9 Best Protein Powders For Smoothies In 2024

Gulping down a refreshing and yummy smoothie can be so satisfying. However, if you add a scoop (or two!) of protein powder, it can become a nutritional powerhouse. But which protein powders go well with smoothies?

Today we give you a list of the best protein powder for smoothies so that every time you blend a smoothie, it tastes delicious!

Our team, consisting of professional and certified nutritionists, with the help of athletes with decades of professional experience, has spent 150+ hours over the span of 4 months doing detailed testing of 17 different protein powders for smoothies. The goal was to rank them based on macronutrient breakdown, taste/flavor, nutrition label transparency, fat content transparency, mixability, and value for money, ultimately creating this list (below) of the 9 best protein powders for smoothies. Our team is adamant about keeping this list up-to-date by monitoring the market for new contending products.

Top 9 Best Protein Powders For Smoothies Reviewed

1. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate – Top Pick
2. Jacked Factory Authentic Whey – Runner-Up
3. Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate – Jelly Belly® Edition
4. Naked Pea Pea Protein Powder – Best Vegan
5. Huge Vegan Protein
6. Plantfusion Complete Protein – The Best Vanilla Protein Powder for Smoothies
7. Promix Whey Protein Powder
8. Dymatize ISO 100 Protein Powder
9. Isopure Whey Isolate

Product	Total	Macronutrient Breakdown	Taste/ Flavor	Nutrition Label Transparency	Fat Content Transparency	Mixability	Price/ Quality
Transparent Labs	57.5	9.5	10	9	10	9.5	9.5
Jacked Factory	56.5	9	9.5	10	9	10	9
Myprotein	55	9	8	9.5	10	9.5	9
Naked Pea	54.5	10	8	9	9.5	9	9
Huge Supplements	53	9	9	8	9	9	9
PlantFusion	52.5	9	9	8	9	9	8.5
Promix	52	8	9	9	8	9	9
Dymatize	51.5	8.5	9	9	9	8	8
Isopure	51	8	9	8	9	9	8

Transparent Labs, as the name implies, makes nutritional supplements with unambiguous labels, tested ingredients, and clinical dosages. Consumers know exactly what they’re getting in each of the brand’s products.

Their whey isolate protein powder is sourced from grass-fed cow milk, and is available in 10 different flavors and one as unflavored. As a result, the carbs and fats may vary depending on the flavor. With so many options, this may be the best protein powder for fruit smoothies.

But, in any case, the variations are minor, and you’re receiving an extremely lean product with an excellent macro profile for growing muscle and shedding fat.

Transparent Labs clearly takes great care while producing their whey protein isolate. Their goods are made in the United States at a facility that has been certified to meet FDA Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) criteria for food and nutritional supplements.

This protein powder tastes fantastic, which makes this an ideal whey protein for smoothies as it’s also not overly sweet.

The mixability is also very good. The powder combines well with milk and does not leave any noticeable dregs. It is fat free, low carb, and lactose free.

Transparent Labs’ don’t skimp on quality, which makes it our Top Pick! However, this product is pricey at almost ~$2 per serving. It’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth spending on a top-quality 100% grass-fed whey protein isolate or opt for more affordable alternatives.

2. Jacked Factory Authentic Whey – Runner-Up

• Diet Type (Best For): Build Muscle, Recovery, Cutting
• Suitable For Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate & Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving Size: 31.1 grams
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.33
• Protein Percent Of Calories (%): 80%
• Proteins: 24 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 grams
• Fat: 2 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Calories Per Serving: 120
• Company Founded: 2015
• Recommended By Athletes: Chloe Blackburn, Emmanuel Ezenwa

Want to get Jacked the authentic way? Then here you have the Authentic Whey Protein Powder from Jacked Factory, a perfect combination of high quality whey concentrate and whey isolate.

Because of this combination, you get moderate levels of fat (2 grams) and minimal carbs (1 gram) but high levels of protein at 24 grams for every 31 grams of serving. This makes the Jacked Factory whey protein powder ideal for athletes looking to increase and maintain lean muscle mass, and equally good for people looking to lose weight but maintain their protein input.

You can choose from 4 different flavors, which is not a lot of options but their chocolate and vanilla flavors are known to blend well for refreshing smoothies. With great mixability, this makes it an ideal choice for a protein powder to add to smoothies.

There are a couple of things you should be aware of.

• First, in order to make the protein powder taste sweet and awesome, there are artificial and natural flavors included like stevia extract and sucralose. It contains milk, so make sure you don’t have any lactose intolerance.
• Second, the sodium content per serving is at 190 mg, which is a bit on the higher side.

