Protein Quality Calculator
Evaluate any protein source powders, shakes, bars, whole foods, and more. Check the real value, not just the grams on the label.
What is Protein Quality Calculator?
Protein Quality Calculator evaluates any protein source powders, shakes, bars, or whole foods using real nutrition science. The DrinkDigits Protein Quality Calculator goes beyond grams on the label to analyze efficiency, purity, value, and bioavailability, producing a clear Protein Quality Score (0–10) you can trust.
Use to search verified USDA data or enter values manually to compare protein sources accurately.
The DrinkDigits Protein Quality Calculator helps you objectively compare protein sources by measuring efficiency, purity, value, and bioavailability using evidence-based nutrition science.
Protein Quality Score
Based on efficiency, purity, value, and bioavailability
Score constrained by low purity or high calories—check the label for added fillers.
Score Breakdown
How Our Protein Quality Calculator Works
The DrinkDigits Protein Quality Calculator objectively compares protein sources using evidence-based nutrition formulas. It evaluates how efficiently calories convert into usable protein, how clean the macro profile is, how much value you get for your money, and how well the protein is absorbed by the body.
This calculator is designed for general nutrition comparison and educational use.
What the Calculator Measures
Protein Efficiency (35%)
Measures how effectively calories convert into usable protein.
Formula: (Protein × 4) ÷ Calories
Higher scores indicate leaner, more efficient protein sources.
Protein Purity (25%)
Evaluates the ratio of protein to total macros while penalizing fillers.
Formula: Protein ÷ (Protein + (Carbs - Sugar) + Fat + Sugar × 1.2)
Sugar receives a 1.2× penalty due to low nutritional value, while fiber provides a bonus (up to 1.5 points). Higher purity scores indicate fewer fillers and higher nutritional quality.
Value for Money (20%)
Calculates grams of protein per dollar spent.
Benchmarked to 18 g protein per $1 = top score
Optional input — leave blank if price should not affect scoring
This measures efficiency, not affordability.
Bioavailability (20%)
How efficiently the body digests and absorbs protein.
Each factor is weighted and combined to produce a single Protein Quality Score, along with visual breakdown bars and insight text.
Why It's Reliable
- ✓Uses verified nutritional science and PDCAAS-based bioavailability data
- ✓Automatically rebalances weights when price is excluded
- ✓No brand bias — results rely only on entered data
- ✓Updated for 2025 supplement market standards
💰 Price & Market Reality
The Value for Money score reflects protein efficiency per dollar — not total product cost.
2025 verified market averages:
| Protein Type | Typical Price/Serving (USD) | Market Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Whey Isolate | $1.75 – $2.25 | Highest purity; most expensive due to microfiltration |
| Whey Concentrate | $1.25 – $1.75 | Affordable, includes some fats/carbs |
| Casein | $1.50 – $2.00 | Slow digesting; premium micellar versions cost more |
| Egg White | $1.60 – $2.10 | High absorption; limited supply drives price |
| Soy | $1.20 – $1.80 | Budget plant-based option |
| Pea | $1.10 – $1.60 | Popular vegan protein, moderate purity |
| Rice | $1.00 – $1.40 | Often blended for amino balance |
| Collagen | $1.50 – $2.30 | Lower protein yield per scoop |
| Blend | $1.30 – $1.90 | Balanced cost and absorption |
Swipe to see more →
🌎 Prices reflect verified 2025 averages across major U.S. and global retailers. Ingredient, testing, and logistics costs have increased by 20–35% since 2023.
Ingredient sourcing, testing, and logistics costs increased 20–35% since 2023, which is reflected in modern scoring benchmarks.
Scoring Adjustment:
The calculator now treats 18 g protein per $1 as the top benchmark for "10/10" Value. Products above that still achieve full marks — so higher-priced isolates aren't unfairly penalized.
You can also explore drink-specific nutrition using our Starbucks Calorie Calculator and Dunkin' Calorie Calculator.