The 8 Best Tasting Vanilla Protein Powders in 2023 - Lift Vault (2024)

Are you looking for the best-tasting vanilla protein powders to shake up your fitness routine? Then you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the top contenders that deliver delicious flavor without compromising on quality.

Among all of our options, the 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs stands out as the ultimate winner, combining its delicious French vanilla flavor with high-quality ingredients.

If you’re looking to save a few bucks, then we can’t recommend Impact Whey Protein Isolate by Myprotein highly enough. It has a punchy vanilla flavor with over 90% protein isolate content, so you’re getting protein, not junk fillers.

Get ready to indulge your tastebuds while fueling your body with the best-tasting vanilla protein powders around.

Related:

• Best Protein Powder for Beginners
• Best Cheap Protein Powder

The 8 Best Tasting Vanilla Protein Powders

1. 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
2. Whey Protein Isolate – Kaged
3. Grass-Fed Whey Isolate – Promix
4. Impact Whey Protein – MyProtein
5. Casein Protein Powder – Kaged
6. Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
7. Vanilla Designer Egg Protein Powder – Designer Wellness
8. Authentic Whey – Jacked Factory

1. Best Tasting: 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs

Key ingredients:

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: <1 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g

The best-tasting vanilla protein powder on the market is hands-down the 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs. This protein powder is offered in two different flavors: French Vanilla and Vanilla Peanut Butter, so you’ll find a flavor to suit your tastebuds.

With no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors, this natural whey protein concentrate is safe and free from allergens. Plus, it has been third-party tested for heavy metals. In fact, it made it onto our list of the best protein powders without heavy metals.

Because it’s whey protein isolate, there is little to no lactose in the final product, meaning it’s also perfect for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Wondering about the vanilla flavor? Check out this review from a verified buyer:

“Love the vanilla whey protein powder. Great taste, dissolves easily. I have tried quite a few whey isolate powders through the years and this is by far the best.” – David C, March 27, 2023.

2. Best Low-Sugar Protein Powder: Whey Protein Isolate – Kaged

Key ingredients:

• Calories: 110
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g

If you’re cutting out sugar or following a keto, low-sugar, or diabetic diet, then the Whey Protein Isolate by Kaged in vanilla flavor is for you.

With only one gram of sugar per serving, this powder is fantastic for keeping your blood sugar stable. It’s important to note that the powder uses artificial sweeteners, though, so it may be a little sweeter than other vanilla protein powders.

The taste is still incredible, and the creamy vanilla powder thickens when it’s blended. It’s easy to see why it’s second on our list of the best-tasting protein powder because it tastes exactly like vanilla ice cream when it’s mixed.

Thanks to the added digestive enzymes, it’s also gentle on your stomach, making it easy to digest. This is partly what makes it one of the best protein powders for teens.

Let’s take a closer look at what buyers had to say about this protein powder’s vanilla flavor:

“Love the vanilla protein powder. Best tasting protein powder I’ve ever used for shakes and baking. I make all kinds of protein snacks and bars with it. When I cannot get it online and use another brand, I can totally taste the difference.” – Cecilia M, verified buyer. May 2023.

3. Best for Amino Acids: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate – Promix

Key ingredients:

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Protein: 30 g

Promix’s Grass-Fed Whey Isolate doesn’t just have a great taste, but it’s chock-full of beneficial ingredients too. With 6.8 grams of branched-chain amino acids and over 14 grams of more than nine essential amino acids in every serving, it’s a powerhouse for building body protein.

The vanilla flavor is brilliant – but don’t let the taste fool you. Rather than being filled with sugar, it’s sweetened with all-natural coconut sugar. Plus, this protein powder has less than one gram of lactose, meaning it’s easily digestible and good for sensitive stomachs.

Here’s what customers had to say about the taste of Promix:

“This is FANTASTIC! I have never found a clean protein that actually tastes good with no artificial ingredients. This is it. Every flavor I’ve tried is amazing but this Vanilla is my favorite. It’s great in coffee, hot chocolate (makes it taste like you added marshmallows), and smoothies. And then the possibilities are endless for adding to recipes. Protein ice cream? Yes. Pancakes, waffles, cookies, muffins, overnight oats – all YES! All without the nasty aftertaste that I’ve found in every other protein powder.” – Kayce P, verified buyer. November 2022.

