Forget what the guy at your local gym told you, protein powders don’t have to be mixed with milk. In fact, some people even prefer mixing it with water, for a variety of reasons. That’s why we’ve decided to give you a guide on the best protein powders to mix with water.
We’ve scoured the market and our top pick is the 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs. This guide will help you understand why it’s our favorite, explore other great options, and answer some common questions.
If you're looking for a high quality, clean protein powder, Transparent Labs' 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate is an excellent choice.
With a slew of delicious flavors and a totally transparent, clean label, this is a premium product.
Discount code:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
Let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
- 1 The Top 8 Recommended Protein Powders With Water
- 1.1 1. 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
- 1.2 2. 100% Grass-Fed Casein Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
- 1.3 3. Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
- 1.4 4. Essential Protein Powder – Ritual
- 1.5 5. Impact Whey – MyProtein
- 1.6 6. Whey Protein Isolate – Kaged
- 1.7 7. Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
- 1.8 8. Pea Protein Powder – Naked
- 2 Benefits of Mixing Protein Powder With Water
- 3 Recommended Protein Types For Mixing With Water
- 4 FAQs
- 5 Conclusion
The Top 8 Recommended Protein Powders With Water
- 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
- 100% Grass Fed Casein Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
- Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
- Essential Protein Powder – Ritual
- Impact Whey Protein Powder – MyProtein
- Whey Protein Isolate – Kaged
- Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
- Pea Protein Powder – Naked
1. 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
If you're looking for a high quality, clean protein powder, Transparent Labs' 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate is an excellent choice.
With a slew of delicious flavors and a totally transparent, clean label, this is a premium product.
Discount code:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
Yep, you guessed it, the 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs is our top pick. If you’re looking to mix any protein powder with water then this should be the one. It’s a complete package that stands out for its purity, given that it’s third-party tested to ensure the highest quality.
It contains no artificial ingredients and is sweetened with stevia, making it a much healthier option and also the best-tasting protein powder on our list.
Another bonus is that it’s low-carb and has no added sugar, perfect for those watching their carb and sugar intake. Each serving packs a solid 28 grams of protein, giving your muscles more than enough fuel for growth and recovery. And, with less than 1% lactose, it’s easy to digest, even if you have a lactose sensitivity.
A reviewer says it all: “Tastes great! Drink plain with water or as a mix-in for other recipes.” This protein powder not only meets but exceeds expectations, making it the best choice for mixing with water and easily one of the best grass-fed whey protein powders out there.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Whey isolate
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract
2. 100% Grass-Fed Casein Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
For those who prefer slower absorbing protein, the casein protein from Transparent Labs is a great choice. It's an excellent choice to help you feel full longer during the day or aid muscle repair over night.
Discount code:
LV10 = 10% off order at Transparent Labs
The 100% Grass-Fed Casein Protein Powder by Transparent Labs is the best casein protein powder for mixing with water. It works particularly well for bodybuilders and active individuals, being especially perfect for nighttime use because of its slow-release properties.
Each serving delivers a whopping 25 grams of casein from 100% grass-fed cows. It’s also naturally flavored and sweetened with stevia, giving it a delightful taste without any added sugars, fillers, or artificial flavors. Most importantly, you won’t have any problem mixing it with water.
This review sums it up perfectly: “Tastes great! Blends perfectly with water! Clean ingredients!” This casein protein powder is another standout choice from Transparent Labs for those wanting a high-quality, clean protein supplement.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Casein protein
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract
3. Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Transparent Labs
Transparent Lab's Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein Powder is an excellent choice for vegans and anyone seeking a lactose-free protein powder.
Discount codes:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
Yep, another Transparent Labs protein powder. Why? Because it’s both one of the best organic protein powders on the market, as well as one of the best lactose-free protein powders. It’s a game-changer for busy people on a plant-based diet, who struggle to get enough protein.
Made with organic pea protein isolate and rice protein, this powder delivers 24 grams of complete plant-based protein per serving. This makes it a great alternative to whey and casein protein. It’s free from GMOs, soy protein, added sugar, and artificial ingredients, so your body is getting all the good stuff and no junk.
