Expert Reviews: Ranking the Top 9 Unflavored Protein Powders

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While there's a wide variety of protein powders available for purchase, it can be difficult to locate an unflavored protein powder that delivers a pleasant taste and texture. These versatile powders are ideal for adding a nutrition boost either to smoothies or healthier baked treats. Kelsey Kunik, R.D., of Graciously Nourished, advises that when investing in a large container of protein powder, it's best to select one that has multiple uses.

Before buying an unflavored protein powder, one should consider the frequency of use, portion size, calorie content, type of protein, any added sweeteners, and any specific ingredients to include or exclude. This article compiles recommendations based on product tests and expert reviews. Following is a list of the best unflavored protein on the market.

Caloric content per serving: 400 | Protein per serving: 20g | Source of Protein: Combination of hemp, fava, and pea protein

Huel Powder v3.0 is an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritionally balanced replacement for standard protein powders. This vegan, unflavored protein powder provides 20 grams of protein, 38 grams of carbs, and 13 grams of fat per 400-calorie serving, along with 27 essential vitamins and minerals. Huel also offers an assortment of 'flavor boosts' to enhance the base flavor of the powder as needed.

Caloric content per serving: 85 | Protein per serving: 20g | Source of Protein: Whey protein isolate

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate's unflavored whey protein isolate stands out among the market's flavoured protein powders, which often contain extra fat, sugar, and additives. With only 85 calories per serving, this product also provides great value. It is recommended for those aiming for a complete protein source that is low in calories. The product's basic taste and easy to mix property make it a great addition to protein-rich recipes.

Caloric content per serving: 100 | Protein per serving: 25g | Source of Protein: Whey protein isolate

This flavorless powder made from whey protein isolate offers 25 grams of protein in a single 100-calorie serving. With low sugar and carb content and no additional ingredients, it is a balanced option for those looking for a budget-friendly whey protein.

Caloric content per serving: 100 | Protein per serving: 20g | Source of Protein: Pea, pumpkin, and chia protein

Securing a plant-based protein powder with 20 g of protein can be challenging. However, Truvani's product offering of just 100 calories per serving is nutritionally well-rounded in many aspects. The hypoallergenic ingredients used which are also easy to digest makes this a noteworthy product.

Caloric content per serving: 120 | Protein per serving: 25g | Source of Protein: Whey protein

Specializing in additive-free products, Naked Nutrition's unflavored protein powder exemplifies simplicity and quality. Extracted from the whey of grass-fed cows from small, organic farms in California, this single-ingredient protein powder provides 25g of complete animal whey protein per serving. Veronica Rouse, RD highlights its effectiveness in boosting protein intake without unnecessary ingredients.

Caloric content per serving: 80 | Protein per serving: 25g | Source of Protein: Whey isolate

For those seeking high-quality proteins, it's necessary to consider that several protein powder products may contain questionable ingredients and undisclosed substances. NOW's Unflavored Whey Protein Powder is subject to strict monthly testing to guarantee quality and is certified by Informed Sport. This certification asserts its freedom from steroids and more than 2000 banned substances. It provides assurance for consumers that the product label accurately represents its content - 25g of whey protein isolate.

Caloric content per serving: 140 | Protein per serving: 21g | Source of Protein: Pea, brown rice, and chia seed protein

Orgain’s Organic Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder is Melissa Mitri, MS, RD's top pick for a flavorless vegan protein powder. The product, which does not contain added sugars and is free from dairy and soy, derives its 21g of plant protein from a mixture of pea, brown rice, and chia seeds. This USDA-certified organic product mixes smoothly into liquids without any disagreeable taste that needs to be covered.

Caloric content per serving: 70 | Protein per serving: 18g | Source of Protein: Collagen peptides

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is an excellent unflavored protein powder supplying 18 grams of protein per 70-calorie serving. It blends easily with hot or cold liquids and contains no artificial sugar, dairy, or gluten, Amy Beney, M.S., R.D., CDCES, tells us. Collagen protein powder often takes on the flavor of the recipe to which you add it -- making it ideal for everything from smoothies to baked goods.

Calories per serving: 120 | Protein per serving: 25g | Protein source: grass-fed whey protein

Made with just whey protein powder and sunflower lecithin, an emulsifier, these two simple ingredients come together to provide 25 g of protein in a 120-calorie serving. Promix stays away from gums and fillers in their ingredient label. Unflavored whey is an excellent complete protein, and is sure to add creaminess to your favorite smoothie or protein coffee recipe. The grass-fed whey comes from cows raised on pasture and may be of higher quality than conventionally raised cattle and their byproducts.

As a registered dietitian, Caroline Thomason has 10+ years of experience in the wellness space. She has personally tried dozens of unflavored protein powders over the years and worked with many clients and colleagues alike who have strong opinions on these products. For this piece, she worked closely with our testing staff and dietitian experts to get the inside scoop about real-world insights on unflavored protein powders in a variety of categories.