Best Tasting Protein Powders: By 6 Wellness-Minded Guys

Looking to bulk up? Here's our lineup of the best tasting protein shakes on Amazon to help you achieve your wellness goals.

Note: Prices were correct at the time of writing.

1. Optimum Nutrition - 24 grams of protein per serving

By Marcus Johnson:

I’ve tried so many different types of Whey protein that’s out there on the market and a lot of them have a similar nutritional value but have a huge variety in their taste. My wife and I are addicted to healthy shakes and we drink these on a regular basis as part of our diet. I have to say that so far Optimum Nutrition is by far my favorite. Mainly because it doesn’t clump, regardless of whether or not I’m mixing it with milk or water, and that’s been a huge issue on a lot of these other ones. The price is obviously great, the nutritional value is awesome, but honestly it’s the taste that keeps me coming back.

Now I will say that in terms of flavor, not all are created equal. I tried a lot of different flavors to come up with a list in order to figure out what was my favorite. Personally, I hate fake sweeteners so that was a big no no for me. Here’s my list of the best out there if you’re curious.

Now each flavor is definitely different. Some are sweeter, some bland, and some are way too fake for my liking. So yeah, why I still love this brand above all the others I’ve tried, I’m going to be transparent with the flavors and make it clear that there are some we loved and some that we despised.

THE BEST FLAVORS:

- Rocky Road - Hands down the best on the list. Can’t beat it. It is a little on the sweet side. But unlike most sweet things, I could actually drink this all day every day haha. If you’re unsure which flavor to get, then this is it. No gross after taste either.

- Extreme Milk Chocolate - A pretty good option with no aftertaste. It tastes like chocolate and natural chocolate, none of that fake stuff.

- Natural Vanilla - According to Amazon this has less artificial sweeteners and comes with a natural label. I hope that’s true because it is definitely the best vanilla flavor I’ve ever tried. It’s not super sweet, but that’s how I like it!

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FLAVORS:

- Cookies and Cream - This one is a hit or miss depending on your mood, or rather depending on your taste buds. If you like creamy vanilla, then you’ll like this. However it’s kind of on the bland side. The cookie chunks in it also don’t dissolve – which is fine if you’re eating cookie and cream ice cream, but not if it’s a flavor in your shake.

- Chocolate Malt - I’m pretty neutral on this. Would say it’s just okay. The malt makes the flavor odd. If you’re really craving chocolate, just go for the extreme milk chocolate.

- Caramel Toffee Fudge - Meh. I think they tried to go for too many flavors all at once. It’s not bad, it’s just a lot. I wouldn't recommend starting here if you’re new to flavored protein powders.

AND THE BAD:

- Double Rich Chocolate - Terrible. Just atrocious. Fake as fake can be when it comes to chocolate. And not good fake chocolate either. Bad fake chocolate. Don’t touch it with a six-foot spoon.

- Vanilla Ice Cream - Total miss if you ask me. Should be pretty straightforward but it’s far from it. Aftertaste is terrible.

- Tropical Punch - Naturally this flavor would be the fakest of them all. I couldn’t even finish the entire shake. It’s like strawberry milk with splenda mixed in.

Obviously, everyone has their own taste buds and taste is subjective. If you couldn’t tell, I hate fake sweeteners, and I much prefer natural flavors. So keep that in mind, that’s my personal bias in this list.

A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:

Powdered protein typically overwhelms my shakes and makes me want to gag before I can even finish them. I ended up switching to premade containers but it ended up being so much more expensive. On a whim, I took another attempt at powdered protein with this brand, and I’m so happy I did! This stuff is the best I’ve ever tried. I love how many different flavors it comes with and I find that it’s the perfect balance of natural and sweet, but not too sweet. You can’t even taste the whey in it either! I like to add peanut butter for extra protein and even more flavor. You won’t be disappointed.

Buy it on Amazon today for: $41.99 with FREE returns

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2. Orgain - 21 grams of protein per serving

By Eric Mitchell:

What a serious great product, I just can’t say that enough. I use the powder and the premixed drinks, and I have to say I really love the taste compared to other products on the market. And that’s saying a lot considering that this is a vegan protein shake haha. The powder provides just the right amount of sweetness. I find that most whey protein is hard for me to digest, so I really liked that this vegan protein powder is an option. I also get extra amino acids from this powder than I would get from my normal diet.

