14 Best Protein Powders For Smoothies in 2023

I know, protein shakes aren’t always the best-tasting thing in the world. But when mixed into a smoothie, protein powder is much tastier, and you get all the extra benefits of the other ingredients you use.

There are so many different protein powders available, and each brand has its own unique blend. To help make it easier for you to choose, I’ve compiled a list of the 14 best protein powders for smoothies:

1. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder – Best Overall Protein Powder
2. Impact Whey Protein – Best Budget Protein Powder
3. Ghost Whey Protein – Best Tasting Protein Powder
4. NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein – Best Chocolate Protein Powder
5. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder – Best Vanilla Protein Powder
6. Vega Sport Premium Vegan Protein Powder – Best Vegan Protein Powder
7. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder – Best Collagen Protein Powder
8. Muscle Feast Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Best All-Natural Protein Powder
9. Genepro Unflavored Protein Powder – Best Unflavored Protein Powder
10. MariGold Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Best Low-Carb Protein Powder
11. Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder – Best High-Protein Protein Powder
12. Klean Isolate Protein Powder – Best Low-Calorie Protein Powder
13. Xwerks Grow – Best Weight Loss Protein Powder
14. Naked Nutrition Vanilla Weight Gainer Protein – Best Muscle Gain Protein Powder

In this article, I’ll review these protein powders in more detail and discuss their pros and cons. I’ll also provide a buying guide with criteria to look for in a protein powder to put in smoothies, discuss why people put protein powder in smoothies, and review the benefits of adding protein powder to smoothies.

Featured Products

• Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder – Best Overall Protein Powder
• Impact Whey Protein – Best Budget Protein Powder
• Ghost Whey Protein – Best Tasting Protein Powder

Why Do People Make Smoothies With Protein Powder?

People make smoothies with protein powder for several reasons. They may want to increase their protein intake, improve muscle recovery after exercise, and support weight loss or weight gain goals. Adding protein powder to smoothies is an easy and convenient way to achieve all of these needs, especially for people who may not get enough protein from their normal diet. 

Protein is an essential macronutrient and important for building and repairing muscles, bones, and other tissues in the body. If you are serious about fitness and lifting weights, you need to ensure your protein intake is at a good level. Otherwise, your body will likely start to break down, and you’ll get injured.

Beyond the basic benefits of it, protein powder is sometimes not very tasty or enjoyable on its own, no matter what brand you use. As such, people put the powder in smoothies to mask the intense flavor and smell.

Want more options for top-rated whey protein isolate, plant-based protein, micellar casein protein, and more? Check out California Gold Nutrition's full selection on iHerb.

14 Best Protein Powders for Smoothies

*Not all flavors may be available at all times. Please check the links for each product to see which flavors are currently available.

1. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder – Best Overall Protein Powder

Rating: 5/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 110 Calories
• 25 grams of protein
• 1 total gram of fat
• 2 grams of carbohydrates 
• 1 gram of sugar
• Flavor Options: Birthday Cake, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cocoa Pebbles, Cookies & Cream, Dunkin’ Cappuccino Flavor, Dunkin’ Mocha Latte Flavor, Fruity Pebbles, Fudge Brownie, Strawberry, Vanilla 

Pros

• Easily digestible
• Lots of flavor options
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Added stevia

My absolute favorite protein powder on the market and the best protein to add to smoothies is Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder. Since I started using this, I have not used any other protein. I use the Vanilla flavor every day in a smoothie blended with fruit.

It blends very well, doesn’t leave any clumps, tastes good, and is easily digestible.

With this protein powder, I don’t notice any gritty, chalky texture like most protein powders have. I think it is important because it does not leave any strong smell in my cup after washing the cup, which I’ve noticed with other powders.

The macros of this powder are really good. The Dietary Reference Intake report recommends 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. The general recommendation is 56 grams per day for sedentary male adults and 46 grams for sedentary female adults, but that number will change based on your body weight and activity level. Getting 25 grams of protein per serving from this protein powder is pretty good and will satisfy your daily requirement if you need a lower protein intake.

However, 25 grams of protein may not be enough for one meal if you are very active and have a high daily protein requirement. So remember to use this as a nutritional supplement, not a meal replacement.

One drawback to note is that stevia may cause gastrointestinal discomfort for some people.

But if you’re looking for a whey protein isolate that is high in protein and low in fat, carbs, and sugar, and stevia doesn’t affect you, this is my recommendation. 

