The protein supplements market was valued at $14 billion USD in 2018, and has grown even since then.1Protein Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Powder, Ready to Drink), By Application, By Raw Material, By Source, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 – 2025 And in a world in which so many people opt for sugary, tasty food choices, it can be tough to find high-quality unflavored protein powders.
To that end, we’ve scoured the market to find the best unsweetened protein powders with as few ingredients as possible. There’s a little something for everyone, from whey to egg white to vegan options.
In this guide:
- The top 12 best unflavored protein powders
- How much protein powder to take for muscle gain vs. weight loss
- When to take your tasteless protein protein powder
- And more!
| Quick Glance: 6 of 12 | ||
 | Best Whey: Naked – Pure Unflavored Whey Protein “Naked’s unflavored whey protein powder is a single-ingredient, ultra pure powder with no additives.” | Check Price |
 | Best Casein: Naked – 100% Micellar Casein Powder “Naked’s single-ingredient, cold-processed, ultra-pure unflavored casein protein is an easy go-to.” | Check Price |
 | Best Egg White: Paleo Thin – Paleo Egg White Powder “This egg white protein is an ideal unflavored protein powder for supporting paleo and keto diets.” | Check Price |
 | Keto Protein: Perfect Keto – Collagen Protein Powder “If you want a tasteless protein powder with fatty acids to promote ketosis, this is a great pick.” | Check Price |
 | Best Pea Protein: Naked – Pea Protein Isolate “This pure pea isolate is a great unflavored protein powder for anyone with high protein needs.” | Check Price |
 | Best for Weight Loss: NOW Sports – Sprouted Brown Rice Protein Powder “This low-calorie, zero-carb unflavored protein powder is great for supporting weight loss goals.” | Check Price |
Top 12 Best Unflavored Protein Powders
Best Unflavored Whey Protein
Naked – Pure Unflavored Whey Protein
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
25g protein | 3g carbs | 2g fat | 120 calories |
Protein Sources: Whey
You’re going to see quite a bit of Naked in this list, and that’s with good reason. Naked delivers some of the best single-ingredient, no-nonsense unflavored protein powders on the market. They’re great for going light on calories, making your own flavored shakes, or even cooking.
Naked Whey is nothing but 100% grass-fed whey protein. It’s also cold processed to ensure no additive chemicals sneak their way into any batch. With no additives, gluten, soy, or lecithin, this is a super pure unflavored whey protein that’s great for any goal.
BOTTOM LINE
Naked’s unflavored whey protein powder is a single-ingredient, ultra pure powder with no additives.
Best Lactose-Free Unflavored Whey Protein
Isopure – Unflavored Whey Protein Isolate
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
26g protein | 0g carbs | 0g fat | 103 calories |
Protein Sources: Whey protein isolate
Isopure is one of the most popular protein supplement brands on Amazon, and their 100% unflavored whey protein isolate is a great pick. And since this is an isolate with no added flavors, it manages to keep the carbohydrate count to zero grams per serving.
Since whey protein is one of the highest-quality protein sources, it’s a super popular go-to for most health and fitness goals. However, those with lactose intolerance have to stay away. Luckily, this unflavored whey protein isolate is completely lactose free, and even packs in more protein per serving than most whey powders.
And because this protein powder has no carbs, it’s a good option for the keto diet, though you’ll have to get your fats elsewhere. For more keto-friendly protein powders, check out our keto protein powder guide.
BOTTOM LINE
This high-protein, zero-carb, lactose-free unflavored whey protein isolate is a super lean option.
Best Value Unflavored Whey Protein
Amazon Elements – Grass-Fed Unflavored Whey Protein Isolate
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
25g protein | 1g carbs | 0g fats | 100 calories |
Protein Sources: Whey protein isolate
While unflavored whey protein doesn’t tend to be horribly expensive, this unflavored whey protein isolate will give you a little more bang for your buck. Without taking any potential discounts into account, this tasteless protein powder is cheaper per serving than the two picks above.
This powder is made from 100% non-GMO whey protein isolate from grass-fed cows. It’s soy free, gluten free, and doesn’t have any added growth hormones. (And although this is an isolate, Amazon doesn’t advertise it as lactose free. If that natural milky sugar makes your stomach shimmy, you’d be better off sticking with Isopure’s lactose-free unflavored whey protein isolate above.)
