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I tested dozens of natural and clean protein powders for women. These are my top picks for clean ingredients, low/no sugar, and quality protein.
Protein is a must for our bodies to function properly, and protein powders are a great way to make sure we’re keeping up with our intake.
Unfortunately, not all protein powders are made equally since there aren’t strict regulations for protein supplements in the US. Instead, for a cleaner alternative: You’ll want to look for a plant-based protein, collagen protein, or whey protein as the first ingredient in their labels, double-check for unnecessary sugar or synthetics, and prioritize powders with at least 20g of protein per serving. (Ideally, it’ll have verification like NSF Certified for Sport or USDA Organic, too!)
How much protein do women need on average?
At the most basic level, protein helps our bodies function — and we can’t live without it! It’s an essential macronutrient, supporting everything from gut and immune health to muscle building to hair and skin growth. The National Academy of Medicine suggests that we get seven grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight daily. So, for most folks, the range runs from 35-70 grams and can vary depending on activity level, sex, weight, age, and health level. According to Dr. Katherine Marengo, the average female requires 34-46 g of protein a day. Dr. Marengo also notes that pregnant people require more protein (around 70g) to help support the parent and the fetus. But many diets don’t include enough protein…and that’s where protein powder comes in!
We’ve found nine protein powders that are free of processed fillers, focus on organic or bioavailable ingredients, and are independently tested for efficacy and purity! Plus, the products below are made with women’s health in mind, with options for prenatal and postpartum support.
Our methodology & criteria:
As someone who works out five to six days a week, I’m familiar with the protein powder space and many brands on the market. Mostly, though, I’ve been more interested in quality protein powders for women in the past few years to help with healthy aging so I can feel like my best self. I brought that mindset and experience to the table when testing out these protein powder brands, considering cost, taste, and consistency in each review. For all the brands below, I tested one scoop in a glass of cold water, using a frother for blending (I prefer this to shaker bottles because it helps reduce graininess and makes the drink a bit more creamy).
Here are a few specifics as to our methodology and criteria:
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS | Free of additives, fillers, and harmful ingredients, these protein powders are completely natural and include wholesome, organic ingredients that are nourishing to the body.
- LOW OR NO SUGAR | Avoiding unnecessary sugar is a must, and we’ve made sure each of these natural protein powder brands contains low or no sugar, and if sweetened, use healthy alternatives like organic stevia and monk fruit.
- TASTE | The days of chalky and artificial-tasting protein powders are over! We’ve tested these brands to make sure they taste delicious and you actually want to drink them!
Whether you want to level up your workouts, support your baby’s development, or just enjoy an energy boost to avoid the 3 PM slump, these protein powders will do just that — and more. (Don’t forget to include these natural probiotics and organic multivitamins in your daily regimen for a well-rounded health kick.) Drink up!
1. Needed
Best For | Collagen protein & prenatal protein
Clean Ingredients | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides
Protein per serving | 14 grams
Price | $50 for 30 servings
Needed recognizes the gap in the market for quality prenatal support and has created one of the most high-quality protein powders for women (that are also pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe!). This collagen protein is a two-in-one powder that supports your blood sugar, joint health, gut health, immune function, and more — the pure collagen peptides act as both a source of protein and skin support. We also like that it’s unflavored, and many users claim it dissolves well into drinks and smoothies without the “funky texture or flavor.” If you’re hoping to conceive, are currently pregnant, or are simply on your way to optimal health, Needed’s Collagen Protein is a great choice.
Our Editor Review | As an avid coffee drinker, this is my number one protein choice because I can add it to my morning coffee, and it dissolves perfectly without any added flavor. Unlike other powders that require a shake or smoothie, this one goes into a beverage I am already drinking every day, so it’s super easy to get protein first thing in the AM. I’ve always been a Needed fan, but this is by far one of my favorite products from their line. The fact that it’s pregnancy safe, too is a huge win.
2. Ritual
Best For | Pregnancy & postpartum
Clean Ingredients| Choline, organic pea protein, organic coconut oil, organic monk fruit extract
Protein per serving | 20 grams
Price | $44 for 15 servings
Ritual offers the best daily essentials for women, whether for living life or creating it! These non-GMO, vegan, and third-party tested formulas are about as clean as they come. While it is a powder, it goes seamlessly into any smoothie or milkshake with a subtle vanilla taste. Best of all, you can see exactly where every ingredient comes from on the product page, down to the supplier and final location for manufacturing. We love that Ritual also has this protein in a Pregnancy and Postpartum formula. It has everything you need for strong bones and muscles (yes, for you and little ones), thanks to the 250mg of choline and 20g of plant-based protein.
Our Editor Review | This powder is so easy to blend and has a wonderful consistency. It’s a bit sweet, but the vanilla flavor is great for smoothies, baking, or adding to almond milk. Note that it doesn’t have a scoop to cut down on plastic waste, which is no issue for me since it’s easy to measure out the recommended serving with a food scale or, if you’re not super particular, just by eyeing it. Sustainability > accuracy, in my opinion!
