Protein products, like high-quality protein powders or bars, are amongst the most popular of all dietary supplements and are commonly used by people looking to build muscle, enhance weight loss, or simply boost the protein content of their diet. (1)
Transparent Labs is a supplement company that offers a variety of protein products, including whey and plant-based protein powders, protein bars, and collagen peptides.
Our team of industry experts and medical professionals analyzed Transparent Lab’s protein products to give you an honest review of their protein lineup, including quality, ingredients, price, and more. Read our full review to determine whether a Transparent Labs protein product may be the right choice for your health goals.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Compare Transparent Labs protein
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| 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate 4lb | 100% Pea Protein | Organic Vegan | 100% Grass-Fed Casein Protein | Mass Gainer | Vegan Mass Gainer | Grass-Fed Collagen | Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Cost per serving | $1.82 | $1.67 | $1.67 | $2.00 | $5.33 | $5.33 | $1.17 | $3.33 |
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate | Pea protein isolate | Rice protein concentrate and pea protein isolate | Micellar casein | Whey protein concentrate | Pea protein isolate | Bovine collagen | Whey protein isolate |
| Protein dosage | 28 grams (g) | 28 g | 24 g | 25 g | 53 g | 50 g | 10 g | 15 g |
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate 4lb
Key product features
What you should know
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate provides 28 g of protein from whey protein isolate, a form of whey that’s been shown to support muscle mass and strength when combined with regular resistance training. (2)
- We love that Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is Informed-Choice Trusted by Sport, making it an especially good choice for athletes.
- This product costs $1.82 per serving, which is comparable in price to other grass-fed whey protein isolate products on the market.
- Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate may be a good choice for athletes and those looking to build muscle, as whey protein isolate is effective for increasing muscle mass when combined with resistance exercise. (2)
Why we like Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is made from a form of whey protein called whey protein isolate.
Whey protein is made from whey, a byproduct of the cheese-making industry. Whey contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs to build new proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters, and perform other critical processes.
It’s made through a filtration process that results in a highly digestible, concentrated form of protein. Whey protein isolate contains at least 90% protein and is very low in lactose and fat, making it a good option for those who are lactose intolerant and those who prefer lower-fat protein products. (3)
Whey protein isolate is also high in leucine, an amino acid that plays a critical role in muscle protein synthesis. In fact, some studies show that whey protein isolate provides more essential amino acids, including leucine, compared to other popular proteins, like casein and pea protein. (4, 5)
Whey protein isolate products, like Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate, are popular amongst athletes and gym-goers as supplementing with whey protein isolate has been shown to be effective for stimulating muscle growth and improving muscle strength and body composition when combined with resistance exercise. (3)
A 2023 study that included 32 men found that those who took a whey protein isolate supplement providing 20 g of protein three times per day for four weeks and participated in 60 minutes of resistance training six days per week gained significantly more muscle mass and became significantly stronger than the men who did not supplement with whey protein and only completed the resistance program. (2)
A 2022 review of 35 studies found that whey protein supplements, including whey protein isolate supplements, were effective for reducing body fat levels and increasing lean muscle mass, especially when combined with resistance exercise. (6)
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate provides 28 g of protein per 34.9 g scoop (for the milk chocolate flavor), making it an ultra-concentrated protein product. The whey protein isolate used in this supplement is derived from grass-fed, American-raised dairy cows, is free from gluten, and is very low in lactose, making it a good choice for those who are gluten and lactose intolerant.
Whey protein derived from grass-fed cows may be higher in certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant proteins, such as lactoferrin and β-lactoglobulin, than conventional whey protein derived from grain-fed cows. (7) However, grass-fed whey protein hasn’t been shown to be superior to conventional whey protein in terms of health benefits, such as reducing muscle soreness or muscle damage in resistance trained individuals. (8)
This powder currently comes in four delicious flavors: French vanilla, milk chocolate, oatmeal chocolate chip, and chocolate peanut butter. But, it doesn’t come in an unflavored option, which some people may prefer.
All flavors are sweetened with stevia and are free from added sugar, which is a major plus, especially for those who are managing their blood sugar levels.