Available in both chocolate and vanilla flavors, it’s a treat for the taste buds. A reviewer sang its praises in a short and simple way: “Great protein, will be buying again, mixes well with water and milk, unlike other brands.” This protein powder is a must-have for anyone seeking a top-notch organic protein supplement.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Organic rice protein, Organic pea protein isolate
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract
4. Essential Protein Powder – Ritual
Never forget to stock up on protein powder again with Essential Protein from Ritual! After subscribing, you'll receive your monthly supply of protein powder so you're always hitting your nutrition goals. Recognized as one of the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners.
Like we said earlier, convenience is a big factor when it comes to meeting your daily protein requirements. This is where subscriptions come in handy. Ritual’s Essential Protein Powder is one of the best protein powder subscription services available and it mixes well with water.
This clean, traceable plant-based protein is designed to help you build lean muscle and support muscle recovery after exercise. Each serving will give you 20 grams of protein and 4 grams of BCAAs, so it’ll complement your fitness routine well.
To add to this, it’s sugar-free, gluten-free, and made from 100% USA-grown peas. And then there’s the taste! It’s smooth and flavorful with no chalkiness and aftertaste. Plus, every batch is rigorously tested, earning it the Informed Protein Verification.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, form lean muscle, or support muscle recovery, Essential Protein Powder by Ritual has you covered with its complete amino acid profile. This subscription service ensures you’ll never run out of protein powder to mix with your water.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Organic pea protein
- Sweetener: Monk fruit, Reb-M
5. Impact Whey – MyProtein
Impact Whey Protein delivers 21 grams of high-quality whey protein at a great price. If you're looking for the best cheap protein powder, this is it!
Discount codes:
MYPLIFTVAULT = 35% off + free US shipping
Impact Whey has been around for a while now and for a good reason. It gives you all the benefits of a high-quality protein powder without you having to break the bank. This long-standing favorite creates easy-to-mix protein shakes and is designed to keep your body topped up on protein throughout the day.
It’s no wonder we named it one of the best cheap protein powders on the market!
It’s not just us who think it’s great – it’s also been given a grade A rating by independent testers for both quality and value. Made by expert nutritionists, this protein powder is a great option to have in your cupboard with each serving giving you a decent 21 grams of protein from high-quality ingredients.
Impact Whey Protein helps ensure your body remains strong and resilient. Plus, with 17 different flavors available, there’s an option to suit every taste, especially if you’re planning on mixing it with water. For quality protein on a budget, Impact Whey by MyProtein is a fantastic choice to mix with water.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 100
- Protein: 21 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 1.9 g
- Protein source: Whey
- Sweeteners: Sucralose
6. Whey Protein Isolate – Kaged
High quality, delicious whey protein isolate at a reasonable price. 'nuff said.
100% whey protein isolate, 3rd-party tested for purity and absence of banned substances.
If you want top-tier protein quality, MicroPure Whey Protein Isolate by Kaged is another worthy mention. It sets the bar high with its high-quality protein powder, which includes 12 grams of essential amino acids and 6 grams of BCAAs per serving. Among these BCAAs, leucine stands out as it acts as an anabolic trigger, meaning it’s good for stimulating muscle growth.
You’ll find it in extra-tasty flavors like chocolate peanut butter and s’mores, which’ll be like a party in your mouth and could taste good when mixed with water.
One review shows us why it’s also one of the best-tasting protein powders on the market, they had this to say: “This protein mix is so good it tastes like a milkshake. The peanut butter and chocolate flavor is so good. And it mixes really well in water or milk.” See what we’re saying? Try it out!
If this one doesn’t do it for you, then be sure to check out our review of the best whey protein isolate powders.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Sweeteners: Sucralose, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf Extract
7. Vegan Protein Powder – Promix
Squeaky clean vegan protein powder made from organic Canadian yellow peas.
