The 9 Best Clean Protein Powders, RD-Approved and Expert-Tested

The best protein powders can be great for boosting lean muscle mass, maximizing hypertrophy in training, and assisting in fat burn. (1) Sadly, though, the supplement industry can be full of snake oil, meaning your protein shake could be riddled with unwanted ingredients and synthetic additives if you’re not carefully reading through ingredients. The best clean protein powders can help alleviate those headaches for athletes with simple, yet effective makeups designed to keep your training running optimally without any smoke and mirrors.

Now, “clean,” may mean one thing to you, but we define a clean protein powder as one with a simple ingredients list that contains little to no artificial additives. Additionally, you want a protein powder that still contains a well-rounded amino acid profile, a key influence on how well your body synthesizes protein. (2) To help you stock up on worthwhile tubs and powders, we got hands-on with dozens of cleanly-designed options from top brands and consulted with our in-house experts to land on our favorite clean protein powders on the market today.

The 9 Best Clean Protein Powders of 2024

• Best Clean Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Tasting Clean Protein Powder: XWERKS Grow
• Best Clean Vegan Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Clean Plant-Based Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
• Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Legion Whey+
• Best Clean Grass-Fed Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein
• Best Clean Casein Protein Powder: Naked Micellar Casein
• Best Clean Budget Protein Powder: NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Clean Protein Powder for Athletes: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Clean Protein Powders

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best clean protein powders available today, we’ve tested nearly 100 different profiles from the industry’s best brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

Ingredients

A high-quality clean protein should not have a laundry list of ingredients plastered across its packaging. After all, you’re looking for a protein powder to supplement your daily protein intake, not a brain-scrambling list of hard-to-pronounce additives that may or may not be helpful for your overall fitness goals. We’ve kept this list to clean protein powders that featured rather short ingredients lists of roughly three to seven components.

[Related: How Much Protein Do You Actually Need Per Day?]

Speaking of the actual ingredients, we looked for proteins that relied more on natural components rather than artificial additives. Naturally, some protein powders do contain artificial sweeteners, but we felt they stood out in other categories and still opted to include them in this round-up. Regardless, if a shake has artificial components, we made sure to include such information below.

Protein Source

When looking for clean, complete protein powders, you (understandably) want to look at the protein source. Dairy-based proteins like whey and casein are popular options for athletes wanting a high protein yield with a richer amino acid profile. However, you want to pay attention (if possible) to how the dairy source was cultivated — to be specific, how the cows used in production were treated and what they were consuming to generate the vital protein source.

We favored dairy-based protein powder derived from grass-fed cows, as studies indicate grass-fed dairy can be higher in antioxidants and healthy fats. (3)(4) Certified grass-fed cows are also free of added hormones and antibiotics, and graze in pesticide-free fields, so there’s less of an influence on the end product.

Of course, we understand that not every athlete favors dairy-based protein. When looking for clean plant-based and vegan-friendly powders, we chose formulations composed of multiple high-protein plant sources, including peas, quinoa, and others. This multifaceted protein source can also help these profiles build a more complete amino acid profile, rather than relying on a singular plant-based material for all your nutritional needs.

[Related: The Best Vegan Protein Powders]

Protein Per Serving

The amount of protein you get in each serving is just as important as where the protein comes from. Your recommended daily protein intake is 0.36 grams per pound. (5) While most of this macronutrient should be coming from whole foods, having some worthwhile protein content in your shakes can help make that number far more achievable (and tasty).

We looked for clean proteins capable of delivering at least 20 grams of protein per serving. Additionally, your protein content can differ depending on your chosen flavor. For example, peanut butter-flavored proteins can tend to have a higher protein per serving than others. So, we always recommend giving the ingredients list a final once-over before adding your flavor of choice to your online cart.

Calories Per Serving

Thanks to a lower number of ingredients (and unwanted fillers), clean protein powders have a tendency to be lower in calories than other options on the market. This can be great for, say, athletes looking to maintain a calorie deficit as part of their weight loss journey, but may be detrimental for those wanting to bulk up and actually put on mass and muscle.

