The Pint Lab · Tested & Ranked

Best Protein Powders at Costco for the Ninja Creami
Costco is one of the best places to stock up on protein powder — the cost per serving is hard to beat when you buy in bulk. Keep in mind that the in-store selection rotates regularly, so what's on the floor today may not be there next month. Costco.com typically carries more options than the warehouse, and both locations occasionally run big sales that make bulk buying a no-brainer. We tested every Costco protein powder we could get our hands on using our standard base recipe and ranked them by taste, texture, and macros.
See how every powder ranks
Filter by flavor, sort by score, calories, or protein — all 50+ powders tested with the same recipe.
The Best Protein Powders at Costco for Ninja Creami

Levels
Vanilla Bean
Elite
363
Cal / Pint
46g
Protein / Pint
9.5
Score
Levels Vanilla Bean is the ultimate reliable workhorse that I keep coming back to over and over again. It delivers a legitimately craveable experience with a flavor that tastes like real vanilla bean and a dense, silky texture that sets the bar for what a Creami pint should be.

Ascent
Vanilla Bean
Elite
353
Cal / Pint
47g
Protein / Pint
9.2
Score
A heavy-hitting contender that defies expectations with its top-tier texture and reliable performance. While the vanilla profile is slightly sweeter than average, its ability to produce an ultra-creamy, top notch, consistency makes it a standout choice for those who value mouthfeel above all else.

Ascent
Chocolate
Top Shelf
353
Cal / Pint
47g
Protein / Pint
7.8
Score
Ascent Chocolate is a bit of a tease. It delivers a rock-solid, creamy texture that rivals any premium brand, but the chocolate flavor is just too shy to stand on its own once it’s frozen.

Optimum Nutrition
Vanilla Ice Cream
Solid
353
Cal / Pint
46g
Protein / Pint
6.2
Score
Optimum Nutrition Vanilla Ice Cream is the "safe bet" that doesn't quite hit a home run. While the macros are stellar and the texture is reliably smooth, the flavor loses its punch once frozen. It’s a workhorse protein that gets the job done without any bells or whistles—perfectly fine for a daily habit, but it won't be winning any "Best in Show" awards at The Pint Lab.
How We Test
Every powder on this list has been tested using the same base recipe — one scoop, 375g Fairlife 2% milk, erythritol, non-fat milk powder, vanilla extract, and xanthan gum — spun in a Ninja Creami on the Ice Cream setting. Scores reflect taste (35%), texture (35%), macro efficiency (15%), and whether we'd buy a full tub (15%). Rankings update automatically as new powders are tested.
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