BOTTOM LINE
Amazon’s own brand of unflavored whey protein is a great pick for cost-conscious customers.
Best Casein Unflavored Protein Powder
Naked – 100% Micellar Casein Powder
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
26g protein | 0g carbs | 0g fats | 110 calories |
Protein Sources: Micellar casein
Let’s get Naked—again. This Naked casein powder is 100% unflavored protein powder without a single added ingredient. This is unvarnished, unadulterated micellar casein protein at its finest.
This unsweetened protein powder is made from casein sourced from non-GMO and non-GH farms in the United States. The casein is then cold processed to ensure that no chemical detergents, additives, or heavy metals sneak their way into the final product.
This is the purest, cleanest, most top-shelf casein protein on the market—one of the best unflavored protein powders. It’s a great option for adding some guilt-free, slow-absorption casein protein into your diet.
BOTTOM LINE
Naked’s single-ingredient, cold-processed, ultra-pure unflavored casein protein is an easy go-to.
Humane Casein Protein
ProMix – Pasture-Raised Casein Protein
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
26g protein | 0g carbs | 0g fats | 109 calories |
Protein Sources: Micellar casein
ProMix is a brand that prides itself in its humane sourcing and sustainable processing. For this unflavored protein powder, their casein is sourced from pasture-raised farms in the USA. And their rigorous testing helps to ensure their product is free of GMOs and any added hormones.
Once it’s in their hands, the casein is cold-processed into this unsweetened protein powder, ensuring no harsh chemical additives make their way into the product. Instead of chemically isolating the micellar casein, they use a clean microfiltration process to avoid any undesirable byproducts.
The end product is a humane, sustainable, and clean casein protein powder. If you’re looking for an unflavored protein powder that’s easy on the stomach and easy on the conscience, this is it.
BOTTOM LINE
This unsweetened casein protein powder is sourced from USA pastures and cold processed with no additives.
Best Value Casein Unflavored Protein
BulkSupplements – Pure Casein Protein Powder
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
26g protein | 0g carbs | 0g fats | 112 calories |
Protein Sources: Casein
If you want some casein-based unflavored protein powder and you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, BulkSupplements has you covered. This pure, single-ingredient casein powder boasts the best price-per-serving for most size options.
And when it comes to sizes, there are plenty. If you just want to test the waters with this flavorless protein, you can pick up a 100-gram bag (3.5 oz) for cheap. If you decide it’s for you, the size options go up to 20 kg / 44 pounds. It gets insanely inexpensive per serving.
BulkSupplements prides itself in its pure, no fillers, no-nonsense nutrition supplements. Their 100% casein protein powder is no exception. And right now, nobody on the market can beat their bulk casein prices.
BOTTOM LINE
With bulk options available, this single-ingredient unflavored protein powder boasts the best price-per-serving.
Best Unflavored Egg White Protein
Paleo Thin – Paleo Egg White Powder
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
25g protein | 1g carbs | 0g fat | 108 calories |
Protein Sources: Egg white
This lean and clean egg white protein is a great option for those on the paleo diet. This unflavored protein powder has no fat per serving, a single gram of carbs, and consists of pure egg white powder with just a dash of sunflower lecithin for easy mixing.
This is about as close as you can get to a clear protein drink, with no added flavors and minimal taste. It’s one of the best unflavored protein powders for anyone trying to stick to a paleo or keto diet. And for even more options, you can take a look at our paleo protein powder guide or keto protein powder guide.
BOTTOM LINE
This egg white protein is an ideal unflavored protein powder for supporting paleo and keto diets.
Keto, Collagen, Tasteless Protein Powder
Perfect Keto – Collagen Protein Powder
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
20g protein | 1g net carbs | 10g MCT | 160 calories |
Protein Sources: Hydrolyzed collagen
If you want a flavorless protein powder that’s more keto-focused, this is a great option. This powder packs in 10 grams of top-notch MCT oil per 30-gram serving, which can help with promoting ketosis. This particular blend consists of 70% C8 caprylic acid and 30% C10 capric acid, which are two of the best fatty acids for promoting ketosis.
To speak of the powder itself, this unflavored option is pretty close to being a tasteless protein powder. It’s a little tart, but it’s a great start if you want to flavor your shakes yourself. And the grass-fed bovine collagen can help with supporting hair, skin, and nail health.
