Gainful Protein Powder: A Certified Nutrition Coach’s Review (2024 Update)
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Gainful is a sports nutrition brand that offers all-natural supplements personalized to your specific tastes, dietary requirements and health goals. Their website claims they are on a mission “to empower you to be your best, healthiest self.”
Gainful protein powder is specifically formulated by on-staff registered dietitians for each person, based on the results of a short quiz. They come unflavored, but also allow you to choose from a wide variety of complementary Flavor Boosts. The protein is delivered according to a subscription-based service that automatically renews every month, but you can skip, postpone or cancel a shipment at any time. One-on-one access to a registered dietitian is also included in your subscription.
Compared to the competition in 2024, Gainful may be a better, although slightly more expensive, option for those looking for an all-natural protein powder that can be customized to meet their specific needs and tastes.
Gainful pros
- Personalized, customizable blends specifically tailored to your needs and goals
- High-quality, clean ingredients chosen by registered dietitians
- Subscription includes one-on-one access to registered dietitians that can help answer fitness and nutrition questions
- Multiple flavor boosts are available, including strawberry cream, chocolate, cafe mocha, sea salt caramel and cookies and cream
- Protein powder provides all nine essential amino acids
- Contains between 19 to 27 grams of protein per serving, depending on your specific blend
- Produced in a facility that applies the Current Good Manufacturing Practices set out by the FDA
Gainful cons
- Subscription-based service, although you can postpone a shipment or cancel it at any time
- Expensive, depending on which ingredients are included in your blend
- As with other supplements, it works only when part of an overall healthy lifestyle
What is Gainful protein powder?
Gainful
Gainful protein powder is an all-natural protein supplement that’s designed to fit your unique needs. During a quick, five-minute quiz on the Gainful website, you’ll answer questions about your body type, activity level, fitness goals, nutrition habits and any dietary restrictions you may have. Once you finish the quiz, a registered dietitian will formulate a blend that aligns with your answers. You have the option to take their recommended blend or customize it as you see fit.
Each protein blend is delivered unflavored with a variety of Flavor Boosts. This means you’re not committed to only chocolate, vanilla or other generic flavors. The Gainful Flavor Boosts come in a variety of flavors, and each order comes with up to four different flavors. You can choose from:
- Madagascar vanilla
- Rich chocolate
- Matcha green tea
- Chocolate peanut butter
- Cinnamon toast
- Sea salt caramel
- Strawberry cream
- Caffe mocha
- Cookies and cream
In addition to Flavor Boosts, you can choose whether you want to order add-ons, such as their pre-workout powder, performance boosts or a Gainful blender bottle. You can also opt to add personalized hydration mixes to your order, although they’re slightly pricier ($1.43 per serving) than other hydration mixes, like the one by BioSteel ($1.10 per serving).
Gainful protein powder ingredients
Each Gainful protein powder blend is made up of seven ingredients or less, and some have only two ingredients. According to Tata D. Thies, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Gainful Science Advisor, “Every single ingredient is added with a specific nutritional purpose, giving careful thought to the benefit it will have on the body.” Their blends don’t contain any soy, gluten, fillers, or artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors.
The protein blends contain between 19 and 27 grams of protein per serving, depending on your specific blend. The powders are considered complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein that your body needs, but can’t make.
Here are some of the ingredients that may be included in your protein blend:
- Organic pea protein
- an easily digestible, hypoallergenic and vegan complete protein
- has been linked with muscle growth, improved blood pressure and gut health
- Organic brown rice protein
- the protein found in brown rice that can help build muscle and enhance performance during exercise
- studies have shown that brown rice may also help you control blood sugar, improve cholesterol levels, lower inflammation and protect you from diseases like type two diabetes, heart disease and cancer
- Organic oat powder
- animal studies suggest oat powder can help restore glycogen (a main energy source) and build endurance
- oats have a wide assortment of other health benefits, such as weight management, blood sugar control, gut health and heart health
- Whey protein concentrate
- one of the main proteins in dairy
- a complete protein that has been linked with weight loss and muscle mass, as well as improved blood pressure and blood sugar control
- Whey protein isolate
- a version of whey protein that’s lower in fat and lactose
- has been linked with improved lean muscle mass and strength
- Coconut oil
- the fat naturally found in coconuts made up of primarily medium-chain fatty acids
- studies suggest these types of fat are a readily available energy source and can help you lose weight and burn fat, as well as improve cognitive function
- Organic sunflower oil
- plant-based oil
- high in heart-healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats
- Organic monk fruit
- an all-natural sweetener
- contains zero calories
- Stevia leaf extract
- an all-natural sweetener
- contains zero calories
- Green tea extract
- added to boost your metabolism and help with weight loss
- has also been shown to offer other health benefits, such as lowering inflammation, promoting heart and oral health and protecting you from cancer
- BCAA blend
- a mixture of the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine
- BCAAs can stimulate protein synthesis and help with post-workout muscle recovery
- Micellar Casein
- a slow-digesting, complete protein found in dairy
- has been linked to muscle growth
- Organic tapioca dextrose and maltodextrin
- compounds in tapioca starch
- may help improve performance during exercise when taken as a pre-workout supplement
Compared with other protein powders, Gainful may be a better option if you’re looking for clean, all-natural ingredients. For example, while Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein is more cost-effective ($1.31 per serving compared with $3.21 per serving of Gainful), their products contain the artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K. While acesulfame K has been deemed safe for consumption by the FDA, animal studies suggest it could affect gut health and possibly lead to weight gain. Also, since Gainful protein powders are specifically tailored for you, they may be a better option for those trying to follow a keto or vegan diet, or for anyone with dietary restrictions or allergies.
