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It's the first thing you're greeted with when walking into the gym — the sound of shakers holding the best protein powders being aggressively shaken, not stirred. Yep, it's become a staple part of many gym-goers' routine, thanks to the perks of adding the supplement to your (balanced) diet being well-documented on your FYP.
A quick recap: Protein is one of three vital macronutrients — alongside fats and carbohydrates —that can help build lean muscle mass, as well as keep you fuller for longer. Sure, protein bars are also a convenient option for when you're on the move, however, my preference definitely falls on protein powders, given that so many of them tick other boxes — even doubling as collagen supplements.
But with the recent explosion of various protein-infused products in the category, we know it can be incredibly overwhelming trying to settle on just one. Thankfully, in a bid to up our protein intake, the GLAMOUR team has tried and tested a host to track down the very best protein powders — including dairy-free vegan protein powders and whey protein powders — for women in 2025. Oh, and we've answered all your FAQs with the help of leading experts.
SKIP TO: What is protein powder? | What are the benefits of protein powder? | What to look for in a protein powder | Should you take protein powder?
Please note: protein powder should be taken in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet. Seek the advice of your GP or a qualified healthcare professional if you have any questions.
The best protein powders for women, at a glance:
| Best Protein Powder Overall: | Bulk Pure Whey Protein |
| Best Affordable Protein Powder: | Protein Works Sune |
| Best For Gaining Muscle Mass: | Myprotein Impact Weight Gainer |
| Best With Additional Nutrients | Wild Nutrition Organic Protein + Superfood Powder |
Meet the experts
- Melina B. Jampolis, MD, PNS, physician nutrition specialist and the host of Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina.
- Jessica Titchenal, DCN, MS, CNS, CN, doctor of clinical nutrition, certified nutrition specialist, and certified nutritionist.
- Taylor Johnson, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist with Top Nutrition Coaching
- Sammi Haber Brondo, MS, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified intuitive eating counsellor.
- Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and board-certified sports dietitian.
What is protein powder?
“Protein powders are supplements designed to amp up the share of this macronutrient in your diet,” says physician nutrition specialist, Melina B. Jampolis. “They can be plant-based or animal-based, and they can provide protein on their own, or along with other nutrients such as fat, fibre, sugar, vitamins, and minerals. You can mix protein powders into drinks, including smoothies, milkshakes, or even coffee. Or you can sprinkle them into foods to create high-protein meals and snacks–think oatmeal, pancakes, yoghurt, baked goods, dips, spreads, and more."
Brain fog? I don't know her.
Ahead, the best protein powders for 2025, approved by GLAMOUR editors:
Why we love it: If you’re after a simple yet effective way to increase your precious protein intake, look no further than this bestselling powder from Bulk. Super versatile, it can be added to baked goods, shaken up in a smoothie or simply drank with water or milk — and there are just shy of thirty flavours to choose from, so you’ll have no trouble finding one that you love. An award-winning formula, with each serving packed with protein as well as five essential BCAAs to help increase muscle growth and reduce any soreness and fatigue.
Protein per serving: 22g / Servings per container: 33 / Protein type: whey.
- Pros: Very affordable, contains 5g BCAAs per serving, low sugar.
- Cons: Not for vegans or those with milk allergies.
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Why we love it: A multi-award-winning protein shake, Protein Work's vegan wonder comes infused with Quadplant Technology — essentially, it combines four types of plant protein to deliver up to 20 grams of protein per serving, while all 10 flavours (the GLAMOUR team loved both Cookies & Cream and White Choc Raspberry Swirl) are also low in sugar and super creamy. Even better news: it's made up of a combo of fast and slow-releasing proteins. Simply add one 25-gram scoop to 350 ml of chilled water or plant-based milk and shake for 10 seconds.
Protein per serving: 20g / Servings per container: 30 / Protein type: Plant-based.
- Pros: High protein content, super creamy, contains a mix of fast and slow-release plant-based proteins.