Other than that, Authentic Whey gives you two of the most natural sources of high quality essential amino acids, whey protein concentrate and isolate. For the price ~$1.33 per serving, it’s actually a good deal!

3. Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate – Jelly Belly® Edition

• Diet Type (Best For): Build Muscle, Recovery, Cutting
• Suitable For Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving Size: 24.5 grams
• Price Per Serving: ~$2
• Protein Percent Of Calories (%): 88%
• Proteins: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Calories Per Serving: 90
• Company Founded: 2004
• Recommended By Athletes: Julian Cinque London PT, Chantelle Koutsou

If you’re a fan of making deliciously candy-like smoothies, you’ll love the Myprotein Jelly Belly Edition.

Sourced from the highest quality hydrolyzed whey isolate, each serving packs 20 grams of pure protein for each serving of 24.5 grams. That’s a massive 82% ratio of protein for each serving, among the best in our ranking!

You also get naturally occurring 3 grams of glutamine and 4 grams of BCAA, perfect for growing and maintaining muscle mass.

The best part; it has zero carbs and sugar, ideal for keto and carnivore enthusiasts, or anyone being careful about their macros. Because it’s hydrolyzed, the whey powder is easy to digest, causing little to no bloating and gas.

As for flavors, you only get 3 unique options, Sizzling Cinnamon, Tutti-Fruitti, and Very Cherry. Not your typical chocolates and vanillas, you can enjoy your smoothies with a variety of explosive, fiery and sweet flavors.

However, Hydrolyzed whey isolate protein powders do cost more, and for this one you do pay $2 for each serving. So it’s up to you to decide whether the benefits are worth the price.

4. Naked Pea Pea Protein Powder – Best Vegan

• Diet Type (Best For): Build Muscle, Recovery, Cutting
• Suitable For Vegans: Yes
• Protein Source: Yellow Pea Protein Isolate
• Serving Size: 30 grams
• Price Per Serving: ~$0.76
• Protein Percent Of Calories (%): 90%
• Proteins: 27 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Calories Per Serving: 120
• Company Founded: 2014
• Recommended By Athletes: Stephen Zieminski

If you’re looking for a true vegan protein powder, this is the one to go for. Sourced from yellow pea protein isolates, Naked Protein gives you 27 grams of protein per serving. Which is a massive 90% of the total calories!

Even the BCAA numbers are amazing as you get as much as 5.5 grams, of which 2.5 grams are leucine.

Some people don't digest whey protein well and it can cause bloating. There are also allergies to cow's milk proteins, which causes various negative symptoms. If dairy products cause you problems, you can get pea protein powder that’s free from lactose and any of the side effects that come with dairy.

You don’t have to be an athlete to use this product. Anyone who is on a vegan or a vegetarian diet can consume Naked Pea Protein to fulfill their protein requirements. Even athletes looking to put on muscle following the vegan diet can use it for their protein input.

We have chosen the unflavored box even though you can get chocolate and vanilla as well. However, with the unflavored option, you can blend it with any smoothie of your choice and not have the flavor affected due to the protein powder.

You get 120 calories per serving for the unflavored tub, making it a great choice for all purposes even for those looking to cut down and lose weight.

5. Huge Vegan Protein

• Diet Type (Best For): Build Muscle, Recovery, Cutting
• Suitable For Vegans: Yes
• Protein Source: Pea, Brown Rice, Fava Beans & Mung Beans
• Serving Size: 32.9 grams
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.8
• Protein Percent Of Calories (%): 68%
• Proteins: 21 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5 grams
• Fat: 2 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Calories Per Serving: 122
• Company Founded: 2019
• Recommended By Athletes: Christopher (@professionalweakguy)

It can be difficult to meet your daily protein requirements when you’re not eating meat or any animal products. For vegans, this can be quite a conundrum. Not any more though, as Huge Vegan Protein Powder offers high quality vegan protein, free from any animal ingredients.

Huge Vegan Protein is sourced from brown rice, peas, mung beans and fava beans for a totally dairy-free protein supplement. Every single serving of 32.9 grams gives a decent 21 grams of protein, which is good considering its 100% plant-based.

You get a complete profile of amino acids, similar to whey protein, to enhance your muscle protein synthesis.

Even though the protein is sourced from natural plant based ingredients, there are some artificial sweeteners and preservatives whose names are not mentioned. The protein powder is gluten-free so no bloating or gassy feelings for those who are sensitive to products with gluten.

You get 5 flavors that are all quite different from your regular brands. For example you can get flavors like Marshmallow Madness or Birthday Cake, and they taste just like their names. Of course, you’ll have to try them out with different smoothie recipes to see which combination works.

