those with weight loss goals
- Contains artificial sweeteners

VITAL PROTEIN
- HERE IS SOME TEXT ABOUT VITAL PROTEINS
- Serving Size: One Scoop (31 grams)
- Protein per serving: 24g
- Protein source: Protein blend (whey, isolate, concentrate, hydrolyzed)
- Calories, carbs, fat per serving: 120 calories, 3g carbs, 1.5g fat per serving
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Available Flavors: 20+ flavor options
- One of the most popular and top-rated whey protein powders on the market
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- 20+ flavor options (however, the flavor offerings contain artificial flavoring and acesulfame potassium)
- Uses artificial flavors which cause inflammation and digestive issues
- Includes dangerous fillers like Yellow 5 and Red 40 Lake, which are banned in Europe

ORGAIN
- HERE IS SOME TEXT ABOUT ORGAIN
- Serving Size: One Scoop (31 grams)
- Protein per serving: 24g
- Protein source: Protein blend (whey, isolate, concentrate, hydrolyzed)
- Calories, carbs, fat per serving: 120 calories, 3g carbs, 1.5g fat per serving
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Available Flavors: 20+ flavor options
- One of the most popular and top-rated whey protein powders on the market
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- 20+ flavor options (however, the flavor offerings contain artificial flavoring and acesulfame potassium)
- Uses artificial flavors which cause inflammation and digestive issues
- Includes dangerous fillers like Yellow 5 and Red 40 Lake, which are banned in Europe

MY PROTEIN
- HERE IS SOME TEXT ABOUT MY PROTEIN
- Serving Size: One Scoop (31 grams)
- Protein per serving: 24g
- Protein source: Protein blend (whey, isolate, concentrate, hydrolyzed)
- Calories, carbs, fat per serving: 120 calories, 3g carbs, 1.5g fat per serving
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Available Flavors: 20+ flavor options
- One of the most popular and top-rated whey protein powders on the market
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- 20+ flavor options (however, the flavor offerings contain artificial flavoring and acesulfame potassium)
- Uses artificial flavors which cause inflammation and digestive issues
- Includes dangerous fillers like Yellow 5 and Red 40 Lake, which are banned in Europe

MUSCLE PHARM
- HERE IS SOME TEXT ABOUT MUSCLE PHARM
- Serving Size: One Scoop (31 grams)
- Protein per serving: 24g
- Protein source: Protein blend (whey, isolate, concentrate, hydrolyzed)
- Calories, carbs, fat per serving: 120 calories, 3g carbs, 1.5g fat per serving
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Available Flavors: 20+ flavor options
- One of the most popular and top-rated whey protein powders on the market
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- 20+ flavor options (however, the flavor offerings contain artificial flavoring and acesulfame potassium)
- Uses artificial flavors which cause inflammation and digestive issues
- Includes dangerous fillers like Yellow 5 and Red 40 Lake, which are banned in Europe
Our Mission
ProteinRankings.com helps you compare different brands of protein, so you can find the best protein powder that fits your needs. We rate each brand based on 4 key quality characteristics: value, taste, texture and macros. Read our reviews to see why some protein powders are rated more highly than others and to discover which ones we recommend for you.