The 12 Best Casein Protein Powders

Casein is the dominant protein type found in milk. It makes up roughly 80% of milk’s total protein (1 ).

It’s commonly taken as a pre-sleep protein supplement because it’s digested more slowly than other proteins, which may support greater overnight muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle breakdown during sleep (2 , 3 ).

Casein supplements are usually available in two forms: micellar casein, the naturally occurring form in milk, and caseinates (sodium, potassium, or calcium caseinate), which tend to be absorbed faster.

Micellar casein is often favored because of its slower digestion, which can maintain blood amino acid levels through the night. That said, study findings aren’t unanimous (4 ).

Keep reading for our selections of the 12 best casein protein powders.

A quick look at the best casein protein powders

• Best overall:Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein
• Best with multiple flavors:Dymatize Elite Casein
• Best for blending:Kaged Muscle Kasein
• Best for sustainability:Legion Casein+
• Best certified gluten-free:Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein
• Best for baking:NOW Sports Micellar Casein
• Best without sugar substitutes:Promix Casein Protein Powder
• Best for post-workout recovery:BioSteel Recovery Protein Plus
• Best sugar-free:Nutricost Casein Protein Powder
• Best grass-fed:Muscle Feast Micellar Protein
• Best unflavored:Naked Casein
• Best personalized blend:Gainful

How we chose

All items listed were reviewed to ensure they align with HealthEH’s standards for credibility and wellness reporting. Learn more about our vetting methodology.

Each casein powder featured here:

• follows allowed health claims and labeling rules as outlined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• is made in facilities that comply with current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) from the FDA
• is offered by a company with medical credibility that adheres to ethical and industry best practices
• is manufactured by a brand that supplies objective trust signals, such as third-party laboratory verification

Other considerations included:

• Quality testing: We favored products with rigorous purity and quality testing, ideally confirmed by an independent organization.
• Type of casein: The options below focus on micellar casein, which research suggests digests more slowly.
• Ingredient quality: We preferred formulas with high-quality ingredients and minimal additives or preservatives.
• Price: We selected casein powders across a range of budgets.

A note on price

Typical price brackets shown with dollar signs ($–$$$). One dollar sign indicates greater affordability, while three dollar signs indicate a higher price point.

Prices typically run from about $1.02–$2.80 per serving, or $39–$100 per container, though actual costs vary by retailer and tub size.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $1.25 per serving
• $$ = $1.25–$2.00 per serving
• $$$ = over $2.00 per serving

HealthEH’s picks of the best casein protein powders

Best overall

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein

• Price: $
• Available flavors: Chocolate Crème and French Vanilla

Optimum Nutrition has a reputation for reliable, high-quality supplements, so its casein powder is a frequently recommended option.

Each serving offers 24 grams of protein and about 4.8 grams of naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) — the trio of amino acids known to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (5 ).

Made in CGMP-compliant plants, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein is also Certified for Sport by NSF International, which helps ensure it’s free of substances banned by many sports organizations.

Nutrition facts for 1 scoop (37.5 grams) of the Chocolate Crème flavor (6):

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 1 gram
• Protein: 24 grams
• Carbs: 7 grams
• Added sugar: 2 grams

Pros

• contains 100% micellar casein
• no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors
• sold in two tub sizes: 2 or 4 lbs. (900 grams or 1.8 kg)
• NSF Certified for Sport

Cons

• includes soy-derived components
• French Vanilla includes inulin, which can upset some people’s digestion
• flavor choices are limited to dessert-style options

Best with multiple flavors

Dymatize Elite Casein

• Price: $$
• Available flavors: Cinnamon Bun, Rich Chocolate, Smooth Vanilla, and Cookies & Cream

If you prefer dessert-like flavors, Dymatize Elite Casein offers several indulgent choices.

Besides Rich Chocolate and Smooth Vanilla, it comes in Cinnamon Bun and Cookies & Cream.

The brand’s facilities are CGMP- and sport-certified, and the company participates in third-party testing programs, although the casein powder itself isn’t specifically third-party certified.

Nutrition facts for 2 scoops (36 grams) of the Rich Chocolate flavor (7):

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 2 grams
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbs: 3 grams
• Added sugar: 0 grams

Pros

• made from 100% micellar casein
• contains no added sugars
• certified gluten-free
• comes in 2 or 4 lb. tubs (900 grams or 1.8 kg)
• offered in four flavors
• subject to third-party testing

Cons

• contains soy ingredients
• includes artificial sweeteners
• artificial flavors are used in all but the Rich Chocolate option

Best for blending

Kaged Muscle Kasein

• Price: $$
• Available flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Shake, and Vanilla Shake

Online reviewers commonly note that Kaged Muscle Kasein mixes smoothly and has a pleasant, creamy texture.

It’s offered in three milkshake-like flavors, making it a tasty option for those who want a shake-style experience.