2. Impact Whey Protein – Best Budget Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 100 Calories
• 19 grams of protein
• 1 total gram of fat
• 3 grams of carbohydrates 
• 1 gram of sugar
• Flavor Options: Chocolate, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Mint, Cookies & Cream, Mocha, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Vanilla, Unflavored 

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Gluten-free
• 5 grams of BCAA

Cons

• Lower end of protein per serving

Myprotein does a good job with the texture and mixability of its Impact Whey protein powder. The protein is very fine and almost “powdery.” The finer the protein, the better it blends. It mixes well with fruit in a smoothie and does not have a chalky texture. There are nine flavors to choose from, so you can find one that suits your preferences.

The only reason this gets 4/5 stars is the macro content. Protein powder should range from roughly 25-30 grams of protein per serving. Impact Whey only has 19 grams of protein per serving, which is lower than other options.

However, this blend includes 5 grams of BCAAs. Branched-chain amino acids are a group of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They can help increase muscle growth, aid muscle recovery, and reduce muscle fatigue.

Many protein powders contain roughly 5 grams of BCAAs, so Impact Whey has the average amount of BCAAs compared to other brands. However, 10-15 grams of BCAAs per day were found to produce the most advantageous effects, so you may want to consider supplementing with a separate BCAA powder.

3. Ghost Whey Protein – Best Tasting Protein Powder

Rating: 5/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 130 Calories
• 25 grams of protein
• 1.5 total grams of fat
• 4 grams of carbohydrates 
• 2 grams of sugar
• Flavor Options: Cereal Milk, Chips Ahoy!, Cinnamon Cereal Milk, Fruity Cereal Milk, Marshmallow Cereal Milk, Milk Chocolate, Nutter Butter, Oreo, Peanut Butter Cereal Milk  

Pros

• Flavor is very accurate to description
• Good macros
• Soy- and gluten-free

Cons

• Many artificial additives

Ghost’s flavors are so tasty it doesn’t even seem like you are taking protein powder. The best way to describe the flavors is the milk flavor at the bottom of a cereal bowl, so it is still tasty but not too overpowering.

Ghost whey protein mixes really well in a shaker cup or blender and does not leave any clumps of protein. It is the best whey protein powder for smoothies with other ingredients like oats, peanut butter, or a banana.

The macros are really good on this blend. It is low in carbs and fat, so you are pretty much only getting the calories from protein.

However, Ghost uses quite a bit of artificial sweeteners and ingredients in its protein blends. Some of these may bother some people's stomachs or go against dietary restrictions.

For example, most flavors include xanthan gum, which can cause bloating and gas. Ghost also uses sunflower lecithin, which is used to make the blend creamier and improve the mixability. However, sunflower lecithin has also been found to induce gastrointestinal issues like stomach aches and diarrhea. 

4. NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein – Best Chocolate Protein Powder

Rating: 5/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 160 Calories
• 24 grams of protein
• 2.5 total grams of fat
• 10 grams of carbohydrates 
• 0 grams of sugar
• Flavor Options: Creamy Chocolate, Creamy Vanilla, Unflavored 

Pros

• Great taste
• NPA A-rated GMP certification
• 69 servings per container 

Cons

• Higher price point

NOW Sports has the best tasting chocolate protein powder on this list. When blended with a creamy liquid like milk, it tastes just like a chocolate milkshake.

It mixes decently well, but when using this protein, I had to mix it for longer than other protein powders and double-check to ensure there were no powder chunks. The added xylitol sweetener did not affect my stomach either. I did not feel bloated after drinking this protein powder.

You get some pretty solid macros with NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein. It has 24 grams of protein per serving and just 2.5 grams of fat. However, because it has more calories than other proteins on this list, it would be a good addition to a muscle-building diet.

One interesting note about this blend is that it has an NPA A-rated GMP certification. That means the Natural Products Association has ensured this company’s products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.

Essentially, every aspect of manufacturing has been third-party tested to prove it produces what the label actually says.

Creatine is another supplement that can help support your muscle-building goals. Learn more about the best ways to take it in Should I Take Creatine on Rest Days?

5. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder – Best Vanilla Protein Powder

Rating: 5/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 120 Calories
• 24 grams of protein
• 1.5 total grams of fat
• 4 grams of carbohydrates 
• 1 gram of sugar
• Flavor Options: Banana Cream, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Malt, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Delicious Strawberry, Double Rich Chocolate, Extreme Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla Creme, Mocha Cappuccino, Rocky Road, Strawberries & Cream, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla Ice Cream, White Chocolate  

Pros

• Lots of flavor options
• “Anytime” formula 
• Banned substance tested

Cons:

• Higher price point

This is a classic whey protein powder for fruit smoothies. Most supplement stores carry it, and for good reason! It has the biggest variety of flavors of any brand on this list, and they all taste really good. The vanilla flavor is especially tasty and pairs well with fruits, nut butters, or any vegetables you may want to add to your protein smoothie.

This powder mixes well with water and milk, and a few different size options are available. That way, you can get a smaller-sized jug to try a flavor and decide if you like it or not before spending money on a bigger tub.

120 calories per serving is pretty standard for a protein powder. You will get a good amount of protein, with 24 grams per protein per serving. All the flavors have been tested for banned substances, so this is safe for athletes who may have to get drug tested for their sport. 

The “anytime” formula is designed for this to be used, you guessed it, anytime. It is great before or after exercise, between meals as a snack, with meals, or really just anytime you need extra protein.

6. Vega Sport Premium Vegan Protein Powder – Best Vegan Protein Powder

Rating: 5/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 170 Calories
• 30 grams of protein
• 3.5 total grams of fat
• 4 grams of carbohydrates 
• 1 gram of sugar
• Flavor Options: Vanilla, Chocolate, Mocha, Berry, Peanut Butter  

Pros

• NSF Certified for sport
• Smooth taste and texture
• Contains probiotics

Cons

• Small number of servings per container

This is definitely one of the best vegan protein powders to add to smoothies. I was hesitant to try a vegan protein powder, but I was surprised by how good the flavors tasted. This powder is really smooth, leaves no clumps of protein, and has no rough texture. I also had no digestive issues with this protein and no idea what to expect from trying a plant-based powder.

The macros of this blend are better than most animal-based whey powders. Thirty grams of protein per serving exceeds what most protein blends have, so I was really happy to see I was getting a lot of protein per scoop.

Vega Sport uses a combination of pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, organic sunflower seed protein, and alfalfa protein in its protein powder. There is also tart cherry powder and probiotics to help your body recover and rebuild muscle. 

This is a safe protein for athletes who may be drug tested for their sport. It is recognized by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) with the NSF certification.

7. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder – Best Collagen Protein Powder

Rating: 3.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 70 Calories
• 18 grams of protein
• 0 total grams of fat
• 0 grams of carbohydrates 
• 0 grams of sugar
• Flavor Options: Chocolate, Lemon, Vanilla, Unflavored, Unflavored + Vitamin C 

Pros

• Added Vitamin C flavor option
• Gluten and dairy free
• Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows

Cons:

• Low protein content per serving 

As far as collagen-based protein powders go, this is best you can get. I have tried a few collagen protein blends before and am not a fan. Many have a slimy texture that I could not get past. However, Vital Proteins uses a powder that isn’t slimy. It blends well with water and coffee, but you do have to mix it well. 

This is a very minimal protein powder. It is low-calorie, with no fat, carbs, or sugar. Basically, all of the calories come from the 18 grams of protein. This mixture offers 20 grams of collagen peptide from bovine (cows) and 19 different amino acids.

Vital Proteins also contains three different types of collagen, which are all found in the body: Type I (connective tissue), Type II (cartilage), and Type III (bone marrow).

Having an unflavored flavor with added Vitamin C is a nice touch. It has 100% of your daily Vitamin C needs to help boost immunity. 

If you’re a female athlete in a strength sport, your nutritional needs are different than those of non-active women. Learn more about how to fuel your training in our guide on the female powerlifting diet.

8. Muscle Feast Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Best All-Natural Protein Powder

Rating: 4.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 88 Calories
• 20.5 grams of protein
• 0.2 total grams of fat
• 0.2 grams of carbohydrates 
• 0.1 grams of sugar
• Flavor Options: Cappuccino, Chocolate, Mocha, Pumpkin Spice, Strawberry Cheesecake, Unflavored, Vanilla  

Pro

• Grass-fed whey protein
• Low carb and low calorie
• 4.6 grams BCAA

Cons

• Expensive price point 

Muscle Feast is the best smoothie powder if you’re looking for a natural option. It comes from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows and has pure ingredients. It is Orthodox Union Kosher Certified for Dairy and sourced from a country that has banned the use of artificial hormones for bovines (cows) and contains no fillers or artificial flavors.

