The 10 Best Protein Powders for Men, Researched and Tested

Best Unflavored

NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powder

$40 $27 at Amazon $28 at Walmart View on Vitacost

Key Specs:

Protein source: whey protein isolate | Serving size: 1/3 cup | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Other ingredients: sunflower lecithin

Who's It For

Best option if you want more flexibility to create different flavored protein shakes.

Why We Recommend It

The Now Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate is a top pick if you're looking for an unflavored protein powder with simple ingredients. Unflavored protein powder allows you to easily use it in a variety of sweet or savory ways. Plus, our testers found that this blends easily and doesn't have a grainy texture. We recommend mixing it with different fruits in a shake or boosting the protein content of a savory soup.

This only contains two ingredients—whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin. Whey protein is a high-quality source of protein with high bioavailability and an impressive amino acid profile, including high amounts of branch-chained amino acids (BCAAs), which play an important role in muscle repair and synthesis. The isolated whey protein means the lactose content is minimal, so it may be tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. You get an easy 25 grams of protein per serving and 10% Daily Value of calcium.

You can trust Now Sports Nutrition, as it is Informed Sport certified—a third-party organization that tests every batch for prohibited substances and ensures products are manufactured to high-quality standards. It is made with non-GMO ingredients and is free from many common allergens.

Things To Consider

Our testers found it tastes like watered-down milk, so you may not love it without blending it into something else.

This is not a suitable option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Best Budget

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder

$42 $38 at Amazon $45 at Dicks Sporting Goods $45 at Gnc.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed whey protein | Serving size: 1 scoop | Protein per serving: 24 grams | Other ingredients: cocoa powder, sunflower and/or soy lecithin, natural and artificial flavor, acesulfame potassium

Who's It For

Best for those who prefer a thinner consistency and don't mind a bit higher fat and carbohydrate content.

Why We Recommend It

If you’re looking for an affordable, trustworthy, flavored protein powder, we recommend Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein. This powder is made with a blend of whey protein isolate, concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein. A whey blend will have small amounts of fat and carbohydrates that are higher than those of a powder made just from whey isolate. While this may seem like a negative, keep in mind that you want fats and carbohydrates post-workout, meaning you don't have to add as many additional ingredients for a shake. Plus, a blended whey protein can be a more affordable whey option without sacrificing quality.

Each serving has 24 grams of protein and provides 10% of the Daily Value of calcium. We like that this powder is Informed Choice certified, meaning it is regularly tested for banned substances. We also like that this product dissolves easily in water with no grainy texture. However, it does not thicken the liquid at all, so if you want a creamier result, try mixing it with a milk base of your choice or blended into a smoothie. It has a mild chocolate flavor with no unpleasant aftertaste and also comes in a variety of flavors, including banana cream, chocolate coconut, cookies and cream, strawberry, vanilla, and more.

Things To Consider

This product's chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder, artificial and natural flavors, and acesulfame potassium, an FDA-approved artificial sweetener. Some may appreciate that it does not have added sugar, but some may also not want the artificial sweeteners and flavors in this protein powder. 

Because this is not solely whey protein isolate, it does contain some lactose (an amount comparable to an ounce of cheddar cheese). If you are very sensitive to lactose, this might not be the best choice. It is also not suitable for a milk or soy allergy. 

Best For Weight Gain

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Weight Gainer Supplement

$80 at Transparentlabs.com View on Vitamin Shoppe

Key Specs:

Protein source: whey protein concentrate | Serving size: 2 scoops | Protein per serving: 53 grams | Other ingredients: Maltodextrin, cocoa powder, coconut milk powder, MCT oil, creatine, soluble tapioca fiber, natural flavors, salt, oat flour, sweet potato flour, stevia extract  

Who's It For

Best choice if you are looking for a protein powder that serves as a high-calorie meal replacement to help build muscle and support weight gain.

Why We Recommend It

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Supplement is formulated to support muscle building and weight gain, with 750 calories, 14 grams of fat, 110 grams of carbohydrates, and 53 grams of protein per 2 scoop serving. It also contains creatine, which is one of the most studied supplements for boosting energy and helping you in your pursuit of muscle and weight gain. We like that Transparent Labs does third-party testing on all of their products, with Certificates of Analysis (COAs) available for each batch of product.

The protein source is grass-fed whey protein concentrate with all essential amino acids, including high amounts of BCAAs. The fat source is coconut milk powder and MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride) Oil, which is an easily digestible and absorbable fat source. It does include a high amount of saturated fat with 12 grams per serving, as well as almost 600 milligrams of sodium, which may not be suitable for those on a heart-healthy diet. The carbohydrates are primarily from organic tapioca maltodextrin, which is rapidly absorbed and digested by the body and converted to glucose, the body's main source of energy.

If the two-scoop serving seems a bit much, you can always cut it in half and use only one scoop.

Things To Consider

While we loved the rich chocolate taste of the chocolate glaze donut flavor, this product did not dissolve completely when mixed with water in a shaker bottle. Still, we enjoyed that it does not have any chalkiness or aftertaste. It would also be a good choice to blend into a smoothie.

