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What makes a protein “clean”? That’s a good question that can be approached in several ways, but we find that the best clean protein powders tend to have a small list of ingredients — three to five is ideal — and are free of artificial, impossible-to-pronounce additives. Purveyors of clean proteins are transparent about how they source them...
The post The 9 Best Clean Protein Powders of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
What makes a protein “clean”? That’s a good question that can be approached in several ways, but we find that the best clean protein powders tend to have a small list of ingredients — three to five is ideal — and are free of artificial, impossible-to-pronounce additives. Purveyors of clean proteins are transparent about how they source them and don’t aim to confuse consumers with complex labels filled with tiny print.
Clean or not, though, protein comes from various sources that each provide their own particular benefits. If you’re looking to build muscle on a calorie deficit, you’ll probably want a whey isolate powder. If you’re vegan or have dairy sensitivities, a plant protein option is your best bet. Regardless, all the powders on this list provide the kind of protein boost that can help increase lean muscle mass, maximize muscle hypertrophy, and burn fat. (1) See our picks for the best clean protein powders below.
Best Clean Protein Powders of 2023
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 use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
How We Tested the Best Clean Protein Powders
BarBend’s team of nutrition experts, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts have tested nearly 100 protein powders to find the cleanest and most effective brands in a very crowded market. During that search, we stretched ourselves to sample supplements that source protein from a variety of different sources. That includes whey concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate proteins, as well as casein protein and many plant-based sources, such as peas, rice, and quinoa.
https://youtu.be/fnIBmAWa5dEVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: The BEST Protein Powders of 2021 (Best Tasting, Best for Muscle Gain & More!) (https://youtu.be/fnIBmAWa5dE)
Our testing methodology took into account several factors. First and foremost, we scoured each product’s list of ingredients to ensure it wasn’t reliant on GMOs, gluten, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners. We valued transparency in this process, and selected brands that took pains to clarify how they sourced their protein and how it was processed. Finally, we took account of its protein-to-calorie ratio and taste to ensure it checked the boxes of what we prize in any protein powder.
Best Clean Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
Shop Transparent Labs
Specs
Pros
Cons
As its name suggests, Transparent Labs aims to be as transparent as possible when it comes to ingredients and sourcing. You’ll see only a small handful of ingredients when browsing the labels of its Whey Protein Isolate’s flavors, and not a single one of them is artificial in nature. This protein powder is as clean as they come.
The whey isolate, which has been filtered to reduce its lactose and fat content, comes from grass-fed American cattle that hasn’t been treated with hormones or antibiotics. Its efficacy and safety has been certified by supplement testing labs like Labdoor and Informed Sport.
A lean powder that’s ideal for muscle growth, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate packs 28 grams of protein in every serving while minimizing the other macronutrients. Depending on the flavor, you’ll find between 0-2 grams of fat and 0-3 grams of carbohydrates. Calorie-wise, a serving contains as little as 120 calories and as much as 150. Those are good ratios for anyone looking to lose fat while gaining muscle.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is also notable for its surplus of flavors. While many whey protein isolate powders offer roughly three to six flavors, Transparent Labs lets you choose from 13. You can opt for basics like Milk Chocolate or Vanilla Bean, or get adventurous with Blueberry Pancakes or Mocha.
We loved the Peppermint Hot Chocolate flavor. “It’s exactly that,” said our tester. “All you need is some whipped cream and marshmallows to complete the scene.” We had no issues mixing, either. Several customers concur. “It’s not often that you find a product with both clean ingredients and a great taste but Transparent Labs has found the solution,” reads one five-star review.
With no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten, added sugars, or preservatives, this whey isolate powder is one of the cleanest and most protein-dense products we’ve seen.
Read our full Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate Review.
Best Clean Vegan Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein
KOS Organic Plant Protein
KOS Organic Plant Protein
This protein powder packs 20 grams of plant-based protein plus various superfoods, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains enzymes to aid digestion and promote gut health.