Another plus is that this product is third-party tested and Informed Choice certified. Informed Choice is a monitoring program that certifies that supplements have been regularly tested for substances banned in sports, such as anabolic agents and stimulants. Additionally, all Transparent Labs supplements are third-party tested for quality and purity, and certificates of analysis (COAs) are available for all Transparent Labs products.
Like most high-quality, grass-fed whey protein isolate supplements, Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is expensive, costing $1.82 per serving. Though this is comparable to similar products on the market, this price may be out of many people’s budgets.
To save money, customers can subscribe for automatic deliveries on the Transparent Labs website to save 10% and receive free shipping.
What customers are saying
On Amazon, Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on over 500 customer reviews. Most customers are happy with the product’s quality, taste, and efficacy.
“Although I am not crazy about stevia it still tastes pretty good. It mixes really easy compared to a lot of isolate powders. Seems to be helping well with muscle recovery and lean growth. I’ll definitely buy this again even though it is a little higher. I believe it is worth the cost.”
James. R. Ross, Amazon
However, some customers report that some flavors have an off taste.
“Super disappointed. Ordered the vanilla peanut butter flavor and it was awful. I had the vanilla flavor and it was great. Was hoping to exchange for a different flavor and the company does not allow exchanges or returns at all. Very disappointed,” reported Amazon customer KZP.
Specs
| Serving size | One scoop (34.9 g) |
| Servings per container | 55 |
| Price per serving | $1.82 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Flavors available | French vanilla, milk chocolate, oatmeal chocolate chip, and chocolate peanut butter |
Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate Powder
Key product features
What you should know
Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate is a bioavailable plant-based protein that may support satiety and muscle health. (9, 10)
- We like that Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate is vegan-friendly and USDA-certified organic.
- This product costs $1.67 per serving, which is less expensive than the animal-based protein products offered by Transparent Labs. However, it’s more expensive than many similar pea protein isolate supplements available on the market.
- Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate is an excellent choice for those following plant-based diets who want a convenient way to add more protein to their diet or enhance muscle growth and recovery. (9)
Why we like Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate is a vegan-friendly protein that’s made from whole yellow split peas,a highly digestible plant protein that has a nearly complete amino acid profile.
Most plant proteins lack one or more essential amino acids, which is why they’re considered “incomplete” proteins. Pea protein stands out from other plant proteins as it has a complete amino acid profile. It contains all nine amino acids,though it’s low in methionine and cysteine. Nevertheless, pea protein is considered a high-quality protein source and has been shown to have comparable effects on health as animal-based proteins, like whey protein. (11)
For example, studies show that pea protein has similar effects on increasing muscle growth and strength as whey protein. (9)
“For most people, any potential differences among protein powders would be negligible, and that’s because most people in developed countries eat a wide variety of protein sources, not just whey, just pea, or any other,” adds Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “Therefore, even if one protein is limited in one or another amino acid, another will make up for that amino acid and maybe others. This is the idea of combining proteins.”
A 2019 study that included 15 men and women found that the participants who supplemented with 24 g of either pea or whey protein before and after exercise on training days and in-between meals on non-training days while following a high-intensity functional training (HIFT) program for eight weeks experienced similar increases in strength, body composition, and muscular adaptations to exercise. Both groups experienced significant increases in muscle strength, with no differences observed between the whey and pea protein groups. (9)
In another example, a 2024 study that included 24 young men found that the consumption of 30 g of pea protein isolate had the same effects on stimulating post-meal muscle protein synthesis rates as the same serving size of milk-derived protein, suggesting that both protein sources are effective for supporting muscle growth. (12)
Pea protein isolate has also been shown to enhance feelings of fullness after meals, which can promote healthy weight loss and body weight maintenance and support blood sugar regulation by slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. (10)
Adding a pea protein isolate supplement, like Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate, into your wellness routine is an easy and effective way to support weight loss and improve your body composition while helping you meet your daily protein needs.
