The Best Protein Powders (That Aren’t Part of an MLM)

Protein powder can be one of the most helpful supplements in your nutrition toolkit, but it’s also one of the most overhyped and underwhelming. You’ll find it stuffed in gym bro backpacks, blended into every wellness influencer’s “gut health” smoothie, and hawked as a miracle meal replacement by girl bosses who haven’t eaten a real lunch since 2017. 

It’s touted as essential for muscle gain, weight loss, energy, aging, skin health - you name it. For once, the hype has some backing behind it. There's a legitimate place for protein supplementation when it’s used with intention and based on actual need.

Protein is critical for supporting muscle growth, balancing hormones, repairing tissue, and helping you feel satisfied between meals. A good protein powder can make that easier when you're busy, on the go, or just not hungry for a full meal. 

But “good” doesn’t mean expensive, proprietary, or packed with superfood sprinkles. And unfortunately, too many protein powders, especially those pushed through multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, are designed to maximize profit margins, not nutritional value.

I’ll show you how to choose a solid, science-backed protein powder that works with your body, not against it. I’ll walk you through what to look for, including plant protein options, what to skip, and share my top recommendations that deliver results without MLM bullshit.

Table of Contents

Why I Don’t Recommend MLM Protein Powders (And Why You Should Be Skeptical Too)

Let’s get this out of the way: MLMs are a terrible source for nutrition products. And that includes protein powders.

If you’ve ever had someone from high school pop into your DMs with a “life-changing shake,” chances are they were selling something from an MLM. Brands like Herbalife, Isagenix, Shaklee, ViSalus, Arbonne, and BODi (formerly Beachbody) have all built billion-dollar empires by selling overpriced powders through undertrained, commission-driven “coaches.”

Here's why that’s a huge red flag:

• Sky-high prices for low-quality ingredients. Shakeology, for example, costs around $130 per month. That’s more than double what you’d pay for higher-protein, better-formulated alternatives. And what do you get for that extra cost? Not enough grams of protein, an incomplete amino acid profile, and a laundry list of “superfoods” that sound impressive but don’t meaningfully improve your health outcomes.

• Dubious health claims. These companies are notorious for making promises they can’t back up with science - like “detoxing,” “resetting your metabolism,” or “curing” digestive issues. Herbalife in particular has faced lawsuits and government investigations over misleading marketing and contamination risks.

• Non-expert coaching. MLMs train their distributors to sell, not to educate. The person recommending you use a protein shake in place of two meals a day often has no formal training in nutrition, metabolism, or health science… and that’s not just an ethical problem, it’s a safety one.

• Cultural harm. MLM diet culture often promotes restrictive eating, weight cycling, food guilt, and disordered behavior, all under the guise of “accountability.” It wraps orthorexia in community hashtags and sells shame as empowerment.

MLM companies do not care about your health. If they did, they wouldn’t operate under a business model built to socially and financially exploit you for someone else’s profit. If it’s a protein supplement from an MLM, it’s a hard no. Period.

Do You Need a Protein Supplement?

Most people do need more protein than they’re currently eating, especially if they’re trying to build muscle, lose weight, maintain muscle tissue during aging, or recover from training. But that doesn’t automatically mean you need a protein powder.

Like all supplements, it depends on your individual needs and how well your current diet is working for you.

So… How Much Protein Do You Actually Need?

How much protein you need isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your body weight, activity level, and specific goals, whether that’s building muscle, maintaining strength while aging, recovering from injury, or navigating fat loss in a way that protects your lean mass.

For generally healthy, sedentary adults, a good target is 1.2 to 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For a 150-pound person, that works out to roughly 82 to 122 grams of protein per day. 

If you’re physically active - lifting weights, running, dancing, training for life - your needs are higher. Active adults and athletes should aim for 1.4 to 2.0 grams per kilogram, or about 95 to 136 grams per day if you weigh 150 pounds.