In our trials, we looked for clean proteins that offered a mix of calorie counts to better appeal to a slew of dietary needs. We’ve included proteins as low as 85 calories per serving and as high as 240. On average, though, most of our included picks featured calorie counts between 110 and 150 — a nice middle ground that can help you stay fueled without completely throwing off your daily counts.

Third-Party Testing 

While you may think that “clean” protein powders are free of all banned substances, that isn’t always the case, sadly. This can be especially detrimental to competitive athletes that need to abide by strict governing agencies in terms of what they can and can’t consume. This is why we prioritized proteins that have been third-party tested to guarantee the label is accurate.

BarBend also worked with a third-party accredited lab to test our favorite protein powders for heavy metals and other impurities. As you read through each review, you can take a look at our lab results to gauge the purest protein powders.

Taste

Some of the best-tasting protein powders rely on artificial ingredients so that they can replicate the flavors we crave. Unfortunately, this means that some powders lacking a synthetic cocktail for taste can taste bland.

We examined clean protein powders getting their mouth appeal from natural flavor and sweetener sources like stevia and monk fruit extract, noting which profiles produced positive, enjoyable sips during trials. We also made sure to include which flavors were our favorite — taste is subjective, but it helps to know when a particular offering is liked by others.

In addition to flavor alone, we also noted how well these clean protein powders mixed. If a powder blended smoothly in a shaker bottle full of water, we made note of it in our findings. If heavier artillery (say, a countertop blender) was necessary for a worthwhile beverage, we included that recommendation, too.

Best Clean Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate 

If you’re looking for a top-tier clean protein that’s transparent in its makeup and testing, it’s tough (unironically) to beat Whey Protein Isolate from Transparent Labs. According to BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., “I love that Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is free from artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and preservatives. You get 28 grams of high-quality protein without any unnecessary fluff. Plus, it’s tested by a third-party lab, and the certificates of analysis are available right on the website.”

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated the formulation a 5 out of 5 due to the protein-heavy composition in each serving. Regardless of flavor choice, you can expect 28 grams of whey protein isolate in each dose, along with 0 to 2 grams of fat, 0 to 3 grams of carbohydrates, and, in total, between 120 and 150 calories.

The calorie count, in our experience, can be enough to keep you satiated in-between meals yet won’t replace a full sit-down plate full of whole foods. This may be a detriment to those looking to bulk up in size. For these needs, a mass gainer protein may be a better solution.

[Related: The 10 Best Mass Gainers, Tested by Experts and RD Approved]

Whey Protein Isolate has a clean makeup free of any artificial sweeteners and colorings, as well as a non-GMO and gluten-free formulation, but it’s also plenty tasty. While our tester was lucky enough to trial Peppermint Hot Chocolate — a limited holiday release — we’ve also enjoyed offerings across the wide flavor range, including Milk Chocolate, Oatmeal Cookie, Vanilla Peanut Butter, and many others. For these reasons, we scored the taste at 5 out of 5.

Finally, while the price per serving is on par with other clean protein powders at $2, we did have to rank this Whey Protein Isolate at 3.5 out of 5 for the purchase options category. You can only pick up this Transparent Labs offering in 30-serving tubs, whereas other brands typically offer varying container sizes to potentially help you dwindle down that per serving cost. 

The brand does offer a subscription service, though, that can save you $6 and also includes free shipping, so it’s not like savings are completely out of the picture. 

Read our full Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate Review.

Category	Rating
Formulation	5 out of 5
Taste	5 out of 5
Cost	3.5 out of 5

Best-Tasting Clean Protein Powder: XWERKS Grow

Taking down a clean protein powder doesn’t need to be a battle in itself. There are plenty of good-tasting shakes on the market, but for our money, XWERKS Grow reigns supreme. “The Chocolate profile is very reminiscent of Yoo-Hoo. It’s a great balance of sweet and richness,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer, while rating its taste a 5 out of 5 taste. Additionally, this clean protein powder mixes easily in any liquid of choice, although we recommend adding the powder to milk if you really want that creamy, appealing mouthfeel.

In terms of formulation, we rated Grow at 5 out of 5. Each serving delivers 110 calories and between 25.8 and 27.8 grams of protein, depending on the flavor. Additionally, XWERKS includes 6 grams of BCAAs, which can be beneficial for athletes looking to boost their muscle mass and improve post-workout recovery. (7)(8) 

However, we do wish XWERKS would include the breakdown of each amino acid on its packaging — that information is only available online.

