My Fave Protein Powders

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Want to start using protein powder, but not sure which one to try? Here’s a guide for choosing the right protein powder for you, a list of my favorites and coupon codes.

One question I get asked all the time is what protein powder I use! I’m happy to share my favorites because I know how challenging it can be to find a good, high-quality protein powder that actually tastes great too.

It’s no fun to spend money on a huge tub of protein powder only to realize it has a chalky texture and has the flavor of wet cardboard. Been there, done that!

Whether you’re making protein shakes or making recipes with protein powder, the type and brand of protein powder you use will definitely affect the recipe’s outcome. For the recipes here on EBF, I always specify what type of protein powder to use because it does make a difference.

How to Choose the Best Protein Powder?

There are so many protein powders on the market. From whey, soy, egg white, casein, collagen, hemp, rice, pea, etc. If you’re new to protein powder, learn more about the seven best types of protein powder. In general, it’s hard to know which protein powder is right for you. It really depends on your dietary needs and how well your body digests the different protein sources.

I personally like using plant-based protein powders, but I will occasionally use whey as well for certain recipes.

Besides good flavor (which is one of the biggest factors for me!), this is what I look for when choosing a protein powder:

  • Complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.
  • High in protein (obviously) – I look for powders with at least 15 grams of protein per serving.
  • Low in sugar – I look for options with less than 5 grams of sugar per serving.
  • No artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame. I’m okay with natural sweeteners like stevia and monkfruit.
  • Free of soy, milk, yeast, wheat, and other allergens that often cause allergic reactions.
Collage of 4 different protein powders.

Why Use Protein Powder?

Let me start by saying that I don’t think you need protein powder to eat healthfully or lose weight. In college, when I lost over 20 lbs, I didn’t use any supplements or protein powder (I just ate healthy real food). At this point in my healthy eating journey I try to get most of my daily protein intake from whole, minimally processed foods like fish, dairy products, eggs, beans, grains, nuts and seeds. But protein powder makes for quick protein-packed snacks and on-the-go meals when needed.

I personally love using protein powder to help make macro-balanced meals and snacks. If you’ve been a blog reader for a while, you know that I recommend having every meal consist of lean protein, fiber and healthy fats. I love adding protein powder to certain meals (especially snacks) to up the protein level, especially after a workout. The extra protein makes meals more satisfying and keeps you feeling full longer. Some examples?

My Favorite Protein Powders

Two bags of Truvani protein powder, one chocolate and one vanilla.

Truvani

Why I like Truvani:

  • Super short ingredient list (almost all of their flavors have less than 8 ingredients)
  • Great nutrition facts
  • No fillers, preservatives, artificial sweeteners or stevia
  • Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, lectin-free and non-GMO
  • Easy to digest
  • Both the vanilla and chocolate have a great flavor and aren’t gritty.

My picks: Vanilla + Chocolate

Coupon Code: use this link or the code EATINGBIRDFOOD for 10% off your oder

Two bags of Clean Simple Eats protein powder. One chocolate brownie batter and one simply vanilla

Clean Simple Eats

Why I like Clean Simple Eats:

  • Great nutrition facts
  • 100% grass-fed whey
  • No artificial flavors or sweeteners
  • Soy-free, made with all-natural ingredients and a digestive enzyme blend.
  • One of the only whey protein powders that’s easy for me to digest
  • Third party tested

My picks: Simply Vanilla + Chocolate Brownie Batter

Coupon Code: use this link or the code EBF for 10% off your oder

Chocolate and vanilla containers of Nuzest protein powder.

Nuzest Clean Lean Protein

Why I like Nuzest:

  • Super short ingredient list (almost all of their flavors have less than 5 ingredients)
  • Great nutrition facts
  • Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, lectin-free and non-GMO
  • Easy to digest
  • Both the vanilla and chocolate have a great flavor and aren’t chalky

My picks: Smooth Vanilla + Rich Chocolate

Coupon Code: use code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order.

Container of Sun Warrior vanilla protein powder.

Sun Warrior

Why I like Sun Warrior:

  • Great nutrition facts
  • Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, organic, synthetic free and non-GMO
  • Easy to digest
  • Complete amino acid profile with 6 grams of BCAA’S per serving
  • No added sugar because it’s stevia sweetened
  • Delicious flavor – not chalky at all

My pick: Vanilla Warrior Blend

Black container of Active Stacks chocolate protein powder on a white kitchen counter, labeled with 22 grams of protein per serving.