Trying to gain muscle? You need enough protein to fuel that growth and support recovery. Most people in a dedicated hypertrophy phase should target 1.6 to 2.4 grams per kilogram, and yes - higher ends of that range are totally safe and often beneficial. A few studies even suggest that consuming upwards of 3.3 grams per kilogram may help reduce fat gain during a bulk. For a 150-pound person, that means 109 to 163 grams on average, or potentially up to 224 grams per day if you're really pushing for a lean bulk.

If you're working toward fat loss, adequate protein becomes even more important. You want to drop body fat without sacrificing muscle mass, and that means eating enough to preserve muscle while in a calorie deficit. 

A range of 1.6 to 2.4 grams per kilogram is a solid target. Lean, resistance-trained folks may need even more - up to 3.1 grams per kilogram - to hold onto muscle. That’s 109 to 163 grams, or up to 212 grams per day for a 150-pound person.

Pregnant and lactating people also have higher needs. To support fetal development and maternal tissue changes, pregnancy guidelines recommend at least 1.7 grams per kilogram. 

That’s 116 grams per day for someone who weighs 150 pounds. During lactation, needs are still elevated; aim for at least 1.5 grams per kilogram, or around 102 grams per day at that same weight.

And if your diet is mostly or fully plant-based, you'll need to pay even closer attention. Plant proteins are often lower in certain essential amino acids, particularly leucine, lysine, and methionine. 

That doesn’t mean plant-based diets are inferior - it just means you’ll need to eat slightly more total protein and be thoughtful about protein variety to avoid gaps in your amino acid profile.

When Protein Powder Actually Makes Sense

You don’t need to hit your protein target with supplements. High protein foods like eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, chicken, lentils, tempeh, edamame, beef, fish, and cottage cheese, all rich in nutrients, should form the foundation of your protein intake. 

But there are absolutely situations where protein shakes offer added convenience and consistency:

• You’re rushing out the door in the morning and don’t have time for a full meal

• You finish a workout and want something quick that doesn’t feel heavy

• You struggle with appetite or chewing, or you’re just not into big meals

• You’re traveling or working long shifts with limited food options

• You’re hitting most of your needs but still coming up short by 15–25 grams

In these cases, a well-formulated protein powder can help you bridge the gap without added stress or restriction. It’s not a miracle product. It’s a tool.

Key Criteria for Picking a High‑Quality Protein Powder

Choosing the best protein powder isn’t about flashy packaging or influencer hype. It’s about what’s actually in the scoop, and how well it supports your body, goals, and gut without loading you up with crap you don’t need.

Here’s what I look for as a board certified coach and nutrition educator:

20–30 Grams of Protein Per Serving

This is the sweet spot for triggering muscle protein synthesis, especially after resistance training. If your powder delivers less than 20 g, you’re likely not getting the amino acid support your body needs, unless you’re pairing it with other high protein foods in that meal.

Full Amino Acid Profile, Including Leucine

You want a protein that includes all nine essential amino acids, especially leucine, which is the primary driver of muscle protein synthesis. All animal protein sources, like whey and egg protein naturally have this. 

Some plant based proteins (like rice or hemp) do not unless they’re blended with complementary sources like pea protein or chia seeds. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, make sure your powder doesn’t leave out these crucial aminos.

Minimal Extra Ingredients

Skip the stuff that causes gut issues or fake “sweet” flavors that linger for hours. Ideally your protein powder will be:

• Low in added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and sugar alcohols

• Free of unnecessary artificial flavors or colors

• Low in carbohydrates and fats - under 10 grams combined, unless it’s meant to be a full meal

That said, small amounts of healthy fats (like coconut oil) or fiber (like chia, flax, or inulin) can be helpful protein powder mix-ins for energy levels, gut health, and satiety - as long as they don’t dominate the scoop.

Taste and Texture You’ll Actually Use

Let’s not pretend flavor doesn’t matter. If it tastes like drywall or leaves a weird chemical aftertaste, you won’t keep drinking it. 

The best protein powder is the one you’ll use consistently, not just suffer through once. Look for flavors you genuinely enjoy and a texture that mixes well with the liquids or foods you like. 

Third-Party Testing and Transparent Labeling

You deserve to know what’s in your scoop. Choose brands that test for purity, contaminants, and label accuracy, especially if you’re an athlete or have health conditions. Bonus points for clear sourcing, easy-to-read labels, and no bullshit “proprietary blends.”