This 100% plant-based protein powder is a smart choice for people who follow a vegan diet, as they tend to have lower overall protein intake compared to people following omnivorous diets. (13) Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate provides 28 g of vegan-friendly protein per serving, which can help those following vegan and vegetarian diets increase the protein content of their diets.
In addition to being plant-based, Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate is certified organic, making it a solid option for those who prefer organic dietary supplements. It’s also free from gluten, fillers, preservatives, and artificial colors and sweeteners.
The chocolate and vanilla flavors are sweetened with stevia, a zero-calorie, naturally-derived sugar substitute, and are free from added sugar, making them a safe option for those with blood sugar regulation issues, like people with diabetes. Though this product comes in two delicious flavors, Transparent Labs doesn’t offer an unflavored version.
Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate is tested for quality and purity by third-party labs. Additionally, a COA is available for all Transparent Labs supplements on the company’s website.
In general, plant-based proteins tend to be less expensive than animal-derived proteins, like whey protein. Although Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate is less expensive than their whey protein powder, at $1.67 per serving, it’s more expensive than many other organic pea protein isolate products on the market.
To save money, customers can subscribe for automatic deliveries on the Transparent Labs website to save 10% and receive free shipping.
This product is only sold on the Transparent Labs website, so customer reviews from third-party sites, like Amazon, aren’t available.
Specs
| Serving size | One scoop (36.9-39.7 g) |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Price per serving | $1.67 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Flavors available | Vanilla and chocolate |
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
Key product features
What you should know
Made with a blend of rice and pea proteins, Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein can be mixed into drinks and vegan recipes like oatmeal to boost their protein content.
- We love that Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein is certified organic and contains rice and pea protein, two highly researched forms of plant-based protein.
- This product costs $1.67 per serving, which is less expensive than the animal-based protein products offered by Transparent Labs but more expensive than similar organic protein blends on the market.
- Like Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate, their Organic Vegan Protein can help people following plant-based diets reach optimal protein intake recommendations, which is especially important for those who want to build muscle mass or lose weight. (9)
Why we like Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan protein is made from pea protein isolate and rice protein, which are considered high-quality vegan proteins.
Unlike pea protein, rice protein lacks the essential amino acid lysine and is, therefore, an incomplete protein. Nonetheless, pea protein is a good source of lysine, so combining pea protein with rice protein creates a high-quality, complete source of plant-based protein. (14)
In fact, studies show that protein blends of pea and rice ranging from 40–90% pea protein can have a protein-digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 1.00. PDCAAS is a measurement method used to assess the protein quality of foods and supplements based on human amino acid needs and digestibility. A score of 1.00 is the maximum achievable score and indicates a high-quality protein source. (15)
“Many vegan protein powders combine a variety of protein sources to get the benefits of one type of protein or the other. For example, one source—like pea or rice—may be higher in one amino acid, yet limited in another, while the complementary protein(s) provides some of the missing pieces,” Mohr adds.
A serving size of Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein contains 32% pea protein and 68% rice protein. Though the pea protein content is lower than 40%, it’s likely that this blend would still achieve a high PDCAAS score.
Each serving provides 24 g of protein, which is 4 g less than what’s found in a serving size of the Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate. Because they’re the same price, it may be worth opting for the pea protein isolate product because it provides more protein per serving and has a more complete amino acid profile than rice protein. (16)
That said, studies show that both pea and rice-based protein products can benefit muscle health, such as increasing muscle strength, and can also support satiety and fat loss. (9, 10, 17,18)
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein is USDA-certified organic and, like their Pea Protein Isolate product, is vegan-friendly and free from gluten, artificial colors and flavors, and preservatives.
This product is third-party tested for purity and quality and also carries the Informed Protein seal. Established by LGC, Informed Protein is a quality assurance program that verifies the amount of protein in protein supplements. Products carrying this label are regularly tested to verify the amount of protein contained within the product matches the product label.
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein is available in chocolate and vanilla flavors, which are sweetened with stevia extract. Like the Pea Protein and Whey Protein Isolate products, the Organic Vegan Protein is not available in an unflavored version.
Another downside is that there are no third-party customer reviews available for this product, as it’s only sold on the Transparent Labs website.
