Tired of dealing with bloating, gas and bad skin that many of the popular protein powders cause? Or maybe you just want to avoid unnecessary additives that some popular powders include. I was too. That’s why I spent years researching and testing the healthiest protein powders on the market.
You’ll be happy to know that we really are spoiled for choice. It was hard to narrow down my favorite healthy protein powder brands to just 10 but I know you’re going to love these protein powders as much as I do.
PRODUCT
DETAILS
OUR RATING
SunwarriorSunwarrior Warrior Blend
- Protein source: Pea, hemp seed & goji berry
- Benefits: Full amino acicd profile as well as BCAAs and MCTs.
- No added sugar or artifical colors
- Suitable for vegans
Our #1 Rated
In the Healthiest Protein Powder category
PromixPromix Grass Fed Whey Protein
- Grass fed whey protein
- Full amino acid profile
- No artifical ingredients
Our #2 Rated
In the Healthiest Protein Powder category.
NakedNaked 100% Micellar Casein
- 100% miceller casein
- 1 ingredient
- Cold pressed
Our #3 Rated
In the Healthiest Protein Powder category
OrgainOrgain Organic Plant Based Protein
- Protein source: Rice, chia seed, hemp & pea protein
- Organic
- Just 3gs of carbs
- No artificial ingredients
- Suitable for vegans
Our #4 Rated
In the Healthiest Protein Powder category
NOW FoodsNOW Foods Organic Whey Protein
- Organic
Our #5 Rated
In the Healthiest Protein Powder category
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OUR #1 RATED |
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SunwarriorSunwarrior Warrior BlendIn the Healthiest Protein Powder category |
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OUR #2 RATED |
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PromixPromix Grass Fed Whey ProteinIn the Healthiest Protein Powder category |
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OUR #3 RATED |
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NakedNaked 100% Micellar CaseinIn the Healthiest Protein Powder category |
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OUR #4 RATED |
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OrgainOrgain Organic Plant Based ProteinIn the Healthiest Protein Powder category |
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OUR #5 RATED |
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NOW SportsGrass Fed Whey ProteinIn the Healthiest Protein Powder category |
What Makes A Healthy Protein Powder?
Ingredient List
The first and most obvious assessment of a healthy protein has got to be it’s ingredient list.
How many?
Firstly you want to check out how many ingredients it contains. Usually between 10-12 is fine but more than that usually means there is mostly likely a number of unnneccessary additions you do not need to be putting into your body. There are of course exceptions to this. There are some great blended protein powders (these include a number of different protein powders mixed) available. Just inititally it is worth checking this out.
Sugar Sugar Sugar!
Then you want to check out the sugar content. A powder preferably should have zero sugar content or at the very least a maximum of 1 gram of sugar per serving. The purpose of protein is for the protein, not to add additional unneccesary and damaging calories to your diet. You want to try and get as clean a protein as possible afterall.
If you find a powder you like that contains sugar, it isn’t all bad news. I would personally completely avoid it if it is High Frustoce Corn Syrup (HFCS). If it is a natural sweetener and the content is less than 1 gram than you are on to a winner.
Macronutritents
Lastly check out the macronutrients of your protein powder – quite simply the protein, carb and fat content. It is good to opt for a powder high in actual protein! Some proteins are so low in protein, they aren’t worth the hassle and also end up being less healthy. 20-25 grams is a good range to look for. You may consider one slightly lower in protein but only if it haqs great additional ingredients. For example, one of the pwoders I mention below contains only 17g of protein but al;so includes healthy greens as a boost.
Artificial Ingredients
I think it is also worth avoiding artifical colors and ingredients too. Generally protein powders will include flavoring agents. They aren’t necessary fpr a great powder. Artificail sweeteners should also be avoided for many reasons including the fact they can be addictive and leave you craving more sugar. Most packaging usually will indicate whether it includes artificial ingredients as it is usally seen as a positive to not include them.
Amino Acid Profile
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and there are 20 in total. Only 9 are essential – meaning that they can’t be produced by the body. So, when you pick a healthy protein powder, it is much more ideal to find one that has all 9 essential amino acids.
Our Top 10 Healthiest Protein Powders Reviewed
Sunwarrior
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend
Price
Our Rating
When people ask me,“what is the healthiest protein powder?” Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is usually the first one that pops into my mind. That’s because I’ve used it for many years now and am intimately familiar with how amazing it makes your body feel and look.
