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Best Unflavored Protein Powder 2024: Natural Whey For Muscle Gain
Updated on
- Written by Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by
Dr G. Michael DiLeo, MD
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Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Unflavored
- Gluten-free
- Supports muscle growth
- Simple formula
PlantFusion Complete Protein – Vegan Protein Powder – Natural No Stevia
- Fit for vegans
- Allergen-free
- Muscle growth and healing
25% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
Naked Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
- Grass-fed whey protein powder
- Third-party tested
- Potent muscle builder
15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
It’s almost always the flavor of something that will have you make up your mind about a product. And because different people have different tastes, it is hard to develop a product in every flavor, leaving significant gaps in the nutritional supplement composition sector. So, a supplement could be sweet, sour, bitter, salty, or, alternatively, bland or tasteless.
In this piece, we highlight five of the best-unflavored (tasteless) protein powders you can use for bulking up, losing weight, curbing your appetite, promoting muscle development, supporting your mental health, and improving overall health.
5 Flavorless Protein Powder (April. 2024)
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Unflavored – Editor’s Choice
- PlantFusion Complete Protein – Vegan Protein Powder – Natural No Stevia – Best Vegan Unflavored Protein Powder
- Naked Nutrition Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder – Best Grass-Fed Unflavored Protein Powder
- Bulletproof Unflavored Collagen Protein – Best Unflavored Protein Powder For Bones, Skin, and Nails
- Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Protein Powder – Natural Unsweetened – Best Organic Unflavored Protein Powder
Best Unflavored Protein Powder To Buy In 2024
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Unflavored
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Unflavored may help you build muscles, recover faster, and maintain these gains afterward.
- Has a neutral flavor that fits all your preferred recipes
- Contains BCAAs
- Supports muscle growth and faster recovery
- Gluten-free
- Does not contain pure whey protein isolate
- The packaging is not eco-friendly
- Pricey
The protein content in this supplement is 24 grams of whey protein per serving. It’s mixed with whey isolate, concentrates, and hydrolyzed whey. It also contains 1.6 grams of carbs and 1 gram of fat. This low count in both fat and carbohydrates makes this supplement a better pick of flavorless powder for weight loss.
Whey supplementation is beneficial to muscle development because it’s primarily a muscle builder and gets absorbed fast.
Secondly, it boosts the production of hormones like insulin[1] that promote muscle growth. Whey protein contains a lot of leucine, an amino acid that may promote muscle growth.[2] Still, a balanced diet with protein-rich foods is a must.
Its mixability is high. Mixing it with oat milk or cow’s milk makes a smooth and non-chalky drink that you can flavor to the extent you want.
Pour 6 to 8 ounces of cold water, milk, or another beverage into a mixing bowl and add about one spoonful of the protein powder. One tub costs you around $37.99.
This is a superb all-rounded supplement, but it may not be suitable for vegans since whey protein is sourced from either fodder or grass-fed cows.
PlantFusion Complete Protein – Vegan Protein Powder – Natural No Stevia
25% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
The PlantFusion brand prides itself in making the best dietary supplements. This particular one claims to help with energy sustainment, muscle-building, and repair in a delicious easy-to-digest formula.
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Devoid of gluten, genetically modified organisms (GMO), soy, and dairy
- Helps build muscles and speeds recovery
- Affordable price
- It contains two proprietary blends in the mix
The formula contains two proprietary blends: PlantFusion® Amino Acid Infused Protein Blend and the PlantFusion® Proprietary Enzyme Blend.
The first blend contains pea protein isolate, organic sprouted quinoa powder, L-leucine, L-glutamine, L-valine L-isoleucine, artichoke powder, organic sprouted amaranth powder, and whole algae protein.
This blend contains essential amino acids[3] that, besides helping with muscle growth and enhanced athletic performance, support mental health (depression, cognitive issues, etc.).
The second enzyme blend contains alpha-galactosidase and bromelain. This enzyme blend helps with digestion. Alpha-galactosidase helps break down complex carbohydrates and reduces bloating.[4] Bromelain has various therapeutic functions.[5]
The PlantFusion Complete Protein tub with 15 servings will set you back $26.99. However, you can get up to a 25% discount if you subscribe to the brand’s website auto-delivery system.
Naked Nutrition Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
This grass-fed whey protein supplement company purports that its creation is all-natural with only one ingredient: whey protein. They also claim that this formula will boost heart health, immunity, and fat loss.
- Sourced from grass-fed cows
- Free of artificial flavors and sweeteners
- Hormone-free
- Non-GMO
- Expensive
- Contains milk
This company makes many claims, as indicated above, but the great thing is that there are scientific facts to back it up.
The first medical brand claim is that the formula is a potent muscle builder. Leucine, valine, and isoleucine, three BCAAs present in whey, aid muscle protein synthesis[6] to encourage muscular growth and recovery during exercise.