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein costs $1.67 per serving, which is the same as the Pea Protein Isolate product. Because it packs more protein for the same price, the Pea Protein Isolate product is a more economical choice.
To save money on their order, customers can subscribe for automatic deliveries on the Transparent Labs website to save 10% and receive free shipping.
Specs
| Serving size | One scoop (32-37 g) |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Price per serving | $1.67 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Flavors available | Vanilla and chocolate |
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein Protein
Key product features
What you should know
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein is an excellent option for athletes looking for a natural way to facilitate muscle recovery after workouts. (19)
- We like that Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein carries the Informed Choice and Informed Protein seals.
- This product costs $2.00 per serving, which is more expensive than Transparent Labs whey protein products, but comparable in price to other grass-fed casein protein powders on the market.
- Research shows that when taken at night and after workouts, casein can support muscle recovery, making it a good choice for those who participate in strenuous workouts. (19)
Why we like Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein contains 25g of protein per serving from casein, a milk-derived protein.
Casein and whey are the two major proteins found in milk. Casein is considered a “slow” protein because it is digested slower than other types of protein, like whey protein. This results in a slower release of protein, but an increased muscle protein synthesis time period. (19)
For example, studies show that muscle protein synthesis is increased for up to six hours after ingesting casein protein, compared to just 3.5 hours after consuming whey protein. Additionally, protein anabolism, or the building of proteins, is better maintained after supplementing with casein protein powder compared to whey protein powder. (19)
Because of its slow release and sustained effects on muscle protein synthesis, casein is commonly consumed at night. Pre-sleep ingestion of between 20-48 g of casein protein has been shown to support post-exercise muscle recovery, reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness, and improve whole-body protein synthesis rates. (19, 20)
A 2021 review of nine studies found that consuming 20-40 g of casein approximately 30 minutes before sleep stimulated whole-body protein synthesis rates overnight in younger and older men. The study also found that pre-sleep ingestion of casein was effective for improving strength and muscle mass during 10-12 weeks of resistance training in younger men, but not older men. (20)
“The recent studies demonstrating that using casein protein pre-sleep can enhance muscle protein synthesis are impressive,” Mohr says. “As a sports dietitian, I love sharing this with athletes—it’s an easy add they can include in their diet to potentially improve their outcomes. And it’s something that they usually enjoy and therefore are more compliant with trying.”
For those who want an easy and delicious way to support muscle health and exercise recovery, Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein is a good option. The 25-gram dose falls within the dosage range found to be effective for promoting muscle health and it can be taken after an evening workout session or before bed to stimulate muscle growth and recovery. (20)
In addition to containing an evidence-based dose of casein, this product is an excellent source of calcium, covering 60% of the daily value (DV) per serving. Calcium is required for bone health and regulates critical processes such as muscle function, hormone secretion, blood vessel dilation, and more. (21)
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein carries the Informed Choice and Informed Protein seals, making it a smart choice for athletes concerned about potential contaminants and those who want to ensure they’re purchasing transparently labeled supplements.
Like the other protein powders in this roundup, Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein is third-party tested and is free from gluten, artificial colors and flavors, and preservatives. However, a downside to this product is that it’s only available in chocolate flavor, which some people may not like. The chocolate flavor is sweetened with stevia and is free from added sugar.
As with many other Transparent Labs products, Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein is only sold on the Transparent Lab’s website and third-party customer reviews are not available.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein costs $2.00 per serving, making it the most expensive single-protein product on this list. Compared to other grass-fed casein supplements, this product is more expensive, so it might not be the best choice for those on a budget.
To save money on their order, customers can subscribe for automatic deliveries on the Transparent Labs website to save 10% and receive free shipping.
Specs
| Serving size | One scoop (35 g) |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Price per serving | $2.00 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Flavors available | Chocolate |
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Key product features
What you should know
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is made with whole-food-based ingredients to support overall health while facilitating optimal muscle mass gain.
- Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is Informed Choice verified, making it a safe choice for athletes and those concerned with potential contaminants.
