Unflavored Protein Powder: The Best Of The Best
Protein powders are a great way to increase your daily protein intake and are available in different flavors. But, if you are looking for something other than chocolate or vanilla, then an unflavored protein powder is the way to go.
Unflavored protein powders contain no flavors making them an excellent choice to add to smoothies, shakes, and baking recipes. Also, they are a great way to add extra protein to your diet. However, just because the protein powder is "unflavored" doesn't mean that it is free from sugar, artificial flavors, or additives.
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using protein powder and recommend some of the best brands on the market.
My Selection Process
Protein powder is a great alternative when you need extra protein on the go, but with thousands of brands to choose from it's hard to know which brands have high-quality ingredients.
Most have added sugar, so-called "natural flavors," unhealthy ingredients (i.e., heavy metals, pesticides, and mold), and most make false label claims - making it hard to find a trusted brand that is safe for you and your family.
My list of the best unflavored vegan and whey protein powders will help you get the protein you need without low-quality ingredients.
I've spent hours researching and contacting each company to ensure these products are safe and effective. Most importantly, these companies undergo third-party testing for ingredient potency, heavy metal content, pathogens, and microbial contaminants.
Natural Force Organic Grass-Fed Whey
Best organic grass-fed whey protein powder.
Why I Dig It
Natural Force offers a revolutionary way to reach your fitness and health goals. With a USDA certified organic grass-fed whey, you know you are getting a clean product that provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
This powder is unflavored and is entirely free from gluten, soy, and fillers while providing an impressive 20 grams of protein per serving.
Moreover, Natural Force cares deeply about animal welfare and obtains their proteins through Certified Humane programs. They ensured that all the animals that went into creating the powder were treated with respect.
Natural Force is perfect for anyone looking to boost their daily nutrient intake without compromising taste or quality.
The Data Dump
Natural Force is an industry leader in natural health products. Their quality and purity standards are some of the highest in the market, backed by third-party tests for mold, E. Coli, Staph, heavy metals, and ingredient potency. All this information is made available to customers through the Certificate of Analysis, which is provided with every product.
Their dedication to only using quality ingredients goes beyond this; all their products are manufactured in a certified Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility assuring that they take quality control very seriously.
Natural Force sources their ingredients locally from a Certified Humane farm in Northern California, where cows graze on pasture for over 300 days and feed on sustainable silage, including USDA organic corn, oats, and sorghum – free of pesticides, herbicides and non-GMO.
Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Best unflavored organic plant-based superfood protein.
Why I Dig It
Ora Organic is the perfect way to fuel your body with all the essential and nonessential amino acids needed for optimal hormone and muscle growth. One serving of this plant-based protein powder contains 21 grams of protein per serving.
The key ingredient is 21 grams of organic superfoods and contains organic pea and rice proteins. It's free of any added fillers, so you can trust that you're getting only the best ingredients.
Plus, these proteins are vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free! Enjoy a powerhouse of nourishment without any gritty or chalky taste.
Ora Organic is one of my go-to products for natural supplementation that won't let you down after years of use!
The Data Dump
Ora Organic provides only the highest quality natural proteins made with organic, sustainably sourced, and ethically produced ingredients.
Each product is backed by rigorous testing from third-party labs to ensure that what's on the label is exactly what's in the product. You can view their Certificates of Analysis on their website to verify each supplement's purity and potency.
Truvani Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
Best limited ingredient organic plant-based protein.
Why I Dig It
Truvani's delicious, organic, 3-ingredient protein blend provides 20 grams of plant-based protein per serving and is certified USDA organic, which fits perfectly into a vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free lifestyle.
Plus, there are zero added preservatives, artificial colors, or sweeteners. Whether you're adding some extra protein punch to your pancake mix or blending up a smoothie bowl - this organic delight will add just the right amount of sustained energy that your body needs.
And since it only has three ingredients (yep, THREE!), you know you're getting high-quality protein in every scoop. Truvani is another one of my go-to protein powders!
The Data Dump
Truvani supplies organic and responsibly-produced ingredients that are rigorously tested, ensuring quality in each batch.
Truvani prioritizes clean labeling and total transparency – meaning that consumers can trust all primary and secondary ingredients used in our products are held to the highest standards.
They go above and beyond government requirements by insisting on mandatory disclosure from ingredient suppliers and testing for glyphosate, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
I contacted Truvani to ask for the Certificates of Analysis, and they stated that they do not provide the test results because each product has several certificates. Thus, it takes work to publish one page of test results, and it could be hundreds of pages for each product.
Either way, Truvani's products give you peace of mind that you're choosing a high-quality product!
AGN Roots Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Best Irish grass-fed whey isolate.
Why I Dig It
AGN Roots whey protein is a high-quality protein to add to your workout routine, providing 25 grams of whey protein isolate per serving!