4. Best for Budget: Impact Whey Protein – MyProtein

Key ingredients:

• Calories: 103
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fat: 1.7 g
• Protein: 19 g

If you’re on a budget, Impact Whey Protein by MyProtein is one of the cheapest protein powders around, while also being a top pick for the best-tasting vanilla protein powder you can buy. The high protein content of this whey protein powder aids the body in muscle protein synthesis and is low in sugar to help you manage your intake.

With added glutamine and all of the essential amino acids packed into each serving, MyProtein’s product is guaranteed to give you the most bang for your buck. Additionally, it has over forty flavors, with three vanilla protein powders to choose from.

This review from a verified buyer has everything you need to know about the taste of this vanilla protein powder:

“I have tried a lot of flavours, my favourites are vanilla and cookies & cream. They go well with porridge oats, Greek yoghurt or as a shake!” – Rachel, May 24, 2023

5. Best for Nighttime: Casein Protein Powder – Kaged

Key ingredients:

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g

If you want the best-tasting vanilla protein powder that’s also great for slow release, then the Casein Protein Powder by Kaged is an excellent choice. Available in Vanilla Shake flavor, this protein powder doesn’t disappoint when it comes to taste – if you close your eyes, it tastes just like vanilla ice cream.

This slow-release vanilla protein powder is easily digested overnight or over the course of the day, so you won’t be feeling sluggish or too full after taking it. And thanks to the microfiltration process, the low sugar and lactose content make it easy on sensitive stomachs.

If that wasn’t enough, Kaged’s protein powder also contains 14 grams of EAAs to help activate muscle protein synthesis and stop muscle breakdown.

Here’s a review of the flavor of this vanilla protein powder from two verified buyers:

“Take this every night before bed with just water for sustained protein intake during sleep. I have taken other casein products before but they usually leave me bloated and that would make it hard to sleep and the morning was painful. This has no bloating and no discomfort for me. Vanilla tastes like ice cream to me too so that’s a plus.” – Antonio M, April 2023

“I will definitely be ordering again! I got the vanilla and the chocolate in my first order. Both of them taste delicious!! No chalky taste like many others I have tried! I’ve been mixing with almond milk and it’s great!!” – Tiffany B, March 2023

6. Best for Vegans: Vegan Protein Powder – Promix

Key ingredients:

• Calories: 115
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g

Finding a good vegan protein powder with a strong vanilla flavor is tough! Luckily, Promix has got you covered with their Vegan Protein Powder. Made from pea protein, this powder is filled with healthy proteins, branched-chain amino acids, and essential amino acids. These ingredients help with muscle growth and recovery for a stronger, fitter you.

Not only is this the best vanilla protein powder for vegans, but it’s great for individuals with lactose intolerance, too. And if you’re into eating green, you’ll be happy to know that this all-natural pea protein powder is free from artificial additives and most allergens.

This product’s vanilla flavor was reviewed by a happy customer, and here are their thoughts:

“I have tried many vegan protein powders, but none come close to the simple ingredients and excellent flavor Promix has. I am blown away with how good this brand is in quality ingredients and taste. Absolutely recommend!” – Josie A

7. Best Egg Protein Powder: Vanilla Designer Egg Protein – Designer Wellness

Key ingredients:

• Calories: 110
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Protein: 24 g

If you want all of the benefits of a great protein powder with none of the lactose or artificial ingredients, Vanilla Designer Egg Protein by Designer Wellness is an awesome pick. Not only is this a completely lactose-free protein powder, but it’s kosher, too!

Packed with plenty of essential amino acids, riboflavin, and potassium, this great-tasting vanilla protein powder is perfect for almost everyone. Plus, it’s free from artificial sweeteners, which means that the delicious taste of vanilla ice cream is all-natural.

If you’re wondering how it tastes, just take a look at this review from a verified buyer:

“Over the years I’ve tried a lot of protein powders – some are chalky or grainy others have a plasticky/medicinal taste; but the Egg Protein – Vanilla checks all the boxes for me (limited ingredients and not a lot of additives to boot). My local Hannaford grocery store used to carry it then stopped; it was worth it to me to go online and track down where I could purchase it again. It’s exhausting comparing all the products with their long chemical ingredients – good, bad and ick . I found a good thing and am sticking with it.” – Francesca K, June 2022

8. Best Whey Protein Concentrate: Authentic Whey – Jacked Factory

Key ingredients:

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g

Next on our list is our recommended whey protein concentrate that has an incredible vanilla flavor – Authentic Whey by Jacked Factory. With pure whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrates, this powder is designed to help you reach your desired muscle growth.

