Best Clean Protein Powders of 2025

Hi I’m akbrouwer

I went on a mission to find the best beef protein powders after discovering how whey protein was affecting my health. I weight lift 5-6 days per week, and coach athletes in strength training.

Best Clean Protein Powders of 2025

Updates February 18, 2025

Ratings analyzed

Hours researching

Brands evaluated

Powders purchased

winner

Equip Prime

4.8/5

3 ingredients

runner up

Transparent Labs

4.3/5

5 ingredients

rank # 3

Kion

4.2/5

6 ingredients

rank # 3

Be Well

4.2/5

3 ingredients

rank # 5

Be Well

4.2/5

3 ingredients

rank # 6

Be Well

4.2/5

3 ingredients

rank # 7

Be Well

4.2/5

3 ingredients

rank # 8

Be Well

4.2/5

3 ingredients

Low Quality Protein Ruined My Health

The quick scoop: I’m a dedicated weightlifter and former competitive swimmer. Health is my #1 priority. But last year, I hit a major setback daily use of a dairy based protein powder – even though I’m not lactose intolerant. What started as mild discomfort spiraled into chronic digestive issues, fatigue, and severe acne. It drove me to consult licensed experts and test 20 clean protein powders made from real food ingredients, and no artificial additives. I chose Equip Prime as the cleanest protein powder for muscle building and endurance. Transparent Labs was my runner up.

Testing 20 protein powders first hand! Fun fact: pickles are a great palette cleanser.

What Makes a Protein Powder "Clean" According to Experts?

The term “clean” in the supplement industry is vague and full of misinformation. I consulted sports performance dietitians and fitness trainers to develop an approved list of factors, with a strong emphasis on avoiding artificial ingredients:

✅ High quality protein source
✅ No additives, fillers, artificial ingredients
✅ No artificial sweeteners
✅ Minimal ingredients & naturally derived
✅ Transparency in label & sourcing
✅ Third party testing for purity

Choosing Your Protein Powder: Whey vs Beef vs Plant

I was confused about which one to pick, so I relied on scientific research and licensed experts. Here’s what they advise on the leading protein sources:

Digestibility: Beef wins – Beef is easier to digest and thus absorb. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 70% of the global population is sensitive to lactose. While I’m not lactose intolerant, daily consumption of whey wasn’t good for me. It bloated me, and hid hard earned gains in my mid section.

Muscle Building: Beef & Whey are qual – Consulting dietitians and NIH studies (1, 2, & 3) shows beef protein matches whey for muscle growth and protein intake. Beef’s complete amino acid profile and digestibility are ideal for muscle recovery and composition, especially if engaging in frequent exercise.

Absorption: Whey’s quicker, but Beef matches long term – Whey protein is rapidly absorbed, making it popular for immediate post workout recovery. However, studies show beef matches whey in overall absorption and muscle protein synthesis over time, providing sustained benefits throughout the day.

Daily Use: Beef wins – High grade beef powders sourced from organic, pasture raised cows & lean cuts (all fat removed) is ideal for daily consumption. It’s cholesterol free, and packed with nutrients.

Vegans & Vegetarians: Plant based wins – Plant protein is a great alternative for vegans or vegetarians, though may be less effective for the sake of muscle development and digestion in a processed form.

The Key Factors I Tested in Each Protein Powder

I worked with a sports performance dietitian and personal trainer to develop this approved list of factors to look for in a clean protein powder:

Jump to my full ranking chart at the bottom of the page for side-by-side scoring of each brand.

My testing process

To ensure a fair evaluation, I used a comprehensive testing process. I chose chocolate as the flavor of choice and used water as the base solution across all brands.

1. Ordered 20 Products: Ordered top 20 rated clean protein powders based on online reviews.
‍2. Chose The Top 8 For Deeper Dives: I focused on the 8 top rated brands for deep dives.
‍3. Deep Research With Experts: I worked with sports dietitians for ingredient research, and insight on each supplement.
‍4. Taste & Ease of Preparation: Evaluated mixability, taste, smell, texture, and how they dissolved in various liquids.the base solution across all brands.

