Author: Oleksandr Maksymenko (Weight management, Fitness / Sports nutrition)
If you’re looking for the best clean protein powder available, then this article’s got you covered. Finding the cleanest protein powder can be tough, especially with all the subpar products on the market. In this list we’ll be covering 9 of the purest protein powders available in 2023.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate.
This product only contains 2 ingredients: grass-fed whey protein isolate, and sunflower lecithin. Grass-fed cows have been shown to produce overall healthier milk.
Top 9 Best Clean Protein Powders Reviewed
1. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate – Top Pick
- Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey Isolate
- Item Weight: 955g
- Serving Size: 32.96g
- Price per Serving: ~$2
- Protein Percent of Calories: 93%
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0g
- Company Founded: 2015
- Recommended by Athletes: Hafthor Bjornsson, Paul Sklar, Sean Harris
First on our list and one of the cleanest whey protein powders available is Transparent Labs’ Whey Protein Isolate. Transparent Labs is well known for their simple and effective formula, and this protein powder is a perfect example of this.
This product only contains 2 ingredients: grass-fed whey protein isolate, and sunflower lecithin. Grass-fed cows have been shown to produce overall healthier milk. This is largely because of a healthier balance of omega fatty acids which shouldn’t be much of a concern when it comes to protein powder, but it is still worth considering when choosing where your dairy is sourced from.
What a grass-fed label shows us is that the dairy cows this product is coming from are likely healthier and more humanely treated than the vast majority of dairy cows out there. On top of this they promise their whey is completely hormone free as well.
Photo by @transparentlabs
Like all of Transparent Labs products, their protein is free from artificial sweeteners, coloring, and preservatives. Transparent Labs is a great choice if you’re looking for an excellent protein powder without additives.
While we recommend the Unflavored variety for the cleanest protein possible, Transparent Labs does offer 9 other flavors, including Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, and Strawberry. They also offer a subscription service where you can save 10% on your order. Because this is one of the pricier options on our list, this will come in handy if you plan on buying regularly
Positives:
Dairy sourced from hormone-free, grass-fed cows
Subscription service offers 10% off
No artificial ingredients
Could be better:
One of the priciest options on our list
2. Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate – Runner-Up
- Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey Isolate
- Item Weight: 11lb (2.2lb and 5.5lb also available)
- Serving Size: 25g
- Price per Serving: ~$1.33
- Protein Percent of Calories: 98%
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Company Founded: 2004
- Recommended by Athletes: Rob Kearney, Tom Trotter, Israel Adesanya
Next on our list is a close competitor with Transparent Labs, and another great clean whey protein powder: MyProtein and their Impact Whey Isolate. Well known for having some of the best tasting clean protein powder, MyProtein also claims that this is “one of the purest whey supplements available, with 90% protein content.”
Turns out, they’re selling themselves short! According to our calculations, 22g of protein at 90 calories means they have a 98% protein content, making them easily one of the densest protein supplements available! It’s worth noting this is solely for the unflavored variety, and alternative flavors likely have protein content closer to the advertised 90%.
Photo by @__iamkuma__
While the product is sold at an appealing price point of ~~$1.33 per serving, MyProtein frequently has sales that take off up to 35% of their products prices. Keep an eye out for these sales, and be sure to stock up when they happen!
Finally, it’s worth noting that there is no indication of where the whey is sourced from, and whether or not it's grass-fed. If this is a major concern for you, you’ll want to go with one of the other products on our list. However, if you’re more interested in getting a highly concentrated protein at a great price, then this would be a great option.
Positives:
98% protein concentration in the unflavored variety
Appealing price point
Site has regular sales that make the product even cheaper
Could be better:
Protein not sourced from grass-fed whey
May not mix very well
- Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey Isolate
- Item Weight: 3lb
- Serving Size: 29g
- Price per Serving: ~$1.56
- Protein Percent of Calories: 100%
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Company Founded: 1984
- Recommended by Athletes: Josh Dixon, Betina Gozo, Whitney Davis
Another unflavored whey protein with only 2 ingredients, the next entry on our list comes from Isopure.
