The 10 Best Unflavored Protein Powders, According to Dietitians

Nov 05, 2024

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Including one from Jennifer Aniston's go-to supplement brand.

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There are hundreds of protein powders to shop for, but finding an unflavored protein powder that has a good texture is much harder to discover. Whether you’re adding them to a smoothie or making “healthified” baked goods, unflavored protein powder is a great add-in for a quick nutrition boost in the kitchen. “Unflavored protein powders are the most versatile and give you the biggest bang for your buck. If I'm spending money on a big container of protein powder and having it take up precious pantry space, I want to be able to use it for more than one thing,” says Kelsey Kunik, R.D., of Graciously Nourished.

When shopping for the best unflavored protein powder, you’ll want to consider how frequently you’ll use it, the serving size, calorie totals, type of protein, any sweeteners, or specific ingredients you wish to include or avoid. We sourced our recommendations from a mix of tested products and expert-reviewed supplements.

After our comprehensive review process, Eliza Savage, our resident dietitian and commerce editorial director, gave this a final review to ensure every option on this list is good for your body, health goals, and habits. Read on below for the best unflavored protein powders on the market.

Organic and free of additives

Only ingredient is grass-fed whey

Very low in lactose but not completely lactose-free

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

Naked Nutrition focuses on additive-free products, and this unflavored protein powder is a prime example. Crafted solely from whey sourced from grass-fed cows at Rumiano's small, organic dairy farms in California, it exemplifies simplicity and quality. With just one ingredient, grass-fed whey, Naked’s protein powder offers 25 g of complete, animal whey protein per serving, shares Veronica Rouse, RD. It’s a great way to boost your protein intake without any unnecessary ingredients, she adds.

Great value

No additives or fillers

Lactose-free

Bag can be difficult to reseal

Calories per serving: 100 | Protein per serving: 25g | Protein source: whey protein isolate

Crafted from whey protein isolate, this flavorless powder delivers 25 grams of protein in just a 100-calorie serving. It’s low in carbs and sugars and contains no additives or filler ingredients. In fact, it has only two ingredients: whey protein isolate and soy lecithin. If you’re on the hunt for a nutritionally balanced whey protein that won’t break the bank, we love this option.

Simple taste makes for easy mixing

Complete protein source

Gets frothy after mixing

Calories per serving: 85 | Protein per serving: 20g | Protein source: whey protein isolate

Flavored protein powders often come with added fat, sugars, and additives. Klean Athlete Klean Isolate’s unflavored whey protein isolate is one of the best bangs for your buck calorie-wise on the market, with a low 85 calories per serving. If you’re looking for a complete protein source while still keeping calories modest, this is likely a good fit for you. The simple taste and ease of mixability make this option an easy addition to a protein-rich recipe.

Hypoallergenic ingredients may help with digestion

Plant-based protein

Need to add carbs and healthy fat for a balanced snack or meal

Calories per serving: 100 | Protein per serving: 20g | Protein source: pea, pumpkin, and chia protein concentrates

Finding a plant-based protein powder with a source of 20 g of protein is challenging, but Truvani has done it. Clocking in at just 100 calories per serving, this product is nutritionally sound on multiple fronts. Plus, it's certified vegan, USDA Organic, certified gluten-free, and non-GMO Project Verified. We especially love the attention to hypoallergenic ingredients that often are friendly to digestion, too.

Informed Sport Certified

Rigorous monthly testing to ensure quality

Better fit for those who want a plant-based option

Calories per serving: 80 Calories per serving︱Protein per serving: 25g protein per serving︱Protein source: whey isolate protein

For top-notch protein powders, quality matters, as many may contain undesirable ingredients and undisclosed banned substances. NOW's Unflavored Whey Protein Powder undergoes rigorous monthly testing to ensure quality and is Informed Sport Certified, guaranteeing it's free from steroids and over 2,000 banned substances. This means that the product is tested and includes exactly what it claims – 25 g of whey protein isolate – an important process in an under-regulated supplement industry.

Complete protein source

Dairy- and soy-free

Slightly gritty texture from pea and rice proteins

Calories per serving: 140 | Protein per serving: 21g | Protein source: pea, brown rice, chia seed protein

Orgain’s Organic Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder is Melissa Mitri, M.S., R.D.’s top choice for an organic, vegan protein powder that’s also flavorless. It contains 21 g of plant protein derived from a blend of pea, brown rice, and chia seeds, no added sugar, and is dairy and soy-free for those who are sensitive to allergens, adds Mitri. It’s USDA-certified organic, and it effortlessly mixes into liquids without any unpleasant taste that requires masking.

Supports hair, skin, and nail growth

Low in calories

Not a complete protein source

Calories per serving: 70 | Protein per serving: 18g | Protein source: 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. No wonder Jennifer Aniston loves the brand so much.

Complete protein source

High quality grass-fed whey

Great value

Somewhat thick texture

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 provide 25 g of protein in a 120-calorie serving. Promix avoids gums and fillers in its 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.

Smooth texture

Derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows

Packaging made with sustainable materials

Certified organic

Just 12 servings per cannister

Calories per serving: 110 | Protein per serving: 21g | Protein source: organic whey protein concentrate

As much as we love a sweet protein powder, many options out there are loaded with sugars or artificial sugars that are less than ideal for you. This unsweetened organic option from Simply Tera's has 21g of protein per serving with absolutely no sweeteners added. The low-carb powder also comes in sustainable recyclable packaging, which we love.

NSF and Informed Sport Certified

Sourced from EU dairy farmers

Mixes with any liquids

Subscribe and save option available

Calories per serving: 100 | Protein per serving: 20g | Protein source: grass-fed whey protein isolate

If you're looking for an unflavored protein powder to help with gains, why not trust the brand that Olympians trust? Momentous is known for its high-quality protein powder and collagen powder offerings thanks to the rigorous testing conducted on each product. It uses grass-fed whey protein isolate sourced from EU dairy farmers and then tests this protein to receive both NSF and Informed Sport Certifications. What's more, this protein is then combined with ProHydrolase to ensure easy digestion. If you've ever experienced the protein poops, you know what a game-changer this is.

Protein powder expiration dates depend on the source of protein in the supplement and the use of preservatives. Typically, most manufacturers list a “best by” date one to two years after production. Store your protein containers in a cool, dry place like the top shelf of your pantry for the best shelf life.

Unflavored protein powders can be used in decadent or fruity smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, or added to savory dips or soups, Kunik recommends. We also like using it to make a protein coffee, mixing it with milk and whatever flavor of a creamer we’re currently obsessing over before stirring it into a hot or iced cup of coffee.

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.

Eliza Savage, M.S., R.D., is the Editorial Director of Commerce for Shape. She uses unsweetened protein powders every day to meet her daily protein goals.

Summer Cartwright, Shape's senior commerce editor, updated this story in 2024 with additional editor favorites. She uses Momentous protein powder in her protein shakes.