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The best protein powder makes it simple to increase your protein intake wherever you are. Whether mixed into smoothies or stirred into yogurt, these powders come in a range of flavors, use different protein sources, and support everything from skin health to muscle recovery. With so many options available, there’s sure to be one that fits perfectly into your routine. But where do you begin? We asked three experts to break down everything you need to know. Below, discover Vogue’s top picks for vegans, fitness lovers, or anyone in need of a quick and tasty protein boost.
### **Vogue’s Favorite Protein Powders**
– **Best Vegan:** Sakara Protein + Greens Super Powder, $45
– **Best for Glowing Skin:** Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide Powder, $27
– **Best Low-Calorie:** Podium Nutrition Whey Protein Powder, $41
– **Most Fun Flavors:** Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, $18
– **Best Whey:** Naked Whey, $90
– **Best Sugar-Free:** Ritual Essentials Protein, $40
– **Best With Probiotics:** LTH Fuel Vegan+All-In-One, $50
### **In This Story:**
– What is protein powder?
– What to look for in a protein powder
– Does protein source matter?
– How much protein should you eat daily?
– How to use protein powder
– Is protein powder actually good for you?
– Who should take protein powder?
– Meet the experts
### **Best Vegan: Sakara Protein + Greens Super Powder**
**Price:** $45
**Why We Love It:** Packed with antioxidants, this plant-based powder includes alkalizing greens and detoxifying algae—without tasting like seaweed. Its subtle vanilla flavor makes it great for smoothies or baking. The protein comes from peas, hemp, and pumpkin.
**Expert Insight:** “If you’re not sensitive to these ingredients, it’s a great choice, especially for vegans,” says holistic nutritionist Jamie Maitland. “Spirulina and chlorella add extra protein, antioxidants, and detox benefits.”
**Protein Source:** Pea, hemp, pumpkin
**Protein Per Serving:** 12g
**Ingredients:** Pea, hemp, pumpkin, wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, chlorella
**Flavor:** Vanilla
**Size:** 7.5 oz
### **Best for Glowing Skin: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide Powder**
**Price:** $27
**Why We Love It:** This single-ingredient powder, made from bovine collagen peptides, dissolves easily in hot or cold drinks. Stir it into coffee or water for a radiant complexion.
**Celebrity Favorite:** Jennifer Aniston told Vogue she adds a scoop to her coffee every morning.
**Protein Source:** Collagen peptides
**Protein Per Serving:** 18g
**Ingredients:** Collagen peptides
**Flavor:** Unflavored, chocolate, lemon, vanilla
**Size:** 9.33 oz
### **Best Sugar-Free: Ritual Essential Protein**
**Price:** $40
**Why We Love It:** Made with regeneratively farmed ingredients, this plant-based powder delivers 20g of protein per serving with no sugar. It also supports brain function with tartaric acid.
**Expert Insight:** “I recommend Ritual for those who can’t tolerate dairy—it’s pea-based and easy to digest,” says wellness expert Lia Bartha. “I also love their ingredient transparency.”
**Protein Source:** Organic yellow peas
**Protein Per Serving:** 20g
**Ingredients:** Organic pea protein, natural flavor, MCT oil
**Flavor:** Vanilla
**Size:** 1.0 lb
### **Best Whey Protein: Naked Whey Protein Powder**
**Price:** $90
**Why We Love It:** With a clean, simple formula—free from GMOs, gluten, and soy—this chocolate-flavored powder helps with muscle recovery and growth.
**Expert Insight:** Maitland calls it “one of the better options” on the market. “It’s clean, minimal, and high-quality.”