Contains no hormones, GMOs, fillers, glyphosate, gums, glutes, soy, antibiotics, etc.
Promix makes one of the best vegan protein powders that money can buy, which also happens to be one of the best unflavored protein powders on the market. It’s one of our top choices because it’s highly bioavailable and made from organic Canadian yellow peas, which give it a light and smooth-tasting powder that’s easy to digest and blend.
Each serving packs 25 grams of protein and 5.2g of branched-chain amino acids, plus 200% of your Daily Value of Vitamin B12. The great thing about Promix is that they’re committed to clean, whole food-based ingredients and their Vegan Protein Powder is no exception. It’s made without hexane, enzymes, gluten, soy, GMOs, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, stevia, fillers, and bleach.
Unlike a lot of other protein powders, 94% of ingredients are sourced from North America and produced in facilities using Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, so you can trust the quality and safety of this product.
It comes unflavored and in vanilla and chocolate, so it’s also one of the more versatile protein supplements available.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Pea protein powder and brown rice protein powder
- Sweetener: Monk fruit, Coconut sugar
8. Pea Protein Powder – Naked
Top-shelf, ultra-pure pea protein isolate with one ingredient: peas.
No added sugar, no artificial anything.
Just high-quality protein powder.
And last but not least we have our top pick for the best pea protein powder for mixing with water; Pea Protein Powder by Naked Nutrition. It’s a solid choice as it’s made from 100% yellow pea protein with zero additives, plus, it’s free from sweeteners, flavors, colors, GMOs, soy, and gluten.
Each serving will give you 27 grams of protein, and enough BCAAs to provide maximum nutrition. We’d highly recommend it for creating protein shakes, vegan smoothies, and healthy green drinks.
Plus, it’s great for pre and post-workout shakes for maximum recovery. A review sums up the product nicely: “This is the best pea protein I’ve ever tried… I actually just mix 1-3 scoops with water and find that to be a good enough-tasting snack… Five-star product here.”
For a clean, high-quality pea protein powder, add this Naked Nutrition powder to your shopping basket
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Yellow pea protein powder
- Sweetener: Coconut sugar (Vanilla flavor)
Benefits of Mixing Protein Powder With Water
No lactose, which may be easier to digest
If you’re lactose intolerant or struggle to digest lactose, then mixing protein powder with water is pretty much a no-brainer. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk products, and some people’s bodies simply don’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break it down properly. This often leads to digestive discomfort.
By mixing your protein powder with water instead of milk, you can avoid having stomach issues altogether. Plus, many protein powders, especially ones made from whey isolate or plant-based protein powder, are lactose-free, making them much easier to digest when mixed with water.
Remember that if you’re lactose intolerant, you can also try using coconut or almond milk to make your protein powder taste good.
No extra calories, great for people who are cutting
When you’re trying to lose weight or cut to reduce fat, every calorie counts! So, mixing your protein powder with water instead of milk can significantly reduce the amount of calories you’ll be consuming. Yes, we know, milk can add nutritional value, but it also adds calories. Water, on the other hand, has zero calories.
This means you get all the protein and nutrients from the powder itself without any extra calories, making it easier to stay within your daily calorie limit.
More convenient (water is easier to obtain than milk)
When it comes to getting enough protein every day, convenience is a huge factor, especially if you have a busy life. Water is typically readily available in most places, be it at the gym, office, or while traveling. This makes it a more convenient option for mixing with your protein powder than milk, which may not always be at hand.
The taste might take some getting used to if you prefer using milk, but this could be the difference between meeting your daily protein intake. Plus, water doesn’t require refrigeration, so you don’t have to worry about keeping it cool. Just add your protein powder to water, shake it up, and your protein shake is ready to go down the hatch.
Lighter taste may be preferable to some people
If your protein shake doesn’t taste good, it can make meeting your daily protein requirements a real chore. When mixed with water, protein powders tend to have a lighter, more subtle taste compared to when mixed with milk. This can be a good thing if you find the taste of protein powder too strong or overwhelming.
