levels protein powder Review: Is It Worth It?

If you’re like me, you’ve spent years in a love-hate relationship with protein powder. You love the results, but you hate the… everything else. The chemical aftertaste, the digestive “warfare” in your gut, and the mystery ingredients you can’t pronounce.

My main intent here is to talk to you, the person who reads labels. If you’re tired of compromising and want a protein that is 100% grass-fed, tastes real, and has zero artificial junk, you need to buy Levels Grass-Fed Whey Protein. It’s the “no-compromise” powder I was searching for.

My Experience With Levels Protein Powder

My fitness journey has been a long one, and my pantry has been a graveyard of half-empty, giant plastic tubs of protein powder. For years, I was a loyalist to the “gold standard” brands—the ones you see in every gym. I’m talking about Optimum Nutrition, Dymatize… you know the ones. And they worked. I built muscle, I recovered. But I always had to “power through” the experience. I had to tolerate the weirdly sweet, almost-metallic aftertaste of sucralose and acesulfame potassium. I had to accept that an hour after my shake, my stomach would be a gurgling, bloated mess. I just accepted this as “the price” of protein.

I hit a breaking point last year.

I was cleaning up my diet in every other area—buying grass-fed beef, avoiding seed oils, cutting out artificial sweeteners—and then, every day, I was chugging a post-workout shake that was loaded with them.

It was a massive contradiction. I decided to find something “clean,” no matter what.

This is what led me to Levels. I’d seen it on a few “clean eating” blogs, and the label was almost too good to be true: 100% Grass-Fed Whey, no hormones, cold-processed, and (this was the big one) no sucralose.

It was sweetened with monk fruit and stevia. It also had no soy (it uses sunflower lecithin) and no fillers.

I was skeptical for two reasons. First, the price. It was definitely a “premium” product. Second, my experience with “all-natural” protein powders was that they tasted like chalky, bitter grass. I was terrified of the stevia aftertaste.

I finally bit the bullet and ordered a 5lb bag of the “Double Chocolate.” When it arrived, I opened it and took a sniff. It smelled… real. It smelled like actual cocoa powder, not a “chocolate-flavored” chemical.

The first test: the shaker cup. This is the ultimate test—just the powder and 8oz of cold water. No milk, no banana to hide the flavor. I shook it up. The mixability was fantastic, 10/10. No clumps, no grit at the bottom. I took a sip, bracing myself.

It was… not what I expected. It was not a sugary, candy-like “Double Stuf Oreo” flavor. It was a real chocolate flavor, like a high-cacao dark chocolate. It was earthy, rich, and only mildly sweet. And the stevia? I could just sense it on the back of my tongue, but it wasn’t the bitter, chemical-bomb I’d feared. It was a “clean” taste.

But the real miracle happened an hour later. Or rather, nothing happened. There was no bloat. No gurgles. No stomach pain. I felt… normal. The “price” I’d been paying for years was, it turns to be, completely optional.

I’ve been a loyal Levels user for over a year now. I’ve switched to the “Vanilla Bean” (which is my new favorite for its versatility), and I’ve tried the “Chocolate Peanut Butter.” It’s not just a protein powder; it’s a food. It’s the one part of my supplement routine that I no longer have to compromise on.

Read More: Comparison Of Ascent And Optimum Nutrition

Pros Of Levels Protein Powder

• A Genuinely “Clean” Ingredient Label: This is the #1 pro, and it’s the entire reason you’re here. There is no sucralose, no acesulfame potassium, no aspartame, no red 40, no artificial flavors. You are not drinking a science experiment. The sweetness comes from Stevia Leaf Extract and Monk Fruit Extract, which are natural, plant-based, zero-calorie sweeteners. This is a massive win for anyone trying to avoid artificial chemicals.
• 100% Grass-Fed & Hormone-Free Sourcing: The “grass-fed” claim isn’t just a marketing buzzword. It means the whey comes from dairy cows that were raised hormone-free and fed a natural diet. This is not only more ethical, but it can result in a protein that is higher in beneficial nutrients, like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and has a better fatty-acid profile. It’s a higher-quality source from the very beginning.
• The “No-Bloat” Formula (No Soy!): This was my “holy grail” benefit. Levels is a dream on the digestive system. A huge part of this is their choice to use Sunflower Lecithin instead of Soy Lecithin. Soy is a common allergen and can cause digestive upset and bloating in a lot of people (like me). Sunflower lecithin is a cleaner, less-allergenic, and more expensive choice, which shows a real commitment to quality. The cold-processing also means the protein is “undenatured,” making it easier for your body to absorb without distress.
• Third-Party Tested for Purity (Clean Label Project Winner): This is a huge, huge trust signal. The supplement industry is a “wild west.” Levels isn’t just saying it’s clean; they are proving it. They are “Clean Label Project Purity Award” winners, which means they are third-party tested for contaminants like heavy metals (lead, arsenic), pesticides, and plasticizers. In an era where you’re hearing reports about lead in other protein powders, this peace of mind is priceless.
• Excellent Mixability and Versatility: This powder just dissolves. Because it’s a pure whey concentrate (not loaded with gums), it mixes into a “thinner” shake that’s easy to drink. It’s not thick or “gloopy.” This also makes it an amazing ingredient for cooking. The “Vanilla Bean” is my secret weapon in oatmeal (“proats”), and I’ve used the unflavored version in everything from baked goods to pancake batter. It incorporates seamlessly without becoming a clumpy,-gummy mess.

Cons Of Levels Protein Powder

• The Price Tag is a “Premium” Pill to Swallow: Let’s be blunt. This is one of the more expensive proteins on the shelf. You are paying the “clean tax.” You are paying for the grass-fed sourcing, the hormone-free dairy, the “Purity Award” testing, and the natural sweeteners. You can absolutely buy a tub of mainstream protein for 30-40% less. You have to decide if the “pros” I just listed are worth the extra money. For me, they are, but this is not a “budget” protein.
• The Taste is an “Acquired” One: This is the single biggest “con” and the reason for most of the 3-star reviews you’ll see. If your palate is “calibrated” to the intense, candy-like sweetness of sucralose, Levels is going to be a shock. It will taste “earthy,” “herbal,” or “weak.” The stevia/monk fruit blend has a distinct aftertaste (for some people) that is not the same as artificial sweeteners. It’s a natural flavor, not a Willy Wonka flavor. You have to be prepared for this adjustment. I now prefer it, but it took me a week.
• The Texture is “Thin,” Not “Creamy”: Mainstream protein powders are often loaded with thickeners like Xanthan Gum or Cellulose Gum. These are what give your shake that thick, “creamy,” “milkshake-like” texture. Levels doesn’t use these fillers. As a result, a shake made with just water is thin. It’s not watery, but it’s not a thick, creamy shake. For me, this is a “pro” (it’s less “gummy” and heavy), but for many people, it’s a “con” because they miss that dessert-like texture.
• It’s “Grass-Fed,” Not “USDA Organic”: This is a small, but important, distinction for the absolute purist. “Grass-fed” is a sourcing claim. “USDA Organic” is a much stricter, legally-defined certification that governs not just the feed, but the soil, the pesticides, and the entire farming process. There are other brands (like Garden of Life) that are USDA Organic. Levels is not. This is a “con” only if “organic” is your non-negotiable standard.
• The “Scoop-Digging” Frustration: This is a minor, petty, but real complaint. The tub is great, but the scoop is always buried at the bottom. You will have to go “digging” for it and get a cloud of powder all over your hand and counter on day one. It’s an annoyance that other premium brands (like Vital Proteins, which has a scoop-holder in the lid) have solved.

Maintenance Tips For Levels Protein Powder

• Master the Shake (The “Slurry” Method): This is the #1 trick for a perfect, clump-free shake every single time. Do not just dump a scoop into 12oz of water. You’ll get floaters. Instead, put the scoop in your shaker cup first. Add just 2-3 ounces of water or milk. Put the lid on and shake for 10 seconds. You will create a thick, smooth “slurry” or “paste.” Then, add the rest of your liquid (another 6-8oz) and shake again. This two-step method ensures every particle is dissolved.
• Fat is Your Friend (How to “Fix” the Taste): If you are one of the people who is sensitive to the stevia aftertaste, the fix is fat. Do not mix this with plain, cold water. The “watery-ness” exposes the herbal notes. Mix it with whole milk (if you do dairy), or a high-quality, creamy non-dairy milk like Oat Milk or Coconut Milk (the kind in the carton). The fat and creaminess completely cut the stevia aftertaste and make the shake 10x more satisfying.
• It’s a “Food,” Not Just a “Shake”: This powder is at its best when it’s not the star of the show but a member of the cast. The “Vanilla Bean” is phenomenal in “proats” (protein oatmeal). Just mix a scoop into your oatmeal after you cook it (don’t cook the protein!). It’s also incredible mixed into plain Greek yogurt. This turns your yogurt into a high-protein, vanilla-flavored dessert with no added sugar.
• For Blenders: The “Ice-First” Rule: If you’re making a full-on smoothie (which I highly recommend), the rules change. The blender will do all the work. Add your liquid first, then your spinach, then your fruit, then the protein powder, and put the ice in last. This prevents the powder from “gunking up” at the bottom of the blender. A classic “Levels” smoothie for me is: almond milk, a handful of spinach, half a banana, a spoonful of peanut butter, and a scoop of “Double Chocolate.”
• Storage: Keep It DRY: That clean, undenatured powder is sensitive to moisture. The bag it comes in has a good zip-lock, but only if you keep the channel clean. I recommend wiping the “zip-track” with a dry paper towel after every few uses to make sure it seals tight. Store it in a cool, dark pantry. Do not store it above your stove or next to your coffee maker, where the steam will get to it and cause clumping.
• Timing is Simple: “Bookend” Your Workout: People over-complicate this. “Do I have 30 minutes?” “Is the anabolic window real?” Here’s my simple rule: I drink it after my workout. On my rest days, I drink it whenever I’m hungry for a snack. The high-quality protein is amazing for satiety. A mid-afternoon shake will kill your sugar cravings and hold you over until dinner, which is a massive win for any weight-loss goal.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Levels vs. Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard: This is the most common comparison: the “Clean King” vs. the “Old-School King.” ON Gold Standard is the industry benchmark for a reason. It’s a high-quality blend of isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate. It’s cheaper. And it’s “Informed-Sport” certified. But, its entire flavor system is built on Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium (artificial sweeteners), and it uses Soy Lecithin. If you don’t care about those things, ON is a fantastic, cost-effective choice. I switched from ON to Levels because I do care. I’ll pay more to avoid the sucralose and soy.
• Levels vs. Garden of Life Sport Grass-Fed Whey: This is a much closer comparison. Garden of Life is also a “clean” brand. The main difference is that Garden of Life is USDA Organic (a step above Levels, which is “grass-fed”). Garden of Life also adds a “recovery blend” of probiotics and BCAAs. Levels is a purer protein. If you want just protein, Levels is the cleaner, simpler formula. If you want a “holistic” recovery blend and “Organic” is non-negotiable, you go with Garden of Life.
• Levels vs. Isopure Zero Carb: This is a comparison of “clean” vs. “lean.” Isopure’s claim to fame is its “purity” in the other direction: it’s a 100% whey protein isolate that has been processed to remove all fat and all carbs. It’s a “zero/zero” protein. However, to achieve its (very sweet) flavors, it uses Sucralose. Levels is a whey concentrate, so it has a tiny bit of fat and carbs (like 1-2g), but it’s less processed and uses natural sweeteners. If your only goal is “zero carbs,” Isopure is the pick. If your goal is “no artificial ingredients,” Levels is the pick.
• Levels vs. Naked Whey: This is the “Clean vs. The Minimalist.” Naked is the ultimate “clean” brand for the purist. Their unflavored tub has one ingredient: “Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate.” That’s it. It’s the “cleanest” you can get. Levels is for the person who wants that same clean, grass-fed source, but also wants a great-tasting, naturally-sweetened, flavored product right out of the bag. They are both S-tier “clean” brands, just for slightly different users.

Also Read: Comparison Of Kachava And Whey Protein

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

My final verdict is this: Levels is the “no-compromise” protein. It’s for the person who is done with the “old school” way of thinking that you have to choke down a chemical-tasting, gut-busting shake to get results. It’s more expensive, yes, but it’s an investment in a cleaner, higher-quality, and more “honest” product. If you read labels, you care about sourcing, and you’re ready to ditch artificial junk for good, then this is the protein powder you should be buying.