No matter your fitness goals, one macronutrient that you’ll want to focus on is protein. While fats and carbs are important, protein is key for building muscle, losing weight, and for maintenance. If you lift weights and want to build lean muscle, you’ll want to increase your daily protein intake, as protein is what your body needs to build new muscle while repairing existing muscle.
For people looking to lose weight, protein is important for many different reasons. To start, eating a high protein snack or meal will keep you fuller for longer. This means less snacking and cravings. Protein also helps to maintain lean mass so that your body uses fat stores for energy instead of muscle.
While there are many foods that are great sources of protein, most of them require prepping and cooking. With a clean protein supplement, you can conveniently and effortlessly boost your protein intake without having to spend hours in the kitchen each week.
This guide covers the 15 best clean protein powders on the market. These products are made with only the highest quality ingredients and don’t contain any fillers or other additives.
1. Elm & Rye Protein Supplement
3. Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein
4. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
5. Orgain Organic Protein + 50 Superfoods Protein Powder
6. Legion Whey+
7. Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein
8. Ghost Protein Powder
9. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Isolate
10. Naked Whey
11. Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder
12. Isopure Low Carb Protein Powder
13. Quest Protein Powder
14. RSP TrueFit Grass Fed Whey
15. Vega Protein & Greens
Why protein is so important
Many people watch their sugar, salt, and overall calorie intake, but not many focus on how much protein they’re eating each day. What most don’t realize is that protein has a role in the creation and maintenance of every single cell in the human body. Because the body doesn’t store protein, it’s crucial that you consume the appropriate amount each day.
Protein is one of the key building blocks of muscles, cartilage, bones, and skin. Protein also plays an important role in building and repairing tissue while helping to transport blood throughout the body. Protein even helps with hormone regulation.
Aside from these health benefits, protein also offers a wide range of fitness benefits. It reduces muscle loss, promotes lean muscle building, curbs hunger, and speeds up your recovery after exercising.
(Elm & Rye) | Protein Supplement.
1. Elm & Rye Protein Supplement
With protein from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows, Elm & Rye Protein Supplement is formulated with your health and fitness goals in mind. It’s made with a proprietary protein blend and with a full-body restorative formula. Each scoop packs 20g of protein along with potent ingredients like BCAAs for strength optimization, collagen for bone support, a custom mushroom complex for brain function, and turmeric to ease post-workout pain and inflammation.
Elm & Rye Protein Supplement is available in great flavors, including Vanilla, Chocolate, and Cookies & Cream. It mixes well with water or any other liquid and can be enjoyed at work or on the go.
(Penguin CBD) | CBD Capsules.
2. Penguin CBD
Get all the benefits of a high protein supplement with the added perks of CBD with Penguin CBD Protein Powder. Take your fitness goals to the next level while kicking your health and wellness into high gear. This protein powder is loaded with muscle-building compounds as well as CBD, also known as cannabidiol.
While CBD is most famous for its calming and anti-anxiety properties, it also offers other benefits. Sleep is important for anyone who is physically active, as it’s when your body heals and repairs itself. CBD promotes sound sleep and can improve sleep quality and quantity.
CBD can also help to keep post-workout soreness at bay, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
(Transparent Labs) |100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein.
3. Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein is made with clean ingredients, including whey from hormone-free, naturally-fed cows. It doesn’t contain any gluten, preservatives, food dyes, or artificial sweeteners. With 28g of protein per serving and just 1g of carbs, this supplement is sure to become your go-to for meeting all of your fitness goals.
Because it’s made with fast-acting and easily digestible protein, you don’t have to worry about bloating or other digestive issues. Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein is available in a wide range of flavors, including Mocha, Strawberry, French Vanilla, and Cinnamon French Toast.
(Dymatize) | ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder.
4. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
No matter if you want to slim down or bulk up, Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder is a worthy supplement to try. It’s filtered to remove excess carbs, fat, sugar, and lactose to create a pure, high quality supplement that’s loaded with premium protein. Each serving provides 25g of protein, less than 1g of sugar, and just 120 calories!
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder is enriched with leucine and BCAAs to further support your muscles during and after a workout. Enjoy fun flavors like Cocoa Pebbles, Dunkin’ Mocha Latte, and Fudge Brownie.
(Orgain Organic Protein) | 50+ Superfoods Protein Powder.
5. Orgain Organic Protein + 50 Superfoods Protein Powder
If you’re vegan or simply don’t like the taste of whey protein, try Orgain Organic Protein + 50 Superfoods Protein Powder. This supplement provides 21g of protein per serving along with the vitamins and minerals from 50 superfoods! Each scoop is loaded with the natural goodness of turmeric, broccoli, chia sprouts, cranberry, kale, and other nutrient-rich foods.
Orgain Organic Protein + 50 Superfoods Protein Powder is also made with prebiotic fiber to support gut and digestive health. It’s soy, gluten, and GMO-free. Choose from two delicious flavors: Creamy Chocolate Fudge and Vanilla Bean.
(Legion) | Whey+ Protein Powder.
6. Legion Whey+ Protein Powder
Optimize your performance with all-natural ingredients by adding Legion Whey+ Protein Powder to your daily regimen. This whey protein isolate powder is made from grass-fed cows and is naturally sweetened and flavored. It doesn’t contain any added sugars or other unnecessary ingredients. Each serving has 22g of protein, 2g of carbs, and 120 calories. It’s also loaded with BCAAs and EAAs.
Legion Whey+ Protein Powder is proudly made in the USA and is Non-GMO Project verified. It’s available in all sorts of flavors, including Cinnamon Cereal, Birthday Cake, Mocha Cappuccino, and Strawberry Banana.
(Pure Protein) | 100% Whey Protein.
7. Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein
Fuel your fitness with plenty of protein and nutrients with Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein. This high protein, low sugar supplement keeps your body fit while supporting you during and after your toughest workouts. It’s packed with 25g of protein per serving along with essential amino acids to support energy, strength, and lean muscle mass.
Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein is available in two simple yet delicious flavors: Rich Chocolate and Vanilla Cream.
(Ghost Protein Powder) | Nutter Butter Protein Powder.
8. Ghost Protein Powder
Slim down or bulk up by adding Ghost Protein Powder as part of your daily health and fitness regimen. This supplement combines a 100% whey protein blend with digestive enzymes to support muscle building, muscle repair, and digestive health. It’s soy-free, gluten-free, and doesn’t contain any unnecessary fillers.
Ghost Protein Powder is available in delectable flavors that you won’t find anywhere else, including Fruity Cereal Milk, Coffee Ice Cream, Marshmallow Cereal Milk, and Milk Chocolate.
(Optimum Nutrition) | Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Isolate.
9. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Isolate
With 80% pure protein per serving, you can reach your fitness goals sooner than you ever imagined with Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Isolate. This hydrolyzed and ultra-filtered whey protein isolate provides 25g of protein, 5.5g of BCAAs, and just 1g of carbs in each scoop. It’s formulated for everyday people who want to elevate their workouts and nutrition.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Isolate is available in delicious flavors like Caramel Ice Cream, Chocolate Mint Brownie, and Rich Vanilla.
(Naked Whey) | Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder.
10. Naked Whey Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
Where your protein comes from is important! Naked Whey Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows in Idaho and Northern California. It’s loaded with 25g of protein and 5.9g of BCAAs per serving, which keeps your muscles fueled and supported all day along. This supplement doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners or additives.
At just 120 calories per serving, this protein powder is ideal for dropping weight or making lean gains. Naked Whey Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder is available in traditional flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry.
(Muscle Milk) | Genuine Protein Powder.
11. Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder
Muscle Milk is one of the top names in the supplement industry and their Genuine Protein Powder is formulated to impress. Each serving provides 32g of muscle building protein and just 3g of sugar! It’s also packed with calcium and vitamins A, C, and D to support muscle and bone health. With this supplement you’ll enjoy sustained energy, workout recovery support, and less cravings and hunger.
Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder is available in many great flavors, including Cake Batter, Banana Creme, Strawberry Banana, and Chocolate.
(Isopure) | Low Carb Protein Powder.
12. Isopure Low Carb Protein Powder
Up your protein intake without packing on the carbs with Isopure Low Carb Protein Powder. It’s formulated with 100% pure whey protein isolate along with added vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients so that you can hit the gym focused, fueled, and ready. Each scoop provides 25g of protein as well as glutamine. It doesn’t contain any lactose, gluten, or other fillers.
Isopure Low Carb Protein Powder is available in some of the most unique flavors on the market, including Pineapple Orange Banana, Apple Pie, Alpine Punch, and Salted Vanilla Caramel.
(Quest Protein Powder) |Cinnamon Crunch Protein Powder.
13. Quest Protein Powder
Take your fitness journey to the next level and give your body everything it needs to perform at its best with Quest Protein Powder. This low-carb protein powder delivers 20g of protein per serving, 2g of net carbs, and less than 1g of sugar. It’s made with a blend of whey protein isolate and micellar casein to fuel your muscles while keeping cravings at bay.
Quest Protein Powder is available in many great flavors, including Vanilla Milkshake, Salted Caramel, Cookies & Cream, Cinnamon Crunch, and Peanut Butter. Mix it with water or blend it with fruit for a tasty smoothie.
(RSP )| TrueFit Grass Fed Whey.
14. RSP TrueFit Grass Fed Whey
RSP TrueFit Grass Fed Whey provides everything your body needs and nothing it doesn’t! Each scoop provides 25g of grass-fed protein along with 12 fruits and vegetables, and 3.5g of fat. It’s also enriched with 8g of prebiotic fiber and 1 billion CFU probiotics to support digestive and gut health. This supplement makes for a great meal replacement or snack in between meals.
RSP TrueFit Grass Fed Whey is antibiotic free, soy-free, and doesn’t contain any added hormones. Choose from flavors like Vanilla, Cinnamon Churro, and Cold Brew Coffee.
(Vega) | Protein & Greens.
15. Vega Protein & Greens
Add extra protein and greens to your daily routine with Vega Protein & Greens. This protein supplement offers 20g of protein and plant-based nutrients from spinach, broccoli, kale, and alfalfa. Just one scoop provides 25% of your daily iron and vitamin K. With no added sugar, this is protein that you can feel good about taking.
Vega Protein & Greens is available in many delicious flavors, including Vanilla, Berry, Chocolate, and Coconut Almond. It also comes in a Plain Unsweetened version, which is good for baking or for other cooking purposes.
What clean protein is best for me?
There’s no one-size-fits-all protein supplement. In fact, there are many things to consider before deciding which protein powder is best for you. Start by considering your fitness goals. If you’re looking to gain lean muscle, you’ll want to look for a supplement that offers plenty of carbs along with BCAAs.
On the other hand, if you want to slim down and keep cravings at bay, it’s important to focus on things like calories and carbs per serving. You’ll also want to look for a protein powder that has added fiber, which helps to keep you full between meals.
Nutrition aside, it’s most important that you find a protein product that you enjoy drinking. You don’t want to get stuck with a supplement that doesn’t taste good. Whether you like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit flavors like strawberry, find one that excites your taste buds. This way you look forward to it each day instead of dreading the experience.
Final thoughts
With these 15 best clean protein powders, you can not only reach your fitness goals, you can nourish your health from the inside out. No matter if you’re looking to gain muscle and set new personal records or shed unwanted pounds, the right protein supplement can help you achieve these goals and beyond.