The biggest thing for me with smoothies was getting rid of sugar. I used to be morbidly obese and protein smoothies are what taught me how to eat healthy. And finding the right protein powder to make me want to eat smoothies instead of donuts was imperative to helping me in my weight loss journey. I now understand that sugar that is natural, like the kind you find in fruit, is encouraged as part of a healthy diet and I love adding them to my smoothies.

I’ve officially lost over a hundred pounds in my journey and so I have a lot of experience under my belt (or should I say my steadily shrinking belt haha). I’ve tried a lot of protein powders and I have to say that I give this specific one a five star rating. I didn’t use this powder in a shaker cup, so I can’t comment on how good those are, but I did use it with three or four fruits and greens, with some juices added. I’d say my smoothies average about 300 calories each, give or take.

MY GO TO SMOOTHIES RECIPE USES:

- 4 ounces of Pom’s pomegranate 100% Juice.

- 2 ounces of lemon juice (I prefer concentrate for that jolly ranch taste).

- 3 ounces of coconut milk.

- Quarter cup of frozen blueberries and strawberries (each).

- Half cup of fresh spinach.

- 3 scoops of vanilla protein powder (yep–33 grams of protein!

Usually this makes a smoothie to be about 48 punches, and I think it’s good for two people, or as a snack can feed even up to six! I can officially say that this protein powder genuinely helped me lose those last pounds. I switched a lot of protein powders on my path, but once I tried this one, I never went back!

UPDATE:

I recommend ordering five of these every other month and use the subscribe and save program on Amazon to get an extra five percent off. Try it once alone if you’re unsure, but I guarantee you that you’ll be looking for options on how to get them in bulk and cheaper! Also, obviously don’t forget that protein powder and shakes alone won’t help you in your weight loss journey, you’ll need to balance out your diet as a whole and definitely make sure you get exercise. Effort and consistency is key, and obviously having a good diet is a huge part of it–especially when it comes to protein. So if you’re looking for weight loss that actually works, I recommend starting here.

Buy it on Amazon today for: $30.39 with FREE returns

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3. Premier - 30 grams of protein per serving

By Darius Hall:

Talk about a money saving endeavor! This premier powder has added the exact amount of protein to my diet that I’ve needed to make those extra gains. I usually drink this on my morning walks and then typically wait about two hours after the fact to eat my next meal. It has really helped set my days right and makes my body feel good right out the gate.

I really like soda and sugar and these shakes have really become my go to when I’m craving that sugar fix. And they save me money because I’m no longer spending so much on junk food. It’s truly incredible how little I’m spending on food now, and that’s a big statement in this time of inflation. They also keep me extra full in between meals so in general I’m just eating smaller portions.

Personally, I like to use a hand mixer to create my smoothies, but I think you can use a spoon just fine. I just like mine to have a little extra froth in it, so that’s why I go for the hand mixer.

Sometimes it feels like I’m drinking sugar when I eat these, but nope! Actually just drinking straight protein. It’s honestly made weight loss so much easier for me. I’ve struggled with about fifty pounds more than I’d like most of my life (I’m in my early fifties), and I’ve found that this just really urbs all my cravings–and I only drink them twice a day! If you’re on the fence, well, this is your message to get out there and give premier a try! I definitely don’t regret it.

A FEW WORDS FROM A NEIGHBOR:

I am so excited I’ve finally found a protein powder that I can actually drink without wanting to immediately run to the toilet and vomit up. Sorry to be so graphic, but honestly so many of these things taste like sand! Or cat litter. Or both! I chose the Chocolate milkshake flavor and I can honestly say that Premier his the nail on the head when it comes to Protein Powders.

I’ve been a lifelong foodie and (self proclaimed) fitness guru, so having accessible, and delicious protein is literally everything to me. I love food, but I’m super picky, so hitting all my nutritional needs is super difficult. Especially for things to actually taste good. I can’t believe how good this tastes and how much protein it actually has. Thirty grams is no joke, and it’s actually a game changer when it comes to my fitness journey and meeting my protein goals, and if anyone who has ever worked out any amount in their life knows, hitting your protein mark is imperative to maintaining muscle–and recovering from workouts.

I also love that it only has one gram of sugar. My girlfriend loves the keto diet, and the less sugar for that, the better. He is equally obsessed with this powder. Just a true five star product through and through!

