The 10 Best Protein Powders for Smoothies of 2024, Tested by Our Experts

Finding the perfect protein powder to add to your smoothies can be a game-changer for your nutrition and fitness goals, whether you’re a bodybuilder trying to meet your macros or a yogi trying to build lean muscle. Drinking protein smoothies is a convenient and nutritious way to incorporate protein into your diet without having to chug one protein shake after another. 

Whether you prefer whey, plant-based, or casein proteins, our list features the best protein powders that seamlessly blend into smoothies, ensuring you get a great mix of flavor and nutrition with every sip. In this review, we’ve evaluated the best protein powders for smoothies to meet a variety of nutritional needs and dietary goals, while considering factors like taste, solubility, texture, formulation quality, amount of protein, and protein source.

The 10 Best Protein Powders for Smoothies in 2024

• Best Protein Powder for Smoothies Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Tasting Protein Powder for Smoothies: XWERKS Grow
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Smoothies: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Smoothies: Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+
• Best Vanilla Protein Powder for Smoothies: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein
• Best Casein Protein Powder for Smoothies: Naked Micellar Casein
• Best Budget Protein Powder for Smoothies: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
• Best Unflavored Protein Powder for Smoothies: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate
• Best Chocolate Protein Powder for Smoothies: NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Organic Protein Powder for Smoothies: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. 

How We Tested and Chose the Best Protein Powders for Smoothies

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best protein powders for smoothies, we’ve tested nearly 100 different supplements from some of the industry’s most trusted brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

We also worked with a third-party accredited lab of our own to rate and score a handful of picks, analyzing each product’s purity and label accuracy. Ratings for areas including the presence of metals, pesticides, phthalates, bisphenols, and overall label accuracy were based on how well each protein sample compared to others in the sample pool.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Supplement Testing Methodology page.

• Taste: From vanilla and unflavored to mint chocolate chip and peanut butter, we’ve assessed and rated a variety of flavors that complement the other ingredients that you’d put in your smoothies. 
• Texture: It’s not fun to drink smoothies with a chalky or gritty consistency. We’ve included picks that mix well in various smoothie bases so that you can enjoy drinking your smoothies without the clumps.
• Formulation Quality: With the help of registered dietitians, we’ve assessed the nutrition facts and ingredient lists to ensure the picks on our list include high-quality protein and clean ingredients without unnecessary additives or fillers.
• Protein Source: For each pick, we’ve identified the source of protein for you so that you can assess whether it’ll suit your dietary needs and preferences. Our picks include various sources, including whey, hemp, pea, whey isolate, and blends.
• Amount of Protein: We checked the protein content per serving to make sure each pick contains at least 20 grams of protein. If you need more than that to meet your nutrition goals, particularly if you’re bulking or trying to gain muscle, we’ve also got you covered.
• Macronutrient Profile: The best protein powders offer a balance of the three macronutrients – protein, fat, and carbs. We’ve included products with lower carbs and fats for athletes who are looking to cut weight, and products with higher fat and carbs for bodybuilders who are trying to gain weight.
• Third-Party Testing: While protein powders are regulated by the FDA as food and not supplements, it’s still reassuring to see third-party certifications and independent testing because that means the products are tested for purity, quality, and safety. We worked with an independent, accredited lab to assess some of our picks and also ensured many of the options were tested by third-party organizations like Informed Choice.

Best Protein Powder for Smoothies Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is one of the best whey isolates for smoothies since it mixes with ease and has a high-quality formulation to support your nutrition needs. Our product tester gave this pick a 5 out of 5 for its excellent solubility and states, “I like that this product has a very smooth texture. It mixes well in a blender, but I recommend adding more than the amount of water or milk that it recommends in the mixing directions.” Whether you mix your smoothies with water, milk, or a dairy alternative, you’re guaranteed to get a rich and creamy texture with this versatile pick. 

Overall, we rated this product a 4.5 out of 5 for its top-notch formulation. It’s made from whey protein isolate, which is a higher quality protein source than your standard whey because it is more readily digestible. (1) It also contains no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or preservatives, which is a big plus for those who prefer more natural products in their smoothies. 