Sunwarrior combines several high quality raw plant-based proteins together for a powder that will not harm your stomach like a lot of whey proteins do. It uses pea, hemp, cranberry and brown rice proteins.
What I love most about Sunwarrior is how something so healthy can taste so delicious. It comes in 5 flavors with my personal favorite being Mocha. I love mixing it into my morning coffee. It really sets me up for the day and helps me blast through my fat loss diet.
PROS – One of the most popular brands on the market with many customers happy and satisfied with the taste aond conistency of this protein powder. It has no added sugar or artifical colors. It is also suitable for vagans.
CONS – The Sunwarrior brand is a bit like marmite – you either love it or hate it. Getting the right flavor ifor your tastebuds is key.
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Our #1 Rated |
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SunwarriorSunwarrior Warrior Blend
When people ask me,“what is the healthiest protein powder?” Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is usually the first one that pops into my mind. That’s because I’ve used it for many years now and am intimately familiar with how amazing it makes your body feel and look. Sunwarrior combines several high quality raw plant-based proteins together for a powder that will not harm your stomach like a lot of whey proteins do. It uses pea, hemp, cranberry and brown rice proteins. What I love most about Sunwarrior is how something so healthy can taste so delicious. It comes in 5 flavors with my personal favorite being Mocha. I love mixing it into my morning coffee. It really sets me up for the day and helps me blast through my fat loss diet. PROS – One of the most popular brands on the market with many customers happy and satisfied with the taste aond conistency of this protein powder. It has no added sugar or artifical colors. It is also suitable for vagans. CONS – The Sunwarrior brand is a bit like marmite – you either love it or hate it. Getting the right flavor ifor your tastebuds is key. |
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Our #2 Rated |
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PromixGrass Fed Whey Protein
If you need a healthy whey protein, your best bet it Promix. A lot of whey protein powders cause stomach upset but not Promix. It has no artificial ingredients and uses only the best grass-fed whey protein. Each serving is 25g of protein, which makes it perfect for a post-workout recovery shake. The main thing I love about Promix is the fact that it doesn’t cause any inflammation. Some whey protein shakes have caused my back pain to return in the past because they’ve been made with grain-fed whey but Promix uses 100% grass-fed whey and your body can really tell the difference. Promix is pretty pricey but I see that as a solid investment in your health and happiness. Plus for that price you get 5 pounds, which should last you a couple of months so it’s really not too pricey. PROS – High quality whey protein from grass fed cows. The quality of this product is excellent. It also does not contain any artifical ingredients. CONS – Expensive but you get what you pay for. |
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Our #3 Rated |
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Naked100% Micellar Protein
If you’re looking for the healthiest protein powder made from casein, Naked Casein 100% Micellar Casein Protein can’t be beat. Again, it’s another pricey option but if you want something that is healthy and will make you feel amazing, you have to be prepared to invest a few bucks. The best ingredients are always going to come at a cost but if you’re reading this you probably already understand that it’s worth it. Naked Casein is completely GMO-free, gluten free, soy free and preservative free. It’s micellar casein, which means it’s slow release, so have it as a pre-bedtime shake. It’s also delicious and tastes like normal milk when you mix it with almond milk. In addition to that, unlike other cheaper casein protein supplements, Naked Casein mixes really well and has minimal clumps. PROS – Only 1 high quality ingredient – 100% micellar protein. CONS – Expensive but you get what you pay for. |
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Our #4 Rated |
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OrgainPrganic Plant Based Protein
Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Powder is 100% natural and made with a healthy blend of organic brown rice protein, organic chia seed, organic hemp protein, and organic pea protein that will keep you feeling vibrant and looking youthful. There are 21g of high quality plant-based protein per serving and only 5g of carbs with no added sugar. It’s guten free, soy free, dairy free and non-GMO. It also tastes delicious. A lot of healthy supplements taste disgusting but I really could drink this one all day long. It comes in two flavors: Vanilla Bean and Creamy Chocolate Fudge and I love them both equally. This is also the cheapest healthy protein powder on our list, so it’s perfect for those who want to stay healthy on a budget. PROS – A good blend of plant based proteins. Tastes good too and has a variety of flavors to try. CONS – Taste isn’t for everyone – may need to experiment with different flavors. |
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Our #5 Rated |
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NOW FoodsOrganic Whey Protein
Simple is often the best. And you can’t get more simple, or more healthy, than NOW Foods Organic Whey Protein. If you’re looking for a healthy protein powder that is made from whey but doesn’t destroy your gut, NOW Foods has you covered. As you would expect from such a great brand, this protein powder has no unnatural ingredients. It’s also unflavored so you can mix it in with any of your favorite drinks. It mixes super easily, all you need is a blender bottle, and it contains 19g of high quality whey protein. The price is definitely on point too. PROS – No artifical ingredients and unflavored so easy to mix with other ingredients. Very well priced for an organic product. CONS – Unflavored isn’t for everyone. |
Promix
Promix Grass Fed Whey Protein
Price
Our Rating
If you need a healthy whey protein, your best bet it Promix. A lot of whey protein powders cause stomach upset but not Promix. It has no artificial ingredients and uses only the best grass-fed whey protein. Each serving is 25g of protein, which makes it perfect for a post-workout recovery shake.