MY BUDDY’S REVIEW:

Love this product so much. It’s great for busy parents who don’t have time for breakfast because the mornings are chaos. This way, you don’t have to skip eating altogether. Gone are the days where you have to starve. Not only that, but it gives you a caffeine kick! Yep. How good is that? Now you no longer feel like you have to run on empty either. I don’t recommend making the mistake I made and mixing it in hot coffee, but trust me, with water or milk, it hits the spot! And doesn’t clump up at all! Ten out of ten, great product for anyone on the go who wants to stop those Dunkin Donuts morning runs and replace it with something more healthy.

Buy it on Amazon today for: $24.99 with FREE returns

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4. Dymatize - 25 grams of protein per serving

By Charles Allen:

Hands down this is now my favorite go to protein powder! I’ve tried nine flavors and have listed them below. They’re not in any particular order.

- Chocolate Caramel.

- Cinnamon Bun.

- Chocolate Peanut Butter.

- Cookie and Cream.

- Cocoa Pebbles.

- Gourmet Chocolate.

- Fudge Brownie.

- Strawberry.

- Gourmet Vanilla.

In terms of what makes a good protein powder, I think there’s a couple factors. Does it mix well? What’s in it? How much is it? And does it taste like crap?

MIXING:

On this front, I have zero complaints–this powder mixes great. Almost too well if you ask me. I either use a shaker bottle with one of those metal shakers, likely mixed with water or milk, or make a protein smoothie inside my ninja. It has never once come out lumpy or clumpy, although some of the flavors come out really foamy (that’s what I mean about them mixing too well). I don’t mind it too much, but sometimes I do have to wait until it settles before I can drink it, so I’m not just slurping down bubbles.

INGREDIENTS:

I’ve found that there’s a lot less cholesterol in this powder than in a lot of the competitors on the market, and that's exactly what I want. Heart disease runs in my family, so I try to avoid extra cholesterol if I don’t need it, and I know that a lot of powders have that, so it’s nice that this doesn’t.

COST:

The price is great for what you get. It might not have the best variety of flavors, but honestly, the price makes it worth it.

TASTE:

Gourmet Chocolate is definitely the best if you ask me. Subjective obviously, but I've tried an extensive selection of chocolates. Overall, I’d say I’d give the taste about four stars, as the gourmet chocolate and cookies and cream are really the only ones that I actually enjoy. Cookies and Cream is super delicious. At this point, I’ll probably just stick with those two flavors. I’m the kind of person that when I find something I like, I can stick with it and enjoy it without complaining. So that’s good for me! If you’re seeking a protein that gives the best ever flavors, I’d say check out the Ghost Protein, specifically coffee flavor, but it’s a lot more expensive.

JUST FOR A LITTLE FUN, HERE’S MY PROTEIN SMOOTHIE RECIPE I HAVE EVERY MORNING:

- 1 scoop of either Cookies and Cream or Gourmet Chocolate

- 3/4 cup milk (preferably almond milk)

- 2 tablespoons peanut butter

- 1 frozen banana

- 1/2 cup frozen black coffee ice cubes (regular cubes work too!)

To get about 35 to 40 grams of protein, you’ll have a 350 to 400 calorie smoothie. And if you find the flavor you like–trust me, it will taste AMAZING. I do recommend mixing milk, peanut butter, and the protein together first. Then you can add the ice cubes and blend for an additional thirty seconds, or even up to a minute.

I always add the banana last as it gets a really nice desired thickness, and usually mix that for another thirty seconds to a minute. You’ll regret trying to do it all at once, mainly because all those cold ingredients don’t always mix great with everything else.

Buy it on Amazon today for: $33.47 with FREE returns

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5. Garden of Life – 22 grams of protein per serving

By Brandon Brooks:

Before I get into the nitty gritty details, I do recommend doing your own research outside of just reading reviews.

There was a lot on the internet about cadmium, lead, and tungsten being found in this product, but you have to understand the amount that was in them and that these are actually also found in many plants. In other words, it’s natural! However, the company refuted the allegations & did provide a formal response: To understand the issues, it's imperative to note that cadmium and lead are commonly tested and found in all food supplements and all food sold and manufactured in the United States. These metals, while sounding dangerous, are in fact classified as minerals. Minerals, like vitamins and other nutrients are found in our natural environment, air, soil, and water. Tungsten is not very well studied, but it is a natural mineral that is rarely tested and almost impossible to find a lab test for. As a result, there are no regulations for tungsten in food products in the US, Canada or Europe. This has never been a governmental concern and our scientists have considered trace amounts safe for human health.