The supplement is also an immune booster since the immune-boosting[7] substances lactoferrin, beta-lactoglobulin, and lysozyme are in higher concentrations in the whey from cows fed only grass. These substances help your body respond better with their antioxidants and aid in the defense against dangerous microorganisms.
Additionally, grass-fed whey has higher conjugated linoleic acid[8] (CLA), a fatty acid that improves immunological performance.
The science behind its heart-protective properties is attributed to the presence of omega-3 fats[9] and CLA that promote metabolism and cardiovascular health.
One tub of the Naked Nutrition whey proteins supplement costs $94.99, and this supplement is Informed-Choice Trusted by Sport.
Bulletproof Unflavored Collagen Protein
This protein powder is a one-ingredient supplement with only hydrolyzed collagen powder. This simple formula claims to help with skin, nails, joints, and bone health and facilitate muscle growth.
- Helps with glowing skin and healthy nails
- Supports healthy bone, and joint health
- Contains all the essential amino acids
- Keto-friendly
- High in arginine
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is present in all connective tissue in the skin, nails, and skeletal system. Due to the mesh-like structure that collagen possesses, it acts as a scaffolding material. It contributes to the formation of a matrix that reinforces the entire connective system of the body.
For your skin, collagen supplementation[10] boosts the natural body collagen production, which helps your skin stay firm, elastic, and flexible.
The hydrolyzed collagen powder in this supplement comes from cows grown, and pasture-fed which have not been given any added hormones. The peptides in Bulletproof Collagen, responsible for the delivery of nutrients, are preserved through multiple steps of enzyme processing.
Because of this, it not only has a high degree of bioavailability, but also creates a protein that is tasteless and odorless, does not clump, and can be easily mixed.
Rebuild, repair, and restore are the three catchphrases used to promote this brand. This is a promise made possible by the use of collagen.
This supplement promises to deliver 20 grams of hydrolyzed collagen. This product is also keto-friendly. It costs $32.96 when you buy it from the brand’s official site.
Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder – Natural Unsweetened
The Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Protein Powder manufacturers claim that their organic plant-based protein product is a clean label that is easy to use and has a complete amino acid profile.
- A plant-based protein powder
- High protein
- Vegan-friendly and devoid of most allergens
- Has a USDA certification
- GMO-free and no added sugar
- Two proprietary blends in the formula
This unflavored protein product offers the body a 30% daily protein intake at 21 grams of protein per serving. And if you are worried about your calorie intake, this supplement only offers 140 calories per serving, which is still good for weight and fat loss or healthy maintenance of both.
The ingredients in this formula are divided into two main proprietary blends both from plant foods: the Orgain Organic Protein Blend and the Orgain Organic Creamer Base.
The Orgain Organic Protein Blend contains only organic chia seeds, brown rice protein, and pea protein. The Orgain Organic Creamer Base has all-organic acacia, sunflower lecithin, high oleic sunflower oil, rice dextrin, rosemary extract, xantham gum, guar gum, and natural flavors.
Plant proteins[11] have been shown to contain significantly less fat and cholesterol than plain whey protein. As a result, plant-based protein powders are more effective in fat loss. They also supply considerable nutrition for the building and maintaining of muscles, essential for muscle growth.
A 20-serving container goes for $33.99 on a one-time purchase and retails at $24.49 when you opt for the subscription, automatic frequency arrangement.
What Is Unflavored Protein Powder?
Unflavored protein powders are dietary supplements that contain no flavors, neither natural nor artificial. Their taste is generally bland, making them the best to use when you want to boost your protein intake in shakes, pastries, and other foods without the additional taste that would compete with the taste of those protein sources.
Surprisingly, the best-unflavored powders do not necessarily mean no sugar. Some unflavored protein supplements still contain sugars (natural or artificial) simply to increase the protein powder’s calorie count and satisfy sweet tooth users.
An unflavored powder could be any protein supplement; whey, casein, pea protein, hemp protein, rice protein, or other plant proteins. These protein types can be formulated as isolates, concentrates, or hydrolysates.
In a nutshell, protein concentrates (60-80% protein) are extracted from whole foods using heat, acid, or enzymes. The remaining 20–40% is fat and carbs. Supplemental filtration eliminates fat and carbs to concentrate protein as protein isolates,[12] making them 90–95% protein. Protein hydrolysates[13] are prepared by heating protein with enzymes or acids, unlinking the amino acid bonds, making them the most bioavailable.
So the selection of supplements we cover here comprises whey protein isolates, concentrates or isolates, and so on. They may be animal or plant-based protein powders, depending on the source of the protein.
Finally, like flavored protein powders, unflavored protein powders typically contain a healthy protein concentration with a full or partial amino acid profile with essential[14] and non-essential amino acids. Amino acids serve the body as building blocks of cells and muscles and are vital in forming other compounds necessary for metabolism. They are great for the brain,[15] heart, and all other organ systems.