The main thing I love about Promix is the fact that it doesn’t cause any inflammation. Some whey protein shakes have caused my back pain to return in the past because they’ve been made with grain-fed whey but Promix uses 100% grass-fed whey and your body can really tell the difference.
Promix is pretty pricey but I see that as a solid investment in your health and happiness. Plus for that price you get 5 pounds, which should last you a couple of months so it’s really not too pricey.
PROS – High quality whey protein from grass fed cows. The quality of this product is excellent. It also does not contain any artifical ingredients.
CONS – Expensive but you get what you pay for.
Naked
Naked 100% Micellar Casein
Price
Our Rating
If you’re looking for the healthiest protein powder made from casein, Naked Casein 100% Micellar Casein Protein can’t be beat. Again, it’s another pricey option but if you want something that is healthy and will make you feel amazing, you have to be prepared to invest a few bucks.
The best ingredients are always going to come at a cost but if you’re reading this you probably already understand that it’s worth it. Naked Casein is completely GMO-free, gluten free, soy free and preservative free.
It’s micellar casein, which means it’s slow release, so have it as a pre-bedtime shake. It’s also delicious and tastes like normal milk when you mix it with almond milk. In addition to that, unlike other cheaper casein protein supplements, Naked Casein mixes really well and has minimal clumps.
PROS – Only 1 high quality ingredient – 100% micellar protein.
CONS – Expensive but you get what you pay for.
Orgain
Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein
Price
Our Rating
Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Powder is 100% natural and made with a healthy blend of organic brown rice protein, organic chia seed, organic hemp protein, and organic pea protein that will keep you feeling vibrant and looking youthful.
There are 21g of high quality plant-based protein per serving and only 5g of carbs with no added sugar. It’s guten free, soy free, dairy free and non-GMO. It also tastes delicious.
A lot of healthy supplements taste disgusting but I really could drink this one all day long. It comes in two flavors: Vanilla Bean and Creamy Chocolate Fudge and I love them both equally.
This is also the cheapest healthy protein powder on our list, so it’s perfect for those who want to stay healthy on a budget.
PROS – A good blend of plant based proteins. Tastes good too and has a variety of flavors to try.
CONS – Taste isn’t for everyone!
NOW Foods
NOW Foods Organic Whey Protein
Price
Our Rating
Simple is often the best. And you can’t get more simple, or more healthy, than NOW Foods Organic Whey Protein.
If you’re looking for a healthy protein powder that is made from whey but doesn’t destroy your gut, NOW Foods has you covered.
As you would expect from such a great brand, this protein powder has no unnatural ingredients. It’s also unflavored so you can mix it in with any of your favorite drinks. It mixes super easily, all you need is a blender bottle, and it contains 19g of high quality whey protein. The price is definitely on point too.
PROS – No artifical ingredients and unflavored so easy to mix with other ingredients. Very well priced for an organic product.
CONS – Unflavored isn’t for everyone.
