If you’re looking to incorporate protein powder into your regular diet, you’ll want to make sure what you’re ingesting is what’s best for your body. You may think all protein is create equally, but the truth is that there are several different varieties of protein powder that will give you different results. In order to find a protein powder that will work best for a woman, you’ll need to find a protein powder that addresses women’s specific needs.
We reviewed dozens of protein powders for women to identify the best of the best. We found the protein powders that use whey protein, and those that utilize the slow release casein proteins, as well as vegetable-based proteins that are appropriate for vegetarian or vegan diets. We’ve chosen protein powders that will give you a boost in nutrients, those that help with weight loss, and those that will easily help a woman with her muscular development.
Early in our research, we identified the LadyBoss Premium Protein Powder & Meal Replacement Shakes as the obvious choice for our best overall protein powder for women. With one serving a day of this specially formulated recipe, you’re sure to stave off hunger, satisfy your sweet tooth, and build your muscle mass.
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The 5 Top-Rated Protein Powders for Women for 2019
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Protein Powder for Women | LadyBoss Premium Protein Powder & Meal Replacement Shakes | 4.3 |
| Best Casein Protein Powder for Women | OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder | 4.0 |
| Best Budget Protein Powder for Women | Designer Protein Aria | 3.9 |
| Best Vegetable-Based Protein Powder for Women | Tone It Up Organic Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder for Women | 4.3 |
| Best Protein Powder for Women’s Muscle Development | BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Powder with Micellar Casein | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Overall Protein Powder for Women: LadyBoss Premium Protein Powder & Meal Replacement Shakes
The LadyBoss Premium Protein Powder & Meal Replacement Shakes is an excellent meal substitution that will keep you fuller for longer without any unnecessary sugars. Yet, despite that lack of sugar, you’ll still be able to use this one powder to make a shake or create sweet treats to really make the most of your added protein. The creator of this powder even has a recipe e-book to give you even more ideas for shakes and smoothies you can make with this powder.
This company’s mission statement is clear and concise and it will build your confidence in the fact that this product is meant for you: Help women lose weight while loving themselves again. If that’s a mission you can identify with, than you may just have found the right company for you. The formula also includes extra folate, biotin, Vitamin D and Bs to boost your immune system, strengthen bones, and give you plenty of energy.
Over 500 customer reviews have given this protein powder an overall rating of 4.3 stars. That’s certainly going to tempt you, but a quick glance at any of the 79% positive reviews will convince you that purchasing this powder will have you in that overwhelming majority.
LadyBoss Premium Protein Powder & Meal Replacement Shakes Key Features:
- Vanilla cake flavor
- 15g protein, 100 calories, 4g sugar per serving
- 30 servings per container
Best Casein Protein Powder for Women: OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder
The OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder is the kind of protein powder you need to ensure your workout is building your maximum muscle mass and your supplement is giving you benefits all day long. You can think of this protein as a slow release. Not only will you see the immediate recovery benefits after a workout, but by taking this supplement before the workout, you’ll likely notice your strength to stick with you all through your workout and beyond. And wouldn’t it be nice to be limited on your workout by time rather than your endurance?
This powder is made exclusively with micellar casein with absolutely no artificial flavors, sweeteners or synthetic colors. You’ll even be able to utilize this powder if you’re gluten-free, too. The animals from which this protein is manufactured are given no growth hormones, either, so that’s an extra level of safety and quality you may appreciate.
Sitting with right around 2,500 customer reviews on Amazon, you may be surprised to see the overall rating for this protein powder still pretty high; 4.0 isn’t easy to achieve and doing so with that many reviews means you can definitely take confidence in the rating’s accuracy.
OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder Key Features:
- 5 flavor options
- 24g protein, 140 calories, 4g sugar per serving
- 4 sizes available
Best Budget Protein Powder for Women: Designer Protein Aria
The Designer Protein Aria contains whey protein that blends with the GMO-free soy and prebiotic fiber to contribute towards a woman’s digestive health. There are plenty of other minerals and vitamins to make this a supplement that is for more than just bulking up. The biotin,vitamin D, folate, and organic aloe vera will all blend to make sure your body is performing optimally, and that your digestion is strengthened with an overall boost in your beauty and wellness.