My personal experience led me to prefer Beef Protein, but I still included high quality whey options in the rankings because some people may digest it fine. Remember, the best protein powder for you depends on your individual body and health needs. Whether you need an alternative to whey like I did, or you’re simply looking for the cleanest, most effective option, I hope this research helps you make an informed decision.

Having fun testing and scoring 20 protein powders! Shout out to my lifting partner for helping me taste test and take pics.

My Pick For The Best Clean Protein Powder

winner #1 out of 8

Healthiest & Cleanest

Equip Prime

4.8/5.0

Flavor Reviewed: Chocolate

Protein source: 100% Grass Fed Beef 🐄

Flavors: Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, Strawberry, Iced Coffee

Ingredients: 3 total
1. 100% Grass Fed Beef
2. Cacao
3. Stevia

Visit www.equipfoods.com

🔥 Free shipping code: FREESHIP 🔥

Expires - March 1

Pros

Cons

Overall

Equip Prime is an outstanding option, ranking #1 as the cleanest and healthiest protein powder. It’s top tier 100% grass fed beef protein, and real food ingredients. It contains 0 sugar, seed oils, gluten, or artificial ingredients. It matches the muscle building efficacy of whey, while being easier to digest and absorb. It has a three ingredient formula and complete amino acid profile, which provides exceptional bioavailability, muscle recovery, and price per serving value. This choice is ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking optimal muscle recovery and growth without compromising on clean eating principles.

Equip's powder was easy to mix and had a pleasant cacoa smell.

What I love ️

Top Tier Protein Source: Equip Prime uses 100% grass-fed beef protein, offering a complete amino acid profile that includes all 9 essential amino acids. This makes it an ideal choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for optimal muscle recovery and growth. With 21 grams of protein per serving, it provides a substantial boost to daily intake while maintaining a very low calorie count.

Ultra Clean + Simple Formula: With only 3 ingredients, Equip Prime stands out for its minimalist approach. This simplicity ensures you’re getting pure protein without unnecessary fillers or additives. The absence of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives means you’re consuming a product that aligns with clean eating principles. For those seeking the maximum simplicity, the unflavored option contains just one single ingredient.

Naturally Easy to Digest: The protein is optimized for absorption and digestion. The formula is hypoallergenic, making it a great option for those with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. Many users report no bloating or discomfort after consumption, making it suitable for daily use and truly utilizable protein. I especially appreciate this aspect because I felt bloating from whey and egg options (which masked my hard earned gains).

Exceptional Bioavailability and Value: The protein offers superior bioavailability compared to many other protein sources. Its amino acid profile is highly similar to that of human skeletal muscle, potentially leading to more efficient absorption and utilization by the body.

What could be better

Equip Prime stood out as the #1 choice from the protein powders that I evaluated.

runner up #2 out of 8

Transparent Labs

4.8/5.0

Flavor Reviewed: Chocolate

Protein source: 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate (Dairy) 🥛

Flavors: Unflavored, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip

Ingredients: 5 total
1. Whey Protein Isolate
2. Cocoa Powder
3. Natural Chocolate Flavor
4. Sodium Chloride
5. Stevia Extract

visit www.transparentlabs.com

Pros

Cons

Overall

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate meets many criteria for a clean protein powder, scoring well on ingredient quality and transparency. They avoid common pitfalls like artificial additives and proprietary blends. However, as a dairy-based product, it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s priced higher than other whey alternatives, which I see as a drawback.

Equip Prime stood out as the #1 choice from the protein powders that I evaluated.

What I love ️

Versatility and Taste: Available in more than 14 flavors. This powder offers great variety to suit different preferences. It mixes well, has a smooth texture, and is generally well-received in terms of taste. Its versatility allows for easy incorporation into shakes, smoothies, and even baked goods.

