Best Protein Powder For Women – Reviews and more
The most ideal approach to finding your optimal protein powder is to know what questions to ask before getting it.
Whether you want to lose weight and get slimmer or put on lean muscle and build a stronger body, there’s surely a protein supplement out there that fits your goals, taste, and budget; but the challenge is to know how to identify the best protein powder for women‘s specific needs.
Although they have been on the market for a while now, these supplements are still surrounded by misconceptions, one of the most common myths is that women using such products will end up gaining weight and looking bulky.
Yet, practice shows exactly the opposite: protein powders can help women lose the extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight and lean, feminine figure. So, if you’re ready to discover the best protein powders for females, take a look at the table below.
The table above includes the most popular protein powders on the market to help you identify the ones that can support your weight loss efforts. But keep in mind that the benefits of these supplements go well beyond weight loss, and it’s worth knowing what else protein powders can do for your health and body.
However, if you’re new to this and just starting with protein supplementation, you might find it a bit overwhelming to choose a product based on a generic table. One size does not fit all in this case, and this is why we’ve put together the protein powders beginner’s guide below.
We’re here to help you choose the best women’s supplement product for your specific needs, based on your preferences, food tolerances, and budget.
1. Why Should I Use Protein Powder?
As their name implies, protein powders are nutritional supplements designed to provide additional amounts of dietary protein, to ensure an adequate daily intake of this nutrient and to create a balanced and healthy diet.
The role of protein powders is not to replace food protein but to supplement the amount of nutrients taken from animal or plant foods.
Although more commonly used by athletes, gym-goers, and bodybuilders, these supplements can be taken by absolutely anyone who needs an extra source of protein to balance an incomplete diet. It’s therefore improper to refer to protein powders strictly as bodybuilding products.
The role of protein inside the human body isn’t limited to building muscle mass. This macronutrient is similarly as significant as sugars and fats for the general wellbeing and working of the human life form.
Made of amino acid blocks, protein can be broken down into smaller molecules and used as fuel when no carbohydrates are available. They help preserve muscle tissue and support recovery after workouts, preventing the loss of muscle mass during diets as well.
Protein contributes to the immune function and is needed for the regulation of bodily fluids’ balance. They’re involved in almost all chemical reactions taking place inside the body, and without protein, hormone levels would be altered and the blood’s pH level would be affected.
Just like dietary protein taken from meat, legumes, dairy products, or nuts, a protein found in powder supplements can be used by the human organism for all these processes and functions, the only difference being the form in which protein is administered.
It’s worth mentioning that protein absorbability might be better for powders than for certain foods, thanks to the composition of these products. Moreover, with protein powders, it’s easier to track the number of nutrients you ingest, to meet your daily intake requirements.
Most protein supplements deliver between 20 and 30 grams of nutrients per serving, and depending on the brand you choose, they might also include other vitamins, minerals, and carbs, so you can safely use these supplements as meal replacements, and even as ingredients for cooking protein-rich meals!
There are numerous advantages to using these products, and the best part is that you can always find protein powders for women with different health and fitness purposes.
Benefits of Women’s Supplements
If you still doubt protein powders can be a good addition to your diet, take a look at the list of benefits below. These products can be useful for:
Improving Your Overall Health
Protein keeps the body in the anabolic state, which permits it to save and build muscles as opposed to pulverizing the tissue. They regulate hormone production and maintain proper levels of growth hormone, which is required for healthy bones and muscles. Protein also helps in keeping insulin levels under control, so it’s needed for proper energy regulation and for preventing hypoglycemia.
Improving Digestion
Unlike sugar, which results when carbohydrates are broken down, protein does not favor the development of harmful bacterial flora inside the digestive tract, thus it supports healthier digestion.
Boosting Metabolism
Protein takes more time to digest, so the body burns more calories to metabolize protein than carbs or fats. A high protein diet helps in maintaining a faster metabolism and burning more calories throughout the day.