However, our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., who is a Registered Dietitian, points out, “I love Transparent Labs’ formulation but the only downside is that it can contain up to 370 milligrams of sodium per serving for certain flavors. The high sodium content may not be ideal for those who are watching their sodium intake.” For context, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend keeping sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams. (2)

From a taste standpoint, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate contains stevia extract, which can taste bitter to some individuals. However, the bitterness can easily be disguised when blended with some frozen fruit and milk or a dairy alternative base when making your smoothie.

Additionally, we tested Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate with an accredited, independent lab, which gave it an overall B grade. This puts this pick in the top 25 percent of all tested supplements for heavy metals, with higher grades in the top 10 percent for lack of pesticides, phthalates, bisphenols, and label accuracy. While Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is expensive, it’s worth the money if you prefer a clean and nutritious option to add to your smoothies.

Read our full Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder Review.

Best Tasting Protein Powder for Smoothies: XWERKS Grow

If you’re on the hunt for one of the best-tasting protein powders to add to your smoothies, look no further and try XWERKS Grow. With sparkling reviews on Amazon and four delicious and decadent milkshake flavors, this pick doesn’t disappoint. Our product tester rated the taste a stellar 5 out of 5 and states, “I thought the chocolate flavor is just like Yoohoo chocolate milk drink! The flavor is perfect and just the right amount of sweetness.” The texture is a little thin when mixed in water, so we recommend adding it to whole milk, oat milk, or coconut milk to thicken it up – you’ll get a smoothie, malt, or milkshake that will satisfy even the pickiest palates.

From a nutritional perspective, XWERKS Grow contains up to 25 grams of protein and 6 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) including essential amino acids. The whey protein isolate in this product is cold-filtered to make sure the amino acids aren’t denatured. Whey isolate is a high-quality protein source that’s easily digested and prevents bloating in those who are lactose intolerant since it’s one of the best dairy-free protein powders. (1) 

Furthermore, expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “I recommend this protein powder for building muscle mass or for supporting weight loss goals since it’s a lean protein powder with 25 grams of protein per scoop and contains a good amount of BCAAs.” For these reasons, we rated this product a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation. 

The only downside to the formulation is the presence of a low-grade filler and thickener called xanthan gum, which isn’t helpful since it doesn’t add any nutritional value. It also might not be the best fit for bodybuilders or those who are bulking and require a higher fat or higher carb option from a macronutrient perspective. Overall, we think XWERKS Grow is a delicious protein powder for those who want to keep their taste buds happy.

Read our full XWERKS Grow Review.

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Smoothies: KOS Organic Plant Protein

We voted KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder as one of the best vegan protein powders for smoothies. First, it’s a complete protein consisting of all essential amino acids from various whole foods. This is particularly important for vegan athletes since plant proteins don’t always contain all amino acids (or don’t contain enough of a certain amino acid). (3) 

Second, it contains a nutritious superfood blend to help you meet your vitamin and mineral needs or address any deficiencies you might encounter while following a plant-based diet. (4) Lastly, the amount of protein – 20 grams of protein – isn’t too shabby for a plant-based protein when a lot of vegan powders only provide around 15 grams. For context, the USDA recommends 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. (2)

Expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. agreed with the high marks and notes, “I like that this protein supplement, despite being vegan, is a complete protein – it consists of pea, flaxseed, pumpkin seed, quinoa, and chia seed to comprise all essential amino acids.” The only area where this pick lost marks was its proprietary digestive enzyme blend, rather than full transparency on the label and ingredient list. “I would prefer to know the exact quantities I’m getting,” Bourgeois adds. Overall, KOS Organic Plant Protein received a score of 4.75 out of 5 for its solid formulation.

Vegan protein powders aren’t known for their solubility and KOS is, unfortunately, no exception. Our product tester gave the solubility 3.5 out of 5 stars and states, “I thought it wasn’t bad for a vegan powder. While it wasn’t chalky, there were some clumps at the bottom of the shaker.” We believe this is due to the larger serving size of two scoops rather than the quality of the protein powder. For best results, we recommend blending it with a little more oat or almond milk than you would normally put in your smoothie.

Read our full KOS Organic Plant Protein Review.

Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Smoothies: Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+

Looking for a clean plant-based protein for your smoothies? Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+ is made with 100 percent plant-based ingredients, including American peas as its protein source. Out of all types of protein powders, plant-based protein powders are not usually high protein, but this pick provides 20 grams of protein, 8 grams of EAAs, and 4 grams of BCAAs to make up a complete protein. While plant-based foods typically do not provide complete proteins, L-methionine is added to this product. (3) 

Expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. explains, “L-methionine is an essential amino acid. Our bodies can’t produce it on their own, so we have to get it from food sources like this protein supplement.” Overall, we gave Ritual a score of 4.5 out of 5 for its high-quality formulation, with some deductions due to its high sodium content. “Each serving contains 290 milligrams of sodium, which can be an issue for those watching their sodium intake,” Bourgeois adds. For optimal health, the USDA recommends keeping daily sodium intake below 2300 milligrams. (2)

Plant-based protein powders can often be chalky and not very tasty. However, Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+ is one of the best clean protein powders in the market – we gave the solubility a score of 5 out of 5 for smoothies and a 4 out of 5 for taste. Our tester states, “For a plant-based protein, what I loved the most is that it’s not too sweet or overly ‘green’. It’s great in water but even better when you blend it with some almond milk and fruit for a creamy, nutrient-packed, plant-based smoothie.” We deducted marks on taste because this product is only available in one flavor – vanilla – and may not be the best fit for those who like to experiment with different flavors in their smoothies.

While the price is expensive, Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+ is a premium protein option for those who desire a nutrient-dense and plant-based powder. Plus, it’s third-party tested and 100 percent traceable.

Best Vanilla Protein Powder for Smoothies: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein

If vanilla is your go-to flavor for smoothies, you’ve gotta try Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein in vanilla flavor. Our product tester, who is a former Olympian, gave this pick a 5 out of 5 rating for taste and notes, “When mixed with milk, I thought these protein shakes reminded me of vanilla bean ice cream. It mixes well and tastes amazing!” The vanilla flavoring is just right without being too overpowering or too bland. While we also enjoyed testing the unflavored and chocolate flavors, the vanilla flavor was our favorite – and we think it’s the best whey protein powder in vanilla flavor for smoothies.

Aside from taste, this pick received a formulation score of 4.25 out of 5. It’s made with grass-fed whey protein isolate, which is more digestible compared to standard whey. (1) Additionally, expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “As a registered dietitian, I think what makes this product stand out is its use of prohydrolase. Research shows that Prohydrolase can increase post-workout amino acid concentrations to help you gain muscle.” The only deduction to the formulation score was that the prohydrolase ingredient is proprietary, whereas transparency in the amount would have been nice to know. The ingredient list, though, is short and simple with just the presence of whey isolate, vanilla flavor, and prohydrolase. “Plus, Momentous Whey is backed by research and formulated with the help of registered dietitians,” Bourgeois adds. 

Momentous Whey Isolate isn’t the cleanest protein based on our independent testing.  While it received high ratings for being free from pesticides, phthalates, and bisphenols, and for label accuracy, it received a C score for the presence of heavy metals. Overall, Momentous Whey Isolate received a C score, which means that this powder is only in the top 50 percent of tested supplements for purity, label accuracy, and metals out of more than 150 tested protein supplements. 

Best Casein Protein Powder for Smoothies: Naked Micellar Casein

Casein is an excellent protein source for smoothies before bed to make sure you don’t wake up famished in the middle of the night or the morning. That’s because casein digests slowly in our bodies and research shows that taking casein can support muscle recovery overnight. (5) Naked Micellar Casein contains micellar casein sourced from U.S. farms with no other ingredients included, to make your smoothies as nutritious as they can be. 

As a registered dietitian, I also love that Naked Micellar Protein is free from fillers, additives, and artificial sweeteners while boasting a solid protein-to-calorie ratio of 26 grams of protein to 110 calories. This high protein-to-calorie ratio is important because while most individuals can get away with consuming about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, athletes often have higher protein needs of up to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram per day. (2)(6) Overall, we gave this pick a score of 5 out of 5 for its clean and nutrient-dense formulation.

Even the best casein proteins aren’t as mixable or tasty compared to whey. Our product tester states, “I mixed Naked Micellar Casein with the maximum recommendation for water and it initially dissolved well but then had some clumps. I also didn’t like the taste and would recommend mixing it with other ingredients to dilute the heavy casein taste.”  We gave this product a 3.5 out of 5 for solubility and 4 out of 5 for taste. 

