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Top 5 Protein Powders For Women

The most effective protein powders to add to your weight loss routine.

Benefits Comparing Proteins Top 5

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Most people hear the words, "protein powder" and picture bodybuilders, hulking frames, or a massive forearm reaching into a tub of beige powder.

But in addition to building muscle, protein is also vital to maintaining energy, sleep, and nutrient transport. Surprisingly, it’s an incredibly effective tool to add to your weight-loss regimen. So, how can something people actually take to bulk up also help you trim down?

For starters, protein helps kickstart the metabolism. It also helps keep fat-burning muscles in tip-top shape and curbs food cravings between meals.

For these reasons, men and women everywhere are looking at protein powders in a new light. Needless to say, not all protein powders are created equal, so if your goal is to maintain a healthy weight, you'll want to avoid things like added sugar, empty calories, and subpar ingredients.

At Smarter Reviews, we compiled extensive research to find the best protein powders on the market today. We'll break down which ingredients to look for and what to avoid to meet your goals — plus, find out which 5 protein powders we deemed BEST in class of 2023!

What To Expect From A Quality Protein Powder:

  • Promotes healthy metabolism
  • Curbs hunger cravings
  • Supports muscle recovery 
  • Complete amino acid profile
  • Low calorie / low sugar

What Are The Different Types Of Protein? 

There are many foodstuffs in the world that contain protein, from meat and fish to eggs, nuts, and dairy. But when it comes to supplemental protein, there are two that dominate the market: whey and plant-based. 

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Whey Or Nay?

Whey and its close cousin, casein, are the most common types of dairy-derived protein powders on the market and the protein of choice for "getting swole." 

But it's not all it's cracked up to be, especially for those who are sensitive to dairy and managing weight. Whey powders often contain added sugar — up to 20g/serving! — as well as milk sugars that can cause cramps, bloating, and stomach irritation. 

Lean, Green, (Complete?) Protein

The best plant proteins combine all nine essential amino acids to create a complete protein. These amino acids are critical for balancing weight, sustaining muscle tone, smooth digestion, and promoting satiety between meals.

While mostly found in meat and dairy, finding the right plant-based complete protein is so important for women's health and a healthy weight management routine. They're rich in fiber, and supply key vitamins and minerals, like iron and calcium.

Best For Weight Management: Plant Protein

Based on our research, plant-based protein powders have a clear edge over whey and casein when it comes to supporting weight management. But before you pony up to the first plant-based protein you see, you'll want to make sure it meets certain criteria. 

For best results, look for a plant-based protein blend that combines a diverse source of plant proteins and superfoods. This will help ensure you are getting a complete and nutritious protein supplement. We've listed some of the best plant proteins and superfoods in the box below. 

Best Sources Of Plant Protein

Pea Protein

Peas are one of a handful of plant sources that contain all 9 essential amino acids. In a 12-week study comparing the effects of pea protein and whey on muscle recovery, scientists discovered pea protein slightly outperformed whey. 

Brown Rice

Brown rice protein is highly absorbable, making it ideal for a speedy post-workout recovery. It's also hypoallergenic and contributes to healthy weight management. 

Pumpkin Seed

These protein-rich superfoods are packed with antioxidants and plant fiber, and a good source of magnesium to boot. 

Sacha Inchi

This Peruvian superfood is no joke. In addition to protein, sacha inchi is packed with omega fatty acids and vitamin E and has been linked to healthy weight management. 

What's missing from your protein is just as important as what goes into it. Here are a few tips on what to avoid in your plant protein. 

What To Avoid

Only One Plant Source

The best way to ensure you get a complete amino acid profile is to opt for a plant protein blend. 

Hydrogenated Oils

High intakes of hydrogenated oils have been linked to insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control. 

Sugar

Sugar may help with the taste, but it offers almost no nutritional value. Plus, any sugar you don't immediately use is stored as fat.

Soy Lecithin

Soy lecithin is often found in cheap, low-grade protein powders to enhance texture and "creaminess." Most of the controversy surrounding this ingredient stems from the overwhelming majority of U.S. soy crops being genetically modified, containing harsh residual pesticides and disrupting nutrient absorption. 

Top 5 Plant-Based Protein Powders Of 2024

1. Organic Protein

by Live Conscious

Owned by the Smarter Reviews Group of Companies

hat
packaged goods

Total Ranking

336 votes

9.7/10

A+

Overall Grade

Vote and Review

5/10

PROS

  • 15g of protein
  • 80 calories
  • Organic, non-GMO

  • Prebiotic acacia
  • Zero Sugar
  • Vegan
  • Keto and paleo friendly 
  • 365-day money-back guarantee

CONS

  • Sold exclusively online
The Bottom Line

Live Conscious Organic Protein is made from a blend of pea, brown rice, pumpkin seed, and sacha inchi. 

Each serving contains 15 grams of protein plus essential vitamins and minerals. It also has Himalayan salt to aid in nutrient absorption and acacia fibergum, which has prebiotics to help support healthy weight management. 

Organic Protein is also — (deep breath!) — soy, sugar, and gluten free, certified organic, non-GMO, keto and paleo-friendly, and 100% vegan. 

Consumers who tried this product left positive reviews regarding taste and texture. To top it off, Live Conscious offers an exceptional, 365-day money-back guarantee, which shows us they truly stand by their product. 

