Boy Mom's Honest Reviews & Money-Saving Tips

If you have a teen athlete in the house, you already know—they’re ALWAYS hungry! Whether it’s football, basketball, wrestling, or just hitting the gym, teenage boys burn through calories fast. Getting enough protein is essential for muscle growth, recovery, and energy.

But with so many protein powders on the market, how do you know which ones are safe and effective for growing teens? No worries, Boy Mom Knows Best has you covered! Here’s a list of the best protein powders for teen boys—clean, nutritious, and mom-approved!

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey: https://amzn.to/438LCN9

Best Overall

This trusted and high-quality whey protein is great for teen athletes. It’s packed with 24g of protein per scoop, plus essential amino acids for muscle recovery.

Why It’s Great for Teens:
Low in sugar and artificial ingredients
Easily digestible
Affordable and widely available

Be aware if your teen has dairy sensitivities since it contains whey

Most popular flavor: Double Rich Chocolate

2. Naked Whey: https://amzn.to/438LCN9

Best for Clean Ingredients

If you want a simple, natural protein powder, Naked Whey is a great option. It contains only one ingredient—100% grass-fed whey protein.

· Why It’s Great for Teens:
No artificial sweeteners, colors, or additives
25g of protein per serving
Sourced from grass-fed cows for higher quality

This is unflavored so a great option for those who don’t like Chocolate flavors

3. Orgain Organic Protein: https://amzn.to/3EPIA6o

Best Plant-Based Option

If your teen is lactose intolerant or prefers plant-based nutrition, Orgain Organic Protein is a fantastic pick! It has 21g of protein per serving, made from pea, brown rice, and chia proteins.

· Why It’s Great for Teens:
Organic and non-GMO
No dairy or artificial ingredients
Great for digestion with added fiber

Best Flavor: Vanilla Bean

4. Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey: https://amzn.to/4gOEKYw

Best for High-Quality Grass-Fed Protein

This protein is sourced from 100% grass-fed cows, making it a clean and nutritious choice. With 28g of protein per serving, it’s higher than most on the list.

· Why It’s Great for Teens:
No artificial sweeteners or dyes
Ultra-clean formula for better digestion
High protein content per scoop

FYI – This one is a bit pricier than other options

Best Flavor: Chocolate Peanut Butter

5. KOS Organic Plant Protein:https://amzn.to/4hLDG9d

Best for Digestive Health

This is another great plant-based option that’s easy on digestion. It contains 20g of protein per serving, plus added vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes to support gut health.

· Why It’s Great for Teens:
Organic, plant-based, and easy to digest
Contains vitamins & probiotics for better absorption
Naturally sweetened with coconut sugar

Lower protein content than some other options

Best Flavor: Chocolate

Before buying a protein powder, consider these key factors:

Ingredients – Look for minimal additives and natural ingredients.
Protein Type – Whey is great for muscle building, but plant-based is good for dairy-free teens.

Sugar Content – Avoid powders with too much sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Taste & Mixability – If your teen won’t drink it, it’s not worth buying!

Best Ways to Use Protein Powder for Teen Athletes. Now that you’ve picked a protein powder, here’s how to use it. Check out my post on recipes for kids who hate protein!

Final Thoughts

Protein powders can be a great addition to a teen athlete’s diet, but they shouldn’t replace real food! Make sure your son is also getting protein from lean meats, eggs, dairy, beans, and nuts.

Have a favorite protein powder for your teen? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to check out more boy mom-approved tips and product reviews here on Boy Mom Knows Best!