Best Casein Protein Powders (2026)

Casein protein is the slow-digesting counterpart to whey, making up about 80% of the protein in cow’s milk. Because it forms a gel in the stomach and releases amino acids gradually over 6-8 hours, casein is the go-to protein for overnight muscle recovery, prolonged satiety, and preventing muscle breakdown during fasting periods. These are the best casein protein powders on the market.

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Ingredient	Form	Best For	Rating
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein	Micellar Casein (24g protein)	Powder	Best Overall	4.7
Transparent Labs Casein Protein	Grass-Fed Micellar Casein (25g protein)	Powder	Best Clean Formula	4.7
Legion Casein+	Grass-Fed Micellar Casein (25g protein)	Powder	Best Tasting	4.6
Naked Micellar Casein	Micellar Casein (26g protein)	Powder	Best Unflavored	4.6
Kaged Casein Protein	Micellar Casein + MCT Oil (25g protein)	Powder	Best for Nighttime Recovery	4.6
Dymatize Elite Casein	Micellar Casein (25g protein)	Powder	Best for Baking	4.5
Muscle Feast Micellar Casein	Micellar Casein (23g protein)	Powder	Best Budget	4.5

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein – Best Overall

The industry benchmark for casein protein, offering 24 grams of slow-digesting micellar casein per serving with nearly 5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs.

Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Casein has been the go-to casein supplement for years, and for good reason. Each scoop delivers 24g of protein from micellar casein — the least processed and slowest-digesting form of casein available. The formula also provides 4.8g of naturally occurring BCAAs and 5g of glutamine and glutamic acid per serving, supporting muscle protein synthesis and recovery. With eight flavor options including Chocolate Supreme, Cookies and Cream, and Banana Cream, there’s something for every palate. The product is NSF Certified for Sport, manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities, and is an excellent source of calcium, zinc, and magnesium.

• Pros:
• NSF Certified for Sport — trusted by professional athletes
• Eight flavor options — far more variety than most casein brands
• Nearly 5g BCAAs and 5g glutamine per serving

• Cons:
• Contains artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, sucralose)
• Very thick texture when mixed — better as pudding than a thin shake

Best for: Anyone looking for a reliable, well-tested casein protein from the most established brand in sports nutrition

2. Transparent Labs Casein Protein – Best Clean Formula

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A 100% grass-fed micellar casein with 25 grams of protein per serving, zero artificial ingredients, and full third-party testing transparency.

Transparent Labs earns its name by providing complete label transparency and third-party testing results for every batch. The casein is sourced from 100% grass-fed cows and provides 25g of protein per scoop with no artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. Sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extract, it avoids the artificial sweeteners found in most competing products. The Chocolate flavor uses real cocoa powder for a clean, natural taste. Each batch is tested for purity and potency by independent laboratories, with certificates of analysis available. The formula is non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from soy.

• Pros:
• 100% grass-fed micellar casein from hormone-free cows
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors
• Full third-party testing with published results

• Cons:
• Limited flavor selection
• Premium price point — about 30-40% more than standard casein

Best for: Health-conscious athletes who prioritize clean ingredients, grass-fed sourcing, and full transparency

3. Legion Casein+ – Best Tasting

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A naturally sweetened, grass-fed micellar casein that consistently ranks as the best-tasting casein protein powder available.

Legion Casein+ delivers 25g of protein per serving from 100% micellar casein sourced from grass-fed Irish and European cows. What sets it apart is the flavor quality — options like Dutch Chocolate, Cinnamon Cereal, Strawberry, and Banana Cream Pie consistently receive top taste ratings from reviewers. The formula uses stevia leaf extract and erythritol for sweetness without artificial sweeteners. Each batch is third-party tested for purity and potency, and Legion manufactures in NSF- and GMP-certified facilities. The 5.2g of BCAAs per serving provides strong amino acid support for overnight recovery. For those also looking to build muscle, pairing casein with a solid creatine supplement can further enhance results.

• Pros:
• Exceptional flavor quality — especially Dutch Chocolate and Cinnamon Cereal
• Grass-fed, naturally sweetened, and third-party tested
• 5.2g BCAAs per serving

• Cons:
• Comes in a resealable bag rather than a tub — can be messy
• Slightly grainier texture than some competing products

Best for: Those who have struggled with the taste of other casein powders and want a genuinely enjoyable flavor

4. Naked Micellar Casein – Best Unflavored

A single-ingredient casein powder with 26 grams of protein — nothing but pure micellar casein from U.S. farms.