High Quality Protein Source: Transparent Labs uses 100% grass-fed whey protein isolate, offering a complete amino acid profile with all 9 essential amino acids. There’s 28g of protein per serving, so it provides a high protein-by-serving ratio. This makes it an excellent choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts focused on muscle recovery and growth, provided dairy digests well for the individual.

‍Clean and Simple Formula: Only 5 ingredients in their chocolate flavor. The absence of artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives ensures you’re getting a clean product without unnecessary additives. This simplicity aligns well with clean eating principles and caters to those looking to avoid artificial ingredients.

What could be better

Price Point: While the quality justifies the cost for many, at $1.99 per serving, Transparent Labs is priced higher than many competitors. This could be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers looking for a regular protein supplement.

‍Limited Macronutrient Profile:The product is low in carbs and fats, which is great for those looking to isolate their protein intake. However, this limited profile may affect satiety for some users, potentially making it less filling as a meal replacement – which often leads to more snacking later on.

‍Sweetness Level: Some users report that the stevia-sweetened formula can be overly sweet. While this is subjective, it’s worth noting for those who prefer a more neutral taste.

Dairy based formula mixes well and the flavor profile is pleasant.

#3 out of 8 product

Kion Clean Protein

4.2/5.0

Flavor Reviewed: Chocolate

Protein source: 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate (Dairy) 🥛

Flavors: Unflavored, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip

Ingredients: 6 total
1. Whey Protein Isolate
2. Organic Cocoa
3. Organic Natural Chocolate Flavor
4. Sodium Chloride
5. Stevia Leaf Extract
6. Sunflower Lecithin

visit www.getkion.com

Pros

Cons

Overall

Kion Clean Protein offers a high quality grass fed whey isolate with a clean ingredient profile. It’s a good option for health conscious consumers seeking a protein supplement. While it offers 20g of protein per serving and natural flavors, it’s priced higher than most competitors and may not not suit those with dairy sensitivities.

Equip Prime stood out as the #1 choice from the protein powders that I evaluated.

What I love ️

High Quality Protein: Kion Clean Protein has 20g of protein per serving from grass fed whey isolate. It’s a good protein source with a complete amino acid profile, great for muscle recovery and performance.

Clean Ingredients: Six ingredients is pretty solid when it comes to meeting it’s clean label, and I like that they don’t have artificial additives or fillers.

Good Mixability: Kion Clean Protein mixes well with water, milk, or smoothies without clumping. Although sweetness can vary by preference.

What could be better

Flavor Complaints: Some users find the sweetness overpowering, but I didn’t love the chocolate flavor because it was chalky.

Not Suitable for Dairy Sensitivities: As it is whey-based, this product isn’t compatible for those with dairy intolerance, which limits its audience.

‍‍‍Lack of Third-Party Testing: The absence of third-party lab testing is a significant drawback, especially for a product marketed as “clean.” This raises questions about purity and potency claims.

#4 out of 8 product

Be Well By Kelly

4.2/5.0

Flavor Reviewed: Chocolate

Protein source: Grass Fed Beef 🐄

Flavors: Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla

Ingredients: 3 total
1. Beef Protein Isolate
2. Organic Cacao Powder
3. Organic Monk Fruit Extract

visit www.bewellbykelly.com

Pros

Cons

Overall

Be Well by Kelly protein powder offers a clean, minimal formula with just three ingredients, providing 24g of grass fed beef protein per serving. It caters to health conscious consumers, particularly those following paleo or keto diets, or those with dairy sensitivities. While praised for its taste and clean ingredients, potential buyers should consider the limited flavor options, reported mixability issues, and premium price point.

Equip Prime stood out as the #1 choice from the protein powders that I evaluated.

What I love ️

Clean and Simple Formula: Minimal ingredient list, ensuring a pure product without unnecessary fillers or artificial additives. This commitment to quality aligns with clean eating principles, making it a trustworthy choice for the health focused. Which includes the EU sourced beef that makes up the protein content.

