No matter your health or fitness goals, protein powder is a supplement that can help you achieve them. From packing on lean muscle to slimming down and shedding unwanted pounds, boosting your protein intake with a premium protein powder is one of the best ways to support your goals.
While there are countless protein flavors available on the market, vanilla is one of the most versatile and widely loved. Vanilla protein powder mixes perfectly with fruit, a green smoothie, or it can even be added to your morning bowl of oatmeal.
Below you’ll find a guide to the best 15 vanilla protein powders on the market. We’ve included a variety of protein types so that you can find one that best meets your needs.
- Elm & Rye Collagen Protein Powder
- Penguin Collagen Protein Blend Vanilla
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Vanilla Ice Cream
- GNC Total Lean Vanilla Bean
- Dymatize ISO 100 Gourmet Vanilla
- Muscle Milk Vanilla Creme
- Naked Whey Vanilla
- Garden of Life Organic Protein Vanilla
- Pure Protein Vanilla Cream
- Body Fortress Isolate Protein Vanilla
- Premier Protein 100% Whey Vanilla Milkshake
- Vital Performance Protein Vanilla
- Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Vanilla Bean
- Musclepharm Combat Vanilla
- Designer Whey Protein French Vanilla
The benefits of taking a protein supplement
Protein powders are a quick and convenient way to increase your daily protein intake. These supplements can be mixed with water, milk, or any liquid of your choice and enjoyed anywhere at any time. Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating protein powder into your daily regimen.
Gaining lean muscle
Eating plenty of protein is a must for anyone who is looking to pack on lean muscle while increasing their strength. Both men and women who want to put on muscle should not only lift heavy weights, but they need to eat no less than 0.4 grams of protein for every pound of body weight.
Whey protein powder is best for gaining muscle, though any type of protein will have positive effects.
Weight loss
Protein is the most satiating macronutrient. Compared to fats and carbohydrates, studies have found that protein keeps you feeling full for the longest time. What’s even better is that protein only has four calories per gram.
For people who are trying to lose weight, protein powder is a low-calorie yet filling way to feed their appetite. Because protein keeps you fuller for longer, it greatly lowers the risk of snacking while curbing cravings.
Eating less calories is key for losing weight and protein powder plays a huge role in dialing back your caloric intake.
Nutrient boost
Even if you eat a relatively healthy and balanced diet, you may still be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. While protein powder isn’t a replacement for a multivitamin, many of these supplements are enriched with nutrients. Drinking a protein shake a few times a week can help to address some nutrient deficiencies.
May reduce inflammation
Research has found that protein supplements, especially whey protein, may reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a wide range of health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and IBS.
Adding whey to your daily diet can reduce markers of chronic inflammation.
Top 15 vanilla protein powders
With dozens upon dozens of vanilla protein powders on the market, it can take a lot of work to know which one is right for you. Below is a list of the 15 best protein powders to add to your daily routine. Our guide includes all sorts of protein varieties, including whey, casein and even plant-based options.
1. Elm & Rye Collagen Protein Powder
Elm & Rye Collagen Protein Powder is made with simple yet effective ingredients that help you to build muscle, lose weight and perform better in the gym. This protein supplement is sourced from grass-fed, free-range cows and contains nine amino acids. Aside from quality milk protein, this powder is also enriched with ashwagandha, turmeric, collagen and a mushroom complex.
Each scoop of Elm & Rye Collagen Protein Powder is crafted to provide whole-body support, from reducing inflammation to supporting cognition. It’s available in three delicious flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate and Cookies & Cream, all of which offer 20g of protein.
2. Penguin Collagen Protein Blend Vanilla
Increase your protein intake in the most delicious way possible with Penguin Collagen Protein Blend Vanilla. This vegan protein powder is made with premium pea protein. Each serving delivers 30g of protein, 10g of collagen and 20g of stress-reducing CBD.
Aside from quality protein, this supplement is also formulated with ashwagandha, turmeric and a custom mushroom complex that delivers whole-body benefits. Penguin Collagen Protein Blend Vanilla doesn’t contain any artificial colors or sweeteners. Instead, it’s made with premium ingredients and love by the Penguin team.
3. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Vanilla Ice Cream
Choose Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Vanilla Ice Cream for ultimate muscle support and recovery. This protein supplement provides 24g of protein and 5.5g of BCAAs to keep you feeling your best in and out of the gym. It’s a great addition to your daily diet, whether you’re looking to get rid of unwanted pounds or want to get bigger and stronger.
Each serving has just 120 calories, 1.5g of fat and 3g of carbs. Because it’s ultra-filtered, this protein powder mixes easily with any liquid of your choice. Just stir or shake for 30 seconds and enjoy!
4. GNC Total Lean Vanilla Bean
Losing weight has never been easier or more delicious. GNC Total Lean Vanilla Bean is more than a protein powder. It’s clinically proven to support two times more weight loss when compared to other protein supplements. It fuels your muscles and is also formulated with fiber to keep you full along with nutrients that fuel your metabolism.
Each single scoop serving is loaded with 9g of protein, 8g of fiber, 2g of fat and just 170 calories. GNC Total Lean Vanilla Bean also offers tons of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin D, B vitamins, biotin, magnesium, chromium and others.
5. Dymatize ISO 100 Gourmet Vanilla
Go harder for longer, get stronger faster and support your muscles after a challenging workout with Dymatize ISO 100 Gourmet Vanilla. This ultra-fast absorbing protein tastes amazing and offers a great nutrient profile. It’s filtered to remove excess fat, carbs, sugar and lactose to create a protein powder with maximized mixability and purity.
