Figured it’s high time you jumped on the protein train? It can be a daunting process for first-timers. That’s why we’ve tried and tested the Best Protein Powders in Australia: so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re trying to build muscle, shift some weight, or just kick your protein intake up a notch for the whole host of wellness benefits this offers, protein powder is considered by many to be one of the most convenient and cost-efficient ways to make this happen.
In our comprehensive guide, we run through our top choices that are available in Australia right now and — because you know we like to go the extra mile here at DMARGE — we’ve carefully picked protein powders that cater to a wide range of different goals.
Whatever milestones you’re chasing you can sleep easy in the knowledge that you’re equipped with the right supplements to get you there.
WATCH: Need some ideas for how to use your new Australian protein powder?
The market for protein powders is a crowded one, with each product boasting variously impressive levels of protein content from different sources, each supposedly offering distinct advantages.
Whey has long been the king of the protein castle, but plant-based vegan proteins and even collagen-infused varieties that reportedly offer skin and joint benefits galore have burst onto the scene, providing a much-needed challenge to the whey hegemony.
Our team of resident experts and editors has meticulously combed through all the long-established and spritely disruptor brands out there, analysing nutritional content, formulation, effectiveness, and even look-and-feel to determine which are the biggest and best players down under.
In short; whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the Best Protein Powders in Australia and how we picked them.
Short For Time? Here Are The Key Takeaways
| Best Vegan / Plant Protein Powder | Tropeaka — Lean Protein |
| Best Protein Powder For Weight Loss | BSc — HydroxyBurn Lean5 |
| Best Collagen Protein Powder | Tropeaka — Protein + Collagen |
| Best Value Protein Powder | Bulk Nutrients — Whey Protein Concentrate |
| Best Protein Powder For Muscle Growth | R1 — Clean Gainer |
| Best Natural Protein Powder | Inca Organics — Organic Whey |
| Best Pea Protein Powder | Nuzest — Clean Lean Protein |
| Best Cheap Protein Powder | MyProtein — Impact Whey Protein Isolate |
| Best Tasting Protein Powder | Optimum Nutrition — Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder |
| Best Hemp Protein Powder | Hemp Foods Australia — Organic Hemp Gold Protein |
What The Experts Say
We asked Ben “AbStacker” Handsaker, a fitness and muscle-building expert with over a decade of experience in the industry, He’s also the ‘Marathon Murph‘ World record holder. He told us this:
- Protein powders offer different levels of carbs depending on your fitness goal. If you are looking to bulk up, pick a protein powder with a high amount of carbs and calories (25-50g carbohydrates per serve). Typically, whey protein and whey isolates are your best options.
- If you are looking to get lean, go for low-carb and calorie options. Don’t choose branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) as they can promote muscle growth and weight gain.
- Those who have diabetes should look for protein that is low in carbohydrates (5-10g per serve). If you have IBS or lactose intolerance, tread very carefully; stay away from lactose sugars, artificial sweeteners, dextrins and maltodextrins.
- After goals, digestibility is the most important factor. Try them and see how you feel afterwards, monitor how your body reacts. Luckily, most supplement stores offer samples before you purchase.
- Liking the flavour of your protein powder is hugely underrated; if you don’t find your protein powder super delicious it will be a waste of money because you won’t use it.
- Select protein powders with 26 grams or more of protein per scoop.
- Whey and casein protein powders contain all the essential amino acids your body needs. If you are selecting a plant-based protein powder, select one that is a mixture of plant sources to ensure you are consuming the optimal ratio of amino acids.
- Tubs are much better value than ready-to-drink shakes; don’t even bother with the latter.
Pros
- Plant-based goodness
- Quietly love their packaging design
Cons
- Not cheap, but you're getting quality a product
We were sent Tropeaka a couple of years ago and really like it as a premium product.
ABOUT THE BRAND: Tropeaka’s brand vision is a bold but endearing one: they want all their customers to feel their very best from the inside out. A big believer in the much-hyped world of superfoods, their products are supposedly packed with energy, vitality, and everything you need to become your “optimal self”. Beyond its commitment to nutrition, the brand has also worked on a number of humanitarian and environmental missions through its sister company, the Tropeaka Foundation.
WHAT’S INSIDE: Each 25g serving of Tropeaka’s Lean Protein contains 17.4g of protein, delivers a natural sweetness free from refined sugar, and boasts a delightful natural vanilla bean flavour that keeps you fuller for longer. Enhanced with digestive enzymes for efficient protein digestion and infused with a scientifically formulated herb and spice blend, this non-bloating formula supports an active lifestyle. Low in carbohydrates, sugar, and saturated fat, this premium protein blend is available in 500g packs with 20 servings and 1kg packs with 40 servings.
