SPONSORED ADVERTISING CONTENT

Sponsored Advertising Content

Last Updated: May 5, 2025

 The 5 Best Protein Powders of 2025

Protein powders have been shown to support muscle maintenance, weight loss, longevity, and more. This article examines the top 5 protein supplements of 2025, considering factors like protein quality, taste, and digestibility.

What to Look for in a Protein Powder

​​When choosing a protein powder, keep these five key factors in mind:

1. Sourced from Quality Protein: While protein can be sourced from rice, peas, or the milk of grain-fed cows, the purest and most digestible form of protein is grass-fed beef isolate. This type of protein is isolated from the beef through a process that separates it from fats and other components, resulting in a high-protein powder.

2. Complete Amino Acid Profile: Look for proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids in proportions similar to those found in muscle tissue. This makes it a “complete” protein. While animal-based proteins like whey and beef isolate are naturally complete, many plant-based protein powders are now formulated with various grains and legumes to provide a complete amino acid profile (since they’re naturally low in lysine, tryptophan, threonine, or methionine).

3. Delicious Taste & Texture: Protein powders can vary widely in taste and texture. Some plant-based proteins may have a grainier texture, while certain whey proteins might have a distinct aftertaste. However, many brands have made significant improvements in flavor and mixability. Look for products with positive reviews regarding taste and how well they dissolve.

4. Low Carbohydrate Content: Surprisingly, some protein powders have just as many carbohydrates as protein. That said, look for a protein powder with less than 5 grams of carbs per serving. 

5. Purity & Potency: Look for protein powders produced in facilities that follow strict quality control measures, such as those certified with cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) or equivalent international standards. Prioritize products that are third-party tested for purity and potency. This helps ensure the powder is free from contaminants and accurately reflects the nutritional content stated on the label.

Natural Reviews Top 5 Picks for 2025

EXPERT RATING

EXPERT RATING

A+

(Risk-free 365-Day Money Back Guarantee.)

PROS

CONS

20g of Protein

Only Available Online

Grass-Fed Beef Isolate

Newly Launched Product (May Sell Out Soon)

Tastes Like Dessert (Chocolate & Vanilla)

Maintains Muscle Mass

Supports Weight Loss

Plus MCT Powder for Quick Energy & Mental Clarity

Free from Dairy, Whey, Soy, Grains, Gluten, Sugar, Hormones & Antibiotics 

Low Carb (3g)

Contains All 9 Essential Amino Acids

Third-Party Tested for Purity & Potency

Easy to Digest (No Gas or Bloating)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

NativePath Complete Protein Powder offers a clean source of protein from grass-fed beef isolate. Just one scoop a day provides 20 grams of complete protein, which can help maintain muscle mass, support weight loss, and promote longevity. What sets it apart from other protein powders is its comprehensive amino acid blend, enhancing its "complete" protein profile. Plus, it offers 2.5 grams of MCT powder for quick energy and mental clarity. We appreciate that this protein powder has zero dairy, whey, hormones, sugar, or artificial sweeteners. Given these factors—plus its risk-free 365-Day Money-Back Guarantee—NativePath Complete Protein secured the #1 spot on our list for Best Protein Powders of 2025.

Try it risk-free. No strings attached. 

2. Raw Organic Whey™ 

By Raw Organic Whey

EXPERT RATING

B

#1 MCT Oil Powder from NativePath

PROS

CONS

21g of Protein

Most Expensive Protein Listed

Only 2g Carbs

Very Chalky & Hard to Swallow

Organic Grass-Fed Whey

Not Actually “Raw”

Only 1 Ingredient

Milk Is Pasteurized

GMO-Free, Soy-Free, Gluten-Free

rBGH/rBST Hormone Free

Causes Gas & Bloating

Doesn’t Come with Scoop

Poor Quality Packaging

Sourced from the USA

Doesn’t Blend Well

Unflavored & Unsweetened

Extremely Foamy After Mixing

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Securing the second spot on our list is Raw Organic Whey Protein Powder. This supplement stands out for being one of the few whey proteins certified as both organic and grass-fed. However, the name can be misleading as it's not actually "raw," but pasteurized. Customer feedback highlights some concerns: many report digestive issues like gas and bloating, or difficulty mixing the powder—even with a blender. The $130 price point raises expectations for quality, yet the packaging falls short, with a hard-to-reseal ziplock that has led some users to transfer the product to separate containers for freshness. While the product boasts impressive certifications, these practical issues may impact user experience and value for money.