Shop Amazon
Specs
Pros
Cons
Since whey protein is sourced from animal products, it can be tough for vegans to find a clean protein powder hospitable to their diet. KOS Organic Plant Protein is one of our favorite vegan options, as it offers a complete amino acid profile with a combination of five organic, plant-based proteins: pea, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin, and chia seeds.
Depending on the flavor, KOS delivers between 140 and 165 calories per serving and packs 20 grams of protein, six to seven grams of fat, and six to eight grams of carbs (three of which come from fiber). You won’t find any soy, gluten, dairy, cholesterol, trans fats, or artificial sweeteners, though you will get a healthy dose of iron, which should be appealing to those on a plant-based diet.
Our tester calls this powder “unusually nutritious,” citing a bounty of vitamins and minerals that include Vitamins B12 and E, zinc, selenium, and manganese. We also like the digestive enzyme blend in every serving. The combination of amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, and cellulase allows for better nutrient absorption.
KOS Organic Plant Protein isn’t just a solid vegan option, it’s an excellent powder for anyone in search of a clean shake.
Read our full KOS Organic Plant Protein Review.
Best Clean Grass-Fed Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Momentous Grass-Fed Whey
Momentous Grass-Fed Whey
One serving of this supplement packs 20 grams of grass-fed protein with few added ingredients. You can buy a bag for $64.95, which is about $2.70 per serving.
Shop Momentous
Specs
Pros
Cons
Momentous sources its whey from dairy farmers in the European Union who utilize grass-fed cows untouched by hormones, steroids, and rBST. That commitment to quality has been recognized with certifications from Informed Sport and the National Sanitation Foundation, two of the leading sources in validating a supplement’s safety and efficacy.
Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein is one of the leanest powders on the market, delivering 20 grams of protein per serving with just 100 calories, three grams of carbs, and 1.5 grams of fat. A whey isolate, it was run through a cold and micro-processing filtration system that works to diminish its carb, fat, and lactose content while preserving the essential amino acids inherent to whey.
Momentous also adds a proprietary ProHydrolase enzyme blend to its whey isolate. Research has shown that ProHydrolase can produce elevated amino acid concentrations that contribute to muscle growth and aid digestion. (2)
The powder’s high-protein, low-calorie recipe makes it ideal for those working to lose fat without losing muscle along with it. It helps, too, that it actually tastes good. Though there are only three flavors available — Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored — we found the powder to go down smooth when mixed with water.
Our tester described the chocolate powder as “great-tasting” and having a “rich” flavor that evokes hot chocolate. “I would buy this and I’d drink it again based on taste,” they added.
Momentous will cost you, though. A 1.5-pound bag with 24 servings costs $64.95, though you can save a few bucks by signing up for a $55.21 monthly subscription. At $2.70 per serving, it’s one of the more expensive powders on this list. But with its certifications, filtration process, and smooth taste, Momentous has certainly earned its price.
Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
Shop Transparent Labs
Specs
Pros
Cons
Protein comes from two different dairy sources: whey and casein. Our favorite clean whey protein powder is Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate.
Whey isolate differs from whey concentrate in that it’s filtered in a way that maintains the whey’s protein concentration while dramatically reducing its fat and carbohydrates. This particular mixture delivers 28 grams of protein with only zero to two grams of fat, zero to three grams of carbs, and anywhere from 120 to 150 calories, depending on the flavor. If you’re trying to build muscle while on a caloric deficit, this kind of balance ensures you don’t end up drinking all of your calories.
You won’t find any gluten, artificial sweeteners, or added sugars in Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate, though it does contain 15 grams of cholesterol — about five percent of your daily intake. This is notable because there are whey isolate options with up to five grams less and vegan options with no cholesterol at all. You can also find whey isolate powders with a third of the 300 milligrams of sodium in this mix.
