Best-Tasting Protein Powder: Flavors That Deliver

Written by: Angela Myers
Medical Reviewed by: Ecler Ercole Jaqua, MD, MBA, DABOM

A protein powder can help you hit your nutrition goals and feel full for longer. But if your taste buds aren’t on board, sneaking that powder into food, never mind drinking it straight, becomes a struggle. Here’s how to find the best-tasting protein powder, plus other quality signs to check before buying. 

About five years back, I decided to up my protein intake and grabbed the first protein powder I found at the store. The next day, I mixed it with water after my workout, took a swig, and gagged. It was that bad. At the time, I figured finding  protein powder that was healthy and delicious would be impossible. But I’ve since learned that isn’t true.  

Now, I’m breaking down how to find the best-tasting protein powder—one your taste buds will love, that’s made with quality ingredients to support your overall health.

Best-tasting protein powder: The quick answer 

First, let’s define “best-tasting protein powder.” By that, we mean a high-quality protein powder with flavors derived from real foods and no unpleasant aftertaste. Ideally, it tastes good both on its own (mixed with just water) and added to other foods and beverages, such as oatmeal, smoothies, or yogurt bowls. 

It may sound like a tall order, but since my original protein fiasco, I’ve found multiple products that check all the boxes. That said, “best-tasting” means something different for everyone. One person may rave about a chocolate-flavored protein shake powder, while someone else finds it way too sweet. 

“Trying protein powders can be a trial-and-error process and very individual based on your needs, preferences, and tolerances,” says Alley Phillips, MPH, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian with Nourish, “What works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to try things for yourself and listen to your own body.

What makes protein shake powder taste good (or bad)

Beyond personal preference, many factors influence what a protein powder tastes like, including:

• Protein source: Many powders are whey- or plant-based, though other types (like casein, egg, and collagen) also exist. Whey and plant proteins tend to differ most in taste and texture. We’ll dive into both in the next section but for now, know that each has a unique taste and texture. 

• Processing: Some protein powders are more processed than others. For example, protein isolates are more filtered and often higher in protein by weight, while protein concentrates contain more of the naturally occurring carbs and fats. Texture varies a lot depending on the brand and added ingredients.

• Additives: Some proteins contain additives that thicken the powder, which may improve mouthfeel but could be hard on digestion for some folks. 

• Sweeteners: Many protein powders have added sugar or sweeteners which can change the taste quite a bit. Artificial sweeteners in particular often leave a bitter aftertaste. When possible, choose products with minimal added sugar and a sweetener you tolerate (or unsweetened options if you prefer). Veracity Metabolic Power Protein, for example, is flavored with cinnamon and monk fruit extract, and contains zero sugars or artificial sweeteners. 

• Number of ingredients: “Generally, less is more,” says Jenna Volpe, RDN, LD, IFNCP, CLT, a registered dietitian specializing in gut health, “Natural protein powders containing fewer ingredients that are simple and easy to identify tend to be healthier than protein powders with a laundry list of ingredients.” The exception, she says, is if that long list of ingredients is all whole food-based ingredients and/or herbs. 
  
  

Whey protein powders vs. plant powders

We briefly mentioned plant-based versus whey protein powders above, but this convo deserves its own section. Whey proteins are made from milk, while plant-based powders can be made from many different types of plants. Both offer distinct tastes and health benefits, and both can help support weight management.

Plant protein powders

• Flavor profile: Volpe notes that some plant-based proteins, especially those made from hemp or rice protein, can have a  bitter taste. That said, there are plenty of other plant-based protein powders to choose from. Veracity Metabolic Power Protein, for example, is made with a blend of protein from organic peas, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds, and has a subtle vanilla cinnamon flavor.

• Digestion: Some plant-based protein powders also contain fiber (especially those made from less-refined sources or with added fiber), which is a type of carbohydrate. While protein deserves the hype it’s currently getting, fiber could do with more. It helps you feel full for longer, improves gut health, helps regulate blood sugar, can help with weight loss, and may even reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

• Nutritional benefits: Some plant-based protein sources lack some of those essential amino acids, especially methionine and/or lysine. If a plant-based powder provides complete protein with all nine, like Veracity Metabolic Power Protein, the label will typically say so.

