The Best Tasting Protein Powders

Everybody's heard of the many health benefits of using protein shakes after an intense workout—extra nutrients, increase in sustainable weight gain, boosted cell growth and regeneration—but it can be a little bit difficult to find a specific line of powder that tastes good, as opposed to just being great for your health. For those who are looking for a new brand to try that tastes great and will quickly get you at the top of your performance, try one of these 5 consumer-ranked, best-tasting protein powders.

1. Optimum Nutrient’s 100% Whey Gold Standard Natural VANILLA

The first of 3 whey-based protein products on the list, Optimum Nutrient’s 100% Whey Gold Standard Natural powder comes in a variety of flavors, but our favorite is the vanilla flavor. With whey protein isolates as the main active ingredient, Gold Standard is packed with proteins and branched-chain amino acid supplements, or BCAAS, which are vital for supplementing and sustaining muscle mass while on a low-calorie diet.

2. Garden of Life Protein Powder (Chocolate Cacao)

Raw, vegan, non-GMO and dairy and gluten-free, Garden of Life Protein Powder might not be as sweet-tooth friendly as some of the others on this list, but the excellent health benefits—44% of daily recommended protein and fat-soluble vitamins—more than make up for that fact. Garden of Life Protein Powder comes in vanilla, vanilla spiced chai, and unflavored, but the Chocolate Cacao flavor is our personal recommendation.

3. Vega Sport Performance Protein (Mocha)

According to one review, it “doesn’t even taste like a protein shake”—Vega Sport Performance Protein is described as "smooth," "soooooo good," and "seriously like an ice cream malt," but it’s every bit as healthy as it is tasty, with a blend of whole grain sources of fiber and 26 grams of protein per serving, which makes it one of the most protein-packed powders on this top 5 list. Like the previous two entries, Vega Sport Performance Protein comes in a variety of flavors, but our favorite is the mocha.

4. Cellucor COR-Performance Whey (Cor-Fetti Cake Batter)

Like all the others on the list, Cellucor COR-Performance Whey features a wealth of choices in terms of flavor, but what sets Cellucor’s product apart is the fact that all these flavors are far more dessert-inspired than the usual chocolate and vanilla. With choices like cinnamon swirl, chocolate chip cookie dough, cookies and cream, and peanut butter marshmallow, this brand of protein is perfect for those with a serious sweet tooth. Cor-Fetti Cake Batter, however, takes the cake in terms of smooth, sweet, and seriously protein-packed flavor.

5. Progenex Recovery (Peanut Butter Smash)

Made with hydrolyzed whey proteins that help the body process the peptide sequences quicker, Progenex recovery is great for right after a workout, as it speeds up the body’s natural recovery process. With a hit of all the proteins and amino acids that your body needs after any strenuous activity, Progenex gives your tired muscles the purest form of nutrition available. Any of the many available flavors are absolutely delicious, but our personal favorite is the Peanut Butter Smash flavor—a smooth, creamy, and utterly indulgent taste that still provides all the extra boost in nutrients that will help your body not only recover faster, but recover stronger as well.

When it comes to health, there are loads of great options—from the basic chocolate and vanilla flavors to Progenex’s Peanut Butter Smash, the days of bland, unflavored protein shakes are long gone. So if you struggle with a sweet tooth but still want to make sure your body is in top condition to keep doing the things you love, try one of the 5 best-tasting flavors of protein powder that will have you going longer, faster, and stronger than ever before.