WHY IT’S THE BEST: Finding plant-based and vegan protein powders that pack such a massive protein punch while maintaining the taste of their dairy-based counterparts is no mean feat. This one, however, is right on the money. Anything non-dairy is good for those who get farty with normal protein powders.
Pros
- Does what it says
- BSC products can contain high amount of sugar
Cons
- People often question BSC quality but that's to be decided
ABOUT THE BRAND: BSc (short for ‘Bodyscience’, in case you didn’t know) was founded in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, along the Gold Coast. The brand is proud of its history, as most from Queensland are, but nevertheless has a whole-hearted focus on embracing innovative and sustainable approaches to fitness supplements. Seeking to foster a healthier lifestyle for fitness pros and newbies alike, this is the brand for those who love their science.
WHAT’S INSIDE: BSc’s protein is right up there in terms of protein per serve, clocking in with a hefty 23g alongside, 2.5 grams of carbs, 1.4g of fat, and 5.2g of fibre. What really sets it apart from the cheaper options on this list, however, are the amino acid and digestive enzymes in its formula, giving you fitness and digestive benefits that some brands don’t even consider. Plus, it’s got a delicious milkshake-esque taste, so it goes down real easy.
WHY IT’S THE BEST: It’s low-carb, low-calorie, and incredibly high in protein. On top of all this, it tastes bloody good too, meaning it’s easier to stick to your calorie goals as you’ll still get a hit of sweetness but sleep easy in the knowledge that it’s helping you shred.
Pros
- Plant-based goodness
- Quietly love their packaging design
Cons
- Not cheap, but you're getting quality a product
ABOUT THE BRAND: We’ve already covered this above, so here’s the short version: Tropeaka wants you to feel good from the inside out and goes well beyond the call of duty via its charitable arm, The Tropeaka Foundation.
WHAT’S INSIDE: The world’s “best Beauty Protein”, designed to tone and build lean muscle while supporting glowing skin. This 2-in-1 complete body and beauty formula comes with a smooth, delicious taste, making it an ideal daily essential. Each serving of this incredible protein powder contains 19.6g of organic BIO-PLANT™ protein, which offers 3x more absorption than other pea proteins. The absorption point is important: getting the protein into your mouth and headed towards your belly is one thing but getting it absorbed into your bloodstream so it can go where you need to go is another. It’s nice to see a brand focusing on that.
WHY IT’S THE BEST: All the health benefits of a standard-issue protein but with all the added benefits that collagen brings. On top of this, the brand delivers it at a very decent pricepoint and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Tastes good
- Very affordable in comparison to others
- Speedy shipping
Cons
- Are the ingredients the best? Hard to say
Bulk Nutrients has been Luc’s go-t0 protein powder for 3 years. Their shipping is lightning fast which makes it all the more easier.
ABOUT THE BRAND: Bulk Nutrients was founded in 2004 with a clear vision: to develop the most affordable and pure supplements in Australia. Founded by Ben Crowley, the brand’s mission is to make high-quality supplements widely accessible to anyone with an interest in fitness who, Crowley felt, were being served low-quality products so brands could turn a quick buck. Today, it’s one of the most-loved protein brands in Australia and New Zealand alike.
WHAT’S INSIDE: An ideal supplement for supporting muscle growth and repair, available in a wide range of flavours. Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) is their mainstay and undergoes something called ‘low-temperature ultra-filtration’ which, we can only assume, helps them create some of the purest, additive-free protein on the market. Boasting higher serves of protein and carbs per serve compared to most others on this list it’s an absolute no-brainer if you’re looking to pile on the muscular pounds.
WHY IT’S THE BEST: The amount of protein you get per serving is pretty much unbeatable at this price point. If you’re getting shredded on a budget, this is the one to go for.
Pros
- Market leader
- Loved by bodybuilders everywhere
Cons
- Not cheap but worth it IMHO
Again, this is another one Luc has used and can highly recommend. Probably one of the most recommended protein powders if you ask anyone at the gym.
ABOUT THE BRAND: Rule 1 has a heritage that absolutely dwarfs most other brands in the protein game, with a manufacturing history that stretches over four decades. Their facilities are not only state of the art but absolutely enormous, over 250,000 square feet. This isn’t just a real estate flex; rather, it speaks to their capacity to deploy cutting-edge tech and scientific minds in the pursuit of the perfect protein and suffice to say they’re doing a pretty good job of getting exciting new products onto the market at speed.
WHAT’S INSIDE: A lot of calories. Coming in at 560 calories per serve — that’s over 4x as much as some on this list — it combines full spectrum proteins, high-quality carbs, and even energy-dense lipids (aka ‘fats’, for those that hate frills) in a carefully engineered 3:1 carbs-to-protein ratio, this is a perfect option if you’re bulking hard.
WHY IT’S THE BEST: If you’re tying to bulk up, getting those requisite calories in can be a hard and costly task. This stuff makes it a hell of of a lot easier.