Diet Friendly and Versatile: The powder is designed to cater to various dietary preferences, including paleo and keto diets. Its formulation not only supports muscle recovery but is optimal for blood sugar management, making it a versatile addition to any nutrition plan.

What could be better

Mixing Challenges: The powder was sticky and clumpy, requiring a blender for optimal mixing rather than a shaker bottle or frother alone. This felt inconvenient for people looking for quick and easy preparation at home.

Limited Flavor Options: With only chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored choices available, some people may find the variety lacking compared to other brands that offer a wider range of flavors.

Sticky Texture: The natural collagen content on this particular beef led to a very sticky consistency for me, which some users might find cumbersome when preparing shakes or smoothies.

#5 out of 8 product

Just Ingredient

4.2/5.0

Flavor Reviewed: Chocolate

Protein source: Whey & Plant Blend 🥛🪴

Flavors: Just Plain, Chai, Chocolate, Coconut Chocolate, Creamy Peanut Butter, Lemon Swish, Lucky Mint, Mint Chocolate, Mountain Berry, Roasted Peanut Butter, Snickerdoodle, Salted Caramel, Strawberries & Cream, Tropical Paradise, Vanilla Bean, Neapolitan, Peaches & Cream, Pumpkin Spice, and Apple Cider.

Ingredients: 10 total
1. Whey Protein Isolate
2. Coconut Milk
3. Cacao
4. Pea Protein
5. Pumpkin Seed Protein
6. Collagen
7. Chia Seed Protein
8. Stevia Leaf
9. Sodium Chloride
10. Monk Fruit

visit www.justingredients.us

Pros

Cons

Overall

Just Ingredients provides a unique blend of whey and plant-based proteins, which aims to provide a comprehensive nutritional profile. While it boasts some attractive features, it also has a few drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. Digestion was a struggle for me after continued use.

New Zealand Whey and Plants carry a wide array of micro nutrients and vitamins.

What I love ️

Diverse Ingredients: The combination of whey isolate with plant-based proteins like pea, pumpkin seed, and chia seed provides a rounded amino acid profile. This blend caters to those looking for both animal and plant-based protein sources in one product.

‍‍Flavor Variety: The wide range of flavors available is impressive, providing options to suit various tastes and potentially preventing flavor fatigue.

What could be better

Complex formula: With 10 ingredients, this powder is more complex than some competitors’ offerings. This could be a concern for those seeking the simplest possible protein supplement.

Digestibility Issues: Some consumers may find the mixture of dairy and plant proteins challenging to digest. This could limit its appeal to those with sensitive stomachs.

‍‍Mixability Challenges: The diverse ingredient list seems to create difficulties in achieving a smooth mixture. This affects easy mixing, but can be resolved with a blender or high power frother.

#6 out of 8 product

Gainful

4.2/5.0

Flavor Reviewed: Chocolate

Protein source: Whey Concentrate Isolate

Flavors: Variety Pack, Strawberry Cream, Sea Salt Caramel, Rich Chocolate, Madagascar Vanilla, Cinnamon Toast, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Caffé Mocha

Ingredients: 11 total
1. Whey isolate
2. Whey concentrate
3. Green tea extract
4. Sunflower lecithin
5. Cocoa
6. Natural flavor
7. Tapioca
8. Maltodextrin
9. Stevia extract
10. Guar gum
11. Monk fruit extract

visit www.gainful.com

Pros

Cons

Overall

Gainful offers a very customizable whey protein powder aimed at those looking to build muscle or lose weight. While it provides a high protein content and avoids artificial additives, it’s priced far above the industry on a price per serving basis and the ingredients aren’t as clean as rivals. It’s also not third party lab tested which concerns me.

I found the flavor a little close to playdoh, but customers cite that it mixes well with smoothies.

Flavor packets is cool, especially for those wanting variety!

What I love ️

Customization: Gainful’s approach to personalized nutrition allows you to tailor protein powder to your specific goals, which can be beneficial for targeted results.

