Top Five Protein Powders 2025: Tried & Tested
As anyone who visits the gym knows, protein powders have never been more popular – and rightly so.
We at FIT & HEALTHY can’t get enough of the stuff. Whether you're looking to build muscle, recover faster after workouts, curb hunger, or simply boost your daily protein intake, these powders offer a quick, convenient, and effective solution. They’re especially useful for those with busy lifestyles, restricted diets, or specific training goals.
Today’s market offers a wide variety of protein powders, each with its own benefits. Whey protein is fast-digesting and rich in essential amino acids, making it ideal for post-workout recovery. Casein protein, on the other hand, digests slowly and is perfect for sustained release such as overnight muscle repair.
There are several types including whey concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate, as well as micellar casein and casein hydrolysate – each varying in processing and absorption rates. Plant-based options are gaining popularity too. Pea protein is a go-to for vegans and allergy sufferers, offering a strong amino acid profile, while brown rice protein is gentle on digestion and often combined with other plant proteins for a more complete blend.
We’ve tasted and tested dozens of them so that we can name the best ten powders available in 2025.
We don’t do rankings at FIT & HEALTHY. Instead, we can gladly recommend all five of these powders because they are the best you can currently buy. Now choose your personal favorite…
Optimum Nutrition has built a solid reputation over the years among fitness enthusiasts. It's reasonably priced, easy to find, and enjoyable in terms of flavor. Each scoop contains 24 grams of protein, combining whey isolate, concentrate, and peptides. Vanilla ice cream came out tops with our reviewers.
Though it doesn’t rank as the most minimalist protein option—there are blends with fewer ingredients—it’s worth noting that the Clean Label Project gave their approval to the vanilla ice cream version this year. Tests showed it to be free from harmful heavy metals like cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and lead.
Flavors: Cinnamon roll; chocolate mint; white chocolate; cookies & cream; mocha cappuccino; chocolate hazelnut; vanilla ice cream; chocolate peanut butter; delicious strawberry; fruity cereal; banana cream; chocolate malt; chocolate coconut; french vanilla crème; extreme milk chocolate; coffee; rocky road; strawberries & cream; strawberry banana; double rich chocolate.
Buy at Amazon: $67.99
Vital Protein takes a collagen-first approach, which may not top the list for muscle building, but it appeals to those focused on improving skin, hair, and joint health. What gives it an edge is the NSF Certified for Sport designation—an assurance that the product has been independently tested for contaminants and meets its label claims.
The blend features collagen peptides sourced from bovine hide alongside milk protein isolate. This combination results in a protein powder that's typically easier to digest for people with lactose sensitivity, thanks to its low milk sugar content. However, it’s still derived from dairy, so it’s not suitable for anyone with a milk allergy. The powder mixes easily into liquids without forming clumps and has a neutral taste that works well in smoothies—or even baked goods like protein-packed pancakes.
Flavours: Chocolate; cold brew coffee; vanilla; strawberry.
Buy at Amazon: $29.99
Orgain offers a complete amino acid profile thanks to its mix of plant-based proteins including pea, brown rice, chia seeds, and mung beans. It's certified USDA organic and kosher, delivering 21 grams of protein in every serving, along with 4 grams of fiber and some added prebiotics to support digestion. With 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it’s a little heavier on the carb side compared to other vegan options, but that extra heft can help keep hunger at bay between meals.
In terms of taste, the vanilla bean flavour stands out. It’s mellow and smooth, with a creamy texture that’s impressive for a non-dairy blend. There are no artificial sweeteners here, though most flavours do include erythritol and gums, which some people may find bothersome for their gut. Sodium content varies, and some flavours, like birthday cake, contain as much as 450 mg per serving—nearly a fifth of the recommended daily intake. If you’re going for iced coffee, it comes with a little pick-me-up: 60 mg of caffeine.
Flavors: Creamy chocolate fudge; strawberries & cream; cookies 'n cream; fruity cereal; natural unsweetened; vanilla bean; iced coffee; chocolate peanut butter; chocolate caramel sea salt; birthday cake; peanut butter.
Buy at Amazon: $30.98
Naked keeps things refreshingly simple. With just one ingredient—micellar casein derived from hormone-free skim milk—this protein powder is as straightforward and pure as they come. There are no added sugars, no artificial flavours or sweeteners, and no pointless extras.
It's cold-processed to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, and it's third-party tested for heavy metals and gluten. Each scoop delivers 26 grams of protein and a hefty 618 milligrams of calcium, which covers nearly half your daily needs.
We like whipping it up with almond milk, frozen raspberries and mango, a sprinkle of chia seeds, and a touch of lemon honey—it makes for an incredibly smooth and satisfying shake. Just keep in mind: because there's no lecithin, it doesn’t mix quite as easily as some other powders. A blender is definitely your best friend here.
Flavors: Unflavored; vanilla; chocolate.
Buy at Amazon: $99.99
If your stomach doesn’t play nice with lactose, Promix Grass-Fed Whey Isolate is a smart pick. It’s micro-filtered to keep lactose under 1 gram per serving – making it gentler on digestion. Each scoop delivers a robust 30 grams of protein, along with 6.6 grams of BCAAs and 14.2 grams of essential aminos. Thanks to a touch of non-GMO sunflower lecithin (less than 1%) – the powder mixes easily into liquids without leaving a gritty texture. We’ve used it in smoothies and baking – weren’t wild about the shakes, but the muffins came out great.
Promix also makes protein puff bars, each with 15 grams of protein, in flavours like mint chocolate, snickerdoodle, and blueberries & cream. We thought they were a bit chalky, but our partner really liked them – so they might hit the spot for some.
Flavors: Dutch chocolate; strawberry milk; french vanilla; unflavored.
Buy at Amazon: $99
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