6 Best Protein Powders in 2026: Taste-Tested and Expert Reviewed

How we test protein powders

We began our process by researching the market: Which protein powders are popular and why? Which companies have positive reviews — and are those reviews legitimate? We also surveyed 300 adults ages 50-plus and convened a focus group with older adults who regularly take protein supplements. Their insights helped us pinpoint which factors matter most to older adults when choosing a protein powder and what drives overall satisfaction with these products. (We quote participants using pseudonyms to preserve their privacy.)

We consult with medical professionals to review the nutritional information and formulation of every supplement we test. Experts weigh in on each product’s active ingredients, potential additives and appropriateness for various age groups or health conditions. With the experts’ help, we ensure each supplement has independent third-party verification from organizations such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF International or the U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention. That’s especially important because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) typically does not evaluate supplements for safety or effectiveness.

Our lab team then purchases supplements that pass this initial screening. We recruit independent older adult testers who prepare and evaluate the protein powders and answer questions about packaging, instructions, mixability, taste, texture and more. We also assess factors such as value and protein content per serving. For additional information, see our supplements testing methodology.

How to choose the best protein powder

“The best choice of a protein powder depends on the individual and how their body responds to the product,” says Kirsten Swantee, a registered dietitian at JM Nutrition in Nova Scotia, Canada. 

Based on input from medical experts and feedback from older adults in our protein supplements survey and focus group, here are some top considerations: 

How you consume it

Protein supplements come in a variety of forms, so knowing your preference can help narrow down your options. In our survey, the most common way (chosen by 45 percent of respondents) was as a “protein shake or ready-to-drink beverage.”

Protein powders used to make shakes, such as those reviewed here, can also be consumed in other ways. Some of our focus group participants said they mix protein powder with milk or fruit, while others add it to baked goods like pancakes. One participant, 58-year-old Karen from St. Louis, Missouri, mixes whey protein powder with peanut butter powder, chocolate and other ingredients to make “protein bites” that have about 18 to 20 grams of protein per serving. “I keep those on hand, and eat them anytime I’m hungry between meals,” she said. “And if I get late-night sugar cravings, I just grab one of the bites, and it satisfies my craving.” 

Others said they supplement their diet with other higher-protein sources like snack bars, nuts or cheeses.

Protein source

Not all protein sources are made equal. The best option for you will likely depend on several factors, such as whether you prefer animal- or plant-based options, benefit from a complete protein or have food sensitivities.

• Animal- or plant-based: Protein supplements come in various animal-based and plant-based options, and each type varies in absorption rates and amino acid (protein building-block) profiles. Popular animal-based options include egg white and dairy-derived whey, collagen and casein. Plant-based options include soy, pea, brown rice and hemp. 
• Completeness: Whey is naturally complete, meaning it’s dense in leucine and the eight other amino acids that our bodies can’t produce on their own. Many plant proteins are incomplete or lower in specific amino acids, often requiring blends — such as Transparent Labs’ vegan blend of pea and rice protein — to be on par with the muscle-building effectiveness of whey.
• Sensitivities: Do you have allergies or other intolerances? Whey contains lactose and may cause digestive upset in some individuals, whereas plant-based options are dairy-free. However, whey digests quickly, and whey isolate’s lower lactose content may be easier to tolerate than whey concentrate for people with lactose intolerance, says Pearson, our medical reviewer. If you are sensitive to artificial sweeteners, fillers, gums or other additives, look for a supplement that excludes them, or consider an unflavored option.

Flavor

Taste was the most important factor — not only for respondents in our survey but also for our focus group of older adults who regularly take protein supplements. “Make sure it tastes good; otherwise, you’re not going to drink it,” said Karen, a participant in our focus group.

Another participant, 66-year-old Ryan in San Diego, California, said he uses a neutral-flavored protein powder so he can add whatever he wants to it for variety from day to day. Karen drinks a mocha-flavored premade protein shake because she says it helps satisfy her sugar cravings. 

A few other focus group participants said they like switching up their flavored protein powders, preferring companies that offer a variety of unique options like pumpkin cheesecake or birthday cake flavors.

Amount of protein

Supplements contain varying quantities of protein per serving, depending on the product and protein source. Consider your daily protein intake goals to help determine which product best fits your personal health needs. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best target for you.

For instance, Alice, a 50-year-old focus group participant in Los Angeles, said her oncologist recommended consuming up to 120 grams of protein per day, as her cancer medication negatively impacts her bone density and muscle mass. Because she is lactose intolerant, Alice drinks a premade shake made with pea protein in the morning, which provides 30 grams toward her goal. “It’s hard to get all this protein without eating all day otherwise,” she said. 

Personal health conditions may affect how much protein you seek in a supplement. “For people with healthy kidney and liver function, a higher protein intake is not generally considered harmful. However, for individuals with pre-existing kidney or liver disease, protein needs may differ from general recommendations,” says Swantee.

Note: This review is not meant to provide clinical advice. It’s always best to talk with your health care provider before starting any new supplement.

Benefits of protein powders for older adults

As we age, our appetites may decrease, which can potentially lead to undernourishment. “Many older adults are under-consuming their required daily protein,” says *Dustin Moore, a registered dietitian and nutrition scientist in Los Angeles. Longevity depends partly on muscle tissue, “and you’re more likely to keep or build it by meeting your protein goals,” he adds.