‍‍Protein Content: With 25g of protein per serving is good for muscle-building nutrients, which is suitable for those focused on strength training and muscle growth.

‍‍Flavor Options: The variety of flavor packets offered allows users to change up their taste experience without committing to a large container of a single flavor.

What could be better

Whey Quality and Value: The use of whey concentrate alongside isolate results in a less premium product with higher lactose content. This could be an issue for those with mild lactose sensitivities or those seeking the purest form of whey protein. The value for this product is lacking compared to the industry standard for a whey powder.

‍‍Digestibility Concerns: As a dairy-based product, its digestibility largely depends on individual lactose tolerance. This limits its suitability for a broad range of consumers.

‍‍Cleanliness of Formula: With 11 ingredients including additives like maltodextrin, this formula is not as clean as some alternative protein options on the market. This may be a drawback for those seeking the simplest, most natural protein supplements. Also third party lab testing is uncertain for this brand (not easily obtainable online – which concerns me).

Chocolate powder added!

#7 out of 8 product

Momentous

4.2/5.0

Flavor Reviewed: Chocolate

Protein source: Whey Isolate Powder 🥛

Flavors: Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla

Ingredients: 9 total
1. Whey Protein Isolate
2. Natural flavors
3. Guar Gum
4. Salt
5. Sunflower Lecithin
6. Silica
7. Organic Glucosylated Steviol Glycides
8. Organic Rebaudioside A
9. Prohydrolase

visit www.livemomentous.com

Pros

Cons

Overall

Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder is really popular in the industry right now, and has some major endorsements on podcasts & organizations. It stands out from the lot with a NSF Certification for Professional Sports. They uniquely add digestive enzymes to their product, which I’m frankly not sure how to assess or weigh. While it comes at a higher price point and offers limited flavors, it’s seen as an excellent choice for athletes and health conscious consumers.

I found the flavor a little close to playdoh, but customers cite that it mixes well with smoothies.

Equip Prime stood out as the #1 choice from the protein powders that I evaluated.

What I love ️

Quality Protein Source: Ethically sourced whey isolate from Irish cows is a high standard. This choice not only supports sustainable farming practices but also offers a great nutrient profile (i.e. including beneficial fatty acids).

Cold Processing Method: This helps mitigate the denaturing of protein molecules and preserve their natural structure. This method can potentially enhance the bioavailability of the protein and maintain its nutritional integrity. For consumers prioritizing protein quality and effectiveness, this could be viewed as advantageous.

Athletic Focus: NSF Certified for Sport, which adds a badge of credibility for athletes concerned about banned substances. This certification requires rigorous testing and provides peace of mind for competitive athletes who undergo drug testing.

What could be better

Ingredient Complexity: Despite consumer claims of being a “clean” protein, they includes several additives like prohydrolase, guar gum, sunflower lecithin, and organic glucosylated steviol glycides. These ingredients, while potentially functional, go against the concept of a truly clean, minimally processed protein powder in my book. The inclusion of these additives may raise questions about the necessity of such components in a product marketed as clean and natural.

Lower Protein Content: At 20g per serving, it offers less protein than most competing whey products. This could be a drawback for those looking to maximize their protein intake, especially when considering the higher price point of this product.

‍Higher Price Point: At $2.70 per serving, it’s more expensive than many other whey protein options. While the quality and certifications may justify the cost for some, it could be a significant barrier for the budget conscious who want a protein powder they can use frequently.

#8 out of 8 product

Promix Vegan Protein Powder

4.2/5.0

Flavor Reviewed: Chocolate

Protein source: Organic Yellow Peas

Flavors: Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla

Ingredients: 6
1. Yellow Pea Protein Isolate
2. Sprouted Brown Rice Protein
3. Raw Organic Cacao
4. Organic Cocoa
5. Monk Fruit
6. Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

visit www.promixnutrition.com

Pros

Cons

Overall

Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder provides a good plant based protein source with 25 grams of protein per serving and an ingredient list free from artificial additives. While it provides excellent amino acid support and good mixability, it may not be suitable for those following strict keto or paleo diets due to its ingredient profile.

