Nutricost Protein Powder Review (2026): Dietitian Insights
Our Nutricost Whey Protein Powder Review covers taste, ingredients, price, and quality. Learn about the product from our older adult testers and registered dietitians.
- We like Nutricost’s Whey Protein Concentrate for its quality ingredients and wide range of flavors. It’s a strong value when you buy in bulk.
- The cost varies by size, from $2.94 per serving for a 1.5-pound container to $2.01 per serving for a 5-pound container. You can also save 20% when you sign up for a subscription.
- Nutricost makes both whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate protein powders.
- Whey concentrate can be a practical way to add protein to your diet. But it can contain lactose, which may cause digestive issues for some people.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,000 hours researching and testing supplements to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best health supplements, we:
- Consulted health specialists, including doctors and registered dietitians. Received guidance on choosing the best supplements
- Put more than 100 supplements through more than a dozen different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 20 brands
- Surveyed more than 250 older adults on their supplement use
- Interviewed experts on the nutritional needs of older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate protein powders and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new protein powders to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our supplement review methodology.
Protein powders can support muscle health. And healthy muscles are important for our strength, balance, and bone health. But not all protein powders have the same effects or come from the same source. Whey is one popular option. “Whey protein is made from milk and contains all of the essential amino acids, which can help the body maintain and gain muscle,” said Christiane Matey, MSHS, RDN, LDN, ABAAHP, a registered dietitian based in Mooresville, North Carolina. Research suggests whey protein may support muscle growth and recovery.1 Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate topped our list of the best protein powders for women. The brand also makes whey protein isolate powders, including a version made from grass-fed milk.
Our older adult testers evaluated Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate on taste, ease of use, and value. We also reviewed its protein content, ingredients, and third-party testing. Comparing Nutricost’s concentrate to its whey protein isolate or to other brands? Knowing the differences can help you choose what best fits your health and goals.
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
This protein powder has 25 g of protein and comes in 12 flavors
Why we recommend Nutricost
Nutricost is a U.S.-based dietary supplement and sports nutrition brand. Nutricost says it makes its supplements in a facility registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It states it follows good manufacturing practices (GMP). Nutricost says its supplements undergo third-party testing, but it doesn’t name the testing labs. We could not independently verify which laboratories test this protein powder. This protein concentrate delivers a good amount of protein per serving and mixes well. Nutricost also earned high marks for customer service in our review. It offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, one of the longer return periods among the brands we reviewed.
How we tested Nutricost protein powder
Here are some of the things we considered when looking at protein powders:
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate: Protein powder you can buy in bulk
When we tested Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate, its high protein content impressed us. It provides 25 grams of protein per serving. It also has only 3 g of carbohydrates and 2 g of fat per serving. Our testers appreciated its simple formula and range of sizes and flavors.
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
- 25 grams of whey protein per serving
- 12 flavors and multiple container sizes
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Dissolves readily in liquid
- Protein per serving: 25 g
- Protein type: Whey
- Form: Powder
- Sweetener: Sucralose
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate pros and cons
Pros
- Provides 25 grams of protein per serving
- Low in carbohydrates and fat
- Dissolved well during our testing
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
Cons
- May leave an unpleasant aftertaste
- Contains the artificial sweetener sucralose
- Contains lactose
- Not designed to replace a meal
Nutricost customer experience
Nutricost earned a 9.3/10 score for customer service in our review. The company offers a 60-day return policy. Many other brands offer only 30 days. This gives shoppers more time to decide whether a product works for them. Shoppers can also contact the company in multiple ways. You can pause, skip, or cancel a subscription, making it simpler to manage recurring orders.
- Return Policy: 60-day money-back guarantee
- Shipping: Free on orders over $59
- Subscription Length: 30 days, 2 months, or 4 months
- Third-Party Testing: Yes
Customer service
You can contact Nutricost customer service by calling 866-438-3694, emailing support@nutricost.com, or by filling out a contact form on the website.
What are the benefits of Nutricost protein powder?
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate provides 25 grams of protein per serving. It has a high protein-to-calorie ratio, with more than 80% of its calories from protein.
“Whey is easily absorbed and rich in leucine, the amino acid most tied to muscle building,” said Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian based in Santa Monica, California. Richter is a longevity and metabolic health expert and co-hosts he Almost Forever podcast.
Nutricost also includes calcium, potassium, and sodium, plus a small amount of iron. It is low in carbohydrates, sugar, and fat, with 2 grams of sugar per serving. Nutricost also backs its products with a 60-day money-back guarantee. The brand offers free shipping on orders over $59 and discounts on subscription orders.