BOTTOM LINE
If you want a tasteless protein powder with fatty acids to promote ketosis, this is a great pick.
Pea-Based Unflavored Protein Powder
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
27g protein | 2g carbs | 0.5g fat | 120 calories |
Protein Sources: Yellow pea
Naked is back to bare all with this pure pea protein powder. This single-ingredient unflavored protein consists of nothing but yellow pea isolate, with no gluten, soy, dairy, or GMOs. And it’s loaded with 5.7 grams of muscle-supporting BCAAs per 30-gram serving.
This unsweetened protein powder manages to pack in more grams of protein per 30-gram serving than any other other on this list. It’s important to note that while yellow peas are complete proteins, they are a bit low in the essential amino acid methionine. However, you can easily make up the difference by incorporating other complete proteins into your diet, such as soy or any animal-based protein sources.
BOTTOM LINE
This pure pea isolate is a great unflavored protein powder for anyone with high protein needs.
Unflavored Vegan, Keto-Friendly Pick
Isopure – Vegan Keto Protein Powder
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
23g protein | 2g carbs | 1.5g fat | 115 calories |
Protein Sources: Organic pea, organic brown rice
Isopure’s pea and brown rice protein supplement is a great unflavored protein powder option for vegans. It’s also a great option for ketogenic diets, perfect for staying under your strict daily carbohydrate limits while packing in some high-quality protein.
This unsweetened protein powder is one of the most popular keto/vegan options on Amazon, and for good reason. But if you want even more options, you can take a look at our list of the best vegan protein powders as well as our keto protein powder guide.
BOTTOM LINE
Looking for some low-carb vegan protein? This unflavored pea and brown rice powder is a great option.
Best Rice-Based Unflavored Protein Powder
Naked – Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
25g protein | 4g carbs | 0.5g fat | 120 calories |
Protein Sources: Organic sprouted whole grain brown rice
Alright, this is the last Naked entry—we promise. They’re just so good! And if you’re looking for some of the best unflavored protein powder made from brown rice, Naked has you covered.
This flavorless protein powder is made from only one ingredient: Non-GMO organic sprouted whole grain brown rice. That’s a mouthful, but it doesn’t detract from how pure and simple this powder is. No sweeteners, flavors, or colors. Just Naked rice.
BOTTOM LINE
This ultra pure, single-ingredient brown rice protein powder is great for fueling protein-hungry muscles.
Best Unflavored Protein Powder for Weight Loss
NOW Sports – Sprouted Brown Rice Protein Powder
| 30g ≈ 1 oz ≈ 1/4 cup | |||
24g protein | 0g carbs | 0g fat | 90 calories |
Protein Sources: Non-GMO sprouted brown rice
If you’re trying to lose weight or keep your calorie count low, NOW Sports’ sprouted brown rice protein powder is a great option. It has the fewest calories per 30-gram serving of any of the unflavored protein powders on this list.
It also has zero carbs, making it a great option for low carb diets such as paleo and keto. And it’s made from 100% non-GMO sprouted brown rice. No artificial ingredients, sweeteners, or fillers here.
For other low carb protein powders, check out our keto protein powders guide or paleo protein powders guide.
BOTTOM LINE
This low-calorie, zero-carb unflavored protein powder is great for supporting weight loss goals.
Protein Powder Overview
How to Take Protein Powder
Picking the best unflavored protein powder for your needs is only half the battle. You should also know how much to take and when to take it. Here’s a quick rundown on the science.
How Much to Take
- For Building Muscle
For building muscle mass, you’ll need more protein than for other goals. The best range is 0.73 to 1.1 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight, or 1.6 to 2.4 grams per kilogram of weight.2A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults3Do athletes need more dietary protein and amino acids? And, of course, the more you work out, the more protein you’ll need.
For packing in as much protein as possible, we recommend Isopure’s unflavored whey protein isolate or Naked’s pea protein isolate.
- For Weight Loss
For weight loss, you’ll want to dial it back. Research has shown that the ideal range for fat loss is 0.36 to 0.73 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight, or 0.8 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of bodyweight.4A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults5Dietary protein intake and human health. As usual, if you work out a lot, you’ll want to stick to the higher end of the spectrum.