3. Ora
Best For | USDA-certified organic vegan protein
Clean Ingredients | Organic pea & rice proteins, organic fruits & veggies, lactase, cellulase, organic stevia, organic monk fruit
Protein per serving | 22 grams
Price | $50 for 20 servings
With 23g of plant-based protein from 19 organic superfoods, Ora’s Plant-Based Superfood Protein delivers a complete amino acid profile for muscle-building, recovery, and satiety. It includes digestive enzymes to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce bloating, making it easy on sensitive stomachs. We love that it is available in chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chai, and unflavored and that you can buy single-serving packs to try them out! The flavors are subtly sweet enough to be mixed into water, milk, or even baked goods — that’s our kind of daily nutrition.
Our Editor Review | I was so pleasantly surprised by Ora! I had heard wonderful things about the flavor and how it is formulated by chefs to taste better. Let me tell you: it did not disappoint! Even with water (and I am not a protein powder-in-water gal, it tasted delicious). It blended super easily and was even a bit frothy in texture. I also love that I’m getting 23 grams of protein. A favorite, for sure!
4. Be Well By Kelly
Best For | Minimal ingredient formulas
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed beef protein isolate, organic monk fruit extract, chocho bean protein
Protein per serving | 23 grams
Price | $60 for 30 servings
Be Well By Kelly was founded by celebrity holistic nutritionist and wellness expert Kelly LeVeque. With a minimalist but precise approach to nutrition, the brand wants to help you ditch dieting by embracing a clear and simple approach to clean nutrition using Kelly’s Fab 4 formula of getting the right amount of protein, fat, fiber, and greens in every meal. They make the protein part easy with their grass-fed beef protein powder or vegan plant-based protein powder, available in unflavored, chocolate, or vanilla. With a whopping 23 grams per serving, this is one of our favorite powers, specifically for women.
Our Editor Review | I was a bit hesitant when I first tried Be Well By Kelly because, to be honest, it doesn’t mix well at all! This isn’t the kind of protein powder you can add to a blender bottle or stir into water — it definitely requires a frother or (better yet) a blender. That said, once I mixed it using a blender, it was absolutely perfect. No chunks, no grainy texture, no weird flavor. It tastes like a chocolate milkshake and is so easy on my stomach. I love that it’s safe to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well for that extra protein intake. (Currently drinking a shake as I write this!)
5. Gramms
Best For | Fruit-flavored protein powders
Clean Ingredients | lactose-free whey protein isolate, citric acid, natural flavor, stevia extract, turmeric extract (for color
Protein per serving | 20 grams
Price | $55 for 18 servings
Can’t stand the taste of sweet protein powders or the consistency of shakes? Gramms is the perfect alternative. This clear whey protein isolate is naturally a complete protein (meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids not produced by the body) and is made with five simple ingredients. The flavor is light, clear, and refreshing, and it truly tastes like lemonade! We especially love that it’s triple-filtered and gut-friendly too, so we get the benefits and feel good after drinking it. Gramms also has peach and strawberry acai protein powder and travel packs.
Our Editor Review | I love how light and refreshing this protein option is! It’s perfect over ice and is so easy to drink. It takes a bit longer to mix (use a shaker bottle or frother), but once the foam settles, the powder is completely dissolved, and the flavor is so enjoyable. If I had to pick a protein powder to travel with, this would be it since I can stomach this with just ice water. Looking forward to trying the other flavors as well!
6. WelleCo
Best For | All-in-one- superfood protein powder
Clean Ingredients | Organic pea & rice protein, pomegranate powder, acai powder, psyllium seed husk, magnesium citrate, digestive enzyme blend, turmeric, rosehip, vitamin blend, probiotic blend, dandelion leaf extract
Protein per serving | 16 g
Price | Starting at $35 for 9 servings
For a protein powder that does it all, WelleCo’s Nourishing Protein refills will be your new daily staple. This vegan protein powder is formulated with organic and non-GMO ingredients such as rice and pea protein. It also includes pre- and probiotics, digestive enzymes, B vitamins, magnesium, and superfoods — all in one scoop! You won’t bloat when consuming this protein and will experience elevated energy levels with no blood sugar crash. Pick up WellCo’s UV-resistant Protein Caddy to keep your protein powders in and refill as you need. Save 20% and get free shipping with their subscriptions!
Our Editor Review | This brand is definitely more expensive than others on the list, which made me a bit hesitant. But with all the added vitamins and minerals, as well as the rich flavor and creamy consistency, I can see why it’s loved by customers. I especially love that you can sign up for a subscription and get refills for the caddy to cut down on waste. This one is super yummy and easy to drink with just water!
