• Why it’s -approved: Formulated with women, specifically, in mind, this gluten- and dairy-free blend from Free Soul combines pea protein isolate with white hemp protein to deliver 20g of protein per serving. It also comes in different flavours, including chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel and berry.
• Protein source: Pea protein isolate and white hemp protein
• Protein per serving: 20g
• Pea protein isolate, white hemp protein, iron, Peruvian maca, flaxseed and magnesium
• Chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel and berry

• Why it’s -approved: This single-ingredient powder, featuring bovine-derived collagen peptides, dissolves easily into hot or cold liquids. Stir the collagen into your morning coffee or sprinkle it into a glass of water, and sip your way to a dewier complexion. How dewy, exactly? Consider the perennial glow of Jennifer Aniston, who previously told that she mixes a scoop of it into her coffee every morning.
• Protein source: Collagen peptides
• Protein per serving: 18g
• Unflavoured, chocolate, lemon, vanilla

• Why it’s -approved: Made with regeneratively-farmed ingredients, Ritual’s Essential Protein powder packs 20 grams of plant protein and zero grams of sugar per serving. It also boosts brain function with tartaric acid. “I like Ritual for those who can’t tolerate dairy because it’s made from pea protein and easily digestible,” says wellness expert and certified pilates instructor Lia Bartha. “I also love the ingredient transparency Ritual promotes. If you’re going to take a powder, you have to know what’s in it.”
• Protein source: Organic yellow peas
• Protein per serving: 20g
• Organic pea protein, natural flavour, MCT oil

• Why it’s -approved: Alongside 21 grams of bioavailable protein, this Thorne powder also contains 2.3 grams of leucine to promote muscle repair, recovery and maintenance. Quickly absorbed by the body, whey is especially brilliant for those who want to power up the effects of their workouts.
• Protein source: Whey
• Protein per serving: 21g
• Whey, calcium, iron, potassium, stevia

• Why it’s -approved: Designed for athletes — or anyone who craves a restorative, post-workout treat – Promix’s powder contains branched-chain amino acids to build and restore muscles. “If you’re fine with dairy, Promix is great for post-workout recovery,” Bartha says. “Just like Ritual, the company takes pride in all-natural, clean ingredients — and both are pretty darn tasty.” With 25 grams of minimally filtered whey protein per serving, the powder is available in chocolate, vanilla and chocolate-peanut-butter flavours; there’s also an unflavoured version.
• Protein source: Whey
• Protein per serving: 25g
• Grass-fed whey, sunflower lecithin, vanilla extract, organic coconut sugar
• Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter, unflavoured

• Why it’s -approved: Made without gums or fillers, this vanilla protein powder offers 23 grams of protein per serving – an ideal dose to work into your routine. “For most adults, 15-30 grams of protein per meal is effective for muscle synthesis and satiety,” says Kamen. “This number varies based on age, activity level, size, and medical history.” It’s also made with a powerful digestive enzyme blend like amylase and protease, making it a gentler option for those with digestion issues who want to enhance protein absorption and reduce bloat.
• Organic cocoa powder, natural dark chocolate flavour, organic monk fruit extract
• Chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chai, unsweetened

• Why it’s -approved: “I like Form Nutrition a lot,” Bartha says. “They have a nice variety of vegan options and I especially love the Pure Blend protein that’s unsweetened. It’s great as a base for smoothies and protein balls. Form is also B-Corp certified, which is a beautiful thing,” Bartha says, referring to the brand’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Made without thickeners, emulsifiers, flavours, or sweeteners, the vegan powder can also be added to cooked or baked goods to amp up the protein content of a meal.
• Protein source: Organic peas, brown rice, pumpkin seeds
• Protein per serving: 15g
• Organic pea protein isolate, brown rice protein, pumpkin seed protein

• Why it’s -approved: Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and preservative-free, the Ka’Chava vegan protein powder creates an instant shake – one of the most delicious vegan protein shakes out there. With over six flavours to choose from – so there’s an option that suits everyone’s taste preference – it’s also one of the smoothest and most mixable options too. With adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals, this shake is chock full of over 85 nutrients and superfoods, so you get a little bit of everything in each serving – a vegan protein blend, a digestive enzyme blend, a fibre blend, a pro-and-prebiotic blend, and more, making it a great option for those interested in getting more from their protein powders. However, it is worth noting that the label shows there are four grams of added sugar (along with 3 grams of natural sugar), so those looking for a sugar-free option may need to opt for something else.
• Yellow pea protein, brown rice protein
• Whole grain oats, flaxseed, organic acacia, chia seed