What truly separates this product from its competition is its macronutrient breakdown. Yes, you read that right, Isopure offers 100% protein concentration. This is the only product on our list with such a solid macro breakdown, and at only 100 calories, it’s the perfect protein for cutting or keto diet. Isopure truly lives up to their name with a product that is pure protein.
Of course, you will be paying a premium for this excellent macro breakdown, as Isopure is one of the pricier options on our list. However, at ~$1.56 per serving, it is certainly not the most expensive option on our list. We think it's better to spend the extra bucks on a better protein source or third-party tests, it brings more value than the maximum protein concentration. But the choice is yours!
photo by @fitnessandfitness
Unflavored variety has a completely clean taste free of any off-tastes that are commonly present in unflavored supplements. Unfortunately, the drawback is poor mixability. That's the downside of such a concentrated protein; you have to put up with it if you want a sky-high clean powder.
Keep in mind that this product does not appear to be sourced from high-quality grass-fed dairy, similar to Transparent Labs or MyProtein. Here the product also loses some points, but if you want the highest protein concentration possible, then Isopure will be a great fit.
Positives:
100% protein concentration
Only two ingredients
Pleasant flavor
Could be better:
Poor mixability
Not sourced from grass-fed milk
- Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey Isolate
- Item Weight: 5lb
- Serving Size: 30g
- Price per Serving: ~$1.25
- Protein Percent of Calories: 83%
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Company Founded: 2014
- Recommended by Athletes: Kenzie Mariano, Daniel Victor
The next competitor in our ranking is Naked Nutrition’s Grass Fed Whey Protein.
Similar to Transparent Labs, Naked prides itself on sourcing its dairy from the best cows possible. They specifically use small dairy farms from California and Idaho, citing that these cows spend more time roaming freely than in colder climates.
In terms of nutritional information, Naked does lose some points compared to our top products. Only 83% protein in terms of total calories, that’s not brilliant though still very good. While 2g of sugar and 2g of fat per serving isn’t a whole lot, if you’re cutting, every calorie counts, so it’s something to keep in mind.
Where this product truly makes up some ground is with its price point. At only ~~$1.25 per serving, it is significantly cheaper than Transparent Labs or Isopure.
Photo by @trainwithmeghan
Another great thing about Naked is they provide their independent heavy metals testing results, so you can be confident the protein you’re buying is free from any unwanted contaminants. This is fairly rare in the supplement space, making this one of the best third party tested protein powders out there.
Positives:
One of the cheaper options on our list
Whey sourced from high-quality dairy cows
Very clear about heavy metals testing
Could be better:
Doesn’t have an ideal nutrition breakdown
Sometimes out of stock due to high popularity
- Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey Concentrate
- Item Weight: 5lb (2.5lb also available)
- Serving Size: 31g
- Price per Serving: ~$0.93
- Protein Percent of Calories: 83%
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 1.5g
- Sugar: 0g
- Company Founded: 2011
- Recommended by Athletes: Odell Beckham Jr., Audrey & Nicole Nourse, Rashaad Slowley
Next on our list is Promix’s Whey Protein Powder. This product is very similar to Naked Nutrition with a few key differences.
First, Promix has nearly identical macros to Naked with 120 calories, and 25g of protein. Like Naked, at 83% protein by weight, it doesn’t have the best macro breakdown, but it certainly isn’t terrible. It also has a very similar formula to Transparent Labs as well, featuring the same two ingredients: Grass-Fed Whey Concentrate and Sunflower Lecithin.
Where it ultimately differs from these two products is its fantastic value for money. While being a very similar product, its cost per serving is much lower than its competitors at only ~~$0.93 per serving. On top of this, Promix offers a subscription service which takes 10% off, making it even cheaper. They also offer a “100% Risk-Free Promix Guarantee”, which gives you a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Another pro of this company is its pledge to sustainability. They take part in 1% For the Planet, a charity where they donate 1% of gross sales to environmental causes. They also have more future-thinking packaging that uses 67% less carbon than standard protein tubs.
One downside is that some reviews suggest Promix takes a while to ship out their products, so if you need protein in a hurry, this may not be the best choice for you.
