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Best Whey Protein Isolate Powders of 2024
Winner - Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Milk Chocolate
Whether your goals are building muscle, shredding fat, or maintaining cardiovascular health, getting enough protein can be tough for many people. I didn’t know I was protein deficient until I plugged my numbers into a protein calculator! With my body mass and fitness goals, I should eat at least 200 G of protein daily, which can be tough to get through meals and snacks alone. However, it is totally achievable with the help of whey protein isolate.
There are several kinds of protein, and I prefer whey isolate due to how it’s processed. Isolate is processed a bit more than other forms of protein. This results in whey protein isolate having higher protein content and lower fat and carbohydrates per serving.
With the massive amount of online options, it can be tricky to find the right whey isolate. Which whey isolate provides tons of protein per serving? Which is the most affordable and provides a hefty amount of servings?
Also, which protein powder tastes the best and is high-quality?
After ordering, tasting, and researching, I have picked nine GREAT options and ranked them for you.
Without further ado…(drumroll, please)... I present the best Whey Protein Isolate Powders of 2024!
What I loved:
- Smooth texture
- Great flavor
- Mixes easily
- 30 G of protein per serving
- Made In A GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
- 3rd-party tested
- Straightforward formula
- 62 servings
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Only $66.38 per tub
What could be better:
- Not everyone likes Milk Chocolate
- Big tub takes up space in the kitchen
What I loved:
The texture was nice and smooth. I shook the powder in my bottle with water for about 20 seconds, and it dissolved with no problem. The protein drink had just a tiny bit of foam on top, not too much.
The price is right for a 65-serving tub at just $66.38. That is a really good price for the extra high quality that Nutricost provides. This will last about 2 months if you take the suggested one scoop per day – longer if you only take this on workout days. The price drops even more if you get a subscribe and save option on Amazon!
Each scoop provides 30 G of protein, which is slightly above average for whey protein isolate. Most have 25 - 27 G per scoop, which is part of why this is a great deal! Nutricost isolate is about 140 calories per serving, which is reasonable for the 30 G of protein. The formula is just the protein and flavor - no unnecessary fillers added here.
In my research, I noticed that most brands are lab or 3rd party tested for quality, but not all are made in a certified GMP-registered facility. Nutricost has top-tier products independently tested by a 3rd party to ensure purity and potency, AND their facility is GMP-compliant and FDA-registered. This was yet another reason why they are number one on my list.
Last thing - the scooper is optimized for pouring into a shaker. Some others are odd square or parallelogram shapes that result in spilling that precious protein powder! Nutricost has the perfect size and is easy to mix without spilling.
What could be better:
I realize that not everyone likes Milk Chocolate as much as I do. If you’re not into Milk Chocolate, check out the Nutricost flavored powders on this list.
Also, not everyone has room for this giant tub of powder. Nutricost does offer smaller tubs, though!
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Foamy + smooth texture
- Delicious Vanilla Creme Brulee Flavor
- Mixes easily
- 25 Grams Of Instantized Whey Protein Isolate
- Made In A GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
- 3rd-party tested
- Straightforward formula
- Weeks worth of servings, 7 servings
What could be better:
- Instead of stick packs, in form of a small bottle
- Slightly higher price point at $14.99 for tub
What I loved:
There is lots to love here. If you don’t have room for a bigger container, this 7 oz tub is perfect.
I ordered the Vanilla Creme Brulee, and I loved it. Transform HQ's Vanilla Creme Brulee has a super tasty Creme Brulee that isn't too sweet. It mixes well in the shaker bottle and was a bit foamy, but not too much. I thought it was totally delicious. Each serving provides 25 G of instantized whey isolate, which is probably why it mixes so easily. It also has just 120 calories.
Transform’s formula has no extra sugars, which is nice and straightforward. There is zero fat (just 0.5 grams per serving) and trace amounts of carbs, sodium, calcium, and potassium. I like that there are no fillers or unnecessary ingredients.
The last thing I love about Transform HQ’s whey protein isolate is the high-quality product. Transform HQ has gone the extra mile to manufacture its product in a state-of-the-art facility. Their protein isolate is manufactured in a GMP-compliant and FDA-registered facility. This definitely makes them shine bright on the market.
What could be better:
I realize that not everyone likes Vanilla Creme Brulee as much as I do. If you’re not into the Vanilla Creme Brulee, check out 4 other delicious flavors on this list.
Also, not everyone likes the smaller tubs, and would prefer a bigger tub, which TransformHQ offers if you like this flavor.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Foamy + smooth texture
- Delicious vanilla flavor, also available in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and coconut
- Mixes easily
- 20 Grams Of Instantized Whey Protein Isolate
- Made In A GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
- 3rd-party tested
- Straightforward formula
- Great packaging and naming
What could be better:
- Only 20 grams of protein
- Slightly higher price point at $40.00 for 1.7 lb tub
What I loved:
Okay, so there is lots to love here. If you don’t have room for a big 5LB container, this 1.7LB tub is perfect.
Wellah is a new and upcoming brand, and after tasting this sweet vanilla flavor, it has a bright future. I ordered the vanilla flavor, and really enjoyed it. It mixes well in the shaker bottle and was a bit foamy, but not too much. I thought it was totally delicious. Each serving provides 20 G of protein, which is probably why it mixes so easily. It also has just 100 calories.
Wellah's protein powder is naturally flavored and is sweetened with stevia, which is nice and straightforward. There is zero fat (just 0.5 grams per serving) and trace amounts of carbs, iron, calcium, and potassium. I like that there are no fillers or unnecessary ingredients.
The thing I love about Wellah's whey protein isolate is that it is such a high-quality product. Wellah manufacture's its product in a state-of-the-art facility. Their protein isolate is manufactured in a GMP-compliant and FDA-registered facility. This definitely makes them shine bright on the market!
What could be better:
While I like the smaller tubs, they are slightly less cost-effective. This tub has 30 servings, which could last for four weeks if you take one scoop per day, and the tub costs $40. When you look at the overall price, it is super affordable for a tub of protein isolate. When it comes to the price per serving, it is more than other brands on this list at $1.33 per serving.
Remember, if you’re tight on space in your pantry, the 2-lb tub of protein makes way more sense than the bigger 5-lbs. It just depends on your top factors for making a purchase.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Smooth texture
- Subtle flavor
- Mixes easily
- 25 G of protein per serving
- Made In A GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
- 3rd-party tested
- Straightforward formula
- Only $39.50
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Only 120 calories per serving
What could be better:
- Only 29 servings
What I loved:
Primaforce has a low-key delicious chocolate protein isolate option. I mixed it up easily with 10 ounces of water, which was really smooth to drink. The flavor is not super sweet, which is my preference! I don’t like overpowering sugary flavors. If you like a stronger flavor, you can always mix it with your favorite extras in a blender.
This is a great price for 29 servings in a tub - just $39.50. That's $1.36 per scoop, which is good for a 2-lb tub.
Primaforce has a good formula that has been 3rd-party tested. There are no unnecessary ingredients or fillers to hike the price– just 120 calories per scoop.
Additionally, Primaforce has taken the time to manufacture its whey protein isolate in an FDA-approved and GMP-compliant facility. This definitely helps Primaforce stand out as a top-tier brand.
What could be better:
Since there are only 29 servings, this tub won’t last as long as others. However, it does mean that this tub won’t take up as much space in your cupboard!
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- 25 Grams of Instantized Whey Protein Isolate
- Scooper tray on top to prevent losing the scooper
- Great Chocolate Flavor
- $39.99
- Lab Tested
- Highly Rated on Amazon
- Lab tested
- Manufactured in a certified GMP facility
What could be better:
- Can be out of stock
- Mixability
What I loved:
TransformHQ has a GREAT flavor. I mixed it with milk in my shaker, and it was really good on its own. With so many chocolate options, this was one of the best tasting chocolate flavors I've tasted. It’s a little sweeter than other powders, but I liked it.
TransformHQ has a great price for the 28 servings, only $39.99 for a 2-lb tub. It's made in a GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility, and has 25 G of protein per serving.
What could be better:
Right after I ordered this, I checked the listing on Amazon, and it went out of stock. I think this flavor is super popular, so I guess it's delicious and in high demand. I'm sure it will be back in stock soon, though.
Lastly, if I'm being super nit-picky, while this did mix okay, it didn't mix as well as some of the top proteins on this list.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- $66.94 – but I got it on sale!
- Formula includes digestive enzymes
- 25 G of protein per scoop
- No artificial colors
- Made In A GMP Compliant, FDA Registered Facility
- 3rd-party tested
- Smooth mix
What could be better:
- Only 54 servings
What I loved:
Animal has a unique formula that includes digestive enzymes, making it easier for your body to use. They also note that there are naturally occurring BCAAs. Each scoop has 25 G of protein and only 124 calories.
I shook the powder with water in my shaker bottle, and it was a pretty smooth shake. The chocolate flavor was good - not overpowering and just a little sweet. The label says that there are no artificial colors in the formula. Making a shake with more mix-ins in the blender would be easy.
This powder is 3rd-party tested for quality. Additionally, it’s manufactured in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility. The original price is $66.94, but I got it for under $60. Even the full price is a pretty good deal, considering that some whey protein isolate powders cost upwards of $95 for 4-5LBs of powder.
What could be better:
Since this is only 4 LBs, there are slightly fewer servings than other tubs - only 54 instead of 60 or 75. It’s not a big deal, just something to note!
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- $72.94 - but I got it on sale.
- 25 G protein per scoop
- 81 servings per tub
- Only 110 calories per scoop
- Soy-free
- GMP certified facility
- Lab tested
What could be better:
- Funny shaped scooper
- Bitter chocolate flavor
What I loved:
Compared to the rest on this list, Now Sports whey isolate has the lowest number of calories per scoop. That is a huge plus. The label lists all of the naturally occurring BCAAs, but none are added. The formula is similar to most on this list - isolate and flavor ingredients.
Now Sports shines in the servings department. 81 servings in one tub is a nice big number. This tub will last well over two months, possibly up to 3, depending on how often you take a scoop of protein powder. That helps make this a GREAT deal, financially. The whole tub costs $72.94, which is great considering how many servings you get.
Lastly, Now Sports is lab-tested and GMP-certified for quality. This helps customers know they can trust the brand to be the absolute best.
What could be better:
I gotta be honest. This was not my favorite chocolate flavor. I think that’s because of the BCAAs. It was pretty bitter for chocolate, so if I had this, I would probably blend it with almond milk or add mix-ins every time to make it more enjoyable.
Also, the scooper is not optimized for pouring into a shaker bottle. It’s square-ish, and I had difficulty not spilling the powder.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Soft container
- 3rd party tested
- Kosher
- Follows FDA standards in GMP-compliant facility
- 94 servings
- 24 G protein per scoop
- Hormone-free
- Grass-fed
What could be better:
- $98.99 - but I got it for less than this.
- The cappuccino flavor is not my favorite
What I loved:
Muscle Feast has really high-quality powder. Don’t be deterred by the price. This soft container has so many servings - over three months' worth. 94 servings per container is definitely the highest I’ve seen for a 5 LB container.
These ingredients come from grass-fed, hormone-free cows. Everything is manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility that also follows FDA regulations. Muscle Feast has made sure this dairy-based product is kosher as well.
Last piece of good news - only 88 calories per scoop.
What could be better:
As a coffee lover, I was excited about this flavor. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite do it for me. I only mixed it with water, so it might be much better with almond milk, oat milk, or yogurt. To be fair, the label does recommend using milk to mix up this powder.
This is a slightly fancier bells-and-whistles supplement powder, which is reflected in an increased price of $98.99. While some may not be inclined to pay the higher price, remember that you get a long-lasting amount of servings
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Great Flavor
- 3rd Party Tested
- 75 servings
- 25 G protein per serving
- No added sugar and no additives
- GMP and FDA-inspected facility
What could be better:
- Slightly Higher Price at $99.99
What I loved:
This is a unique and delicious flavor. I really liked the cinnamon sugar flavor; it’s not too sweet but definitely tastes like a cinnamon donut. The tub comes with 75 servings, which can last over two months.
Each serving provides 25 G of protein, which is standard. The powder is tested for purity by a 3rd-party and manufactured in a GMP and FDA-inspected facility. The quality is nice and high – and only 110 calories per scoop.
What could be better:
At $99.99, this is one of the more expensive powders on my list. If price is your main concern when purchasing protein powder, then this may not be for you. However, it does have 75 servings, and the great flavor is definitely worth the price for me.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
What I loved:
- Price - $64.99
- 24 G protein per serving
- No fillers
- Gluten-free
- Includes 4G of glutamine
What could be better:
- Clumpy Texture
What I loved:
So, this one definitely has a good price and a focused formula. In addition to the protein, there are 4 G of glutamine in each Muscle Tech whey protein isolate serving. There are no fillers in this formula, and it’s gluten-free.
Like I said, the price is right. It’s only $64.99 for approximately 69 servings, which means each serving costs less than $1. That is definitely a long-lasting supply and a competitive price.
What could be better:
The flavor was more of a cookie flavor than a cookies and cream, but my real point for improvement is the texture. The powder looked a bit clumpy to me when I first looked at it. When I shook it in the shaker bottle with water - per the directions- it didn’t get the smooth shake consistency that I was looking for. While it is a great deal, it wasn’t my favorite texture.
*Individual Results May Vary - Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product's website for more information.
The Winner is Nutricost.
The Winner is Nutricost.
With a strong brand reputation, a killer price, 60 servings per tub, GREAT chocolate flavor, and high-quality assurance because it is made in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility, Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate gets my #1 ranking by a big margin.
My Review Process
Here are the factors I considered for this review after researching, ordering, and trying them:
- Formula
- Quality
- Pricing
- Flavor
Here's why those 4 factors above were extremely important to me when it came to ranking the top ten Whey Protein Isolate powders:
1. Formula
With so many different products available, I wanted to take into account what exactly is in each powder.
2. Overall Quality
In the supplement world, things seem like they have the potential to get a little crazy. That's why brand reputation is such a big factor for me. That said, I took into consideration the band's presence on Amazon, the amount of reviews they had, and I also looked into what other people were saying about these products.
3. Pricing
Since whey protein isolate powders can range widely in price, another factor I considered in my rankings was the price per tub. With prices increasing everywhere, I know it is essential to keep spending as low as possible.
4. Flavor
It’s gotta taste great. I mixed up each one of these whey protein isolates to give you my personal opinion, as well as a general opinion on the flavor. I have tried countless protein powders, so I know what is standard in the industry and share my take on each one.
What is Whey Protein Isolate?
While shopping for whey protein, you will likely see many options. The two most common forms of whey protein are “Whey Isolate” and “Whey Concentrate.” Isolate is more highly processed and contains more protein, less fat, less carbs, and less lactose than concentrate (often less than 1%).
Whey protein isolate is a high-quality protein supplement made from the liquid component that separates from milk during cheese production. It’s a source of vitamins, minerals, branched-chain amino acids, and all nine essential amino acids.
You can throw this powder in a shaker with your desired beverage. You can also add it to smoothies, yogurt, cereal, use it to make protein bars, and more to help reach your daily protein goals.
Benefits of Whey Protein Isolate
Many people think Protein = Big, Bulky Muscles. Well, not so fast.
Most people don't get enough protein. No matter your diet and exercise- for example, if you’re on a plant-based diet or working out regularly- you should calculate your daily protein intake to ensure you’re getting enough.
You might want to supplement your diet with protein powder for many reasons beyond chasing that dream body.
Here’s a quick list:
Weight Management
Protein suppresses appetite by reducing your level of hunger hormones, and it also boosts metabolism.
Bone Health
People who eat more protein experience greater bone mass retention as they age. Increasing protein can help support healthy bones.
Muscle Recovery
That makes sense, right? Protein contains all the building blocks your body uses to repair itself, so when your muscles need to recover, the materials to do it are right there.
Minimizes Muscle Loss
Whether you are trying to gain muscle at the gym, maintain muscle while managing weight loss, or age gracefully, supplementing with whey protein can help prevent muscle loss.
What If I’m Lactose Intolerant?
Whey isolate often contains less than 1% lactose and is generally safe even if lactose intolerant.
However, particularly sensitive individuals may want to consider a plant-based protein supplement if whey isolate proves too much.
What is a protein intake calculator? Where do I find one?
Protein intake calculators factor in your weight, activity level, and fitness goals to help you figure out how much protein you need daily. There are many online, and I have used the one by Examine.com, which doctors review.
It is so convenient and easy to use - just type in a few numbers, and you’ll get your daily recommended protein intake.