- This product costs $5.33 per serving, which is much more expensive than most other protein supplements. However, this price reflects the high protein, carb, and calorie load contained in one serving of Transparent Labs Mass Gainer.
- Mass gainers, like Transparent Labs Mass Gainer, are only appropriate for people trying to pack on lots of muscle mass as well as those who need a significant calorie and protein boost, such as those who are underweight.
Why we like Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
Mass gainers, also known as weight gainers, are supplements that are designed to promote weight gain, specifically muscle mass gain. Weight gainer supplements are very high in calories, specifically protein and carbs. Weight gainers facilitate muscle mass gain by providing the body with extra protein and carbs, both of which are needed to support muscle growth. Additionally, weight gainers are high in calories as your body requires a surplus of calories to build muscle.
One two-scoop (187-194 g) serving of Transparent Labs Mass Gainer provides 730 to 750 calories, 51 to 53 grams of protein, 106 to 110 grams of carbs, and 13 to 14 grams of fat, depending on the flavor. The supplement comes in two flavors, chocolate glaze donut and sweet vanilla, with the chocolate glaze donut flavor being higher in calories, carbs, protein, and fat.
The 51-53 g of protein is from grass-fed whey protein concentrate, which is an excellent source of muscle-building amino acids, like leucine. (4, 5)
When trying to build muscle mass, your protein needs significantly increase. Research suggests that physically active people should take in between 1.2-2.0 grams per kilogram (g/kg) of protein per day (or 0.54-0.9 grams per pound) to maintain their muscle mass. (22) However, experts recommend that people trying to build muscle aim to take in more than 2.0 g/kg of protein per day (0.9 g/lb). Those trying to build muscle while losing body fat have even higher protein needs, with some experts suggesting a protein intake between 2.3 and 3.1 g/kg (1 to 1.4 g/lb) per day. (23)
Weight gainers are also high in carbs, which support the maintenance of muscle and liver glycogen stores, which is essential for muscle function and muscle growth. (24)
While these increased needs can be met through diet alone, some people prefer to use a weight gainer supplement for a convenient source of protein, carbs, and calories.
People who are very thin and need to gain a significant amount of weight and muscle mass may also benefit from a weight gainer supplement, as it can be an easy way to add a lot of calories.
In addition to protein, carbs, and overall calories, a serving of Transparent Labs Mass Gainer provides 3,000 mg of creatine monohydrate, a molecule naturally produced by your body and found in certain foods. When taken as a supplement in doses ranging from 2–4 g per day, creatine has been shown to be effective for increasing muscle growth, muscle strength, and fat loss. (25) Most weight gainers don’t contain creatine supplements, so the addition of this well-researched ingredient in an evidence-based dose is a major plus.
Another thing that sets Transparent Labs Mass Gainer apart from most other weight gainer supplements is that it’s made with whole food ingredients such as coconut milk, oat flour, and sweet potato powder and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners, and preservatives.
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer carries the Informed Choice seals and is third-party tested for quality and purity.
A significant downside to this supplement is its cost. At $5.33 per serving, it’s more expensive than many weight gainer supplements on the market. However, this price reflects the high-quality ingredients and the addition of creatine, which is a highly effective supplement for muscle building. Another downside is that Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is only sold on the Transparent Labs website and third-party customer reviews are not available.
Though it’s still very expensive even with the discount, customers can save 10% and receive free shipping by subscribing for automatic deliveries on the Transparent Labs website.
Specs
| Serving size | Two-scoops (187-194 g) |
| Servings per container | 15 |
| Price per serving | $5.33 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Flavors available | Chocolate glaze donut and sweet vanilla |
Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer
Key product features
What you should know
Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer can help people following vegan and plant-based diets pack on muscle mass and reach their fitness goals.
- Transparent Labs VeganMass Gainer uses pea protein isolate, a high-quality plant-based protein that’s been shown to be effective for supporting muscle building. (9, 10)
- Like their Mass Gainer, Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer costs $5.33 per serving. Most plant-based weight gainer products are very expensive and this product is comparable in price to the most popular vegan weight gainers on the market.
- Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer can make it much easier for people following vegan diets to reach the protein and calorie intake levels needed to promote muscle mass gain.