Coach Brittany Morgon Pick
My Favorite Protein Supplements

I get asked about this all the time, so I put together a list. These are the protein supplements (powders, bars, and more) I actually use and recommend to clients. They're great-tasting, reliable options that make it easier to hit your protein goals.

Shop the List

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn from qualifying purchases.

My Top Recommendation: PEScience Select

If I had to recommend just one protein powder for most people, it would be PEScience Select—hands down. 

It’s the one I come back to again and again for clients, and honestly, myself. It checks every box for quality, taste, digestibility, and nutritional value without trying to be some overhyped miracle in a canister.

Why PEScience Whey + Casein Blend Stands Out

PEScience’s Select Protein uses a clinically supported combo of whey protein isolate and micellar casein. That means you get both fast-absorbing and slow-digesting proteins in one shake, which can be especially useful for muscle building, sustained energy, and even meal replacement support.

Each scoop contains:

• 24 grams of protein per serving

• A full spectrum of essential amino acids, including leucine

• Less than 2 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fat

• No artificial flavors that overwhelm or linger

• Easy mixability with water, milk, or non-dairy alternatives

It’s also gluten-free, third-party tested, and available in a ton of flavors that don’t taste like sadness.

Think Chocolate Cupcake, Peanut Butter Cookie, Cake Pop, and seasonal specials that actually taste like what they claim to be. You’re not choking these down, you’re enjoying them. And in my opinion, that matters.

What About PEScience Select Vegan?

If you’re dairy-free, their vegan protein is just as good. 

No chalky mouthfeel, no clumpy weirdness. It uses pea and brown rice protein, which together provide a complete amino acid profile, and they’ve clearly prioritized the flavoring process. It comes in flavors like Chocolate Bliss and Cinnamon Delight that are smooth, not gritty.

You also won’t find sugar alcohols or stevia here, which is a major win for anyone with digestive sensitivity.

Cost and Accessibility

PEScience is reasonably priced for the quality - usually around $1.25 to $1.75 per serving depending on size and flavor. You can find it online directly from PEScience, on Amazon, and at major supplement retailers. It doesn’t require a subscription, a distributor code, or a culty buy-in. Just solid product, transparent branding, and results that speak.

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Coach Brittany Morgon Pick

PEScience Select Protein Powder

• Blend of whey and casein for sustained digestion
• 24g protein per serving
• Low carb, low fat
• Incredible flavor lineup (including fun options like Cake Pop & Frosted Chocolate Cupcake)
• Third-party tested
• Sweetened with sucralose and stevia
• Available in plant-based version too

9.7

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Smart, Quality Protein for Everyday Use

PEScience Select Protein is my go-to recommendation for a reason. It’s formulated with both whey and casein - meaning it digests slower than pure whey, helping you stay fuller longer and support muscle recovery over time. It mixes smoothly, tastes great, and isn’t loaded with junk or gimmicks. If you're looking for a protein powder that actually supports your goals without sacrificing flavor, this one’s a win.

Pros

• Sustained-release protein blend
• Great taste and texture (no chalky vibes)
• Easy on digestion for most
• Low carb, macro-friendly
• Budget-friendly for the quality

Cons

• Contains artificial sweeteners (for those who avoid them)

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Coach Brittany Morgon Pick

PEScience Select Vegan Protein

• 20g plant-based protein per serving
• Pea + brown rice protein blend
• Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan
• No artificial flavors or colors
• Naturally sweetened with stevia
• Creamy texture without the grit
• Fun flavors like Chocolate Bliss and Vanilla Indulgence

8.5

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Plant-Based Protein That Doesn’t Taste Like Dirt

Most vegan protein powders taste like regret. PEScience Select Vegan is one of the few exceptions. It combines pea and brown rice protein to give you a complete amino acid profile without the chalky aftertaste. It’s smooth, easy to mix, and actually enjoyable to drink. Whether you're plant-based or just dairy-sensitive, this is a solid pick that won’t make you dread your next shake.

