One of my favorite things to have for a breakfast is a healthy smoothie, packed with spinach, frozen fruit and a healthy protein powder. Adding protein powder to your smoothie will help to keep you fuller for longer, because protein is highly satiating. This means that it keeps you feeling full and satisfied and less likely to indulge in unhealthy snacks later in the day.
The problem is, there are so many protein powders on the market, so it can be tough to decide which protein powder is the best to add to your smoothie.
Unfortunately, despite appearing healthy, many protein powders are actually full of junk ingredients – things like artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners, which are the exact type of things that you’re likely trying to avoid having for breakfast.
To make things easier for you, I’ve rounded up the best protein powders for smoothies. When it comes to adding protein powder to your smoothie, besides having healthy ingredients, one of the most important factors is the taste. You don’t want to ruin your delicious, healthy smoothie with a disgusting protein powder that makes you gag (I’ve done that before – really annoying…)
So while everyone’s tastebuds are obviously different, I’ve tried to make sure that the following protein powders are highly-rated for taste!
5 Best Protein Powders for Smoothies
1. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
This great-tasting protein powder is reasonably priced, made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and is completely vegan. This is best tasting protein powder I’ve ever tried, contains no soy, gluten or artificial colors, flavors or ingredients and is highly rated by thousands of people.
Protein source: Pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seed
Nutrition per serving: 21 grams protein, 150 calories, 3 grams carbs, 5 grams fiber
Servings per container: 20
2. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
This protein powder is also organic, vegan and non-GMO. It contains a slightly higher amount of protein per serving than Orgain, however the taste is nowhere near as good. When it’s blended into a smoothie, it’s not as noticeable but if you’re after the best tasting protein powder then go with Orgain. If you’d like a bit more protein and slightly less calories, this a good option.
Protein source: Pea protein, brown rice protein
Nutrition per serving: 22 grams protein, 110-130 calories, 1-3 grams fiber
Servings per container: 20
3. Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake
This great tasting vegan protein powder is non-GMO, contains no added sugar and no artificial flavors. But where it really stands out is the addition of fruits and vegetables like broccoli, kale, strawberries and spirulina. This provides an additional vitamin and mineral boost, with one serving of this protein powder containing at least 50% of your daily recommended intake of vitamins C, A & D. Additionally, this protein powder contains Omega 3 ALA essential fatty acids and 1 billion CFU probiotics. Combine this protein powder with a fruit and veggie packed smoothie and you’ve got yourself an incredibly healthy, filling breakfast.
Protein source: Pea protein, hemp protein, saviseed, flaxseed
Nutrition per serving: 20 grams protein, 140 calories, 6 grams fiber
Servings per container: 22
4. Purely Inspired Organic Protein
This budget-friendly protein powder is one of the most popular protein powders in the United States. It is non-GMO, gluten free and organic, however some people do think it has a slightly chalky flavor. If you’re on a tight budget, this protein powder might be worth trying, especially blended in with a smoothie which makes the chalky taste less noticeable.
Protein source: Pea protein, brown rice protein
Nutrition per serving: 20 grams protein, 7 grams fiber, 130 calories
Servings per container: 19
5. Naked Nutrition Less Naked Whey
If you prefer whey protein over vegan sources but still want a clean, non-GMO protein powder that contains no artificial sweeteners or colors, then this protein powder is the best choice. It contains the highest amount of protein out of the 5 protein powders I reviewed, although it does contain a small amount of added sugar (however, the added sugar is coconut sugar, not refined sugar or artificial sweeteners.)
Protein source: Whey protein
Nutrition per serving: 25 grams protein, 0 grams fiber, 150 calories
Servings per container: 61
So out of these 5 protein powders, what is the best protein powder for smoothies?
If you’re after a vegan protein powder, then the Vega One All-In-One Nutritional Shake is the winner, due to the addition of fruits, vegetables and probiotics, with the Orgain Organic Protein coming in a close second.
If you prefer whey protein, then the best whey protein powder to add to your smoothie is Less Naked Whey.
Of course, everyone’s tastebuds are different, but these are all highly ranked for their nutrition and taste!
Finally, be sure to see our post about healthy smoothie additives to supercharge your smoothie.