What I love ️

High Protein Yield: Each serving provides 25g of protein, which helps ensure a high protein-to-serving ratio.

‍Rich Amino Acid Profile: Contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), making it suitable for muscle recovery and growth.

‍Good Option for Vegans/Vegetarians: This protein powder is a good option for vegans and vegetarians seeking a non-meat or non-dairy protein supplement.

What could be better

Limited Flavors: 3 flavors is on the lessar side, which came up in some customer reviews.

‍Possible Digestive Issues: Some users mentioned experiencing mild digestive discomfort due to ingredients

‍Not Keto or Paleo Friendly: The ingredient profile may not align with strict keto or paleo dietary guidelines.

My clean protein powder score chart (scored 1-5)

Brand	Ingredients	Bioavailability	Taste	Mixability	Digestibility	Price per Serving	Overall
Equip Prime	5	4.5	5	5	5	$1.81	4.8
Transparent Labs	4.5	4.5	4.5	5	4	$2.00	4.3
Kion	5	4.5	4	4	3.5	$2.00	4.2
Be Well	4.5	4	4	4	3	$2.00	4.2
Just Ingredients	4.5	5	3.5	4.5	4	$2.00	3.8
Gainful	3.5	3.5	4	3.5	3	$3.21	3.6
Momentous	3.5	4	3.5	3.5	3	$2.70	3.4
Promix	3	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.5	$1.74	3.1

Why I chose Equip Prime

I chose Equip Prime Protein Powder for its commitment to high quality clean ingredients and transparent labelling. Their protein is sourced from grass fed beef, ensuring I get a complete amino acid profile without artificial additives and strange enzymes. The minimal ingredient list aligns perfectly with my clean eating principles, and the protein’s digestibility makes it a great fit for my daily routine. Additionally, the versatility of flavors allows me to enjoy it in various recipes, keeping my nutrition exciting.

After using Equip Prime for 4 months consistently, I feel great and I’ve seen tangible gains at the gym!

Best Clean Protein Powders of 2025

5000+

Ratings analyzed

100+

Hours researching

30

Brands evaluated

20

Powders purchased

winner

Equip Prime

4.8/5

3 ingredients

runner up

Transparent Labs

4.3/5

5 ingredients

rank # 3

Kion

4.2/5

6 ingredients

rank # 3

Be Well

4.2/5

3 ingredients

rank # 5

Be Well

4.2/5

3 ingredients

rank # 6

Be Well

4.2/5

3 ingredients

rank # 7

Be Well

4.2/5

3 ingredients

rank # 8

Be Well

4.2/5

3 ingredients

Low Quality Protein Ruined My Health

Testing 20 protein powders first hand! Fun fact: pickles are a great palette cleanser.

What Makes a Protein Powder "Clean" According to Experts?

Choosing Your Protein Powder: Whey vs Beef vs Plant

The Key Factors I Tested in Each Protein Powder

Ingredient Quality

Low Calorie

Protein Density

Bioavailability

Price per serving

Number of Ingredients

Taste & Smell

Easy to Digest

My testing process

Having fun testing and scoring 20 protein powders! Shout out to my lifting partner for helping me taste test and take pics.

My Pick For The Best Clean Protein Powder

winner #1 out of 8

Healthiest & Cleanest

Equip Prime

4.8/5.0

Flavor Reviewed: Chocolate

Protein per serving: 21g per serving

Third party tested: Yes

Price per serving: $1.81

Visit www.equipfoods.com

🔥 Free shipping code: FREESHIP 🔥

Expires - March 1

Pros

100% natural real food ingredients

100% grass fed pasture raised cows

Beef is sourced from EU

Only 3 ingredients

No artificial sweeteners or additives

Full amino acid profile

High protein density

Best tasting protein powder I tried

Great for paleo & keto

Low calorie (4% of daily value)

Cholesterol free, lactose free, gluten free