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**Chocolate is always a win.** One standout feature is the use of real cocoa powder, which delivers a rich, natural flavor without artificial additives. While Maitland points out that the powder contains coconut sugar (which may cause blood sugar spikes for some), she says, *”It’s a great option overall, especially for those who prioritize clean, high-quality ingredients.”*
**Protein Source:** Grass-fed whey
**Protein Per Serving:** 25g
**Ingredients:** Grass-fed whey, raw cacao, coconut sugar
**Flavors:** Chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, double chocolate, unflavored, vanilla
**Size:** 5 lbs
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### **Best With Probiotics: LTH Fuel Vegan+ All-In-One**
**Price:** $60 (Amazon)
**Why We Love It:** LTH’s Fuel Vegan+ All-In-One is perfect for anyone looking for a well-rounded supplement to fill multiple nutrient gaps at once. According to Samantha McKinney, a registered dietitian at Life Time, it *”provides an easy-to-mix plant-based blend of pea, chia, and chlorella proteins, along with over 17 activated vitamins and minerals—plus digestive enzymes and probiotics.”* With 30 grams of vegan protein per serving (available in chocolate and vanilla), it blends smoothly into water or other liquids for a creamy drink that supports digestion and metabolism. McKinney adds, *”All LTH proteins undergo strict sourcing, manufacturing, and testing to ensure top quality.”*
**Protein Source:** Pea, chia, and chlorella proteins
**Protein Per Serving:** 30g
**Ingredients:** Pea, chia, and chlorella proteins, fiber, digestive enzymes, probiotics
**Flavors:** Chocolate, vanilla
**Size:** 2.25 lbs
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### **Best Post-Workout: Promix Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder**
**Price:** $55 (Promix)
**Why We Love It:** Designed for athletes—or anyone needing post-workout recovery—Promix’s powder includes branched-chain amino acids to help build and repair muscles. Bartha says, *”If you tolerate dairy well, Promix is excellent for recovery. Like Ritual, they focus on all-natural, clean ingredients—and both taste great.”* Each serving provides 25 grams of minimally filtered whey protein, available in chocolate, vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, and unflavored options.
**Protein Source:** Whey
**Protein Per Serving:** 25g
**Ingredients:** Grass-fed whey, sunflower lecithin, vanilla extract, organic coconut sugar
**Flavors:** Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter, unflavored
**Size:** 2.5 lbs
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### **Best Low-Calorie: Podium Nutrition Whey Protein Powder**
**Price:** $45 (Amazon)
**Why We Love It:** This low-sugar, low-calorie powder delivers 27 grams of protein per serving to support lean muscle. Bonus? It tastes like coffee ice cream and comes in fun flavors like maple butter pancake and churro. The brand suggests mixing it into coffee, shakes, or water for a post-workout boost at just 120 calories per serving.
**Protein Source:** Whey isolate
**Protein Per Serving:** 27g
**Ingredients:** Whey protein powder with whey protein isolate
**Flavors:** Coffee ice cream, churro, cookies & cream, maple butter pancake, mint chocolate chip, peanut butter crunch
**Size:** 32 oz
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### **Best Flavors: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder**
**Price:** $27 (Amazon)
**Why We Love It:** Orgain offers unique flavors like churro caramel swirl and fruity cereal in a low-sugar formula. Each serving also includes 5 grams of prebiotic fiber for gut health. Mix it with almond milk or water for a quick protein drink, or add it to oatmeal or baked goods—like a pumpkin spice protein muffin for a cozy breakfast.
**Protein Source:** Pea and brown rice
**Protein Per Serving:** 21g
**Ingredients:** Organic pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seed, creamer base
**Flavors:** Chai latte, churro caramel swirl, fruity cereal, horchata, pumpkin
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**Flavors:** Spice, Strawberries & Cream, Vanilla
**Size:** 16.3 oz
**Best for a Sensitive Stomach: Ora Plant-Based Superfood Protein**
*Ora Plant-Based Superfood Protein*
**$50 | AMAZON**
**Why We Love It:** Gentle on sensitive stomachs, Ora’s plant-based powder contains no gums or fillers. It’s also infused with digestive enzymes like amylase and lactase to help prevent bloating. Packed with 19 superfoods rich in micronutrients and amino acids, the blend includes organic sprouted quinoa, blackberry, kale, and Jerusalem artichoke.
**Protein Source:** Pea and rice
**Protein Per Serving:** 22g
**Ingredients:** Organic pea protein, rice protein, Ora’s Protein, Superfood & Greens Blend, Ora’s Enzyme Blend
**Flavor:** Chocolate
**Size:** 1.5 lbs
**Best for Cooking: Form Pureblend Protein**
*Form Pureblend Protein*
**$39 | AMAZON**
**Why We Love It:** “I really like Form Nutrition,” says Bartha. “They offer a great range of vegan options, and their unsweetened Pure Blend is perfect for smoothies and protein balls. Plus, they’re B-Corp certified, which reflects their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.” Free from thickeners, emulsifiers, flavors, or sweeteners, this vegan powder can also be mixed into baked goods to boost protein content.