It’s important to keep in mind the serving count when you’re looking at the price tags on your protein powder. If you’re planning on using the powder for months, then you’ll probably save more buying in bulk. However, if you’re plan is to try something or you want to get just an occasional boost, then this is the right path for you. You will want to try out the protein powder addition into your regular diet to make sure that it will keep you feeling healthy and help give you the results for which you’re striving, before you end up with a ten gallon drum of powder that gives you cramps.
There are over 350 customer reviews on Amazon for this protein powder for women and it has a respectable overall rating of the 3.9 stars. The best part of this protein powder, though, is still the price. You can pick this container up for under $10! – A total steal.
Designer Protein Aria Key Features:
- 12 oz; 16 servings per container
- 2 flavor options
- 15g protein and 90 calories per serving
Best Vegetable-Based Protein Powder for Women: Tone It Up Organic Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder for Women
The Tone It Up Organic Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder for Women will give you the same quantity of protein you expect from any other protein powder, without any of the typical animal products. So even though the milk or meat is most known for the high protein content, this powder will still give you plenty of added protein to make it well worth the addition to our diet.
In fact, if you have any dietary restrictions, you’ll want to check out this vegan option. Even with no problems actually eating meat or animal products, this protein powder is made with specifically selected ingredients under careful inspection. Granted the intent of the precision is to ensure the vegan status, but during any inspection, there will be strict guidelines that will prohibit other ingredients from entering the formula indirectly. That means even if your food sensitivities lie beyond animal products, as long as they’re not the vegetables listed in the ingredients, this is much more likely to be a powder ideal for your sensitive stomach.
Over 300 people have purchased this product on Amazon and felt strongly enough about it to come back and leave a customer review. Consider how strongly you have to feel to review a product online and you will be all the more taken back by the overall rating those customers have awarded it – 4.3 stars.
Tone It Up Organic Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder for Women Key Features:
- 15g protein, 90 calories in each serving
- 2 size options
- 3 flavors available
Best Protein Powder for Women’s Muscle Development: BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Powder with Micellar Casein
The BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Powder with Micellar Casein uses both whey and micellar casein proteins to make sure that your muscles recover immediately, along with providing them with extended support all through the day. In conjunction with amino acids, essential fatty acids, and a boost of fiber, this supplement will help get you healthy and maintain that healthy lifestyle. And with only 2 grams of sugar, you’ll be surprised by how tasty it really is.
Make no mistake about it, though: This protein powder is not for losing weight, it’s for gaining muscle mass. With 200 calories, you won’t want to take this supplement as simply a tasty treat. However, if you ingest it as a substitute for a regular meal or snack, you may be building muscle faster than you ever though possible. The addition of this much protein paired with taking it after your workout means your muscles will recover faster, promoting even more protein muscle synthesis.
Right around 8,000 customer reviews on Amazon have given this protein powder an overall rating of 4.5 stars, making it a safe purchase. Perusing through the reviews has us convinced and it will you too: with this protein powder, the work you put in will not go unnoticed.
BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Powder with Micellar Casein Key Features:
- 6 flavor options
- 3 sizes available
- 22g protein, 200 calories per serving
Who Should Buy a Protein Powder for Women
Because protein is such a vital nutrient for your overall health, if your diet is lacking, then you’ll want to find a way to work it into your body. For example, if you’re a vegetarian, or if you just don’t like the protein-rich foods that will ensure you get that protein through your meals, then you’ll want to find that protein powder that will keep you healthy and your body functioning. Keep in mind that if your body is suffering a protein deficiency, it will steal the proteins in your muscles, causing cramps and leaving you weaker. If you find yourself showing any of these symptoms, it’s probably time to look into a protein powder.
While the additional supplements included can be woman or man specific, the determiner, rather than gender, will be size and workout regiment. That is to say, if a man and woman were the same size, with the same muscle composition and do the same workouts, then they’ll require the same amount of protein. Portions will vary and that will determine the serving size; generally men are bigger than women. However, there’s more than just size that set women and men apart and if you can find a way to incorporate more nutrition specific to you, then your protein powder may be an excellent method for this. For example, women lose bone density at a more rapid rate (especially after age 30), so a woman’s protein powder will more often include higher doses of calcium. A protein powder that has a high percentage of iron will help compensate for a woman’s need of more blood production.
When using protein powders in addition to a regular exercise routine, you’ll be able to use it to customize your fitness program to either gain muscle mass or lose excess weight. You’ll be able to use a protein powder to control your appetite and to boost your metabolism to build muscles, so it’s especially beneficial for anyone trying to adapt a healthier lifestyle.
