Protein powder is an ever popular topic in the world of health and fitness. There is great debate over whether protein powder is necessary and whether or not they are safe. Reviews.com have been conducting a comprehensive study of over 697 different flavors of protein powder, since 2015, to determine which are the best protein powders on the market. With the help of over 32 fitness nutrition experts, over 4,000 registered dietitians and hands on taste tasting, these three protein powders were found to be the best on the market. 

Before I let you see which are the 3 best protein powders out there, let me introduce you to Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD, CDN, CSCS – Registered Dietitian & Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Alissa was one of the RDs that helped Reviews.com do this incredibly comprehensive study and I wanted to ask her a few questions.

Hi Alissa, How did you contribute your expertise to Reviews.com’s study?

I worked with Reviews.com to craft protein prescriptions for different needs, based on age, gender and fitness goal. I also provided them with feedback about protein powder ingredients (both things to look for and things to avoid). 

Did you agree with the criteria they used to evaluate protein powders? Do you think they should have added anything else?

Yes I agree with their criteria, and I think they did a thorough job evaluating the powders on the market. 

How can we become more informed users and ensure our protein powder is safe?

Protein powders, like all nutritional supplements, are not regulated by the FDA. This means that oftentimes these supplements either contain something that is not listed on the label, or they don’t contain what the manufacturer states that they do. The best way to ensure you are picking a protein powder that is what it says it is, is to pick ones that have been verified by third party testers. 

Is there any reason to worry about the risk of heavy metals in protein powders?  

Certain brands and products have been found, through testing, to contain heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium in higher levels than recommended by USP. This is another reason to go with a brand that has been verified by a third party testing group.

These are the 3 Best Protein Powders

Without further ado, here are the 3 best protein powders!

1. Vega Sport – Performance Protein Vanilla

Source of below photos: Reviews.com

2. Raw Protein – Garden of Life

3. 100% Whey Gold Standard by Optimum Nutrition

Do you already use these protein powders? I have tried all of these protein powders; Vega protein powders have a lovely taste but I am not a fan of their texture. The issue I have with most protein powders is that they tend to have a chalky texture which seems to be inevitable with vegan protein powders. I am personally not a fan of the Garden of Life protein powder but I do like the gold standard whey.

I hope you found this useful and has helped you become a more aware and educated consumer!

Honestly yours,
Alice

Thank you for all of your support! For more Honestly Fitness, check out my Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest and don’t forget to subscribe!