Weight Loss
Proper protein intake is a must for your body to efficiently mobilize the stored fat for energy production. Unless you consume the right amount of protein for your body’s needs, the organism will have a harder time drawing on fat stores, and this translates not only into lower energy levels, muscle weakness, and decreased athletic performance but also into an increased risk of weight gain.
Improving Your Body Composition
Protein helps in maintaining lean mass, building stronger muscles, and repairing damaged tissues after a workout. Muscles, as you probably know, burn more calories than fats, so if you focus on building lean muscles, your body fat percentage will be reduced and you’ll achieve a slimmer and better-looking body.
Improving Your Overall Appearance
Better digestion means better absorption of nutrients, which leads to better-nourished skin and hair. Moreover, a balanced intestinal bacterial flora is linked with a lower risk of acne outbreaks and skin problems.
Boosting Your Energy Levels
Protein is digested slower than carbs, so energy is released over a longer period, and energy levels are on an even keel during the day.
Improving Your Athletic Performance
By supporting the muscle building and recovery processes, and ensuring higher energy levels, protein contributes to better athletic performance.
Strengthening Your Immune System
The immune system uses different types of protein to produce immune responses. An adequate intake of these nutrients ensures a strong immune function.
Improving Your Mood & Cognitive Performance
Unlike carbs, protein doesn’t trigger sugar cravings, nor spikes in blood sugar, which are often the culprits behind moodiness, mental fog, and concentration problems. A proper intake of protein can help in staying focused and preventing hunger pangs and cravings for unhealthy, sugary foods.
Speeding up Recovery
Protein is vital for muscle recovery, whether you’re a professional athlete or practice physical activity at a moderate intensity.
When you do physical exercises, muscles are depleted of glycogen, and fibers get damaged, so after the training session, you need to replenish the glycogen stores (by eating carbs) and provide the muscles with amino acid blocks (by eating protein).
Now, keep in mind that protein powder by itself does not cause weight loss, muscle growth, or anything similar, unless it’s part of a balanced diet, and is taken as a supplement, and not as the primary source of protein.
Although you can substitute protein completely with such products, this isn’t recommended, as food is still more fulfilling and provides additional nutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Protein powders are just a quick and convenient source of protein for people who need to supplement their daily intake.
Then, if you overeat and take in a lot more calories than you burn, you will gain weight, regardless of how much protein powder you consume. This product is not a weight loss supplement, and can’t reverse the negative effects of an unbalanced diet or overeating.
Also, there’s a good reason for protein powders’ labels to recommend a maximum intake of 2 servings (scoops) per day. Eating too much protein, just like skipping this nutrient, can alter your body’s balance and overall health.
Having said that, here’s one more reason to consume protein powder: food sources are divided into complete and incomplete proteins. Animal protein is complete, as it contains all the essential amino acids, while plant protein is incomplete.
Unless you eat enough meat, eggs, cheese, milk, fish, and seafood, likely, you likely don’t provide your body with enough complete protein. Powders can help with this.
2. Different Types of Protein Powders
With so many to choose from, how can women find the best protein powder that meets their needs? We break down the most common types of protein powders to help find the best one for you.
Whey Protein
Whey Protein is the most popular and common supplement, proven to promote muscle growth and fat loss and to improve cardiovascular health and metabolism. It’s extracted from milk, whey being a by-product in the production of cheese.
Quickly absorbed, it is effective in speeding up recovery post-workout, and it’s affordable, so it can be purchased even on a tighter budget. Plus, it’s usually available in various flavors and mixes well with water, milk, and fruit juices.
Casein Protein
Casein Protein is also extracted from milk, during a process that isolates protein from fats and carbs. This powder is similar to whey but digests over a longer period, so it’s more recommended before bedtime than after a workout when the body needs a quickly absorbable protein.
Egg Protein
Egg Protein is obtained by separating the out yolks and dehydrating the egg whites. It’s a complete protein and usually provides additional vitamins and minerals.
Soy Protein
Soy Protein, although obtained from a plant, it’s a complete protein, so it’s a good option for vegans. It’s extracted from dried soybeans but doesn’t taste as good as whey or casein powders, and might be produced from genetically modified soy.
