Walk into any supplement store and the wall of protein tubs will make your head spin. Different sizes, flashy claims, random buzzwords—it feels impossible to know which one is actually worth your money. But if you strip away the marketing, comparing protein powders comes down to simple math and a quick label check.
1. Start With Protein per Serving
The first number everyone looks at is grams of protein per scoop. That’s fine, but scoops vary in size. A “serving” might be 30g for one brand and 45g for another, so you’re not comparing apples to apples.
Better metric: look at protein per 100 grams or just calculate cost per gram of protein. That gives you a fair baseline.
2. Cost Breakdown
Sticker price means nothing without context. One tub might be $50 and another $35, but the actual protein you’re buying could be nearly the same.
Example:
- Brand A: $50 for 70 servings × 20g protein = 1,400g protein → $0.036 per gram
- Brand B: $35 for 40 servings × 25g protein = 1,000g protein → $0.035 per gram
On the surface, Brand B looks cheaper. In reality, they’re almost identical in value.
3. Ingredients Matter
Scan the ingredient list on the label. A good protein should be mostly protein. Watch out for:
- Fillers like maltodextrin, gums, or unnecessary sugars
- Amino spiking (adding cheap amino acids to inflate protein numbers)
- Overly long ingredient lists
Fewer, cleaner ingredients usually mean better quality.
4. Protein Source and Quality
Not all protein sources are equal:
- Whey isolate → higher protein percentage, lower lactose, usually pricier
- Whey concentrate → cheaper, slightly more carbs/fats, fine if you tolerate dairy
- Casein → slower digesting, commonly used at night before bed
- Plant proteins → pea, rice, soy, or blends. Blends are often better for a complete amino acid profile.
If you’re an athlete or just want peace of mind, look for third-party certifications like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Choice.
5. Taste and Mixability
Once the basics check out, then consider flavor and how it mixes. A clean, cost-effective powder you’ll actually drink is better than the “perfect” one sitting untouched because it tastes like chalk.
6. Red Flags
Skip powders with:
- Proprietary blends hiding exact amounts
- Very low protein content per scoop
- No third-party testing or sketchy claims
Conclusion
Comparing protein powders doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Do the math on cost per gram, check the ingredient list, and confirm the protein source fits your needs.
Once those boxes are ticked, you can worry about flavor.