Clean Protein Powder Review: Is Naked Nutrition a Good Choice?

When I first started weightlifting with a personal trainer, the very first thing Coach Ashley helped me change in my nutrition was to eat more protein.

She asked me to track my macros and take photos of my meals. Like many women, I worried that lifting heavy and drinking protein shakes would make me bulk up and look too muscular.

This is one of the biggest fitness myths. Michael Matthews, the author of “Thinner Leaner Stronger,” calls it one of the most harmful misconceptions that keep women from their best physique.

In this article:

• The Biggest Myth Women Have About Protein 
• Why Protein Is Essential for a Fit and Healthy Body
• The Problem With Most Protein Powders
• Why Naked Nutrition Resonated With Me

• Naked Pea Protein Powder: Clean and Functional

• Naked Peanut Butter Powder: Wholesome Alternative to PB

•  How to Choose a Good Protein Powder (Checklist)
• Final Thoughts: Simple Protein as Daily Wellness Support

The Biggest Myth Women Have About Protein

Myth: Weight lifting makes women bulky. 

Truth: It’s actually very hard for women to build big muscles. Weight lifting creates that toned, lean look—those “strong curves”—that cardio alone can’t provide.

Myth: Another common myth is that women don’t need to eat much protein.

Truth: Research suggests women benefit from about 0.6–0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day for lean muscle growth and fat loss. (Source: Kent State University and the Nestlé Research Centre.) 

I've trained with Bret Contreras, also known as the Glute Guy, for over 3 years. The founder of the Glute Lab and the author of a great book on strength training for women generally recommends aiming for 0.8 to 1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight "to optimize body composition, gene expression, and health."

In my case, that’s roughly 80–110 grams daily (at 135 lbs body weight), easily a double of what I used to eat, 50-60 grams per day.

Why Protein Is Essential for a Fit and Healthy Body

Muscles are made mostly of protein, and it also supports bone health, metabolism, skin, hair, and hormone production. Once I started getting enough protein and lifting weights consistently, my body responded in a way I didn’t even think was possible for someone in her late 30s.

Body recompositioning was real, and it was happening not on some influencer’s Instagram page, but in my own mirror as I trained and ate a high-protein diet. I leaned out, lost body fat, and developed strength and shape in a way running half-marathons never did for me.

The Problem With Most Protein Powders

Over time, I’ve noticed that getting enough protein helps everything work better. My energy is steadier, my body feels stronger, and I recover more easily from workouts or long days. I don’t always track it exactly, but I make sure to include protein in most meals.

The biggest challenges with protein are:

1. Getting enough of it each day. Cue in protein powders and shakes!

2. Choosing the right protein can feel overwhelming, almost like you need a degree in Food Science.

If you’ve tried a few protein powders, you’ve probably noticed how complicated they can get. Long ingredient lists with names I couldn’t pronounce, gums, added sugar or artificial sweeteners, and “proprietary blends” that don’t clearly say what—or how much—you’re actually putting in your body.

I’ve tried many types of plant- and animal-based proteins: whey, egg, pea, collagen—you name it! Many tasted too sweet or chalky. Some made me feel heavy or uncomfortable.

My biggest challenge has been finding a protein that tastes good, feels good in my body, and fits my wellness lifestyle. I’ve learned that more ingredients don’t mean better results. Usually, it just means more calories and artificial stuff.

That’s why I was excited to find Naked Nutrition. Their philosophy, Nutrition With Nothing to Hide, means simple formulas, minimal ingredients, high quality, and full transparency about sourcing and testing. You know exactly what you’re putting into your body.

Why Naked Nutrition Resonated With Me

This post is in collaboration with Naked Nutrition. As always, the thoughts and experiences shared here are my own.

The first thing I noticed about Naked Nutrition was how simple everything is. The ingredient lists are short, often just one or two items. There are no proprietary blends or unnecessary extras. You can read the label and know exactly what you’re getting, where it comes from, and how it’s been tested for purity.

That transparency is important to me, especially with growing concerns about heavy metals in protein powders. Consumer Reports found that more than two-thirds of the protein powders they tested had alarming levels of lead in just one serving. That’s shocking!

With sensitive skin and a history of eczema, I’m pretty cautious about ingredients. I’m that person in the grocery store scanning labels with the Yuka app. So I was pleasantly surprised when one of the products I tested (Naked PB Powder) received a top rating there as well.

The two products I’ve been using in my daily routine are:

• Naked Pea 100% Pea Protein Powder

• Naked Peanut Butter Powder

Naked Pea Protein Powder: Clean and Functional

The first product I tried was the unflavored Naked Pea Protein Powder, and it quickly became my new favorite for smoothies. What’s great about pea protein is that it’s a complete plant-based protein. This means it has all nine essential amino acids, which is especially helpful for anyone who eats mostly plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan.