7. Fullwell
Best For | Unflavored grass-fed cattle collagen that’s pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe
Clean Ingredients | Bovine collagen type 1 and 3,19 naturally occurring amino acids
Protein per serving | 14 grams
Price | $45 for 30 servings
For a collagen peptide option, we are huge fans of FullWell. This collagen protein powder has the highest quality, most thoroughly tested collagen peptides and is designed to support your body and reproductive health safely and effectively, including while pregnant and breastfeeding. The collagen is sourced from 100% pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle and then rigorously tested to ensure purity, safety, and Prop 65 compliance. Plus it’s unflavored, so it’s super easy to add to your morning coffee or favorite drink! Oh, and it includes 3.5 g of glycine, a key nutrient often missing from modern diets.
Our Editor Review | I love everything from FullWell, and this collagen powder is no exception! It’s so easy to add to my morning coffee, so I get that added protein boost in the morning. The fact that it’s fertility-safe and pregnancy-safe is perfect for my current life stage. Knowing that this product is rigorously tested and gives my body the amino acids and proteins it needs is huge for me. Plus, you can’t taste it, even when mixed in a glass of water!
8. KOS
Best For | Fun and sweet flavors
Clean Ingredients | Organic pea protein, organic coconut milk, organic coconut sugar, organic fruit and veggie blend, digestive enzyme blend, vitamins and mineral blend
Protein per serving | 20 grams
Price | $59 for 28 servings
For fun and yummy flavors, we love KOS Organics protein powders (available on Amazon and at Whole Foods). All ingredients are responsibly sourced, certified organic, and free of gluten, dairy, soy, hormones, artificial sweeteners, colors, and GMOs. Oh, and these protein powders are made with USDA and CCOF-certified ingredients. As for flavors, we love the vanilla (a staple) and salted caramel coffee for something different! With 12 vitamins and minerals and 20 grams of protein, it’s a winner in our book.
Our Editor Review | I was surprised by how much I loved KOS since I hadn’t heard of it before. The vanilla is creamy and blends very easily (not grainy, smooth consistency). I love drinking this in milk or adding it to smoothies. While some of the other flavors are a bit too much for my taste, it’s a great option for those who have a sweet tooth and want to swap out nightly desserts for a sweet protein shake instead.
9. Garden of Life
Best For | Organic protein you can find in stores
Clean Ingredients | Organic peas, sprouted grains, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and vitamins A, D, E, & K
Protein per serving | 22 grams
Price | $50.99 for 28 servings
You may have seen Garden of Life protein powder at your local health food or grocery store. We love how accessible this brand is and its longstanding reputation for creating quality organic supplements and vitamins. The protein powder specifically has 22 grams of complete protein & 4g BCAAs stimulates the building of protein in muscle), probiotics, digestive enzymes, and vitamins A, D, E, & K. It includes organic peas, sprouted grains, seeds, and legumes, and we love that its lactose-free and easily digested. The range of flavor options is a huge perk!
Our Editor Review | Garden of Life is a tried and true protein powder in my household, and I love how creamy and thick the formula is. I prefer this one for adding to my shakes and oatmeal, as the vanilla is enough to add a subtle sweetness. I find it tastes a tad grainy when just mixed with water, which is why I like mixing it in with other ingredients or using this one for baking.
10. Vega
Best For | Vegan protein powder
Clean Ingredients | Pea protein, organic rice protein, pea starch, vegetable powders, stevia leaf extract
Protein per serving | 20 grams
Price | $34.99 for 18 servings
Vega is passionate about making delicious plant-based nutrition that’s good for the planet and those who live on it. This protein powder is one of our favorites because it’s super affordable and you can get 20% off your first three subscriptions. Vega is also a B Corp, and they plant trees for every order. The formula also includes 25% of your Vitamin K daily value, as well as lots of greens and 25% of your daily iron intake. Enjoy a truly vegan and plant-based protein powder that is easy to blend into your smoothie or drink with water!
Our Editor Review | I love how easy it is to blend Vega protein into water. It does have a slightly grainy taste, but it’s not too sweet, and the vanilla flavor helps a lot. Like some of the other brands, I prefer to blend this into a smoothie or mix it with oatmeal. But overall, the price point and ingredients make this a go-to option for added protein!
11. Orgain
Best For | Affordable plant-based protein powder
Clean Ingredients | Organic protein blend, organic creamer base
Protein per serving | 21 grams
Price | $37.99 for 20 servings
Another brand that is easy to find in stores or on Amazon is Orgain. The company has been a fan favorite in the protein space for years (the company has been around since 2009), so you can trust that the formulas have been revised again and again based on customer feedback and taste. We love that the ingredients are clean and that Orgain is USDA organic. It’s also a bit more affordable than other brands on the list, making it a solid choice if you’re looking to up your protein but want a more cost-effective option.
Our Editor Review | Though Orgain isn’t as fancy as other protein brands on this list, I like that it’s reliable, tastes great, and has solid ingredients (and certs) to back up its claims. The vanilla is subtle, blends smoothly, and is perfect for tossing into smoothies, cookies, oatmeal, or a glass of milk. It’s a win for me.
Kayti Christian is the Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. She has an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing and has been featured in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. She is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a newsletter for sensitive people, and cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, a podcast about IVF and infertility.