This unflavored whey protein is non-GMO certified, soy-free, and gluten-free - which means it's just as clean as it is yummy! Plus, you can feel confident that there are no added growth hormones or antibiotics.
AGN's grass fed unflavored whey protein is produced with the highest quality standards on the market. Unlike most companies, AGN's cows consume a diet of 95% grass with natural clover for added nutrition and digestion. This tight control over their animals' diets ensures that AGN's whey protein retains superior nutrition and promotes sustainability in its production processes.
For the remaining 5% or less, AGN uses high-moisture silage to provide their cows with necessary nutrition during crucial stages such as late gestation and early lactation.
AGN is committed to providing its customers with top-grade products that boast excellent nutrition and support safe and responsible dairy farming practices.
The Data Dump
AGN Roots takes grass-fed whey protein to the next level with its sustainable practices and superior quality.
AGN are certified by A Greener World, ensuring their animals have top-level welfare standards and live in natural outdoor conditions. In addition, their products are cold-processed and non-denatured for optimum health benefits, ensuring that all of the nutrition and minerals from the protein source remain intact.
Sustainability is also a high priority for AGN Roots, which stays true to their mission of creating a product focused on environmental impact. They are committed to using only pesticide-free ingredients to ensure that your health and the planet's health are not compromised when consuming their products.
As an added safety assurance measure, you can request the lot number of your purchased product and get access to the Certificate of Analysis showing glyphosate and over 400 pesticide test results.
When choosing a grass-fed whey protein isolate that meets all the standards of quality, sustainability, and safety, you can trust AGN Roots!
Four Sigmatic Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Best plant-based protein powder crafted with functional mushrooms.
Why I Dig It
This is the perfect addition to your smoothies - or even your pancakes - creating an easy, delicious, and nutritious fuel for better performance. Each scoop provides 18 grams of plant-based protein per serving.
Four Sigmatic's unique blend of functional mushrooms and adaptogens are all certified organic, gluten-free, and only have two grams of added sugar from organic coconut palm sugar and organic lucuma (a yummy fruit).
Four Sigmatic's organic plant based protein takes the guesswork out of adding much needed nutrition into your routine.
The Data Dump
Sourcing high-quality ingredients from around the world, Four Sigmatic puts each ingredient through rigorous third-party testing for heavy metals, microbial quality, aflatoxins, mycotoxins, mold, yeast, and pesticides.
All products are processed according to Good Manufacturing Practices, so you can trust that each product provides the best possible benefits.
Four Sigmatic has established a "Quality Manual" that details its manufacturing processes and heavy metal testing to guarantee total transparency.
However, when I contacted the company, they informed me that they do not provide Certificates of Analysis to the public.
Benefits of Unflavored Protein Powder
Unflavored protein powder is quickly becoming a popular option for those looking for efficient, cost-effective ways to increase their dietary protein intake without tasting artificial additives or sweeteners.
For those looking for an alternative to a shake or smoothie, unflavored protein powder is also great to add to any baked good - even pancakes!
Unflavored versions typically contain similar amounts of protein as a flavored powder without all of the added sweeteners or flavorings; making them an ideal choice for those seeking an additive that can help increase your daily protein intake.
Unflavored Protein Powder FAQs
I'm here to simplify things by including all my research in one comprehensive guide.
All your most pressing questions about protein will be answered so that your buying decision can be an informed one.
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Like most things, this comes down to personal preference. It's based on your values and beliefs - what you think is best for you.
The organic seal means something a bit different when referencing whey protein powder. In dairy production, the phrase ‘ organic’ simply means the grains fed to the cow are not treated with pesticides; the cow is still grain-fed.
Grass fed means the animal ate only grasses and forages (like hay) for the length of its life, starting when it was weaned off its mother's milk. This label is regulated by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Services.
Keep in mind - the USDA's grass-fed label refers purely to the animal's diet and has nothing to do with whether or not it received hormones or antibiotics.
If this is important to you, check for the American Grassfed Approved (AGA) label, which is issued by the American Grassfed Association, not the government.
Products with the AGA label must come from animals fed a diet of 100% forage, raised on a pasture, and never treated with hormones or antibiotics. -
Overall, there isn't one specific "best" protein because everyone's individual goals and dietary needs vary greatly, so any selection should always consider those matters when determining which protein is suitable for you.
Complete proteins—contain all nine essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own.
Complete proteins can be found in animal sources such as chicken, beef, pork, and fish; dairy products like milk and eggs; plant foods like beans, nuts, lentils, whole grains, and hemp seeds; and tofu and tempeh.
Eating various foods will ensure you get an adequate amount of the essential amino acids needed to maintain good health.
