These Are the 13 Best Protein Powders to Buy, According to Registered Dietitians

Nikki Jupe, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, the senior sports dietitian at the University of Oregon recommends the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides ($20). It has 18 grams of protein per serving and no sugar. If you're not into protein shakes, mix the collagen peptides into your coffee, tea, or soup.

"The RSP Nutrition brand is a go-to of mine for their meticulous attention to nutrition detail," Monica Auslander Moreno, MS, RD, LDN, and founder of Essence Nutrition said.

She likes the RSP AvoCollagen Protein Powder ($35) because "it's a unique blend of healthy fats derived from avocado fused with the connective tissue-supporting actions of collagen."

Each serving has 10 grams of protein. It's also available in chocolate and vanilla flavors.

Nikki also recommended Thorne Vegan Chocolate Performance Protein Powder ($67) for those who are vegan or would prefer to avoid animal-based protein powders. Each serving contains 23 grams of protein. Thorne also offers whey protein options.

"Whey protein is the most researched and proven source of protein for muscle protein synthesis (the building of muscle mass)," Nikki told POPSUGAR in a previous interview. If your goal is to build muscle, give the classic Muscle Milk Whey Vanilla Protein Powder ($50) a try.

Each scoop contains 25 grams of protein, five and a half grams of branched-chained amino acids (BCAAs), and 2.6 grams of leucine, an amino acid that helps you build muscle.

The Muscle Milk protein powders are also available in chocolate, vanilla creme, strawberries and creme, cookies and creme, and mocha latte flavors.

If you want a dairy-free protein, Nikki recommended the plant-based Evolve Vanilla Protein Powder ($25). There are 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber per serving.

If you're constantly on the go, keep an Evolve Chocolate Protein Powder Packet ($15) in your purse or gym bag at all times for a quick meal replacement. Each pack has 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.

Angie Ashe, MS, RD, CSSD and the owner of Eleat Sports Nutrition recommended the Momentous AbsoluteZero Plant-Based Protein Powder ($60) because it's NSF Certified For Sport. She also likes that Momentous offers plant-based and whey products.

Gatorade doesn't just make recovery drinks, it also has a collection of protein powders Nikki recommended. If you're looking for something that reminds you of dessert, try the Gatorade Cookies and Creme Whey Protein Powder ($40).

Each serving has 20 grams of protein and includes casein, an essential amino acid the body can't produce on it's own.

The Gatorade powders are also available in chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate caramel flavors.

Another brand Monica recommended is the RSP Grass-Fed Natural Whey Protein Powder ($55). "It contains a pre- and probiotic blend to support gut health and can be seamlessly folded into baked goods for those who tire of shakes," she said.

This protein powder has 25 grams of protein, eight grams of prebiotic fiber and probiotics, five grams of BCAAs, and four grams of glutamine, an amino acid.

If you're vegan, Nikki recommended the Garden of Life Raw Organic Unflavored Protein Powder ($28). Each serving contains 22 grams of sugar-free pea protein. It also has three billion CFU probiotics and enzymes to help with digestion.

The Garden of Life protein powders are also available in chocolate, vanilla, and vanilla chai flavors.

If you like whey protein, Nikki approves of the BiPro Elite Whey Isolate Protein Powder ($40). It has 20 grams of protein per serving, contains all nine essential amino acids, and three BCAAs.

The BiPro protein powder is made without fillers, artificial flavors, added sugars, lactose, and gluten. It's also available in chocolate and vanilla flavors.

Both Angie and Nikki recommend Klean Athlete Whey Protein Isolate ($51) if you want to build muscle. If you aren't into vanilla, they also offer chocolate and unflavored options.

Another brand Nikki likes is EAS. The EAS Whey and Casein Strawberry Protein Powder ($36) will help you build muscle and recover from your workouts. It has 20 grams of protein and 4.6 grams of BCAAs per serving.