With only the best ingredients and no fillers, you’ll find it hard to find a better whey protein powder with a strong vanilla taste. It’s also easy to absorb, making it a top pick for people with sensitive stomachs and those who suffer from bloating after taking their protein powders.

Don’t take our word for this powder’s unbelievable flavor. Instead, take a look at this happy customer’s review:

“The Vanilla is great in protein pancakes. I also use the Vanilla in frozen mixed berry and pumpkin spice protein shakes. It is absolutely delicious.” – JPI, October 2022

Benefits Of Vanilla Protein Powder

Versatility

Vanilla protein powders are fantastic for versatility. They can easily be incorporated into various recipes and drinks, making it easy to boost your protein while also enjoying different flavors.

Whether you want to make a protein shake, protein bars, or protein pancakes, vanilla protein powder is a convenient and useful ingredient.

Good for Baking

If you hate the thought of drinking protein powder but still want to get your daily dose of protein in, why not try baking with vanilla protein powder? These protein powders can help to enhance the nutritional profile by adding protein while also adding a delicious vanilla flavor to your favorite recipes.

Appealing to Most Palates

Vanilla is a universally loved flavor thanks to its subtlety. Plus, it makes the best-tasting protein powder, too! Its mild and pleasant taste appeals to most palates, making it the obvious choice if you don’t like strong or artificial-tasting protein powders.

How to Choose Between Whey Concentrate, Whey Isolate, and Casein Protein

Cost

Whey concentrate is a more affordable option compared to whey protein isolate, making it a budget-friendly choice if you’re looking to save on expenses.

Lactose

Whey protein isolate is particularly good for anyone who is lactose intolerant. It contains minimal amounts of lactose, which is also fantastic for keeping these powders low in sugar and gentle for sensitive stomachs. This is the key difference between whey protein isolate and why concentrate.

Calories

If you’re aiming to maintain a caloric deficit, then whey protein isolates offer a slight advantage. They usually have fewer calories and less fat per serving compared to whey concentrate. This makes it the perfect option if you want to stay in a calorie deficit while still getting all the protein you need.

Digestion

If you’re looking for a sustained protein release overnight, then casein protein is the best choice. Its slow digestion rate makes it ideal for consuming before bedtime and it provides a continuous supply of protein to support and repair your muscles as you sleep.

Casein can also make you feel fuller for longer, which can help to curb any cravings you may have.

What To Look For When Buying Protein Powder

Flavor

Flavor plays a big role in choosing a new protein powder. Usually, protein powders come in different flavors like strawberry, vanilla, or chocolate flavor. Choosing a flavor you actually like makes it easier to consume your protein powder and incorporate it into your daily diet.

Different flavor options also let you diversify the way you use protein powders. Certain flavors can be used in a ton of recipes and mixed with different ingredients like fruits or vegetables to create tasty protein-filled treats. Plus, a good, strong flavor can help to mask any chalkiness or the unpleasant aftertaste that protein powders sometimes have.

Lastly, picking a flavor that you enjoy can help to curb any craving you have for sweet, sugary snacks and make you feel fuller for longer.

Know Your Goals

When you’re picking out a protein powder, knowing your protein intake target can help you pick the right one.

You’ll want to start with assessing your specific objective (building muscle, recovery, etc.). Once you know why you need protein powders, you can calculate how many extra grams of protein you’ll need to meet this goal. For example, if you need an extra 20 grams of protein a day, you’ll want to look for a powder that offers 20 grams of protein per serving.

Limit Excess Sugar

Even the best-tasting vanilla protein powders should have low sugar content. If there are more than a handful of grams of sugar in each serving, you may want to pick a different powder. Of course, this will depend on whether you’re trying to limit your sugar intake or not.

It’s important to remember that sugary protein powders can spike your blood sugar, though, which can cause illness in certain individuals like diabetics. You can always opt for a low-sugar powder or one that uses alternative sweetening methods like artificial sweeteners or coconut sugar.

