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Protein powders help athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts build muscle mass, get a clean boost of energy, and achieve greater performance. While flavors like chocolate, vanilla, banana, etc. remain popular favorites, there’s a growing interest in unflavored protein powders, mainly because of their versatility.

Looking for the best unflavored protein powder? Check out our selection of the most popular flavorless protein powders available in the market:

Understanding Protein Powders

Protein powders are the most popular of all protein-based supplements. A study published in the Frontiers in Nutrition Journal says that protein powder is an effective source of protein for people, especially athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts who require a steady amount of protein. Likewise, it also helps supply protein for those who need more or may not get enough protein from their diets like older adults, vegetarians, and vegans 

There are different types of protein powders:  

• Whey – Perhaps the most popular kind of protein powder for its ability to effectively boost muscle protein synthesis and promote the growth of lean muscle mass. Whey protein is a mixture of proteins separated from the whey, which is the liquid part of milk that separates during cheese production. 
• Casein – This type of protein is found in milk which gives its white color. Like whey, it’s also known for boosting muscle mass growth, but it’s distinct from whey since its digestion time is much slower than other proteins, which helps reduce appetite and food cravings.
• Egg – A type of protein sourced from eggs. While both egg whites (albumen) and the yolk contain protein, egg whites provide a greater amount of protein, though the yolk has a greater concentration.
• Plant-based proteins – Plant-based sources of proteins include soy, peas, beans, hemp, seeds, and rice. 

Animal-based sources of protein are generally considered cheaper given their availability and length of processing, while plant-based/vegan protein sources are more expensive since they are more difficult to harvest and go through lengthier processing times and extraction methods.

Amino Acid Profiles

Amino acids are molecules that combine to form proteins. A protein powder’s amino acid profile shows the quantity of each amino acid per serving found in a product.

The nine principal amino acids include:

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

Animal-based proteins are all considered complete proteins since they have all the principal amino acids. Whereas the majority of plant-based proteins are incomplete; not having a complete profile. Though some sources like lentils, soybeans, and quinoa have all the important amino acids present.

What Is Unflavored Protein Powder? – Benefits & Uses

Cons Of Flavored Powders

Protein powders can create a huge positive difference in one’s overall health, especially for athletes and physically active people, who need more protein to meet their physical gains. When served, it feels and tastes almost like a milkshake, and is available in a variety of flavors, usually chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, banana, or caramel.

However, the thick, milkshake-like feel can be unappealing to some and cause satiety. Some protein powder brands can be loaded with a variety of [artificial/natural] sweeteners which can affect the quality of taste and even the consumer’s health. Other brands contain ingredients with allergens like milk, soy, wheat, and tree nuts which don’t suit those with dietary restrictions and lifestyles.  

Benefits Of Unflavored Protein Powders

Here’s where the unflavored options come into the picture. Unflavored protein powders are better appreciated for their flexibility in flavor, which allows them to be used in cooking or baking protein-infused dishes without worrying about them overpowering the dish’s flavors. That way, they can suit individual tastes and cooking preferences.

Unflavored protein powders tend to exclude unnecessary ingredients, have lesser carbs, calories, and fat, and contain minimal to zero sweeteners, making them a cleaner source of protein, without distractions and hiccups. It also makes them more compatible with different diets, which makes them a better, health-focused choice.

Best Unflavored Protein Powders Of 2023 – The List

1. Naked Protein Powder Blend – Naked Nutrition 

Key Features

Enjoy the best of egg, casein, and whey proteins with Naked Nutrition’s Naked Protein Powder Blend. Not only does it promote muscle mass gains, but it can also boost the immune system and improve heart health thanks to its BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). 

A serving of Naked Protein contains 25g of protein to help promote muscle-protein synthesis to gain greater muscle growth and recovery after workouts. It’s also sugar-free and flavorless, so you won’t have to worry about unnecessary ingredients.

Amino Acid Profile

*Essential Amino Acids

^Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

Price

Single Purchase – $26.99

Customer Reviews

“…Most protein powders, in order to make them taste better, add sweetener, but because they try to follow healthy mindsets, they usually add stevia or splenda or something that is low calorie. Unfortunately, I have a severe intolerance to most of those sweeteners, so I really struggled to find a protein powder that I could actually have. The nice thing about this powder is that it isn’t flavored, so I can add it to almost anything without noticing it there (except water)…” – Brianna 

2. 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs

Transparent Lab’s 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate lets you achieve maximum muscle growth and recovery thanks to its whey protein isolate supplement manufactured from grass-fed, hormone-free whey, containing one of the highest protein-by-weight ratios at 82% (per 34g scoop). It’s also considered one of the cleanest proteins on the market.

Each batch is made free from any artificial sweetener, flavorings, food coloring, allergens like gluten, soy, eggs, and tree nuts, and other additives or preservatives,

Amino Acid Profile

(No amino acid profile available)

Price

Single Purchase Price – $59.99

Subscription Price – $53.99

Customer Reviews

“My son and I have been using this product and it is the best protein supplement I have ever used. It is expensive but worth every penny and is a “clean” product, not gritty as some protein supplements can be. Thank you for your commitment to quality products and excellent customer service.” – Flora L. 

3. Organic Plant Protein – KOS

Key Features

KOS’s Organic Plant Protein boasts its organic plant-based pea and seed protein blend that’s made without additives and unnecessary ingredients, designed to give a powerful energy-packed boost designed to help gain more muscle mass, promote weight loss, and optimize muscle recovery.

Amino Acid Profile

(No amino acid profile available)

Certifications

The ingredients are USDA and CCOF certified. 

Price

Single Purchase Price – $55.99

Prepaid Price (3-month prepaid monthly delivery) – $39.19

Subscription Price – $44.79

Customer Reviews

“I can’t believe I finally found a dairy-free protein powder that I don’t have to choke down. I also like that some digestive enzymes are in this. It saves me a step, because I usually have to take enzymes as a separate supplement anytime I have a high fiber meal. I’m getting a subscription for this one. It helped satiate my appetite for most of the day. My teenage daughter actually likes the way it tastes too.” – Andi

4. Whey Protein Isolate 90% – Bulk Supplements

Key Features

Bulk Supplements’ Whey Protein Isolate Powder helps you make the most out of your workouts by boosting physical performance, supporting healthy muscle growth and recovery, and promoting overall wellness and immune health, thanks to its standardized 90% protein isolate content, which is purer than whey concentrate. The formula also promotes easier digestion and a lesser risk of bloating. 

Amino Acid Profile

*Essential Amino Acids

^Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

Price

Single Price – $33.96

Subscription Price – $32.26

Customer Reviews

“I have been looking for a flavorless protein powder to mix into my morning iced coffee. This is perfect. Isn’t chunky. Does not change the taste of my coffee. It is perfect. Will absolutely continue to repurchase.” – Jeana J.

5. Whey Protein Concentrate Protein Powder – NOW Foods

Key Features

NOW® Whey Protein Concentrate prides on using pure whey protein concentrate with naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) thoroughly metabolized by the body and used as sources of muscle energy, which can help make strength workouts more effective and yield better, more visible results.

Amino Acid Profile

*Essential Amino Acids

^Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

Price

Single Purchase – $32.99

Customer Reviews

“Quality ingredient, no nonsense, whey protein powder that I absolutely love! There’s no taste and I mix with choc milk or fruit juice and consume as supplement after workout and muscle and fitness training tgt with high protein diet. packaging size is huge and the benefit is great. I love it!” – Anonymous iHerb customer

How to Choose the Best Unflavored Protein Powder

Consider the following factors when choosing an unflavored protein powder:

• Protein content – Choosing a protein powder with a higher protein content per serving is always the wise choice, as it helps meet your daily protein goals more, especially if you’re bulking or aiming to gain more muscle.
• Amino acid profile – Make sure that the protein source is a complete protein containing all 9 essential amino acids. Most plant-based proteins don’t always have a complete amino acid profile per se but become complete when combined with other protein sources.
• Personal dietary restrictions (if any) – Certain protein powder types may be incompatible if you’re a vegan/vegetarian, lactose intolerant, on a keto diet, or have food allergies. Always check the product’s nutritional and ingredient labels for any possible allergens.
• Taste and mixability– A product’s taste helps consumers stick and become loyal to the brand, as it ensures consistency in consuming and patronizing the product. Powders that mix or blend easily also offer greater convenience.
• Certifications – Always check if a product has certifications, which help assure of its safety, quality, and efficiency.

How to Use Unflavored Protein Powder

Protein powders are usually served as a pre or post-workout shake/drink. With unflavored protein powders, you can freely concoct your own flavor mix with the protein powders as a smoothie base. You can also try blending them with oats, eggs, or bananas. 

Aside from protein shakes and smoothies, you can also mix your unflavored protein powders as a blended ingredient for any snack of your choice like oats, yogurt bowls, cookies, pancakes, waffles, and muffins.

➡️ Should You Mix Protein Powder with Creatine?

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Protein powders are generally safe when taken under the recommended daily amounts. However, when taken in excess, it may cause the following problems:

• Bloating
• Nausea
• Increased bowel movements
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Acne
• Reduced appetite

Protein forms such as egg, nut, soy, and milk can cause allergic reactions in people with such allergies and intolerances against them. Animal-based proteins are also incompatible with people who follow strict vegan or vegetarian diets. 

Some protein powders also contain high amounts of sodium, which can cause bloating and retain body fat, giving the illusion of gaining muscle mass. Pea proteins, for example, are notoriously high in sodium due to their extraction process.

So before starting any new supplement regimen, consult a healthcare professional or dietitian first to discuss possible benefits and risks. 

FAQs

Recap

• Unflavored protein powders are more versatile in use, allowing them to be consumed in ways other than as a workout shake. They can be used in cooking or baking protein-infused dishes without worrying about them overpowering the dish’s flavors to suit tastes and preferences.
• Unflavored protein powders are usually free from unnecessary ingredients, have lesser carbs, calories, and fat, and contain minimal to zero sweeteners.

Conclusion

Protein powders are an effective method to meet your protein needs, whether you’re a physically active person or someone jumpstarting their journey to a healthier diet and lifestyle. Choosing an unflavored powder protein allows you to use it the way you want it – whether as a simple shake or an ingredient in your favorite recipes.