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12 Protein Powders That Are Packed with Nutrients

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Have you ever found yourself standing in an aisle of the grocery store, completely unsure of which protein powder to get? You're not alone.

Final Verdict The Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ is made with clean ingredients like organic pea protein, vanilla, and sugarcane, which is one of the reasons why it’s our top pick. ALOHA Protein Powder is another favorite because it’s easy to digest, making the plant-based protein perfect for those with food sensitivities.

Selecting the right protein powder can feel daunting. Protein powders are not regulated by the FDA, so it’s up to you to find a protein source that contains a spectrum of benefits, like a full profile of amino acids and little to no added sugars. And if you're looking into plant-based muscle-builders, a combo of several different sources of protein is ideal as a complete nutrient source.

An important note: While protein powders can be added to a variety of foods, like smoothies, shakes, and oatmeal, it’s important to remember that protein powders are only supplemental to a healthy, balanced diet. To better understand what your recommended daily amount of protein is, consult your physician.

We asked Tamar Samuels, RD, NBC-HWC, for tips on what to look for when selecting a protein powder, as well as for her input on the best protein powders on the market for women.

What To Look For in a Protein Powder

Ingredient Transparency

“Protein powders aren’t regulated by the FDA, which means that they do not require pre-market approval before being sold to the public,” explains Samuels. That means it falls on you to do your due diligence when it comes to not only reading the ingredient label but also looking further into the product. Samuels recommends choosing brands that are transparent about “all aspects of their product, including sourcing, manufacturing, and processing." She says, "you should be able to find all this information on the website. If it's not available, skip it.”

Limited Ingredients

To that point, Samuels also suggests choosing formulas that don’t have lengthy ingredient lists, full of fillers and additives, but rather just a handful of ingredients that you actually recognize.

Type of Protein

Not all protein sources are created equal. Ideally, you want a source that contains all nine essential amino acids, explains Samuels. Animal-based sources have all of them, but not all plant-based options do (hemp seeds, chia, and quinoa being the exception). If you’re going with a different plant-based protein, look for a formula that combines it with other ones so that you make sure you get that complete amino acid profile, she suggests.

Here, the best protein powders for women to get you going.

Eric Carter

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