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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2. Plant-Based Protein

by Essential Elements

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Owned by the Smarter Reviews Group of Companies

packaged goods

Total Ranking

214 votes

9.5/10

A

Overall Grade

Vote and Review

5/10

PROS

  • 15g protein
  • 80 calories
  • Organic, non-GMO
  • Prebiotic
  • Sugar free
  • Vegan 
  • Keto & paleo friendly 
  • 365-day return policy

CONS

  • Sold exclusively online
The Bottom Line

Plant-Based Protein from Essential Elements offers a complete EAA profile derived from a diverse blend of peas, brown rice, and other plant proteins. 

In addition to being certified organic and non-GMO this formula is also gluten, sugar, and soy free, 100% vegan, and keto and paleo friendly. It also includes a prebiotic to support digestive health. 

If you're in the market for a low-calorie, low-cost protein, this may be the one for you. Plant-Based Protein delivers 15g of protein at 80 calories or less per serving, and comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors. 

Essential Elements backs all of their products with a solid, 365-day money-back guarantee. 

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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3. Organic Protein & Superfoods

by Orgain

number
packaged goods

Total Ranking

263 votes

8.9/10

B+

Overall Grade

Vote and Review

5/10

PROS

  • Diverse protein blend 
  • 21g protein / 160 cal
  • 50 superfoods
  • Vegan 
  • Zero added sugar
  • Gluten & soy free

CONS

  • No pre- or probiotic
  • 30-day return policy
  • Non-keto, non-paleo 
The Bottom Line

Organic Protein & Superfoods uses a proprietary blend of pea protein, brown rice, and chia seeds. And if you get excited over superfoods, this may be the product for you (it contains a staggering 50 of them!)

Like others on this list, it's also certified organic, non-GMO, gluten and soy free, vegan, and has zero added sugar. This product comes in chocolate and vanilla (unfortunately, neither one is keto or paleo friendly). 

To be sure, few proteins on this list can compete with the sheer number of superfoods in this product, however, it failed to meet our criteria in some important areas. 

For starters, it lacks a prebiotic, which is important for digestive health. It's also a bit on the heavier side compared to others on this list at 160 cal/serving, which isn't too extreme considering you're also getting 21g of protein. Orgain only offers a 30-day return policy. 

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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4. 100% Plant Protein

by Optimum Nutrition

hat
packaged goods

Total Ranking

494 votes

8.7/10

B+

Overall Grade

Vote and Review

5/10

PROS

  • Diverse protein blend
  • 24g of protein 150 cal
  • Sugar free 
  • Gluten & soy free

CONS

  • 30-day return policy
  • Not certified organic 
  • No Probiotics 

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The Bottom Line

This formula includes pea protein, fava bean isolate, and rice protein concentrate. Each serving contains 24g of protein at just 150 calories. 

It's also keto and paleo friendly, soy and gluten free, sugar free, and non-GMO and comes in a tasty vanilla flavor.

Unfortunately, this product is neither certified organic. Optimium Nutrition offers just a 30-day return policy, which is not as competitive as others on the list.

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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5. Plant Based Protein 

by Truvani

number
a white label with black text

Total Ranking

571 votes

7.9/10

C+

Overall Grade

Vote and Review

5/10

PROS

  • Diverse protein blend
  • 20g protein / 130 cal
  • Superfoods
  • Vegan
  • Keto friendly   
  • Gluten and soy free 

CONS

  • No pre- or probiotics
  • 30-day return policy
  • Non-paleo 
The Bottom Line

Rounding off our list is Truvani's Plant Based Protein. It's made with a nutritious blend of pea, pumpkin seed, and chia seed proteins.

Like others on our list, it's also certified organic, non-GMO, gluten and soy free, keto (but not paleo) friendly, 100% vegan and available in 4 different flavors. Each serving contains 20g of protein at 130 calories (protein and calorie content varies with flavor). 

We appreciate the simplicity of this product and it's an all-around solid choice, especially if you're new to plant-based protein powders. However, it also lacks pre- or probiotics, and may be a turn-off for people looking for an under-100-calorie protein. Unfortunately, Truvani only offers a 30-day return policy. 

*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.

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Disclaimer:

Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.

In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.

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Our Main Sources

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Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.

What You Will Learn:

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Estimated Read Time 5 Minutes

Comparing Proteins

Best For Weight Management

What To Avoid

Top 5 Protein Powders

CITATIONS

  1. Hoffman JR, Falvo MJ. Protein - Which is Best?. J Sports Sci Med. 2004;3(3):118-130. Published 2004 Sep 1.
  2. Appel LJ, et al. Effects of protein, monounsaturated fat, and carbohydrate intake on blood pressure and serum lipids: results of the OmniHeart randomized trial. JAMA. 2005 Nov
  3. Ho MH, Wong WH, Chang C. Clinical spectrum of food allergies: a comprehensive review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2014 Jun
  4. Babault N, et al. Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Jan 21
  5. Haug A, Høstmark AT, Harstad OM. Bovine milk in human nutrition--a review. Lipids Health Dis. 2007;6:25. Published 2007 Sep 25. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-6-25
  6. Legumes and pulses. (2020, October 16). Retrieved March 24, 2022, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/legumes-pulses/
  7. https://www.consumerreports.org/media-room/press-releases/2010/06/investigation-tests-reveal-contaminants-in-many-protein-drinks/
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1503071/ 
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6963490/ 
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7399875/
  11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31339008/

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