**Protein Source:** Organic peas, brown rice, pumpkin seeds
**Protein Per Serving:** 15g
**Ingredients:** Organic pea protein isolate, brown rice protein, pumpkin seed protein
**Flavor:** Unflavored
**Size:** 520g
**Nutritionist’s Pick: Raw Organic Whey Protein Powder**
*Raw Organic Whey Protein Powder*
**$35 | AMAZON**
**Why We Love It:** “This is a gem for anyone who values simplicity and purity,” says Maitland. “It’s certified organic, sourced from grass-fed cows, and free from fillers or artificial additives. The taste is clean, making it great for smoothies or baking. Rich in amino acids, it’s ideal for recovery and overall wellness—my personal favorite!”
**Protein Source:** Whey
**Protein Per Serving:** 21g
**Ingredients:** Organic whey protein concentrate
**Flavor:** Unflavored
**Size:** 12 oz
**Best for Dairy Sensitivities: Mt. Capra Clean Whey Protein**
*Mt. Capra Clean Whey Protein*
**$44 | AMAZON**
**Why We Love It:** “For those sensitive to dairy, goat whey is a game-changer,” says Maitland. “It’s easier to digest than cow’s milk whey, thanks to the A2 protein.” With 24g of protein per serving, this powder comes from grass-fed goats at a family-run farm in the Pacific Northwest. It’s great for building lean muscle and works well in shakes, smoothies, or even pancakes. “It has a slight tang but mixes smoothly,” Maitland adds.
**Protein Source:** Goat whey
**Protein Per Serving:** 24g
**Ingredients:** Grass-fed goat whey protein, natural vanilla bean, stevia
**Flavor:** Unflavored
**Size:** 16 oz
**Best for Coffee: Paleovalley 100% Grass-Fed Bone Broth Protein**
*Paleovalley 100% Grass-Fed Bone Broth Protein*
**$67 | AMAZON**
**Why We Love It:** “I love adding this to my morning coffee,” says Maitland. “The collagen supports skin, joints, and gut health, and it blends seamlessly with no weird texture. It adds a subtle savory richness to coffee—like a health boost for your daily routine. I also use it in chocolate espresso protein muffins—it’s amazing!”
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Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!**Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth**
Protein per serving: 13g
Ingredients: Beef bones, filtered water (flavored versions include natural flavorings like vanilla bean extract)
Flavors: Chocolate, unflavored, vanilla
Size: 1.2 lbs
**Best Pea Protein: Terrasoul Pea Protein Powder**
Price: $20 (Amazon)
Why we love it: “If you prefer clean and simple ingredients, this unflavored organic pea protein is a great choice,” says Maitland. “It’s versatile—perfect for customizing shakes with fruits, greens, or superfoods like spirulina or cacao. It has no added sugars or weird aftertaste. However, if pea protein doesn’t agree with you, try unflavored Mikuna or Sacha Inchi protein instead.”
Protein source: Yellow peas
Protein per serving: 8g
Ingredients: Organic pea protein isolate
Flavor: Unflavored
Size: 24 oz
**Best Easily Digestible: Mikuna Pure Choco Protein Powder**
Price: $30 (Amazon)
Why we love it: “Mikuna stands out with its minimalist approach—just one ingredient: choco beans (lupini beans), which are high in fiber and protein,” says Maitland. “It’s lectin-free, gentle on digestion, and ideal for those sensitive to pea protein. Clean and simple—exactly what plant-based protein should be.” The flavored versions (vanilla, chocolate) include sea salt, coconut-blossom nectar, monk fruit sweetener, and vanilla or cacao powder.
Protein source: Lupini beans
Protein per serving: 20g
Ingredients: Choco beans (flavored versions add sea salt, coconut-blossom nectar, monk fruit, and vanilla/cacao powder)
Flavors: Pure Choco, vanilla, cacao
Size: 21 oz
**Best Almond Protein Powder: Wellious Almond Protein Powder**
Price: $32 (Amazon)
Why we love it: “This is another simple option with just four ingredients,” says Maitland. It combines almond and chickpea protein with vanilla or cacao powder and monk fruit for sweetness. “Chickpea protein may cause digestive discomfort for some, but for most, it’s stomach-friendly and provides a clean protein boost.” Try mixing it with peanut butter and Greek yogurt for a high-protein treat.
Protein source: Chickpeas and almonds
Protein per serving: 17g
Ingredients: Almond protein, chickpea protein, vanilla powder, monk fruit
Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla
Size: 340g
**What is protein powder?**
“Protein powder is a concentrated protein source from animal (like whey) or plant-based (like pea, soy, or hemp) ingredients, processed for easy consumption,” explains nutritionist Jenny Rich.
