We Asked RDs What Protein Powders They Recommend for Seniors — Here’s What They Said

Loss of muscle mass is very common as we age, but adding additional protein to your diet may help. So when it comes to picking a protein supplement specifically for women, we chose Ritual Essential Protein thanks to its unique formulation that can help support women’s health. Ritual products can be purchased as either a one-time order or through a monthly subscription at a lower price.

The pea protein in this product is derived from organically farmed, regenerated peas, as certified by their Clean Label Product certification — one of the most stringent certifications that ensures a product is free from heavy metals and other environmental contaminants.

According to Berger, Ritual protein powder is versatile and can be used to help you refuel post-workout, supplement a light breakfast, or to bridge the afternoon snack gap.

“Whey protein is particularly effective, as it’s quickly absorbed and rich in leucine, an amino acid that plays a key role in muscle building and repair. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is well-known for its great flavor, smooth consistency, high quality, and affordable price,” says Lindsay Fencl, RD, at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Fencl notes this protein powder is also manufactured in the USA and is Informed Choice Certified, meaning it undergoes additional testing for purity and quality assurance. It’s also third-party tested, free from banned substances for athletes, and is available in 23 flavors, including Double Rich Chocolate, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Strawberry Banana.

Not all protein supplements are derived from milk or animal products, in fact there are a number of plant-based protein powders that are derived from peas. Not only is it a strong choice for vegans and vegetarians, but could be a solution for those who are lactose intolerant. That’s why two of the biggest factors that went into choosing Naked Pea as the best plant-based option are Naked’s reputation for including quality ingredients and the fact that they offer a plant-based protein powder built around pea protein.

“Pea protein is a good source of iron and easily digested. And if you think pea protein can't stack up against an animal-based protein like whey, think again. Two scoops of Naked Pea has 18 g of protein, which is higher than a lot of other plant-based proteins,” says Lainey Younkin, RD, weight loss dietitian at Lainey Younkin Nutrition in Boston. Younkin also adds that pea protein is a complete protein just like whey protein, which means it contains all essential amino acids, including the BCAAs that aid in muscle recovery.

“Its blend of pea, pumpkin seed, and sunflower seed provides a broader amino acid profile,” says Reisdorf. We also appreciate that the product provides the BCAAs, which are also key for building muscle alongside strength training, especially in older adults.

While a protein powder supplement can be great for muscle health, some can also contain a lot of sugar, carbs, and calories, which is less than ideal for those looking to lose some weight too. That’s why we wanted to choose a weight loss-friendly protein powder that was low in calories and sugar. Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate offers 28 g of quality whey protein isolate at only 130 calories per serving. It also contains only one gram of carbs, and no added sugar — making it an easy addition to incorporate into a calorie-conscious diet for weight management.

“Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is a great protein powder for seniors trying to lose weight because it uses whey protein isolate, which has less fat and sugar than whey protein concentrate,” says Younkin.

We also appreciate that this product is Informed Choice certified, where every batch undergoes rigorous testing for banned substances, quality, and purity. “Transparent Labs provides lab testing results, which is helpful for credibility and quality assurance. Results are on the product page for consumer review,” says Reisdorf.

We like that there are 17 flavor options available on the Transparent Labs website, including Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, and Strawberry Milkshake. Our tester especially loves their French Vanilla flavor when it’s mixed with almond milk or in a smoothie with peanut butter, banana, and spinach.

That said, it’s worth noting that this product isn’t as widely available as others on our list and contains sunflower lecithin, making it unsuitable for those with sunflower allergies.

Many of the protein powders on this list are packed with more nutritional value beyond just the protein, but for those with a more sensitive digestive system, all that extra stuff might leave them feeling a little uneasy. Naked Whey protein powder is our top pick for digestion due to its single-ingredient list, added immune-boosting compounds that may support gut health, and user reviews highlighting its easier digestibility compared with other protein powders. “For those with digestive sensitivities (such as bloating, gas, or discomfort) Naked Nutrition offers fantastic Clean Label options,” says Fencl.

Each serving of Naked Whey delivers 25 g of whey protein concentrate plus essential amino acids, including BCAAs. Like Naked’s Pea Protein powder, Naked Whey contains no added sugar and only one single active ingredient: whey protein concentrate. Their whey protein powder is sourced from grass-fed cows raised on non-GMO dairy farms.

Naked Whey comes as an unflavored protein or you can choose five flavored option. Our testers pointed out that the powder does become slightly foamy when mixed, but overall, they found it to be quite versatile and great for adding into smoothies or other recipes.