Whey protein has high levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), specifically leucine, which is the critical amino acid for stimulating muscle protein synthesis.If your preference is plant-based or you have intolerances to dairy products, then pea protein may be a suitable alternative due to being hypoallergenic and having a high content of BCAAs.
When combined with brown rice, organic pea protein creates a complete source for essential amino acid intake than either one alone due to their synergistic properties and promoting protein synthesis.
Overall, there isn't one specific "best" protein because everyone's individual goals and dietary needs vary greatly. -
The highest quality protein powder on the market depends on individual dietary needs and preferences.
If you're looking for whey protein, here is a list of my non-negotiables when investigating brands:Buy organic whey protein powder. The ‘organic’ seal on dairy products means: the cows are required to have access to pasture throughout the growing season, 30% of their diet must come from grass and supplemental feed must be non-GMO and organically grown, the cows must be treated humanely, the use of antibiotics and growth hormones are prohibited, and soil fertility must be protected to avoid environmental degradation.
Grass-fed cows that ate only grasses and forages (like hay) for the length of their life - email the company because some companies can be misleading with their "grass-fed" claims.
Gluten-free and soy-free.
Excludes added artificial sugar and “natural flavors.”
Excludes added artificial food dyes/coloring.
The company performs rigorous third-party testing.
A bonus would be a company that shares their Certificates of Analysis with the public.
Another big bonus would be a company that is Certified Humane.
If you're looking for plant based powders, here is a list of my non-negotiables when investigating brands:
The ingredients are organic, which automatically means it is non-GMO.
Excludes added artificial sugar or “natural flavors.”
The company performs rigorous third-party testing.
A bonus would be a company that shares their Certificates of Analysis with the public.
Dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.
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The short answer is, yes. However, dependence on any supplementation can lead to nutrient deficiencies due to limited food variety - if you consume protein powder every day, make sure your food intake contains a sufficient array and quality of food sources.
Make sure to get plenty of protein through real food like chicken, beef, and fish; dairy products like milk and eggs; plant foods like beans, nuts, lentils, whole grains, and hemp seeds, as well as tofu and tempeh. -
Making unflavored protein tasty doesn't have to be a daunting task. It can be as simple as adding some spices, flavors, and sweetness. If you're looking for a quick fix, try adding natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar.
Additionally, you can mix ingredients to create delicious smoothies with items like cocoa powder, almond milk, bananas, or frozen berries. The possibilities are endless with the correct combination of ingredients - from breakfast shakes to post-workout snacks!
If you're feeling extra creative in the kitchen and want to experiment with recipes, you can add protein powder to baked goods or pancakes. -
It depends on your preference and goals. Protein powder mixed with milk can be a great way to get additional protein, carbs, and fats in one fell swoop. Milk can make the taste of your shake more palatable and add a richness that water won't provide.
On the other hand, if you're dairy-free, water or nut milk is the ideal choice. It comes down to what tastes best and works best for you. -
Yes, but remember - not all protein powders are created equal, so do your research and contact the companies! Protein powders are an effective way to increase protein, especially when you're busy and on the go.
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In addition to eating the appropriate amount of protein per day, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) supports consuming protein immediately after exercise. Consuming protein right after exercise will increase muscle protein synthesis.
However, the International Society of Sports Nutrition states that exercising individuals should consume high-quality protein within the time period encompassing an exercise session (i.e., before and after exercise) to increase muscle protein synthesis.
Ultimately, it is your choice when you want to consume your protein, but at the very least consume it shortly after finishing your workout. -
The easiest way to get your daily protein intake is through a combination of foods. Some quick and easy high-protein meals include scrambled eggs, oatmeal, lentils with spinach, quinoa bowls, hummus wraps with veggies, cottage cheese with diced pineapple, roasted chickpeas, tuna salad on wholewheat bread slices, and smoothie bowls made from yogurt and nuts.
If you're looking for more convenient options requiring less preparation time, consider stocking up on high-protein snacks like hard-boiled eggs or protein shakes, which are also great for a liquid meal replacement. -
According to the International Society of Sport Nutrition (ISSN), exercising individuals should ingest protein ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day (g/kg/day).
Individuals engaging in endurance exercise should ingest levels at the lower end of this range. Individuals engaging in intermittent activities should ingest levels in the middle of this range, and those engaging in strength/power exercise should ingest levels at the upper end of this range.
Sedentary people should consume 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.
Therefore, if you're engaging in strength/power exercise and you weigh 175 pounds (or 79 kg), your daily recommended intake (~2.0 g/kg/d) is ~158 grams of protein per day.
The Recap
I hope this list of the best unflavored protein powders has been helpful! If you're looking for a quality product that fits your needs, check out one of the vegan and whey proteins on this list.
Click on the links to see pricing information thanks for reading, and I wish you all the best on your journey!
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