The Best Protein Powders for Women of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Momentous Whey Protein Isolate

View On Amazon $65 View On Backcountry.com $30 View On Livemomentous.com

Key Specs:

Protein type: Whey protein isolate | Serving Size: 1 scoop | Servings Per Container: 24 | Calories: 100 | Protein: 20 grams | Carbs: 3 grams | Fat: 1.5 grams | Sweetener: Stevia

Who's It For

Best for those looking for a protein powder that blends well and doesn't have any added sugars. Also great for athletes or anyone engaging in physical activity and looking for muscle recovery and synthesis.

Why We Recommend It

Momentous Essential Protein tops our list of protein powders for women because it’s NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport Certified and is made with grass-fed whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolate is a milk-derived protein that is lower in lactose and contains all essential amino acids in amounts that are ideal for muscle recovery and synthesis. Momentous' strong third-party certifications mean you can trust their products contain what is listed on the label and are free from potential contaminants and banned substances for sport.

Each scoop of Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey contains 20 grams of protein, with 2.2 grams of leucine, an amino acid necessary for muscle growth. It also includes an enzyme blend that may help to support digestion and absorption of amino acids. It does not contain added sugars and is instead sweetened with stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener.

Momentous whey comes in chocolate or vanilla flavors and can be easily added to your favorite smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, or liquid of choice. In addition to the Essential Protein, they also offer a Recovery Protein blend that includes dextrose, a form of sugar, to replenish carbohydrate stores post-workout, as well as glutamine, carnitine, and magnesium. If you have a dairy allergy or are vegan, you can try their Plant Based Essential Protein made with pea and rice protein.

Things To Consider

• While stevia provides sweetness without the calories and is generally safe in moderation, some people don't love the taste of it. If that's the case, this might not be the best option for you.
• This protein also contains emulsifiers, including guar gum and lecithin; these ingredients help the protein blend better, but some people may experience bloating from them.
  
  

Best Tasting

Sprout Living Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma

View On Amazon $35 View On IHerb $35 View On Vitamin Shoppe

Our Ratings

• Flavor
  4.8/5
• Texture
  4/5
• Nutrition
  4.5/5
• Third-Party Testing
  3/5

Key Specs:

Protein type: Yellow pea, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, sacha inchi, cranberry seed | Serving Size: 2 scoops | Servings Per Container: 24 | Calories: 140 | Protein: 20 grams | Carbs: 13 grams | Fat: 3 grams | Sweetener: Coconut sugar, stevia

Who's It For

Best for those who don't mind splurging on a post-workout protein powder best after a sweaty session since it contains electrolytes.

Why We Recommend It

With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find a protein powder that tastes good. While this can be somewhat subjective, we think Sprout Living Epic Protein Vanilla Lacuma is a delicious option.

This plant-based protein powder contains 20 grams of protein per serving from yellow pea, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, sacha inchi (a type of plant), and cranberry seed. It gets its sweet flavor from a South American fruit called lucuma fruit, along with a mix of coconut milk, cinnamon, ginger root and vanilla bean. Jerusalem artichoke gives this protein a fiber boost, along with some calcium, iron, and potassium.

In addition to vanilla, Sprout Living protein comes in a Chocolate Maca flavor, as well as a Green Kingdom blend that contains powdered greens for a nutrient boost.

Things To Consider

• Their website mentions third-party testing, but it does not provide further details.
• This protein powder is somewhat higher in sodium, with 320 milligrams per serving, which makes it a good option to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat post-workout, but may not be suitable for those on a low sodium diet.
  
• This protein powder is sweetened with stevia, and while stevia provides sweetness without the calories, it's not everyone's favorite taste.
• The Jerusalem artichoke in this protein may cause digestive upset in those with IBS.
  
  

Best Pea Protein

Now Foods NOW Sports Nutrition Pea Protein

View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $53 View On IHerb $25

Our Ratings

• Flavor
  3.5/5
• Texture
  3.5/5
• Nutrition
  4.5/5
• Third-Party Testing
  5/5

Key Specs:

Protein type: Yellow pea protein isolate | Serving Size: 1 scoop | Servings Per Container: 27 Calories: 120 | Protein: 24 grams | Carbs: 2 grams | Fat: 2 grams | Sweetener: None

Who's It For

Best for those who want a plant-based protein that is high in iron to support any deficiencies in a vegan/vegetarian diet. Also great if you are looking for a protein powder to mix into baked goods.