5 Other Products We Also Love
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Our #6 Rated |
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Garden of LifeRaw Organic Protein
This is definitely one of the most healthy protein powders on the market now and it’s also a personal favorite of mine. I could rave about this product until the cows come home. It’s vegan, plant-based and contains 13 raw and organic sprouts that deliver 17g of protein in every serving. It’s naturally low carbohydrate and makes a fantastic alternative to whey or soy. Whereas whey will mess up your stomach if you’re lactose intolerant, Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein will look after your stomach and is easily digested due to its live probiotics and protein-digesting enzymes. It’s gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, soy free, and free from synthetic ingredients and artificial flavors. It also mixes well and tastes pretty good. I recommend the Vanilla Chai flavor. PROS – Low carb, gluten dairy, soy, lactose free and easy on the stomach. Also 0g of sugar. CONS – Protein per serving is on the lower side compared to other brands but still a good overall healthy product. |
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Our #7 Rated |
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Vega OneAll-in-One Nutritional Shake
When searching for the healthiest protein powder, you should really consider picking up Vega One even if you’re not a vegan. I love the way this protein powder makes me feel. It’s not just a protein powder but also a complete all-in-one meal made from whole food ingredients. It’s also only 170 calories, which makes it perfect for those on a diet. Each serving has 20g of plant-based protein and 6 servings of greens. I love products that put it servings of greens because we all know how hard it is to get the real thing in our diets. You also get 50% of your daily recommend intake of vitamins and 27% of your daily fiber, along with 15.g of omega-3s, probiotics and antioxidants. If that sounds amazing to you, there’s more! It’s non-GMO, low-glycemic and gluten-free. As far as healthy protein powder brands go, this is one of the best. It comes in 8 delicious flavors (I recommend Chocolate). PROS – 20g of plant based protein and 50% of daily vitamin requirements. It is also non GMO and low gylcemic. CONS – Taste is good for some people but not for others. Some users thought its consistency when mixed was poor. Ultimately – experiment. |
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Our #8 Rated |
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Beef Protein
There are a lot of exciting healthy protein powders emerging from the paleo world. PurePaleo Protein is one of them and it’s one of the best. It’s quite expensive, depending on what flavor you go for. But we’re not looking for cheap here! We’re looking for the most healthy protein powders. And for that, you’ve got to spend some cash. Luckily, with PurePaleo Protein, you get what you pay for. You get 21g of high quality beef protein in every serving. Beef protein, unlike whey, is very gentle on your stomach and will ensure those of you with milk allergies will feel fantastic. I love products that put it servings of greens because we all know how hard it is to get the real thing in our diets. You also get 50% of your daily recommend intake of vitamins and 27% of your daily fiber, along with 15.g of omega-3s, probiotics and antioxidants. If that sounds amazing to you, there’s more! It’s non-GMO, low-glycemic and gluten-free. As far as healthy protein powder brands go, this is one of the best. It comes in 8 delicious flavors (I recommend Chocolate). PROS – Pure protein what more could you ask for! CONS – Beef protein can be difficult to mix into a shake. Price maybe offputting. Not suitable for vegetarians. |
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Our #9 Rated |
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Egg White Protein
That’s right, another NOW Foods product is on our list. That’s because NOW Foods is a company that really knows how to deliver high quality at affordable prices. If you’re looking for something healthy and simple and full of top quality protein, you can’t get much better than natural egg whites. Sure, you could crack some eggs and separate the whites yourself but who has time for that? Let NOW Foods do it for you and provide a smoother product. It doesn’t mix too well but for such a cheap price who can complain? Also, I know it’s not technically classed as a protein powder but when we’re looking for a protein supplement with the primary aim of making us healthier, you just can ignore something that works as well as egg whites. PROS – Pure protein what more could you ask for! CONS – Egg white powder can be difficult to mix. |
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Our #10 Rated |
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Organic Hemp Protein
This has to be the best tasting hemp protein powder I’ve ever tried. When you compare how good this tastes and makes you feel to traditional whey protein powders, it’s hard to see why more people aren’t going the hemp route. Each serving gives you 11g of protein, so it’s quite light on the protein content but I suggest doubling up if you’re trying to gain muscle. It has lots of quality fiber and some good quality fats to. Ilove how easily this mixes and highly recommend you try stirring itinto your Greek Yogurt. It’s one of the cheapest protein powders on thelist, so if you want to be healthy on a budget, go for Nutiva OrganicHemp Protein. PROS – Organic, cold pressed and non-gmo. CONS – Low on protein |
Garden of Life
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
This is definitely one of the most healthy protein powders on the market now and it’s also a personal favorite of mine.