[Related: The 11 Best Protein Powders for Men, Tested and Reviewed]

The protein content is also appealing for those wanting a great-tasting clean protein powder thanks to its source material — New Zealand-raised cows. These bovines are farmed under strict regulations, meaning they’re raised without any exposure to hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics. (6) 

It should be noted, though, that while XWERKS Grow is our favorite for best taste, you’re locked into only a few varieties. The four offered flavors — Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Strawberry — pale in comparison to some of the other flavor rosters we’ve experienced in testing, which can sometimes even reach into the teens.

Finally, we scored XWERKS Grow at 2.5 out of 5 for third-party testing. While the brand does indicate that the formulation is monitored and tested by an independent source for its potency and formulation, there are no marks across the packaging confirming those results. 

This means that athletes specifically looking for clean proteins that are free of banned substances and heavy metals may be in for a longer homework assignment.

Category	Rating
Formulation	5 out of 5
Taste	5 out of 5
Cost	3.5 out of 5

Read our full XWERKS Grow Review. 

Best Clean Vegan Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein

Vegan athletes can have it tough when searching for a high-quality clean protein powder. While there are a number of plant-based options on the market, they often need additives to create a worthwhile profile filled with proper amino acids. KOS Organic Plant Protein, however, can be a great option thanks to a 5-part protein blend that uses peas, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds to deliver an impressive 20 grams of protein and a full roster of essential amino acids.

In addition to this complete formulation — which we rated at 4 out of 5 — we also like how KOS keeps digestion and nutrient absorption in mind with an included digestive enzyme. 

However, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., our expert reviewer, does wish there was a little more transparency with the component as a whole. “I just wish the digestive enzyme blend wasn’t proprietary. I prefer to know exactly what and how much of it that I’m consuming.”

[Related: Vegan Diet for Athletes: Can You Build Muscle with Plant-Based Nutrition?]

As far as taste, our tester, a certified personal trainer, enjoyed the options and felt that KOS Organic Plant Protein would be the one vegan option she’d return to if necessary. The sweetness and richness is there, but they did note a slight chalky aftertaste, which isn’t uncommon with plant-based proteins. For these reasons, we rated the taste at 3 out of 5.

You also get a thicker drink with this clean vegan protein option given that each serving calls for two scoops of powder. While some may appreciate this milkshake-like mouthfeel, it does mean that vigorous mixing is required. We rated the solubility at 3 out of 5, and highly recommend utilizing a countertop blender in order to make your daily shakes.

Finally, this KOS offering is available in 15-, 20-, and 28-serving containers, which can be ideal for those looking to buy in bulk. Additionally, the Amazon availability also lends itself to fast, free shipping, provided you have a Prime account. In total, KOS Organic Plant Protein isn’t just a solid vegan option — it’s an excellent powder for anyone in search of a clean shake.

Category	Rating
Formulation	4 out of 5
Taste	3 out of 5
Cost	3.75 out of 5

Read our full KOS Organic Plant Protein Review.

Best Clean Plant-Based Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet (or just looking for more plant-based supplements), Ritual Essential Daily Shake is a suitable choice. This product is made of pea protein with absolutely zero animal-based ingredients.

“Ritual Essential Protein scores a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation with deductions for the sodium content,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. We love the clean ingredients in this formula but do want to point out that one serving contains 13 percent of your daily sodium value. 

Our testers did like the flavor, too. “When I mixed this alone with water, it still had a good taste and wasn’t too chalky, though you do get a little aftertaste,” our tester said, giving the taste a 4 out of 5. “When mixed in a smoothie, it’s noticeable but not overpowering.” We do wish there were more flavor options, though, as this one only comes in Vanilla, which may not be best for all athletes. 

After mixing this powder with water, we had to give the consistency a 5 out of 5. It wasn’t watery, like you might see with some protein powders. In fact, our team loved the consistency, as it had a smooth, non-grainy texture.

Ritual Essential’s protein is third-party tested, which is a big plus. However, we did have to give this product a 1 out of 5 for value. One 15-serving bag costs $32, which is about $2.13. This is more expensive than most other proteins on this list, so if you’re shopping on a budget, this may not be the best pick.