If you’re working on slimming down, we recommend NOW Sports brown rice protein powder. It has the lowest calorie count per 30-gram serving of any other in this articles.
When to Take Protein
- For Building Muscle
If you’re wanting to build muscle mass, research has shown that you want to take your unflavored protein powder right after your workout.
Even more, research has shown that taking a protein and carbohydrate mix after a workout can lead to even greater gains than protein alone. You can achieve this with a high-carb protein powder or by simply adding oats to your protein shake.
Benefits of post-workout protein:
- Boosted muscle protein synthesis (muscle tissue building)6Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.7Regulation of Muscle Glycogen Repletion, Muscle Protein Synthesis and Repair Following Exercise
- Increased muscle mass over time8A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults
- Improved glycogen production and storage (a form of muscle energy)9Early postexercise muscle glycogen recovery is enhanced with a carbohydrate-protein supplement10Postexercise protein-carbohydrate and carbohydrate supplements increase muscle glycogen in men and women
- Increased strength and performance levels11THE EFFECT OF A CARBOHYDRATE AND PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT ON RESISTANCE EXERCISE PERFORMANCE, HORMONAL RESPONSE, AND MUSCLE DAMAGE12Timing of postexercise protein intake is important for muscle hypertrophy with resistance training in elderly humans
- Decreased muscle damage13Effect of milk-based carbohydrate-protein supplement timing on the attenuation of exercise-induced muscle damage
- Decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness14Acute milk-based protein–CHO supplementation attenuates exercise-induced muscle damage
While muscle mass is typically thought of as a manly thing, it’s incredibly important for both men and women. As explained below, muscle plays a vital roll in burning calories and fat. For more information, you can take a look at our guide on the best protein powders for women.
- For Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose fat, you’ll still want to take protein right after your workout. As mentioned just above, this timing helps with losing fat. The increased muscle mass helps with burning more calories at rest, which in turn will help with weight loss.
Muscle is an incredibly calorie-hungry type of tissue. Even at rest, it burns more calories than fat does, for example. So if you want to lose fat, it’s helpful to have more muscle mass.
If you don’t work out or if you tend to drink smaller protein shakes throughout the day, then you’ll want to take your protein in between meals. Research has shown that taking protein shakes in between meals, as opposed to with meals, helps with fat loss.15Effects of protein supplements consumed with meals, versus between meals, on resistance training–induced body composition changes in adults: a systematic review
For more thorough information on protein powder dosage and timing, check out our complete protein powder guide.
Benefits of Protein Supplements
The following information is summarized from our complete protein powder guide. You can find more thorough information there.
Athletics
- Building and Preserving Muscle Mass
Studies have shown that taking protein supplements alongside regular exercise can lead to increased muscle mass.16Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis17A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults
There are several factors at play, but two immediate benefits kick in when drinking that post-workout protein shake. First, the supply of amino acids from the protein stops the body from breaking down muscle tissue. Second, the body starts to create muscle tissue at a higher rate when supplied with plenty of amino acids directly following a workout.18Reduced resting skeletal muscle protein synthesis is rescued by resistance exercise and protein ingestion following short-term energy deficit.19Postexercise net protein synthesis in human muscle from orally administered amino acids20Protein requirements and muscle mass/strength changes during intensive training in novice bodybuilders.21Effects of exaggerated amino acid and protein supply in man.
- Boosting Performance and Decreasing Soreness
Protein supplements help with more than just muscle size. Research has shown that drinking a protein shake after workouts leads to increased strength, performance levels, and one repetition max.22A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults/mfn]22Timing of postexercise protein intake is important for muscle hypertrophy with resistance training in elderly humans23Effects of resistance training and protein plus amino acid supplementation on muscle anabolism, mass, and strength
There are three major reasons behind this. First, protein supplements simply help the body produce more muscle tissue, as discussed above. In general, the more muscle tissue you have, the better your athletic performance.
Second, drinking protein after an intense workout helps restore muscle glycogen, a primary energy source.24Early postexercise muscle glycogen recovery is enhanced with a carbohydrate-protein supplement25Carbohydrate-protein complex increases the rate of muscle glycogen storage after exercise26Postexercise protein-carbohydrate and carbohydrate supplements increase muscle glycogen in men and women27Regulation of Muscle Glycogen Repletion, Muscle Protein Synthesis and Repair Following Exercise Low levels of muscle glycogen will decrease athletic performance, so it’s important to maintain adequate levels.
