Men, Meet Your Protein Goals With Our Favorite Protein Powders of 2025
High-protein diets are popular, and protein powders can be an enticing way to meet your needs easily — but is there such a thing as too much protein? “I recommend between 0.5 and 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight, with the higher end suited for athletes or clients who strength train. Per meal, about 30 grams is ideal for maximizing muscle protein synthesis and supporting satiety,” says Kate Brock, CNS, LDN, founder of Kate Brock Nutrition in Washington, DC. “More than that, I haven’t found it necessary for my clients, and I find it can crowd out other important nutrients like carbs, fats, and fiber,” she adds. In addition to the amount of protein contained in a supplement, factors such as ingredient quality, protein type, added sugars or sweeteners, and third-party testing should all be considered when shopping for a protein powder.
Whether you’re new to protein powders or just trying to upgrade your current go-to, we’ve done the legwork for you. We reviewed the research and analyzed more than 20 popular protein powders for men on the market. These are our top picks.
Our Top Picks for the Best Protein Powders for Men
- Best unflavored: Klean Athlete Klean Isolate
- Best budget: NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate
- Best meal replacement: Ka’Chava All-in-One Nutrition Shake
- Best hemp: Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein
- Best whey: Simply Tera’s Organic Whey Protein
- Best pea protein: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein
- Best flavored: ProMix Grass-Fed Whey
- Best collagen: BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides
- Best whey isolate: Thorne Whey Protein Isolate
- Best vegan blend: Four Sigmatic Organic Protein
When to Consult Your Doctor

Best Unflavored
Klean Athlete Klean Isolate
Pros
- No artificial flavors or added sweeteners
- Easy-to-digest whey protein isolate
- Only two ingredients
Cons
- Not suitable for vegans or people with dairy allergies
Key Specs
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 20 grams
- Serving size: One scoop
- Dietary considerations: Kosher; free of sugar, soy, grain, caffeine, lactose, dairy, and artificial favors and colors
- Third-party tested: Yes
If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills protein powder, Klean Athlete Klean Isolate is a standout. With 20 grams of high-quality whey protein isolate per serving and no artificial flavors or sweeteners, this unflavored powder is all about simplicity and performance. It’s NSF Certified for Sport, which means it’s been third-party tested for quality and banned substances — something competitive athletes and everyday lifters alike can appreciate.

Best Budget
NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate
Pros
- Most affordable on our list
- Easy-to-digest whey protein isolate
- Simple ingredient list
- No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners
Cons
- Not suitable for vegans
- Not suitable for men with a dairy allergy
Key Specs
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 25 grams
- Serving size: One scoop
- Dietary considerations: Kosher; free of gluten, soy, and added sugar
- Third-party tested: Yes
For a high-quality protein powder that won’t break the bank, NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate delivers. Each serving packs 25 grams of fast-absorbing whey protein isolate with minimal ingredients — no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. It’s also Informed Sport certified, meaning it’s been tested for banned substances, making it a trustworthy pick for anyone who wants a simple, reliable protein powder on a budget.

Best Meal Replacement
Ka’Chava All-in-One-Nutrition Shake
Pros
- Includes fiber, fat, vitamins, and minerals
- Added prebiotics and probiotics, digestive enzymes
- Third-party tested
- 30-day guarantee (Ka’Chava will exchange flavors or offer a store credit)
- No artificial sweeteners
Cons
- Priciest on our list
- Contains 4 grams of added sugar
Key Specs
- Protein source: Sacha inchi, pea, brown rice, quinoa, amaranth
- Protein per serving: 25 grams
- Serving size: Two scoops
- Dietary considerations: Vegan; free of gluten and soy
- Third-party tested: Yes
One serving is 240 calories, which may not be enough to replace an entire meal (especially if you want to bulk up), but it could stand in as a snack or a way to add calories to a lighter meal. In addition to a super greens and vegetable blend, Ka’Chava includes a blend of adaptogenic ingredients (herbs that can help you better adapt to stress), prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes to support digestion. We love that it’s third-party tested by ConsumerLab.com, an independent testing company that evaluates the quality of consumer products. Ka’Chava is the most expensive protein powder on our list, but you could stretch the amount of servings per bag by cutting the serving size in half.

