Best Protein Powders for Women
Protein does more than build muscle; it can keep you full when you're on the go and raise your metabolism to help with weight loss. These protein powders meet women's nutritional needs to help you reach your goals.
It's time to change the conversation around fitness. We need to stop worrying about losing weight and start worrying about building muscle. Even if (especially if) weight loss is your goal, muscle is what's going to get you there. And protein is what's going to get you muscle (along with your gym routine, of course).
Why Women Need Muscle
The more lean muscle you have, the faster your metabolism burns—making it easier to shred calories and fat all day, every day. It's a lot more effective (and healthier) to lose weight by building muscle rather than simply trying to eat less. And most women have zero chance of getting beefy and bulky just by lifting weights and loading up on protein. It takes a lot more than that.
Muscle is made out of amino acids, which you get from protein. In addition to building muscle strength and size, protein also helps you recover from your workouts and control hunger, both of which are key for weight loss. It's all kinds of good.
Why Women Need Protein Powder
It can be tough to get enough protein every day, especially when you're following a strict diet or have a crazy-busy life. That's where protein powder comes in. You can mix a protein shake in seconds, which is way more convenient than roasting a chicken when you're on the go. Protein powder is also a lot lower in carbs and calories than many other protein sources, so it's easy to stick to your nutrition plan and see the results you want.
You can use a protein shake before or after workouts, or as a protein snack any time of day. You can also add it to recipes to make them healthier. No matter how you use it, it's important to use a high-octane protein powder made with good ingredients.
Here's our shortlist of the best protein powders for women, whether your goal is building muscle, getting strong, losing weight, or all of the above.
Delight
In addition to essential amino acids, this low-calorie shake gives you a comprehensive greens and fruit blend for extra nutrients. Plus, it includes digestive enzymes to help break down those proteins effectively.
- Added greens and fruit blend
- Contains vitamin B12 for energy
16G
protein
3G
carbs
90
calories
$0.78
per serving
Her Whey
Her Whey is a little higher in calories, but it has a powerful list of micronutrients to maintain women's overall health, as well as a unique fatty acid complex (read: healthy fats) to support blood lipids.
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)
- Delicious dessert flavors
28G
protein
10G
carbs
190
calories
$2.16
per serving
Organic Plant Protein Powder
More women than ever are embracing veganism for its health benefits, but you really have to be strategic to get enough protein on a plant-based diet. Orgain makes that a lot easier with 21 grams of organic protein, plus 5 grams of fiber to keep you satisfied until your next meal.
- Dairy-free and vegan
- Complete amino acid profile
21G
protein
13G
carbs
150
calories
$1.62
per serving
Signature 100% Whey Protein
This protein powder packs a high-quality blend of whey protein sources at an extremely competitive price point. The protein you need, in a great tasting powder, for less cash than other brands: win, win, win.
- Rigorous quality control
- Great value
25G
protein
3G
carbs
130
calories
$0.63
per serving
ISO100
ISO100 gives you a high-quality, highly refined whey isolate that hits your system fast, making it great for a post-workout shake. It provides a high dose of protein without too many calories, so it's easy to fit into your weight loss plan.
- Hydrolyzed 100% whey isolate
- Traditional and natural formulas available
25G
protein
2G
carbs
120
calories
$0.99
per serving
Gold Standard 100% Whey
This classic protein comes in a vast number of flavors, so it can replace all the desserts you're missing. Optimum Nutrition is known for quality products and a whole lot of really happy customers.
- Top-selling supplement on Bodybuilding.com
- Mixes easily without clumps
24G
protein
3G
carbs
120
calories
$0.79
per serving
Pro JYM
Jim Stoppani sciences the heck out of everything he touches, and his popular Pro JYM protein supplement is no exception. Pro JYM is a fantastic-tasting protein blend that contains whey, casein, and egg protein so you get slow, fast, and moderately fast protein absorption. Drink it any time of the day.
- Strategic macro ratios for building lean muscle
- Wide range of exclusive flavors
24G
protein
7G
carbs
150
calories
$1.10
per serving
NITRO-TECH
NITRO-TECH gets a boost from added creatine to help give you a boost for your next workout. This versatile line comes in many different sizes and flavors, making it less of a commitment to shake up your protein game.
- 3 grams of creatine
- Extensive variety of flavors and sizes
30G
protein
4G
carbs
160
calories
$0.87
per serving