• Ideal for: Anyone who eats a vegan or dairy-free diet, has high protein needs, and/or wants a powder that provides the benefits of both fiber and protein. 

• Not for: People who need very low fiber or those who have sensitivities to certain plant ingredients.

Whey protein powders

• Flavor profile: “From a taste perspective, I find that whey protein powder tends to be more neutral or creamy-tasting,” says Volpe.

• Digestion: Whey protein is generally digested quicker and is a popular option for building or preserving muscle. 

• Amino acid profile: “Whey protein powder is considered a nutritionally complete source of protein,” says Volpe. That means it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t make on their own  (They are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine.)

• Ideal for: Those looking to limit carbohydrates, as plant-based powders are typically higher in carbs.

• Not for: Anyone following a vegan or dairy-free diet, since it’s made from milk.
  
  

Protein powder flavor categories that usually deliver

Remember that horrible-tasting protein I mentioned earlier? The flavor was “cookies and cream,” a favorite ice cream flavor of mine. Now I can confidently say, what works for ice cream (or other foods) might not work for protein powder.

For a safer bet, stick with more natural or classic flavors, like chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, or banana. Coffee aficionados may also appreciate adjacent flavors like mocha or latte. An unflavored powder is a good option, too, if you’re mixing it with other ingredients, though it probably won’t taste amazing on its own.

Sometimes, the best protein powders combine multiple flavors. For example, Veracity customers rave about the  vanilla cinnamon taste of Metabolic Power Protein. One reviewer named Alanah wrote, “The vanilla cinnamon is so tasty. I blend it with some oatmilk and banana and it tastes like a creamy treat (but I love it on its own too).”

“First of all—this protein powder tastes amazing. Far better than anything I have used in the past. It feels clean, is a great addition to my morning yogurt, and has been a major upgrade to my daily routine.” -Matt, Verified Customer Review

Common taste problems (and fixes that actually work)

Protein powders aren’t always love at first sip. Luckily, there are some easy workarounds to the most common taste problems.

• Chalky texture: Blend with ice and/or a dairy or plant-based milk for extra creaminess. 

• Too thin: Blend with ice and/or a dairy or plant-based milk to help thicken and add creaminess.

• Too sweet: Mix with an unflavored protein powder to dilute the taste.

• Flavor clashes with other ingredients: Pour liquids into the blender first, then add the protein powder and other ingredients and blend.

• Makes you gassy: Reduce serving size. Try a half- or ¾-serving to start.

• Doesn’t taste good in plain water: Add to a smoothie, oatmeal bowl, or yogurt.
  
  

What protein powder labels can tell you about the taste 

If the quick fixes above aren’t enough, it may be time to switch to a different protein powder. We suggest reading the product label closely. Here are some tips for what to look for, if you’d like to avoid: 

• Aftertaste: Avoid known offenders, such as stevia, sucralose, aspartame, and other artificial sweeteners.

• Intense sweetness: Choose an option with a natural sweetener like monk fruit extract, or one that specifies that it’s not too sweet.

• Artificial flavors: Look for a protein powder that features whole-food ingredients.

How to find high-quality protein powder, beyond taste

You deserve a delicious protein powder, but taste shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when you’re shopping around. Protein powders are regulated as dietary supplements in the U.S., which means they aren’t FDA-approved before hitting the market—so third-party testing is a helpful quality check. There isn’t one governing body that verifies the quality and quantity of the ingredients or these products' safety.

Fortunately, you don’t have to verify this on your own. Look for credible third-party certifications (e.g., USP Verified or NSF programs such as NSF Certified for Sport) that test for contaminants and verify label accuracy within the certification’s scope.

If a product has been tested by one of these organizations, it should advertise the organization that completed  the third-party testing. Another quality marker to look out for: products made in facilities that follow FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) and have credible third-party certifications.