• Why it’s -approved: Innermost protein is as smart as it is delicious. The chocolate flavour is smooth, not too sweet, and can be mixed with porridge to amp up your breakfast protein intake. For a real level-up, match your Innermost protein with the brand’s Recover Capsules after a workout, to really accelerate your muscle repair. We swear by two capsules after an evening workout for a restorative sleep.
• Protein source: whey protein
• Protein per serving: 30g
• Whey protein, Inulin, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Pomegranates, Yerba Mate, Bilberries

What is protein powder?

“Protein powder is a concentrated form of protein derived from various sources, such as animal products like whey and casein, or plant-based sources, like soy, pea and hemp,” explains functional nutrition practitioner Jenny Rich. The protein is processed into powder form for convenient consumption.

“Protein powders can be a great tool to meet overall protein goals since many women are under-eating protein at baseline,” says registered dietitian Brittany Beaver. “The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is set to prevent deficiency, not for optimal health.” The ease of consumption can help one reach or maintain that baseline as part of an overall diet.

Is protein powder necessary?

“Given that men and women are physiologically different in obvious ways, it is not beyond rationality to view them differently when it comes to exercise nutrition,” says Damian Soong, CEO of Form Nutrition. And, with women statistically more likely to consume less protein in their general diet than men, topping up with a protein powder – especially after a workout – can help them to recover more swiftly.

What to look for in a protein powder

“Added vitamins, minerals, probiotics, collagen and all 19 amino acids are something everyone should be looking for in a protein powder,” says Kylie Bensley, registered dietician and founder of Sulinu Nutrition. However, protein powders can be further vetted based on individual needs. To start, consider the powder’s protein source.

• Whey isolate: “This is higher in protein and lower in fat and carbs than whey,” Bensley notes. “It also contains less lactose, so it may be more appropriate and tolerable for people with lactose intolerance and sensitivities.”
• Also found in milk, this “provides your body with a slow, steady release of amino acids,” Bensley says. “It’s ideal before moments of fasting, such as sleep.”
• Pea, hemp, or soy protein: These plant-based protein sources are ideal for vegans. “Hemp also tends to be a protein that is very easy on the stomach, so it’s good for those with digestive issues,” Bensley says.

Aside from potential protein sources, our experts detail a few other things to consider when buying a protein powder.

• : Sugar is another thing to note. “If you are trying to lose weight, choose a protein powder with little to no added sugars, and one that is lower in calories,” Bensley says.
• : “Generally speaking, you want to pick a protein powder with fewer ingredients,” Rich advises. “Some common additives include sugar alcohols, refined sugars, flavourings, thickening agents, emulsifiers and anti-clumping ingredients like carrageenan, lecithins, and silicon dioxide.”

Which protein powder is best for women?

When it comes to the best protein powders for women, a new crop of products – designed specifically to support women’s hormones – look set to change the landscape. With the introduction of superfood ingredients like camu camu to boost the immune system, and maca – which many also believe to be an aphrodisiac, protein powders have come a long way from their slightly suspicious beginnings.

The best way to consume protein powder

“Protein powder can be easily mixed into food and drinks including smoothies, dairy or non-dairy milks, water, yoghurt, oatmeal, and even baked goods,” says Beaver.

When should you drink a protein shake?

The best time of day for a protein shake all depends on your health and fitness goals. If you’re looking to lose weight, then a protein shake between meals is ideal for fat loss. Or if maintaining your fitness levels after a workout is key, then adding in a protein shake before and after a workout can help you improve your performance.

Is protein powder actually good for you?

“I always go for healthy food first and try not to depend on any supplements — but when it comes to protein intake, powders can be a great additive during a really active week,” says Bartha. “Now that I’m in my 40s, I’ve found that upping my protein a bit is helpful to increase energy, strength and lean body mass. I would just say that whenever you go down the supplement route, always make sure you read the label to make sure it’s a high-quality product with no unnecessary additives.”

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