In years past, sports nutrition was mostly reserved for top athletes and fitness enthusiasts. But in recent years, with healthy lifestyles on the rise, sport nutrition has become a popular dietary trend. Protein powders are a popular commercial product, which are increasingly available in a wide variety of creative and intriguing flavors. The market is still developing, as the race to develop the best-tasting flavored protein powders on the market is in full swing. The client base of healthy, active fitness enthusiasts is always on the lookout for the latest great-tasting protein powder on the market.
But which protein powder flavors work the best? Obviously this will vary from brand to brand, and person to person, but certain flavors are popular across the industry. Here is a list of several of the most popular and successful protein powder flavors.
Chocolate
Chances are, if you’re making a list of the most popular flavors of anything, chocolate is going to be somewhere on the list. That’s no exception for protein powder. Chocolate protein powder can be enjoyed before or after a workout, in shakes, chocolate milk, or baking extra nutritious chocolate treats. Even if a protein powder has an unavoidable chalky flavor, or some other unpleasant aftertaste, chocolate flavoring can be as effective as anything at masking that.
Mango
Mango flavoring may not be for everyone. However, there are few beverages more satisfying and refreshing than a cold mango smoothie. For those looking to cool off and replenish after a long workout, a mango protein shake should be near the very top of their list. And, of course, mango is always a popular flavor to pair with other fruit varieties as well. While it may not be the first flavor that comes to mind when one thinks of protein powder, mango is still fairly popular and accessible.
Peanut Butter
Peanuts and peanut butter have always been a popular flavor for folks on the go. Trail mix and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have always been staples for active individuals with a sweet tooth. So, peanut butter is a natural and obvious choice for a protein powder flavor.
Peanut butter protein powder is probably more effective when used for baking than in drinks, although a banana and peanut butter protein powder smoothie can make for an excellent post-workout treat that does not disappoint (in nutrition or taste).
Strawberry
Like mango, strawberry protein powder is perhaps best used in refreshing post-workout/cool-down treats. And, like most fruit flavors, strawberry can blend well with other flavors as well. Strawberry banana smoothies are a staple everywhere, but strawberry protein powder is not limited to just shakes and smoothies. Strawberry pairs well enough with other flavors, like chocolate or vanilla, to make sweet and satisfying protein bars.
Vanilla
While vanilla protein powder on its own may not be the most beloved flavor out there, it’s a flavor that will always work well in combination with others. Even if it’s not front and center, vanilla is always satisfying for adding a touch of sweetness to any recipe. Vanilla protein powder is a staple for turning just about any baking project into a healthy snack. Whether it’s pancakes, oatmeal, shakes, power bars, or anything else you could think of, a bit of vanilla protein powder can enhance a wide variety of dishes.
OSF Flavors is excited by the new market for delicious sports nutrition products like protein powder, and is at the cutting edge of flavor development. With OSF flavors, you can produce tasty health food products that fitness junkies will love. Use our sample request to try our flavors!