Important Features to Consider
A protein powder for women should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a protein powder for women:
- Creatine. Creatine is a naturally occurring substance in your body that will provide the energy for muscle contractions. You can supplement your own creatine production with that of protein-rich foods, like meat or fish. If you’re looking to gain muscle mass, the creatine will definitely help your protein intake by helping to increase your exercise capacity. Though protein powder will not be strictly creatine on its own, (though it helps make protein it is not protein) it is often used in conjunction to make the most of your workouts. By using both supplements, you’ll notice in a shorter amount of time, your strength increasing and your muscle recovery improved.
- Protein Source. There will be three primary sources of protein in your protein powder. The most common is whey. Whey is the watery substance that is created when milk separated from the curds during the cheese making process. Another milk-based protein formed during that process is casein, contained within the curds themselves. The biggest difference in casein and whey is that casein is digested slowly, making it perfect for longer-lasting benefits. (I.E., you’ll have the amino acids released though your body all day rather than just an hour or so after ingesting it.) For those who can’t handle the lactose, though, or just prefer to steer clear, there’s also vegetable-based proteins and that will be the vegan option. These proteins will be derived from any high-protein vegetable; peas, pumpkin, and hemp are often used with great success.
- Collagen. Collagen is a type of protein within your body and is probably best considered the glue that holds your cells together. It is the main component of connective tissues in the body and as such, makes everything work optimally. It is often used in conjunction with women’s protein powder because women tend to lose their collagen just a bit faster, making us keen to replenish. Signs of diminishing collagen include weaker bones, joint pain, hair breaking or loss, and yes, wrinkles. Adding a collagen supplement into your protein powder may prevent joint pain with intense workouts and give the added bonus of rejuvenated skin, as well.
- Weight Loss. Protein powder is not, typically, a low calorie supplement. However, it is a healthy one and by using the supplement as a meal replacement or to stave off your appetite, it can help you lose the extra pounds, for sure. After all, a healthy protein supplement is far superior to the break room donut that’s been calling your name. If you’re using it as you should, it will be part of your diet, and not in addition to it. That is, you won’t be able to eat a deep fried lunch, chase it with a protein supplement and expect positive changes to your body. Account for the protein’s calories and sugar in your daily intake and, if you’re fasting, consume it within your anabolic window after a workout to make sure you’re seeing the most benefits.
- Muscle Gain. An adult trying to build muscle mass should make sure that protein accounts for 10% to 30% of your total calories. Generally, any more than that is more than just a waste, it’s potentially an overdose and can be harmful to your body. Absorb as much protein as you can by taking your supplement within your workout window and make sure you’re pushing yourself with an intense workout each time to build your muscle as quickly as you’d like. Protein is not magic; you won’t gain muscle mass simply by incorporating the supplement into your diet. You still need to put in the work and that means sweating it out at the gym.
- Shakes and Sugar. Watch that sugar! When you see your protein powder advertised as a shake, the first thing you’ll want to check is how much sugar is being added to make the protein taste extra yummy. It won’t taste all that pleasant without some additives, so you won’t want a protein powder with no sugar, but you will definitely want to minimize it. Make sure you’re not going over your recommended daily intake of sugar with just the one drink. (Which is more common than you may think.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a protein powder and what does it do?
A protein powder is a supplement that will take protein in a powder form and mix with other ingredients to make it more pleasant and more useful. For example, a bit of sweetener makes the protein powder taste good and combining it with additional supplements makes it even more useful. You’ll most commonly mix the protein powder with water and shake, stir, or blend them to create a “milkshake” that will be drank. Because the protein comes from a milk product most of the time (whey and casein), this will definitely make it taste more like a milkshake. For vegetable based proteins, the “milkshake” taste may not be as easily noticed, but the general idea will still be the same. You can also use the powder to add protein into your baking. For example, you can make your breakfast muffins or your oatmeal to make your diet more protein-rich.
For women, protein powders will commonly have just a bit less protein and a few extras added in, as well. There’s no hard and fast rule that says protein powder has to be for one gender or another, so the thing that makes protein powder for women stand out against the men is if it has additional supplements to boost a woman’s health. You’ll be looking for vitamins and minerals that will target women specific concerns. For example, a supplement for a woman may include extra iron to compensate for their blood loss each month. Women have a bit more “skin in the game” when it comes to their hair, which tends to be longer, so biotin will help with that, along with skin and nails. Vitamin K helps clotting and is also useful for a pre-menopausal woman. B vitamins can help you boost your energy and while that’s going to be common in either men or women’s nutrient needs, it still isn’t an ingredient you’ll want to overlook.