For how few ingredients there are, it blends really well and has a good texture. The texture and thickness remind me of a milkshake. The taste is good but has that classic “protein taste” to it.

Furthermore, Muscle Feast has a pretty steep price point. That would be my biggest and really only complaint about this brand. 

One scoop will give you 20.5 grams of protein with basically no fat, carbs, or sugar. It has 4.6 grams of BCAAs, just under the average amount of BCAAs in protein powders. You will also get the essential amino acids your body does not produce on its own to promote muscle growth.

There are no artificial sweeteners in this blend, as stevia is the only sweetener used. This is a great option for getting all-natural protein without the extra junk found in other brands.  

9. Genepro Unflavored Protein Powder – Best Unflavored Protein Powder

Rating: 3.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 44 calories
• 11 grams of protein
• 0 total grams of fat
• 0 grams of carbohydrates 
• 0 grams of sugar
• Flavor Options: Unflavored 

Pros

• Low calorie, carbohydrate, and fat
• Lactose-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO
• Improves gut health

Cons:

• Small serving size

This is a very minimal but effective protein powder for fruit smoothies. It doesn’t dissolve well in anything besides water, and you can see the little specs of the powder in your drink. But because it is unflavored, it will not alter the taste of your protein shake.

There are only 44 calories per serving with no carbs, fat, or sugar. You’re not getting a tremendous amount of protein per serving, as it only has 11 grams per serving. This may be a big drawback for athletes or those who need a higher amount of protein per day. However, you could use two scoops to get more calories and protein. 

For those with food restrictions, this is a healthy protein powder for smoothies since it is lactose-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. One ingredient is an antibody called ImmunoLin, which reduces bacterial toxins in the digestive tract and promotes gut barrier function.

10. MariGold Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Best Low-Carb Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 101 Calories
• 21 grams of protein
• 0.5 total grams of fat
• 4 grams of carbohydrates 
• <0.5 grams of sugar
• Flavor Options: Peanut Butter, Pumpkin Spice, Rich Chocolate Malt, Strawberry Sundae, Vanilla

Pros

• Low-carb
• Supports immune system
• Supports gut health

Cons

• Contains stevia

MariGold has a really tasty, easy to mix protein powder. The formula includes non-GMO choline-rich sunflower lecithin, which allows for a very easy-to-blend mixture. The texture is smooth, and all of the flavors are pretty spot on to the description.

The whey isolate is cold-pressed and micro-filtered. Cold pressing the whey leaves the natural nutrients, antioxidants, amino acids, and minerals in the mixture to support your immune system. L-glutamine also aids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients to support gut health.

The ingredients in this protein powder are Non-GMO Project verified, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, and contain no added sugars. You get 21 grams of protein per serving with a low number of carbs. It does contain stevia, so be aware of that if you are sensitive to stevia. 

11. Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder – Best High-Protein Protein Powder

Rating: 5/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 280 Calories
• 32 grams of protein
• 9 total grams of fat
• 20 grams of carbohydrates 
• 3 grams of sugar
• Flavor Options: Chocolate, Banana Cream, Cookies N’ Cream, Strawberries N’ Cream, Vanilla Cream 

Pros

• High in protein
• NSF Certified for sport
• Excellent source of calcium and Vitamins A, C, and D

Cons

• Small number of servings per container 

Muscle Milk is a very popular protein drink, and for good reason! I really like this powder after a workout. It blends pretty easily into a smoothie. However, it has a strong taste, so make sure you choose a flavor you enjoy.

It also has a pretty strong chalky texture, even when mixed with fruits into a smoothie. If you can get past the texture, this is a great option for a high-protein powder. It is a safe protein powder to use if you are drug tested for your sport because it is NSF Certified, meaning it is recognized as safe by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Muscle Milk is designed for people who want to increase their calorie intake, as it has the second most calories per serving of any protein powder on this list. The high amount of protein is designed to support post-workout muscle recovery and growth.

Muscle Milk protein has a lot of vitamins and calcium, too. What’s nice about that is you don’t have to worry about taking any other vitamin or calcium supplement. One Muscle Milk shake in addition to your regular diet should help you hit your daily recommended intake of calcium and other vitamins. 