Expert tip: To improve taste and texture, try blending this product on the highest setting with ice cubes, fruits, and oat milk or whole milk. While the product only comes in unflavored and is unsweetened – and isn’t ideal for drinking as a standalone protein shake – it’s versatile for blending with a variety of fruits and smoothie bases.

Best Budget Protein Powder for Smoothies: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder

On a tight budget? We get it – adding protein to smoothies can get costly, especially if you are drinking several protein shakes and smoothies throughout the day to get enough protein. Fortunately, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder only costs $0.88 to $1.28 per serving – with even further savings if you buy in bulk. It’s one of the best meal replacement smoothie bases when supplemented with other ingredients like fruits, Greek yogurt, and oat milk.

While economical, Optimum Nutrition doesn’t cut corners with this pick’s nutrient density – we rated it a 4 out of 5 for its formulation. Expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “I like that this formula contains a good amount of BCAAs and EAAs – and it’s low in carbohydrates with 24 grams of protein with every scoop.” With 24 grams of protein to 120 calories, this product has high protein content with low calories to support muscle growth while maintaining or losing weight as an athlete. However, this pick lost marks for its presence of fillers and artificial ingredients, which don’t add nutritional value to your smoothies.

If you like experimenting with different flavors in your smoothie, you’ll love this product because it comes in 21 delicious flavors. Our product testers scored a 5 out of 5 on taste for multiple flavors and the many positive Amazon reviews also speak to its great taste. Additionally, it has a thin consistency that works well with thicker ingredients. Our tester states, “I had no issues mixing with milk or water in a smoothie since the consistency is almost too thin.” Pro tip: We recommend mixing it with berries and Greek yogurt to thicken up your smoothie.

Moreover, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein checks all the boxes for its clean ingredients and label. In our independent testing with an accredited laboratory, we gave this pick an A score, which means that this powder ranked in the top 10 percent of all tested supplements for purity and label accuracy out of more than 150 tested protein supplements. Despite being a budget protein powder pick, Optimum Nutrition is a trustworthy choice for smoothies.

Read our full Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Review.

Best Unflavored Protein Powder for Smoothies: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate

If you are looking to increase your protein intake to support your fitness goals, but don’t enjoy the taste of protein, you may want to consider trying an unflavored option like Klean Athlete Klean Isolate. Rather than having added flavors that can taste yucky, this pick offers straight-up whey protein isolate in the purest form. Unflavored protein powders are great for smoothies where you want to add other flavors like nut butter or fruits without worrying about certain flavors clashing with each other or being overpowering.

From a nutritional standpoint, this pick contains 20 grams of whey protein isolate, which is easier to digest than regular whey because lactose is removed in the processing. (1) As a registered dietitian, I also love that this powder contains naturally occurring calcium to support your bone health and potassium and sodium to replenish electrolytes lost from sweat during workouts. (7)(8) I would score this product a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation, with minor deductions for the presence of sunflower lecithin, which is an emulsifier and filler that doesn’t contribute any nutritional value.

Our product testers only gave this pick a rating of 3 out of 5 for its texture because it can be clumpy when used for standard protein shakes. Our tester states, “When I mixed it in a blender bottle, I ended up with clumps on the side. I would recommend mixing it with unsweetened vanilla almond milk in a blender if you prefer a frothy texture.” However, it fares pretty well in a blender when used for smoothies compared to a blender bottle, so we still think it’s a great choice for smoothie recipes that call for unflavored protein.

We also rated the price at a 1 out of 5 because a price of $4.47 to $4.97 per serving is higher than all the other picks on our list – other whey isolate options won’t break the bank. Overall, though, if you are looking for an unflavored, clean, and nutritious option, it’s one of the best protein powders on Amazon with no fluff.

Best Chocolate Protein Powder for Smoothies: NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate

So, you’re a chocolate fanatic. When you’re trying to cut weight or achieve a leaner look, but love your sweets, a chocolate protein powder like NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate may have to be your new go-to protein for smoothies. We think it tastes like hot chocolate in a protein shake form, and it’s even better when mixed with nut butter, ice cream, ice cubes, and oat or coconut milk. While NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate only comes in three flavors, we think the chocolate flavor is delicious enough to not need any more flavors in your pantry.