- Cons: Can we request prettier packaging?
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Why we love it: One of the most complete protein powders on the market, this formula contains an impressive 30g of multi-source vegan protein — including BCAAs for muscle growth and repair — Curcumin and BioPerine® to aid recovery and boost bioavailability, and enzymes to boost your natural digestion. Available in four different yet equally delicious flavours, it’s the perfect vegan protein shake to have as a recovery drink after exercise.
Protein per serving: 30g / Servings per container: 13 / Protein type: blend of organic pea, brown rice, and pumpkin seed proteins.
- Pros: Great taste, vegan, comes in compostable packaging.
- Cons: Fairly expensive.
Why we love it: An iced tea – flavoured with mango, passionfruit, peach, lemon or green apple – that's packed full of protein? More Nutrition had me listening. Not only does this stuff taste seriously delicious (I've only tried the peach/passionfruit variation so far, but am loving it), but it's clear. Basically, you can ditch the creamy protein drink and enjoy this in water or fruit juice, instead. It has 0% sugar, 0% fat and 0% lactose, and one serving delivers more than 24g of protein. You can pick up a sample size if you're not sure, too.
Protein per serving: 24g / Servings per container: 25 / Protein type: whey protein.
- Pros: Tastes great, very refreshing, is clear.
- Cons: Nothing to note.
Why we love it: Swap your standard cup of juice for this clear whey powder that's been designed to dissolve quickly into a cup of cold water. A lighter take on your typical protein, one scoop contains 20g of fast-absorbing hydrolysed whey protein isolate to fuel and support your muscles. When it comes to flavours, there are nearly twenty to choose from — and they're all suitably juicy.
Protein per serving: 20g / Servings per container: 35 / Protein type: whey protein isolate.
- Pros: Wide range of flavours, fast-absorbing, very low-calorie.
- Cons: Quite expensive.
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Why we love it: A seriously affordable option that's uniquely formulated for women to support our hormonal health? Yes, please. Infused with Maca, Siberian Ginseng, and Vitamin B6, it's thought that the supplement should help regulate your mood and menstrual cycle — but the addition of Iron, Vitamin B12, and Magnesium should also help to keep you energised without the caffeine crash. We also love that it's been infused with probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to reduce bloating. Win-win-win.
Protein per serving: 20g / Servings per container: 20 / Protein type: plant-based protein.
- Pros: Affordable, naturally low in caffeine, super smooth texture.
- Cons: Just two flavour options.
Why we love it: On top of being packed with protein, this brilliant formula is enriched with extra ingredients like maca and magnesium to fend off inflammation and mental stress, Rhodiola root to lessen the effects of physical exhaustion, and electrolytes to aid rehydration post-exercise. A great all-rounder for general health and support, it can be enjoyed on its own with water — but can also be stirred into smoothies and porridges, and sprinkled into the batter of your baked goods.
Protein per serving: 31g / Servings per container: 30 / Protein type: pea and brown rice protein.
- Pros: Very high-protein, low-calorie, supports muscle recovery.
- Cons: N/A.
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Why we love it: Gaining weight and muscle requires a calorie surplus, but eating the wrong types of food can lead to an increase in body fat levels instead. This clever formula has been made with a blend of high-quality, fast and slow digesting proteins to help you grow and evenly maintain muscle, while the 50g of carbs give a much-needed energising boost to get you through a heavy weights session, and speed up recovery.
Protein per serving: 31g / Servings per container: 10 / Protein type: whey protein isolate.
- Pros: High-calorie, great for bulking, easily mixable.
- Cons: High in carbs (which is good for bulking).
Why we love it: Earning a top spot on our list of the best collagen supplements, this one-ingredient protein is beloved by both derms and celebs (Jennifer Aniston, for one, is a fan). As we mentioned, collagen doesn’t contain all nine essential amino acids, but this product is still a great source of unflavoured protein, says certified intuitive eating counsellor Sammi Haber Brondo, MS, RD, CDN, explaining that it “blends smoothly and won’t change the taste of what you’re eating.” She recommends mixing it into smoothies or oatmeal.