In general, protein supplements — such as protein powders — may help older adults to:

• Bridge nutritional gaps, especially for those with decreased appetite
• Stimulate muscle protein synthesis
• Combat age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia
• Improve bone health and density
• Support immune health
• Encourage recovery from illness, injury or surgery

“Protein powders aren’t essential for older adults, but they can be an easy, convenient way to help meet protein needs,” says *Cynthia Sass, a registered dietitian in Los Angeles. She emphasizes that protein is one piece of the “nutrition puzzle” and that it’s important to also prioritize other key nutrients, such as fiber, potassium and healthy fats. 

“When possible, eating more whole, naturally nutrient-rich foods is an important nutrition strategy, so in most cases I like to think of protein powders as a complement to whole foods rather than a replacement,” Sass adds.

Potential side effects of protein supplements for older adults

Protein supplements like powders are generally well tolerated, but some people may experience side effects, including:

• Bloating and gas
• Stomach pain or cramping 
• Diarrhea
• Nausea 
• Constipation 
• Allergic reactions to certain ingredients, such as whey and casein (cow’s milk proteins) or soy 

“Sometimes added ingredients, like sugar alcohols or certain fibers, cause more trouble than the protein itself,” says *Melanie Murphy Richter, a registered dietitian based in Los Angeles.

Protein powders may also require special consideration if you take medications or have certain health conditions. Some formulas contain added vitamins, minerals, herbs or stimulants that may interact with medications. If you take prescription medications, check the ingredient list and ask your pharmacist or health care provider about potential interactions.

Older adults with chronic kidney disease should be especially careful about their total protein intake. Some protein powders contain potassium or phosphorus, which may need to be limited in certain people with kidney disease. Alexander Leritz, a registered dietitian at JM Nutrition based in Toronto, recommends working with a dietitian or your health care team to determine an appropriate protein intake if you have chronic kidney disease.

How much protein do older adults need?

The 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans set the recommended daily protein target from 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. “For someone who weighs 150 pounds, that's approximately 82 to 109 grams daily,” Richter explains. Per meal, that can equal about 25 grams of protein for women over age 50 and 30 grams for men over 50.

“As we age, we experience something called anabolic resistance, which means our bodies are less responsive to the muscle-building effects of protein. We also gradually lose muscle mass and strength as we age. Research suggests that a higher protein intake combined with strength training can help limit age-related muscle loss,” explains Sass, another registered dietitian in Los Angeles.

“I'd personalize it based on activity, appetite, muscle health and medical history. Kidney disease, for example, can change the recommendation substantially,” says Richter.

How much do the best protein powders cost?

The protein powders on our list range from around $50 to nearly $70, but package size varies. The Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake is available only in a 15-serving package, whereas the rest come in 25- or 30-serving containers.

Sunwarrior and Transparent Labs’ Organic Vegan Plant-Based Protein tied for the lowest cost per serving, at around $1.67. Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake had the highest cost per serving, coming in at roughly $3.33 for the non-member pricing. 

The average cost among all protein powders we reviewed is around $2.17. This number aligns with the results of our protein supplements survey, in which 61 percent of respondents reported spending between $2 and $3 per serving on their protein supplement.

Most protein supplement companies offer monthly subscription models that can bring down costs. For example, Sunwarrior offers 20 percent off with its subscription plan, bringing the price down from about $50 to $40 for its 30-serving container. 

You may also find price variations for protein supplements depending on where you shop. Many products are also available at retailers such as Amazon, where prices are sometimes lower than those listed on a company’s website. It can be helpful to compare retailers for the most up-to-date pricing before buying. 

FAQs

Does protein powder expire?

Yes, like most nutritional supplements, protein powder does expire. Each company may label its products differently, using varying terms such as “best by,” “sell by,” or “use by.” “Use by” typically refers to the true expiration date, which indicates when it may no longer be safe to consume. Signs that your protein powder may no longer be safe include a sour smell, a bitter taste, discoloration or clumping of the dry powder.

Should you use protein powder to replace meals?

Generally, no. Whether you should use protein powder every day largely depends on individual health considerations and protein intake goals. “Protein powder can be a convenient tool, but it should not replace whole-food protein,” says Johannah Katz, a registered dietitian in Missouri City, Texas. “More is not always better. A supplement should fill a nutritional gap, not become a substitute for a varied diet,” Katz adds.

Dietitian Cynthia Sass, says the goal is to meet, but not exceed, protein recommendations and to consume protein as part of a balanced diet. “When possible, eating more whole, naturally nutrient-rich foods is an important nutrition strategy...I like to think of protein powders as a complement to whole foods rather than a replacement,” Sass explains.

What makes a protein powder clean?

A “clean” protein powder is one that has few ingredients and excludes artificial sweeteners, fillers, gums or other additives. “I recommend looking for a relatively simple ingredient list and being cautious with powders containing large proprietary blends [or mixtures of multiple ingredients under a single name], unnecessary stimulants or containing high amounts of vitamins and minerals that may not be needed,” says Katz.

Experts we spoke with also suggest looking for products that have been independently tested by third parties. “Certifications such as NSF Certified for Sport or USP Verified provide added reassurance that the product has been tested for identity, contaminants and whether it contains what the label says it contains,” Katz explains.

*Dustin Moore is a brand manager at Swanson Vitamins

*Cynthia Sass partners with brands on product innovation, communications strategy, media integration and more

*Melanie Murphy Richter is the Director of Communications at L-Nutra, a company that makes protein supplements

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org.