Naked Casein is as minimalist as it gets: the unflavored version contains exactly one ingredient — micellar casein. With 26g of protein per serving and zero additives, fillers, sweeteners, or processing agents, it appeals to purists who want complete control over what goes into their bodies. The casein is sourced from U.S. farms and is free from growth hormones, antibiotics, and heavy metals. The flavored Chocolate and Vanilla versions add just two additional ingredients (organic coconut sugar and organic cacao powder or natural vanilla flavor). Naked also makes this an excellent base for baking, smoothies, and homemade protein pudding where you control the additional ingredients.

• Pros:
• Single-ingredient purity — nothing but micellar casein
• 26g protein per serving — highest on this list
• Ideal for baking, cooking, and custom shake recipes

• Cons:
• Unflavored version requires mixing with other ingredients for palatability
• Texture can be gritty when mixed with just water

Best for: Ingredient purists, people with flavor sensitivities, and those who prefer to customize their protein shakes

5. Kaged Casein Protein – Best for Nighttime Recovery

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A recovery-focused casein formula enhanced with MCT oil powder and peanut flour for sustained overnight amino acid delivery and healthy fats.

Kaged takes the nighttime recovery angle seriously by adding MCT oil powder to their micellar casein base. The MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) provide a readily available energy source that complements the slow-release protein, and the added fats further slow casein digestion for even more sustained amino acid delivery through the night. Each serving delivers 25g of protein along with calcium, iron, and potassium. The Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor is a standout, with peanut flour adding natural richness. Kaged third-party tests every batch through Informed Sport, one of the most rigorous testing programs in the supplement industry.

• Pros:
• MCT oil adds sustained energy and further slows digestion
• Informed Sport certified — one of the strictest testing programs
• Rich, satisfying flavor from natural peanut flour

• Cons:
• Higher fat content (6-7g per serving) than standard casein powders
• Contains peanut — not suitable for those with peanut allergies

Best for: Athletes focused on overnight muscle recovery who want healthy fats alongside their slow-release protein

6. Dymatize Elite Casein – Best for Baking

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A smooth-mixing micellar casein with an excellent amino acid profile and thick consistency that makes it perfect for protein baking.

Dymatize Elite Casein provides 25g of micellar casein protein per serving with 10g of total essential amino acids (EAAs). The formula is sugar-free and delivers a complete amino acid profile for muscle maintenance and recovery. What makes it particularly well-suited for baking is its smooth consistency and thick gel-forming properties — casein naturally thickens when mixed with liquids, and Dymatize’s version creates the ideal texture for protein mug cakes, puddings, pancakes, and other baked goods. The powder mixes well without excessive clumping, and the Cookies and Cream flavor works particularly well in recipes. For more protein options, check our guide to collagen protein powders.

• Pros:
• Smooth consistency ideal for baking and protein desserts
• 10g essential amino acids per serving
• Multiple flavor options including Cookies and Cream and Rich Chocolate

• Cons:
• Contains artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium)
• Not grass-fed sourced

Best for: Home bakers and meal preppers who want a versatile casein for protein desserts, pancakes, and baking

7. Muscle Feast Micellar Casein – Best Budget

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A cost-effective micellar casein delivering 23 grams of protein per serving from hormone-free cows, at one of the lowest price points in the category.

Muscle Feast offers a no-frills micellar casein that delivers 23g of protein per serving at a price point significantly below premium competitors. The casein is sourced from rBST/rBGH-free (hormone-free) cows and is soy-free, gluten-free, and kosher certified. The unflavored version contains only micellar casein, while flavored varieties add natural flavors and sucralose. Despite the budget pricing, Muscle Feast maintains GMP-certified manufacturing and provides a solid amino acid profile including BCAAs and glutamine. The company is U.S.-based and has been producing sports nutrition products for over 15 years.

• Pros:
• One of the most affordable micellar casein options per serving
• Hormone-free sourcing and GMP-certified manufacturing
• Available in unflavored, chocolate, and vanilla

• Cons:
• 23g protein per serving — slightly less than competitors
• Flavored versions use sucralose

Best for: Budget-conscious athletes who want reliable micellar casein without paying premium prices

8. NOW Sports Micellar Casein – Best for Sensitive Stomachs

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An unflavored, minimally processed micellar casein from a trusted supplement brand known for quality and purity.

