Adding the best protein powders to your daily routine can help with building lean muscle mass, staying fuller for longer, or simply eating more-balanced meals . These dietary supplements are an easy, convenient way to increase your intake of protein–one of three vital macronutrients we all need in high enough amounts to function optimally. But with the recent explosion of products in the category, finding a quality powder can be a mind-numbing experience full of confusing acronyms, unpronounceable ingredients, and suspicious health claims.

To simplify your search, we consulted a panel of doctors and dietitians to learn what makes a great protein powder and the best options worth trying. The best protein powders, at a glance Best Overall : Orgain Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder , $35 Best for Athletes : Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder , $36 Best Vegan : Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein , $40 Best Tasting : Clean Simple Eats Simply Vanilla Protein Powder , $57 Best for Muscle Gain: Isopure Protein Powder , $29 Best Whey: Ghost Whey Protein Powder , $45 Best Collagen : Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides , $35 Best for Pregnancy : Klean Athlete Klean Isolate , $60 Best Simple Ingredient List: Just Ingredient Protein Powder , $47 Best for Sensitive Stomachs: 365 by Whole Foods Organic Pea Protein , $17 Best for satiety : Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein , $90 Best flavored : Owyn Plant-Based Protein Powders , $36 Your protein powder questions.