Pros
- Natural goodness
- BCAAs for muscle recovery and growth
- Good for the planet and your body
Cons
- On the more expensive side of things
ABOUT THE BRAND: Melbourne-based INCA Organics has a refreshingly simple offer: pure and fully organic products with supply-chain transparency. This may sound to some like little more than a slick post-2020 marketing grab, but their products really do live up to this hype. Never again will you encounter the heartbreaking feeling of grabbing a protein with an impressive-sounding list of claims and ingredients but, on closer inspection, is just loaded with artificial nonsense.
WHAT’S INSIDE: Nutrient-rich and loaded with those all-important BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids, for the nerds), this protein powder offers a whopping 32g of protein per serve alongside pretty comprehensive support for your fitness goals. It’s also ACO-certified, so if organic stuff is important to you, this is the one.
WHY IT’S THE BEST: No other brand offers such a seamless combination of good-for-the-planet rhetoric with a protein-packed product that really delivers on its fitness claims.
Pros
- Used by the DMARGE Founder
- Tastes amazing
- Nothing but great ingredients
Cons
- Bloody expensive
ABOUT THE BRAND: Trevor Bolland is the man behind this protein brand, and his story to supplement success is a far more personal one than many: Bolland’s daughter was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 22. Rather than take this life-changing diagnosis lying down, Bolland and his family sought multiple medical opinions and, using their advice, decided to create a health brand that could benefit others around the world. That’s where Nuzest’s line of plant-based supplements was born.
WHAT’S INSIDE: In every 25g serve this powder boasts an impressive 20g of protein in only 105kcal. On top of this, it’s gluten-free, low in carbs, and very low in sugar. Few brands will hit all of those metrics and far fewer will do it in a plant-based product. Props to everyone involved.
WHY IT’S THE BEST: As well as the incredibly touching backstory, this is an incredibly “clean” protein powder that offers so many benefits beyond its muscle-building and recovery capabilities. I personally would have kept using this but it did get expensive. Didn’t make me farty which is a bonus.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to get online
- Delivered quickly
Cons
- Higher on the calories compared to other protein powders
ABOUT THE BRAND: Myprotein has been dominant in the protein powder space for almost twenty years now. Founded in 2004 and one of the first brands to pioneer the partnership and influencer marketing game, the brand became a household name for anyone with a gym membership long before many of these brands had even got their patents signed and sealed. Based in Manchester, UK, the brand now offers a massive line of products that go well beyond its cornerstone protein powder product.
WHAT’S INSIDE: With over 23g of protein and well under 150 calls per serve, this isn’t one to be sniffed at. Made from the same cows that produce your favourite milk and cheeses, the powder is processed at an incredibly high level so that only the good stuff makes it to your shakes. With over 20 flavours to choose from, there really will be something for everyone.
WHY IT’S THE BEST: These guys have dominated the industry for nearly twenty long years and they’ve been Fin’s go-to protein powder for five of those. Need we say more?
Pros
- Top notch protein quality
- Bodybuilder approved
Cons
- Not for those who are lactose intollerant
- Can be expensive
ABOUT THE BRAND: Optimum Nutrition has had its finger in the supplement pie for over 35 years, making it one of the most well-established brands on this list. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities, the brand has long been the chosen provider of supplements to elite athletes across the spectrum, including AFL and Chiefs rugby.
WHAT’S INSIDE: WPI is the main ingredient in their ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate (WPC), delivering a massive 24g of protein per serve. Interestingly. ON prides itself on mixability, something often overlooked by other brands much to the annoyance of my dishwasher. With 5.5g of BCAAs and 4g of glutamine & glutamic acid per serve, this protein powder caters to diverse nutritional needs.
WHY IT’S THE BEST: It’s bloody delicious, that’s all there is to it. While the nutritional specs are up there with some of the best, it’s the flavour that really makes this one stand out.
Pros
- Just good stuff for the body and planet
- Affordable
Cons
- Brand isn't known to everyone
ABOUT THE BRAND: Hemp Foods Australia was founded in 1999 and, you might be unsurprised to hear, has sustainability right at the forefront of its mind and mission alongside fitness and wellbeing. If you’re looking to get jacked responsibly, look no further.
WHAT’S INSIDE: Boasting 20g of protein per serve alongside an ACO certification, the powder is dairy-free and highly digestible. With a remarkable 60% total protein content, it also offers a diverse range of amino acids. All in all, it is a nutritional atom bomb and — this my be a hot take — represents the future of fitness supplements, much to the rage of Whey-first stalwarts.
WHY IT’S THE BEST: Some will say it’s a fad, but others will recognise this as the pioneer of a new generation of protein products. In a few years the price will likely plummet and we’ll all be sipping this good stuff.