Category	Rating
Formulation	4.5 out of 5
Taste	4 out of 5
Cost	1 out of 5

[Related: The 8 Best Organic Protein Powders]

Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Legion Whey+

When looking for protein powder, one of the most common varieties will be whey protein. When looking for a clean option within this subcategory, however, your options can begin to dwindle. Whey+ from Legion stands apart from the rest thanks to its source material — protein farmed from ethically-raised Irish grass-fed cattle. These bovines are raised with no hormones, and graze predominantly outdoors in pesticide-free pastures, meaning there’s less of a chance for unnatural intruders to make their way to your post-workout snack.

Additionally, we rated the formulation at 4.75 out of 5, per Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., our expert reviewer. “It’s not the most protein-dense protein powder, but its macro ratios and ingredient sources are impressive,” she adds. 

We did have to drop the scoring slightly, though, given the fact that Whey+ does not include any added digestive enzymes, which can lead to potential GI distress in some athletes.

[Related: Is Grass-Fed Whey Protein Right for You? Here’s How To Know]

In terms of flavor and taste, there are few powders as robust as Whey+. With 16 flavors to choose from, you’d be hard pressed to not find an offering that suits your taste buds. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, compared the Chocolate variety to a classic glass of Ovaltine. As such, they rated Whey+ at 4.5 out of 5 for taste.

Be mindful, though, that you will need to give your ingredients list a final read-through after choosing your flavor. We’ve noticed that protein counts can vary across the board between 21 and 23 grams per serving. Additionally, the calories can range from 100 to 130 per dose — not a major swing between tastes, but enough to call out in this guide.

We also recommend this clean whey protein powder due to its container size options. Legion Whey+ is available in 30-, 78-, and 82-serving containers, which can give you some room to purchase your supplements in bulk and subsequently cut down the already approachable $1.46 price per serving.

Lastly, while we understand that you may be anxious to get a taste of this flavor-rich protein powder, we recommend giving the shake a few extra shakes before consumption. Our tester stated that clumps and residue can begin to appear without some vigorous shaking, so be sure your powder is fully immersed before diving into this clean whey protein.

Category	Rating
Formulation	4.75 out of 5
Taste	4.5 out of 5
Cost	3.5 out of 5

Read our full Legion Whey+ Protein Review.

Best Clean Grass-Fed Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein

Momentous sources its whey from dairy farmers in the European Union who utilize grass-fed cows untouched by hormones, steroids, and rBST. That commitment to quality has been recognized with certifications from Informed Sport and the National Sanitation Foundation, two of the leading sources in validating a supplement’s safety and efficacy. 

In layman’s terms, this means that you can rest easy after your daily protein shake knowing the cows were given as much care as you’re giving to your overall health and wellness with this whey protein isolate powder.

Additionally, we rated the formulation at 5 out of 5 thanks to its protein-heavy makeup and lean calorie count. Each dose of Grass-Fed Whey Protein delivers between 22.27 and 23.4 grams of protein, along with 90 to 100 calories, depending on your flavor of choice. This can be especially beneficial for athletes on a weight loss journey, as the max of 110 calories can be easily planned around their whole-food meals throughout the day.

[Related: The 10 Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss]

This Momentous offering is available in three flavors — Unflavored, Chocolate, and Vanilla. While we would like to see this roster increased, we do think that Momentous does them well enough for a 4 out of 5 rating. “The Chocolate option is very rich and mimics what you’d expect from a wintertime cup of hot cocoa,” says Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer.

Another standout feature of this Momentous protein powder is the inclusion of ProHydrolase — a digestive enzyme designed to help with potential GI issues while also speeding up nutrient absorption. (10) 

However, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., our expert reviewer, states that ProHydrolase is still a proprietary blend, meaning the included components of its specific formulation don’t need to be listed on the ingredients list. While a minor callout for us, it could be a deciding factor for athletes wanting the utmost transparency with their protein.

Lastly, Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein is on the more expensive side of clean protein powders, coming in at $2.70 per serving. This is a little higher than the $2 average we’ve found with other brands, so we do recommend expecting a heavier hit to your wallet.

