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Published: Apr 26, 2024, 8:23am
Expert Reviewed
| Nutrition / Food SafetyProtein is essential for the body to build muscle, bones, nails, hair and skin. This important macronutrient carries oxygen to the body’s cells, makes and repairs damaged cells while also supporting your immune system, tissues and internal organs.
A well-balanced diet may provide enough protein for these important functions. However, for many people, getting enough daily protein from the foods they eat may not always be possible—especially for athletes or active individuals. While protein powder is a great way to get more protein quickly, not all brands are created equal—particularly if you’re looking for a powder without a lot of filler ingredients or artificial flavors.
With so many “clean” protein powders on the market, it can be tough to narrow down the selection to the best option for your health and fitness goals. We’ve done the hard work for you by asking three nutrition experts their top clean protein picks, and then used data points such as price per serving, protein per serving and third-party certifications to rank the top contenders.
The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes integrity in all of our vitamin and supplement rankings. Our rankings are based on expertise and professional recommendations from medical and nutrition experts and are free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured on our rankings and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about dietary supplements that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our supplement methodology for the rankings below.
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Raw Organic’s Grass Fed Whey Protein powder contains only one ingredient and is the most affordable product on our list. Kara Collier, a registered dietitian nutritionist, co-founder of Nutrisense and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member, likes this product because it’s gluten-free, corn-free, non-GMO and contains no soy. Raw Organic’s Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder is 100% sourced from grass-fed cows who graze on small, sustainable U.S. farms 300 days a year, according to the company. Additionally, the company also says that its protein powder is processed at low temperatures without acid treatment to maintain good protein integrity.
Whey protein concentrate is this product’s only ingredient, making Naked’s Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder a favorite of Toby Amidor, a registered dietitian nutritionist, nutrition expert, food safety consultant and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. This non-GMO whey protein powder contains only 120 calories per two-scoop serving and comes from free-roaming, grass-fed cows raised without growth hormones on Idaho and Northern California dairy farms, according to the company.
In addition to having only one ingredient, the unflavored version of True Nutrition’s whey protein isolate has one the highest amounts of protein per serving on our list. One of the main reasons Collier enjoys this brand is the customization it allows; customers can pick their ideal flavor and supplement “boosts” from a wide assortment. Other options in the company’s product line include casein; marine, porcine or bovine collagen; and pea, rice, pumpkin, hemp and egg protein.
Egg white protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids for building and preserving muscle mass, says Collier. Fresh eggs used for this powder are processed in less than a day to retain a complete amino acid profile that supports lean muscle mass, according to the company. In addition to being gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians, this product is also fat-free and a good choice for those with dairy intolerances, notes Collier.
Transparent Labs’ unflavored Whey Protein Isolate is a favorite of Amidor’s due to the fact that it’s free of artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten and preservatives. This product is sourced from grass-fed cows on U.S. farms without growth factors or hormones, according to the company. If you’re looking for flavor, this protein powder comes in several options including oatmeal chocolate chip, vanilla peanut butter, mint chocolate chip and mocha
This product carries the LGC Assure Informed-Sport Certified seal, which means the protein isolate powder contains no steroids, stimulants or other sport-prohibited substances. “An Informed-Sport seal is your assurance that each and every production run of these NOW Sports products has been tested for banned substances,” explains Amidor, who adds that this protein powder is also Safe Quality Food Program (SQF)-certified for food safety and quality.
Amidor likes this whey protein isolate product because it’s NSF Certified for Sport and naturally sweetened with Stevia and monk fruit. Klean Athlete’s Klean Isolate is made in the U.S., contains essential amino acids that promote muscle growth and is only 90 calories per serving. Klean’s Natural Vanilla Whey Protein Isolate is a good pick for individuals looking for a little bit of flavor with their clean protein.
“This product is third party-certified, has many flavors and tastes great,” says Kara Burnstine, a registered and licensed dietitian and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. In addition to the vanilla version, Truvani Plant Based Protein Powder also comes in chocolate, matcha, chocolate peanut butter, vanilla chai, peanut butter and banana cinnamon flavors. This protein powder is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
To find the best clean protein powders of 2025, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted three nutrition experts for their top picks, and then used data points such as protein per serving, additional ingredients (other than the protein), third-party certification and price to determine star ratings.
