Best Tasting Protein Powder: How to Find One You'll Actually Like

If you've ever bought a tub of protein powder and couldn't finish it, taste was probably why. And unlike protein per serving or price, there's no lab test for it, so every "best tasting" list is really someone's opinion.

Instead of another ranking, here's what actually makes a protein powder taste good or bad, how to pick one you're likely to enjoy, and how to make any powder taste better. We make two plant proteins, Optimal and Foundational, so we've included what our customers say about taste, the bad reviews as well as the good.

The short answer

• The sweetener matters a lot. Stevia activates bitter taste receptors on the tongue, which is where its bitter aftertaste comes from.¹ If you've disliked protein powders before, the sweetener may be why.
• Plant proteins can taste earthy or "beany." It's a known challenge with pea protein,² so flavor and how it's blended matter more.
• Texture counts as much as flavor. Grit and chalkiness are common complaints, and how you mix the shake makes a big difference.
• Try before you commit. Single-serving packets and a good return policy take the risk out of trying a new powder.

What makes protein powder taste bad

The sweetener

Protein on its own doesn't taste sweet, so nearly every flavored powder adds a sweetener, and that's often what people notice first. Stevia's sweet compounds, called steviol glycosides, also activate two of the tongue's bitter taste receptors, which is what causes the lingering bitter aftertaste some people pick up.¹ Sugar alcohols like erythritol can leave a cooling sensation. Monk fruit is another option, though taste is personal, and some people notice an aftertaste from it too.

If you know you dislike a sweetener, check the ingredient list before anything else. Both of our proteins are sweetened only with monk fruit, with no stevia. More on that in our guide to stevia-free protein powder.

The protein

Whey, from milk, has a mild, milky flavor. Plant proteins can taste earthier. Pea protein in particular can have a "beany" flavor, and researchers describe that off-flavor as a significant barrier to people enjoying pea protein products.² How a brand sources, processes and flavors its protein makes a big difference, so two pea protein powders can taste quite different.

The flavorings

Many powders rely on "natural flavors" and other flavorings to cover up the taste of the protein. That can work well, but it also means more ingredients. Powders with fewer flavorings taste more like what's actually in them, so a simple vanilla can taste lighter and less sweet than you might expect.

The texture

Plant proteins can feel gritty or chalky, especially when shaken with water. Gums like xanthan and guar make a shake thicker and smoother, which is why many brands use them, but they also lengthen the ingredient list. Blending, rather than shaking, helps a lot.

How to find a protein powder you'll like

• Start with the sweetener. If stevia or sugar alcohols have bothered you before, rule them out first.
• Try a single serving. Many brands sell sample packets. Foundational comes in a 10-pack of single servings, so you can try both flavors without buying a full bag.
• Read the reviews for taste and texture words. Look for "aftertaste," "gritty," "chalky" or "mixes well," and pay attention to the 2 and 3-star reviews.
• Pick a versatile flavor first. Vanilla works in almost any smoothie, oatmeal or baking recipe.
• Check the return policy. Ours is on our money-back guarantee page.

How to make protein powder taste better

• Use milk instead of water. Plant milk or dairy milk makes a creamier shake and softens any earthy taste.
• Blend it with frozen fruit. A frozen banana or berries add sweetness and body, and blending smooths out grit.
• Serve it cold. Cold liquid or ice makes flavors taste cleaner.
• Add a flavor booster. Cinnamon, cocoa powder, nut butter, cold coffee or a little vanilla extract go a long way.
• Mix it into food. Stir it into oatmeal or yogurt, or bake it into pancakes.

For ideas, see our protein shake recipes.

What our customers say about taste

Our two proteins average 4.9 stars across 553 reviews.³ Here's what verified buyers say about the taste, quoted word for word:

"I love this protein powder. The ingredients are great and there's no stevia or gross after taste. Highly recommend!"

Andrea C., verified buyer, Optimal Plant Protein

"I absolutely love this powder. It doesn't have any aftertaste like some powders do. It blends beautifully."

Marcia G., verified buyer, Optimal Plant Protein

"This was the best tasting protein powder I've had by far! I've been looking for one with simple ingredients that didn't taste like I was drinking dirt or mud, and this one is it! Amazing taste that combined great with coconut water."

Andrew L., verified buyer, Foundational Plant Protein

Not everyone agrees. One buyer wrote that Optimal's "taste is OK for me, but I cannot handle the grit," and another said of Foundational, "The flavor just isn't good." If texture is your biggest issue, blend your shake rather than shaking it.

Our proteins

Figures are from each product's label.⁴⁵ Optimal has no gums and no natural flavors, so it tastes light and simple. Foundational has more going on, with fruit and greens in the mix.

The bottom line

The best tasting protein powder is the one you'll actually drink. Start with a sweetener you like, expect plant proteins to taste a little earthier than whey, and blend with milk and frozen fruit if texture bothers you. Then try a single serving before you buy a full bag. If you'd rather skip stevia, both our proteins use monk fruit alone.