3. Prime Protein

By Equip

EXPERT RATING

#1 MCT Oil Powder from NativePath

B-

PROS

CONS

No MCTs (unlike our #1 pick)

21g of Protein

No Additional Amino Acids (unlike our #1 pick)

Grass-Fed Beef Isolate

Only 2g Carbs

Several Complaints about the Taste

Only 3 Ingredients

Free From Dairy, Whey, Soy, Gluten, & GMOs

Free From Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners

Naturally Sweetened with Stevia

Easy to Digest

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Equip Prime Protein offers a straightforward, high-quality protein supplement with 21 grams of protein per serving from grass-fed beef isolate. Its minimalist formula, containing only three ingredients, is free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, as well as GMOs. The low carb content (2g) and absence of sugar make it suitable for various dietary needs. Sweetened naturally with stevia, it avoids artificial additives. While praised for digestibility, it lacks the additional benefits of MCTs and extra amino acids found in our top pick. This protein powder may appeal to those seeking a clean, simple protein source, but users looking for a more comprehensive nutritional profile might find it lacking. 

4. Ka’Chava Superblend

By Ka’Chava

EXPERT RATING

#1 MCT Oil Powder from NativePath

C+

PROS

CONS

25g of Protein

Very High in Carbs (25g)

Complaints of Gas & Bloating

Vegan & Vegetarian-Friendly

Highest Calories Per Serving (240)

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free

Super Thick, Gritty Texture

Includes a Blend of Fruits, Vegetables, & Adaptogens 

Extremely High Number of Ingredients (85+)

Probiotic, Prebiotic, & Digestive Enzyme Blend

Expensive Price Per Serving ($5.33)

Offers Several Vitamins & Minerals

Only 15 Servings Per Bag

7 Grams of Fiber

Partnered with the Rainforest Trust

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Coming in fourth on our list is Ka'Chava Superblend. This all-in-one meal replacement boasts 25 grams of vegan protein per serving—alongside an extensive blend of fruits, vegetables, adaptogens, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, plus various vitamins and minerals. However, Ka'Chava comes with notable drawbacks: a high carb content (25g), calorie count (240), and an extensive ingredient list (85+) that may lead to an unpleasant flavor, digestive issues, and nutrient interactions. Customer reviews confirm this—reporting on issues like texture and digestive discomfort. At $5.33 per serving with only 15 servings per bag, it becomes hard to justify the cost. 

5. Bone Broth Protein

By Ancient Nutrition

EXPERT RATING

#1 MCT Oil Powder from NativePath

D

PROS

CONS

An Incomplete Protein

20g of Protein

Not Grass-Fed or Pasture-Raised

Only 2g Carbs

Two Sources of Protein (Chicken & Beef Broth)

Types I, II, III Collagen

Non-GMO

Only 20 Servings

Several Complaints about Flavor (bland, gross, foamy)

Complaints of Pain (gut, kidney, gallbladder)

Recent Recipe Change (added beef protein)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Squeaking by on our list of Best Protein Powders of 2025 is Ancient Nutrition’s Bone Broth Protein. Featuring a blend of chicken and beef bone broth protein concentrates, it provides 20g of protein per serving along with types I, II, and III collagen. While non-GMO, it's not specified as grass-fed or pasture-raised. Unfortunately, many customers have reported severe taste issues, describing it as "undrinkable" or that it tastes like "chicken and coffee." In addition to that, there are concerns about digestive discomfort and pain. With only 20 servings per container and being an incomplete protein source, its value proposition is questionable. While it may appeal to those seeking collagen benefits, the reported flavor and potential digestive issues make it a controversial choice in the protein powder market.

BONUS SECTION: Protein Powders to Avoid in 2025

❌ Orgain Organic Protein Powder: Despite its popularity, this protein powder has several potential drawbacks. With 15g of carbs per serving, it may not suit low-carb diets. Some users have reported digestive issues, possibly due to its plant-based ingredients and 5g of erythritol, a sugar alcohol known to cause discomfort in some individuals. The inclusion of high-oleic sunflower oil (a processed seed oil) has raised concerns among some nutritionists about its potential inflammatory effects. Quality control has also been questioned, with reports of bugs found in product containers.