Amino Acid Profile

The amino acid profile of your protein powder is important because it determines the quality and effectiveness of the protein source that was used. Proteins are composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscles, tissues, enzymes, and other essential components in the body.

Different amino acids play different roles in muscle growth and repair. The presence of essential amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine is crucial for muscle protein synthesis and promoting muscle recovery.

You’ll want to be careful of blindly picking products that claim to have amino acids, though. Some companies use ‘protein spiking’ methods where other amino acids are included to inflate the amount of protein in a powder. It’s important to note that this isn’t the right kind of protein you’re looking for, so reading the label of your product is essential.

Additionally, if any of these ingredients are listed in ‘other ingredients’, it may be best to pick a different powder:

• Arginine
• Creatine
• Glycine
• Glutamine

Protein Powder Benefits

Convenience

Protein powder offers a convenient and time-saving way for you to meet your protein needs. It can be quickly mixed with water or other liquids, making it a fantastic option for busybodies who are always on the go.

If you prefer to mix your protein powder with water, don’t miss our roundup of the best protein powders with water.

Easy

Protein powder is super easy to incorporate into your diet. Since you can add it to most recipes, you can boost your protein intake without much effort. It’s also simple to use – all you need to do is add a scoop of protein powder and you’re good to go!

You Know the Macros of What You’re Consuming

Protein powders usually provide a precise amount of protein per serving, which allows you to accurately track your macronutrient intake. This knowledge is particularly important when you’re following specific diet plans or aiming to maintain or build muscle mass.

Tips For Consuming Protein Powder

Make Sure You’re Consuming Enough

Consuming protein an hour before your workout may have some slight benefits, but you shouldn’t worry too much about the exact timing. In fact, a study that analyzed the effect of protein timing on strength and muscle growth found that there was no significant difference between groups that had their protein an hour before their workout and groups that took it at other times.

So instead of focusing on when you’re taking your protein, you should shift your focus to ensure that you’re getting enough protein.

Use a Macro Tracker

A macro tracker or calculator can be incredibly helpful when you’re using protein powder. You can think of it as your little helper to monitor and optimize your macronutrient intake. By inputting the powder into the tracker, you can track your overall protein consumption and make sure you’re hitting your daily target.

Additionally, the tracker enables you to balance your overall macronutrient intake by adjusting other nutrients accordingly. This can help you to dial in your TDEE.

Calculate your TDEE

Your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) can help you to determine your daily calorie needs, which will then help you to establish what your intake goals are. If you’re unsure of how to calculate your TDEE, there are some helpful TDEE calculators that are free and easy to use.

Use Your Body Weight to Guide You

To determine your protein intake goal, you’ll want to aim for around 0.7 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass. Your lean body mass can be calculated by subtracting your body fat from your total weight.

For example, if you weigh 100 pounds and have 15% body fat, you’ll have 85 pounds of lean body mass (100 – (100 * 15%)). This guideline is a good estimate of the amount of protein your body needs to support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health.

Using the same example, you can figure out your protein needs by multiplying your lean body mass (85) by 0.7 grams. So, in this case, you would need around 59.5 grams of protein per day.

Bulking Up

If your goal is to bulk up and increase muscle mass, you should consider mixing your protein powder with 16 ounces of whole milk. This combination adds 300 calories and 16 grams of protein per serving, which can help you to meet your calorie and protein needs.

For additional calorie boosters, you can also try adding coconut oil, raw honey, or nut butter like peanut or almond butter to your protein shake.

Alternatively, if you want to increase your protein intake without all of the added calories, you can mix your powder with 16 ounces of skim milk.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There you have it – the most delicious vanilla protein powders around! While the Whey Protein Isolate by Kaged was a close runner-up to our best overall powder, the 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs was the clear winner here.

With a strong, rich vanilla flavor, high protein levels in every scoop, and a low sugar content, it’s the total package. Plus, its amino acid profile contains nothing but beneficial acids that will help you to repair, maintain, and grow your muscles without any inflated protein levels. So you get all of the good stuff with none of the bad!

About Kyle Risley

Kyle Risley founded Lift Vault in 2016 to make finding great powerlifting programs easier. Since then, the site has grown to include hundreds of programs for strength, bodybuilding, Olympic weightlifting, and more. He currently lives in Massachusetts and continues to compete in powerlifting.