As for pricing, at $1.8 per serving, which is a bit on the higher side but for the price you’re getting 100% pure plant-based protein. However, the downside is that you get a lower protein to calories ratio, which can be a turn off for some users.

6. Plantfusion Complete Protein – The Best Vanilla Protein Powder for Smoothies

• Diet Type (Best For): Build Muscle, Recovery
• Suitable For Vegans: Yes
• Protein Source: Pea Protein Isolate, Artichoke Powder, Amaranth Powder, Quinoa Powder
• Serving Size: 30 grams
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.5
• Protein Percent Of Calories (%): 70%
• Proteins: 21 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fat: 3 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Calories Per Serving: 120
• Company Founded: 2009
• Recommended By Athletes: Gracie Bishara, Shelli Beecher-Seitzler

PlantFusion’s Vegan Protein Powder offers 21 grams of protein for 30 grams of single serving, putting it at the top with whey powder in terms of protein content. You also get 2 grams of fat and 4 grams of carbs, all naturally occurring so nothing to worry about there, unless you’re watching your fat and carb macros.

This protein powder is sourced from pea, artichoke, amaranth and quinoa, which gives a full amino acid profile with 4.5 grams of BCAAs and 3.35 grams of glutamine per serving.

In order to make it easily digestible and not cause any bloating and gas, PlantFusion has added their Proprietary Enzyme Blend. There’s no detailed information on these but the company states that they’re ‘naturally occurring’, so you don’t have to worry about any artificial stuff.

You get a choice of 5 flavors, with users praising the taste of the vanilla protein powder for smoothies. At 120 calories per serving, the vanilla flavor offers a really nice and sweet palate without any added sugars.

Like most plant based protein powders, this too is on the pricier side at $1.5 per serving, but you get what you pay for, a high quality fusion of natural and premium ingredients with yummy taste!

7. Promix Whey Protein Powder

• Diet Type (Best For): Build Muscle, Recovery, Cutting
• Suitable For Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate
• Serving Size: 31 grams
• Price Per Serving: ~$0.93
• Protein Percent Of Calories (%): 83.3%
• Proteins: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Fat: 1.5 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Calories Per Serving: 120
• Company Founded: 2011
• Recommended By Athletes: Odell Beckham Jr., Kira Stokes

Are you looking for a protein powder that is sourced from grass-fed whey and also comes at a decent price, Promix Whey Protein Powder is the one to go for. Even though grass-fed whey is usually priced on the high side, you get the 5lb tub at a steal price of $0.93 per serving.

Sourced from grass-fed cows, you get omega-3s and CLA to aid with healthy metabolism. In each 30 grams serving you get 25 grams of protein with 1.5 grams of fat and 3 grams of carbs, with no added sugar.

You also get Sunflower Lecithin as an ingredient in a small amount, added for improved mixability and nutrient absorption.

Other than unflavored, you get 4 flavors, in which the carbohydrates go up to 8 grams, 3 grams of fat and 5 grams of added sugar with each serving. Now this may be a turn off for some people but if you’re looking to blend a delicious smoothie that doesn't taste chalky, or have a weird aftertaste, the flavored options are ideal for you!

Note: The added sugar comes from Non-GMO Cane Sugar, which is naturally sourced.

With the unflavored option, you can blend it with any smoothie of your choice and not have the flavor of the drink affected due to the protein powder.

8. Dymatize ISO 100 Protein Powder

• Diet Type (Best For): Build Muscle, Recovery, Cutting
• Suitable For Vegans: No
• Protein Source: Hydrolyzed 100% Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving Size: 30 grams
• Price Per Serving: $1.44
• Protein Percent Of Calories (%): 90.9%
• Proteins: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fat: 1 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Calories Per Serving: 110
• Company Founded: 1998
• Recommended By Athletes: Dani Speegle, Cara Carmichael

With as many as 13 flavors to choose from, the Dymatize ISO100 is one of the best smoothie protein powder available on the market. If you’re a fan of making different kinds of smoothie recipes, you won’t have a problem with choosing the right flavor.

Each serving of 30 grams gives 25 grams of protein with BCAAs, EAAs and non-EAAs, aiding your muscle growth. You also get glutamine which aids in recovery and replenishment after intense workouts. There is no added sugar, only the 1-2 grams or less naturally occurring sugar and fat in each serving, making it ideal for cutting as well.

It’s easy on the digestive system, causing little to no bloating as it has minimal amounts of lactose at 0.5 grams, while also being gluten free.

Though some consumers may object to the presence of sweeteners like stevia and sucralose, this protein powder is suitable for high protein, keto and low carb diets.

