I Tested 9 Clean Protein Powders For Women (2026)
The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
I tested dozens of natural and clean protein powders for women. These are my top picks for clean ingredients, low/no sugar, and quality protein.
Protein is essential for our bodies to function properly, and protein powders are a great way to ensure we’re meeting our intake goals.
Unfortunately, not all protein powders are made equally since there aren’t strict regulations for protein supplements in the US. Instead, for a cleaner alternative, you’ll want to look for a plant-based protein, collagen protein, or whey protein as the first ingredient in their labels, double-check for unnecessary sugar or synthetics, and prioritize powders with at least 20g of protein per serving. (Ideally, it’ll have verification like NSF Certified for Sport or USDA Organic, too!)
How much protein do women need on average?
At the most basic level, protein helps our bodies function — and we can’t live without it! It’s an essential macronutrient that supports everything from gut and immune health to muscle building to hair and skin growth. The National Academy of Medicine recommends 7 grams of protein per 20 pounds of body weight daily. So, for most folks, the range is 35-70 grams and can vary depending on activity level, sex, weight, age, and health status. According to Dr. Katherine Marengo, the average female requires 34-46 g of protein a day. Dr. Marengo also notes that pregnant people require more protein (about 70g) to support the mother and the fetus. But many diets don’t include enough protein…and that’s where protein powder comes in!
We’ve found nine protein powders that are free of processed fillers, focus on organic or bioavailable ingredients, and are independently tested for efficacy and purity! Plus, the products below are made with women’s health in mind, with options for prenatal and postpartum support.
Our methodology & criteria:
As someone who works out 5 to 6 days a week, I’m familiar with the protein powder space and many of the brands on the market. Mostly, though, I’ve been more interested in quality protein powders for women in the past few years to help with healthy aging, so I can feel like my best self. I brought that mindset and experience to the table when testing out these protein powder brands, considering cost, taste, and consistency in each review. For all the brands below, I tested one scoop in a glass of cold water, using a frother to blend (I prefer this to shaker bottles because it helps reduce graininess and makes the drink a bit creamier).
Here are a few specifics as to our methodology and criteria:
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS | Free of additives, fillers, and harmful ingredients, these protein powders are completely natural and contain wholesome, organic ingredients that nourish the body.
- LOW OR NO SUGAR | Avoiding unnecessary sugar is a must, and we’ve made sure each of these natural protein powder brands contains low or no sugar, and if sweetened, uses healthy alternatives like organic stevia and monk fruit.
- TASTE | The days of chalky and artificial-tasting protein powders are over! We’ve tested these brands to make sure they taste delicious and you actually want to drink them!
Whether you want to level up your workouts, support your baby’s development, or just enjoy an energy boost to avoid the 3 PM slump, these protein powders will do just that — and more. (Don’t forget to include these natural probiotics and organic multivitamins in your daily regimen for a well-rounded health kick.) Drink up!
1. Perelel
Best For |Pregnancy & postpartum
Clean Ingredients |Pea protein, creatine monohydrate, sweetened with organic monk fruit extract, sea salt
Protein per serving | 20 grams
Price | $47 for 15 servings ($40 for subscription)
For a protein powder that truly supports you, Perelel’s Triple Support Protein Powder is a must-have. Designed for busy moms, this protein powder blends seamlessly into smoothies, oatmeal, or just water — no chalky texture or overpowering taste! It’s an easy way to nourish your body without extra effort. Thoughtfully formulated for pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood, this clean, plant-based protein blend includes pea, brown rice, and pumpkin seed proteins for a complete amino acid profile. But it doesn’t stop there — each scoop is packed with added essentials like choline for brain development, L-methylfolate for optimal absorption, and digestive enzymes for easy digestion. Plus, it’s free from artificial sweeteners and common allergens, making it gentle on the stomach. Subscribe and save for a hassle-free wellness routine!
Our Editor Review | I love how intentional this formula is — it goes beyond just protein to deliver key nutrients that actually support moms and moms-to-be (me!). The texture is smooth and super creamy. Rarely can I drink protein powder with just water, but this one is an exception! It has a light, natural taste that makes it easy to mix into my daily routine and — best of all — no chunks or weird chalky texture. While it’s a bit more premium in price, the thoughtful ingredients and easy digestibility make it well worth it!
The Good Trade Partner
2. Needed
Best For | Collagen protein & prenatal protein
Clean Ingredients | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides
Protein per serving | 14 grams
Price | $50 for 30 servings ($45 for subscription)
Needed recognizes the market gap for quality prenatal support and has created one of the highest-quality protein powders for women (that are also pregnancy- and breastfeeding-safe!). This collagen protein is a two-in-one powder that supports your blood sugar, joint health, gut health, immune function, and more — the pure collagen peptides serve as both a source of protein and a skin-supporting ingredient. We also like that it’s unflavored, and many users claim it dissolves well into drinks and smoothies without the “funky texture or flavor.” If you’re hoping to conceive, are currently pregnant, or are simply on your way to optimal health, Needed’s Collagen Protein is a great choice.
