6 Min
Zuletzt aktualisiert am 28.09.2026
There are now dozens of different protein powders - and therefore different brands, flavors, and types of protein sources. This wide selection can quickly become overwhelming. At the same time, a great variety also means that, with a little research and experimentation, everyone can ultimately find the right product for them. In this article, I'll show you what types of protein powders are available and how they differ. You can also use our test to find out which protein powder is right for you, and as a nutritionist, I'll answer all your questions about "Which protein powder for ...?"
Your Knowledge To Go: Which protein powder is right for you?
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There are a variety of protein powders that differ in their properties, nutritional values, ingredients, and more.
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Our test shows you which protein powder might be right for you.
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Vegan protein powders are becoming increasingly popular - but which one is best? Find out!
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In this article, you'll also learn which protein powder is commonly used for which goal or in which life situation.
What types of protein powder are available?
Let's take a look together at which protein powders are available so that you know what you should be aware of before buying and what options you have:
Protein base:
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Plant-based (e.g. pea protein, soy protein, multi-component proteins) → vegan
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Animal-based (e.g. whey, casein, egg protein) → not vegan
Use:
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Can be heated and is therefore suitable for cooking & baking, as well as for shakes and cold recipes
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Cannot be heated or can only be heated to a limited extent, making it more suitable for shakes & cold recipes
Amino acid profile:
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Complete (contains all essential amino acids)
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Incomplete (does not contain all essential amino acids)
Protein type:
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Isolate (more highly filtered, higher protein content)
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Concentrate (less processed, often more affordable)
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Hydrolyzed (broken down, available very quickly)
Flavor:
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Neutral (unflavored, e.g. for savory dishes)
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Milky (e.g. chocolate, vanilla, iced coffee)
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Fruity (e.g. mango-passion fruit, lemon-lime)
Ingredients:
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with / without sweeteners
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with / without artificial flavors
Allergens:
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with / without lactose
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with / without gluten
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with / without soy
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with / without nuts
Consistency:
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Creamy (like a protein milkshake)
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Clear (like a protein lemonade)
Sustainability:
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Organic
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Made in Germany
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Vegan
Test: Which protein powder is right for me?
Answer 6 short questions and find out which type of protein powder you are - including a suitable Vetain recommendation.
Which protein powder has the most protein?
When comparing all common protein powders, whey isolate and whey hydrolysate have the highest protein content. Isolate has a protein content of 85-95%, while hydrolysate consists of around 80-90% protein.
This is because various types of filtration remove other substances, such as lactose, from the product. What remains is primarily protein.
Especially practical: With whey hydrolysate, the proteins have already been broken down into peptides and amino acids, the small building blocks of proteins, so they are quickly ready for further processing.
Important note: Protein content is not THE feature that determines how good a protein powder is and should not be the sole deciding factor for or against a powder. For example, tolerability, ingredients, and personal taste are even more important than the amount of protein.
As a protein powder manufacturer, Vetain also initially faced the choice between the highest possible protein content and a fair, light protein powder based on plants. We found a good compromise: Our powders are vegan, free from sucralose, harmoniously formulated, and still contain a good amount of protein. Depending on the variety, our plant-based powders contain 60 - 75 g of protein per 100 g, while whey can reach around 80-90 g. But that's worth it to us, and when we want more protein, we simply drink a second shake or add a protein bar as a snack.
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Which protein powder is suitable for lactose intolerance?
Lactose is also called milk sugar and is found in milk. Therefore, milk-based protein powders such as whey often contain lactose. But here too, you need to take a close look because some forms of whey contain almost no lactose anymore because they have been heavily filtered. These include whey isolate and whey hydrolysate. These two forms contain so little residual lactose that they may actually be acceptable for many people with lactose intolerance. Unfortunately, you'll have to try it yourself to see how you respond individually.
In general, people with lactose intolerance should avoid protein powders containing lactose. A popular alternative is vegan protein powder. These contain 0% lactose, making them a popular option for people with lactose intolerance. And you don't have to worry about residual lactose, tablets & co.
Alternatively, lactase tablets can make a lactose-containing shake more enjoyable for some people.
Small reminder: If you make a shake, please remember that regular cow's milk also contains lactose. So opt for lactose-free milk, lactase tablets, or plant-based milk alternatives such as oat milk. Otherwise, even the most lactose-free protein powder won't help you! ;)
Which vegan protein powder is the best?
While vegan protein powders were not really great a few years ago and were more of a means to an end, there are now genuinely good products on the market that actually taste good. Vetain has made it its goal to develop the best vegan protein powder.
If you...
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you look for a clean ingredient list without unnecessary additives
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you like baking or cooking with protein powders
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you consider quality and origin more important than short-lived hype
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you follow a vegan diet or value plant-based protein sources
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you are sensitive to lactose or consciously avoid it
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you do not want any artificial sweeteners or overpowering flavors
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you want to integrate your protein regularly into your daily routine - not just around your workouts
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you prefer a product that is honestly formulated and does not promise more than it delivers
... we can recommend Vetain protein powders to you.
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Protein powder for different situations in life & different goals
Which protein powder for weight loss?
If you want to lose weight and therefore prefer to be very mindful about what you eat and drink, you can choose a protein powder with a high protein content but relatively little sugar or fat. Light or clear protein powders are particularly easy to incorporate into your daily routine and can also be enjoyed as a kind of protein soft drink. A calorie-conscious option is worth considering here.
Please bear in mind, however, that protein powder alone does not determine whether you gain weight, maintain your weight, or lose weight!
Which protein powder during menopause?
During menopause, many women want to eat more consciously or switch to plant-based alternatives. For many, a protein's digestibility also becomes more important at this stage. Why not try a plant-based protein powder with a good amino acid profile?
Which protein powder for building muscle?
At the gym, powders with a good amino acid profile, a high protein content, and a high proportion of leucine are particularly popular.
Which protein powder for women?
In theory, protein powders have no gender and are not categorized as "suitable for men" or "suitable for women." However, women often appreciate a cleaner composition, milder sweetness, "healthy" products, and versatile protein powders that can be enjoyed not only as a shake but also baked into muffins & co. Vetain's protein powder, for example, is suitable for this.
Which protein powder is best for baking?
If you want to use your protein powder to bake high-protein muffins & co., you should definitely choose a heat-stable protein powder. In the article "Can you heat protein powder?" we show you how to find a suitable powder.
Which protein powder tastes best?
This is, of course, highly individual and depends on your preferences. If you like natural, authentic flavors and mild sweetness, our Vetain Vegan Protein may be the best protein powder for you - why not give it a try?
Also interesting:
How much protein powder can you take per day?
What does protein powder really do?
Conclusion
Which protein powder is right for you depends on your preferences, needs, and no-gos . While some are happy with a chocolate whey protein, others will not even touch whey protein powder. And while many appreciate organic vegan protein powders, others do not want any vegan product in their kitchen.
So just give it a try and see what feels right for you. The most important thing is this: Trying a new protein powder is not a tattoo on your forehead that you have to keep for the rest of your life. You can and should simply try something new - that's exactly why many brands offer small sample packs. Most manufacturers, such as Vetain, are also happy to provide preparation tips and tell you how the powder tastes best. After all, the manufacturers know their product inside out and have often already tried every possible combination.
Have fun trying them out, and perhaps you would like to let us know which protein powder is best for you.
Do you have any questions? Then feel free to send me an email - I look forward to hearing from you! :)
The information shared in this article does not replace individual medical or nutritional advice.
