Which Protein Powder is the Best?

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Hi! Ashleigh here—nutrition coach and owner of Well Fed Health. One of the most common questions I get from new clients is: Which protein powder is the best? So in this article, I’m sharing my take on this popular topic to help you choose the right option for your goals.

Before we dive in, I want to let you know that this post includes some Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support my blog and the work I do here. Thank you!

First, a Quick Shoutout to You

Congrats on being here! If you’re researching protein powders, it likely means you’re taking steps toward better health, which is amazing. Seriously, this is something to be proud of. So many people never make it this far, and I want to celebrate that you’re taking action.

My #1 Rule for Protein Powders

When clients ask me about protein powders, my first response is always:

Pick one you’ll actually want to drink.

Here’s why: If you buy a protein powder you don’t like, chances are it’ll sit on top of your fridge collecting dust until you finally throw it out. Sound familiar? So, the first step is finding a flavor or brand you enjoy—because consistency matters.

What to Look for in a Protein Powder

Once you’ve found one you’ll actually drink, here’s my next piece of advice:

Choose a protein powder without a ton of additives, fillers, dyes, or artificial sweeteners.

Many protein powders on the market are sweetened with sucralose, a calorie-free artificial sweetener. Sucralose is made by chemically modifying sugar molecules, replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms. Sounds like a mouthful, huh? It’s a highly processed ingredient that I personally don’t recommend consuming daily.

Is it okay once in a while? Absolutely. Our bodies are incredible at filtering out things we don’t need. But since protein powder is often consumed daily, I encourage my clients to look for products sweetened with natural alternatives instead.

My Favorite Protein Powders

As a nutrition coach, I have two go-to protein powders that I personally use and recommend to clients:

1. Earth Fed Muscle

This is one of my absolute favorites! Earth Fed Muscle is made with grass-fed whey, clean ingredients, and natural sweeteners. Plus, it’s from a smaller company based in California, which I love supporting. And they have tons of flavors that all taste great!

Here are some popular flavors that my clients (and I) rave about:

If you’re local to central Missouri, you can even pick this up at CrossFit Believe in Warrensburg, MO! They have some samples for purchase too! Take a class while you are here too! I'll see you there! 💪

2. MRM Nutrition Whey

I’ve been using this protein powder for years, especially in overnight oats. It has a mild vanilla flavor, blends easily, and contains clean ingredients. Bonus: it also provides prebiotics and postbiotics, which support gut health.

Another huge perk? The price is super reasonable, making it an easy recommendation for clients.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

This is another common question, so let’s break it down:

I typically recommend clients aim for 0.7 to 1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight (or ideal body weight). For most people, this translates to around 120–200 grams of protein per day—a lot more than most folks are currently getting!

Adding 1–2 servings of a high-quality protein powder to your day can be a simple way to help bridge the gap and meet your protein needs.

Eating Protein vs. Drinking Protein

A question I hear a lot is: Is eating protein better than drinking it?

My short answer: Yes, eating protein is ideal. Chewing and digesting whole foods tends to be more satiating, meaning you’ll feel fuller for longer. But here’s the thing—most people aren’t getting nearly enough protein to begin with.

So priority #1 is increasing your overall protein intake, even if that means using supplements. I personally use a protein powder most days to help meet my protein goals, and I encourage clients to do the same when needed.

Let’s Chat!

If you have questions or want to share your favorite protein powders, drop them in the comments! I’m always on the hunt for new high-quality products to recommend to clients.

And if you enjoyed learning about protein, be sure to check out my Beginner’s Guide to Macronutrients for more tips on all the macros, plus bonus meal prep recipes. You might also enjoy my FREE high protein recipe bundle! Enoy!

Thanks for being here—life is better Well Fed!

– Coach Ashleigh

Well Fed Health Programs