Our Editor Review | As an avid coffee drinker, this is my number one protein choice because I can add it to my morning coffee, and it dissolves perfectly without any added flavor. Unlike other powders that require a shake or smoothie, this one goes into a beverage I am already drinking every day, so it’s super easy to get protein first thing in the AM. I’ve always been a Needed fan, but this is by far one of my favorite products from their line. The fact that it’s pregnancy safe, too is a huge win.
3. Quince
Best For | Affordable organic protein
Clean Ingredients | Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic chia seed protein, monk fruit extract, organic rice syrup solids, probiotic and digestive enzyme blend
Protein per serving | 21 grams
Price | $40 for 30 servings
Quince’s protein powder offers 21g of complete plant protein per serving along with a probiotic and digestive enzyme blend for easy absorption and digestion. The bioavailable formula is certified organic, third-party tested, and free of fillers, preservatives, gums, and added sugar, and rings in at an accessible $1.34 per serving. Both the chocolate and vanilla bean flavors blend well into water or seamlessly enhance any smoothie – whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong!
Our Editor Review | Our family devoured this protein powder almost faster than I could write this review! I’m particularly picky when it comes to protein powders, and this one ranks as one of my favorites (if not my actual favorite, don’t tell the others!) I appreciate the subtle sweetness – I’d say it’s about half as sweet as Ritual’s – and I love how that makes the flavor easy to control. I love to add vanilla to my strawberry smoothies and chocolate to more decadent smoothies with blueberries and dates.
The Good Trade Partner
4. WeNatal
Best For | 3-in-1 protein, collagen & prenatal support
Clean Ingredients| Grass-fed whey protein concentrate, grass-fed bovine collagen, chia protein, coconut milk, organic cinnamon, monk fruit extract
Protein per serving | 20 grams
Price | $95 for 20 servings ($79 for subscription)
We’ve loved WeNatal for years—their prenatals for him and her, their magnesium, their fish oil—so seeing Protein+ join the line feels like a long-awaited gift. This newly released powder is doctor-formulated and thoughtfully crafted to serve as a protein and collagen supplement and a prenatal supplement. Ingredients include grass-fed whey, bovine collagen, and a full prenatal nutrient profile with 28 vitamins and minerals in a single scoop. Because fertility is a two-person equation, there is also a Protein+ for Him version, designed to support fertility, energy, and recovery with nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and CoQ10. With clean, simple ingredients—no soy, gluten, GMOs, or artificial sweeteners, just monk fruit, sea salt, vanilla bean, and cinnamon—and third-party testing for purity, it feels as intentional and nourishing as the rest of their line, made for real parents-to-be and real life.
Our Editor Review | Hello, one of my new favorite protein powders! The big scoop and 3-in-1 formula make it such a smart addition to my wellness routine. It delivers protein, collagen, and 28 essential prenatal vitamins and minerals in one, saving money and reducing the number of capsules. Having gone through years of infertility and IVF, this powder feels like a godsend, and the flavor is delicious — like carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, rich but never artificial. It’s a heavier powder, so I blend it with smoothies or plant-based milks for the best results, and I also love that there’s a Protein+ for Him, making it a thoughtful option for couples trying to conceive.
5. mindbodygreen
Best For | Taste
Clean Ingredients| Grass-fed whey protein isolate, organic cocoa, organic vanilla extract, pink Himalayan salt, organic monk fruit extract, organic cinnamon bark powder, organic bamboo extract
Protein per serving | 25 grams
Price | $69 for 20 servings ($55 for subscription)
mindbodygreen‘s grass-fed whey protein isolate+ is an easy, everyday way to boost your protein intake and support muscle recovery — whether you’re lifting heavy or just trying to feel stronger overall. It’s scientifically designed with 18 complete amino acids and 2.9g of leucine, and over time can help support muscle protein synthesis and recovery, and, when paired with resistance training, improve lean muscle and strength. It comes in two classic flavors, chocolate and vanilla, and is made with organic cocoa or organic vanilla extract, so it actually tastes good enough to look forward to. Just mix two scoops into 8–10 oz of your favorite drink, or blend it into a meal (it’s Michelin-star chef-approved!).
Our Editor Review | I can’t keep my husband away from this protein powder. Although I’ve claimed it for myself, it seems to disappear, and, honestly, I can’t blame him! It blends smoothly, tastes delicious, and features some of the best ingredients for athletes and performance. All this to say, I’ve had to learn to share!