The lighter taste can also be refreshing, especially after a tough workout where you might not want to have something too heavy immediately afterwards. Of course, taste is subjective, so it’s all about finding what you enjoy most.
Recommended Protein Types For Mixing With Water
Whey protein
Let’s start off with one of the most well-known protein types; whey protein. This is one of the most popular types of protein powders and for good reason. It comes from milk and is a complete protein, meaning it packs a punch with all 9 essential amino acids that your body needs to function at its best.
Whey protein powder is also very digestible and usually gets absorbed by the body pretty quickly, which is why so many people use it for post-workout recovery. When you mix whey protein powder with water, it creates a smooth, easy-to-drink shake.
You’ll also be pleased to know that it doesn’t matter whether you go for whey protein isolate, which is just more refined and higher in protein, or whey protein concentrate, which has more natural nutrients. Just remember to check for artificial sweeteners or flavors if you like a more natural product.
Casein protein
Casein protein, like whey protein, also comes from milk, the difference is that it’s digested at a slower rate. This option is ideal if you’re looking for a sustained release of amino acids. A sustained release means better muscle recovery during sleep or long periods between meals.
When mixed with water, casein protein usually becomes a thicker shake compared to whey protein powder, some people like this and some don’t. It’s also a complete protein, so you’ll get all the amino acids you need. Do note that it might not be suitable for the lactose intolerant. The same applies here, always check for artificial sweeteners beforehand.
Pea protein
If you’re a vegan or allergic to dairy, then pea protein is a fantastic option for you to mix with water. It’s a high-quality protein that’s usually made from split yellow peas, which provide a decent amount of essential amino acids. When mixed with water, pea protein may have a slightly earthy or nutty taste, but this usually depends on the flavor. It also may be a bit grainier than whey protein powder.
Apart from that, many people still find it quite palatable and enjoy the unique taste.
Rice protein
Is pea protein powder not ticking all of your boxes? Give rice protein a try. Because it’s made from brown rice, it’s hypoallergenic and easily digestible, so it’s one of the best choices for people with sensitive stomachs or allergies to dairy or soy.
Much like when you mix pea protein with water, rice protein can taste a bit nutty or grainy, again, depending on the flavoring. But, it still packs a punch in terms of protein content, so it shouldn’t be overlooked as an option for both vegans and non-vegans.
FAQs
What are the best protein powder flavors to mix with water?
When it comes to mixing protein powder with water, bolder flavors like chocolate, peanut butter, mocha, and strawberry often shine through more than milder ones like vanilla. But, taste is subjective and any flavor can be enjoyable.
If you prefer a more neutral taste, unflavored whey protein powder is a good choice. Bear in mind that unflavored plant-based protein powders may have a slightly unpleasant aftertaste.
What are the benefits of mixing protein powder with water?
Mixing protein powder with water can benefit you in several ways. First, it’s lactose-free, so it’s a great option for those with lactose intolerance. Second, it doesn’t add extra calories. Third, it can give the protein powder a lighter taste, which some people may prefer. And lastly, water is usually more readily available than milk, making it a more convenient option for mixing.
Is it okay to mix protein powder with water?
Absolutely, it’s perfectly alright to create a protein powder mix with water. This way of preparing it doesn’t cause any nutrient loss. Whether you’re at the gym, at work, or on the move, mixing your protein powder with water is a quick and easy way to get your protein intake. So, feel free to enjoy your protein shake with water without any worries.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best protein powder with water, 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs is the clear winner. Its high-quality ingredients, superb taste, and impressive nutritional profile make it one of the best nutritional investments you’ll ever make.
But, Transparent Labs also did well with their 100% Grass-Fed Casein Protein Powder and their Organic Vegan Protein Powder, so they’re very close runner-ups. They could even be better options, depending on your individual needs. They’re excellent alternatives for those seeking a slow-release protein or a plant-based option.
No matter what your dietary preferences or fitness goals are, these protein powders offer top-notch quality, taste, and performance, in addition to mixing very well with water.