Why We Recommend It

NOW Sports Nutrition Pea Protein is a plant-based protein powder made solely from pea protein isolate. Research shows pea protein can support athletic training in similar ways to whey protein, so this can be a great option if you have dairy allergies, are vegan or vegetarian, or simply want to try a plant-based powder. 

One scoop of NOW protein provides you with 24 grams of protein. It also contains 45% of your daily iron needs, which may be especially important for menstruating women or people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets. This is because iron is lost through menstruation, and vegetarian and vegan diets do not always contain adequate iron. Iron is important as it helps deliver oxygen to our bodies and maintains energy levels.

This protein powder is unflavored, so it may be a good choice for adding to baked goods or for mixing into smoothies. If you prefer flavored powders, NOW also makes this powder in chocolate or vanilla flavors that are sweetened with stevia. We also like that this protein powder is available at a more affordable price than many other options.

Things To Consider

• Although this is an unflavored protein, our testers reported it tastes similar to watered-down milk.
  
  

Best Whey

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate

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Key Specs:

Protein type: Whey protein isolate | Serving Size: 1 scoop | Servings Per Container: 20 | Calories: 90 | Protein: 20 grams | Carbs: 3 grams | Fat: 0 | Sweetener: Stevia, monk fruit extract

Who's It For

Best for people who don't typically digest dairy very well, but still want a whey protein option.

Why We Recommend It

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate is made of whey protein isolate derived from dairy. Whey protein isolate is often a popular choice when it comes to protein powders, and for good reason; it is a high-quality, complete protein that is easily digestible and absorbable thanks to it being lower in lactose. It also contains all of the essential amino acids—the building blocks of protein that our bodies require from dietary sources. 

This protein powder comes in vanilla and chocolate flavors, but if you prefer a more neutral powder, there is also an unflavored version. This pick is NSF Certified for Sport, so you don’t have to worry about possible contamination, and you can trust it contains what's listed on the label. We also love that it dissolves easily and quicker than many other options.

Things To Consider

This protein is sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extract, with no added sugar, but not everyone loves the taste of stevia.

Best Plant-Based

Vega Sport Premium Vegan Protein Powder Chocolate

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Key Specs:

Protein type: Pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, sunflower seed protein, and alfalfa protein | Serving Size: 1 scoop | Servings Per Container: 45 | Calories: 180 | Protein: 30 grams | Carbs: 6 grams | Fat: 4 grams | Sweetener: Stevia

Who's It For

Best for those who want additional ingredients in their protein that may further support recovery from exercise, like tart cherry, beetroot, and turmeric. Also great for people who need higher amounts of protein but are vegan/vegetarian, as this option is particularly high in protein per serving.

Why We Recommend It

For a plant-based protein powder, Vega Sport Premium Vegan Protein Powder is a great choice. One scoop of this powder provides you with 30 grams of protein, which is particularly high compared to most other options.

This NSF Certified for Sport protein powder is derived from pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, sunflower seed protein, and alfalfa protein. It also contains various other ingredients, including tart cherry, beetroot powder, turmeric extract, and black pepper extract. While tart cherry, beetroot, and turmeric have all been studied for their ability to help promote recovery from exercise, the amounts are undisclosed on the product. Notably, it contains a higher sodium content at 370 milligrams per serving, which makes it an ideal post-workout option to replenish sodium losses through perspiration.

Another plus for this protein powder is that it contains 7 milligrams of iron, which is 40% of the Daily Value. Iron deficiency can be common among female athletes, particularly vegetarians, so this extra boost may be a welcome addition.Vega Sport protein powder is sweetened with stevia leaf extract, contains no added sugar, and comes in multiple flavors, including berry, chocolate, mocha, peanut butter, and vanilla.

Things To Consider

• Keep in mind that this product contains a blend of probiotics, which may not be necessary for everyone and may even cause bloating in some.
• While we can appreciate the texture of this product, it does contain the emulsifier xantham gum. This ingredient may cause bloating in those who are sensitive.
  

