Best Clean Protein Powders of 2025
- Updates
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
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.
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:
Ingredient Quality
Low Calorie
Protein Density
Bioavailability
Price per serving
Number of Ingredients
Taste & Smell
Easy to Digest
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.
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.
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
1. 100% Grass Fed Beef
2. Cacao
3. Stevia
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
Rich essential micronutrients (iron, zinc, B12)
Supports joint and gut health
Easy to digest
Cons
Limited availability in-person
Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Too many marketing emails
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 ️
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.
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
Hard to Find In Person: While I’ve seen this stocked at some grocery stores, it’s not super easy to find in person. I recommend ordering online if you are looking to try a premium grass fed beef protein powder that heightens muscle recovery, muscle building, and is bloat free.
Not Suitable for All Diets: As a beef based protein, it’s not appropriate for vegetarians or vegans. However, this specialization makes it an excellent choice for those following paleo, keto, carnivore, or generally flexible diets.
Equip Prime stood out as the #1 choice from the protein powders that I evaluated.
runner up #2 out of 8
Transparent Labs
4.3/5.0
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
Protein per serving: 28g per serving
Third party tested: Yes
Price per serving: $2.00
Visit www.equipfoods.com
Pros
High quality whey isolate protein
No artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives
Complete amino acid profile
Good mixability, solubility, and smell
Easy to drink and many flavors
Third party lab tested
Good for gym enthusiasts
Highly endorsed supplement brand
Rapidly absorbs for whey/dairy tolerant
Cons
Expensive
Contains sunflower lecithin
Not as easy to digest
Texture is chalky
Concerns of packaging sustainability
Stevia can be a turn off for some
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.
Frothing Transparent Labs' whey isolate with water!
runner up #2 out of 8
Transparent Labs
4.3/5.0
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
Protein per serving: 28g per serving
Third party tested: Yes
Price per serving: $2.00
Visit www.equipfoods.com
Pros
High quality whey isolate protein
No artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives
Complete amino acid profile
Good mixability, solubility, and smell
Easy to drink and many flavors
Third party lab tested
Good for gym enthusiasts
Highly endorsed supplement brand
Rapidly absorbs for whey/dairy tolerant
Cons
Expensive
Contains sunflower lecithin
Not as easy to digest
Texture is chalky
Concerns of packaging sustainability
Stevia can be a turn off for some
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.
Frothing Transparent Labs' whey isolate with water!
👎 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.
Equip Prime stood out as the #1 choice from the protein powders that I evaluated.
#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
Protein per serving: 20g per serving
Third party tested: No
Price per serving: $2.00
visit www.getkion.com
Pros
High quality whey isolate protein
Relatively clean ingredient list
No artificial additivies or colors
Mixes well with water
Low carbohydrate and sugars profile
Tested for mold, unhealthy bacteria, and metals
Flavored with organic natural flavors
Package design was my personal favorite!
Cons
Reviews cite the flavor as too sweet
Chalky or playdoh flavor noted by some
Not compatible with dairy sensitivies
Not third party lab tested
Higher price than typical whey competition
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.
I found the flavor a little close to playdoh, but customers cite that it mixes well with smoothies.
#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
Protein per serving: 20g per serving
Third party tested: No
Price per serving: $2.00
visit www.getkion.com
Pros
High quality whey isolate protein
Relatively clean ingredient list
No artificial additivies or colors
Mixes well with water
Low carbohydrate and sugars profile
Tested for mold, unhealthy bacteria, and metals
Flavored with organic natural flavors
Package design was my personal favorite!
Cons
Reviews cite the flavor as too sweet
Chalky or playdoh flavor noted by some
Not compatible with dairy sensitivies
Not third party lab tested
Higher price than typical whey competition
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.
I found the flavor a little close to playdoh, but customers cite that it mixes well with smoothies.
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Thanks for reading!
ibrar_705@yahoo.com - Protein Powder Expert
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