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These Are the Best Protein Powders for Women, According to Experts
Here’s what fitness and health instructors have to say about protein powders.
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding protein powders for women. In its most basic form, protein powders are dietary supplements with concentrated levels of protein, which help muscle recovery and growth. But there is a bit of a stigma around these supplements, as most of us grew up associating the powdery substance with bodybuilders–mostly men–and gym enthusiasts. But in reality, “protein powders are a fabulous tool to help us achieve our daily protein goals,” says fitness educator Jenn Reed. “Women typically undereat protein and often struggle to meet their needs, and it’s something we need more of as we age to preserve and build muscle mass–our metabolic currency of longevity,” she continues.
The Best Protein Powders
Co-founder of Perelel Health, Victoria Thain Gioia, chimes in that “starting at 30, women naturally lose three to eight percent of their muscle mass each decade—a process that accelerates after 50,” making protein powders an essential part of women’s overall health. And of course, they’re great post-workout supplements, providing the amino acids your body needs to rebuild muscle fibers.
Protein powders have also come a long way since their early aughts. With a plethora of types and flavors, it’s easy to find a protein powder that suits your specific needs. From vegan to whey and beef protein isolates, we listed out the five best protein powders to consider including in your daily diet.
Pros
- Supports gut health
- Clean ingredients
Cons
- No flavor options
This protein powder was created by women, for women, with a holistic view on muscle-building and gut health in mind. “It’s doctor-formulated and designed specifically for women’s nutritional and hormonal needs spanning pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause,” says Victoria. “Women have different nutritional needs than men and require different dosages due to size and hormonal factors.” Containing five grams of non-bloating fiber, no artificial flavoring or added sugars, you can feel good about consuming this on a daily basis.
Protein per serving: 20 g.
Size: 20.74 oz.
Flavors: 1
Customer reviews: “The package arrived on time and in perfect order. This is a good protein powder. It doesn’t bother my husband’s stomach, the flavor is good. It mixes well. I like it as well. I would recommend this to anyone looking for something that won’t upset their stomach.”
Pros
- Clean ingredients
- No added sugars
Cons
- Certain flavors don't blend as well
This is one of Jenn’s favorite protein powders "based on minimal, clean ingredients and taste.” It’s gluten and soy-free and has no artificial ingredients. With 24 grams of protein per serving, the vanilla flavored whey protein powder aids in muscle recovery post-workout. “Whey is considered the gold standard in terms of having a complete amino acid profile which is important for muscle protein synthesis,” says Jenn. The brand has tons of different flavors, too, should vanilla not be your cup of tea.
Protein per serving: 25 g.
Size: 32 oz.
Flavors: 9
Customer reviews: “I’ve tried quite a few protein powders over the years, and this one has quickly become my go-to. The ingredients are clean, the texture is smooth and creamy, and it mixes really well, especially with milk (my personal preference). I’ve never experienced any stomach discomfort after drinking it, which is a huge plus.”
Pros
- Perfect for bodybuilders
- Quality protein
Cons
- Not for casual daily use
If you prefer an unflavored option, consider this grass-fed beef protein by Peak Performance. Jenn prefers beef protein isolates for mixing with foods, as it doesn’t take away from the original flavors of your cooking. This is a prime choice for bodybuilders and people actively trying to grow muscle mass. With protein derived from European-bred, grass-fed beef, you can expect high-quality protein in each serving.
Protein per serving: 20 g.
Size: 23.3 oz.
Flavors: 4
Customer reviews: “I have been searching for a clean, effective protein supplement, and this Grass Fed Beef Protein Powder checks all the boxes. Being lactose intolerant, I appreciate that it’s completely dairy-free, yet still provides a complete amino acid profile from a high-quality, animal-based source.”
Pros
- High levels of protein per serving
- Tons of flavor options
- Gut-friendly
Cons
- Requires tons of mixing, otherwise it chunks
Another one of Jenn’s favorites, this Equip protein powder is a great option for anyone experiencing frequent bloating. The lack of eggs, sugar, soy, dairy, and gluten makes this stomach-friendly. Not to mention, it tastes delicious–Jenn suggests mixing it with milk or water.
Protein per serving: 25.7 g.
Size: 27.2 oz.
Flavors: 8
Customer reviews: “I've finally found my holy grail protein powder with Equip Foods Prime Protein in vanilla. The taste is absolutely amazing—it's not overly sweet or artificial, which is a huge relief. What I love most is that there's absolutely no bloat, which is a common issue I've had with other protein supplements.”
Pros
- No animal products
- Delicious flavor
- Affordable
Cons
- Not many flavor options
This is the first protein powder I ever tried and have stuck with it for its delicious flavor, affordable price, and physical results. I have mild scoliosis, which makes my left back muscles overcompensate during workouts and as a result, feel tons of pain afterwards. Drinking this protein powder significantly reduced the aching, allowing me to slip right into the next workout the following day. It’s a great vegan option and utilizes peanuts, brown rice, almonds, and chia seeds for protein.
Protein per serving: 20 g.
Size: 20 oz.
Flavors: 3
Customer reviews: “I’m really sensitive to a lot of ingredients, and protein powders have been a nightmare to find for me. When I started realizing I needed plant-based I quickly realized most either they taste awful or they were still upsetting my stomach. BUT not this one, it actually checks most of the boxes for the perfect protein for me!”
How often should you take protein powder?
Most protein powders are safe to take on a daily basis, especially if they’re made of clean ingredients and don’t include too much sugar. The Perelel Triple Support Protein, for example, is a great option to blend into your daily morning smoothie. If your focus is on muscle growth, take your protein powder after each workout.
Which type of protein powder is best?
There are many types of protein powders to choose from. “Split into animal based, there is whey (concentrate and isolate), casein, beef protein isolate, and egg” says Jenn. For collagen and plant-based, “think soy, hemp, pea, and rice.” According to Jenn, whey and beef proteins are best used for muscle growth as they have a complete amino acid profile. “But it doesn’t mean the others are a bad choice!” She assures us. “My favorites are whey for post workout replenishment, whey and beef protein isolate for mixing with foods, and collagen to help with joints, hair & skin.”
How can I consume protein powder?
There are plenty of ways to consume your protein powder. Jenn loves it "mixed with water, milk, or foods like yogurt, oatmeal, baked goods, sweet treats, protein coffee, or ice cream!” If the protein powder is non-flavored, you can even mix it into mashed potatoes, sauces, or dressing.
Meet the experts
- Jenn Reed is a fitness and menopause educator, focusing on health eduction for women over 50.
- Victoria Thain Gioia is the co-founder of Perelel Health, a women-first vitamins company helping women through all stages of life.
Why Trust ELLE
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, writer Bianca Kratky spoke with two health and fitness educator about the best ways to consume protein powders.
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