Category	Rating
Formulation	5 out of 5
Taste	4 out of 5
Cost	1 out of 5

[Related: Grass-Fed Beef Vs. Grain-Fed Beef: Is One Healthier?]

Best Clean Casein Protein Powder: Naked Micellar Casein

Casein protein can be an excellent option for post-workout recovery, as the slower-digesting protein provides a steady stream of amino acids to your muscles through the night, which can help prevent muscle soreness and catabolism. (11) In terms of “clean” casein protein, Naked’s Micellar Casein is the top pick simply because there are less than four ingredients in a given formulation (and just one if you opt for the unflavored version).

I’ve previously used this casein protein and appreciate how simple it is when it comes to ingredients. For the Vanilla and Chocolate varieties, you do get some organic coconut sugar and either natural vanilla flavor or organic cacao powder … and that’s it! Plus, each flavor option is low in fat (up to 2 grams) and carbohydrates (up to 6 grams) while keeping protein levels high (up to 27 grams). I rated the formulation at a perfect 5 out of 5.

As far as the solubility is concerned, I will admit that this is not a powder fit for your trusty shaker bottle. For one, a serving calls for two scoops, and getting all of that powder immersed in your liquid of choice can be quite the arm workout — a task less desirable when trying to cap off the night. I scored the solubility at 3.5 out of 5, and highly recommend breaking out the countertop blender to create your nighttime shake.

[Related: The Best Casein Protein For Taste, Digestion, Baking, and More]

In terms of the purchasing options, Naked Micellar Casein is only available in 5-pound tubs. While this is good for keeping you well-stocked, it does mean that, despite a low cost of $1.32 per serving for the Unflavored option, the total price can be higher. Still, this is a cheaper cost per serving than other clean protein powders, which oftentimes cost around $2 per dose. I rated the cost at 4 out of 5.

Lastly, while I do recommend athletes take advantage of casein during post-workout recovery and nighttime endeavors, I do recognize that it may not sit well with some stomachs. Casein is naturally higher in lactose given its manufacturing method, so those with sensitive stomachs may experience some rumblings and aches as their body adapts to the new food source.

Category	Rating
Formulation	5 out of 5
Taste	4 out of 5
Cost	4 out of 5

[Related: Whey Protein vs. Casein Protein — What’s the Difference and Which is Better for Muscle and Strength?]

Best Clean Budget Protein Powder: NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate

If you’re willing to seek out a clean protein powder, odds are that you’re okay with a slight price hike compared to other formulations. However, there are some budget-friendly options on the market that keep ingredient totals and costs low while still delivering worthwhile makeups and tastes. NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate is our wallet-conscious clean protein powder of choice thanks to its ultra-low price per serving, which begins at less than $0.80. For reference, other clean protein powders often cost roughly $2 per dose.

Additionally, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., our expert reviewer, states, “I really like that you’re paying for whey protein, and that’s exactly what you’re getting with NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate. It’s low in carbs and fat, so it won’t skew your macro count when you’re just trying to increase your protein intake.” We rated this high-value protein powder at 5 out of 5 for the formulation.

[Related: 18 Ways to Eat More Protein to Pack on Muscle Mass]

However, we do want to point out that the flavored Chocolate and Vanilla offerings do contain xylitol. This sugar alcohol has been known to cause some GI distress in some athletes, so it may be best for athletes with sensitive stomachs to forgo this option.

NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate is also a good pick for competitive athletes thanks to its Informed Sport certification. This third party checks and assures that supplements meeting their criteria are free of any banned substances or heavy metals. If you need to abide by strict governing agencies, this stamp of approval can be a definite must.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, also appreciated how well this clean protein blended in their liquid of choice. That said, they did recommend adding the Unflavored variety to something other than water. “On its own, you get a strong ‘whey’ taste that’s not that great,” they added in reference to their 4 out of 5 taste rating. “It’s not gag-worthy, but I’d suggest adding the Unflavored powder to a smoothie or a liquid with an already present taste.”

While the calorie counts may leave bulking athletes wanting more, we still feel this can be a great introductory clean protein powder, especially when the cost of entry is so low.