Best Hemp
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein
Pros
- 100 percent hemp seed protein
- Provides fiber and all essential amino acids
- Organic, vegan, non-GMO verified
Cons
- Taste may not appeal to all
- Not ideal to consume before cardio workouts, due to its fiber content
Key Specs
- Protein source: Organic hemp seeds
- Protein per serving: 15 grams
- Serving size: 4 tablespoons
- Dietary considerations: Non-GMO verified; free of gluten and added sugar
- Third-party tested: Yes
When people think of hemp, they don’t usually think of protein powder, but hemp protein is a complete protein option that’s vegan-friendly and full of nutrients. One serving of Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein contains 15 grams of protein sourced from cold-pressed organic hemp seeds. For men following a vegan diet, it can be challenging to find a protein powder that only has one ingredient and provides all of the essential amino acids — Nutiva fits the bill.

Best Whey
Simply Tera’s Organic Whey Protein
Pros
- High-quality organic whey from grass-fed cows
- Non-GMO certified, gluten-free
- Only two ingredients
Cons
- Not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
Key Specs
- Protein source: Organic whey concentrate
- Protein per serving: 21 grams
- Serving size: Two scoops
- Dietary considerations: Gluten-free, organic, kosher, non-GMO verified
- Third-party tested: Yes
Best enjoyed in a smoothie or mixed with water or milk, this protein powder can also be added to baked goods to boost the protein content of your favorite muffin or pancake recipe. Although this particular protein powder isn’t lactose-free, Simply Tera’s also has a lactose-free protein powder line for those who prefer whey protein but need a lactose-free option.

Best Pea Protein
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein
Pros
- Contains up to 21 grams of pea protein per serving
- Unflavored option has a simple ingredient list
- Free of most common allergens
- Contains iron
- HSA/FSA-eligible
Cons
- Flavored options may have an aftertaste
Key Specs
- Protein source: Pea protein isolate
- Protein per serving: Up to 21 grams
- Serving size: Two scoops
- Dietary considerations: Vegan, non-GMO verified, free of gluten and soy
- Third-party tested: Yes
Additionally, the flavored options are made with “natural flavors,” and though these are recognized as safe, natural flavors is a general term for processed additives, making it hard to know exactly what’s included. The Nuzest website says that every batch of Clean Lean Protein is tested for levels of yeast and mold, and that its products are tested for pesticides and heavy metals.

Best Flavored
ProMix Grass-Fed Whey
Pros
- Flavored with raw cacao
- No artificial sweeteners
- Made with milk from grass-fed cows
Cons
- Contains 4 grams of added sugar
- Not suitable for those with dairy or lactose allergies
Key Specs
- Protein source: Grass-fed whey protein concentrate
- Protein per serving: 25 grams
- Serving size: Two scoops
- Dietary considerations: Free of gluten, peanuts, and soy
- Third-party tested: Yes
Flavored protein powders may be tastier than their unflavored counterparts, but too often they are full of artificial sweeteners and natural flavors, which can cause annoying digestive symptoms. This chocolate-flavored protein powder offers a high-quality option for men looking for a delicious, effective post-workout nutrition. Raw cacao and organic coconut sugar provide a lightly sweet flavor without artificial additives.
Each serving delivers 25 grams of protein and 6 grams of BCAAs to help support muscle growth and recovery. ProMix emphasizes ingredient transparency and purity, and it manufactures its protein powder in certified gluten-free and peanut-free facilities. ProMix also lists its third-party lab testing results on its website. Though this protein powder can be consumed any time of day, the rich chocolate flavor makes it a great option for guys who enjoy something sweet after a meal. Mix it with your favorite milk or stir it into plain yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed treat.
Of note, one serving does contain 4 grams of added sugar, which is equivalent to roughly one packet of sugar. This is by no means a lot of sugar, but if you don’t like added sugars in your supplements, this powder is not for you.