Benefits Of Unflavored Whey
Here are the benefits of having unflavored whey powder:
- You will consume a clean protein powder with fewer artificial ingredients.
- You will consume a protein powder with fewer added sugars.
- Unflavored whey protein isolate powders are high in protein content.
- You can customize how you consume it as whey isolate, concentrate, or hydrolysate.
- You can customize your taste using toppings and natural sweeteners, e.g., honey.
- It may help you gain a healthy weight.
How To Choose The Best Unflavored Whey Protein
When you are getting an unflavored protein powder, you will come across whey protein isolate powders, whey protein concentrate supplements, plant protein products, goat whey powders, or egg protein powders.
So what do you go for? If you want to select the best flavorless protein powders, use this checklist:
- Research the unflavored protein supplement product brand online.
- Compare the whey protein powders’ protein percentage, matching it to your fitness goals.
- Select a protein powder with either non-essential or essential amino acids (or both).
- Opt for grass-fed protein powders since they have fewer saturated fats.
- Read through the entire ingredient list, noting the extras.
- Gauge if the supplement’s value is worth your investment.
Who Benefits From Unflavored Protein Powder?
The first group of people who benefit from using an unflavored clean protein powder are not fans of the sweet, bitter, or sour tastes that most muscle-building supplements come with.
Secondly, they are also favorable for people who want a higher protein concentration and higher branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) content but fewer added sugars.
Also, the formula has fewer artificially or genetically modified organisms due to the lack of synthetic flavorings or artificial ingredients. This makes it easy for the body to fully benefit from all the ingredients listed, with little to no waste.
And it makes it easy for people with flavoring sensitivities to enjoy a protein powder without dire consequences like stomach upset.
Lastly, men and women who prefer consuming their cleanest protein powder option instead of the typical post or pre-workout protein shake will also find these flavorless protein powders appealing.
The versatility of how you can use these protein powders is uncanny. You can bake cakes, breads, and pastries, make smoothies, chia seed pudding, and oatmeal, and use them as salad dressings.
Differences Between Flavored And Unflavored Protein Powders
The main difference between a flavored and a flavorless protein powder is that the latter contains no added flavors like vanilla, strawberry, kiwi, or chocolate. This means that the taste will be rather bland and odd for someone who is used to a flavored version of muscle-building casein or whey protein isolate powder.
Flavored protein shakes are also somewhat limited since you can only add protein powder in water or milk to consume. On the other hand, unflavored protein powder can be used in baking, beverages, and salad dressings.
Unflavored protein powders without artificial flavorings are one-artificial-ingredient-less compared to the protein powders with flavors. This may increase the efficacy of such protein powders since the body works naturally to assimilate the ingredients that don’t create waste or adverse effects.
They also have higher BCAAs and higher protein concentrations for healthy muscle growth, fat loss, and overall health.
Final Thought
So much goes into finding the best unflavored protein powder. But to commence this journey, it would be best to conduct thorough research on the product and, most importantly, review the ingredients using scientific studies and reports as reference points. Also, do not ignore the extra elements like soy lecithin, which may hold additional muscle-building benefits.
And since you are purposely searching for a flavorless protein concentrate, hydrolysate, or isolate that helps build muscle, finding a valid label is paramount. Please note that adding protein powder to a healthy and active lifestyle increases its success rate.
Lucky for you, now you have five unflavored protein powder options to select from. Regardless, always ensure that you seek medical advice before using a whey protein hydrolysate or collagen protein powder.
You should maximize the benefits of a clean protein powder as a dietary supplement by seeking the advice of a medical professional.
Additionally, work with a professional that specializes in fitness supplementation. You will be able to grow muscle mass because they will assist you with developing workout routines that will bring you to your goal as quickly and healthily as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone can, but people who love options in taking their protein powders, who enjoy bland powders, and those who want higher protein percentages prefer to take unflavored powders.
Unflavored protein powders do not have any flavoring, such as vanilla or strawberry added in the formula as a flavored powder.
Flavorless whey protein supports losing weight because it is significantly lower in sugar, cholesterol, and fat, which encourages weight loss.
+ 15 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
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- Lynch, H., Buman, M.P., Dickinson, J.M., Ransdell, L.B., Johnston, C.S. and Wharton, C. (2020). No Significant Differences in Muscle Growth and Strength Development When Consuming Soy and Whey Protein Supplements Matched for Leucine Following a 12 Week Resistance Training Program in Men and Women: A Randomized Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, [online] 17(11), pp.3871–3871. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113871.
- S. Solís, Arriaga-Ávila, V., Trejo-Bahena, A. and Guevara‐Guzmán, R. (2021). Deficiency in the Essential Amino Acids l-Isoleucine, l-Leucine and l-Histidine and Clinical Measures as Predictors of Moderate Depression in Elderly Women: A Discriminant Analysis Study. Nutrients, [online] 13(11), pp.3875–3875. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113875.
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Written by:
Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