Is protein powder good for weight loss?
Whether or not protein is good for weight loss depends entirely upon how you use it. It can help you feel fuller longer, so if you’re using it as a meal substitution or an appetite suppressant, then it can absolutely help you lose weight. Protein is a filling supplement and it’s easier to find a protein powder that will taste yummy to stave off your sweet tooth than you may imagine. The act of building muscles will burn calories, so the extra protein that boosts your muscle growth will also help you lose a bit of weight. However, if you’re just adding protein to a regular, unhealthy lifestyle, you’ll probably just gain weight. You can use a protein powder to gain muscle mass and loose inches, as well, so that’s something to consider in your real fitness goals: Which is more important to you: losing extra weight or gaining strength? You can certainly do both but for weight loss, you’ll want the shake to substitute food you’d normally be eating not be an addition to your regular diet.
Is it bad to drink protein shakes everyday?
It is not inherently bad to drink a protein shake every day. If you choose a protein shake with a good amount of other nutrients, it is especially less dangerous. For a “shake” though, you’ll want to pay extra close attention to what else is in it. Very commonly, shakes will contain an unnecessarily high amount of sugar and that can add more complications into your weight loss or otherwise healthy lifestyle. Also keep in mind that women are recommended a bit less sugar each day then men (6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men according to the American Heart Association), so your protein shake should take particular care with the added sugars. Too much sugar, despite how many calories you’re consuming will inevitably lead to weight gain and over time, increase your risk for type 2 diabetes. It’s important to be careful with everything that’s added into your shake.
There are some common diet issues that come with the addition of protein shakes into your diet that you’ll need to keep an eye on, as well. You absolutely can “overdose” on protein and suffer from “protein poisoning” if you go overboard. You can’t survive on just protein. Your body needs a healthy amount of other nutrients like carbohydrates and fats to maintain its optimal performance. If you starve yourself of these things in lieu of “filling up” on protein, your body will become malnourished, which can damage your liver and kidneys overtime. You’ll want to consider your food consumption, and balance it with your protein to get a 46 grams per day for the average sedentary woman.
Is it better to drink a protein shake before or after workout?
You may not realize it, but the matter of when to drink your protein shake is actually a highly debated one. There are those who adamantly support the value of the protein shake before the workout and those who prioritize the benefits of the shake after it. Your anabolic window is traditionally thought to be the 30 minutes following a workout where your muscles are loosened and can act more like a “sponge” for protein. During that time, your muscles will absorb the protein and be more likely to build and strengthen. So the idea has always been to take the protein supplement directly after your workout. It is primarily used for strength training workouts, though, so this debate probably won’t even matter for those who are simply trying to lean down. Added protein will go where it needs to go for weight loss, and because it fills you for longer, you’ll want to take it when you’re hungry and shouldn’t be; I.E. when you’d usually cheat on your diet with an unhealthy snack.
However, even for strength training, recent studies have shown that the anabolic window is actually much longer than 30 minutes. Not only that, but the science suggests that, unless you’ve fasted prior to your workout, there isn’t actually any faster muscle growth for those who take advantage of this “anabolic” window. The protein in your body doesn’t deplete so quickly that you’re in a dire need right after a workout. If you are fasting, though, you may need to take the protein right after your workout to make sure muscles don’t break down.
Other Protein Powders for Women We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other protein powders for women. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best protein powders for women list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for a woman. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Casein Protein Powders for Women
- Vegetable-Based Protein Powders for Women
- Whey Protein Powders for Women
Casein Protein Powders for Women
Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein Protein Powder
For a protein powder that’s designed to let you rebuild your muscles while you sleep, you can try this micellar casein supplement.
Key Features:
- 5 sizes available
- 3 flavor options
- 25g protein per serving
Cost: $40
Dymatize Elite 100% Micellar Casein Slow Absorbing Protein Powder
This casein protein powder will give you extended release benefits, all day and night.
Key Features:
- 4 flavor options
- 2 sizes available
- 25g protein
Cost: $30
If you’re interested in adding a protein powder to your dinner without any added flavor, this casein protein will go perfectly with its “unflavored” option.