Positives:
Excellent value for money
10% off subscription service and 90-day money-back guarantee
Could be better:
Reviews suggest long shipping times
Not the best macro breakdown
6. Ora Organic Vegan Protein – Best for Vegans
- Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: Yes
- Protein Source: Ora Protein Blend (Pea Protein & Rice Protein)
- Item Weight: 570g
- Serving Size: 29g
- Price per Serving: ~$2
- Protein Percent of Calories: 84%
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 2.5g
- Sugar: 0g
- Company Founded: 2015
- Recommended by Athletes: CoupleyFitt, Dr. Sam Attard, Whitney Fransway
Next on our list we have the first vegan protein covered from Ora Organic.
Of course, with vegan proteins you need to accept a slightly lower protein concentration at a slightly higher price point. At 84% protein by calories and ~$2 per serving, this is, unfortunately, one of the least concentrated, and most expensive proteins on our list.
With this being said, there are few vegan proteins that have such a unique formula. Ora uses its own protein blend which uses 16 different superfoods to maximize the micronutrient profile of their drink. There is also 100mg of enzymes in each serving to aid with digestion, and as they say this will “eliminate bloating, and maximize absorption.”
Ora does seem to be aware that their product doesn’t have the best flavor or texture, as they recommend blending the powder with a banana, nut butter, and plant-based milk in their product description. At least they’re honest about their product’s shortcomings!
Overall, this is a great protein powder for vegans and non-vegans alike who want a supplement that puts the focus on micronutrients and gut health above just protein content. With 23g per serving, it will still give you a solid dose of protein in every scoop.
Positives:
Unique blend of 16 superfoods
100mg of digestive enzymes in each serving
Completely dairy free
Could be better:
Product description suggests poor flavor and mixability
Relatively expensive with low protein concentration
- Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: Yes
- Protein Source: Raw Organic Protein Blend (Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Sprouts & Seeds)
- Item Weight: 560g
- Serving Size: 28g
- Price per Serving: ~$1.75
- Protein Percent of Calories: 73%
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 2.5g
- Sugar: 0g
- Company Founded: 2000
- Recommended by Athletes: Nate Diaz, Santia Deck, Lauren Reid & Kelly Collins
Up next we have another vegan protein from a more recognizable brand, Garden of Life.
Similar to Ora Organic, this protein doesn’t have the best macro breakdown, and it is relatively expensive. This product has a 73% concentration, but it does come at a slightly better price point at ~$1.75 per serving.
Also similar to Ora, Garden of Life’s protein comes from a unique proprietary blend. The protein is sourced from a mix of pea protein, brown rice protein, as well as a mix of sprouts and seeds. The product also contains digestive enzymes, as well as 1g of fiber to aid in digestion and satiation.
Garden of Life is also a company committed to sustainability, claiming itself to be the first supplement company certified CarbonFree.
Overall, similar to Ora’s product, this is a great choice for those looking to prioritize the micronutrients and digestibility of their protein powder over the pure protein content. While it does have the lowest protein concentration on our list, it is still a great all around pick – especially for any vegans.
Positives:
Unique protein blend containing sprouts and seeds
Solid dose of digestive enzymes and fiber in each serving
Could be better:
Relatively low protein concentration, especially for the price
Worse mixability and texture than for whey proteins
- Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Egg White Powder
- Item Weight: 544g
- Serving Size: 20g
- Price per Serving: ~$1.11
- Protein Percent of Calories: 80%
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Company Founded: 1968
- Recommended by Athletes: Dan McDonogh, Bianca Summer Macedo, Danielle Colaprico
Coming next is a product from NOW Sports Nutrition, which is easily the longest standing brand on our list, having been around for over 50 years. This is also the only Egg White protein on our list, making it a great choice for those who follow a dairy free diet.
The egg white formula also makes this the lowest calorie option on our list by a decently wide margin. Unfortunately, this does come at the cost of also having the lowest protein content on our list at only 16g per serving. However, at only 80 calories per serving, this is also by far the lowest calorie option on our list.
Because the product is just egg white powder, it can actually be mixed with a small amount of water and cooked just like regular egg whites. This makes it a great versatile product if you regularly buy egg whites to cook with anyways. At only ~$1.11 per serving, it is quite budget friendly as well!
The tradeoff here is that you will be taking a slightly lower protein content in exchange for lower cost, lower calories, added versatility, and accessibility for those who follow a dairy-free diet.