We rated the formulation a 4.25 out of 5 for its generous 25-gram dose of protein and excellent macronutrient profile with low carbs and fat. We deducted some marks for the inclusion of sugar alcohols and low-grade fillers. Sugar alcohols, when consumed in larger quantities, can cause GI distress in some individuals. (9) 

Expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “I like the amount of protein per serving for this product, but it does contain a small amount of xylitol, a sugar alcohol.” Additionally, this product contains sunflower lecithin and xanthan gum, which are fillers that are added for taste and texture but don’t contribute any nutritional value. Plus, it’s third-party tested by Informed Choice Sport and Non-GMO Certification Organization for its purity, safety, and efficacy.

From a texture perspective, this pick earned a score of 5 out of 5 for perfect solubility. This means that it mixes well in all your chocolate-flavored smoothies, shakes, and malts. Our tester, who is a Certified Personal Trainer, notes “I like the texture – it’s not too thin or thick. It blends just like you would expect a protein powder should.” While we liked the unflavored and vanilla varieties, we’re partial to the creamy chocolate flavor for this pick.

Best Organic Protein Powder for Smoothies: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder

Seeing the word “organic” on the label typically indicates a healthier protein powder than conventional proteins. That’s because organic protein powders don’t use pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or artificial ingredients. Out of the many options available, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder gets our vote for one of the best organic protein powders for smoothies because it’s clean, nutritious, and contains healthy fats and fiber to support your nutrition needs. While any product can include organic ingredients on its ingredients list, this pick is certified organic by the USDA, meaning that it contains at least 95 percent certified organic ingredients.

While organic protein powders, especially those that are plant-based, don’t rate highly on taste, we scored this product 4.5 out of 5 stars on taste. Our tester states, “I saw that online reviews complained of an oregano flavor, but I didn’t notice it. It has a slightly grassy flavor from the hemp protein that isn’t too overwhelming.” As far as texture goes, this pick mixes well with any liquids in a blender. “It’s a good one to try if you want to use it in smoothies. It has some clumps, but it’s not grainy in texture,” our tester adds. In comparison to other organic protein powders that tend to be gritty, Manitoba Harvest fares pretty well.

As a registered dietitian, I love that this product contains heart-healthy fats from the plant protein blend: omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that our bodies need, but can’t produce on their own. Research shows that omega-3s support heart health among other broader health benefits around cellular health. (10) This is especially important for athletes who choose organic and plant-based foods since omega-3 fatty acids are typically found in high concentrations in fatty fish, which aren’t often found in vegetarian and vegan diets. 

Additionally, this product contains 20 grams of protein, which is great for a plant-based protein powder. For context, the USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. (2) I’d give the formulation a score of 4.75 out of 5, with minor deductions since the protein content could be a little higher. Overall, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder wins out as the best organic choice for smoothies.

Benefits of Protein Powders for Smoothies

There are many benefits of incorporating protein powders into smoothies: convenience, versatility, and ability to help meet daily protein needs. 

• Convenience: Many people like to drink smoothies since they’re a quick and nutritious way to consume the best meal replacements. Adding protein powders to your smoothies can come in handy when you have a busy and active lifestyle and don’t have time to prepare meals that provide at least 20 grams of lean protein.
• Versatility: Protein powders for smoothies offer versatility to meet your preferences and nutrition needs. From unflavored to decadent flavors, and from basic, economical whey to premium, whey isolate protein options, protein powders for smoothies can help make it easier to follow a healthy diet.
• Meet your protein needs: Sneaking some protein powder into your smoothie can help you meet your protein intake goals without chugging a separate protein shake. The USDA recommendation is for 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, but athletes who are trying to build muscle may need up to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. (2)(6) Regardless of your goals, adding protein powders for smoothies into your diet can help supplement the amount of protein that your diet provides.

How Much Do Protein Powders for Smoothies Cost?

Protein powders for smoothies can vary widely in cost. Budget options made with standard whey can be as cheap as $0.88 per serving, while whey isolates are more expensive since they 

go through a more rigorous preparation process and can be as expensive as $4.97 per serving. The overall cost per serving also depends on the presence of added ingredients like digestive enzymes, electrolytes, probiotics, or vitamins and minerals. 