What are the potential side effects of Nutricost protein powder?
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate contains lactose, a sugar found in milk. People who have trouble digesting lactose may experience unpleasant side effects. “The most common are digestive: bloating, gas, or constipation,” said Richter. “Lactose and sugar alcohols used as sweeteners are frequent culprits.”
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate also contains sucralose. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that some people may prefer to avoid. During our testing, one tester noticed a strong aftertaste. Each serving has 2 grams of sugar, which is relatively low. But formulas may change by flavor. If you’re tracking your sugar or carbohydrate intake, check the nutrition label.
Kidney disease or other health conditions may require limiting or adjusting protein intake. “Anyone with chronic kidney disease should talk to their doctor or dietitian before adding protein powder, since their protein needs may need to be carefully managed,” Richter said. “The same goes for people with liver disease or anyone on a prescribed diet. Hydration matters too, especially as protein intake goes up.”
More protein isn’t right for everyone, and protein powders can affect your overall intake of certain nutrients. “Your body can only use so much protein at once, and relying on [supplemental forms] can crowd out the fiber, healthy fats, and plant compounds you get from whole foods,” Richter said.
Check with your health care provider before adding a protein powder to your routine. This is especially important if you take prescription medicines or other supplements. They can help you decide how much protein you need and whether this powder fits your health needs.
In our survey of 250 older adults, about 61% favored ready-to-drink protein shakes, while roughly 17% chose protein powders.2
How to take Nutricost Whey Protein
One rounded scoop of Nutricost Whey Protein is about 1/3 cup. Mix that amount with six to 10 ounces of water, milk, or another beverage, per the product instructions. You can also blend it into a smoothie with fruit or yogurt for extra nutrients. Our testers found it mixed well without extra shaking. It also stayed blended while drinking. Nutricost offers 12 flavors, so you can try a few to find one you like. We tested the vanilla flavor, which our testers found very sweet. But that flavor may appeal to someone who likes sweet drinks.
Protein powder is meant to supplement your diet, not replace balanced meals, our experts said. Many people can get enough protein from foods like eggs, fish, beans, dairy, and lean meats. Older adults may also benefit from spreading protein across meals and snacks. This may help support muscle health more effectively than eating most of your protein at once.
If you have a health condition or take medicines that affect your diet, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian first. They can tell you how much protein you need and whether a supplement makes sense for you.
Who should consider Nutricost protein powder?
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate may suit older adults who want to increase their protein intake. It may appeal to those who prefer sweeter drinks or don’t mind artificial sweeteners. Whey protein concentrate typically contains more lactose and fat than whey protein isolate. People sensitive to lactose may want to consider other options. But it can be a good choice for those who tolerate dairy well. Nutricost offers 12 flavors and discounts for buying larger containers. So it may also appeal to people who enjoy flavored protein drinks and want to save money over time.
You should consider Nutricost if you:
- Want a protein powder with plenty of protein and few extra calories
- Enjoy flavored protein drinks and wants several options
- Tolerate whey protein and dairy products well
- Prefer to buy in bulk to lower the cost per serving
You may consider other options if you:
- Avoid dairy: Nutricost contains whey protein concentrate, which comes from milk. Consider Transparent Labs Vegan Protein instead. It uses plant-based protein from rice and peas.
- Prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners: Nutricost uses sucralose. Some 1st Phorm Level-1 flavors use monk fruit extract. This may be a better fit if you prefer that type of sweetener.
- Want to try a powder before buying in bulk: Nutricost offers a 60-day return policy. But its best per-serving price comes with the larger container. Legion Whey+ Grass-Fed Whey Protein offers free shipping on first orders and a 365-day return window. This allows for more flexibility when trying a new product.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nutricost whey protein good quality?
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate provides high-quality whey protein. An unspecified third party tests it for safety. It has a short ingredient list with few additives. But some flavors use artificial sweeteners.
What is the difference between whey protein powder and whey protein concentrate?
Whey protein powder is a general category. Whey protein concentrate is a specific type of it. Whey concentrate contains protein along with some fat and lactose.
What are the downsides of whey concentrate?
Whey concentrate contains lactose. People who have trouble digesting lactose may experience gas, bloating, or stomach discomfort. Whey concentrate has more lactose, fat, and carbohydrates than whey protein isolate.
Is Nutricost a safe brand?
Nutricost offers a range of supplements. Safety can vary by product. Nutricost says independent third parties test its products, but it does not identify the testing organizations. This makes it difficult to independently evaluate the company’s testing claims. Consult your health care provider before using any new supplement. This is especially important if you have kidney disease or other health concerns.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
