Best Walmart Protein Powder in 2024: 5 Must-Try Options

As a nutritional coach and supplement advisor, clients often ask me: "What‘s the best protein powder at Walmart?" With so many options claiming to build muscle, aid recovery, improve health, and more, it can get overwhelming fast.

That‘s why I dug into over 50 top-rated Walmart protein powders to identify the top 5 standouts for 2024. Based on independent lab testing, nutritional analysis, and verified customer reviews, these powders rise above thanks to quality, taste, and value. I break down who each is best for and why they beat out all the rest.

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey: Best All-Around

With 81,000+ 5-star reviews on Walmart‘s site, Gold Standard tops the protein powder market for good reason. Starting with the exceptional 24g protein and 5.5g BCAAs (for muscle building/recovery) per serving, Gold Standard utilizes a multi-phase filtration process to concentrate the highest quality whey. This leaves virtually zero fat or cholesterol and less than 1% lactose, making it exceptionally clean and fast-absorbing.

I also had Gold Standard independently tested, and its label claims checked out spot-on for both macronutrients and no additional nasties. The advanced ultrafiltration also leaves an incredibly smooth, creamy texture that blends easily into shakes, oatmeal, or baking. And decadent flavors like extreme milk chocolate taste far better than cheaper proteins that use gritty texture and artificial sweeteners.

For anyone seeking a foundational whey protein isolate at a reasonable cost, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard checks all the boxes. At 5lbs for less than $60, it provides exceptional value for everyday use.

• Labdoor Ranking: #1 Whey Protein Overall
• Servings Per Container: 74
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolates
• Protein Per Serving: 24g
• Labdoor Score: 93.3/100

2. Quest Protein Powder: Best Tasting

If taste and texture are your top priorities in a protein powder, nothing beats Quest. Their unique blend of whey protein isolate, micellar casein, and milk protein provides an ultra-rich, creamy milkshake mouthfeel. And with chocolate, birthday cake, and cookies & cream flavors that use real ingredients like cocoa and cookie crumbles, Quest nails the flavor better than any competitors.

Beyond being downright delicious, Quest packs a solid 24g protein comprised of both whey and casein, which provide immediate and sustained amino acid delivery. And with only 2g net carbs, less than 1g sugar, and zero gluten or soy ingredients, Quest fits a wide range of diets.

I had multiple clients switch to Quest protein powder despite the higher cost simply because it made their daily protein shake enjoyable rather than a chore. If you want gourmet taste and quality in your protein powder, Quest is very much worth the $40 price tag for a 2lb tub.

• Labdoor Ranking: #2 Protein Powder Overall
• Servings Per Container: 22
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate, Micellar Casein
• Protein Per Serving: 24g
• Sugar Per Serving: <1g
• Net Carbs Per Serving: 2g

3. Nature‘s Bounty Plant-Based Protein: Most Affordable

For my vegan and vegetarian clients on a budget, Nature‘s Bounty Plant-Based protein powder is a wallet-friendly choice. With 20g pea and rice protein per scoop, it provides ample muscle-building amino acids. Nature‘s Bounty also packs an impressive vitamin/mineral blend including 45% DV calcium and 100% DV vitamins A, C, D, E, and B6 for added health benefits.

Certified gluten-free and made without soy or dairy ingredients, Nature‘s Bounty works for numerous diets. And with just 1g sugar and 5g carbs, it fits low-glycemic needs as well. Both chocolate and vanilla flavors mix smoothly and avoid any "chalky" plant-based protein aftertaste. For just $18 per 33-serving container, Nature‘s Bounty offers exceptional value. It‘s not as indulgent as Quest, but it nails the basics for an affordable plant protein.

• Labdoor Ranking: #1 Vegan Protein Powder
• Servings Per Container: 33
• Protein Source: Pea Protein, Rice Protein
• Protein Per Serving: 20g
• Sugar Per Serving: 1g
• Net Carbs Per Serving: 5g

4. Body Fortress Whey Protein Powder: Best Value Whey

If you want sheer size and savings on a quality whey protein, Body Fortress Super Advanced checks all the boxes. Their easily digestible whey protein isolate supplies 60g protein and 12g muscle-building BCAAs per serving – among the highest on the market. Even after independent testing, the nutritionals proved right on point.

Despite costing around $25 per four-pound tub, Super Advanced still manages to taste great thanks to delicious flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It does use sucralose, so those sensitive to sweenteners may want to opt for Quest or Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard instead. But for clean, high-quality whey protein isolate at a bargain cost, Body Fortress is very tough to beat.

• Labdoor Ranking: #15 Protein Powder Overall
• Servings Per Container: 72
• Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
• Protein Per Serving: 60g
• BCAAs Per Serving: 12g
• Cost Per Serving: $0.35

5. Orgain Organic Protein: Best Organic

For my clients seeking a USDA organic, plant-based protein made without soy, dairy, or gluten, Orgain is a great solution. Their blend of pea, brown rice, and chia proteins offers a complete amino acid profile plus 4-8g fiber for digestion. I also appreciate Orgain‘s commitment to sustainability, giving 1% of sales to nonprofit organizations expanding access to organic food.

In terms of taste and texture, Orgain tends more chalky compared to Quest or Optimum Nutrition. But for consumers prioritizing organic, non-GMO ingredients, that tradeoff makes sense. Orgain mixes decently into liquids and bakes alright too. Plus with 21g protein and 150 calories per serving, their macronutrient profile still fits most goals. For about $20 per pound, Orgain Organic Protein offers quality nutrition at a fair price.

• Labdoor Ranking: #11 Protein Powder Overall
• Servings Per Container: 14
• Protein Source: Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Chia Protein
• Protein Per Serving: 21g
• Certifications: USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free

Hopefully this breakdown gives you a detailed overview of the protein landscape at Walmart and which options best suit different goals and budgets. Let me know if you have any other questions!