There are so many choices when it comes to protein powders! How to know what to choose? I've tried a lot of protein powders and have a few ground rules when searching for the right one. Within these ground rules, I will share with you my top 5 protein powders. I am in no way sponsored by any of these companies. I'm simply sharing my experience to save you some trial and error!
Ground Rules:
No cane sugar listed the ingredients. Cane sugar adds calories for no nutritive value. I promise the chosen powders will still be tasty without the sugar!
15-20 grams of protein per scoop (not per serving, since some powders require 2 or more scoops).
No eggs or soy -- though I think eggs are the perfect food, I have a food intolerance to them, so I avoid them in protein powders. Same story with soy, but I have opinions about soy..saved for another post.
At least 20 servings in a bottle. This ground rule is for cost purposes only. It's easy to spend a lot of money on health supplements, and I'm interested in the best bang for my buck.
Must be palatable on it's own in milk
Top 5:
5. Bob's Red Mill Whey Protein Powder -- Simply, pure, whole, flavorless. This protein powder goes really well in smoothies because it has a neutral flavor. I have also used this powder in oatmeal with fruit and nut butter for added protein. I didn't love drinking it alone with milk, but it was palatable. Perks: very affordable, one ingredient, easy to digest.
4. Sunwarrior Warrior Blend -- Chocolate flavor is delicious, though the texture is a little thick. Vanilla flavor is good too. This protein powder is best mixed in to something but is palatable on its own with milk. Perks: organic, plant-based, superfoods
3. Natural Force Organic Whey -- Another simple, wholesome protein powder. The vanilla flavor is palatable on its own and neutral enough to mix in well into smoothies. I haven't tried the chocolate flavor. Texture is smooth. Perks: organic, one ingredient, easy to digest
2. Vega Protein & Greens -- I definitely recommend the chocolate flavor but would steer clear of vanilla as it is sickeningly sweet. The chocolate tastes great on its own in milk and also does well mixed in oatmeal. Texture is good, but it should be consumed within an hour of mixing because it tends to congeal. Perks include: nicely priced, plant-based, non-GMO, added greens.
1. Garden of Life Raw Organic & Greens -- Both the vanilla and chocolate flavors taste good on their own. It's not too sweet, though it can be a little chalky. I usually add a bit more than a cup of milk per scoop of protein powder to combat the chalkiness. Perks include: organic, whole food, plant-based protein powder, added digestive enzymes and probiotics, and lots of superfoods added, including greens!