Supplements & vitaminsNutritionFitness & exercise

5 things to look for when buying protein powder

Get the scoop on choosing the right supplement for your health goals.


LearnWorkout nutrition5 things to look for when buying protein powder
Choose whole foods first
Know if you need extra protein
Get the details
Pick the best product for your goals
Keep an eye on the ingredients
Enjoy the taste of your shake

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If you’ve ever stepped foot in a gym or found yourself scrolling through a feed of fitness-inspired Instagram posts, you’ve likely seen the latest craze: protein powder.

Protein powders claim to do it all—boost weight loss, promote muscle growth, replenish your body after a long workout and more. And with a ton of different varieties—whey, pea, soy, rice and hemp—shopping for the perfect supplement is far from simple.

Don’t be so quick to scoop. Registered dietitian, Tori Cohen, RD, with Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, California, explains everything you need to know about buying and using protein powder.

Written by Taylor Lupo.
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Taylor Lupo.
Updated onAugust, 2026
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