Kaged Muscle Kasein is suitable for competitive athletes since it’s third-party tested and Informed Sport certified.

Nutrition facts for 1 scoop (35.6 grams) of the Chocolate Shake flavor (8):

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Protein: 26 grams
• Carbs: 4 grams
• Added sugar: 0 grams

Pros

• 100% micellar casein
• contains under 1 gram of lactose per serving
• available in three dessert-style flavors
• Informed Sport and Informed Choice certified

Cons

• only sold in a single 2-lb. (900-gram) tub size
• not suitable for those with coconut allergies
• contains artificial sweeteners

Best for sustainability

Legion Casein+

• Price: $$
• Available flavors: Dutch Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Banana Cream Pie

Legion emphasizes sustainability by sourcing milk for Casein+ from small Irish farms committed to environmentally responsible practices.

The farms the brand partners with participate in Ireland’s Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme, which enforces standards for animal welfare, traceability, and land stewardship.

Legion Casein+ is produced in an FDA-approved, CGMP-certified facility, and the company posts links to third-party test results on each product page so buyers can verify contents.

Nutrition facts for 1 scoop (34 grams) of the Dutch Chocolate flavor (9):

• Calories: 110
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbs: 3 grams
• Added sugar: 0 grams

Pros

• 100% micellar casein
• no artificial food dyes
• comes in four flavors
• free worldwide shipping when ordered from Legion’s site
• third-party testing results accessible online

Cons

• Strawberry contains erythritol, a sugar alcohol that may cause digestive issues for some
• not NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport certified

Best certified gluten-free

Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein

• Price: $$
• Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, and Chocolate Peanut Butter

While many powders claim to be gluten-free, Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein is certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, which requires tested items to contain 10 parts per million or less of gluten.

That certification helps ensure the product is safe from gluten and cross-contamination — an important factor for people managing celiac disease or other gluten-related conditions.

Ascent is known for strict purity standards and is Informed Sport certified, making it a solid option for athletes.

Nutrition facts for 1 scoop (36 grams) of the Chocolate flavor (10):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 1 gram
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbs: 4 grams
• Added sugar: 0 grams

Pros

• 100% micellar casein
• certified gluten-free
• free of artificial ingredients
• sold in 2 or 4 lb. sizes (900 grams or 1.8 kg)
• available in three flavors
• Informed Sport certified

Cons

• made on equipment that also handles peanuts and tree nuts, a concern for those with those allergies
• relatively pricey

Best for baking

NOW Sports Micellar Casein

• Price: $
• Available flavors: Unflavored

NOW Sports Micellar Casein comes unflavored and is ideal for incorporating into baked goods. Its neutral taste works well in pancakes, waffles, muffins, or protein-packed snacks like energy bites.

The product is made in CGMP-compliant facilities and is Informed Sport certified.

Nutrition facts for 1 scoop (24 grams) (11):

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Protein: 19 grams
• Carbs: <1 grams
• Added sugar: 0 grams

Pros

• made from micellar casein
• no artificial sweeteners or additives
• Informed Sport certified
• works well in baked recipes and mixed into foods

Cons

• only one tub size offered
• only available unflavored

Best without sugar substitutes

Promix Casein Protein Powder

• Price: $$
• Available flavors: Unflavored, Chocolate

Promix stands out by offering a casein powder without sugar substitutes.

The Unflavored variety contains no sugar, while the Chocolate flavor is sweetened with organic coconut sugar.

Users note it can be easier on the stomach than some other powders, though it may have a slightly grainy texture.

Promix products undergo third-party testing for purity and potency, and the brand’s site allows you to look up testing results by batch.

Although the brand’s creatine and vegan proteins are NSF Certified for Sport, its casein product is not.

Nutrition facts for 2 scoops (29 grams) of the Unflavored version (12):

• Calories: 105
• Fat: 0 grams
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbs: 0 grams
• Added sugar: 0 grams

Pros

• 100% micellar casein
• free from soy, gluten, and artificial sweeteners
• offered in 2 or 5 lb. sizes (900 grams or 2.3 kg)
• option for refill packaging when bought via Promix’s site
• third-party tested

Cons

• not NSF or Informed Sport certified
• limited flavor range

Best for post-workout recovery

BioSteel Recovery Protein Plus

• Price: $$$
• Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla

BioSteel’s Recovery Protein Plus blends whey protein isolate with micellar casein.

The formula also includes extra leucine, an amino acid important for muscle protein synthesis, and carbohydrates to help with recovery and glycogen restoration (13 , 14 ).

It contains digestive enzymes, which may aid some people who lack sufficient endogenous enzymes, though evidence for broad benefit is limited (15).

BioSteel Recovery Protein Plus is NSF Certified for Sport and comes in Vanilla and Chocolate.

