Find the right protein powder for your body – without the marketing noise.

We look at ingredients, protein quality, real-world feedback and price per serving so you don’t have to. Compare whey, casein and plant-based protein powders in one place.

See which protein powders work best for muscle gain, fat loss or everyday health.
Understand the difference between whey, casein, blends and plant-based options.
Spot red flags like cheap fillers, poor amino profiles and unnecessary sugar.

Our goal is simple: help you pick a safe, effective protein powder – and avoid wasting money on hype.

Top protein powders – side by side

Ratings are based on protein quality, ingredient list, mixability, flavour range and price per serving. We may earn a commission when you buy via our links – at no extra cost to you. Want to go deeper? Read our guides on protein for beginners, protein for muscle gain, protein for fat loss and when to take protein.

Shop	Product	Best for	Type	Key details	Our rating	Price*
View offer	Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Best all-round whey	Most lifters · everyday use	Whey concentrate + isolate	~24 g protein per serving, low sugar, widely available. Huge flavour range, mixes easily with water or milk.	★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 formula score	~$35 ≈ $1.00 per serving
View offer	Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Best for cutting & digestion	Lactose-sensitive · cutting phases	Hydrolyzed whey isolate	Very low carbs and fat, fast absorption. Great around workouts or when you want minimal calories.	★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 formula score	~$45 ≈ $1.50 per serving
View offer	MyProtein Impact Whey Protein Best budget whey	Students · high-volume users	Whey concentrate	Good value per serving, many flavours. Great if you go through a lot of protein each month.	★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5 formula score	~$30 ≈ $0.80 per serving
View offer	Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder Best for plant-based diets	Vegans · dairy-free · sensitive gut	Pea, brown rice & chia	Organic ingredients, no dairy, ~21 g protein per serving. Slightly thicker texture – great in smoothies and oats.	★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 formula score	~$35 ≈ $1.20 per serving

How to choose the right protein powder

Stronger is not always better – and “more grams” is not the whole story. Think about your diet, digestion and actual goals before you buy.

Check your diet first: if you already eat a lot of meat, eggs and dairy, you may need less powder.
Whey vs plant: whey is usually best for fast recovery; plant-based is ideal if you avoid dairy.
Look past marketing: ignore “anabolic” claims and focus on protein per serving and ingredients.
Start simple: vanilla or chocolate from a reputable brand is often enough.

Protein for muscle gain vs fat loss

The same tub of protein can be used for bulking or cutting – the difference is your total calories, carbs and training.

Muscle gain: use protein shakes to help hit a small calorie surplus and 1.6–2.2 g protein per kg bodyweight.
Fat loss: keep protein high but overall calories lower. Protein helps you stay full while dieting.
Everyday health: 20–30 g protein in a shake can plug gaps when you’re busy or on the go.

When should I take protein powder?

Timing is less important than your total protein intake over the day – but some timings are more convenient.

After training: a shake within a couple of hours is easy and practical.
Between meals: helps you hit your daily target without huge portions of food.
Before bed: casein or a thicker shake can support overnight recovery.

Who should be careful with protein powders?

Protein powders are safe for most healthy people, but some should be extra cautious.

People with kidney disease or severe medical conditions – always talk to a doctor first.
Those with allergies or intolerances to dairy, soy or specific ingredients.
Anyone taking medications where protein intake might need to be monitored.

Protein powder FAQ

How much protein do I actually need per day?

Most lifters and active people do well with around 1.6–2.2 g protein per kg of bodyweight per day. You do not need to go far beyond this – more is not always better.

Do I need protein powder to build muscle?

No. You can hit your protein target with food alone. Protein powder is simply a convenient way to fill gaps, especially if you struggle to eat enough or are on the go.

Is whey protein bad for my kidneys?

In healthy people with normal kidney function, higher protein intake has not been shown to damage kidneys. If you have kidney disease or other medical conditions, talk to your doctor before changing your diet.

Can teenagers use protein powder?

Teens who are training hard sometimes use protein powder to support their intake, but whole foods should still be the base. Parents and healthcare professionals should be involved if there are concerns about growth, health or eating patterns.

*Prices and availability are approximate and can change at any time. Always check the latest price on the retailer’s website.

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This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to your own doctor or dietitian if you have health conditions, food allergies or concerns about your diet.