A single scoop of Dymatize ISO 100 Gourmet Vanilla is loaded with 25g of protein, 5.5g of BCAAs, 2.6g of leucine and less than 1g of sugar. The best part? All of this is packed into just 110 calories!
6. Muscle Milk Vanilla Creme
Enjoy all-day energy and give your muscles the fuel they need to get through the most demanding workouts with Muscle Milk Vanilla Creme. This protein powder can be consumed as a breakfast shake or anytime snack. It also makes for a great post-workout drink. This supplement will help you get stronger and leaner with its formulations of slow and fast-releasing proteins,
Muscle Milk Vanilla Creme contains 32g of protein in two scoops, with 21g of carbs and 2g of sugar. It’s naturally flavored, gluten-free and NSF Certified for Sport.
7. Naked Whey Vanilla
Looking for a clean and simple protein powder to add to your arsenal? Try Naked Whey Vanilla. This protein supplement is made with just three ingredients. Each scoop of whey protein is sourced from grass-fed cows grown on small farms in Northern California and Idaho. With 25g of protein and 5.9g of BCAAs in every serving, this supplement will help you reach your goals faster than you ever imagined.
Naked Whey Vanilla doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners or additives.
8. Garden of Life Organic Protein Vanilla
Nourish your muscles while enjoying other whole-body benefits with Garden of Life Organic Protein Vanilla. This organic plant-based vanilla protein powder contains easy-to-digest proteins along with a blend of probiotics and digestive enzymes. This means no more bloating or digestive upset!
Each scoop of Garden of Life Organic Protein Vanilla provides 22g of protein, 4g of BCAAs and no dairy or soy ingredients. This protein powder is also gluten-free.
9. Pure Protein Vanilla Cream
Keep your body fit and ready for the most strenuous workouts with Pure Protein Vanilla Cream. It’s formulated to provide all the essential amino acids needed to support lean muscle mass, strength, energy and vitality. This supplement is made with fast-digesting protein and is ultra-filtered to improve quality.
Each scoop packs 25g of whey protein isolate and concentrate. Aside from protein and amino acids, Pure Protein Vanilla Cream also delivers a blend of nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus.
10. Body Fortress Isolate Protein Vanilla
Build lean muscle faster and improve your post-workout recovery with Body Fortress Isolate Protein Vanilla. This protein powder is made with 100% isolate proteins and is filtered to remove unwanted carbohydrates, fats and cholesterol. Each scoop contains fast, medium and slow digesting proteins from whey, soy and milk sources.
Body Fortress Isolate Protein Vanilla provides 12g of naturally occurring BCAAs. It doesn’t contain any gluten or aspartame and is formulated to work just as hard as you do. Add a scoop and blend it with milk or kick your morning smoothie up a notch.
11. Premier Protein 100% Whey Vanilla Milkshake
Give your body protein that it can quickly absorb and digest with Premier Protein 100% Whey Vanilla Milkshake. This vanilla protein powder is the perfect addition to any smoothie and delivers 30g of protein in every 2-scoop serving.
With just 2g of carbohydrates and 1g of sugar, this protein is ideal for anyone who is looking to lose weight. Premier Protein 100% Whey Vanilla Milkshake delivers guilt-free yumminess. Every sip will feel like a cheat day! Not only does this protein taste good, it’s made without any soy, gluten, or filler ingredients.
12. Vital Performance Protein Vanilla
Vital Performance Protein Vanilla combines collagen peptides and lactose-free milk protein isolate to promote bone, joint and tendon health. This protein supplement also stimulates muscle protein synthesis and supports improved exercise recovery. Each scoop delivers 25g of premium protein, all 9 essential amino acids and just 130 calories.
Vital Performance Protein Vanilla is NSF Certified for Sport and contains no banned substances. This protein powder can be enjoyed any time of day and is sweetened with monk fruit extract and stevia leaf.
13. Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Vanilla Bean
Enjoy all of the benefits of a premium protein powder with an added boost of superfoods. Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Vanilla Bean provides 21g of plant protein per serving, 1g of sugar and just 170 calories. Each two-scoop serving is loaded with 5g of prebiotic fiber to support digestive health along with dozens of superfoods.
Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Vanilla Bean help you meet your fitness goals and provides holistic health support. It’s enriched with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals to keep you feeling your best from the inside out.
14. Musclepharm Combat Vanilla
Fuel your muscles and put on your best performance at the gym with Musclepharm Combat Vanilla. This high-quality protein powder tastes great and mixes well into any liquid of your choice. It’s specially formulated for active people who are looking to maximize their lean muscle growth while supporting a healthy recovery.
Musclepharm Combat Vanilla is fast-digesting and is made with a blend of whey protein isolate, concentrate, hydrolysates and egg albumin. This optimized protein blend allows for greater muscle building, performance and recovery.
The best part? No artificial dyes or gluten.
15. Designer Whey Protein French Vanilla
Fuel your muscles and enjoy all-day energy with Designer Whey Protein French Vanilla. This protein powder offers 20g of protein, 2g of sugar and just 110 calories per serving. It’s also enriched with probiotics to support gut and digestive health, along with your daily dose of B vitamins to keep you going all day long.
Designer Whey Protein French Vanilla doesn’t contain anything artificial. Instead, it’s loaded with a full spectrum of peptides and amino acids. This powder mixes well with water or cold milk. It makes for a great breakfast or mid-afternoon snack.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.
The opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Las Vegas Review-Journal and you should consult your doctor before beginning any new health related practice.