Positives:
Lowest calorie option on our list
Can be used as an egg-white substitute
Affordable price at only ~$1.11 per serving
Could be better:
Lowest protein content on our list
Specific taste
9. Raw Grass Fed Whey – Budget Pick
- Diet Type: Building Muscle, Improving Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey Concentrate
- Item Weight: 5lb
- Serving Size: 25g
- Price per Serving: ~$0.88
- Protein Percent of Calories: 86%
- Calories: 97.5
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Company Founded: 2016
Finally, one of the smaller companies on our list, Raw Organic Whey offers one of the simplest and least processed protein powders on the market.
The cheapest option on our list at ~$0.88 per serving, you also won’t be sacrificing quality at this price point. The only ingredient in this protein is Grass-Fed whey protein concentrate. The main downside is that the protein content is relatively low at only 21g per serving, but at only 97.5 calories per serving, this is still pretty solid.
The company prides itself on processing their whey at low temperatures as well, which leads to a non-denatured protein. They go on to claim they have the highest protein concentration among grass-fed whey, which, unfortunately, is not true (Transparent Labs has a protein concentration 7% higher).
To get a product that’s so high quality at such a low price point is very rare, however. If you’re looking for a protein sourced from high-quality dairy at an affordable price point, this is a great option for you.
Positives:
Most affordable option on our list
High-quality ingredients
Single ingredient product
Could be better:
Not the best macronutrient breakdown
Claims of having the highest protein concentration among grass-fed whey powders is slightly misleading
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What is Clean Whey Protein Powder?
Clean whey protein powder is a supplement that has very few ingredients, and a macronutrient profile that is as close to 100% protein as possible. In real life, you want at least 80% protein by calories. Higher concentrations of protein look good on paper, but add significantly to the cost. Whether you want that is your choice.
In most cases, it is recommended to choose a protein product that has a minimal number of ingredients, preferably no more than 2-3. However, it is worth noting that having just one ingredient is not always feasible or desirable.
One common ingredient added to protein powders is lecithin, which serves the purpose of improving the mixability of the protein and preventing clumping in the container. Lecithin is a mixture of fats that are essential for the cells in the human body. It is typically derived from plant sources such as soybeans or sunflowers. It is considered a safe substance and plays a significant role in enhancing the texture and taste of the protein drink. Therefore, omitting lecithin from the formulation may negatively impact the overall quality and palatability of the product.
In the case of plant-based proteins, a mix of several protein sources can be helpful to balance the amino acid composition. Therefore, more ingredients may be observed here.
We did our best to curate this list based on which proteins had the fewest ingredients and best macro breakdowns.
What more do you want from a clean protein? The absence of heavy metals, preferably confirmed by third-party tests, is an important point.
One more factor to consider is whether or not the dairy being used was sourced from grass-fed cows. Grass-fed cow's milk tends to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. It may also have higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, beta-carotene, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid with potential health benefits.
These cows tend to be happier and healthier, which leads to a higher quality milk product. Although it can be debated whether or not this matters when it comes to whey, it’s something to keep in mind when making a decision.
Which is Better: Whey or Plant-Based Protein Powder?
This will ultimately come down to a matter of personal preference, and diet. If you follow a plant-based diet, then you will obviously prefer plant-based protein. However, even if you aren’t completely plant-based, you may still opt for a non-dairy based protein. The main differences between plant-based and whey proteins come in terms of overall nutrition, flavor, texture, allergen content (for some people it is soy, for some - milk proteins) and price.
In terms of nutrition, whey protein is the clear winner, often having up to 10 more grams of protein per serving than their plant based counterparts.
When it comes to flavor and texture, whey proteins are often the clear winners as well. Plant-based proteins have come a long way in these regards over the last few years, but they still aren’t on the same level as whey powders. Whey tends to be much smoother and have a generally more pleasing taste than plant-based powders.
Finally, there’s the matter of price, where whey once again comes out on top. Because vegan proteins are a more specialty product, they are often more expensive than whey – especially if you want something high quality. It is possible to find cheap vegan protein, just be aware they will usually have very poor taste and texture.
Overall, if you’re comfortable with dairy products, we recommend sticking with whey protein. However, if you follow a vegan diet, there are plenty of quality options out there – the 2 vegan proteins on our list being great examples.