Pros

• Complete plant protein source
• Smooth texture with no grit or sludge
• Naturally sweetened
• Digestive-friendly for most people
• No fake “earthy” aftertaste like other vegan blends

Cons

• Slightly lower protein per serving than whey blends
• Some flavors may be too sweet for folks sensitive to stevia

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Coach Brittany Morgon Pick

PEScience Protein4Oats

• Designed specifically to mix into hot oatmeal
• 15g whey + casein protein blend per serving
• Comes in breakfast-friendly flavors like French Toast, Maple Brown Sugar and Apple Cinnamon
• Heat-stable and smooth texture
• Sweetened with sucralose and stevia
• Gluten-free
• No gritty or clumpy consistency

9.1

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Turn Your Oatmeal Into a Protein-Packed Breakfast

Protein4Oats was made for people who want a legit balanced breakfast - not a sad scoop of protein in lukewarm oats. It is an absolute staple in our pantry in the fall and winter. It mixes seamlessly into hot oatmeal without clumping or turning it into paste. The flavor lineup is built for breakfast, and the combo of whey and casein gives you longer-lasting fuel.

Pros

• Perfectly formulated for hot oats—no curdling or sludge
• Tastes like breakfast, not protein powder
• Balanced whey/casein combo for sustained energy
• Makes it easier to hit protein goals in the morning
• It really shines in oatmeal but works well in other hot cereals too

Cons

• 15g protein per serving may be low for some needs (making our oatmeal with milk helps bring up the protein more)
• Contains artificial sweeteners

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Runner Up: Clean Simple Eats

If you’re looking for a protein powder with a straight forward label and flavors that genuinely slap, Clean Simple Eats deserves a spot on your radar. 

It’s one of the most popular options among my clients who want high protein foods and don’t mind spending a little extra for quality.

Why It’s a Strong Contender

Each serving of Clean Simple Eats Protein contains:

• 20 grams of whey protein isolate

• No artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, or sketchy fillers

• Around 100–120 calories, with low fat and low carb

• Added digestive enzymes for easier absorption

Their ingredient list is short and straightforward. No weird names. No “proprietary blends.” Just protein, natural flavors, and sometimes a hint of coconut oil powder for texture and richness.

They also include a few thoughtful extras like chia seed extract and real fruit powders (depending on the flavor), which help support gut health and add texture without compromising the protein content or taste.

Flavor and Texture

Clean Simple Eats is consistently rated one of the best-tasting protein powders, and I have to agree. It’s smooth, sweet but not cloying, and versatile enough to mix into protein shakes, overnight oats, or spun in my Ninja Creami to make protein ice cream!

Flavors like Simply Vanilla, Brownie Batter, and Mint Chocolate Chip are crowd favorites, and the limited-edition options often sell out quickly. Just be aware: if you’re super sensitive to whey or dairy, even the isolate might cause some bloating. This one’s not plant-based, and they don’t currently offer a vegan line.

The Drawbacks

The biggest downside is price. At about $2.00 per serving, it’s on the premium side. But you’re paying for clean sourcing, high-quality formulation, and flavor development that doesn’t taste like someone gave up halfway through the recipe.

If budget isn’t your biggest concern and you want something that tastes amazing, blends clean, and respects your dietary needs, Clean Simple Eats is a fantastic option.

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Coach Brittany Morgon Pick

Clean Simple Eats Whey Protein Powder

• 20g grass-fed whey protein isolate per serving
• Naturally sweetened with monk fruit and stevia
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Gluten-free
• Digestive enzyme blend added
• Extensive flavor options (Brownie Batter, Simply Vanilla, etc.)
• Small-batch tested for quality

8.5

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Simple Label, Legit Flavor

Clean Simple Eats walks the talk when it comes to transparent label protein. You get a quality source of grass-fed whey without a side of shady ingredients. The flavor profiles are surprisingly good for a protein powder, and the texture mixes smoothly in shakes, oats, or baking. It’s a go-to for anyone who wants clean ingredients without sacrificing taste or convenience and is a go-to for making protein ice cream in our Ninja Creami!

