Tasteless isn’t necessarily a word you’d want to use to describe your food — unless that food is protein powder. The best unflavored protein powders have the advantage of blending unobtrusively into all sorts of things you already eat, such as muffins, smoothies, oatmeal, and more. When you add a scoop to your diet without tweaking flavor, you get all the upside of protein’s muscle-building, satiating effects without interrupting your regularly scheduled meals.
Not all unflavored protein powders are right for everyone, though. When shopping for your best fit, you’ll want to consider how often you’ll use the powder, the type of protein it contains, your calorie goals, and any specific ingredients you want to include or skip. To get you started, I’ve compiled a list of my top choices as a certified nutrition coach. These 10 best unflavored protein powders may be the most seamless and nutritious addition to your diet.
Credit: Amazon
Calories per serving: 120 | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Protein source: Grass-fed whey
Meet Naked Nutrition: proof that less really is more. Each tub of this unflavored protein powder contains literally just one thing — whey protein concentrate from organically raised, grass-fed cows. If you’re looking for a product that’s environmentally friendly and has zero additives or sugars, this one fits the bill (and does so at a fairly affordable price point).
For transparency and health, it gets my vote for the best unflavored protein powder overall. It’s only downside? After using it for months, I’ve found that Naked doesn’t mix quite as well as some other protein powders I’ve tried. Stubborn, tough-to-blend clumps mean this one doesn’t always go down smoothly.
Credit: Amazon
Calories per serving: 100 | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Protein source: Whey protein isolate
The best part about Isopure’s Zero Carb Protein Powder is that each serving of this unflavored whey protein isolate comes in at the budget-friendly price of just $1.75. True to its name, this powder is carb-free, and it also has near-zero lactose (making it a good choice for anyone with lactose intolerance). And since lactose is a carbohydrate, removing it also means lowering carb count.
If you can’t tolerate soy, you’ll want to steer clear of this choice, though, since it uses soy lecithin for texture. Some users also say the packaging is difficult to re-close, so just make sure to seal it carefully.
Credit: Amazon
Calories per serving: 85 | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Protein source: Whey protein isolate
Plenty of protein for minimal calories? Sign me up! One serving of Klean Athlete’s Klean Isolate Powder supplies 20 grams of protein for the approximate calorie equivalent of a jumbo egg (85 calories). And you won’t find any funky colorings or sweeteners here. The only other ingredient besides whey protein isolate is sunflower lecithin, a low-calorie emulsifier.
But while this powder is low-calorie, it isn’t low-cost. Each serving will cost you approximately $3.40 — double the price of some of the other options on this list. But if you’re willing to shell out a little more for a flavorless powder that supplies a complete amino acid profile and mixes well (despite a little frothing), this one’s a best bet.
Credit: Amazon
Calories per serving: 130 | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Protein source: Pea, pumpkin, and chia protein
It’s not always easy to find a vegan powder that supplies as much protein as animal varieties. That’s why I was excited to discover Truvani’s unflavored vegan powder, which provides 20 grams of protein. Unlike many heavily processed plant-based powders, this one contains just five ingredients — all of which are recognizable and pronounceable.
Truvani’s Pea Protein also supplies all nine essential amino acids, while a bump of 2 grams of fiber adds to its profile of health benefits. Just note that this one is rather high in sodium at 12 percent of the Daily Value per serving. If you need to limit your sodium intake, you may want to consider another option on our list.
Credit: NOW Sports
Calories per serving: 110 | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Protein source: Whey protein isolate
Now Sports’ Whey Protein Isolate does the job of revving up your protein intake with a simple, two-ingredient formula. Although it’s a no-frills approach, that doesn’t mean this powder isn’t of high quality. The brand’s products undergo third-party testing to ensure their purity and efficacy.
Since this whey protein isolate is available in sizes ranging from 1.2 pounds to a gargantuan 10 pounds, you’re sure to find a canister that suits your needs. Try it as a flavorless 25-gram upgrade for baked goods, fruit smoothies, or even creamy soups. However, keep in mind that some reviewers found an unpleasant aftertaste.
Credit: Orgain
Calories per serving: 140 | Protein per serving: 21 grams | Protein source: Pea, brown rice, and chia seed powder
Though it boasts protein from peas, brown rice, and chia seeds, Orgain’s Unflavored Plant-Based Protein Powder doesn’t taste like a grain bowl. Instead, an organic creamer base creates a neutral taste that blends beautifully into liquids. We think you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better unflavored option that’s plant-based, vegan, and certified organic.
That said, this vegan powder is on the higher side of the calorie spectrum at 140 calories per serving. Its ingredient list is fairly long, too, including gums and emulsifiers. And though it’s plant-based, it contains less than 1 gram of fiber.
Credit: Promix
Calories per serving: 120 | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Protein source: Grass-fed whey
Promix’s entirely grass-fed whey protein powders come in six flavor options, but I’m partial to the au natural variety. Though slightly gritty in texture, it’s otherwise an unnoticeable addition to beverages and shakes. Each two-scoop serving (made only with grass-fed whey and sunflower lecithin) loads you up with 25 grams of complete protein.