Also, the Dymatize ISO100 certified by Informed Choice ensures that it remains free from any banned or harmful substances.

9. Isopure Whey Isolate

• Diet Type (Best For): Build Muscle, Recovery, Cutting
• Suitable For Vegans: Yes
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
• Serving Size: 33 grams
• Price Per Serving: ~$1.47
• Protein Percent Of Calories (%): 100% for zero carbs opt
• Proteins: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Calories Per Serving: 100
• Company Founded: 1984
• Recommended By Athletes: Brianna Bernard, Gregory Choplin

If you’re looking for an absolute zero carb protein powder that offers eight different flavors in various serving sizes, Isopure Zero/Low Carb is the one to go for. With so many flavorful options, you can blend some really amazing smoothies.

You only get 100 calories, and 25 grams of protein per serving with zero carbs and sugar.

If you’re following the ketogenic diet and are an athlete or someone who works out to stay healthy or lose weight, this Zero/Low Carb protein powder from Isopure is your best bet to support your keto macros.

Sourced from high quality whey protein isolate, this nutritional powerhouse offers not just protein, but also added minerals and vitamins (on its own!). This makes it the perfect protein powder for breakfast smoothies to power you up for the day ahead.

Even though this is a great product, old time users are complaining about not getting the scoop in a tub anymore.

Also, some of the added vitamins and minerals may be regarded as filler weight and unnecessary as the high levels of biotin(250% daily recommended per person), and Vitamin B12(100% daily recommended per person) may be a bit much for most people.

What Are the Benefits of Egg Protein?

Protein smoothies offer several benefits, such as:

✅ Muscle Recovery and Growth

Protein is essential for muscle recovery and growth. Protein smoothies provide a convenient and efficient way to repair damaged muscle tissues and support the development of new muscle.

✅ Weight Management

Protein has a higher thermic effect compared to carbohydrates and fats. It requires more energy to digest. Also it reduces appetite and hunger levels. Including protein in your smoothies can help you feel full and satisfied for longer. It curbs overeating or snacking on unhealthy foods.

✅ Increased Nutrient Intake

Moving on, protein smoothies help incorporate various nutritious ingredients to your diet. By blending protein powder with fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, or other wholesome ingredients, you can boost your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

✅ Convenience

Protein smoothies are quick and easy to prepare, making them a convenient option for busy individuals. They can be prepared in advance, stored in a portable container, and consumed on the go.

✅ Digestive Health

Including fiber-rich ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, or seeds in your protein smoothies can contribute to better digestion and over all health. It promotes regular bowel movements and nutrient absorption as well.

Overall, protein smoothies can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With a wide range of protein powder flavors available, along with various ingredients like fruits, nut butters, and spices, you can create delicious and enjoyable smoothies. This makes it easier to stick to a nutritious diet while still satisfying your cravings.

What Should I Blend With Protein Powder?

Here are some options you can blend with protein powder:

1. Milk or Non-dairy Milk

Use regular milk or alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk as the base of your shake for a creamy texture and additional protein.

2. Oats or Granola

If you want to make your shake more filling, add a handful of rolled oats or a spoonful of granola. This will provide fiber and complex carbohydrates.

3. Fruits

Add fruits like bananas, berries, mangoes, or pineapples to your shake. They not only enhance the flavor, but also provide natural sweetness and essential vitamins.

4. Vegetables

Sneak in some vegetables like spinach, kale, or cucumber for added nutrition. They can be blended well with other ingredients, and their taste is often masked by the other flavors.

5. Nut Butter

Peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter can add richness and a dose of healthy fats to your shake. They also contribute to the overall creaminess.

6. Yogurt

Greek yogurt or any plain yogurt can increase the protein content and create a thicker consistency. It also adds a tangy flavor to your shake.

7. Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds

These seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They can be added to your shake to boost nutrition and add a slight crunch.

Finally, if you like a chilled and refreshing shake, add a few ice cubes to the blender. It helps to create a frosty texture and can make the shake more enjoyable.

Protein Smoothie Recipes

Can you put protein powder in smoothies? Yes! Making a protein fruit smoothie is an easy process, provided you have a decent quality protein powder that has no added sugar, and, of course, tastes nice.

In your blender, combine unsweetened almond milk, fruit, and a scoop of protein powder. The result is a perfectly creamy smoothie that tastes and feels like a meal in a jar.

The most amazing and delicious thing about protein fruit smoothie recipes is they go well with almost any fruit. And using frozen fruit in your smoothies eliminates the need for ice, while making a creamy textured refreshing drink!

