12 Best Protein Powders for Women, According to Registered Dietitians

Designed to be mixed with liquid or blended into a smoothie, this whey protein isolate from Thorne contains all of the essential amino acids for optimal absorption. The brand adds digestive enzymes from papaya and pineapple and removes most of the lactose in this formulation for easy digestion, which is a common issue with whey-protein based powders. There's a little sweetener (only 2 grams per serving) from evaporated cane sugar and stevia extract.

Lab results: We found that this protein powder from Thorne mixes well without clumping, had a nice flavor profile and was easy to digest. It's not plant-based, but for a flavored protein powder, the ingredient list is short and uncomplicated. Not only that, but both the chocolate and vanilla flavored whey protein isolate options from Thorne are NSF Certified for Sport, meaning that they have been tested and certified for quality, purity and safety. The quality, NSF Certification and price under $2 per serving are just a few of the reasons why this pick secured the top spot in our tests. Their RecoveryPro powder, designed for supporting athletic performance, is also worth mentioning as it is NSF Certified for Sport too.

A top pick, this plain and simple vegan protein blend is made from organic yellow pea protein isolate — and nothing else, a key distinguishing factor from so many protein powders on the market. One scoop contains 120 calories, 24 grams of protein and 45% of your daily iron — a crucial mineral for supporting your body’s circulatory system. It's also available in chocolate and vanilla toffee.

Lab results: We love that this powder from Now Foods comes in at the lowest price per scoop than any others on this list but doesn't sacrifice quality. Our dietitians say that the simpler the protein powder, the better it is for anyone seeking a protein powder that supports weight loss. Your best bets will be unflavored, single-ingredient picks that you can add to any smoothie, shake, coffee or tea lattes to create a more substantial, protein-packed snack. This protein powder is Informed Sport Certified, which means it has undergone rigorous screening for banned substances in sport. But one thing to note is its high sodium count. That being said, our experts appreciate that Now Foods also does their own extensive testing to ensure superior quality so you are getting exactly what it says on the supplement bottle.

Formulated without GMOs, this unique vegan protein powder from Ritual is made with just a few ingredients including organic pea protein and organic coconut medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. All ingredients, according to the company, are fully traceable from origin to customer and the powder is Informed Sport-tested. One scoop of this powder provides 20 grams of protein with a complete essential amino acid profile.

Lab results: A favorite in our tests, our experts loved the smooth texture and balanced vanilla flavor profile on this protein powder that mixed well in all liquids, including smoothies. We even found it tasted great when just combined with coconut water, but note that the cost per serving is on the higher side. The company is passionate about the health of its consumers, the quality of ingredients it uses and its impact on the environment, going so far as to create the Ritual Certificate of Traceability, which takes a close look at nutrient sourcing and more.

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This vegan protein powder is Non-GMO Project Verified and has a whopping 30 grams of protein from pea and pumpkin seeds. It’s also contains 5 grams of BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) with tart cherry for recovery and 2 billion CFU probiotics to promote healthy digestion. Just note that it does have 430 milligrams of sodium per serving, which is helpful for replenishing electrolytes post-workout but may be too much if you’re trying to stick to a low-sodium diet.

Lab results: One tester notes that it blends easily, though it can feel a little thick at times. Another tester said they enjoyed the taste, though some reviewers have mixed feelings on the flavor and find it to be a bit gritty. That being said, it's a quality powder that our registered dietitians point out is also NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it has been thoroughly tested for purity, potency and safety.

With wholesome ingredients like organic pea, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seed and chia seed for protein, KOS has 20 grams of protein in one serving and only 2 grams of added sugar (though it does contain monk fruit and stevia extracts, which some may find has an aftertaste). You'll also find a vitamin and mineral boost from fruits and veggies like apple, carrot and broccoli.

Lab results: Our testers were big fans of the chocolatey taste of KOS, which blends creamily, making it a great pick for smoothies. It’s super versatile and comes in other flavors like vanilla, chocolate chip mint, chocolate peanut butter, salted caramel coffee and blueberry muffin. The powder is USDA organic and does meet CCOF compliance standards. Our experts point out that the company also utilizes third-party testing to ensure all heavy metals and toxins are under the required limits.