Because this powder contains 110 grams quick releasing carbohydrates, it may cause blood sugar spikes, so it may not be suitable for those with impaired blood glucose, such as those with diabetes.

Best Organic

Nutiva Organic Plant Protein Powder

$52 $33 at Amazon $49 at Walmart

Key Specs:

Protein source: pea, sunflower, pumpkin, hemp seed | Serving size: 1 scoop (31 grams) | Protein per serving: 23 grams | Other ingredients: organic creamer base, organic natural flavors, fruit and vegetable blend, himalayan sea salt, organic cinnamon, d-alpha tocopherol, bifidobacterium longum, digestive enzyme blend

Who's It For

Best for those who want to avoid synthetic ingredients, pesticides, GMOs and artificial flavors or additives.

Why We Recommend It

Nutiva’s Organic Plant Protein Powder is a good protein powder for men looking for an organic, plant-based option with an added nutrient boost. This protein powder contains a wide range of micronutrients, thanks to Nutiva’s powdered fruit and vegetable blend. Meaning in addition to 23 grams of protein per serving, it provides at least 25% Daily Value of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, and many B vitamins. We like that this suits most diets, as it is vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free.

If you're concerned about your sugar intake or blood sugar levels, note that there is no added sugar in the Nutiva protein, and it is instead sweetened with monk fruit extract. The protein comes from a blend of organic peas, sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp seeds, which combined make this a complete protein source. However, compared to whey protein varieties, it contains lower amounts of essential amino acids, including BCAAs.

Things To Consider

This is not recommended for those with a coconut allergy since it contains coconut milk. Additionally, this product does not have third-party testing, and some might not want or need the added probiotic and digestive enzymes.

Best Vegan

Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+

$49 at Amazon $40 at Ritual.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: pea protein | Serving size: 1 scoop (30 grams) | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Other ingredients: organic coconut medium-chain triglyceride oil, xanthan gum, salt, sunflower lecithin, Reb-M, mixed tocopherols, organic monk fruit extract

Who's It For

Best for those who want a strong, third-party tested product that also fits their vegan or vegetarian diet. Also a good option for those who are going to use this after a sweaty workout.

Why We Recommend It

Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake is a vanilla-flavored, plant-based protein powder that has 20 grams of protein per serving. It uses pea protein and also has methionine added to provide a complete protein with all essential amino acids. We love that this product is Informed Sport certified, meaning that each batch is tested for banned substances. It is also Informed Protein certified, meaning that it is tested for protein amount, heavy metals, and pesticide levels. Ritual even uses transparent sourcing practices, providing sourcing information for each ingredient.

This protein powder uses monk fruit and stevia extracts for sweetness, keeping the added sugar amount to zero grams per serving. We found it has a bit of a strong flavor, although not overpowering. It is also a good source of fiber, with three grams per serving. This is an important nutrient for men, as it can promote digestive health, cholesterol management, and blood sugar stability.

Things To Consider

Ritual offers a subscription service with some perks like free shipping, but you also have the option to purchase products without a subscription. 

While this does have a higher sodium level than other protein powders—13% daily value—this amount could be helpful for replacing lost electrolytes after long workouts.

Best Flavor

Naked Whey Chocolate Protein Powder

$110 $95 at Amazon $27 at Walmart View on Nakednutrition.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: whey protein concentrate | Serving size: 2 scoops (7.2 tablespoons) | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Other ingredients: organic coconut sugar, organic natural flavor

Who's It For

Best option if you want a natural tasting protein powder and want to be able able to mix it in a shaker bottle with ease.

Why We Recommend It

If you’re looking for a delicious flavored protein powder without artificial or filler ingredients, we recommend Naked Whey Chocolate Protein Powder. It is Informed Choice certified, so you can feel good that this product is tested for contamination with banned substances.

This supplement contains 25 grams of protein per serving from grass-fed, whey protein concentrate. The only other ingredients are organic coconut sugar and organic cacao powder, giving it a slightly sweet, rich chocolate flavor. Many flavored protein powders contain artificial sweeteners or other non-nutritive sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia, which, while generally safe in moderate amounts, can sometimes have an intensely sweet flavor and unpleasant aftertaste. We like that this product provides a mild sweetness and a natural alternative. Also, consuming carbohydrates, including in the form of sugar, can help to replenish glycogen stores post-workout.

We also like that this product is finely milled and dissolves well in liquids, with no gritty texture. This can be easily mixed in a shaker bottle after a tough workout session.

Things To Consider

This contains five grams of added sugar, which is fairly low. However, you'll want to make sure it fits into your diet. The American Heart Association recommends that men get no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day.

Best Casein

Dymatize Dymatize Casein Protein Powder

$70 at Amazon View on Dymatize.com View on Muscleandstrength.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: micellar casein | Serving size: 2 scoops (36 grams) | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Other ingredients: sunflower creamer, cocoa powder, natural flavors, salt, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, potassium chloride, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, sunflower lecithin

Who's It For

Best choice for those who are drinking their protein powder closer to bed time, and those who want a higher calcium option.