In this particular case, it’s preferable to buy the isolate, as the concentrate can be loaded with unnecessary and unhealthy chemicals.
Hemp Protein
Hemp Protein is often referred to as a superfood because it’s a complete protein that also provides essential fatty acids, and has been proven to boost metabolism, enhance circulation, and brain function, and even treat a series of ailments. It’s obtained from the cannabis plant, is a vegan-friendly, hypoallergenic powder with a high content of fiber, and is great for weight loss.
Pea Protein
Pea Protein is extracted from yellow split peas, so it’s also vegan-friendly and hypoallergenic. It has a 98% digestion rate, but it’s an incomplete protein. This protein is high in glutamic acid, so it helps the body in quickly convert carbs and prevents their storage as fats. This means pea protein helps with weight loss and it’s also highly satiating.
Rice Protein
Rice Protein, although incomplete, is a viable choice for vegetarians and vegans. Along with protein, this powder usually provides carbs, fiber, and vitamin B, and it’s hypoallergenic, meaning that it is well-tolerated and easily digestible even by people with allergies to lactose, soy, or eggs.
3. What Type of Protein Powder Should I Use?
When it comes to protein powders, good quality is worth paying for, so assuming that budget won’t be the main criterion in picking a product, here are some general guidelines for choosing a powder:
If your purpose is to lose weight, opt for whey, hemp, or pea protein.
If you want to put on muscle mass, all types of protein powder are good, as long as you eat slightly more calories than you burn and workout regularly.
If you’re a vegan who wants quality protein to balance your daily menu, go for pea, rice, hemp, or soy protein.
If you’re using the powder as a pre or post-workout supplement, opt for a quickly absorbable powder, such as whey, rice, or pea protein, as these provide quickly absorbable protein and carbs.
If you’re allergic to milk, lactose, or eggs, pick a hemp, soy, rice, or pea protein powder.
3.1 Protein Isolate vs. Concentrate – Know The Difference
Protein concentrates are obtained by removing the non-protein part of food sources they’re derived from. If the product is derived from milk, for example, to produce a “concentrate”, all compounds that are not protein are removed, and the final product is 70-85% pure protein. The remaining percentages are usually carbohydrates and fats, also needed for a balanced diet.
Protein isolates are obtained by removing a larger part of the non-protein ingredients, the final product being 85-95% pure protein, while the remaining percentages are usually carbs.
Of these, protein concentrates are usually a bit more affordable, but they also come with higher amounts of additional ingredients. If you opt for a cheaper powder, you might end up with a highly processed product that adds unnecessary chemicals to your diet.
While it’s not necessary to buy the most expensive powder on the market, checking the ingredients before you purchase anything is crucial.
4. How Protein Powders Work
Protein powders work just like the nutrients you get from foods but are more bioavailable and easier to digest. Once the powder gets inside the body, your digestive system processes it and breaks down the protein into amino acids, which are further used for various functions. Protein is a component of all major body systems and body fluids except for bile and urine.
Although the body can produce some protein on its own, it does not synthesize the amino acids referred to as essentials, so these need to be taken from foods or supplements. Proteins from powders are absorbed quicker than those from meat, dairy, or nuts.
5. How Much Protein Powder Should I Take?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight, for a sedentary lifestyle. For recreational athletes who aren’t interested in putting on muscle mass, the recommended dose is 1 gram of protein per day, per kg of body weight.
If you practice intense workouts or general sports daily, you should consume a higher amount of this nutrient, usually between 1 and 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, whereas bodybuilders and strength athletes should consume between 1.4 and 1.8 grams of protein per kg of bodyweight.
If you’re trying to lose weight, stick with a daily dose of protein that represents 20%-40% of your daily calories (from 0.8 to 1.6 grams of protein per body weight), and eat your carbs and fats to create a caloric deficit at the end of the day.
Reduce the carbs, not the fats, as protein and fats keep you full for longer, and do pay attention to your total calorie intake, as excess nutrients, be they protein, fats, or carbs, are stored in the adipose layers, causing weight gain.