Pros

• Great for people avoiding artificial sweeteners
• Simple and transparent label, high-quality ingredients
• Tastes better than most “natural” proteins
• Versatile in smoothies, oats, or baking
• Gentle on digestion for most

Cons

• Pricier than mainstream options
• Only available through the brand or select retailers
• Sweetness can still be intense for those sensitive to monk fruit or stevia

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Honorable Mention: Ghost Protein

If you’ve spent any time on fitness TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably seen a brightly colored tub of Ghost Protein in the background of someone’s “What I Eat in a Day.”

It’s popular for a reason. While it’s not the most straightforward protein on the market, it delivers where a lot of people need it to, flavor, texture, and convenience, at a price that’s pretty fair.

What’s in the Scoop

Ghost uses a whey protein blend (isolate, concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey), which gives you a fast-digesting option ideal for muscle recovery within that post-workout one hour window.

Each serving offers:

• 25 grams of protein

• Around 120–130 calories

• Moderate carbs and fats (generally under 5g total)

• Added digestive enzymes to improve absorption

They’re whole schtick is leaning hard into flavor. They’re known for partnering with brands like Chips Ahoy, Nutter Butter, and Oreo to create dessert-inspired protein powders. If you’re someone who struggles with bland-tasting protein shakes, Ghost might help you stay more consistent with your daily protein goals.

Where It Falls Short

Unlike PEScience or Clean Simple Eats, Ghost does use artificial sweeteners (like sucralose) and flavor enhancers that may not sit well with sensitive stomachs. While the label is clear and the brand is transparent about ingredients, it's not a “minimalist” formula.

And it’s not third-party tested in the same rigorous way as some other brands I recommend. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it does mean you should be cautious if you're competing in drug-tested sports or have specific allergies.

Who It’s Best For

Ghost is a solid pick if:

• You’re in your muscle gain phase and want something that blends fast and tastes good

• You don’t mind a few artificial ingredients in favor of better flavor

• You want to experiment with fun flavors

At about $1.50–$1.75 per serving, it’s reasonably priced and widely available both online and in supplement stores.

If PEScience is the smart, balanced all-rounder and Clean Simple Eats is the wholesome overachiever, Ghost is your fun gym buddy who brings killer vibes and doesn’t judge.

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Coach Brittany Morgon Pick

GHOST Whey Protein Powder

• 25g protein per serving from whey isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate
• Mixes easily with water or milk
• Iconic flavor collabs like Chips Ahoy, Nutter Butter, and Cinnabon
• Gluten-free
• Added digestive enzymes
• Transparent label (no proprietary blends)
• Contains sucralose

8.3

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Nostalgic Flavors, Grown-Up Nutrition

GHOST Whey is what happens when solid nutrition meets fun, nostalgic flavors. With a blend of high-quality whey proteins and iconic collabs like Chips Ahoy and Nutter Butter, it makes hitting your protein goals way less boring. The macros are solid, it mixes like a dream, and it's not trying too hard (while still hitting it out of the park.) If you’re the type who gets bored of the same chocolate/vanilla cycle, GHOST is a great way to shake it up and still hit your protein targets.

Pros

• Flavor game is unmatched - great for shake fatigue
• No proprietary blends; full label transparency
• Solid macro profile and complete protein
• Mixes easily without clumps
• Widely available online and in stores

Cons

• Contains artificial sweeteners
• Not suitable for dairy-sensitive folks (however, there is a vegan version)
• Premium price point compared to other whey blends

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Conclusion & Final Recommendations

You don’t need an MLM to meet your protein needs. You don’t need a $130 shake with “superfoods” and shame-driven marketing to build muscle or support your health. 

You just need protein powders that do what they’re supposed to do - support your body, fit your lifestyle, and taste good enough to use more than once.

My top pick remains PEScience for both whey and plant-based users. It’s smartly formulated, reasonably priced, and actually enjoyable to drink. If you’re looking for a clean-label option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, Clean Simple Eats is a close second. And for those who love fun flavors and don’t mind a bit of artificial sweetener, Ghost Protein holds its own.

Whatever option you choose, let it be one that supports your health - not someone else’s hustle.