NOW Sports delivers unflavored micellar casein in a clean, straightforward formula. NOW is one of the most established names in natural supplementation, with over 50 years of manufacturing experience and Informed Sport certification. The unflavored powder uses minimal ingredients, making it well-tolerated for those with sensitive stomachs or ingredient sensitivities. Each serving provides 19g of protein and is notably rich in calcium. NOW’s GMP-certified facilities and rigorous quality testing (NPA A-rated) provide assurance of purity. The unflavored profile makes it extremely versatile for adding to oatmeal, smoothies, coffee, and baked goods without altering flavor.

• Pros:
• Minimal ingredients — easy on sensitive stomachs
• NOW’s 50+ year reputation and NPA A-rating
• Extremely versatile unflavored profile for mixing into foods

• Cons:
• 19g protein per serving — lowest on this list
• Unflavored taste is bland without mixing into other foods

Best for: People with sensitive digestion or food allergies who need a clean, minimally processed casein option

How to Choose the Best Casein Protein Powder

The most important factor is the type of casein. Micellar casein is the gold standard — it’s the naturally occurring form that curdles in the stomach and digests slowly over 6-8 hours, providing the sustained amino acid release that makes casein uniquely valuable. Avoid calcium caseinate and sodium caseinate, which are more processed and digest faster, negating much of casein’s slow-release benefit.

Protein content per serving should be at least 20 grams, with the best products delivering 24-26 grams. Check that the protein comes primarily from casein rather than being a blend with cheaper protein sources. Look at the full amino acid profile if available — a good casein should provide at least 4-5g of BCAAs per serving for optimal muscle protein synthesis.

Ingredient quality matters. Grass-fed casein from hormone-free cows is preferable for those who prioritize sourcing. For sweeteners, natural options like stevia and monk fruit avoid the artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium) found in many sports nutrition products. Minimal additional ingredients generally mean better digestibility and fewer potential allergen concerns.

Third-party testing ensures you’re getting what the label claims. NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport are the highest standards in sports nutrition testing, verifying both purity and the absence of banned substances. At minimum, look for GMP-certified manufacturing and independent lab testing for heavy metals, contaminants, and accurate protein content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is casein protein and how is it different from whey?

Both casein and whey come from cow’s milk, but they digest at very different rates. Whey is rapidly absorbed (within 1-2 hours), making it ideal for post-workout recovery. Casein forms a gel in the stomach and releases amino acids slowly over 6-8 hours, making it better for overnight recovery, between meals, and preventing muscle breakdown during extended fasting periods. Think of whey as a sprint and casein as a marathon for amino acid delivery.

When is the best time to take casein protein?

The most popular and research-supported time is 30-60 minutes before bed. A 2020 systematic review found that pre-sleep casein intake can facilitate muscle recovery after resistance exercise. Casein can also be taken between meals when you know it will be several hours before your next meal, or in the morning if you tend to skip breakfast. It’s less ideal immediately post-workout, where whey’s faster absorption is preferred.

How much casein protein should I take daily?

Most research uses 25-40 grams (one to one-and-a-half scoops) as a pre-sleep dose. Your total daily protein needs depend on your goals, body weight, and activity level — generally 0.7-1.0 grams per pound of body weight for active individuals. Casein should be counted as part of your total daily protein intake, not in addition to it. One scoop before bed is the most common protocol.

Can casein protein help with weight loss?

Casein’s slow digestion and thick, satiating texture can support weight loss by reducing hunger and preventing late-night snacking. Research shows casein keeps you fuller for longer than whey or other fast-digesting proteins. Mixing casein into a thick pudding (using less water) maximizes this satiety effect. However, it still contributes calories — typically 120-140 per scoop — so it should be factored into your daily caloric intake.

Is casein protein safe for people with lactose intolerance?

Micellar casein contains very small amounts of lactose — significantly less than whole milk — so many people with mild lactose intolerance tolerate it well. However, it is not lactose-free. Those with moderate to severe lactose intolerance may experience bloating or digestive discomfort. Casein is not suitable for people with a milk protein allergy, which is a different condition from lactose intolerance.

Can I use casein protein for baking and cooking?

Casein is actually the best protein powder for baking. Its gel-forming properties give baked goods a denser, more cake-like texture compared to whey. It works well in mug cakes, protein pudding, pancakes, protein bars, and cookies. Mix casein with a small amount of liquid for a thick pudding, or substitute it for a portion of flour in baking recipes. Heat does not destroy the protein — it only denatures (unfolds) it, which doesn’t affect its nutritional value.

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