For many older adults sticking to a tighter budget, the price for any new supplement matters. If cost is a priority for you, without having to sacrifice quality, Now Sports Whey Protein Isolate balances affordability and quality nutrition. Despite its low price of less than $30 for 19 servings, Now Sports doesn’t skimp on quality standards — this product is third-party tested and Informed Sport certified, so you can trust that it meets rigorous quality benchmarks. With 25 g of protein per serving, it provides an impressive protein boost to support muscle growth and recovery.

We also love its simplicity, as Now Sports Whey Protein Isolate contains just two ingredients — whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin — along with no additives, artificial sweeteners, or fillers. However, since it’s completely unflavored, it may not appeal to those seeking something more flavorful. So it may be worth budgeting a little extra for flavored ingredients, like fruit, cocoa powder, or your favorite smoothie mix, to add some much-needed flavor. It’s important to note that Now Sports Whey Protein Isolate has sunflower lecithin added to improve mixability, but it may trigger sensitivities in those with sunflower allergies.

Milk-based protein powders can present some real issues for those with lactose intolerance users, as well as vegan and vegetarian users. After considering several vegan-based protein powder options, we chose Truvani Vegan Pea Protein Powder as our favorite dairy-free protein powder. Not only is it dairy-free, but it also contains 21 g of a pea, brown rice, and chia seed protein blend. It only contains six ingredients, including monk fruit extract — a natural, calorie-free sweetener with minimal aftertaste and no added sugar.

“Truvani is a great dairy-free protein powder option, made from just six ingredients and two plant-based protein sources–peas and chia seeds. It has a smooth, nonchalky texture and is the perfect addition to oatmeal, protein shakes, smoothies, and more! I personally consume this protein powder on an almost daily basis, and I love all of the different flavors!” says Megan Huff, RD, of Nutrition by Megan in Atlanta, Georgia. It is available in several fun flavors such as Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana Cinnamon, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Unflavored options.

It also contains pumpkin seeds, which can provide a light boost of fiber and healthy fats.

Additionally, although the product itself is free of common allergens, it is produced in a facility that also processes wheat, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, peanuts, and eggs, so it may not be suitable for individuals with these allergies.

Sure, the protein content per serving is important, but why suffer through a flavorless or poor tasting protein drink? We get it — you want to also know which one actually tastes the best too. For the taste-conscious crowd, Primal Kitchen Primal Fuel Chocolate Coconut Whey Protein Drink Mix offers a rich, dessert-like flavor that we absolutely love. In fact, our tester describes its flavor as creamy, indulgent, and similar to a Wendy’s Frosty. It also dissolves easily, to create a nice smooth texture with no gritty or chalky aftertaste. For those who don’t like the taste of coconut, our tester reported that the chocolate coconut blend is subtle — with just a hint of coconut even those who aren’t big fans of coconut are likely to still love it. We also appreciate that Primal Kitchen’s protein powder is made without added sugars and uses monk fruit extract and steviol glycosides from the stevia plant for sweetness. This natural sweetener maintains a rich flavor profile without introducing any artificial aftertaste.

While this product boasts a delicious flavor and a clean ingredient list, it does fall a bit short as you will be sacrificing protein content for that delicious flavor. By delivering only 10 g per serving, this protein powder offers the lowest per-serving protein amount on our list. This might not be enough if you’re looking for a higher protein intake to support muscle growth or recovery, or supplement a low-protein diet.

While this list is focused on the best protein powder for seniors, any of our top picks that contain too much sugar or carbs won’t be an option for a senior with diabetes. So we looked to find a great pick that worked for seniors and diabetics. Legion Whey+ Whey Protein Powder combines low-carb, high-quality protein isolate with only 3 g of carbohydrates and no added sugars — which can help to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It also tops our list of the 7 Best Protein Powders for People With Diabetes, too!

“For older adults managing blood sugar levels or living with diabetes, Legion Whey+ Protein Powder is a fantastic choice. It contains no added sugars and is lightly sweetened with stevia extract, making it a diabetic-friendly option that won’t have as significant an impact on blood sugar levels. Each scoop delivers 22 g of grass-fed whey protein isolate, sourced from cows that spend at least 95 percent of their time outdoors,” says Fencl.

Some customers did report that this protein powder can get a bit lumpy when mixed, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a smoother drink texture. Also, it’s not the best choice if you have sunflower allergies, since it contains sunflower lecithin.

Important Note for Those With Dairy Allergies Although this product is labeled as lactose-free, it still may contain trace amounts of lactose due to its milk content. If you are lactose-intolerant, this product may be more tolerable since it is a whey protein isolate, however, it may not be suitable for those with a significant or highly sensitive dairy allergy.