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Fueling Growing Athletes: The 5 Best Protein Powders for Teens

 Written by 

Ilinka Trenova

 Last updated on 


When teens enter their developmental years, it is crucial for them to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. They require a well-rounded intake of various nutrients to support their growth, both physically and mentally. While they can certainly obtain protein from whole food sources like chicken, eggs, and beans, sometimes it’s not enough to meet their daily requirements.

This can be a direct result of a number of factors, such as a busy schedule, dietary restrictions, or simply not liking the taste of certain foods. Some of them become teenage athletes and need additional protein support to fuel their workouts and aid in muscle recovery. And who’s to say they can’t take advantage of some of the best protein powders for teens?

A scoop of protein powder, a dumbbell and a shaker
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Why You Should Trust BoxLife?

As part of our ongoing fitness and nutrition research, the BoxLife team has taken up the responsibility to try out and grade various protein powders suitable for teens. While our team isn’t composed of teenagers per se, we have a wealth of experience in the health and wellness industry, along with detailed knowledge of what constitutes a high-quality product for young adults at different stages of their development. We’ve had our run-ins with teens before, so we know exactly what they need and how to cater to their needs.

Who Is This Guide For?

If you’re a parent to a teenager who needs some dietary supplements to facilitate proper growth and development, or you’re a teen yourself and you want a reliable product to help you with muscle gain and recovery, this guide is for you. We’ve searched far and wide for the best protein powder for teens, with safe ingredients and appealing flavors to entice even the pickiest eaters.

How We Picked the Best Products

Our team has gone through an extensive selection process to determine the contenders for the title of best protein powder for teens. Our own experiences and encounters with young adults have played a significant role in our criteria, along with thorough research and analysis of various products on the market. We’ve taken a look at discussion threads across Reddit and Quora, where both parents and teen athletes have shared their experiences and recommendations.

Additionally, we looked into consumer reviews across Amazon, Titan and Rogue Fitness with the goal of getting an all-around understanding of the products’ performance, effectiveness, and popularity. We evaluated the nutritional profiles, ingredient lists, and flavors of each product to make a comprehensive assessment.

How We Graded Each Product

We graded each protein powder based on a set of pre-determined criteria, giving each option the chance to shine and stand out from the rest. As such, they had equal opportunities to showcase their strengths and weaknesses.

  • Clean Ingredients – This is an uncompromising aspect of the actual content of the powder. It should be free of harmful substances and allergens, contain high-quality protein sources, and include limited or no artificial sweeteners. Given the nature of the product, we also looked into potential side effects and adverse reactions.
  • Nutritional Profile – As a supplement, it should provide the necessary daily value of protein for optimal growth and development, as well as facilitate muscle building and recovery. Since teenagers have such diverse dietary needs, we also took into account the macronutrient breakdown (fat, carbs) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), both of which influence the product’s nutritional value and impact on health.
  • Mixability and Digestibility – When you’re dealing with a protein shake, you want it to be easily and quickly digested without causing any discomfort. This includes assessing how well it mixes in various liquids, its texture, and the potential for bloating or digestive issues. If there’s a noticeable grittiness, or it doesn’t mix well in liquids, it significantly affects the overall appeal and convenience of the product.
  • Taste Test – Let’s be real – if it has a chalky aftertaste no one is going to drink it. This is particularly true for picky teenagers who are used to flavorful snacks and sugary treats. It’s often quite difficult to get them started on a healthy diet, so if the protein powder is something they look forward to, it’s already a win.
  • Price Point – We took into consideration the affordability of each product, assessing whether it offers good value for money. We understand that not all families have the same budget, so we’ve included options at different price points to cater to everyone’s needs.

The Products

Once we had a preliminary understanding of the market and narrowed down our search to a few options, we had what we needed to make a comprehensive evaluation. The following items have made the cut and are considered some of the best protein powders for teens on the market.

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate – Best Overall

Best Overall
Kaged Whey Protein Powder
5.0

Brings together an excellent nutritional profile, a high-quality protein source, and great taste all in one package.