If you can live with that, you’ll be able to choose from 13 different flavors, which includes unique options like Vanilla Peanut Butter and Cinnamon French Toast. The appealing taste is a constant in five-star customer reviews. “Best tasting protein I’ve had,” reads one. Other reviews shout out the clean ingredients and smooth digestibility. Our tester enjoyed the taste of the Peppermint Hot Chocolate flavor. “All you need is some whipped cream and marshmallows to complete the scene,” they said.
We also want to recognize Transparent Lab’s customer service, which our tester described as “amazing.” Customers say the same. One five-star review noted that after receiving the wrong flavor, they had a “great” experience with customer service, who delivered a new tub of their preferred flavor “without hesitation.”
Best Clean Casein Protein Powder: Legion Casein+
Legion Casein+
Legion Casein+
Legion's Casein+ has more protein per calorie than any...
Click here to view the article.
The post The 9 Best Clean Protein Powders of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
What makes a protein “clean”? That’s a good question that can be approached in several ways, but we find that the best clean protein powders tend to have a small list of ingredients — three to five is ideal — and are free of artificial, impossible-to-pronounce additives. Purveyors of clean proteins are transparent about how they source them and don’t aim to confuse consumers with complex labels filled with tiny print.
Clean or not, though, protein comes from various sources that each provide their own particular benefits. If you’re looking to build muscle on a calorie deficit, you’ll probably want a whey isolate powder. If you’re vegan or have dairy sensitivities, a plant protein option is your best bet. Regardless, all the powders on this list provide the kind of protein boost that can help increase lean muscle mass, maximize muscle hypertrophy, and burn fat. (1) See our picks for the best clean protein powders below.
Best Clean Protein Powders of 2023
- Best Clean Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Clean Vegan Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein
- Best Clean Grass-Fed Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein
- Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Clean Casein Protein Powder: Legion Casein+
- Best Clean Budget Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein
- Best Tasting Clean Protein Powder: Xwerks Grow
- Best Clean Meal Replacement Protein Powder: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal
- Best Clean Protein Powder for Athletes: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein
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 use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
How We Tested the Best Clean Protein Powders
BarBend’s team of nutrition experts, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts have tested nearly 100 protein powders to find the cleanest and most effective brands in a very crowded market. During that search, we stretched ourselves to sample supplements that source protein from a variety of different sources. That includes whey concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate proteins, as well as casein protein and many plant-based sources, such as peas, rice, and quinoa.
https://youtu.be/fnIBmAWa5dEVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: The BEST Protein Powders of 2021 (Best Tasting, Best for Muscle Gain & More!) (https://youtu.be/fnIBmAWa5dE)
Our testing methodology took into account several factors. First and foremost, we scoured each product’s list of ingredients to ensure it wasn’t reliant on GMOs, gluten, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners. We valued transparency in this process, and selected brands that took pains to clarify how they sourced their protein and how it was processed. Finally, we took account of its protein-to-calorie ratio and taste to ensure it checked the boxes of what we prize in any protein powder.
Best Clean Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
Shop Transparent Labs
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2
- Servings Per Container: 30
- Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
- Grams of Protein: 28
- Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Blueberry Pancakes, and Unflavored
Pros
- This clean whey protein isolate has no artificial sweeteners, gluten, or added sugars.
- Its whey isolate comes from grass-fed cows on American farms.
- You get 28 grams of protein with only 120-150 calories and nearly no fat or carbs.
- There are 13 flavors to choose from.
Cons
- If you’re bulking up, this powder’s near-total lack of carbs and fats may not suit your goals.
- It has no digestive enzymes, which might be of concern to those with sensitive guts.
As its name suggests, Transparent Labs aims to be as transparent as possible when it comes to ingredients and sourcing. You’ll see only a small handful of ingredients when browsing the labels of its Whey Protein Isolate’s flavors, and not a single one of them is artificial in nature. This protein powder is as clean as they come.
