Gainful is a personalized nutrition brand offering protein powders the company promotes as having clean, limited-ingredient formulas tailored to suit individual fitness ambitions and dietary preferences. The company offers seven variations based on your preferences, with a quiz to help you pick the right one. So, whether you’re a busy professional or an active gym goer looking to gain muscle, you can likely find a protein powder that works for you and your goals.
We conducted real-world testing of Gainful Protein Powder, assessing its flavor, mixability, side effects, value, and more. If you want a protein supplement that’s convenient and customizable, keep reading to find out if Gainful is the right fit for your goals and lifestyle.
Why Trust Fortune
Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for all folks.
Our Overall Score
After testing protein powders, our tester gave this supplement an overall rating of 4 out of 5.
Gainful Protein
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: Our tester likes Gainful’s minimal-ingredient formulas with no artificial sweeteners or fillers
- Who it’s for: Anyone who wants protein powder customized to their individual fitness goals and dietary needs, whether it’s vegan, low lactose, or high protein
- What makes it different: Gainful is unflavored and comes with a variety of flavor packs to help you avoid flavor fatigue
Pros
- Customizable formula with an array of flavor boost packs
- No artificial sweeteners, fillers, dyes, or flavors
- Mixes well, creating a smooth consistency with no clumps
Cons
- More expensive than other protein powders we tested
- Not NSF Certified for Sport
Gainful Protein Specs
Our Experience with Gainful Protein Powder
Unlike most protein powders that have a set formula and flavor, Gainful allows you to customize the protein to your specific preference. The protein comes unflavored but you can choose from different flavor packs, meaning you don’t have to settle on one single flavor. Though, if you want to just stick with unflavored protein, that’s an option as well.
Depending on the powder you choose, the protein comes either from dairy sources such as whey concentrate, whey isolate, or micellar casein, or is vegan from a plant-based blend of organic pea and brown rice proteins. Both the whey-based and plant-based formulas offer a complete amino acid profile.
Gainful’s formulas feature limited ingredients and varying levels of protein, ranging from 20 grams per serving in Lean Whey and Lean Plant to 25 grams in Isolate-Only Whey and Performance Whey. The flavor packs range from 5 to 10 calories per pack, and most use stevia extract or monk fruit as sweeteners.
Pete, a certified nutrition coach, tested Gainful Whey Protein. He likes that Gainful uses minimal ingredients and contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors. “The individual flavor packets allow you to switch up your shake’s flavor from day to day,” he said.
What We Liked
Here’s what Pete rated highly after trying Gainful Whey Protein.
- First impressions (5 out of 5): Pete appreciated the easy-to-read, light-colored text on the black plastic container, and that it includes a scoop. “The screw-top lid is easy to open and close,” he said.
- Solubility (5 out of 5): The powder dissolved easily for Pete. “I mixed one scoop of protein powder in 10 ounces of water, and there were no visible clumps or chunks after the 60-second shake,” he explained.
- Side effects (5 out of 5): Our tester didn’t experience any negative side effects, digestive issues, or weird aftertastes.
- Flavor and taste (3.5 out of 5): Pete found the unflavored protein to have a light consistency and a “pretty good” taste, noting that the flavor was similar to that of regular milk. His favorite flavor packets were caffe mocha and cinnamon toast. “You also have the option to skip the flavor packets and save some money on your order,” he explained.
What We Would Change
Here’s what Pete would improve about Gainful Whey Protein.
- Value (1 out of 5): Gainful is one of the more expensive protein powders we have tested, costing around $2.86 per serving as of this writing. To get the best deal, you have to subscribe to the company’s auto-delivery service and save 10 to 15%.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
Gainful’s protein powder may work well for some but not others, depending on personal dietary needs and goals. Here’s a breakdown of who we think Gainful is best for, and who may want to check out other options on our list of the best protein powders.
Comparing Gainful Protein to Other Protein Powders
Frequently asked questions
What is customized protein powder?
Customized protein powder is tailored to meet specific dietary needs and preferences. Gainful offers seven options with varying ingredients and protein levels, ranging from 20 to 25 grams of protein per serving and 80 to 140 calories per serving. Gainful provides a quiz to help you choose the best formula based on your personal preferences and fitness goals, whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or support joint health. The protein powder itself is unflavored, and you can add flavor boost packs to make it more versatile and help avoid flavor fatigue.
Is custom protein better?
Custom protein powder might be better suited for individuals with specific dietary needs or allergies. Choosing a personalized formula that you feel works well for your body may help optimize your protein intake to support specific fitness goals, such as building muscle, boosting energy, or improving athletic performance and recovery.
How does Gainful work?
Gainful offers a short online quiz about your diet, exercise routine, and fitness goals to help you choose a formula for your individual needs. The protein powder itself is unflavored, but you can add flavor packs for an additional fee. The flavor variety pack includes strawberry cream, sea salt caramel, rich chocolate, Madagascar vanilla, cinnamon toast, cookies and cream, and chocolate peanut butter.