Active Stacks

Why I like Active Stacks:

  • Only four simple ingredients and no artificial sweeteners
  • Keto and paleo friendly, easy to digest, and great for those avoiding dairy or whey
  • Naturally high in collagen and BCAAs for muscle, skin, and joint support
  • Smooth, dessert-like taste without chalkiness, with real flavor from cocoa or vanilla extract

My pick: Chocolate

Coupon Code: use code BRITTANYEBF for 10% off your order!

Two pouches of Equip Prime Protein powder, one vanilla and one chocolate flavor, displayed on a kitchen counter.

Equip Prime Protein

Why I like Prime Protein:

  • 21 g of complete protein per scoop with added collagen for gut, skin, and joint health
  • Made from grass fed beef with clean, real food ingredients and no fillers or artificial junk
  • Third party tested for quality and purity
  • Tastes creamy and blends well without a meat flavor
  • Can be used for baking

My picks: Vanilla + Chocolate

Coupon Code: use code eatingbirdfood for 20% off your first order or 35% off a subscription.

Can You Eat Protein Powder Every Day?

Yes, absolutely! I wouldn’t recommend that you have protein powder with every single meal and snack. I like to get my protein from a variety of sources – chicken, fish, tofu, beans, legumes and yes, protein powder. When possible, I recommend incorporating real, whole food sources of protein and using protein powder as a supplement when needed.

Can You Use Protein Powder While Pregnant or Nursing?

Most protein powders say to consult your physician if you’re pregnant or nursing on the package, which I recommend as well. For me personally, I felt comfortable using organic, plant-based protein powders and collagen while pregnant, but to be honest it wasn’t something I craved so I didn’t have it very often. I also feel comfortable using protein powder and collagen while nursing. Since having Olivia I’ve been incorporating more protein-based snacks and using collagen to help with postpartum hair loss.

Can I Let My Kids Eat Protein Powder?

I get asked this question a lot, especially because some of my recipes like the protein balls and protein muffins are something kids would certainly enjoy the flavor of. For me personally, I don’t make things with protein powder for my kids (Olivia (4) and Tucker (2), but if I’m eating something like a protein smoothie or homemade protein bar and they want a bite, I will share some with them. So I feel comfortable to an extent but it’s not something I give them on the regular. Of course it’s best to always ask your pediatrician as they will have more knowledge about whether it’s safe for children to consume protein powder or not.

Protein Powder Recipes:

Sharing my top 6 favorite protein powder recipes below, but also be sure to check out the full collection of protein powder recipes on EBF!

About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

More about Brittany
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94 Comments

  1. HI, is a quality BR protein, or HEMP protein suitable for a person on low protein diets? NOT bodybuilding. I have Chronic Kidney Disease stage 3-4, must eat easily digestible low protein, (no red meats..so I am mostly vegetarian) I have eggs..but dairy isn’t allowed much. I was considering Warrior and unsweet almond milk/kale/cucumbers for my shakes..getting 20-30 gr a day from Warrior, plus other. Doable for a 1500 calorie diet?

    Also HEMP has all amino acids, but heard it hurts kidneys..any info?
    thanks!!!!

  2. I have been having this vanilla protein powder. All natural native whey protein blend, helps me recover much faster than rice protein, which I have tried in the past. Would like to know your thoughts on this?

  3. Brown rice protein doesn’t contain all the essential amino acids, unless they’re added, which some brands do. But pure brown rice protein is missing some of the essential amino acids.

    1. Hi Kasey. Brown rice protein powder is not a complete protein (a protein that contains all 22 amino acids) on its own, but it does contain all nine essential amino acids.

  4. I use Nufinna which is collagen protein,it is 95%absorbable,the taste is amazing,I have experienced so many changes using collagen protein.

  5. Just as an FYI: Sun Warrior and other healthier brands of brown rice protein powders are testing high for heavy metals like lead. However, Sun Warrior has just recently agreed to work to lower the heavy metals in their powders. Check Natural Health News for more information about it.

  6. Awesome recipes!

    Feel free to check out theproteinreviewer.com , it’s got sweet ratings and reviews on all protein powders.

  7. Have you tried making protein pancakes or any other Tone it Up recipes with Sun Warrior? If so did it work and taste good? 🙂

  8. Nice write up Brittany. I was wondering if there is any particular reason why you prefer brown rice protein over hemp protein?

    Just curious…

    Regards,

    Adam

  9. Sun Warrior products are NOT certified organic. This is very curious in lieu of how they claim their products are produced. I think your readers should just be aware that Sun Warrior is NOT organic and may choose to opt for an organic option instead.

    Thanks