Protein per serving: 20g / Servings per container: 27 / Protein type: collagen peptides.
- Pros: Made with just one ingredient, blends well.
- Cons: Not a complete source of protein.
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Why we love it: Not just your typical protein powder, this plant-based blend has been layered with seven organic mushrooms, eighteen amino acids, and four super greens to help you meet as many of your nutritional needs as possible in one simple scoop. So, it's like a protein powder and a greens powder combined! Designed with energy, immunity, focus, and stamina in mind, it’s a great supplement to sprinkle into your morning smoothie or bowl of oats — but can also be drunk with just water or milk.
Protein per serving: 16g / Servings per container: 14 / Protein type: pea and rice protein powder.
- Pros: Certified organic, contains mushrooms and supergreens, supports energy and immunity.
- Cons: Expensive, fairly low in protein.
Why we love it: After rigorous testing, the experts at Bulk went with yellow peas for this formula due to their flavour, solubility, and quality. Carefully crafted, this isolate protein powder is highly soluble and silky — and is also a great low-calorie option thanks to its low fat and sugar content. It's really affordable, and as well as the standard unflavoured option, it comes in Banana, Chai, Chocolate Mint, Coconut, Peach & Mango, and Vanilla. Delish!
Protein per serving: 23g / Servings per container: 12 / Protein type: pea protein isolate.
- Pros: Highly soluble, low in sugar and fat, low-calorie.
- Cons: N/A.
Why we love it: Orgain is the go-to brand of protein powder for Jampolis. She praises the company’s use of high-quality ingredients (you’ll find no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives) and the fact that it’s widely available (Costco is a major retailer, as is Amazon). This particular product, made with grass-fed whey, offers all nine essential amino acids, and each serving contains 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), which help drive muscle growth when combined with exercise, Jampolis explains. Plus, it comes in two delicious flavours: creamy chocolate fudge and vanilla bean, ideal for whipping up a protein shake or adding to baked goods.
Protein per serving: 21g / Servings per container: 20 / Protein type: whey.
- Pros: High-quality source of complete protein.
- Cons: Not for vegans or those with milk allergies.
Why we love it: Recommended by Titchenal, this powder provides more than 20 grams of whey isolate protein and is a favourite brand for tons of pro athletes, including tennis player Madison Keys, surfer Coco Ho, and distance runner Jordan Hasay. Compared with compound proteins, isolates contain more protein and less fat, carbs, and lactose, the latter of which can cause GI distress and digestion issues for some, Dr. Titchenal explains. Plus, it’s NSF-certified, so you can take it without fear of ingesting banned substances. Customers rave about the taste and the fact that it dissolves easily.
Protein per serving: 21g / Servings per container: 30 / Protein type: whey isolate.
- Pros: Good source of high-quality protein, great taste, dissolves well.
- Cons: Expensive compared to other options.
What are the benefits of protein powder?
Perhaps the biggest plus of protein powders is convenience: “They’re a quick, easy, and accessible way for people to increase or maintain their protein intake,” says Titchenal. "They’re also really versatile and can be incorporated into lots of different foods, often without changing the taste,” adds Brondo. Additionally, protein powders are portable, have a long shelf life and travel easily, making them a simple way to consume protein on the go, suggests Ehsani.
All of that’s important, since protein is a critical macronutrient that some people may struggle to get enough of. The general daily recommended intake of protein is between 0.8 and 1.0 grams per kilogram of bodyweight— so 55 to 68 grams for a 150-pound person. Although, that can be too little for active people.
“They’re especially great for athletes looking to build and preserve muscle, because protein aids in muscle repair and growth,” says Johnson. “When combined with resistance training, they can help combat age-associated muscle loss,” Dr. Jampolis adds.
For someone who has trouble eating vegetables and suffers from bloating, this is a great option.