Best Allergy-Friendly

Sprout Living Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein

View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $24 View On IHerb $30

Key Specs:

Protein type: Pumpkin seed | Serving Size: 2 scoops | Servings Per Container: 15 Calories: 102 | Protein: 20 grams | Carbs: 4 grams | Fat: 3 grams | Sweetener: None

Who's It For

Best for anyone who has sensitivities and wants a single ingredient protein powder, but also wants the added benefits of omega-3s for heart health.

Why We Recommend It

If you have allergies or food sensitivities, you may find it challenging to find a protein powder that works for you. Sprout Living Simple Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder is made with just one ingredient, cold-pressed pumpkin seed powder, and it is free of grains, dairy, nuts, gluten, and soy.

This protein powder contains 20 grams of protein per two scoops and also contains 6 milligrams of iron, which is 30% of the Daily Value. You also get a boost of omega-3s, which may contribute to heart health by improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

We recommend this powder added to smoothies or soups, and you may find that you prefer it blended with fruit.

Things To Consider

Having a simple ingredient list is great, but our testers didn't love the flavor of this protein powder when mixed with just water. The pumpkin seed gives it a particularly nutty flavor that may not be palatable for everyone.

Best Unflavored

Naked Whey Grass Fed Unflavored Whey Protein Powder

View On Amazon $95 View On Walmart $95 View On Nakednutrition.com

Key Specs:

Protein type: Whey protein concentrate | Serving Size: 2 scoops | Servings Per Container: 76 | Calories: 120 | Protein: 25 grams | Carbs: 3 grams | Fat: 2 grams | Sweetener: None

Who's It For

Best option if you're going to mix it into smoothies or baked goods. Also great for those who are using this as part of a post-workout snack or meal.

Why We Recommend It

If you find that you dislike the taste of many protein powders, you might want to consider an unflavored option. Naked Whey Grass Fed Unflavored Whey Protein Powder is an Informed Choice Certified protein powder that contains whey protein concentrate and nothing else.

Whey protein concentrate is a form of whey protein that is slightly higher in fat and lactose when compared to whey protein isolate. This may be relevant if you are lactose intolerant since it can cause digestive distress, but whey concentrate is otherwise an excellent form of protein and has similar effects on the body. One serving of Naked Whey provides an impressive 25 grams of protein and almost 3,000 milligrams of leucine, an important amino acid for muscle repair and growth.

We also like that the Naked Whey powder mixes well into liquids, giving it a smooth consistency with no gritty texture. It is easy to add to smoothies and baked goods without overpowering the flavors of the other ingredients.

Things To Consider

If you are lactose intolerant or sensitive, this product is not ideal as whey protein concentrate is higher in lactose than an isolate.

Best Collagen

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder

View On Amazon $35 View On Walmart $23 View On Dick's $28

Key Specs:

Protein type: Collagen | Serving Size: 2 scoops | Servings Per Container: 28 | Calories: 70 | Protein: 18 grams | Carbs: 0 grams | Fat: 0 grams | Sweetener: None

Who's It For

Best for those who want a protein that can support skin and nail health. Also a good option if you are a frequent flyer as this collagen comes in to-go sticks.

Why We Recommend It

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a great choice if you’re looking for a collagen-based protein powder. Collagen is a protein that supports the structure and health of skin, nails, bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons. While the body naturally produces collagen, production declines with age, so consuming collagen powder may help to boost your body's stores. We also like that this product is NSF Certified for Sport, making it a trusted choice.

One serving of this powder contains 20 grams of collagen peptides with 18 grams of protein, sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows. This powder is unflavored, and it’s easy to mix into both cold and hot beverages. Alternatively, they have a lemon flavor that pairs well with water or herbal teas.

Things To Consider

• We prefer this powder mixed into a hot, flavored beverage like coffee or blended into a smoothie, as it can have a slight aftertaste and takes longer to dissolve in just plain, cold water.
• Collagen powders are lower in branched chain amino acids, which are important for muscle synthesis and can be found in whey or pea protein powders. If your goal is to build muscle, you may want to opt for a complete protein with higher levels of leucine.