Honorable Mentions

Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane

Sakara Protein + Greens Super Powder ($90): This supplement serves as a powerhouse with a solid 17 grams of plant-based protein per serving. While it falls just three grams short of the ideal 20-gram benchmark often recommended by nutritionists, it makes a noteworthy addition to anyone’s dietary regimen. The blend features a variety of proteins, including pea, hemp, and pumpkin, combined with a “super greens” mix of spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, and chlorella. Although I can’t definitively say that it’s revolutionizing my gut health, I find that on days when my vegetable and protein intake is lacking, a scoop of this powder added to my smoothie (along with some Greek yogurt for an additional 18 grams of protein) helps me feel less like a goblin subsisting on iced coffee and string cheese.

Ghost Whey Protein Powder ($50 for 2.2 pounds): For those who crave a post-workout treat that tastes like dessert, Ghost is the ideal protein powder. Boasting flavors such as Oreo, Cinnabon, and Chips Ahoy!, it stands out as one of the best-tasting whey proteins available. With each scoop providing 26 grams of protein—covering 50% of your daily value—it mixes effortlessly into shakes, oats, or even homemade protein ice cream. However, potential buyers should be aware of its longer ingredient list, which includes gums, high-fructose corn syrup, and titanium dioxide—a whitening pigment that has been banned as a food additive in Europe.

Wavelength Vanilla Protein Powder ($55): This powder packs a punch with 20 grams of pea protein per serving, and also boasts trendy adaptogens and nootropics such as maca root, ashwagandha, and Chaga mushroom extract. Unfortunately, the brand does not specify the amounts of these ingredients, which raises questions about their actual effectiveness. The flavor is distinctly earthy, making it perhaps more suitable for baking than for quick shakes. Wavelength also offers Little Ripples, a protein powder tailored for kids, although it has yet to be tested.

Aloha 12oz Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Drink (Pack of 12 for $33): While I’m still in the process of testing Aloha’s protein powder, I have sampled the brand's ready-to-drink shakes. The chocolate sea salt flavor is surprisingly delicious; it offers a creamy richness, even though it leaves a subtle aftertaste. I sometimes use the vanilla flavor as a milk base for smoothies, and I’m eager to try the coconut flavor, which I haven’t yet found. Each serving provides 20 grams of plant-based protein.

BSN True-Mass Weight Gainer ($83): Ideal for those looking to bulk up or struggling to meet calorie goals, the BSN True Mass is a noteworthy product to consider. Each serving delivers a whopping 1,200 calories, along with 50 grams of protein and 215 grams of carbohydrates. Its protein matrix features a blend of whey concentrate, casein, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey isolate, and micellar casein, ensuring a combination of both fast and slow-digesting proteins. Additionally, it offers 450 milligrams of calcium and 880 milligrams of potassium, contributing to your micronutrient intake. The taste is impressive—the strawberry milkshake flavor is particularly delicious—but be prepared for hefty serving sizes; it requires two scoops totaling 310 grams. While it may be tempting, I hesitate to fully endorse this formula as it contains artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, along with some questionable additives such as maltodextrin and a gum blend (cellulose, guar, gum Arabic, and xanthan), which might not agree with everyone. Individuals with sensitive stomachs should approach with caution, as this product certainly comes with its own unique digestive outcomes.

Accessories to Try

Beast Mega 1200 ($199): If you’re serious about enhancing your smoothie-making skills, the Beast Mega stands out with its robust 1,200-watt motor, which effortlessly blends frozen fruits, powders, and fibrous ingredients. With a single button and a timed cycle, you can achieve consistent, chunk-free results every time. The included Tritan vessels are thoughtfully designed with ribbed interiors to enhance turbulence, resulting in smoother blends. Plus, the drinking lid and straw system allows you to convert your blender into a travel cup, eliminating extra dishes. It’s available in five stylish colors—cloud white, carbon black, navy, sand, sage, and charcoal—and comes with a two-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Vitamix Ascent X5 ($750): While it comes with a high price tag, the Vitamix Ascent X5 is arguably the ultimate all-purpose blender. It features ten preset programs, including options for smoothie bowls, nut butters, and nondairy milks, enabling your protein recipes to reach new creative heights. It includes a tamper for the thickest shakes, and the on-screen indicator helps you know precisely when to intervene. If your mixture requires extra blending, simply hit the “add 15 seconds” button. My favorite feature is the self-cleaning mode—while it’s not revolutionary, I’d much rather avoid the hassle of scrubbing off post-smoothie residue. Plus, its ten-year warranty makes it an investment worth contemplating.

Ninja Blast Portable Blender ($53): For those on a budget, Ninja's portable blender is an excellent choice. It charges via USB-C, making it convenient for on-the-go use. Although the motor isn’t particularly powerful and the battery life only allows for one thorough blend, it’s an affordable option with dishwasher-safe components. Its compact size means it can easily fit into any kitchen without taking up too much space. Editor Adrienne So has been using hers daily for a year to create morning smoothies from Greek yogurt, milk, and frozen fruits and has found it to be quite reliable.