Veggies can also add nutritious value to smoothies (consider spinach, avocado, kale, and cucumber).

How to Make a Protein Shake

Begin with 1 cup of ice or 1 cup of frozen fruit as a basis. Frozen bananas are a famous base, and mixed berries are equally popular.

Choose your protein source(s) next. When producing a protein shake, we usually combine several protein sources. A serving of protein powder plus a teaspoon of chia/flax seed + a tablespoon of nut butter, for example.

You may or may not add a sweetener, depending on how sweet your protein powder is or what base fruit you chose! If you must have one, we recommend an all-natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.

1. Triple Berry Smoothie

This smoothie uses easy-to-get ingredients and you can prepare it in five minutes. You can add one scoop of Transparent Labs vanilla flavored protein powder to get 28 grams of protein for a serving.

Ingredients

• Triple berries (frozen)
• Banana (frozen)
• 1 scoop Transparent Labs vanilla protein powder (28 grams protein)
• Almond milk
• Chia seeds

How to Prepare

• Combine all ingredients together in a high-speed blender
• Blend until smooth

2. Chocolate Banana Smoothie

This protein smoothie packs a punch with 25 grams of protein in every serving.

Ingredients

• 3 bananas (frozen, medium)
• 1 scoop protein powder (chocolate)
• 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla)
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• Greek yogurt (vanilla)
• Almond milk (vanilla, unsweetened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Prepare

• Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender
• Turn to high and process for a minute, or until smooth

3. Dark Chocolate Date Protein Smoothie

You can consume this protein smoothie as a post-workout snack or on the go breakfast with 24 grams of protein per serving.

Ingredients

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 scoop Jacked Factory Authentic Whey Chocolate Flavor (24 grams of protein)
• 3 medjool dates
• 1 cup kale
• 3 tbsp dark cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Prepare

• Combine all ingredients together in a high-speed blender
• Blend until smooth
• You can even add a nut milk of your choice

FAQ

Is It Good to Take Protein Powder With a Smoothie?

Yes, as it helps to increase the protein level of your drink. It also brings in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It is good for those seeking an energy boost or to grow muscle mass.

Is a Fruit Smoothie With Protein Powder Healthy?

Yes, as it supports muscle growth. Over time, muscle growth can enhance your metabolism by allowing your body to burn more calories in less time. It is beneficial for weight loss and promoting overall wellness.

Is It Okay to Drink a Smoothie for Breakfast Everyday?

Smoothies make for a nutritious breakfast, provided you take appropriate portions. Super healthy morning smoothies are quick and simple to make, and they are also delicious. Smoothies like protein-fruit-vegetable shakes also promote weight loss as they keep you satiated for a long time.

Conclusion

With so many protein powders to choose from, there have got to be some that stand out from the crowd. From 100% plant based all natural protein powders to 100% grass-fed whey protein, we have listed them all.

However, from our list of the best protein powder for smoothies, Transparent Labs’ 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is our Top Pick! It’s sourced from 100% grass fed cow milk, blends superbly with smoothies, and tastes refreshingly awesome!

So, what’s your favorite protein powder you love adding to your smoothies?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. And if you have any queries regarding the protein powders we have mentioned, please do not hesitate to ask!

Also read:

• Best Hemp Protein Powders
• Best Soy Based Protein Powder
• Best Heavy Metal Free Protein Powder
• Best Isolate Protein Powder
• Best Organic Protein Powder
• Best Optimum Nutrition Flavor
• Best Egg White Protein Powder
• Best Lactose Free Whey Protein
• Best Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
• Plant vs Whey Protein

References:

1. Development of high protein, high fiber smoothie as a grab-and-go breakfast option using response surface methodology //NIH: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC5643802/
2. Grass-Fed Whey vs. Plant-Based Protein: Which Is More Beneficial? //JACN: https://www.jacn.org/grass-fed-whey-vs-plant-based-protein-which-is-more-beneficial/
3. Whey Protein Isolate vs Concentrate: What's The Difference? //Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/ nutrition/whey-protein-isolate-vs-concentrate
4. FDA says it causes cancer. Yet it’s in hundreds of candies. // Cspinet: https://www.cspinet.org/ press-release/red-3-fda-petition
5. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise //NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /28642676/
6. Postprandial thermogenesis is increased 100% on a high-protein, low-fat diet versus a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet in healthy, young women //NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /11838888/
7. The effects of high protein diets on thermogenesis, satiety and weight loss: a critical review //NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /15466943/
8. Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Benefits and Progress of Nutrition Education Interventions- Narrative Review Article //NIH: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc /articles/PMC4644575/