Registered dietitian Brittany Beaver adds, “Protein powders help meet daily protein needs, especially since many women under-consume protein. The RDA is a minimum—optimal health often requires more.” Convenient powders can help maintain adequate intake as part of a balanced diet.**Is protein powder actually good for you?**
“I always prioritize whole foods and try not to rely on supplements—but during a particularly active week, protein powder can be a helpful addition,” says Bartha. “Now that I’m in my 40s, I’ve noticed that increasing my protein intake a bit boosts my energy, strength, and lean muscle. Just be sure to check the label for quality—avoid unnecessary additives, especially metals.”
To spot metals in protein powder, Bartha suggests a few tips: “First, U.S.-made supplements follow strict standards, so ‘Made in the USA’ is a good sign. Second, look for transparency in ingredients.” She adds that powders tested by third-party organizations like NSF or USP often display certification seals. “High-quality brands will clearly list this info on their packaging and websites,” she notes.
### **How to Choose a Protein Powder**
“Look for added vitamins, minerals, probiotics, collagen, and all 19 amino acids,” advises Kylie Bensley, a registered dietitian. Beyond that, the best choice depends on individual needs—starting with the protein source:
– **Whey isolate**: Higher in protein, lower in fat and carbs than regular whey, with less lactose—ideal for those with sensitivities.
– **Casein**: A slow-digesting milk protein, great before fasting (like sleep).
– **Pea, hemp, or soy**: Plant-based options for vegans. “Hemp is especially gentle on digestion,” Bensley adds.
Other factors to consider:
– **Sugars**: Opt for low or no added sugars if weight loss is a goal. McKinney recommends natural sweeteners (stevia, monk fruit) over artificial ones.
– **Ingredients**: “Fewer ingredients are better,” says Rich. Avoid additives like sugar alcohols, thickeners, or anti-clumping agents.
– **Dairy vs. dairy-free**: Grass-fed whey works for dairy-tolerant folks; whey isolate suits those with lactose sensitivity. For plant-based options, pea protein or blends (like LTH Fuel) are great. Collagen peptides are another gut-friendly choice.
– **Third-party testing**: Though not FDA-regulated, reputable brands undergo independent testing for safety and purity.
In short, protein powder can be beneficial—just choose wisely based on your needs and preferences.**Is the protein source important when choosing a protein powder?**
McKinney says that as long as you pick a high-quality protein, the source is a personal choice. “If you can tolerate it, my top recommendation is a grass-fed, third-party tested whey protein, as it’s one of the best for overall health and immune support. But not everyone can handle dairy-based protein,” she explains. “In that case, a soy-free plant-based option—like pea protein combined with rice, chlorella, or chia—is a great alternative. For those looking for something gentler on digestion, grass-fed collagen peptides can also be a good protein boost.”
**How much protein should you eat daily?**
“The amount of protein you need depends on factors like your body weight and activity level,” says McKinney. “For active people, a general guideline is one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight per day to support recovery, energy, and muscle health.” As always, consult your doctor or dietitian for personalized advice.
**The Best Way to Use Protein Powder**
“Protein powder can easily be mixed into smoothies, milk (dairy or plant-based), water, yogurt, oatmeal, or even baked goods,” says Beaver.
**Who Should Take Protein Powder?**
“Protein is crucial for health, affecting muscle repair, immunity, hormones, mood, and energy,” McKinney explains. Most people should aim for one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight daily, unless they have specific health concerns. “With busy lifestyles and reliance on convenience foods, many struggle to get enough protein from meals alone,” she adds. “If you’re active or find it hard to meet your protein needs, a high-quality protein powder can help fill the gap.”
**Meet the Experts**
– **Lia Bartha** – Wellness expert, certified Pilates instructor, and founder of B The Method.
– **Brittany Beaver, MS, RD, LD** – Registered dietitian and member of Needed Changemakers, a group focused on improving perinatal care.
– **Kylie Bensley, MS, RD** – Founder of Sulinu, a nutrition program for post-cosmetic surgery recovery.
– **Jamie Maitland** – Certified holistic nutritionist, author of *The 21 Day Reset Cookbook*, and founder of The Office Health.
– **Samantha McKinney, RD** – Registered dietitian at Life Time.
– **Jenny Rich** – Functional nutritionist based in New Jersey.