12. Klean Isolate Protein Powder – Best Low-Calorie Protein Powder

Rating: 4/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 90 Calories
• 20 grams of protein
• 0 total grams of fat
• 3 grams of carbohydrates 
• <1 gram of sugar
• Flavor Options: Chocolate, Vanilla, Unflavored

Pros

• NSF Sport certified
• Includes electrolytes like sodium and potassium
• Non-GMO

Cons

• Expensive price point 

For a protein shake to be classified as “low calorie,” it should have fewer than 100 calories per serving. That is just what you get with Klean Isolate. This is a really tasty powder that blends easily, as it has a very fine texture.

Klean Isolate is NSF certified, so it is the best powder for smoothies for athletes who may get tested during competitions for banned substances. 

There are no additives in this blend, so you're getting almost all protein in one scoop. Twenty grams of protein per scoop is pretty average compared to the other brands on this list. The added sodium and potassium will also help replenish what you lose through sweat in a workout.

Protein powder can be an effective supplement for powerlifters, but there’s a lot more that goes into a powerlifter’s diet and nutrition. Learn more in Do Powerlifters Eat Whatever They Want?

13. Xwerks Grow – Best Weight Loss Protein Powder

Rating: 4.5/5

Nutritional Breakdown

• 110 Calories
• 25 grams of protein
• 0 total grams of fat
• 1 gram of carbohydrates 
• 0 grams of sugar
• Flavor Options: Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Vanilla, Strawberry 

Pros

• 100% grass-fed
• Cold-pressed micro filtration
• No artificial sweeteners 

Cons

• Expensive price point

I use some other Xwerks products, and I am a big fan of this brand. When I tried the Xwerks Grow protein powder, I knew it would be a good one. I tried the vanilla flavor, and as soon as I opened the bag, I got a big burst of a vanilla smell.

The taste was spot on, too. Mixed with milk, it tasted just like a vanilla milkshake. It adds extra sweetness to a fruit smoothie. The texture is very fine. It feels like powdered sugar, so it mixes in really easily.

The cold-pressed microfiltration leaves behind 6 grams of BCAAs, including 2.7 grams of leucine. Some studies have shown that whey protein isolate with a high leucine content is beneficial for promoting weight loss. For this reason, Xwerks Grow is the best protein powder for smoothies for weight loss.

Each serving of this protein powder has 25 grams of protein to help repair and build muscle. There is no fat or sugar and a low amount of carbohydrates. Because of that, each serving is almost exclusively protein and will not leave you feeling bloated. 

14. Naked Nutrition Vanilla Weight Gainer Protein – Best Muscle Gain Protein Powder

Rating: 5/5

Key Specifications

• 1,260 Calories
• 50 grams of protein
• 2.5 total grams of fat
• 251 grams of carbohydrates 
• 58 grams of sugar
• Flavor Options: Chocolate, Vanilla

Pros

• Great for building muscle mass and size
• Clean source of carbohydrates
• Versatile

Cons

• Expensive price point

This is one of the best powders for smoothies for those who want to build muscle. It is a mass gainer with high amounts of calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats per serving. A mass gainer purposefully has high contents of these macronutrients to increase the daily calorie intake to promote healthy weight gain.

This powder blends well with fruits and does not leave any chalky aftertaste. It is tasty but has a bit of the classic “protein taste,” in my opinion. Naked Nutrition advertises that this protein can be used in cooking foods like oatmeal, pancakes, and cookies, which could help mask the flavor. It’s also an excellent way to get more protein from some of your other favorite foods. 

Why You Should Trust PowerliftingTechnique 

Our team comprises powerlifting coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, bodybuilders, and other fitness experts who have competed and worked with athletes at the highest levels. We understand how important diet and nutrition are in our training and our athletes’ training.

Our recommendations on the best protein powders for smoothies are based on our experience with what works. We’ve gone through just about every protein powder imaginable throughout the years, so we know which products are the best.

How We Chose The Best Protein Powders for Fruit Smoothies

There are hundreds of different brands of protein powders, and some are better than others. We’ve tried and tested these protein powders and read customer reviews on the products. We considered the macros, type of protein, flavor, and mixability of each product to find the best smoothie protein powder. 

Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For in a Protein Powder for Smoothies

When buying a new jug of protein powder, there are a few key specifications to look for.

Macros

Protein, fat, and carbohydrates are the macronutrients your body needs for energy and to function properly. Macros are arguably the most important aspect of a good protein powder. In general, you should look for a protein powder with 200 or fewer calories, 3 grams or less of total fat, and less than 5 grams of carbs per serving. 

