This post is in partnership with Perelel. I only endorse products I believe in and personally use.

As a mom of two and a two-time entrepreneur, I need snacks and meals that actually keep me energized and full. Between chasing my kids around and squeezing in pilates or dance classes, I need all the fuel I can get to hit my fitness goals and power through my never-ending to-do list.

Getting enough protein from food alone isn’t always easy – especially in the chaos of the morning rush, so I started incorporating protein powder as a simple and effective way to boost my intake. But after diving into research, I quickly realized that not all protein powders are created equal, and some are definitely better than others. That’s why I took a deep dive into the top three protein powders for women—Perelel, Ritual, and Needed—to see how they stack up. Here’s what I found.

What should you look for in a protein powder?

• Formulated with high-quality ingredients to maximize effectiveness. 
• Third-party tested and strict manufacturing standards to ensure quality, purity, and safety. 
• It actually tastes good, so it's easy to add to your routine and turn into a sustainable habit.

Criteria #1: Formula

The best protein powders prioritize high-quality protein and functional ingredients that support lean muscle and sustained energy.

Perelel: 

• 20 grams of plant-based pea protein per serving to support muscle health.
• Contains a complete amino acid profile with all nine essential amino acids to support lean muscle and muscle recovery.
• 5 grams of low-FODMAP prebiotic fiber to promote gut health and keep you full and satisfied without the bloating, cramping, or gas. TBH I didn’t realize that the type of fiber made a difference. I definitely experienced some upset stomach with other protein powders because of this.
• 3 grams of creatine per serving to support cognitive health and cellular energy.
• Zero added sugars and lightly sweetened with monk fruit. 

Ritual: 

• 20 grams of plant-based organic pea protein to build lean muscle.
• Contains a complete amino acid profile with all nine essential amino acids and the inclusion of the essential amino acid L-Methionine.
• 250 milligrams of choline to support infant neurodevelopment during pregnancy and increased nutrient needs during pregnancy and lactation.
• Zero added sugars and sweetened with stevia and monk fruit. 

Needed:

• 14 grams of grass-fed and sustainably sourced hydrolyzed bovine collagen to support blood sugar regulation, pelvic floor health, and healthy hair. 
• Zero added sugars and unsweetened.

Formula Winner: Perelel

Criteria #2: Ingredient Quality

Ingredient safety is important to me because I want to be sure that what I’m buying and consuming is exactly what’s in the bottle.

Perelel:

• Formulated by doctors and nutritionists.
• Third-party tested? Yes.
• All Perelel products undergo batch testing for product integrity, quality, and to check for heavy metals, microbes, allergens, and contaminants.
• Clean Label Project Certified, which independently tests for environmental contaminants, heavy metals, pesticide residues, plasticizers, and antibiotic residues. 
• Free of gluten, dairy, soy GMOs, colorants, and synthetic fillers.   
• Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers
• Pea protein is 100% traceable, sourced from trusted USA farms with regenerative practices, glyphosate-free, and tested for heavy metals.

Ritual:

• Third-party tested? Yes.
• Clean Label Project Certified, which independently tests for environmental contaminants, heavy metals, pesticide residues, plasticizers, and antibiotic residues. 
• Made without gluten, soy, GMOs,  synthetic colorants, and artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.
• All the ingredients are traceable with a visible supply chain. 
• Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding 

Needed:

• Every nutrient and form is vetted by a perinatal expert. 
• Third-party tested? Yes.
• Clean Label Project Certified, which independently tests for environmental contaminants, heavy metals, pesticide residues, plasticizers, and antibiotic residues. 
• Free of GMOs, nine major allergens, gluten, and fillers.
• Safe for pregnant and postpartum women.

Ingredient Quality Winner: Perelel

Criteria #3: Taste

Perelel: 

This protein powder has a creamy vanilla flavor that seamlessly blends into smoothies, shakes, or when mixed with water or milk (use a frother for better mixability!).

Ritual: 

This protein powder has a sweet vanilla and light caramel and spice flavor and can be mixed into cold beverages, shakes, or smoothies. 

Needed:

This protein powder is unflavored, with a neutral flavor profile. It can be mixed into food or beverages. 

Taste Winner: Tied

Criteria #4: Cost & Value

Perelel:

One-time purchase: $54.70/canister, or $3.65 per serving. 

Subscribe and save: $46.50/canister, or $3.10 per serving.

Ritual:

One-time purchase: $49.00/bag, or $3.27 per serving.

Subscribe and save: $35.20/bag, or $2.35 per serving.

Needed:

One-time purchase: $49.99/canister, or $1.67 per serving. 

Subscribe and save: $44.99/canister, or $1.50 per serving.

Cost & Value Winner: Needed

My pick for best protein powder is Perelel!

Not only does it have the best ingredients, quality, and safety, Perelel’s Triple-Support Protein powder also tastes amazing and blends easily into my breakfast or snack smoothies. I always recommend it to all of my work and mom friends!

✅ 20 grams of plant-based pea protein 

✅ Complete amino acid profile

✅ 5 grams of low-FODMAP prebiotic fiber

✅ 3 grams of creatine 

✅ ZERO grams of added sugar

✅ Clean Label Project Certified

✅ Third-party tested and strict manufacturing standards for safety and quality

✅ Delicious and versatile flavor

Get 20% off your subscription purchase of Perelel Protein Powder: NMM20

Other Perelel Products In My Routine

• Synbiotic Greens Powder: A greens powder that packs in a variety of leafy greens, prebiotic inulin, antioxidants, and probiotic spores from Bacillus subtilis to support gut health and the immune system. It's also enriched with essential vitamins and minerals and made with clean, safe, bioavailable ingredients. 
• Mom Multi Support Pack: Includes a postnatal multivitamin, stress-support blend, beauty blend, and omega-3 fatty acids to support mental health and heart and cognitive health. It's formulated by OB/GYNs to support all mothers, whether you’re in the postpartum stage, breastfeeding, or throughout your motherhood journey.

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