Gainful isn’t the lowest cost option on the market, so it’s not the best choice for those on a tight budget. Gainful protein powders start at $45 for 14 servings, or about $3.21 per serving, while competitors like Naked Nutrition’s Pea Protein cost just less than $1.00 per serving. And any Gainful add-ons come with additional fees; for example, performance boosts start at an additional $22 for 14 servings.
How does Gainful Protein work?
Gainful
Gainful is a subscription-based service that automatically ships every month. Orders over $60 ship free; otherwise, a flat rate shipping fee of $5.99 applies for delivery within the U.S. Each shipment contains 14 to 28 servings, depending on how many scoops you use. You can skip, pause or cancel a shipment at any time, and there are no fees for canceling your subscription.
Gainful claims their products are “easy-to-mix, match, and modify so your body gets what it needs to prepare, perform, and recover.” They recommend mixing one scoop of powder and any of the optional add-ons with eight ounces of water, milk, juice or other beverage using a blender bottle. They suggest drinking the shake 30 to 90 minutes before or after exercising each day or as recommended by your healthcare professional.
What do customers say about Gainful Protein Powder?
We personally tested Gainful Protein Powder and were most impressed with the overall quality of ingredients, the ability to personalize the blend and the taste of the Flavor Boosts. The chocolate, mocha, chocolate peanut butter and sea salt caramel flavors topped our list, but if we had to choose just one, the mocha was our favorite.
Other than a few shipping and subscription concerns, customers rave about the customer service, taste and customizable formula of Gainful protein powder, even if it’s a little pricier than other protein powders on the market.
The bulk of customers say they’re finally seeing their desired fitness results when adding Gainful protein to an overall healthy lifestyle. One customer said, “Exceptional product. I’m seeing results already…No other supplements I have taken so far have gotten me this close to where I want to be.” Another commended their customer service, saying “An error occurred with the shipping of my order, but Gainful customer service made it right in less than 24 hours!”
Others appreciate one-on-one counseling with their dietitian. “So far all of the products have worked great, and my nutritionist Mary has gone above and beyond with helpful information,” said one customer. Unfortunately, some customers have had difficulties canceling their subscription. One customer said, “I have tried to cancel my subscription with them numerous times. As a last resort, I had to have my bank put a block on their company.” If you have any issues with your Gainful subscription, you can reach Gainful customer service via text Monday through Friday (415-991-7243), live chat on their website Tuesday through Friday or email anytime (hello@gainful.com).
Factors to consider before buying a Gainful Protein subscription
Ingredients
The ingredients in Gainful protein powers are all-natural and their health benefits are supported by science. Their products contain no artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors and are free from soy, gluten and fillers. The blends are tailored to your specific body composition, fitness goals and any dietary needs (for example, allergies or intolerances). You can also customize their recommendations as you see fit.
Before you start any supplements, speak with your healthcare provider. Whey protein is generally regarded as safe, but a recent review of the literature found that when consumed in large amounts, the health of your liver, kidneys, skin and gut could be affected over time. If you’re consuming other sources of whey protein, you may want to avoid it in your blend.
If you have a liver condition, ask your doctor if you should avoid including green tea extract in your blend. A literature review found that in normal amounts green tea extract is probably safe, but there have been reports of toxicity and liver damage when green tea extract is consumed in large amounts.
Price
Gainful is one of the more expensive protein powders on the market, starting at $45 for 14 servings. This works out to be roughly $3.21 per serving. You can also choose to add on additional products, such as pre-workout powders, hydration mixes or performance boosts, but these can be pricey, starting at $22 each for 14 to 28 servings.
Subscription
Gainful is a subscription-based service that automatically renews each month. You can skip or pause an order or cancel your subscription at any time. Your subscription includes a personalized blend of protein powder and one-on-one access to on-staff registered dietitians.
Other bundles, promotions and discounts
Gainful offers a few discounts and promotions to certain members. A discount of 20% off for the first six orders is given to:
- Students at a “degree-awarding school”
- Military personnel, including active duty, reservists, military families, retirees, veterans and members of the National Guard
- Doctors, nurses and first responders
They also have a refer-a-friend program where you can enter a friend’s email address and earn 50% off your order per referral. This means you can get two months of Gainful free after referring four friends. Your referred friend will also get 50% off when they place their first order using your personal referral code. Gainful also has a Partner Program where you can earn a commission for each customer you sign up with them.
The brand
Gainful says they want to help you achieve your goals and give you peace of mind about what you’re putting in your body. They understand that health is not one-size-fits-all, which is why they take a personalized approach to nutrition. Gainful also incorporates environmental responsibility into their brand. They have partnered with Pachama—an organization that works to reduce emissions through forest carbon projects.
Gainful protein alternatives
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein
Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein is a popular protein powder that provides about 24 grams of protein per serving. Similar to Gainful Protein Powder, ON’s Gold Standard is available in a wide variety of flavors, but some include artificial ingredients like the sweetener acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K. Animal studies suggest acesulfame K may alter the makeup of your gut microbiome–the microorganisms in your gut that can influence overall health. Unlike Gainful, you can’t customize Gold Standard protein beyond flavor. Gold Standard is more affordable, costing around $1.31 per serving, compared with $3.21 per serving of Gainful protein.
Check out our Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein review for more information.
Orgain Organic Protein
Orgain’s Organic Protein is another plant-based product with all-natural ingredients like protein from peas, brown rice and chia seeds. It includes 21 grams of protein per serving and is offered in nine flavor options, though it’s not customizable like Gainful. Some of Orgain’s protein blends contain an artificial sweetener called erythritol. Studies suggest that erythritol is safe for humans, but those who want to avoid all artificial sweeteners should stick with Gainful. Orgain’s Organic Protein costs $34 for 20 servings (about $1.70 per serving), so budget shoppers will save around $2.50 per serving, compared with Gainful.
Check out our Gainful Organic Protein review for more information.
Ritual Protein Powder
Ritual is another subscription-based service offering a variety of vegan-friendly protein powders that contain 20 grams of protein per serving. Similar to Gainful Protein Powder, their products are free from soy, gluten and artificial sweeteners. Unlike Gainful, Ritual protein is offered in only vanilla flavor, and customers have mixed reviews about the taste and blendability. While Ritual protein isn’t as personalized as Gainful, it’s offered in blends specially formulated for those aged 18+ and 50+, as well as those who are pregnant or postpartum. At $40 for 15 servings or roughly $2.70 per serving, Ritual is a slightly more affordable option than Gainful.
Gainful protein FAQs
Is Gainful protein powder good for muscle gain?
Many of the ingredients in Gainful protein powder have been shown to support muscle gain and fat loss when combined with an overall healthy lifestyle. What’s included in your blend will depend on how you answer the quiz, but many ingredients—like pea, oat, whey and brown rice protein—have been linked with muscle gain. Also, coconut oil, green tea extract, oat powder and whey protein concentrate may help promote fat loss.
Related Post: The Best Protein Powders for Muscle Gain
Can you use Gainful protein powder as a meal replacement?
Protein powder is meant to supplement an overall healthy diet. While it can be used as a meal replacement, the dietitians at Gainful don’t recommend using it to replace your whole meal. If you’d like to use their powder as a meal replacement, they suggest making a protein smoothie, blending in fruits, vegetables, grains and milk or yogurt along with the protein.
How do I contact Gainful customer service?
Gainful’s customer service team can be reached via text Monday through Friday, by online chat during limited hours on Tuesday through Friday or by emailing their customer experience team at hello@gainful.com. Gainful’s website also has a lot of helpful articles and resources if you need support.
Is Gainful protein powder worth it?
Gainful is a quality option for those looking for a personalized, all-natural protein supplement. It’s not the cheapest protein powder, but the customized blend, all-natural ingredients, wide variety of flavor options and valuable one-on-one access to nutrition experts may be worth the higher price tag.
Final thoughts
Gainful protein powder is a high-quality protein supplement that’s specifically formulated for your body type, lifestyle and health goals. Many of their ingredients are backed by science to help promote muscle growth and weight loss. Included in your subscription are a variety of flavor options as well as one-on-one access to registered dietitians. Gainful protein is pricey when compared to other natural protein powders, but customers get the benefit of a personalized experience and tasty protein supplement that wins with customers.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
