Which protein powder won the 2026 test?

MyoProtein is named best in test. PF 100% Whey Protein is rated both best taste and best value for money.

How much protein should I eat per day?

A person who does not exercise actively should aim for around 1.1 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Protein intake should rise with activity level, and people who do a lot of strength training can benefit from 1.6–2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.

What is the difference between whey concentrate and whey isolate?

Concentrate is the result of the first filtration and purification process, contains 70–80% protein and has the best taste because it still contains some lactose and fat. Further filtration removes more carbohydrates and fat and yields isolate, with around 85–90% protein, a lower fat and carbohydrate content and a higher price.

Why is casein used as an evening protein?

Casein is broken down more slowly than whey and therefore provides a longer supply of amino acids. It supplies the body with protein while you sleep and thus inhibits muscle breakdown during this fasting period.

What is the difference between micellar casein and the caseinates?

Micellar casein coagulates into a gel-like consistency on contact with stomach acid, moves slowly through the digestive tract and releases amino acids slowly. Calcium and sodium caseinate work in much the same way but do not coagulate, and therefore do not give the same slow release of amino acids.

Is protein powder only for people who lift weights?

No. The article states that protein powder is now a natural supplement for anyone who needs to increase their protein intake, including people trying to lose weight, people rebuilding muscle mass after illness or injury, and older adults who struggle to get enough protein from their diet.

Protein Powder – Best in Test 2026 – Top 10 Protein Powders! | Hardworkout Magazine

Key takeaways

- MyoProtein takes the overall win in the 2026 test, while PF 100% Whey Protein scores highest on both taste and value for money.

- People who do a lot of strength training may benefit from 1.6–2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, against roughly 1.1 grams for someone who is not physically active.

- Whey protein concentrate contains 70–80% protein and retains some lactose and fat, while further filtration produces whey protein isolate at around 85–90% protein.

- Micellar casein coagulates on contact with stomach acid and releases amino acids slowly, which makes it more satiating than rapidly absorbed whey protein.

- The test scores each powder on protein composition (40 points), carbohydrates, sugar, fat, taste, solubility, tolerance and price, giving a maximum of 100 points.

We give you the best overview of the market's best and most popular protein powders in 2026!

Protein powder is a convenient way to ensure you get enough protein throughout the day, and it is also of high nutritional quality. If you want to build muscle, it is especially important to consume enough protein.

At the bottom of the article, you will find more information about why protein powder can be a good supplement, who protein powder is suitable for, what to look for, and different types of protein powder.

Protein Powder – Best in Test 2026 – Top 10 Protein Powders!

Hardworkout.no is committed to ensuring that the tests are independent and credible. We have focused on criteria such as ingredients, stated effects, documented effects, as well as studies and other documentation, to compile our top lists.

The products have been tested by evaluating nutritional content (protein composition, carbohydrates, sugar content, and fat), taste, texture, tolerance, and price. We have tested the most common flavors such as chocolate, cookies, and vanilla.

You can read more about the criteria for the test further down in the article.

PS: Prices and selection may vary from day to day. The prices we provide are recommended prices. Online stores often have good offers, and the products may be on sale at a lower price than what is stated here.

We always strive to keep the list updated with products that are in stock. If there are multiple alternative prices, we link to several stores.

By shopping through the links in the test, you contribute to our ability to continue publishing quality-conscious tests and articles, and we greatly appreciate it if you do so. Prices are updated regularly and reflect the best prices on the market.

- BEST IN TEST: [MyoProtein](https://hardworkout.no/myo-protein-toppliste)

- BEST TASTE: [PF 100% Whey Protein](https://hardworkout.no/wheyprotein-proteinfabrikken)

- BEST VALUE FOR MONEY: [PF 100% Whey Protein](https://hardworkout.no/wheyprotein-proteinfabrikken)

Criteria for the Test

This list consists of various types of protein powders that we can recommend based on different criteria we consider most important when choosing the right protein powder:

Protein Composition (40)

We have assessed both the total amount of protein and which protein sources the product contains.

Products with a high proportion of whey protein isolate, whey protein hydrolysate, micellar casein, or milk protein isolate score higher than products primarily based on whey protein concentrate or caseinate.

Types of proteins that have been evaluated:

Whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, whey protein hydrolysate, micellar casein, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, and milk protein isolate.

Carbohydrate Content (10)

Protein powders with lower carbohydrate content score higher.

Sugar Content (5)

Protein powders with lower sugar content score higher.

Fat Content (5)

Protein powders with lower fat content score higher.

Taste (10)

We have tested the most popular flavors where this has been available, including chocolate, vanilla, and cookies.

Taste preferences are individual, but we have emphasized that the protein powder should have a natural and good taste, without artificial or synthetic notes. Products with a pronounced aftertaste or excessive sweetness score lower.

The powder has been tested both in water and milk to see if it makes any difference in taste.

Consistency and Solubility (10)

Here we tested how easily the powder mixed into liquid, whether it easily formed clumps, and how much/ little liquid we needed to achieve a good and creamy consistency in the shake.

We mixed it in both water and milk to see if it made any difference in consistency.

Digestion and Tolerance (10)

We have assessed whether the product causes discomfort such as bloating or stomach issues with regular use. Individual tolerance will vary, and some may be more sensitive to lactose than others.

Price (10)

Price per kilo has been assessed in relation to protein source and protein content.

A product with a higher proportion of whey isolate or micellar casein will normally have a higher price than a product based on concentrate, and price is therefore assessed against content and quality.

Serving size varies among the different products.

Why Protein Powder?

Proteins are made up of amino acids. In the body, we have 20 different amino acids, of which 8 (9 for infants) are essential, meaning that the body cannot produce them on its own and we must obtain them through our diet.

Amino acids have many important functions in the body and are crucial for the building of cells and tissues throughout the body, in the production of hormones and enzymes, and the normal function of the immune system.

Additionally, they can be used as an extra energy store since proteins will be stored as fat in the body if one consumes more than the body can absorb and is also in a calorie surplus.

Proteins are important for muscle growth and are also essential if you want to lose weight, as proteins keep you full longer and lead to fewer calories consumed.

Although supplements should not replace regular food, protein powder is a good and inexpensive source of protein that can ensure adequate protein intake throughout the day.

Protein Synthesis (Muscle Growth) Muscles are made up of proteins. The process by which proteins are formed is called protein synthesis.

When it comes to protein metabolism (the burning of proteins), we want the actual protein synthesis to be high and the breakdown to be low. This will give the body a positive muscle protein balance and provide a foundation for muscle growth.

Without sufficient protein, muscle growth will be impossible.

How much protein do you need per kilo of body weight?

For a person who does not exercise actively, protein intake should be around 1.1 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. As activity levels increase, protein intake should also increase. Individuals who engage in a lot of strength training can benefit from consuming 1.6-2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

For many, it can be challenging to consume this amount of protein through diet alone. In such cases, protein powder can be a nice supplement to increase protein intake.

Can you use protein powder in food, not just shakes?

Protein powder is usually mixed with water or milk to make a protein shake. It can also be easily used as an addition to dishes such as pancakes, waffles, porridge, breakfast cereals, bread, etc.

Who is protein powder suitable for?