Best Protein Powder for Smoothies Overall	Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate	$2.00
Best Tasting Protein Powder for Smoothies	XWERKS Grow	$1.97
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Smoothies	KOS Organic Plant Protein	$1.78 to $2.14
Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Smoothies	Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+	$2.13 to $2.67
Best Vanilla Protein Powder for Smoothies	Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein	$2.43 to $2.70
Best Casein Protein Powder for Smoothies	Naked Micellar Casein	$1.32
Best Budget Protein Powder for Smoothies	Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder	$0.88 to $1.28
Best Unflavored Protein Powder for Smoothies	Klean Athlete Klean Isolate	$4.47 to $4.97
Best Chocolate Protein Powder for Smoothies	NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate	$1.48 to $1.55
Best Organic Protein Powder for Smoothies	Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Organic Protein Powder	$1.30 to $1.36

What to Consider Before Buying Protein Powders for Smoothies

When choosing a protein powder for your smoothies that isn’t on our list of picks, consider the following aspects to make the best choice to suit your needs: mixability, flavor, macronutrient profile, ingredient list, and source of protein.

Mixability

Protein powders for smoothies can vary widely in solubility. Consider what smoothie base (2% milk, whole milk, oat milk, coconut milk, almond milk) you plan on mixing the powder in, and look for reviews that mention that specific base. You could also try to purchase a single-serving sample, if the manufacturer has one available, to see if it’ll meet your smoothie needs. A soluble powder should mix well without clumps or residue at the bottom or the sides of the blender.

Flavor

Depending on what types of smoothies you like to make, you may want to consider how the flavor of the product will blend with other ingredients that go into your smoothie. For example, vanilla or unflavored powders are generally more versatile than chocolate and can mix well with fruits and different bases. 

However, if you prefer a more decadent flavor profile for your taste buds, you may want to make milkshake or malt smoothies with protein flavors like chocolate or peanut butter.

Macronutrient Profile

Check out the protein powder’s protein, fat, and carbohydrates per serving on the nutrition facts table. As a Registered Dietitian, I usually recommend looking for a protein powder that contains at least 20 grams of protein, since the USDA recommends at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. (2) If you’re bulking, you’ll want a product that will contribute more fat and carbs to your smoothies. But, if you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll want a powder with lower fat and carbs while still high protein, to retain lean muscle while you lose weight.

Ingredient List

Look for a short and clean ingredient list with ingredients you can pronounce, unless there are added ingredients that are beneficial like probiotics, vitamins, electrolytes, or digestive enzymes. To keep your smoothies as natural as possible, try to avoid protein powders that are chock full of artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, or low-grade fillers, which can detract from the nutritional value of the protein powder.

Source of Protein

Take a look at the ingredient list to see what the protein source is – whey, whey protein isolate, blends, peas, brown rice, hemp, etc. Each different type of protein offers unique benefits to your smoothies. 

For example, whey isolate is rapidly absorbed and provides all essential amino acids with no lactose content, whereas casein is better for smoothies right before bedtime since it digests more slowly. (1)(5)

Protein Powders for Smoothies FAQs

References

1. Foegeding, E. A., & Luck, P. J. (2002). Milk Proteins: Whey Protein Products. Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences, 1957-1960.
2. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.
3. Harvard University. (n.d.). Protein. Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. Available at https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/what-should-you-eat/protein/
4. Bakaloudi, D. R., Halloran, A., Rippin, H. L., Oikonomidou, A. C., Dardavesis, T. I., Williams, J., Wickramasinghe, K., Breda, J., & Chourdakis, M. (2021). Intake and adequacy of the vegan diet. A systematic review of the evidence. Clinical Nutrition, 40(5), 3503–3521.
5. Kim J. (2020). Pre-sleep casein protein ingestion: new paradigm in post-exercise recovery nutrition. Physical Activity and Nutrition, 24(2), 6–10.
6. Nunes, E. A., Colenso-Semple, L., McKellar, S. R., Yau, T., Ali, M. U., Fitzpatrick-Lewis, D., Sherifali, D., Gaudichon, C., Tomé, D., Atherton, P. J., Robles, M. C., Naranjo-Modad, S., Braun, M., Landi, F., & Phillips, S. M. (2022). Systematic review and meta-analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 13(2), 795–810.
7. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2024). National Institutes of Health. Calcium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Available at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
8. Shrimanker, I., & Bhattarai, S. Electrolytes. (2024). In: StatPearls. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/
9. Mäkinen K. K. (2016). Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals. International Journal of Dentistry, 2016, 5967907. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5967907
10. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2024). National Institutes of Health. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Available at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/