6. Ora
Best For | USDA-certified organic vegan protein
Clean Ingredients | Organic pea & rice proteins, organic fruits & veggies, enzyme blend, natural vanilla flavor, organic monk fruit
Protein per serving | 23 grams
Price | $60 for 20 servings ($48 for subscription)
With 23g of plant-based protein from 18 organic superfoods, Ora’s Plant-Based Superfood Protein delivers a complete amino acid profile for muscle-building, recovery, and satiety. It includes digestive enzymes to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce bloating, making it easy on sensitive stomachs. We love that it is available in chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chai, and unflavored and that you can buy single-serving packs to try them out! The flavors are subtly sweet enough to be mixed into water, milk, or even baked goods — that’s our kind of daily nutrition. Plus, they undertake rigorous testing for contaminants like lead, so you know their powder is actually clean.
Our Editor Review | I was so pleasantly surprised by Ora! I had heard wonderful things about the flavor and how it is formulated by chefs to taste better. Let me tell you: it did not disappoint! Even with water (and I am not a protein powder-in-water gal, it tasted delicious). It blended super easily and was even a bit frothy in texture. I also love that I’m getting 23 grams of protein. A favorite, for sure!
7. Ritual
Best For | Pregnancy & postpartum
Clean Ingredients| Choline, organic pea protein, organic coconut oil, organic monk fruit extract
Protein per serving | 20 grams
Price | $44 for 15 servings/month
Ritual offers the best daily essentials for women, whether for living life or creating it! These non-GMO, vegan, third-party-tested formulas are about as clean as they come. While it is a powder, it blends seamlessly into any smoothie or milkshake, adding a subtle vanilla flavor. Best of all, you can see exactly where every ingredient comes from on the product page, down to the supplier and the final manufacturing location. We love that Ritual also has this protein in a Pregnancy and Postpartum formula. It has everything you need for strong bones and muscles (yes, for you and little ones), thanks to the 150mg of choline and 20g of plant-based protein.
Our Editor Review | This powder blends so easily and has a wonderful consistency. It’s a bit sweet, but the vanilla flavor is great for smoothies, baking, or adding to almond milk. Note that it doesn’t have a scoop to cut down on plastic waste, which is no issue for me since it’s easy to measure out the recommended serving with a food scale or, if you’re not super particular, just by eyeing it. Sustainability > accuracy, in my opinion!
8. Vega
Best For | Vegan protein powder
Clean Ingredients | Pea protein, coconut oil powder, stevia leaf extract, sea salt, rosemary extract
Protein per serving | 25 grams
Price | $27 for 20 servings ($23 for subscription)
Vega is passionate about making delicious plant-based nutrition that’s good for the planet and those who live on it. This protein powder is one of our favorites because it’s super affordable, and you can get 15% off when you subscribe. The formula includes 35% of your daily iron intake and the company is also a B Corp and plants a tree for every order. Enjoy a truly vegan, plant-based protein powder that blends easily into your smoothie or with water!
Our Editor Review | I love how easy it is to blend Vega protein into water. It does have a slightly grainy taste, but it’s not too sweet, and the vanilla flavor helps a lot. Like some of the other brands, I prefer to blend this into a smoothie or mix it with oatmeal. But overall, the price point and ingredients make this a go-to option for added protein!
9. Be Well By Kelly
Best For | Minimal ingredient formulas
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed beef protein isolate, organic monk fruit extract, organic cacao powder
Protein per serving | 24 grams
Price | $65 for 30 servings ($59 for subscription)
Be Well By Kelly was founded by celebrity holistic nutritionist and wellness expert Kelly LeVeque. With a minimalist yet precise approach to nutrition, the brand wants to help you ditch dieting by embracing a clear, simple way to clean nutrition with Kelly’s Fab 4 formula: The right amount of protein, fat, fiber, and greens in every meal. They make the protein part easy with their grass-fed beef protein powder or vegan plant-based protein powder, available in unflavored, chocolate, or vanilla. With a whopping 24 grams per serving, this is one of our favorite powders, specifically for women.
Our Editor Review | I was a bit hesitant when I first tried Be Well By Kelly because, to be honest, it doesn’t mix well at all! This isn’t the kind of protein powder you can add to a blender bottle or stir into water — it definitely requires a frother or (better yet) a blender. That said, once I blended it, it was absolutely perfect. No chunks, no grainy texture, no weird flavor. It tastes like a chocolate milkshake and is so easy on my stomach. I love that it’s safe to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well, for that extra protein intake. (Currently drinking a shake as I write this!)
Kayti Christian is a Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. With an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing, her work has appeared in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. Since 2017, Kayti has been uncovering and reviewing the best sustainable home brands and wellness products. Her personal journey through four years of fertility treatments has inspired her to write extensively about women’s healthcare and reproductive access. Beyond her work at The Good Trade, Kayti is the creator of phone notes, a Substack newsletter with 7,000 subscribers, and the cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, which delves into IVF and infertility.