❌ Orgain Organic Protein Powder: Despite its popularity, this protein powder has several potential drawbacks. With 15g of carbs per serving, it may not suit low-carb diets. 

Some users have reported digestive issues, possibly due to its plant-based ingredients and 5g of erythritol, a sugar alcohol known to cause discomfort in some individuals. The inclusion of high-oleic sunflower oil (a processed seed oil) has raised concerns among some nutritionists about its potential inflammatory effects. Quality control has also been questioned, with reports of bugs found in product containers.

❌ Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein: While offering 22g of protein per serving, this powder contains multiple grains (brown rice, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, and quinoa), which may 

❌ Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein: While offering 22g of protein per serving, this powder contains multiple grains (brown rice, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, and quinoa), which may challenge digestion for some users. Like Orgain, it also includes erythritol, which can cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. The high grain content might make it less suitable for those seeking to limit their grain intake or those with grain sensitivities.

challenge digestion for some users. Like Orgain, it also includes erythritol, which can cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. The high grain content might make it less suitable for those seeking to limit their grain intake or those with grain sensitivities.

❌ Optimum Nutrition: Although it boasts 24g of protein per serving, it also contains artificial flavors and sucralose—two unnecessary ingredients that should never be in a supplement.

❌ Optimum Nutrition: Although it boasts 24g of protein per serving, it also contains artificial flavors and sucralose—two unnecessary ingredients that should never be in a supplement. The protein source is not specified as grass-fed, which may concern those prioritizing higher-quality, pasture-raised dairy sources. For consumers focused on minimal processing and natural ingredients, these aspects might make this powder less appealing despite its high protein content.

The protein source is not specified as grass-fed, which may concern those prioritizing higher-quality, pasture-raised dairy sources. For consumers focused on minimal processing and natural ingredients, these aspects might make this powder less appealing despite its high protein content.

Why Is Protein Powder Important, Anyway?

Protein powder plays a crucial role in supporting overall health, fitness, and weight loss goals. At its core, protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscles, bones, and skin. It's also vital for producing enzymes and hormones that regulate various bodily functions.


When it comes to weight loss, protein powder can be a powerful ally. It helps in several ways…

  • First, protein has a high thermic effect, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it compared to fats or carbohydrates.
  • Second, it promotes satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer and potentially reducing overall calorie intake.
  • Lastly, adequate protein intake during weight loss helps preserve lean muscle mass, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism.

In our fast-paced world, protein powder provides a quick and easy nutrition solution. Whether you're looking to build muscle, manage weight, supplement your diet, or simply ensure you're meeting your daily protein requirements, a well-chosen protein powder can be a valuable addition to your nutritional arsenal.

What Are the Benefits of a Protein Powder?

By taking a premium hydrolyzed beef protein powder daily, you may experience the following science-backed benefits:

Healthy blood sugar levels

Improved muscle growth & repair

Enhanced recovery after exercise

Increased strength and physical performance

Stronger bones and reduced risk of bone loss

Reduced risk of age-related muscle loss

Better weight management & appetite control

Faster metabolism due to thermic effect of protein

The Bottom Line: Your 5-Step Checklist for Buying a Protein Powder

To recap, there are five important criteria to consider when shopping for a protein powder…

  1. Check the protein source: Opt for a high-quality source like grass-fed beef protein isolate. 
  2. Consider the digestibility: Avoid plant-based and whey protein powders, as they can be much harder to digest. 
  3. Examine the protein content: Look for powders that offer at least 20g of protein per serving to ensure you're getting an effective dose.
  4. Scrutinize the ingredient list: Avoid powders with excessive additives, artificial sweeteners, or fillers. The fewer ingredients, the better.
  5. Verify third-party testing: Ensure the product is tested by independent labs for purity and accurately stated nutritional content.

EXCLUSIVE

NATURAL REVIEWS SPECIAL:

Save Big On Our #1 Pick —NativePath Complete Protein

The information contained within this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have, expect to have, or suspect you may have any medical condition, you are urged to consult with a health care provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Results are based on the Natural Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.


Copyright © 2025 Natural Reviews

BEST

END OF WINTER SALE:

Try Our Top Pick!

Get NativePath Complete Protein  (+ FREE GIFT)

A+

Try it risk-free. No strings attached.