Category	Rating
Formulation	5 out of 5
Taste	4 out of 5
Cost	5 out of 5

[Related: Bulking on a Budget? Try These Foods and Tips]

Best Clean Protein Powder for Athletes: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate

Strength athletes, and athletes in general, need to abide by strict governing agencies, meaning their options for supplements may be more limited than the average gymgoer. Clean protein powders, especially those featuring a third-party testing certification, can be a great option, but for our money, Klean Athlete’s Klean Isolate is our sport-ready recommendation. Each dose features 85 calories, and the powder is NSF-Certified for Sport, i.e., tested for any banned substances or unwanted contaminants.

We scored the overall formulation at 4 out of 5 thanks to its protein-dense makeup. Each dose can deliver 20 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbohydrates, and 0 grams of fat. These small, rounded measurables can make it easy to add this protein shake to your daily intake without much math or worry.

Additionally, our tester, a former Olympian, described the taste as quick and painless. “I liked how the Unflavored taste could be easily added to other drinks for a quick hit of protein,” they said in reference to their 4 out of 5 taste rating. “It doesn’t overpower whatever liquid you add it to, so I’d be fine adding this to a smoothie or other concoction throughout the day.”

[Related: 6 Benefits of Whey Protein for Strength Athletes Who Want to Build Muscle]

Our tester also scored the solubility at 5 out of 5 thanks to this Klean Athlete powder’s ability to easily dissolve after a few shakes. This can be especially beneficial for athletes looking to quickly get some protein into their system after a hard practice or workout — no need to break out the blender to make a decent shake.

Now, we wish that Klean Athlete offered a flavored option to appease those with a sweet tooth, but we are happy with how this powder blends (and doesn’t overpower) whatever you add it to. You’ll just need to get a little creative when it comes to creating tasteful beverages with loads of flavor.

Lastly, this Klean Athlete clean protein powder is more expensive than the average $2 per serving, so expect to pay a little more in order to stay within your governed restrictions. For its versatility and easy-to-consume makeup, though, we’re willing to bet that most would be okay with paying the premium.

Category	Rating
Formulation	4 out of 5
Taste	4 out of 5
Cost	1 out of 5

[Related: The 11 Best Protein Powders for Muscle Gain]

What is a “Clean” Protein Powder?

Let’s get this out of the way — “clean” protein powders aren’t inherently better than other shakes on the market. There are plenty of benefits that can come from powders containing artificial additives. However, we look at “clean” protein powders as supplements that keep things simplified with natural ingredients and little to no influence from synthetics.

When looking for a clean protein powder, the biggest telltale sign is in the ingredients list. If you can count how many components there are in your powder of choice on, at most, two hands, it likely meets the criteria. Plus, if an ingredient seems like a foreign word to you, odds are that it’s a synthetic or artificial additive designed to help the protein taste sweet, preserve better, or digest easier.

While we won’t go too far into the weeds in identifying all artificial additives used by supplement brands, we will leave you with this small tip — if you can’t come to a conclusion on an ingredient’s roots by name alone, it may very well be artificial.

What To Consider Before Buying Clean Protein Powders

You and your protein powder are going to become well-acquainted. Like any relationship, it doesn’t help anyone to rush into it. Before picking up a tub of clean protein powder, you’ll want to ask yourself what powders dovetail with your diet, fitness routine, and budget. 

Your Dietary Needs

Some athletes look into clean protein sources because they’re sensitive about what they consume, while others are driven by necessity. If you’re vegan or allergic to soy, gluten, or lactose, that will factor into the kind of protein powder you’ll choose. 

If you’d rather not drink dairy that’s been touched by hormones or antibiotics, you’ll want to check out some of the grass-fed whey or casein options. Has your stomach reacted poorly to protein powders in the past? You might want to consider an option that’s rounded out by a digestive enzyme blend. 

Your Fitness Goals

Your fitness goals will help you determine the macro split you’re looking for in a clean protein powder. Clean powders usually deliver between 20 and 30 grams of protein per serving, but the amount of carbs and fats will differ, as will the calories. 

If you’re hoping to stay lean but pack on muscle, you’ll likely benefit from a whey isolate or casein powder that’s high in protein and low in carbs and fats. Those in hypertrophy training, on the other hand, will want a higher-calorie powder or meal replacement shake with more balanced macros. Powders can also be manipulated or stacked with additional foods and supplements to help you achieve your desired results.