Meanwhile, the minimal filtration of whey creates a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid. This adds nutritious fats to its ample protein content. Between its impressive nutrient profile and best practices for cows, it’s a great choice as an unflavored powder.
Credit: Amazon
Why We Like It
Organic and kosher dairy
Made with grass-fed, pasture-raised whey
Creamy texture without added sugars
Calories per serving: 110 | Protein per serving: 21 grams | Protein source: Organic grass-fed whey
Simply Tera’s Grass-Fed Organic Whey Protein Powder is a winner on multiple fronts. Using organic whey from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, it prioritizes animal welfare. And with 21 grams of complete protein, a moderate 110 calories, and extremely low sodium, it’s a top dog for nutrition, too. I’m honestly impressed that it has a creamy texture and neutral taste without any added sugars.
If you order this powder online, just be prepared for its petite size. A canister is only 12 ounces, which equates to just 12 servings. If you like the product (we think you will), you might need to put this one on auto-refill every couple of weeks or so.
Credit: Amazon
Calories per serving: 90 | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Protein source: Grass-fed whey protein isolate
Most of us don’t supplement with protein powder just for fun. What do we want? Muscle gains! (And when do we want ’em? ASAP!) This powder from Momentous uses whey protein isolate for a product that’s extremely low in lactose and carbs, yet high in complete protein. Since calories are low, it supports muscle growth without adding too many calories to your daily total.
Another piece of good news: this powder is made with a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes to help ensure smoother digestion. Anyone who’s ever experienced the “protein poops” will be thankful — trust me.
Credit: Amazon
Why We Like It
May support skin, hair, and nail health
Includes Vitamin C
Relatively low in calories
Calories per serving: 70 | Protein per serving: 18 grams | Protein source: Bovine hide collagen peptides
Collagen is a sought-after supplement these days, owing to its potential for improving skin hydration and elasticity and promoting nail growth. Anyone pursuing its benefits may find a beauty BFF in Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder. Its unflavored peptides melt away into coffee, tea, or broth (though some say it doesn’t do so well in cold fluids). At just 70 calories per serving, it’s a low-cal approach to the aesthetic benefits of collagen.
I also appreciate that this powder meets an entire day’s vitamin C requirement, and that it’s low in sodium. But it’s not a complete protein, meaning it doesn’t contain all the essential amino acids you need to get from food. And remember that collagen supplements take time to work — try it for three months or longer to see results.
What to Know About Unflavored Protein Powders
- Benefits: If you struggle to meet your protein goals from your regular diet, a protein powder might be the boost you need. Getting enough of this macronutrient supports muscle growth, promotes feelings of fullness, and allows the body to create necessary hormones and enzymes. Compared to flavored versions, an unflavored protein powder offers excellent versatility. Pop a scoop into your favorite food or beverage for a barely-detectable upgrade in nutrition.
- Sources: Protein powders can be either plant- or animal-based. Protein from animal sources (which, in powders, often comes from dairy, eggs, or bone broth) is considered “complete,” meaning it provides all the essential amino acids you require from food. Only some plant proteins are complete, however. Pistachio, soy, and hemp are ones to look for if you’re concerned about adding complete protein.
- Independent Verification: While I wish I could say every protein supplement has been vetted for quality, that’s not the case. To guarantee that an unflavored protein powder really contains what it claims to, look for independent verification (also known as third-party testing). A seal from a reputable company, such as InformedChoice, NSF, NSF Sport, or USP, is an indicator of verified quality.
Important Note on Supplements
Dietary supplements aren’t regulated in the same way as medications, so they can vary significantly in quality and effectiveness. At Shape, we vet the best products by following our Dietary Supplement Methodology, carefully examining the scientific evidence and independent verification of each product. Always check in with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, since many can interfere with medications or cause side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is unflavored protein powder the healthiest?
Unflavored protein powders are often less processed than flavored varieties, since they require fewer ingredients to create. They’re also lower in sugar. Though these are definite points in their favor, that’s not to say that unflavored powders are always healthier than flavored versions. Compare nutrition labels to know for sure what you’re getting from any powder.
Does protein powder expire?
Protein powder is a food, so it does expire eventually. Its shelf life depends on the type of protein and whether it includes any preservatives. Most powders will have a “best by” date printed on their packaging. You can use this as a guide for when to keep and when to toss.
How can you use protein powder?
As supplements go, unflavored protein powder is about as versatile as they come. If you prefer to drink your protein, try stirring it into fruit juice, coffee, tea, or milk for a delicious and nutritious option. Or experiment with adding a scoop or two to oatmeal, smoothies, shakes, quick breads, dips, or soups.
Why Trust Shape
Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC, has been a nutritionist for over eight years. She has researched and written extensively about the role of protein in weight maintenance, exercise recovery, and satiety, and has personally sampled dozens of protein powder supplements. Her training as an NASM-certified nutrition coach provides her with a unique understanding of the protein needs of active individuals. And as a mom of three teenage athletes, her house is always stocked with the protein powders on this list.