5.1 What is The Best Time to Take The Protein Powder?
You can take the protein powder any time of the day, but if you work out, you’ll benefit from a post-workout protein shake made with protein powder and water, milk, or fruit juice. Still, keep in mind that milk and juices add calories, carbs, and fats, so if you’re trying to lose weight, the best is to mix your powder with water.
Protein powders can be used pre-workout as well, but in this case, you’ll also need a source of carbs, to make sure your glycogen stores are full before starting the training session.
Regardless of your fitness and weight goals, it’s recommended to consume protein for dinner, and casein powder is usually the most indicated if you’re using supplements, as it’s released slower.
If you’re not interested in putting on mass or boosting your athletic performance and energy levels before and after a workout, you can take the protein at whatever hour you want, as it is, or mix it with foods or beverages.
Best Supplement Review: Top Protein Powder Supplements For Women
NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate
The NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate is one of my favorite protein powders, but it isn’t for everyone. It’s a whey protein isolate, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to shed weight. If you’re new to the protein scene, be sure to check out our buyer’s guide; it covers the different types and explains why whey is the go-to powder for weight loss.
The Pros:
This protein powder is pure and only contains one ingredient (well two if you get the flavored version): whey protein isolate. In terms of its ingredient profile, this powder is as clean as it gets. It mixes well with any type of liquid, and because it is unflavored, works well with a ton of food recipes.
Check out these creative protein powder recipes to learn more. The NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate boasts a fantastic Amazon rating: of 4.6 stars with 700+ reviews.
The Cons:
Because this protein powder delivers such quality ingredients, it isn’t the cheapest on the market. Also, some users complain about the taste due to its simple recipe (or lack thereof). If you’re looking for a more flavorful protein powder, then we recommend BSN Lean Dessert Protein Shake.
Another great tasting powder (and overall fan favorite) is Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard.
Who Should Buy This Product?
There’s a perfect protein powder out there for everyone, so what makes the NOW Whey Protein Isolate right for you? If you’re looking for a versatile powder that delivers top-notch ingredients, then this is your powder. It’s naturally unflavored and can be mixed in any liquid or food recipe, and it contains less than one gram of sugar and fat.
Who Shouldn’t Buy This Product?
Simply put, there are better tasting protein powders that come at a lower price than the NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate. That said, the lower choice alternatives will more than likely contain artificial ingredients. If that’s something you don’t mind, then this product is not right for you.
For lower-priced alternatives, be sure to check out our best budget protein page. We outline the protein powders with the best value.
Jay Robb Whey Protein Powder
The Jay Robb Whey Protein Powder is the one I use. Yes, it’s a bit on the pricey side, but the Jay Robb brand simply delivers a high-quality product. It’s a great-tasting powder; they only use hormone-free and grass-fed cows for the whey protein. Let’s take a closer look at the Jay Robb brand.
The Pros:
The Jay Robb Whey Protein Powder delivers 25 grams of protein per serving; it contains zero grams of fat and only 1 gram of carbohydrates. Whey protein is an ideal choice for any woman looking to lose a few pounds. This powder makes a wonderful choice as a breakfast smoothie (only 110 calories).
It’s a premium product and that means this powder uses no artificial sweeteners. Unlike the naturally unflavored NOW Sports Whey protein powder, the Jay Robb brand uses an herb called stevia.
It is a non-caloric sweetener found in South America; it does not alter blood sugar levels. I use the chocolate flavor and like the fact the powder contains no artificial sweeteners.
The Cons:
Let’s start with the obvious one: price. The 24 oz bag yields 575 grams of protein for ~$35. That makes it $.06/gram of protein; it is one of the more expensive powders on the market.
Some people are also turned off by the use of stevia and don’t like the way it tastes. I love the stevia taste and feel great that it is a natural non-caloric herb. If you haven’t tried it and have picky tastes, then you may want to steer clear.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Jay Robb Whey Protein Powder is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to fill their body with premium ingredients. The Jay Robb brands go to great lengths to make sure they produce a top-quality organic product. They only use hormone-free and grass-fed cows. This powder will make your body smile. 🙂
Who Shouldn’t Buy This Product?