Once you’ve double checked that the experts have verified a protein powder, it’s time to check a few things on your own (don’t worry; they are all easy to find):

• Ingredient list: To start, scan the ingredient list, checking that all or the majority are whole food-based. Avoid "proprietary blends” where the full ingredient list or the amounts of each ingredient are not included. “You want to purchase a protein powder that is fully transparent about its ingredients and lists each protein source separately, with the amount you are getting from each source,” says Phillips.

• Amount of protein: Check the protein per serving. For example, each serving of Metabolic Power Protein includes 20 grams of complete protein. The “right” amount of protein per day varies based on your gender, age, and other factors, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a free tool to help you figure out how much of each food group you need.

• Amino acid profile: Look for a complete protein (all nine essential amino acids) and adequate total essential amino acids per serving—especially leucine if muscle support is a priority.  The more, the better. “When looking for a protein powder,” explains Phillips, “you ideally want to look for one that is a complete protein that provides all nine essential amino acids, which includes whey, soy, hemp, chia, or a blend of plant-based proteins (such as pea and rice or pea and hemp).”

• Type: “Aside from the amino acid profile and content of a protein powder, quality of the ingredients is always an important factor to consider,” says Volpe. For plant-based protein powder, check that it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides. For whey, Volpe recommends 100% grass-fed, antibiotic-free options.  Ideally, a plant or whey-based protein should also be third-party tested for heavy toxins and metals too. 

• Total added sugar: Some protein powders contain substantial added sugar—check the “added sugars” line on the Nutrition Facts label and compare across brands. To avoid a sugar crash, aim for a supplement that contains no more than 1 to 3 grams per serving, or choose a zero-sugar option like Veracity Metabolic Power Protein.

• Artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners (like sucralose or aspartame) and sugar alcohols (like erythritol) can cause gastrointestinal (GI)symptoms for some people. Tolerance varies—if one bothers you, try a different sweetener or an unsweetened powder.
  
  Some studies suggest certain non-nutritive sweeteners may affect glucose responses or the gut microbiome in some people, though findings are mixed. If you notice symptoms, consider switching sweeteners or choosing unsweetened options. “These are typically listed towards the very end of an ingredient list,” says Volpe. Sweeteners can appear under different names, too—look for sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), saccharin, and sugar alcohols like erythritol, xylitol, or sorbitol. 

• Allergens and dietary concerns: Don’t forget to steer clear of ingredients you’re allergic to or can’t eat. “For those with any intolerances or allergies to lactose and/or dairy, plant-based proteins will be the best choice.” explains Phillips.
  

When protein powder taste issues are really tolerance issues

If taste complaints include mentions of nausea, cramps, or diarrhea, you may actually have trouble tolerating one or more ingredients. For example, someone with a dairy sensitivity may struggle with whey concentrate powders. 

Some non-sugar sweeteners may also trigger unpleasant symptoms. “In my clinical practice, I find that erythritol can anecdotally sometimes cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset in some people, particularly those prone to gut issues,” says Volpe.

When it comes to “no added sugar” powders, Volpe recommends opting for ones with more natural sweeteners, like stevia leaf or monk fruit extract. These tend to be better tolerated than artificial sweeteners (think: sucralose, aspartame, and erythritol).

What is the best-tasting protein powder for your use case?

I might sound like a broken record, but I can’t stress enough that the best-tasting protein powder depends on your preferences and how you incorporate it into your diet. 

For example, I make a smoothie with protein powder, spinach, and bananas after my gym sessions. After some trial and error, I’ve found that flavorless, vanilla, or vanilla cinnamon powders do the trick. Depending on how you’re using your protein powder, you might prefer other flavors.

Here are some other ways to incorporate protein powder into your diet, and potential flavors for each:

• For water-only shakes: Try milder (but not flavorless) powders that are non-chalky and mix well.

• For milk or milk alternatives: Richer flavors like vanilla or chocolate/mocha tend to pair well with smoothies made with milks.

• For baking/oats: Go for unflavored, cinnamon, or vanilla flavors for your morning oats. When possible, avoid strong artificial sweeteners, which can intensify when heated. 