Why we like Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer
If you’re following a vegan diet and want to gain muscle mass, hitting your protein goals can take effort.
Gram for gram, animal-based foods generally contain much more protein than plant-based foods. Plus, plant-based proteins have a lower anabolic effect than animal proteins, meaning they’re less effective for supporting muscle growth. This is due to their lower digestibility and their incomplete or insufficient amino acid profile, including lacking amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth, like leucine. (26)
For this reason, many people following vegan or strict plant-based diets add supplements, like protein powders or weight gainers, to their fitness routine to reach their body composition goals.
One two-scoop (186.4 g) serving of Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer contains 710 calories, 50 grams of protein, 110 grams of carbs, and 9 grams of fat. This product is slightly lower in protein than the whey mass gainer supplement and is much lower in fat.
Unlike the Mass Gainer supplement, this product is only available in vanilla cupcake flavor, which may be a downside for some people.
Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer contains 50 g of protein from pea protein isolate, which has a nearly complete amino acid profile. Studies show that supplementing with pea protein isolate, such as by taking a weight gainer supplement, is effective for building muscle.
Its muscle-building potential can benefit athletes as it can boost muscle protein synthesis and increase strength over time. (9, 10, 11)
Due to its high protein and carb content, Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer is an excellent choice for supporting muscle growth, especially when combined with strength training. Like the Mass Gainer supplement, the Vegan Mass Gainer contains 3,000 mg of creatine monohydrate, which makes it more effective for muscle building compared to weight gainer supplements that don’t provide creatine. (25)
Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer is made with some of the same whole food-based ingredients as the mass gainer supplements, including coconut milk, oat flour, and sweet potato powder, and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners, and preservatives. This makes it a good choice for those who prefer more naturally-derived supplements.
However, keep in mind that although this supplement is third-party tested for quality and purity, it doesn’t carry the Informed Choice seal.
Like the Mass Gainer supplement, Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer is pricey, costing $5.33 per serving. However, it’s comparable in price to other high-quality vegan weight gainers and offers the added benefit of creatine.
Specs
| Serving size | Two-scoops (186.4 g) |
| Servings per container | 15 |
| Price per serving | $5.33 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Flavors available | Vanilla cupcake |
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen
Key product features
What you should know
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen can benefit body composition, skin, joints, and bone health, making it an excellent protein choice to support overall health.
- We love that Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen carries the Informed Choice and Informed Protein seals and comes in an unflavored and flavored version.
- Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen is the most affordable protein product in our roundup, costing $1.17 per serving. However, it’s more expensive than other collagen products that contain more protein per serving.
- Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen comes in an unflavored version, which can be mixed into hot and cold beverages and sweet and savory recipes, making it a convenient option for people who want to boost the protein content of drinks, meals, and snacks.
Why we like Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and is essential for the health of your skin, joints, muscles, and bones. Collagen provides structural support to tissues and is required for tissue repair, immune response, and many other important processes. (27)
Collagen supplements offer a complete, highly-absorbable protein source and studies show that supplementing with collagen, like Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen, can benefit bone, skin, joint health—and maybe muscle health, though more research is needed.
“One recent study, published in July 2024, compared whey to pea and collagen and their effects on anabolic signaling. This study found whey and pea to both be effective, but collagen was not. Collagen may have benefits on hair, skin and joints, but the muscle outcomes are limited, at best,” Mohr says. (27)
A 2021 review of 19 studies found that supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen, like the type found in Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen, improved skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles compared to placebo treatments. Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen that’s been broken down into smaller fragments using a process called hydrolysis, making it easier for the body to absorb. (28)
Collagen supplementation has also been shown to increase bone density, strength, and mass, and improve stiffness, pain, and mobility in people with orthopedic conditions like arthritis. (29)
A 2021 study that included 131 postmenopausal women demonstrated that supplementation with 5 grams of collagen for four years increased bone mineral density by 5.79% to 8.16% in the spine and by 1.23% to 4.21% in the femoral neck. (30)
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen contains 10 g of protein from 11 g of collagen per scoop (11-13.75 g), a dose shown to be effective for improving bone mineral density, skin aging, and wrinkle depth. (30, 31)
People who want to reach an effective dose for building lean muscle can easily increase their protein intake by supplementing with Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen twice a day.