Food / Nutrition / Food Safety
Nutrition / Metabolism / Glucose
Nutrition / Weight Loss / Diabetes / Cardiovascular Health / Gut Health
The term “clean protein powder” typically refers to minimally-processed protein powders free from artificial sweeteners and flavors, unnecessary fillers and preservatives, says Zoe Cottrell, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Provytl 50+, a protein supplement designed for people over 50.
The [minimal processing] manufacturing process helps retain the nutritional integrity of the protein source and preserve the proportion absorbed and used by the body, notes Cottrell. A clean protein powder should also contain a low or very low sugar content, she adds.
“A clean protein powder should also be free of heavy metals, a quality typically guaranteed through third-party testing to ensure that the protein powders are free from such contaminants,” says Mackenzie Burgess, a registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices, a food and nutrition website based in Denver.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is made from naturally fed, hormone-free whey to support recovery and promote muscle growth, while promoting overall health and longevity.
On Transparent Lab's Website
When choosing a clean powder, look for product labels with a “short and easily understandable” ingredient list, recommends Cottrell. Also make sure the product contains clearly specified, high-quality protein sources.
“Look for protein powders that use high-quality protein sources such as whey protein isolate or some other plant-based protein sources,” says Cottrell, who notes that because not all plant-based protein sources contain all nine essential amino acids, you may need a powder that includes a combination.
A clean protein powder should have recognizable ingredients listed on the product label and a protein amount that fits your goals, typically 20 grams [per serving] or more, says Burgess. Check the product web page or advertising to make sure the product was third-party tested by an independent laboratory, which checks for ingredients not on the label or advertising, heavy metals, harmful bacteria, pesticides and other contaminants and sports-prohibited substances. If the product is NSF-certified, the certification shows the protein powder’s label ingredients and claims are correct, the product has undergone a review for toxic ingredients and contains no undeclared ingredients or unacceptable amounts of contaminants.
Studies on clean protein powders specifically are scarce, but research on protein powders in general suggests consuming them may lead to several health benefits.
“Protein is known for its satiating effect, helping to reduce appetite and promote a feeling of fullness,” explains Cottrell. “This can be beneficial for weight management by potentially reducing overall caloric intake.”
Protein powder, in conjunction with other dietary modifications, may help support weight loss and weight management. A small 2023 study in Translational and Clinical Pharmacology observing 60 healthy adults between the ages of 25 to 45 found that consuming a protein supplement over 90 days led to a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and percentage of body fat while increasing muscle mass[1]Ambulkar P, Hande P, Tambe B, et. al. Efficacy and safety assessment of protein supplement - micronutrient fortification in promoting health and wellbeing in healthy adults - a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Transl Clin Pharmacol. 2023;31(1):13–27. .
Keep in mind that consuming more protein than your body needs can lead to weight gain. The body can’t store protein, so once needs are met, any extra is used for energy or stored as fat.
Before embarking on any weight loss plan, it’s important to first check your ideal weight by age, height and gender to use as a guideline for a weight management plan.
Protein is essential for building muscle, muscle repair and supporting the synthesis of new proteins, explains Cottrell. “Protein is crucial for tissue repair and wound healing, providing the building blocks necessary for the synthesis of new cells and tissues,” adds Cottrell.
Additionally, research suggests that increased protein intake combined with resistance exercise may contribute to muscle mass gains and limit age-related muscle loss.
“Proteins are essential for the production of antibodies and immune system components,” explains Cottrell. “Adequate protein intake supports a healthy immune system, helping the body defend against infections and illnesses.”