• For coffee: Protein coffee is having a moment. When adding protein to your morning cup, go for a coffee-based flavor or classic latte flavors (i.e. vanilla, chocolate/mocha, cinnamon, etc.). I’m an iced coffee gal (even during a blizzard), but if you prefer hot coffee, remember that some protein powders may curdle when combined with hot liquids.
  
  

Pro tip: The best protein powders taste good with just water. Anna, a verified customer who bought Veracity Metabolic Power Protein, said she’s “never been someone who drinks protein powder just mixed with water. I always have to hide it in a smoothie or oats. This one is actually good on its own.”

How to “test” top-rated protein powder without wasting money

To find the right protein powder for you, it’s time to run a very unofficial and easy experiment. Start by compiling a list of the top-rated protein powders that meet the quality checklist from above. From there, read the reviews, paying attention to what people say about the taste.

Based on the reviews, narrow your choices down to the top two to five. Order a smaller pack of one shortlisted candidate. Once the powder arrives, try it mixed with water and as part of protein-packed recipes. Again, you want one that tastes good on its own and plays nice with other ingredients, so try both.

When trying a protein powder, you may find it useful to score the powders on a scale of one to five (lowest to highest) for metrics that matter to you. Potential scoring categories could include:

• Flavor with water only

• Flavor mixed into a smoothie or yogurt (or however you prefer to use it)

• Texture on its own

• Texture when mixed

You can take into account if there’s an aftertaste (flavor) or chalkiness (texture).For the best results, try the protein powder a few times (and in different ways) before scoring it or deeming it a yay or nay. 

Consulting a healthcare provider on protein powder

Many people can test protein powders on their own. However, some may benefit from their healthcare provider’s guidance. If you are pregnant, have a history of kidney disease, have significant dietary restrictions, or have GI conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), check in with a healthcare provider before using a protein supplement. 

Volpe says clinical guidance is especially important with protein powders that contain herbs “due to potential herb-drug interactions or other clinical contraindications.”

Key takeaways

• So, what is the best-tasting protein powder? The answer depends on your personal taste preferences, which are heavily influenced by the powder’s texture, the protein source, and ingredients.

• Protein powders with natural or classic flavors, like vanilla, cinnamon, or chocolate is a safe pick for the majority of people. Also consider options that pair two complementary flavors, such as vanilla and cinnamon.

• To make sure your gut can tolerate a protein powder and that it fits your dietary needs, check the label. Ideally it’s made from mostly whole-food based ingredients and/or extracts. 

• An option that works for many people’s health and taste buds is Veracity Metabolic Power Protein. It’s a plant-based, complete protein (i.e. it contains all nine essential amino acids), and tastes good mixed with water only and in smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and more.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best protein powder that tastes good?

The best-tasting protein powder depends on your individual palate. Many people prefer protein powders with classic flavors (e.g vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate). Along with taste, make sure you find a high-quality protein powder. To verify this, check that it’s third-party tested, made in a FDA-reviewed lab, and has a clear ingredient list featuring many whole-food ingredients and/or extracts.  

Is there any protein powder that doesn't taste bad?

Yes. Many, in fact, though it depends on what you like. For a protein powder that pleases your taste buds, look for flavors that appeal to you, whether that’s vanilla, chocolate, banana, coffee, or something more out-of-the-box. A protein powder’s reviews reveal a lot about its taste too. For example, customers rave about how good the vanilla cinnamon flavor in Veracity Metabolic Power Protein is on its own or in oatmeal, smoothies, and more. 

What is the highest-rated protein powder on the market?

There isn’t a single highest-rated protein powder. Instead, there are many solid options, and the best depends on your personal preferences. Some objective measures of a good protein powder include whether it’s made with whole food ingredients or extracts and without artificial sweeteners, third-party tested for quality and purity, and has a fully transparent ingredient list. Reading customer reviews can also help you figure out the taste and consistency of a particular protein powder. 

Which is the best flavor for protein powder?

The best flavor for protein powder depends on your personal preference. Some tried-and-true classic flavors include coffee, banana, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Many people also enjoy powders that mix flavors, such as Veracity’s vanilla-cinnamon Metabolic Power Protein.