Key Features:
- 2 size options
- 3 flavors available
- 26g protein per serving
Cost: $25
Six Star Elite Series Casein Protein Powder
This gluten-free casein powder will give you a sustained delivery of amino acids to your muscles, building their strength long after you’ve finished your shake.
Key Features:
- 120 calories
- 2 lb container
- 24g protein per serving
Cost: $20
Vegetable-Based Protein Powders for Women
Garden Of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
This organic vegetable based protein powder will ensure you’re getting all the protein you need and a lot of healthy extras like potassium, calcium, and iron.
Key Features:
- 80 calories per scoop
- 2 sizes available
- 2 flavor options
Cost: $40
Another added bonus for a vegetable based protein powder, like this one, is that it’s lactose free, making it safe for even those with dairy sensitivities.
Key Features:
- 1.53 lb container
- 20g protein per serving
- Certified vegan
Cost: $35
KOS Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
Not only is this protein powder made with a particular recipe omitting any animal based ingredients, it also uses exclusively organic ingredients, too.
Key Features:
- 20g protein per serving
- 2 sizes available
- 2 flavor options
Cost: $45
OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD Plant-Based Protein Powder
This vegan protein powder uses a blend of organic pea, rice, and sacha inchi proteins to give you a high quality supplement to your regular diet.
Key Features:
- 4 flavor options
- 6 sizes available
- 24 g protein per serving
Cost: $30
Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
This organic protein powder includes 7 grams of fiber to make sure you’re getting what your body needs.
Key Features:
- 21g protein per serving
- 8 flavor options
- 2 sizes available
Cost: $30
Vega Protein & Greens Plant Based Protein Powder
This vegan protein powder includes alfalfa powder, spinach powder, broccoli powder, and kale powder with no added sugar.
Key Features:
- 7 flavor options
- 4 sizes available
- 20g protein per serving
Cost: $30
Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein
This protein supplement includes no GMOs and is perfect for your Keto diet.
Key Features:
- 5 flavor options
- 3 sizes available
- 30g protein per serving
Cost: $40
Whey Protein Powders for Women
Beverly International UMP Protein Powder
This whey protein powder includes iron, calcium, fiber, and magnesium for part of a optimally balanced diet.
Key Features:
- 2lb container
- 7 flavors available
- 20g protein per serving
Cost: $35
FitMiss Delight Protein Powder
With only 90 calories and a full 20 grams of protein, you can easily use this as a snack substitute to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Key Features:
- 2 size options
- 3 flavors available
- 16g protein per serving
Cost: $30
Forzagen Protein Powder for Women
This protein powder is undeniably for a woman with the added collagen, hyaluronic acid, folic acid, and MCT oil.
Key Features:
- 20g protein per serving
- 2lb container
- Dutch chocolate flavor
Cost: $30
FoxyFit Whey Protein Powder for Women
Not only will this protein powder contribute to your muscle growth and your weight loss, but with added nutrients, you can expect healthier hair, skin, and nails, as well.
Key Features:
- 1.8lb container
- 20g protein per serving
- 4 flavor options
Cost: $35
If you’re planning to use this as your meal substitution shake, this will definitely help you lose weight with no added sugars or carbs and under 100 calories.
Key Features:
- 1.9lb container
- 24g protein per serving
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Cost: $50
Her Natural Whey Protein Powder for Women
This gluten-free protein powder is made with natural flavors and no artificial sweeteners.
Key Features:
- 2 flavor options
- 2 sizes available
- 20g protein per serving
Cost: $25
IdealLean – Nutritional Protein Powder for Women
This whey protein powder will give a bit of an extra boost with its added vitamin D and folic acid.
Key Features:
- 5 flavors available
- 20g protein
- 1.7lb container
Cost: $35
Physician’s Choice Grass Fed Collagen Protein Powder
This is primarily a collagen powder, but in addition to a significant boost in collagen, this supplement does also provide 6 grams of protein per serving.
Key Features:
- Collagen 1 and 3
- Unflavored
- Money back guarantee
Cost: $25
PrettyFit All-Natural Whey Protein Isolate
This is an excellent addition to your healthy living with only 100 calories per serving and no added sugars.
Key Features:
- 1.5lb container
- Natural chocolate flavor
- 24g protein per serving
Cost: $40