The whey isolate, which has been filtered to reduce its lactose and fat content, comes from grass-fed American cattle that hasn’t been treated with hormones or antibiotics. Its efficacy and safety has been certified by supplement testing labs like Labdoor and Informed Sport.
A lean powder that’s ideal for muscle growth, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate packs 28 grams of protein in every serving while minimizing the other macronutrients. Depending on the flavor, you’ll find between 0-2 grams of fat and 0-3 grams of carbohydrates. Calorie-wise, a serving contains as little as 120 calories and as much as 150. Those are good ratios for anyone looking to lose fat while gaining muscle.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is also notable for its surplus of flavors. While many whey protein isolate powders offer roughly three to six flavors, Transparent Labs lets you choose from 13. You can opt for basics like Milk Chocolate or Vanilla Bean, or get adventurous with Blueberry Pancakes or Mocha.
We loved the Peppermint Hot Chocolate flavor. “It’s exactly that,” said our tester. “All you need is some whipped cream and marshmallows to complete the scene.” We had no issues mixing, either. Several customers concur. “It’s not often that you find a product with both clean ingredients and a great taste but Transparent Labs has found the solution,” reads one five-star review.
With no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten, added sugars, or preservatives, this whey isolate powder is one of the cleanest and most protein-dense products we’ve seen.
Read our full Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate Review.
Best Clean Vegan Protein Powder: KOS Organic Plant Protein
KOS Organic Plant Protein
KOS Organic Plant Protein
This protein powder packs 20 grams of plant-based protein plus various superfoods, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains enzymes to aid digestion and promote gut health.
Shop Amazon
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.80
- Servings Per Container: 28
- Protein Type: Pea, Flax Seed, Quinoa, Pumpkin Seed, Chia Seed
- Grams of Protein: 20
- Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Blueberry Muffin, Salted Caramel Coffee, and Unflavored
Pros
- A strong alternative to whey protein for vegans and non-vegans alike.
- Its five plant-based protein sources provide a full amino acid profile.
- You won’t find any soy, gluten, dairy, cholesterol, trans fats, or artificial sweeteners.
- The digestive enzyme blend works to help you absorb more nutrients.
Cons
- It’s high in sodium, constituting 13 percent of your daily intake.
- Its macro split is heavier on fat and carbs than other options on this list.
Since whey protein is sourced from animal products, it can be tough for vegans to find a clean protein powder hospitable to their diet. KOS Organic Plant Protein is one of our favorite vegan options, as it offers a complete amino acid profile with a combination of five organic, plant-based proteins: pea, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin, and chia seeds.
Depending on the flavor, KOS delivers between 140 and 165 calories per serving and packs 20 grams of protein, six to seven grams of fat, and six to eight grams of carbs (three of which come from fiber). You won’t find any soy, gluten, dairy, cholesterol, trans fats, or artificial sweeteners, though you will get a healthy dose of iron, which should be appealing to those on a plant-based diet.
Our tester calls this powder “unusually nutritious,” citing a bounty of vitamins and minerals that include Vitamins B12 and E, zinc, selenium, and manganese. We also like the digestive enzyme blend in every serving. The combination of amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, and cellulase allows for better nutrient absorption.
KOS Organic Plant Protein isn’t just a solid vegan option, it’s an excellent powder for anyone in search of a clean shake.
Read our full KOS Organic Plant Protein Review.
Best Clean Grass-Fed Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Momentous Grass-Fed Whey
Momentous Grass-Fed Whey
One serving of this supplement packs 20 grams of grass-fed protein with few added ingredients. You can buy a bag for $64.95, which is about $2.70 per serving.
Shop Momentous
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2.70
- Servings Per Container: 24
- Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
- Grams of Protein: 20
- Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored
Pros
- Momentous sources grass-fed whey protein from hormone- and steroid-free cows.
- One of the leanest powders on the market, with only 100 calories and three grams of carbs per serving.
- The ProHydrolase digestive enzyme blend may enhance nutrient absorption.