Checklist to Find the Cleanest Protein Powders?
1. Ingredient List
The first thing you’ll want to check when looking for a clean protein powder is how many ingredients it contains. If a protein has very few filler ingredients, it is likely to be cleaner all around. With many proteins containing controversial artificial ingredients and even things like heavy metals and BPA. If you’re concerned about the presence of heavy metals, go with a protein like Naked which proudly displays its heavy metal testing results. This will ensure you’re getting the safest protein powder possible.
Note that vegan proteins will likely have more ingredients because of the protein blends they use. However, you can still ensure there are no artificial or unfamiliar ingredients before making a purchase.
2. Nutritional Information
Once you’ve found a protein with minimal ingredients, check the nutritional information to make sure the macronutrient breakdown is in line with your goals. Higher calories are fine if you’re bulking, but if you’re looking to lose weight, you may want to find a product ~100-120 calories per serving. Also, for whey protein you won’t want a protein concentration less than 80%; for vegan proteins, you won’t want a concentration under 70% as well.
What to Mix Protein With for Better Taste?
If you’re concerned about protein tasting chalky or mixing poorly, we recommend blending it with the following ingredients to improve the taste – and add a boost of nutrition!
1. Milk
If you’re just mixing your protein with water, it will likely taste chalky and unpleasant, especially if it’s unflavored. This is why we recommend mixing with milk – either dairy or plant-based – instead for a richer, creamier flavor. This is especially good if you’re bulking as milk will give an extra boost of calories and protein. On top of this, it’s a great source of calcium, B vitamins, and Potassium.
2. Fruit
Next, blending your protein powder into a smoothie with fruit like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries, will drastically improve the taste. Especially when it comes to berries, this may be a great choice for people cutting as they are relatively low-calorie and dense in micronutrients. Bananas are a better choice for those bulking as they are slightly higher calorie, while still being very healthy. They also pair perfectly with the next ingredient on our list…
3. Nut Butters
To make a high calorie, nutrient dense shake for bulking, it doesn’t get much easier and tastier than mixing protein, milk, bananas, and nut butter. Keep in mind, we recommend going with a natural nut butter to avoid any unnecessary fillers or preservatives. Different nut butters all have their own unique micronutrient profiles, so experiment with different kinds to see which you prefer!
FAQ
Is Clean Protein Good?
Of course! Clean protein can be qualified as any protein that has minimal, hiqh-quality ingredients, and has a solid nutritional profile. These are not only beneficial for recovering from tough exercise, but they can taste pretty great as well if prepared into a smoothie with some of the ingredients listed above.
What is the Best Non-Chalky Protein Powder?
While whey proteins are likely less chalky than plant-based alternatives, our pick for the best overall non-chalky protein is Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate. Mixing protein into a smoothie with milk, fruit, and nut butter will help mask any chalky texture even more!
Conclusion
Finding a protein that you’re sure is as clean as possible can be tough, which is why we compiled this list of the cleanest protein powders available today. Our top pick is Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate, but all of the options on our list are great picks as well!
Do you have a favorite clean protein powder? Have you tried out any of the products on our list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Also read:
References:
- Grass-fed cows produce healthier milk // UMN: https://extension.umn.edu/pasture-based-dairy/grass-fed-cows-produce-healthier-milk
- 1% For The Planet // 1% For The Planet: https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/
- The hidden dangers of protein powders // Harvard Medical School: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-hidden-dangers-of-protein-powders
- Milk // HSPH: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/milk/
- Berries are among the healthiest foods you can eat // HSPH: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/fresh-berries-are-among-the-healthiest-foods-you-can-eat/
- You are here: Home / Tips & Tricks / Nut Butter
- Nut Butter // Dinner Tonight: https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/nut-butter/
Why Trust Us?
Experience: 7 years
Specializing in: Weight management, Fitness / Sports nutrition
Oleksandr is a professional fitness nutritionist, certified by FPA (Fitness Professional Association). Oleksandr adheres to the principles of evidence-based dietetics and instills in his clients a healthy relationship with food - without strict prohibitions on favorite foods and regular disruptions. His main task – not only get a result for you, but also maintain it for many years, enjoying tasty and delicious food.
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