Pros:
  • Effective and fast-absorbing formula
  • Whey Isolate with minimal additives
Cons:
  • Can get a bit clumpy when mixed with water
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Kaged Muscle is known as one of the top-quality brands in the supplement industry, and its whey protein isolate is no exception. It’s a clean product with an effective ingredients list that delivers an impressive 25 grams of protein per serving. It’s a relatively stable and flavorful formula with minimal additives, which makes it a suitable and safe choice for teens.

Kaged Whey Protein Isolat
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Source: Kaged

Pros

  • Effective and fast-absorbing formula
  • Whey Isolate with minimal additives
  • Has a pleasant and tasty flavor
  • Gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO ingredients

Cons

  • Can get a bit clumpy when mixed with water
  • Some flavors are out of stock quite often

Key Specs

Grams of Protein25 g
Carbohydrates3 g
Fat0.5 g
Servings30
Calories110 

Why It’s Great

The key thing for protein supplements to work well with teens is the flavor. Many of them will refuse a protein shake if it tastes bad or is too chalky. However, the Kaged Whey Protein Isolate shakes up to the challenge with its delicious and highly palatable flavors that are sure to be a hit among teenagers. It brings together an excellent nutritional profile, a high-quality protein source, and great taste all in one package.

Whey Isolate is traditionally known to be one of the most effective forms of protein, thanks to its high bioavailability, meaning that it is easily absorbed and readily available for use by the body. When it enters the system, it helps to support muscle growth and recovery, as well as aid in healthy fat loss and weight management.

This product has been third-party tested for its quality, purity, and consistency to ensure that it is safe for consumption. It’s also free of any controversial ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, and colors and has no banned substances. It offers a safe and clean option for teenagers looking to gain lean muscle mass and improve athletic performance.

Who It’s Best For

The Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is a universally appealing product that can work for a wide range of teens, regardless of their previous experience with protein shakes. Its taste and quality make it a great option for those looking to optimize their athletic performance, build muscle mass, or simply support overall health and fitness. Plus, its nutritional profile brings a number of health benefits, which can be helpful for teenagers in their early stages of growth and development.

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Great Alternative

Great Alternative
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolat
4.5

Ideal for teenagers who want a clean, minimally processed protein option that is also environmentally friendly.

Pros:
  • Completely grass-fed source of protein
  • No additional grams of fat to improve mixability
Cons:
  • May take some getting used to
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The term grass-fed refers to the animals that are fed with a natural diet, allowing for more nutrient-dense and healthier meat products. When they’re on a healthier diet, they produce more nutritious milk and whey which is then used in dietary protein supplements. These particular products are marketed as high-quality, premium options that are also better for our overall health and well-being. And Transparent Labs has managed to create a fantastic product with its 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate.

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
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Source: Transparent Labs

Pros

  • Completely grass-fed source of protein
  • No additional grams of fat to improve mixability
  • Contains the most essential amino acids
  • Comes in a number of delightful flavors

Cons

  • May take some getting used to
  • The chocolate variety may not be appealing to some

Key Specs

Grams of Protein28 g
Carbohydrates2 g
Fat0 g
Servings30
Calories120 

Why It’s Great

The macronutrient profile, processing method, and general ingredient quality are all important factors to consider when evaluating a protein supplement for teenagers. All of these play a vital role in the product’s overall effectiveness and its impact on health. And Transparent Labs has managed to hit all of these points with its 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate.

As a clean option, it delivers 28 grams of protein per serving, which is more than enough for a teenager’s daily protein intake. It also contains all of the nine essential amino acids, which can help support muscle growth, repair, and recovery. What’s more, the processing method of this product means that it has a smoother texture with less grittiness, making for an enjoyable drinking experience. With its minimal fat content, it brings a lightweight and refreshing flavor that makes it easy to drink and mix.

