WTF To Eat : My Favorite Protein Powders
Quick, Practical, Dietitian-Approved Picks for Better Energy, Recovery, and Everyday Nutrition
Crunch time or lunch time, but your stomach's in a grumble? WTF to eat when you need a protein punch that doesn’t punch back? Let’s shake up your routine with some downright delicious protein powders that do more than just mix well—they're a game changer for your taste buds and your muscles!
Today, we’re exploring the best protein powders on the market, perfect for everyone from the hardcore gym-goer to the busy parent on the go. Whether you’re looking to build muscle, manage your hunger, or just add a healthy boost to your meals, there’s a protein powder out there with your name on it. So, grab your shaker bottle, and let’s dive into the powdery goodness!
Why do I recommend protein powder?
Simply put, protein is a powerhouse nutrient essential for blood sugar management as well as building, and maintaining muscle to support a healthy metabolism. It's not just about bulking up; it’s about nurturing your body's fundamental processes. While everyone’s nutritional needs can vary, aiming for around 20-30 grams of protein per meal is a solid target for most adults. Naturally, a food-first approach is ideal, but let’s be real—life gets busy, and convenience matters.
You don’t have to use them, but protein powders offer a practical solution, allowing you to meet your daily protein intake effortlessly. They can be effortlessly added to your daily meals and snacks, whether you're whipping up a quick shake post-gym or fortifying your morning oatmeal. They come in handy especially when traditional protein-rich meals aren’t an option. With a variety of protein powders available, everyone can find a fit that supports their dietary needs, lifestyle, and taste preferences.
Top Picks for Every Palate
When it comes to choosing the right protein powder, the options are plentiful, and tailoring your choice to your personal taste and dietary preferences can significantly enhance your experience. Here are a few of my favorites.
Vital Proteins Unflavored Bovine Collagen. Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, this collagen delivers highly digestible peptides that support skin, hair, nails, and joints. Each serving contains 20g of collagen peptides, 90mg of vitamin C, and 120mg of hyaluronic acid, with no added sugar. It's Paleo-friendly, Whole30 approved, and comes in convenient single-serving packets that dissolve easily in both hot and cold liquids. For travel, I especially love these Vital Proteins Collagen single-serving sticks because they're super easy to use and perfect for adding to your drink of choice, like coffee, smoothies, or tea.
Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder. For those who crave a fun and flavorful protein boost, I highly recommend the Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder. I personally love their Cake Batter flavor. This protein powder is not only deliciously rich and creamy, but it's also made with the best natural ingredients, without any artificial flavors or sweeteners. It boasts 20 grams of 100% grass-fed whey protein per serving and includes a digestive enzyme blend for optimal absorption. It's third-party tested to ensure quality, non-GMO, erythritol-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.
Levels Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder is an excellent choice for those looking to support muscle building and efficient post-workout recovery. Each serving delivers a robust 24 grams of protein, including 5.4 grams of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), which are crucial for lean muscle development and recovery. This protein powder stands out because it’s sweetened with just a little monk fruit, so it isn’t too sweet, and it's free from soy, fillers, and artificial flavors or sweeteners. Instead, it features a clean blend of rich cocoa and natural sweeteners paired with hormone-free* whey, ensuring you receive only the highest quality ingredients.
Nuzest Pea Protein Powder is a 100% plant-based protein made from European golden peas. It's designed to support vitality, recovery, and muscle repair with a 98% digestibility rating. This vegan-friendly powder is allergen-free, containing no gluten, dairy, soy, or GMOs, and is naturally sweetened with Thaumatin. Each serving delivers 20g of protein, less than 1g of carbs, and only 100 calories. The clean extraction process ensures a complete amino acid profile and the absence of harmful chemicals.
Orgain - Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Plant-Based Protein Powder combines indulgence with nutrition, offering a delicious and health-conscious choice. Each serving provides 21 grams of protein, with only 1 gram of sugar and 5 grams of prebiotics and fiber, making it an excellent choice for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while supporting a healthy gut microbiome This gluten-free, vegan-friendly powder is free from soy, GMOs, and artificial flavors. Easily found in US grocery stores and drugstores, this organic option has become a longtime favorite of my patients and clients.
Drink Wholesome Collagen Protein Powder is ideal for those with sensitive stomachs, offering over 15 grams of protein per serving from sources like collagen, coconut, vanilla, and monk fruit—without any additives, dairy, or soy. This powder is rigorously third-party tested to ensure a pure amino acid profile and is free from heavy metals and gluten. Additionally, it is certified low-FODMAP by Monash University.
Ritual Prenatal Vegan Plant-Based Protein Powder is my go-to recommendation for clients navigating pregnancy, and postpartum nutrition. Each serving provides 20 grams of plant-based protein and 250mg of choline—a key nutrient for fetal brain development—with 0g of sugar. Made from regeneratively farmed pea protein and traceable, high-quality ingredients, it’s vegan, non-GMO, and free from gluten, dairy, soy, stevia, sugar alcohols, and artificial additives. It’s also Informed Sport Certified and the first plant-based protein to earn Informed Protein Verification, with every batch tested for heavy metals and confirmed to be free from over 250 banned substances—making it a trusted choice for moms-to-be.
Whether you’re looking to boost your protein at breakfast, recover after a workout, or just have something quick and satisfying on hand, these are the protein powders I keep coming back to—and recommend again and again. As a registered dietitian and health coach, I’m all about practical, real-life solutions that work. I use grass-fed whey protein powder in my morning smoothie or mix it with water if I’m on the road and need something easy. I often stir collagen into matcha or decaf coffee. You can also mix protein powder or collagen into oatmeal, yogurt, or use them to make baked goods and desserts. Simple, flexible, no overthinking required.
The truth is, there’s no one perfect protein powder—there’s the one that fits you: your lifestyle, your taste buds, your goals. My hope is that this guide helps you find a go-to option (or two) that makes fueling your body feel a little easier—and a lot more enjoyable.
If this kind of real-life nutrition support speaks to you, I’d love to invite you to two upcoming ways to keep the momentum going:
Join me on March 27th at 12 PM EDT for my F-R-E-E Spring Reset Recipe Demo, where I’ll be sharing sleep-promoting recipes like Spring Veggie Frittata and Sweet Potato Toast. It’s fresh, doable, and designed to help you wind down well.
Or, if you're ready for deeper support, check out the BoPo Better Sleep Club—a 90-day journey I’ve created in partnership with Body Positive Works to help you build more restful and restorative nights through simple, sustainable habits. This series covers everything from eating for better sleep to managing stress that affects your rest.
You don’t have to figure it out alone—and you don’t have to overhaul your life to feel better. Just start with one good choice. Like this one.
Warmly,
Jess
P.S.
Disclaimer: This post may contain a few affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a small commission on sales made using those links at no additional cost to you. I only include links to products I use and /or recommend in real life.