If you’re not ready to pay the Jay Robb premium price (I don’t blame you!) then there are great alternatives out there. You may also be turned off by the use of stevia as the sweetener. If that’s you, then there we suggest the following options:
1. If you want to stay with a premium brand and double the $/gram of protein, then we strongly recommend the NOW Sports Whey Protein.
2. If you’re looking for a great tasting powder and are okay with artificial sweeteners, then we recommend you check out our budget protein powder page; it outlines the best-valued powders on the market.
Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard
The Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard is the most well-known protein powder on the market. Overall, I am a fan of the product and believe it does a fantastic job for most people. That said, I do believe the product has one major shortcoming that may throw off some; let’s dive into the full review.
The Pros:
Optimum Nutrition is a whey protein isolate, which makes it an ideal choice for people interested in losing weight. This protein powder is easily the best tasting one on the market; its tastes alone have caused its popularity to rise in the fitness world.
Depending on the tub size, you are looking at $.03/gram of protein. That is nearly identical to the NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate.
The Cons:
It’s a great protein powder, but it falls short in one key area: the sweetener. The Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey is made with artificial sweeteners. That’s not the end of the world, but it’s worth considering before choosing the product.
Other than that, this product is backed by a reputable brand and thousands of positive customer reviews (literally). You have to decide for yourself; are you comfortable with a product that contains Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium?
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey protein powder is an amazing overall supplement. It’s backed by thousands of positive reviews and a reputable company. If you’re looking for a solid whey isolate powder to aid in weight loss–and one that tastes great, then this is the product for you.
It’s $.03/gram of protein combined with its 4.5 Amazon rating is a rare find (ultimate value).
Who Shouldn’t Buy This Product?
As stated above, this product contains artificial sweeteners (basically it is Splenda). If that is something you don’t feel comfortable putting in your body then we suggest a premium protein powder. Be sure to check out top organic protein powders; none of those powders contain artificial sweeteners.
BSN Lean Dessert Protein Shake
BSN Lean Dessert Protein ShakeI wants to be upfront about this protein powder as it did make our homepage chart. The BSN Lean Dessert Protein Shake was chosen because it’s rare to find a supplement brand that is designed specifically with women in mind.
That doesn’t mean it’s a perfect powder–actually, it is far from it and has its share of shortcomings. Let’s take a closer look and review the BSN Lean Dessert Protein Shake.
The Pros:
- 21 grams of protein
- Only 150 calories (2 grams of sugar)
The highlight of this protein powder can be summed up by two things: taste and mixability. Simply put, the BSN Lean Dessert is the best tasting protein powder on the market–and I’ve tried them all. It mixes well and has a silky texture that is out of this world.
BONUS TIP: Try adding a shot of espresso or a bit of coffee for a great morning boost.
The Cons:
We get that it tastes amazing, but how is that possible? It must be too good to be true. The BSN Lean Dessert Protein Shake contains artificial sweeteners; that’s the primary reason it tastes so damn good. Take a look at some of the ingredients below.
Remember, the NOW Sports Whey Protein powder only contains one ingredient: whey protein. This gives you an idea of the work it takes to make BSN taste great.
Who Should Buy This Product?
If you’re interested in the benefits of protein supplementation but aren’t ready to cut out all sweets, then the BSN Lean Dessert Protein Shake makes a wonderful choice. It uses artificial sweeteners so you are still getting under 2 grams of sugar. If taste and mixability are high on your priority list, then this is the powder for you.
Who Shouldn’t Buy This Product?
If you’re looking to fill your body with top-end ingredients, then steer clear of the BSN Lean Dessert protein powder. It contains a ton of artificial ingredients. Our favorite (and best value) protein powder is the NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate. It delivers $.03/gram of protein and is made out of one ingredient: whey protein.
If you’d like to check out more premium powders, be sure to check out our organic protein powder page.