Collagen is unique in that it can be mixed into hot and cold beverages. Collagen is stable at temperatures up to 300°C (572°F), while whey protein and pea protein are only stable at temperatures up to 60°C (140°F) and between 79–87°C (158-188.6°F), respectively. (32, 33, 34)
This means that you can mix Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen into hot beverages, like coffee and tea, making it an easy and convenient way to increase your protein intake.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen is third-party tested and carries the Informed Choice and Informed Protein seals, so you can rest assured that you’re purchasing a safe, high-quality product.
It’s also free from preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners, and is available in unflavored and chocolate flavors.
At $1.17 per serving, it’s the most affordable protein supplement offered by Transparent Labs. However, it’s more expensive than leading grass-fed protein brands that offer up to 20g of protein per serving, which is double the amount found in Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen. For this reason, people on a budget may want to opt for a lower-priced product to get more bang for their buck.
Specs
| Serving size | 1 scoop (11-13.75 g) |
| Servings per container | 30 |
| Price per serving | $1.17 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Flavors available | Unflavored and chocolate |
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars
Key product features
What you should know
Protein bars, like Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars, are a convenient and delicious way to meet your protein needs.
- Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars are made with grass-fed whey protein isolate. The bars come in three flavors: peanut butter chocolate chip, dark chocolate almond, oatmeal chocolate chip.
- Transparent Labs Protein+ Bars cost $3.33 per bar, which is more expensive than protein bars containing a similar or larger amount of protein.
- This product is a good choice for people who prefer eating their protein rather than drinking a protein shake and those who want a shelf-stable, protein-rich snack to take with them on the go.
Why we like Transparent Labs Protein+ Bars
If you’re not a fan of protein powders or protein shakes but want a simple way to increase your daily protein intake, consider adding protein bars to your diet.
Transparent Labs Protein+ Bars provide 15-16 g of high-quality protein from grass-fed whey protein isolate per bar, making them a suitable option for people who want to gain muscle mass and promote weight loss, as well as those who simply want to improve their protein intake.
Protein bars are a popular choice for gym-goers, athletes, and those who want to lose excess body fat because increasing overall protein intake is effective for supporting muscle gain and fat loss.
Protein helps slow digestion and stimulates the release of satiety hormones like peptide YY (PYY) and cholecystokinin (CCK), which regulate your food intake by signaling to the brain that you’ve had enough to eat. This is one reason why adding more protein to meals and snacks may help you take in fewer overall calories, promoting weight loss, while even maintaining lean mass—if combined with resistance training. (35, 36, 2)
Increasing protein needs by eating more protein-rich foods can also support muscle mass gain, especially when combined with resistance training. (2)
While they both provide a good source of protein, protein bars are more convenient than protein powders as they’re ready to eat, while protein powders need to be mixed into liquids or foods. This makes protein bars a better option for people who want to keep a protein-rich snack in their purse car, locker, or gym bag.
Transparent Labs Transparent Labs Protein+ Bars come in three delicious flavors: peanut butter chocolate chip, dark chocolate almond, and oatmeal chocolate chip. While this is a major plus for chocolate lovers, we’d love to see the brand create a flavor for people who don’t like or can’t eat chocolate.
Another downside is the product’s price. At $3.33 per bar, it’s more expensive than products that offer a similar or greater amount of protein per serving. Though it’s made with high-quality ingredients like grass-fed whey protein isolate and nut butters, the price is still a bit high in our opinion. However, customers can save 10% and receive free shipping by subscribing to automatic deliveries on the Transparent Labs website.
Though these bars are free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives, they do contain added sugar, which some people prefer to keep out of their diets.
Like the protein powder products, Transparent Labs Transparent Labs Protein+ Bars are third-party tested for quality and purity. But, these bars aren’t tested for traces of gluten and aren’t guaranteed gluten-free. Because of this, they’re not a good choice for people with celiac disease.