In terms of protein, look for a protein powder with roughly 25-30 grams per serving.

The bare minimum amount of protein the body needs per day is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight (0.36 grams per pound of body weight). Athletes and those who strength train should aim for 1.2-2 grams per kilogram of body weight (0.5-0.9 grams per pound of body weight).

A protein powder with 25-30 grams of protein per serving can help ensure you reach your daily protein targets, even if you require a higher protein intake.

All that said, it’s also important to remember that you should use protein shakes and protein smoothies to complement your daily nutrition, NOT to replace all of your meals on a daily basis. 

Type of Protein

Protein powders come from many different sources. There’s an option for everybody, depending on dietary restrictions.

Whey and casein are dairy proteins. They are made from cow’s milk and then dried into a powder. These high-quality protein options contain all the essential amino acids your body cannot naturally produce.

Whey comes in two forms: isolate and concentrate. The key difference is that whey isolate is heavily filtered and contains less than 1% lactose. This is a good option for those who cannot tolerate lactose well. 

Collagen proteins derive from the connective tissue of cows, fish, or chickens. Collagen helps support healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints.

Many plant-based protein powders contain a combination of pea, soy, hemp, and rice. On their own, plant-based protein ingredients are typically incomplete proteins, meaning they do not contain all nine essential amino acids. Blending these ingredients together helps to add more amino acids to the protein blend, so it is then considered a complete protein.

Want a plant-based protein powder for your smoothies? Check out Onnit's Plant-Based Protein Powder.

Flavor Options

This seems needless to say, but you want your protein powder to taste good! Consider picking a flavor that you will want to drink and enjoy because there are roughly 20-30 servings per tub of powder. 

Most brands offer tons of flavors of their products. Depending on the additives each brand uses, some flavors may taste different.

For example, a chocolate flavor from different companies may taste sweeter because one company uses more artificial flavors and sweeteners.

If you don’t want any taste, consider an unflavored protein powder. That way, all you will taste are the other ingredients in your smoothie. 

Mixability 

There is something called mesh count, which describes how fine a powder is. A higher mesh count means the protein is finer and smoother. A lower mesh count means the protein is thicker and has that classic chalky texture we all know.

Typically the higher the mesh count, the better the protein powder will mix in a shaker cup or smoothie blender.

However, you won’t be able to find any information about a protein powder’s mesh count on the label. You’ll need to look it up online or use the classic trial and error method — see how well it mixes yourself!

A very easy and noticeable way to know how well your protein powder mixes is to check for chunks of protein globs at the bottom of the shake.

Pro Tip: Using creamier liquids like milk or higher-fat foods like yogurt can help make the powder less chalky.

Benefits of Adding Protein Powder to Smoothies

Increase Protein Intake

Protein powder is a concentrated source of protein that can help increase your daily protein intake, which is important for maintaining and building muscle mass and supporting healthy immune function.

Protein powder can help support muscle recovery after exercise as well, so getting enough is crucial for fitness enthusiasts.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Protein powders are full of protein and sometimes carbs and fats, making it easy to achieve your macronutrient requirements. If you’re constantly on the go, a protein smoothie is a convenient way to get some calories in your day.

Helps Manage Satiety 

Adding protein powder to smoothies can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce cravings, which can support weight management goals.

If you don’t have time to eat sit-down meals during the workday, a protein smoothie can hold you over until you’re able to eat a full meal. For example, starting your day by adding the best protein powder for breakfast smoothies to a shake can keep you full until you have time to eat a meal with whole food sources.

Protein powder is also a good way to stay satiated during powerlifting competitions. Learn more about meet-day nutrition in What To Eat During A Powerlifting Meet? (6 Rules To Follow).

Encourages Consumption of Other Ingredients

Something that gets overlooked when making protein smoothies is how you can easily add other food groups you might otherwise avoid. For many, that might be fruits and veggies. Hiding those foods inside a protein smoothie is a good way to get those nutrients in a safe, healthy, and simple way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

If you still haven’t decided on the best protein powder for smoothies, I firmly believe Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder is the best option, with Ghost Whey Protein as a very close second. The taste, flavor options, macros, and mixability of these two are the best on the market.

If you are looking for a good protein that comes at a cheaper price point, I recommend checking out Impact Whey Protein.