1. Protein Powders

Protein is great—it’s an essential macronutrient that helps fill you up, balance blood sugar, and aid in muscle growth. Protein powders include protein-rich ingredients derived from plants, eggs, or milk, and they run the gamut in terms of quality. But even with the cleanest protein powder, you’re only getting meaningful levels of one nutrient—protein. That’s not ideal, even for something like muscle function, growth, and recovery, for which a range of additional nutrients are necessary, including carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, and vitamins C, D, and E.

3. Greens / Superfood Powders

Superfoods and greens powders typically consist of a dried, ground up mixture of fruits, vegetables, and other less common greens—like chlorella—that provide you with some antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Often, they can be mixed with just water. The downside? They’re kind of a one-trick pony (the trick: they get some veggies and fruits into your diet), but are far from filling or a balanced source of nutrition.