Sometimes remembering to buy protein powder is just as hard as getting enough protein in your diet. The monthly subscription model allows you to pick your protein base (whey-based, plant-based, low lactose, ketogenic) and your health goals to determine the ideal formula for you. The company doesn’t have any third-party certifications, but they do adhere to strict quality control standards.

Lab results: It comes unflavored, but our experts like that you can select from eight flavor boosts to mix things up to your liking, including strawberry creme and chocolate peanut butter. We found that it blended nicely in tests, and found it especially smooth for a plant-based protein powder.

Highlighted as a winner in our recent GH Fitness Awards, this protein powder was developed with the help of registered dietitians and human performance specialists from elite professional sports teams. The grass-fed whey isolate from Momentous has 20 grams of protein per serving. It also features all nine essential amino acids and is naturally rich in branched-chain amino acids. You’ll find no artificial flavors and colors, and it’s sweetened with organic stevia leaf extract and comes in vanilla, chocolate and unflavored. But at more than $2 a serving, it's one of the pricier options on this list.

Lab results: This powder boasts several third-party certifications for purity and safety, including NSF Certified Sport and Informed Sport Certified, which our registered dietitians appreciate. Our testers liked how the powder blended smoothly into protein shakes and smoothies. They also used the unflavored version in baked goods for a protein boost, and the consistency was great.

Our experts are big fans of Gnarly products, and this whey protein powder was made from antibiotic-free, non-rBGH grass-fed cow’s milk and is filled with healthy fats and omega-3 acids. It also has boosts of pre and probiotics and digestive enzymes to improve digestion and protein absorption. There are only two flavor options and it's on the pricey side, but it boasts 25 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per two scoops.

Lab results: Our pros are fans of Gnarly's products that are thoughtfully made and extensively tested for purity, potency and safety. We appreciate that this flavor is free from artificial flavors and sweeteners. Most importantly, it's both NSF Certified for Sport and NSF Contents Certified. We found it to have a balanced flavor and no chalky taste.

In addition to providing 24 grams of grass-fed whey protein per scoop, this protein powder is full of organic premium ingredients and free from added sugars but does contain stevia. Available in both vanilla and chocolate, this pick from Garden of Life is Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Gluten-Free.

Lab results: Our experts say that the combination of whey and milk protein provides an ideal blend for recovery of any type, but this mix also provides BCAAs (to support muscle repair) plus added probiotics, which could help with GI issues over time. The powder is also NSF Certified for Sport, making it a go-to recommendation for athletes since it’s approved for use by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Garden of Life’s whey vanilla flavor is slightly sweet tasting but blends evenly in smoothies or on its own with water and ice.

Made from just grass-fed whey protein isolate, this unflavored powder easily goes in whatever you’re making, from overnight oats to smoothies and lattes — providing 30 grams of protein for only 130 calories. Since it's quite concentrated, you can even use just half a scoop for a protein boost in your morning shake.

Lab results: Our experts love that the simplicity of the product plus the calcium content (whey is derived from animal or milk protein) provides the added boost you’re looking for, without any frills. It blends well and has a neutral flavor, but whey protein, in general, may be difficult to digest for some.

One of our favorites of the bunch, this protein powder from Nutiva is simple yet provides the nutrition you need, including 6 grams of fiber and 15 grams of protein, which makes it a perfect addition to cereal, smoothies or baked foods. Hemp seeds are little nutrition powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, hemp does come from the same species as cannabis (marijuana), but the seeds themselves do not naturally contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and therefore are not capable of making consumers “high.”

Lab results: Made from just one ingredient, this simple but nutrient-dense powder offers a nutritional grand slam of both protein and fiber. One thing to note is that although this hemp protein powder mixes easily into liquids, it will settle over time so drink quickly. This pick is also both USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. For smoothie lovers: The powder's slightly nutty taste pairs well with peanut butter and banana.

A winner in our recent GH Fitness Awards, this unflavored collagen peptide powder offers 20 grams of collagen and 18 grams of protein per serving. Free from artificial sweeteners, Vital Proteins provides 100% of the daily value for vitamin C as well as 80 mg of hyaluronic acid to support skin health.

Lab results: Our experts love that it dissolves well in hot or cold beverages, making it an easy addition to your morning routine. This best-in-class collagen is also NSF Certified for Sport. There may be some benefits of taking collagen regarding skin health and bone health, but when it comes to building muscle, research suggests that whey protein is more effective.