Specs
| Serving size | 1 bar |
| Servings per container | 1 |
| Price per serving | $3.33 |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
| Flavors available | Peanut butter chocolate chip, dark chocolate almond, oatmeal chocolate chip |
Our Transparent Labs Protein testing methodology
We understand that narrowing down the best Transparent Labs protein product for your health needs and goals can be challenging. To make the process easier, our team analyzed Transparent Lab’s protein supplement lineup, using criteria like form, dose, product quality, and price to find the best selections for your health needs.
Learn more about each factor on our full supplements testing methodology page.
Here’s how we evaluated the protein supplements in this piece.
Efficacy—40%
Our team analyzes each supplement, considering the type and source of protein used, the clinical evidence backing its potential health benefits, dose efficacy, and more. Here’s what we look at to find the most effective protein supplements:
- Clinical evidence
- Dose efficacy
- Protein used
Safety and side effects—35%
We take supplement safety seriously and rigorously research products to ensure the protein supplements we recommend are generally considered safe for healthy people to take and are not associated with serious side effects or health risks.
Here’s what we look for when assessing supplement safety:
- Third-party testing
- Potentially harmful ingredients
- Reported side effects
- Inappropriate doses
- Medication interactions
- Dangerous or inappropriate label claims
Value—20%
We understand that everyone has a different budget and do our best to include affordable and high-quality products.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Price per serving
Customer experience—5%
Our team looks at every part of the customer experience, taking into account overall product satisfaction, reported side effects, customer support, and more.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Ease of purchase
- Shipping and returns
- Customer support
What to consider when choosing a Transparent Labs product for you
When you’re shopping for a Transparent Labs protein supplement, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.
First, it’s important to choose a protein based on your health needs. For example, if you’re looking for a protein powder that can help you gain muscle, then Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate may be your best option due to its full amino acid profile and easily absorbed formula. (2) If you’re in search of a protein powder to support the health of your bones, joints, and skin, Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Collagen may be a better choice. (28)
People who have significant protein and calorie needs could benefit from a weight gainer supplement, like Transparent Labs Mass Gainer or Vegan Mass Gainer.
You’ll also want to consider any dietary restrictions. People following plant-based diets should opt for a vegan- or vegetarian-friendly protein product, like Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate Powder.
Additionally, people with food allergies and dietary restrictions should purchase products that suit their health needs and preferences, such as products that are free from major allergens, like gluten.
Lastly, protein supplements are available in several forms, including bars and powders. Bars may be a better option for people who want a protein-rich snack to bring with them to the gym, work, or school, while powders are pantry staples that can be used to boost the protein content of recipes like smoothies and oatmeal (or simply mixed with water).
We’ve featured Transparent Labs in:
- Best protein powders
- Best mass gainers
- Best protein powders for weight loss
- Best clean protein powder
- Best protein shakes
- Best vegan protein powders
- Best casein protein powders
- Best pea protein powders
- Best meal replacement shakes
- Best protein powders for muscle gain
FAQs
Where can you buy Transparent Labs?
Though their whey protein is available for purchase on Amazon, most Transparent Labs protein products are only available for purchase on the Transparent Labs website.
Is Transparent Labs FDA approved?
Unlike medications, dietary supplements do not need FDA approval. However, Transparent Labs products are made in facilities that adhere to the FDA’s good manufacturing practices (GMP), which are regulations set by the FDA that ensure safe manufacturing and processing of supplements.
Is Transparent Labs protein powder third-party tested?
Yes, all Transparent Labs products are third-party tested for quality and purity.
Does Transparent Labs have heavy metals?
Transparent Labs guarantees that its products are tested for contaminants, such as heavy metals, to ensure their products are safe to consume.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD
Dr. Chris Mohr is an internationally recognized subject matter expert and speaker and performance coach. Through his facilitation and online resources, he works closely with some of the largest corporations in the world including Deloitte, Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and more to help busy executives all over the world, develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally.
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria Burgess earned her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She is an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago & Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level courses.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Jessica Coulon
Jessica is a contributing editor and writer who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Jillian Kubala, RD
Fortune Recommends Nutrition Writer