I’d advise against being turned by fear mongering accusations. Research it yourself, so you can become an informed consumer and make your own decisions.

UPDATE:

After a month of using this protein powder, I absolutely love it! I mix it with almond milk & peanut butter and love the taste of it. It’s a little chalky but not in a bad way. The taste is great. It doesn’t have any animal products in it which I really enjoy as I’m currently following an alkaline acidity diet.

MY NEIGHBOR’S REVIEW:

Our eight year old son has ADHD and is an EXTREMELY picky eater. He maybe eats ten things, and his diet is super limited. It’s really hard to get him to eat solid protein, and fruits and vegetables? Good luck. I decided to try making him smoothies once a day, and when I say this is a life saver, I seriously mean that. Not only is my son less hungry, but his moods have improved, his energy levels has balanced out, and his doctor says he’s never been healthier. He’s finally hitting all of his nutritional needs and I can genuinely say it’s because of this protein powder! It also has the approval of our pediatrician, which is awesome! I love the ingredients, that it's organic, doesn't have sugar and comes with the nutrition my son would otherwise be lacking. All I do is add in a little juice, some Greek yogurt, frozen avocados, and fruits! Oh and some powdered supplements. In fact it’s so good, my wife and I now eat this for ourselves too!

A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:

I’ve tried a lot of protein powders over the years, and by far this is my favorite–specifically the vanilla flavor. Yeah, it’s on the gritty side, but the texture really depends on how you blend it. I like to use my shaker cup and that gets rid of most of the chunks. Personally, I don’t really mind the texture. And the flavor is good if you ask me. It’s way better than the sweet, artificial protein powders that I've had in the past. I might try the unflavored eventually, but the vanilla does the trick for me! It is a little on the pricey side, and I think they could probably fill it up with a bit more powder (might get a scale to see if it's accurate), but I’m still a fan.

Buy it on Amazon today for: $46.99 with FREE returns

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6. GHOST - 25 grams of protein per serving

By Joshua Davis:

I’m a fitness instructor, which means I have to try whatever I promote. So yeah, I’ve tried pretty much any trend out there on the market, and whey proteins are no different. I have to say that so far this is my favorite. Specifically, I mix the Ghost Protein with my favorite Kill Vice pre-workout. Talk about a game changer!

The Ghost Protein is absolutely incredible. It's not just the protein amount per service, it’s the texture, the digestibility, and definitely the taste. It mixes so effortlessly and smoothly, and I love that the variety of flavors is just absolutely enticing for the taste buds. I honestly look forward to it after every work out.

Combining these two products is honestly just a dream come true when it comes to muscle gain, protein synthesis and defining your body in the way you’ve been dreaming about. Since I began on their journey, it’s becoming increasingly clear that my muscle recovery is better, and my growth is quicker. My muscles are primed, and I’m given the building blocks for repair and growth. It’s honestly exactly what I’ve been looking for.

I also need to mention that I have no negative side effects that I have gotten from other pre workout supplements. There’s no crash, no shakiness. It’s just sustained energy, and my workouts are productive and really so much more enjoyable. And yes I drink this before and often after! If you’re serious about your fitness journey, this combination is a must to try out! Highly recommended!

A FEW WORDS FROM A NEIGHBOR:

My GHOST protein flavor was Cereal Milk, and while it’s different from a classic vanilla, it tastes really good in my overnight oats. I also really like Chips Ahoy, but was kind of disappointed to find out that it's just Cereal Milk combined with small mini chocolate chips (yes they tasted very similar). I wouldn't drink the Chips Ahoy in a shake as the chips stick to my blender and you have to tap it upside down. I’m gonna try the Cinnabon next, but wait until my more affordable shake runs out first.

MY FRIEND’S REVIEW:

So far, I enjoy it! The Oreo even has real cookie spots in it. I don’t mind the chalkiness texture because it still has a good taste, and I always end up mixing mine with vanilla almond milk. I can’t speak to what it tastes like without milk, but personally I think a little milk adds more protein and more flavor. If you’re unsure about doing that, I would recommend diluting the milk with water, but at least then you’ll still get some vanilla flavor. Just straight water isn’t as good. If you like Oreos, you’ll like this one. The chocolate one is also pretty tasty, except I usually save that one for after my workouts. I tend to mix it once or twice a week to keep different flavors on the menu! Overall, I definitely recommend it! Just keep in mind that flavor is subjective.

Buy it on Amazon today for: $49.99 with FREE returns