[Related: So, Is Flexible Dieting Legit? Here’s What the Science Says]

Price

Since you’ll be buying it by the tub (and fairly frequently), it’s good to know early on how much you’re willing to spend on a protein supplement. Clean protein powders generally run around $2 per serving, while ones with artificial ingredients and murky sourcing tend to go for less than $1 per serving. 

Price is going to depend on several factors, including the type of protein, the macro split, the taste, and the quality of ingredients. If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to consider the areas where you can compromise and still achieve your goals. 

Calories Per Serving

On average, most clean protein powders can deliver around 100 to 150 calories per serving, which can be great for keeping you fueled in-between whole-food meals. However, you’ll need to take stock in your fitness goals before signing up for a protein with less or more calories per shake.

For example, if you’re determined to lose weight, it may be best to find a clean protein powder that fits into your weight loss journey — potentially under 120 calories or less. For athletes wanting to put on some size, you may be able to get away with denser formulations, or even a meal replacement or mass gainer protein. In the end, be sure to think through your daily caloric intake, and pick the clean protein supplement that fits neatly into your regimen.

[Related: The 10 Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss]

Third-Party Testing

While not a definite deal-breaker, having a clean protein powder that is third-party tested can go a long way in ensuring your shakes are free of any harmful contaminants or banned substances. This can be especially helpful for athletes that need to abide by certain governing agencies.

Typically, you can find out whether a protein is third-party tested by looking at the packaging or reading the product information online. Common certifications such as Informed Sport, NSF-Certified for Sport, and Informed Protein will place a stamp of approval across the front of a protein, giving you little room for questioning whether a product is approved or not. 

Benefits of Clean Protein Powders

Protein is a key macronutrient for anyone hoping to build lean muscle and burn fat, and it can also assist with muscle recovery after workouts. (1) Clean proteins can provide even more benefits, especially for those hoping to lose weight or struggling with allergy or digestive issues. 

Can Help With Weight Loss

Protein is proven to help you feel fuller for longer than other macros, which is why it’s been scientifically linked to weight loss and weight maintenance. (12)(13) And since clean protein powders tend to be light on ingredients and devoid of artificial sweeteners and fillers, they’re often low in calories, carbs, and fats. Integrating them into a diet along with regular exercise can be a great way to stave off cravings without the extra calories.

Casein can be especially helpful in this regard. It’s lower in lactose and digests more slowly than whey, meaning it can quell your appetite for longer periods. (11) The molecular structure of casein also lends itself to puddings, spreads, and ice creams better than whey, making for healthy and filling alternatives to traditionally indulgent snacks.

[Related: Calories In, Calories Out; Myth or Truth for Weight Loss?] 

Cater to Allergies and Food Sensitivities

This is where the transparency you can expect from clean protein powders comes in handy. Clean protein powders tend to pride themselves on the ingredients they don’t have as much as the ones they do, and the majority of clean powders will proudly declare their lack of many common allergens, such as soy, nuts, lactose, and gluten. And if they do contain one, you can usually count on the label to make that abundantly clear. 

Easier to Digest

Since they’re often devoid of lactose, gluten, and artificial ingredients, clean protein powders tend to be easier on the stomach than traditional powders. Many clean protein products even include probiotic blends or digestive enzymes that can help your body break the protein down into smaller particles to aid with absorption. 

[Related: 5 Great Bulking Foods for Digestion, Intra-Workout, and More]

Final Word

Protein is essential if your goal is muscle growth and overall wellness, but high-protein diets can be tough to sustain in the long run. Protein powders can help by packing 20 or more grams of pure protein into a single serving, but many supplements on the market are loaded with additives and allergens that can negatively impact your training. Thankfully, there is no shortage of clean protein powders that provide natural alternatives to artificial ingredients. 

Our list of the best clean protein powders encompasses several different types of protein, from whey isolate and casein, to plant-based options and more. Our picks also cater to different fitness goals with macro splits suited for cutting or bulking. Most importantly, they’re built around a small handful of natural ingredients that are good for muscles, easy on the gut, and shockingly tasty. 

FAQs

References

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