What to look for in a protein powder
There are a dizzying number of protein supplement powders on the market, which can make it tough to determine which ones are worth the money. So, we suggest you consider the following criteria before settling:
Whey, casein, and egg protein powders — all animal-based products — offer the “highest quality from a biological standpoint,” says Jampolis. “Those types of protein are absorbed and utilised most effectively by the body. They also have more leucine, an amino acid that may be especially beneficial for muscle gain.” Johnson also recommends products that provide two to three grams of leucine per serving.
“Whey, in particular, has long been considered the gold standard of protein powders,” says Ehsani. "Made from milk, it’s absorbed quickly by your body, making it an excellent option for post-workout recovery,” adds Johnson.
"By contrast, Casein protein, though also derived from milk, is a slow-digesting protein, which means it can be a solid pick for people who want a steady release of protein over a long period — perhaps between meals or before bed," Johnson details. “Egg protein powders are made from egg whites and are a solid option for folks who want a complete protein source without consuming dairy products. This type is also low in carbohydrates.”
Collagen is another animal-based option. It’s typically made from cow or fish sources, but it’s not a complete protein, meaning it doesn’t offer all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need to get from foods. “Collagen proteins are not your best bet for muscle building,” suggests Jampolis, “but FWIW, some people swear by them for improving skin and hair health.”
On the plant-based front, folks following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or those with dairy or egg allergies, might prefer options like soy, pea, rice, or hemp. Soy protein powder, derived from soybeans, “is an excellent option for vegetarians or people who are lactose intolerant,” Johnson continues. It’s a complete protein — meaning, it contains those nine essential amino acids — but it’s not absorbed as quickly in the body as whey protein.
“Both pea and rice proteins are good choices for people with allergies or sensitivities to dairy or soy,” Johnson notes. “Hemp protein powder, made from hemp seeds, is another good plant-based option, plus a solid source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.”
Other options include pumpkin-seed protein and chia-seed protein. When reaching for a plant-based powder, Dr. Jampolis suggests those that combine proteins from multiple sources – like pea, brown rice, and chia, for example – as that ensures you get a variety of amino acids.
Johnson recommends powders with at least 20 to 30 grams per serving. “Just make sure to scope the nutrition label since some don’t provide many servings per container, or several scoops are needed to make one serving,” advises Titchenal.
The best protein powders are made with “high-quality ingredients and have minimal added artificial colours, flavours and sugar alcohols — like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol — which can cause GI distress for some people," Johnson explains. “Aim for five grams or less of sugar alcohols per serving,” recommends Brondo. Instead, opt for products made with natural sweeteners – like stevia, monk fruit, or coconut sugar.
Protein powders, along with all other dietary supplements, aren’t vetted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) prior to hitting the market, so it’s wise to go with products that are tested by third-party entities to ensure purity, efficacy, safety, and potency.
Arguably, the best protein powders dissolve well, have a palatable texture, and actually taste good, or don’t taste like much at all, if you’re planning to mix them with other ingredients. Read customer reviews before purchasing a product, and know you may need to try several different brands to find one that jives with your taste buds.
“Ultimately, the cost of protein powders can vary significantly depending on factors such as the brand, the size of the container, and the retailer, so it’s always a good idea to compare prices and shop around to find the best deal,” advises Johnson.
Should you take protein powder?
Though protein powders offer tons of benefits, “they’re certainly not essential,” says Jampolis. "If you’re able to easily get all the protein you need through whole foods, that’s fantastic,” adds Titchenal. “Anyone can take protein powders, but they may be most helpful for specific people,” explains Brondo.
“For example, folks who struggle to consume enough protein in the morning could benefit from them — throwing together a protein shake is a quick, easy option — as could people with certain food allergies and those following specific diets, like veganism or vegetarianism,” suggests Ehsani. Athletes looking to maintain and build muscle may also find them helpful, as could older adults wanting to minimise muscle loss.