I was surprised by how neutral the taste was. In the past, pea protein always tasted chalky or too earthy to me—almost like cardboard. Honestly, pea protein isn’t the best-tasting option out there. But this one blends smoothly and has a mild, nutty flavor that doesn’t overpower other ingredients. You might want to adjust the amount to your taste. The smoothie recipe I used turned out delicious, and I could barely taste the protein powder.

I prefer flavorless protein because it gives me flexibility. I can make something cold or warm, sweet or neutral, and blend it with fruit, berries, veggies, or kefir without fighting the taste. Plant-based options also feel lighter and easier to digest for me, which helps me stay consistent.

This formula is truly functional, with a great amount of pure protein per serving and only 120 calories. I like using it in cold smoothies with frozen fruit, berries, kale, and kefir. It’s refreshing, nourishing, and keeps me full longer—perfect for warm days or after a workout.

High fives for:

• Neutral, smooth taste and pleasant texture

• 27g protein per serving (90% protein)

• Easy to blend with fruit, kefir, or Greek yogurt (extra protein!)

• Certified for purity and food safety by NSF

• Sustainably farmed and comes from US and Canadian farms

Just a heads-up: the big 5-lb jug is the best value and will probably last me 3 to 4 months, but it is big! Make sure you have space in your pantry.

Naked Peanut Butter Powder: Wholesome Alternative to PB

I love peanut butter, but not how high-calorie it can be. That’s why I was excited to try Organic Naked Peanut Butter Powder.  

This PB Powder shines in warm meals. I like stirring it into steel-cut oats, especially in the morning or during cooler months. The first thing I noticed when I peeled the freshness seal on the jug was the smell — that rich, freshly roasted peanut aroma filled my tiny kitchen. I even closed my eyes and took a moment just to take it in. And it’s not a surprise, since the only ingredient is slow-roasted, non-GMO peanuts grown in the U.S.

When mixed into my oatmeal, it blends smoothly and turns creamy without the heaviness of traditional peanut butter. It adds roasted peanut flavor and extra protein while feeling lighter.

For me, it’s one of those small upgrades that turn a simple breakfast into a little indulgence.

From my tracking data:

• 1 tablespoon of Naked PB Powder: ~60 calories, 7g protein

• Traditional peanut butter: ~90–100 calories, ~3–4g protein

So you get twice the protein with almost 50% fewer calories. I like that math.

High fives for:

• Rich, roasted peanut flavor with fewer calories.

• Adds protein without extra fat.

• Blends easily into warm oats, overnight oats, and acai bowls.

• Comforting and grounding, especially in colder seasons.

• Excellent rating on Yuka (90/100) - screenshot below:

I’m still experimenting with the perfect peanut butter toast using the powder, so the jury’s still out.

How to Choose a Good Protein Powder

A common issue with protein powders: if a serving is 40 grams but only 21 grams are protein, it’s fair to ask what’s in the rest—and do you really need it? Most likely, it’s carbs, fats, and marketing fluff.

No matter which protein you pick, I made this checklist to help you choose the right one. Decoding the labels can be tricky because their primary purpose is to sell the product. I put this together based on research on clean eating and weightlifting for women.

A good protein powder checklist:

• List the main protein source first (like pea protein or whey isolate)

• Deliver a high protein percentage (ideally 70% or more)

• Contain all essential amino acids

• Have minimal added sugars or fillers

• Be third-party tested for food safety and purity

• Have fewer than 5 ingredients total

In general, fewer ingredients and higher protein density are a good sign.

Get our free weekly wellness newsletter

Final Thoughts: Simple Protein as Daily Wellness Support

What I like most about these two Naked Nutrition products is the clear ingredient list, the great value, and how easily they fit into my routine year-round. Cold smoothies are my go-to lunch in the summer, and warm oats are perfect for winter. I also like that I don’t have to overthink or compare endlessly—it’s just clean protein that supports my energy, my body, and my well-being, with nothing to hide.

If you value clean ingredients, transparency, and sustainability, and want protein to support your nutrition rather than dominate with strong artificial flavors, these are worth trying.

Check out the products directly on Naked Nutrition’s official website or take their quiz to find what fits your routine best.

Let me know what you think about Naked Nutrition’s products!

About the Author

Olga Pinn is a California-based health and wellness coach, mindfulness meditation teacher and author with a globally-inspired practice. Formerly an e-commerce executive, she founded Meditate Mate and co-founded Inward VR, a mindfulness technology startup. Her down-to-earth approach to mental and physical wellness combines meditation, weightlifting, yoga, and surfing.