- It’s fully NSF- and Informed Sport-certified.
Cons
- At $65 a bag, it’s definitely one of the pricier options on the market.
- There are only Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored options.
Momentous sources its whey from dairy farmers in the European Union who utilize grass-fed cows untouched by hormones, steroids, and rBST. That commitment to quality has been recognized with certifications from Informed Sport and the National Sanitation Foundation, two of the leading sources in validating a supplement’s safety and efficacy.
Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein is one of the leanest powders on the market, delivering 20 grams of protein per serving with just 100 calories, three grams of carbs, and 1.5 grams of fat. A whey isolate, it was run through a cold and micro-processing filtration system that works to diminish its carb, fat, and lactose content while preserving the essential amino acids inherent to whey.
Momentous also adds a proprietary ProHydrolase enzyme blend to its whey isolate. Research has shown that ProHydrolase can produce elevated amino acid concentrations that contribute to muscle growth and aid digestion. (2)
The powder’s high-protein, low-calorie recipe makes it ideal for those working to lose fat without losing muscle along with it. It helps, too, that it actually tastes good. Though there are only three flavors available — Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored — we found the powder to go down smooth when mixed with water.
Our tester described the chocolate powder as “great-tasting” and having a “rich” flavor that evokes hot chocolate. “I would buy this and I’d drink it again based on taste,” they added.
Momentous will cost you, though. A 1.5-pound bag with 24 servings costs $64.95, though you can save a few bucks by signing up for a $55.21 monthly subscription. At $2.70 per serving, it’s one of the more expensive powders on this list. But with its certifications, filtration process, and smooth taste, Momentous has certainly earned its price.
Best Clean Whey Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
Shop Transparent Labs
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2
- Servings Per Container: 30
- Type of Protein: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
- Grams of Protein: 28
- Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Blueberry Pancakes, and Unflavored
Pros
- At 28 grams with only 120 calories, it’s one of the most protein-dense whey isolate proteins we’ve seen.
- Several flavors contain no fat or carbs at all.
- Choose from 13 flavors, including Blueberry Pancakes and Mocha.
Cons
- Its total lack of carbs and fats may not be ideal for some athletes.
- It contains more cholesterol and sodium than some comparable brands, though still not a sizable amount.
Protein comes from two different dairy sources: whey and casein. Our favorite clean whey protein powder is Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate.
Whey isolate differs from whey concentrate in that it’s filtered in a way that maintains the whey’s protein concentration while dramatically reducing its fat and carbohydrates. This particular mixture delivers 28 grams of protein with only zero to two grams of fat, zero to three grams of carbs, and anywhere from 120 to 150 calories, depending on the flavor. If you’re trying to build muscle while on a caloric deficit, this kind of balance ensures you don’t end up drinking all of your calories.
You won’t find any gluten, artificial sweeteners, or added sugars in Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate, though it does contain 15 grams of cholesterol — about five percent of your daily intake. This is notable because there are whey isolate options with up to five grams less and vegan options with no cholesterol at all. You can also find whey isolate powders with a third of the 300 milligrams of sodium in this mix.
If you can live with that, you’ll be able to choose from 13 different flavors, which includes unique options like Vanilla Peanut Butter and Cinnamon French Toast. The appealing taste is a constant in five-star customer reviews. “Best tasting protein I’ve had,” reads one. Other reviews shout out the clean ingredients and smooth digestibility. Our tester enjoyed the taste of the Peppermint Hot Chocolate flavor. “All you need is some whipped cream and marshmallows to complete the scene,” they said.
We also want to recognize Transparent Lab’s customer service, which our tester described as “amazing.” Customers say the same. One five-star review noted that after receiving the wrong flavor, they had a “great” experience with customer service, who delivered a new tub of their preferred flavor “without hesitation.”
Best Clean Casein Protein Powder: Legion Casein+
Legion Casein+
Legion Casein+
Legion's Casein+ has more protein per calorie than any...
Click here to view the article.