I could rave about this product until the cows come home.
It’s vegan, plant-based and contains 13 raw and organic sprouts that deliver 17g of protein in every serving.
It’s naturally low carbohydrate and makes a fantastic alternative to whey or soy.
Whereas whey will mess up your stomach if you’re lactose intolerant, Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein will look after your stomach and is easily digested due to its live probiotics and protein-digesting enzymes.
It’s gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, soy free, and free from synthetic ingredients and artificial flavors. It also mixes well and tastes pretty good. I recommend the Vanilla Chai flavor.
PROS – Pure protein at an affordable price.
CONS – Protein per serving is on the lower side compared to other brands but still a good overall healthy product.
Vega One
Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake
When searching for the healthiest protein powder, you should really consider picking up Vega One even if you’re not a vegan.
I love the way this protein powder makes me feel. It’s not just a protein powder but also a complete all-in-one meal made from whole food ingredients.
It’s also only 170 calories, which makes it perfect for those on a diet. Each serving has 20g of plant-based protein and 6 servings of greens.
I love products that put it servings of greens because we all know how hard it is to get the real thing in our diets. You also get 50% of your daily recommend intake of vitamins and 27% of your daily fiber, along with 15.g of omega-3s, probiotics and antioxidants.
If that sounds amazing to you, there’s more! It’s non-GMO, low-glycemic and gluten-free. As far as healthy protein powder brands go, this is one of the best. It comes in 8 delicious flavors (I recommend Chocolate).
PROS – 20g of plant based protein and 50% of daily vitamin requirements. It is also non GMO and low gylcemic.
CONS – Taste is good for some people but not for others. Some users thought its consistency when mixed was poor. Ultimately – experiment.
PurePaleo
PurePaleo Protein
There are a lot of exciting healthy protein powders emerging from the paleo world.
PurePaleo Protein is one of them and it’s one of the best. It’s quite expensive, depending on what flavor you go for. But we’re not looking for cheap here!
We’re looking for the most healthy protein powders.
And for that, you’ve got to spend some cash. Luckily, with PurePaleo Protein, you get what you pay for. You get 21g of high quality beef protein in every serving.
Beef protein, unlike whey, is very gentle on your stomach and will ensure those of you with milk allergies will feel fantastic.
PROS – Pure protein what more could you ask for!
CONS – Beef protein can be difficult to mix into a shake. Price maybe offputting. Not suitable for vegetarians.
NOW Foods
NOW Foods Egg White Protein
That’s right, another NOW Foods product is on our list. That’s because NOW Foods is a company that really knows how to deliver high quality at affordable prices.
If you’re looking for something healthy and simple and full of top quality protein, you can’t get much better than natural egg whites.
Sure, you could crack some eggs and separate the whites yourself but who has time for that?
Let NOW Foods do it for you and provide a smoother product. It doesn’t mix too well but for such a cheap price who can complain?
Also, I know it’s not technically classed as a protein powder but when we’re looking for a protein supplement with the primary aim of making us healthier, you just can ignore something that works as well as egg whites.
PROS – Pure protein at an affordable price.
CONS – Egg white powder can be difficult to mix.
Nutiva
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein
This has to be the best tasting hemp protein powder I’ve ever tried.
When you compare how good this tastes and makes you feel to traditional whey protein powders, it’s hard to see why more people aren’t going the hemp route.
Each serving gives you 11g of protein, so it’s quite light on the protein content but I suggest doubling up if you’re trying to gain muscle.
It has lots of quality fiber and some good quality fats to.
I love how easily this mixes and highly recommend you try stirring it into your Greek Yogurt. It’s one of the cheapest protein powders on the list, so if you want to be healthy on a budget, go for Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein.
PROS – Organic, cold pressed and non-gmo.
CONS – Low on protein
Wrapping up
The days of being able to complain about the poor quality of protein powders on the market are over. You now have more options than ever before and this list is just 10 of the best. I suggest you should be prepared to spend a little money in order to get a good quality healthy protein powder.
You can’t put a price on your health and remember that every extra cent you spend will pay back in reduced medical bills and great energy and vibrancy so you can throw yourself into your occupation and get the most out of life!
Product Images Sourced From Amazon.com