Best Collagen
BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides
Pros
- Fully hydrolyzed collagen peptides from grass-fed cows
- Simple ingredient list
- Zero taste, dissolves easily into liquids, smoothies, and baked goods
- HSA/FSA-eligible
- NSF Certified for Sport
Cons
- Not a complete protein source
Key Specs
- Protein source: Bovine collagen peptides
- Protein per serving: 18 grams
- Serving size: One scoop
- Dietary considerations: Free of gluten, nuts, soy, and dairy
- Third-party tested: Yes
One serving of BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides provides 18 grams of protein in a flavorless powder that mixes well into liquid, smoothies, and baked goods. Collagen peptides are not complete proteins, and this product only provides eight of the nine essential amino acids — although this is not necessarily an issue, as long as you are consuming other sources of protein throughout the day.
Collagen is a key protein that helps maintain the structure and strength of our bones, skin, joints, and other connective tissues. Many people take supplemental collagen to support healthy joints, but it can also be used as a protein source that has very little taste. To improve absorption, collagen is often processed into peptides — shorter chains of amino acids that are easier for the body to digest and utilize. We love that BUBS is NSF Certified for Sport, and free of gluten, nuts, soy, and dairy.

Best Whey Isolate
Thorne Whey Protein Isolate
Pros
- Includes digestive enzymes to support protein digestion and absorption
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Low in calories
Cons
- Stevia may cause digestive upset in some
- Not suitable for people with dairy allergies
Key Specs
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Protein per serving: 21 grams
- Serving size: One scoop
- Dietary considerations: Gluten-free
- Third-party tested: Yes
To ensure its quality and safety, Thorne Whey Protein Isolate is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it’s free of more than 200 substances banned by major athletic organizations. It comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors. One thing to note for individuals with sensitive digestive tracts is that this protein powder does contain gums, “flavors,” and rebaudioside A (a noncaloric sweetener from the stevia plant), which might cause digestive upset in some individuals.

Best Vegan Blend
Four Sigmatic Organic Protein
Pros
- Vegan blend of vegetables
- Complete protein source
- Mushroom blend for stress and immunity support
- Organic ingredients
Cons
- Thick consistency when mixed with only water
- Monk fruit in flavored versions may taste overly sweet
Key Specs
- Protein source: Pea, hemp, pumpkin, coconut, and chia
- Protein per serving: 18 grams
- Serving size: One scoop
- Dietary considerations: Gluten-free, organic
- Third-party tested: Yes
Four Sigmatic is known for its mushroom and adaptogen blends designed to support a healthier lifestyle.
Unlike other protein powders that rely on natural flavors, Four Sigmatic uses real ingredients, such as vanilla powder, cacao powder, and peanuts, to create its different flavor options. Using both coconut sugar and monk fruit, one serving only contains 2 grams of added sugar. We find that it blends well in smoothies and oatmeal, but it can be a bit thick when simply mixed with water.
The Four Sigmatic website states that its products are third-party tested for heavy metals, mycotoxins, mold, yeast, and pesticides.
Comparison Table
How We Chose the Best Protein Powders for Men
What to Look for When Buying a Protein Powder for Men
Choosing a protein powder can be overwhelming, but there are some key things to consider that will make you a more discerning shopper. And remember, not everyone needs a protein powder — but they do make it easier to add more protein to your diet, especially if you are frequently on the go, following a plant-based diet, or looking to boost your protein intake.
Here are the things to look for when shopping for a protein powder:
- Third-party testing: Check that the supplement has been third-party tested for purity and potency.
- Added ingredients: Make sure that the supplement doesn’t contain any ingredients that can interfere with medications you’re taking, nor any ingredients that you may be allergic or sensitive to.
- Added sugar: In an ideal world, your protein powder should be free of added sugars. If it does have added sugars, look for one that has 4 grams or less of added sugars.
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Sydney Greene, MS, RDN
Author
Sydney Greene is a freelance writer and a registered dietitian specializing in behavioral health nutrition. She received her bachelor of science in nutrition and dietetics and her master of science in clinical nutrition from New York University.
Sydney began her career in New York City and worked at one of the top private practices in Manhattan while building the nutrition curriculum for a residential treatment center. She then started her own private practice, Greene Health, in 2019, and has since helped hundreds of clients on their path to recovery from eating disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and common chronic illnesses. “Healthy” is far from cookie-cutter and there’s no formula, so Sydney approaches nutrition in a realistic, down-to-earth, grounded, and highly personalized way with her clients.
Sydney currently lives in Boulder, Colrado, with her dog, Charlie, and her wife. When she is not working with clients, you can find her hiking in the backcountry or spending time with friends.

Evan Starkman
Fact-Checker
Evan Starkman has worked in health journalism since 2011. He has written and fact-checked content for sites such as WebMD and Mayo Clinic. He earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

Lili Ladaga
Editor
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