The recommended daily allowance for protein to not become protein-deficient is approximately 10% to 35% of total calorie intake, according to the National Library of Medicine. For example, an individual consuming 2,000 calories a day would need 100 grams of protein, which is 20% of their total calorie intake. However, protein needs among individuals may vary, depending on activity level per the same source.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) recommends a daily protein intake of 1.4 to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight for physically active individuals. The NASM also recommends consuming protein powder as a way to ensure adequate daily protein intake. Aging impacts protein needs as well. Protein needs may increase to 1 to 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight to help prevent sarcopenia, or the loss of muscle mass, that can begin between ages 40 to 50.
Protein powder is generally safe for most people when consumed as part of a balanced diet, says Cottrell. “It’s important to look at what your individual protein requirement is (which varies depending on activity level) and not to consume an excessive amount over that,” she notes.
However, some people may experience certain side effects from whey protein specifically, including:
Digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas and constipation, after consuming protein powder can be due to an intolerance to specific ingredients, such as lactose or certain additives, explains Cottrell.
More serious side effects may include:
Kidney Strain: Excessive protein intake, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions, may put strain on the kidneys, explains Cottrell. “It’s essential for those with kidney issues to consult with a healthcare professional before significantly increasing their protein intake,” she adds.
Dehydration: Consuming higher-protein-content powders without adequate water intake could potentially lead to dehydration, says Cottrell. “Proper hydration is essential to help the kidneys process and eliminate waste products from protein metabolism,” she explains.
Medication Interactions: Whey protein specifically may interfere with the medication Levodopa (used in the management of Parkinson’s Disease), decreasing absorption. Whey protein powders should also be used with caution when taking quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics and bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis.
Transform Your Fitness Routine
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan protein powder is formulated with organic pea protein isolate and rice protein to help increase performance and muscle recovery.
On Transparent Lab's Website
When choosing a clean protein powder, Cottrell recommends looking for products with simple ingredients that have undergone testing by a third-party laboratory. “Some protein powders may contain contaminants or additives that can cause adverse reactions,” explains Cottrell. “It’s important to choose brands that undergo third-party testing for quality and purity. Also look for any allergy warnings on the label and minimally-processed products.”
“[Choosing a clean protein powder] can be overwhelming with so many options to choose from,” explains Burgess. “But there’s a flavor and protein fit—whey, pea, soy and other protein sources, for example—for everyone.”
| PRODUCT | FORBES HEALTH RATINGS | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | On Amazon | |
| 4.9 | On Amazon | |
| 4.9 | On Amazon | |
| 4.7 | On Amazon | |
| 4.6 | On Transparent Labs' Website | |
| 4.5 | On Amazon | |
| 4.0 | On Amazon | |
| 3.9 | On Amazon |
Clean whey protein can be a nutritious and beneficial addition to a well-balanced diet, since whey protein is derived from milk and is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids that the body can’t produce on its own, says Cottrell. “Ideally, look for a product containing whey protein isolate,” she recommends.
Heavy metal contamination can be a concern in some protein powders, warns Cottrell. She recommends choosing protein powders that have undergone third-party testing for heavy metals and avoiding rice protein powders, which have been associated with higher levels of heavy-metal contamination.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
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Deb Hipp is a freelance health and medical writer and editor who lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a former investigative reporter with more than 25 years of experience as a journalist and writer. She specializes in health and wellness, medical aging, long-term care, caregiving, retirement and a variety of other health and retirement topics.
Carolyn O’Neil connects the worlds of food, nutrition and cuisine with a love of global travel and cultural exploration. She is a member of the Delta Air Lines Culinary Council as a nutrition consultant to help update and guide the airline’s inflight menus, planning for special meals and wellness initiatives. She is also a member of the invite-only Google Food Lab, an international group of thought leaders in all areas of food from farming to finance. Carolyn has been a professor of nutrition science and nutrition communication for Florida State University’s London Study Centre and professor of journalism for Emory University in Atlanta. Carolyn is the author of Southern Living’s best selling The Slim Down South Cookbook and co-author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous, a winner at the World Food Media awards. She has also been honored by the National Restaurant Association, the American Heart Association, the American Society for Nutrition and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for her pioneering work in nutrition communications. Her master’s degree in Nutrition is from Boston University and undergraduate degree in Foods and Nutrition is from Florida State University. Carolyn lives in Atlanta.