Plus, it comes in a variety of flavors that entice even the pickiest of teens. Some of the most popular flavors include strawberry, mocha, and cinnamon French toast. However, note that the chocolate variety may not be appealing to some as it has a more intense taste compared to other brands. But for those looking for an option with better quality ingredients and minimal processing, you can definitely get the best bang for your buck with this product.

Who It’s Best For

This Transparent Labs option is ideal for teenagers who want a clean, minimally processed protein option that is also environmentally friendly. It’s a great alternative for anyone who wants to avoid artificial ingredients that can sometimes come with other brands. It delivers excellent results for supporting muscle growth, athletic performance, or simply maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein – Best for Lean Muscle Mass

Best for Lean Muscle Mass
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
4.5

If you want to facilitate healthy muscle building and recovery after intense workouts or simply want to maintain a lean and toned physique, then this product is definitely for you.

Pros:
  • Facilitates healthy muscle building in teenagers
  • Great for supporting recovery after intense workouts
Cons:
  • Contains traces of soy
  • Has artificial sweeteners to improve taste
Voir sur Amazon

While most teens tend to have an active lifestyle, some are more focused on weight training and building lean muscle mass. With consistent training and on-point nutrition, the muscle tissue has the ability to repair and grow, resulting in an increase in lean muscle mass. And for those teenagers who want to see significant progress in this area, Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein can be an absolute steal.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
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Source: Optimum Nutrition

Pros

  • Facilitates healthy muscle building in teenagers
  • Great for supporting recovery after intense workouts
  • Helps with weight management and fat loss
  • Mixes quite well with both milk and water

Cons

  • Contains traces of soy
  • Has artificial sweeteners to improve taste

Key Specs

Grams of Protein24 g
Carbohydrates4 g
Fat1.5 g
Servings73
Calories120

Why It’s Great

If there was ever a long-standing, tried and tested product that has been delivering consistent results for years, then it’s Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein. This powder comes packed with 24 grams of protein per serving along with a blend of whey isolate and concentrate, both of which are highly bioavailable. This particular mixture facilitates effective muscle building and healthy weight maintenance in teenagers.

Since it also contains the full amino acid profile, it helps with recovery after intense workouts. This is especially important for growing teens who need to repair and rebuild their muscles after physical activity. Plus, with a decent amount of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) per serving, this product can further support muscle protein synthesis and prevent muscle breakdown. When there’s less muscle breakdown, it can lead to teens feeling less fatigued and more energized for their next workout.

As far as mixability goes, this option does an excellent job regardless of whether you mix it with milk or water. It won’t clump and is not overly foamy, which can be a problem with some other protein supplements. However, note that if you have a sensitivity to soy, then this product may not work for you as it contains traces of soy lecithin.

Furthermore, the use of artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium, may not appeal to everyone’s taste buds. But for those looking for an effective option to support lean muscle mass growth, this product is definitely worth considering.

Who It’s Best For

If you want to facilitate healthy muscle building and recovery after intense workouts or simply want to maintain a lean and toned physique, then this product is definitely for you. It’s also suitable for those who have trouble getting enough protein through their regular diet and need an easy and convenient supplement option. However, if you’re sensitive to soy or don’t like the taste of artificial sweeteners, then you may want to explore other options with cleaner ingredients.

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder – Best Protein-Rich Meal Replacement

Best for Vegans
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
4.5

Incredibly potent supplement for those who want to stay healthy on a more restrictive diet

Pros:
  • Organic and plant-based proteins
  • Suitable for anyone with allergies or lactose intolerance
Cons:
  • Hasn't been third-party tested
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Perhaps the biggest selling point for this product is that it’s made up of entirely organic ingredients which appeal to a wider consumer base. It’s not whey-based, so it’s ideal for those who prefer plant-based protein or are lactose intolerant. But just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean that its amino acid profile is inferior. In fact, Orgain actually contains a complete amino acid profile with a proprietary blend of brown rice, chia seed, and pea protein that have all been carefully sourced to deliver favorable results.

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder