The Best Protein Powders For Women Who Need A Little Extra
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At the most basic level, protein helps our bodies function—and we can’t live without it! It’s an essential macronutrient, supporting everything from gut and immune health to muscle building to hair and skin growth. The National Academy of Medicine suggests that we get seven grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight daily, so for most folks, the range runs from 35-70 grams. But many diets don’t include enough protein…and that’s where protein powder comes in!
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 or whey protein as the first ingredient in their labels, double check for unnecessary sugar or synthetics, and prioritize powders that have at least 20g of protein per serving. (Ideally, it’ll have verification like NSF Certified for Sport or USDA Organic, too!)
We’ve found six 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.
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. Drink up!
1. Ritual
Best For | Pregnancy & postpartum
Clean Ingredients | Choline, organic pea protein, organic coconut oil, organic monk fruit extract
Price | $40 for 1 lb. (15 servings)
Ritual offers the best daily essentials for women, whether it’s for living life or creating it! These non-GMO, vegan, and third-party tested formulas are about as clean as they come, and the Essential Protein for Pregnancy and Postpartum has everything you need for strong bones and muscles (yes, for you and little ones!). That’s all thanks to the 250mg of choline and 20g of plant-based protein. And while it is a powder, it goes seamlessly into any smoothie or milkshake with a subtle vanilla taste. And best of all, you can see exactly where every ingredient comes from on the product page, down to the supplier and final location for manufacturing.
2. Momentous
Best For | Whey protein
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed whey protein isolate, ProHydrolase (probiotics & enzymes)
Price | $50-$65 for 1 lb+ (20+ servings); discounted subscriptions available (10%+)
Some of the best athletes and doctors in the world love Momentous—and we can see why. There are a number of proteins available here supporting joint and bone health, gut health, and recovery. Our favorite, though, is the Grass-Fed Whey Protein, since it’s full of essential amino acids, easily digests, and quickly boosts energy day after day. Momentous sources its grass-fed whey isolate from German cows (who are each fully traceable!), where it’s then cold-processed to keep the most important nutrients. Whether you’re about to head to your workout or coming down from one, Momentous’ Essential Whey Protein will help you feel (and look) your best!
3. Be Well By Kelly
Best For | Formulas sweetened with monk fruit
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed beef protein isolate, organic monk fruit extract, chocho bean protein
Price | $60 for 1.59 lb (30 servings); discounted subscriptions available (5%+)
Be Well By Kelly was founded by celebrity holistic nutritionist and wellness expert Kelly LeVeque. With a minimalist but precise approach to nutrition, the brand wants to help you ditch dieting by embracing a clear and simple approach to clean nutrition using Kelly’s Fab 4 formula of getting the right amount of protein, fat, fiber, 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.
4. Needed
Best For | Collagen protein & prenatal protein
Clean Ingredients | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides
Price | $50 for 1 lb (30 servings); discounted subscriptions available (15%+)
Needed recognized the gap in the market for quality prenatal support, so they filled it! Today, this brand also offers collagen protein as a two-in-one powder. With just one serving, you’ll support your blood sugar, joint health, gut health, immune function, and more—the pure collagen peptides act as both a source of protein and skin support. 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 or on your way to optimal health, Needed’s Collagen Protein is a great choice.
5. Ora Organic
Best For | USDA-certified organic vegan protein
Clean Ingredients | Organic pea & rice proteins, organic cranberries, blueberries & blackberries, lactase, cellulase
Price | $40 for 20 oz (20 servings); discounted subscriptions available (20%+)
Deriving its ingredients solely from the earth without the manmade fluff, Ora Organic’s Plant-Based Superfood Protein is a best-seller. Available in chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chai, and unflavored, these ingredients are all ones you’ve heard of before blended into one powerful mix. The flavors are subtly sweet enough to be mixed into water, milk, or even baked goods—that’s our kind of daily nutrition. If you’re not ready to commit to the full-sized bag, you can grab one serving for $4 to test out first. Green, clean, protein.
6. Cymbiotika
Best For | Gut health & energy
Clean Ingredients | Organic hemp & pea proteins, organic spirulina, organic mushrooms, organic raw greens, organic baobab & banana powders
Price | $88 for 24 servings; discounted subscriptions available (10%)
Want to up your gut health and your energy? Cymbiotika’s Plant Protein is our go-to. This formula is thoughtfully made to include complex proteins, fiber, pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes, and adaptogenic mushrooms—so food really is the best medicine sometimes. Plus, Cymbiotika prioritizes full transparency and traceable ingredients, avoiding fillers and chemicals, and sustainability as an ethos. According to the science-driven team, you can enjoy this power booster any time of the day but especially after workouts to aid in recovery and lean muscle mass development.
Featured image is from Needed.