Nutrition facts for 2 scoops (72 grams) of the Chocolate version (16):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 1 gram
• Protein: 24 grams
• Carbs: 37 grams
• Added sugar: 0 grams

Pros

• NSF Certified for Sport
• certified gluten-free
• blend of whey and casein
• higher calorie content than other powders on this list

Cons

• relatively high in total carbohydrates with 37 grams per serving
• only two flavors available
• costly

Best sugar-free

Nutricost Casein Protein Powder

• Price: $$
• Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored

If you want a sugar-free option and don’t mind artificial sweeteners like sucralose, Nutricost Casein Protein Powder is worth a look.

The Chocolate and Vanilla flavors are artificially flavored and sweetened, but customers often praise their taste and mouthfeel.

This product is manufactured in a CGMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility and undergoes third-party testing, though the testing lab isn’t specified.

Nutrition facts for 1 scoop (30 grams) of the Unflavored version (17):

• Calories: 110
• Fat: 0 grams
• Protein: 24 grams
• Carbs: 0 grams
• Added sugar: 0 grams

Pros

• 100% micellar casein
• certified gluten-free
• available in 2 or 5 lb. sizes (900 grams or 2.3 kg)
• third-party tested

Cons

• Chocolate and Vanilla flavors include artificial flavors and sweeteners
• not NSF or Informed Sport certified

Best grass-fed

Muscle Feast Micellar Casein

• Price: $
• Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored

Muscle Feast Micellar Casein is certified gluten-free and produced in CGMP- and FDA-compliant facilities. It’s offered in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored varieties.

The standout feature is that it’s sourced from grass-fed cows, with Muscle Feast defining that as animals fed only grass and forage throughout life.

Muscle Feast products are third-party tested and manufactured in FDA-compliant plants.

Nutrition facts for 1 scoop (24 grams) of the Chocolate flavor (18):

• Calories: 88
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Protein: 19 grams
• Carbs: 1.2 grams
• Added sugar: 0 grams

Pros

• 100% micellar casein from grass-fed milk
• offered in 2 or 4 lb. tubs (900 grams or 1.8 kg)
• certified gluten-free
• third-party tested

Cons

• contains sugar substitutes in some flavors
• not NSF or Informed Sport certified

Best unflavored

Naked Casein

• Price: $$
• Available flavors:Unflavored

Naked Casein is pure 100% micellar casein with no added ingredients, which is why it’s our top unflavored pick.

If you need to avoid soy, artificial additives, and sugar substitutes, this is a suitable choice.

Naked Casein is certified gluten-free and third-party tested, although it’s not certified as sport-safe.

For those who want flavor, Naked also offers Chocolate and Vanilla versions that are naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and keep ingredient lists minimal.

Nutrition facts for 2 scoops (30 grams) of the Unflavored version (19):

• Calories: 110
• Fat: 0 grams
• Protein: 26 grams
• Carbs: 0 grams
• Added sugar: 0 grams

Pros

• also available in Vanilla and Chocolate
• single-ingredient formula
• third-party tested
• certified gluten-free

Cons

• not certified for sport use

Best personalized blend

Gainful 

• Price: $–$$$
• Available flavors: unflavored with optional flavor boosts: Strawberry Cream, Madagascar Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Caffè Mocha, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Matcha Green Tea, Cinnamon Toast, and Sea Salt Caramel

Gainful creates personalized protein blends based on an online questionnaire to tailor a formula to your nutrition needs and fitness aims.

The powders are unflavored by default and come with flavor boost packets so you can vary taste daily.

Gainful’s products are made in a CGMP-approved plant, though they aren’t third-party tested or certified for sport safety.

Nutritional content depends on the custom blend, but the company reports most blends provide 19–27 grams of protein per serving.

Pros

• fully tailored to individual needs and preferences
• offers access to a registered dietitian
• unflavored base with multiple flavor boosts

Cons

• more expensive than standard powders
• custom blends may not be entirely casein-based
• not NSF or Informed Sport certified
• not third-party tested

Comparison of the best casein protein powders

Here’s a quick look at how our top picks stack up:

How to choose a casein protein powder

Consider these factors when selecting a casein supplement:

• Third-party testing: Independent testing is the best way to confirm purity and label accuracy. It doesn’t guarantee safety, but it increases confidence that the product contains what it claims.
• Safe for sport: Athletes should pick Informed Sport or NSF Certified for Sport products to reduce the risk of banned substances (20).
• Form of casein: If a slower-digesting protein is desired, opt for micellar casein; though evidence is mixed, micellar casein is generally slower to digest than other forms, and processing/storage can affect digestibility (4 ).
• Additives: Formulas differ widely — check for added sugars, sweeteners, probiotics, or other additives and evaluate them against your dietary goals.
• Protein amount: Compare grams of protein per serving, which vary among brands. Some research indicates roughly 30 grams of casein may be optimal for muscle-building effects (2 , 21).
• Calories: Consider total calories per serving to match your energy and weight goals.

Benefits of casein protein powder

The primary b