And finally, post-workout protein also reduces muscle soreness. Since sore, damaged muscle fiber can’t perform as well as it normally could, reducing soreness results in increased performance and resultant strength gains over time. 28THE EFFECT OF A CARBOHYDRATE AND PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT ON RESISTANCE EXERCISE PERFORMANCE, HORMONAL RESPONSE, AND MUSCLE DAMAGE29Effect of milk-based carbohydrate-protein supplement timing on the attenuation of exercise-induced muscle damage30Acute milk-based protein–CHO supplementation attenuates exercise-induced muscle damage
SUMMARY
Taking protein supplements can help with gaining muscle mass, boosting performance, and decreasing soreness.
Weight Loss
Research has demonstrated that drinking protein shakes can help with reducing fat mass while increasing or maintaining muscle mass.31Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis32A whey-protein supplement increases fat loss and spares lean muscle in obese subjects: a randomized human clinical study33Effects of protein supplements consumed with meals, versus between meals, on resistance training–induced body composition changes in adults: a systematic review
There are a few contributing factors here. The simplest is that protein shakes are filling, and can often replace unhealthy food choices. They can help with both appetite control and responsible dietary choices, although they aren’t a complete replacement for balanced meals with whole foods.
But beyond simple meal replacements here and there, protein shakes help increase muscle mass, which in turns helps with burning fat, as explained farther up.
Even at rest, muscle consumes more calories than fat does. This means that the more muscle tissue you have, the higher your resting metabolism. And the higher your resting metabolism, the easier it is to maintain a calorie deficit and burn fat.
SUMMARY
Protein supplements can help with losing fat and maintaining calorie-burning muscle mass.
Summary
There are a lot of sugary protein powders on the market. It’s a good thing to swim against the current and go with a clean, unflavored protein powder.
Now, equipped with the information from this guide, you should be able to pick the best unsweetened protein powder for your needs.
For more information on protein supplementation, see our complete protein powder guide.
| Overview: Best Unflavored Protein Powders | ||
| Best Whey: Naked – Pure Unflavored Whey Protein “Naked’s unflavored whey protein powder is a single-ingredient, ultra pure powder with no additives.” | Check Price |
 | Lactose-Free Whey: Isopure – Unflavored Whey Protein Isolate “This high-protein, zero-carb, lactose-free unflavored whey protein isolate is a super lean option.” | Check Price |
 | Best Value Whey: Amazon Elements – Grass-Fed Unflavored Whey Protein Isolate “Amazon’s own brand of unflavored whey protein is a great pick for cost-conscious customers.” | Check Price |
| Best Casein: Naked – 100% Micellar Casein Powder “Naked’s single-ingredient, cold-processed, ultra-pure unflavored casein protein is an easy go-to.” | Check Price |
 | Humane Casein: ProMix – Pasture-Raised Casein Protein “This unsweetened casein protein powder is sourced from USA pastures and cold processed with no additives.” | Check Price |
 | Best Value Casein: BulkSupplements – Pure Casein Protein Powder “With bulk options available, this single-ingredient unflavored protein powder boasts the best price-per-serving.” | Check Price |
| Best Egg White: Paleo Thin – Paleo Egg White Powder “This egg white protein is an ideal unflavored protein powder for supporting paleo and keto diets.” | Check Price |
| Keto Protein: Perfect Keto – Collagen Protein Powder “If you want a tasteless protein powder with fatty acids to promote ketosis, this is a great pick.” | Check Price |
| Best Pea Protein: Naked – Pea Protein Isolate “This pure pea isolate is a great unflavored protein powder for anyone with high protein needs.” | Check Price |
 | Vegan Keto Protein: Isopure – Vegan Keto Protein Powder “Looking for some low-carb vegan protein? This unflavored pea and brown rice powder is a great option.” | Check Price |
 | Best Rice Protein: Naked – Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder “This ultra pure, single-ingredient brown rice protein powder is great for fueling protein-hungry muscles.” | Check Price |
| Best for Weight Loss: NOW Sports – Sprouted Brown Rice Protein Powder “This low-calorie, zero-carb unflavored protein powder is great for supporting weight loss goals.” | Check Price |