Why We Recommend It

Casein is another dairy-based protein source containing all nine essential amino acids, and it contains more calcium than whey protein. It is digested and absorbed more slowly than whey, potentially helping to promote muscle recovery overnight if consumed after exercise and 30 minutes before sleep.

If this sounds appealing, we recommend Dymatize’s Elite Casein Protein Powder, which contains 45% of the Daily Value of calcium and 25 grams of protein per serving. Calcium is a vital mineral for bone and teeth health and muscle and nerve function, which can help support your efforts to get stronger. In addition to the nutrition profile of this product, we appreciate that this is Informed Choice certified, so it is a good choice for athletes.

Our testers enjoyed the smooth texture of this protein powder, which dissolves quickly and completely in water without a gritty texture. The vanilla flavor has a mild, sweet taste with no aftertaste. It also comes in chocolate, cinnamon bun, and cookies and cream.

Things To Consider

Of note, this does contain artificial sweeteners, which may not be everybody’s preference.

Best Pea

NOW Foods Organic Pea Protein

$30 $21 at Amazon View on Swansonvitamins.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: organic yellow pea protein isolate | Serving size: 2 scoops (20 grams) | Protein per serving: 15 grams | Other ingredients: N/A

Who's It For

Best for those who want a vegan protein powder that doesn't contain any soy.

Why We Recommend It

Pea protein is a vegan-friendly protein option that packs all nine essential amino acids. Our top pick is NOW Sports Organic Pea Protein—it's budget-friendly, Informed Sport Certified, organic, and non-GMO verified. Plus, it’s perfect if you need a soy-free protein powder.

NOW Sports takes quality seriously with extensive in-house testing for ingredient accuracy and contaminants. While it offers slightly less protein per serving (15 grams), it makes up for it with a whopping 30% of your Daily Value of iron. Its unflavored, unsweetened profile makes it super versatile; you can mix it into just about anything. We like it mixed into a soup in the winter, and a fruit smoothie in the summer.

Things To Consider

You'll need two scoops for 15 grams of protein, which is less than most of the other options on our list.

Best for Smoothies

PlantFusion Complete Protein

$53 $37 at Amazon $36 at Walmart View on Swansonvitamins.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: pea protein isolate, artichoke powder, organic sprouted amaranth and quinoa powders, whole algae protein, added amino acids | Serving size: 1 scoop (30 grams) | Protein per serving: 21 grams | Other ingredients: enzyme blend, natural flavor, stevia extract powder, organic tapioca powder, silica, guar gum powder, lucuma powder, monk fruit extract powder, yacon powder

Who's It For

This is best if you want a protein powder with no added sugar and use a protein powder in a smoothie.

Why We Recommend It

PlantFusion’s Complete Protein offers 21 grams of plant-based protein per serving and is free of common food allergens. This combination of vegetables, legumes, and grains acts as complementary proteins, offering a vegan protein powder with all nine essential amino acids and 22% Daily Value of iron. We like that this protein powder is third-party tested for heavy metals, certified vegan and non-GMO.

We tested the vanilla flavor, and some of our testers found it has a strong, artificially sweet vanilla taste and a slightly unpleasant aftertaste. This may be because it is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extract; not everyone loves the taste of these sweeteners, but this does mean this powder has no added sugar. We also found that it dissolves well in water, so while you can mix it with just plain water, blending it in a smoothie can balance out the flavor.

Things To Consider

It is relatively high in sodium, with almost 400 milligrams per serving, which is great for sweat workouts, but be mindful if you have a condition that warrants limited sodium consumption. It also contains a proprietary digestive enzyme blend that isn't necessary.

Best for Men Over 50

Vega One All-in-One Shake

$64 at Amazon $46 at Walmart View on Myvega.com

Key Specs:

Protein source: pea protein, flaxseed, hemp protein, sacha inchi protein | Serving size: 1 scoop (40 grams) | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Other ingredients: pea starch, organic acacia gum, natural flavor, organic gelatinized maca root, organic broccoli, inulin, organic spirulina, organic kale, organic marine algae, dried fruit & vegetable blend, chlorella vulgaris, papain, probiotics, stevia leaf extract, citric acid, dried antioxidant fruit blend

Who's It For

Best for older men who may need additional vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D.

Why We Recommend It

Vega One’s All-in-One protein utilizes a combination of protein sources to offer all essential amino acids, with 20 grams of protein per serving. It includes more common vegan proteins like pea protein, flaxseed, and hemp protein, as well as sacha inchi—a plant that is rich in protein, fiber, and heart-healthy omega 3’s. This protein powder contains six grams of fiber per serving, which can help older men meet the recommended 30 grams of fiber per day, promoting digestive health and reducing the risk for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The dried fruit and vegetable blend in this powder provides other nutrients important for older men to consume, including calcium and vitamin D for bone health and potassium for heart health. It also contains a significant amount of many other micronutrients, including iron, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin K, as well as antioxidants to help reduce inflammation.

Things To Consider

We love that this protein powder provides so many nutrients that may benefit men over 50. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before taking this supplement if you have a preexisting medical condition or if you take other supplements or medications, to avoid over supplementation and potential drug-nutrient interactions.