# Best Salted Caramel Protein Powder > The best salted caramel protein powder picks compared on label protein, sugar, sodium and sweeteners, plus what caramel flavor and caramel color really mean. - **URL**: https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-salted-caramel-protein-powder/ - **Updated**: 2026-11-08 - **Author**: [Best Protein Powder Editorial Team](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/authors/editorial-team/) - **Publisher**: [Best Protein Powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/) --- Seven salted caramel powders checked against the label for that flavor, with the sodium, sweetener and caramel ingredients spelled out so you know what you are paying for. **How we rank:** We judge every powder on the label, not the marketing: protein per scoop, cost per 25 g of protein, the full ingredient list and third-party testing. No paid placements, and commission never sets a ranking. [Read our methodology](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/how-we-test/) Salted caramel is a coffee-shop flavor that protein brands have learned to copy well, and it has two quirks the labels reveal. The salt is real, so salted caramel tubs often carry noticeably more sodium than the same brand's other flavors, and the caramel is almost always flavoring rather than cooked sugar, which keeps sugar near zero. For most people, Dymatize ISO100 Salted Caramel is the best pick: 25 g of protein, 110 calories and 1 g of sugar per scoop, per Dymatize's label at the time of writing. The rest of this guide covers the higher-protein, stevia-sweetened, budget and plant-based alternatives. ## Our Top Picks | Award | Product | Why | | --- | --- | --- | | Best Overall | [Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate, Salted Caramel](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-salted-caramel-protein-powder/#dymatize-iso100-hydrolyzed) | The best-documented, lean salted caramel for shakes and coffee. | | Most Protein Among Blends | [Quest Protein Powder, Salted Caramel](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-salted-caramel-protein-powder/#quest-protein-powder-salted-caramel) | The thick, high-protein salted caramel; watch the sodium. | | Best Stevia-Sweetened | [Legion Whey+ Grass-Fed Whey Isolate, Salted Caramel](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-salted-caramel-protein-powder/#legion-whey-plus) | The pick for salted caramel without sucralose. | | Best Chocolate Caramel | [Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate, Salted Chocolate Caramel](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-salted-caramel-protein-powder/#transparent-labs-grass-fed-whey-protein-isolate) | The high-protein, clean-label choice if you like chocolate with your caramel. | | Best Value | [Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate, Salted Caramel](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-salted-caramel-protein-powder/#nutricost-whey-protein-isolate) | The most protein per dollar in salted caramel. | | Popular Import | [Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate, Salted Caramel](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-salted-caramel-protein-powder/#myprotein-impact-whey-isolate) | A light, sweet salted caramel isolate if you can get it at a good price. | | Best Plant-Based | [KOS Organic Plant Protein, Salted Caramel Coffee](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-salted-caramel-protein-powder/#kos-organic-plant-protein) | The vegan salted caramel latte in a scoop, caffeine included. | ## 1. Salted Caramel Protein Powder Compared at a Glance All seven picks side by side. Protein and calories are per labeled serving, which is one scoop for the whey powders and two scoops for KOS. Where a brand does not publish a full panel for this flavor, the figures come from retailer or nutrition database copies of the label and are marked as approximate. | Product | Protein/scoop | Calories | Sugar | Price tier | Certification | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Dymatize ISO100 Salted Caramel | 25 g | 110 | 1 g | Premium | Informed Choice (brand) | | Quest Protein Powder Salted Caramel | 26 g | 120 | 1 g | Premium | None found | | Legion Whey+ Salted Caramel | About 22 g | About 120 | Check label | Premium | Labdoor tested (brand) | | Transparent Labs Isolate Salted Chocolate Caramel | About 28 g | About 130 | Check label | Premium | Informed Choice (brand) | | Nutricost Whey Isolate Salted Caramel | 30 g | About 120-140 | Check label | Budget | None confirmed | | Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate Salted Caramel | About 21-25 g | About 90-110 | Check label | Mid | Informed Choice (UK listings) | | KOS Organic Plant Protein Salted Caramel Coffee | 20 g (2 scoops) | About 150-160 | Check label | Mid | NSF listing at a retailer; confirm seal | The headline differences are protein per scoop and price. Nutricost gives the most protein per serving at 30 g and is the cheapest per gram, but with less certification to back it. ISO100 and Quest are the best-documented, with full panels on their own product pages. Transparent Labs and Legion are the stevia-sweetened options for buyers avoiding sucralose. KOS is the only dairy-free pick, and it contains caffeine. One number the table leaves out is sodium, which matters more for this flavor than any other. ISO100 Salted Caramel lists 190 mg per scoop and Quest lists 310 mg, both higher than their other flavors. The section on sodium below explains the gap and why it matters if you drink two or three shakes a day. ## 2. What Makes Salted Caramel Protein Powder Taste Like Caramel? Real caramel is sugar cooked until it browns, and no protein powder here contains much of it. Instead, the caramel taste comes from flavor compounds listed as natural flavors or natural and artificial flavors, which recreate the buttery, toasted notes of cooked sugar without the carbohydrate. Dymatize ISO100 Salted Caramel lists natural and artificial flavor, salt, soy lecithin, sucralose and stevia alongside its two whey isolates, and its panel shows 1 g of sugar with 0 g added. Quest adds small amounts of molasses and sugar to its salted caramel for depth, but the label says they contribute only a trivial amount of added sugar, and the panel shows 1 g of total sugar and 0 g added per scoop. Transparent Labs' salted chocolate caramel combines cocoa with caramel flavor, which makes it closer to a chocolate caramel candy than a pure salted caramel. KOS pairs caramel flavor with organic coffee and a little coconut sugar, so its profile is closer to a salted caramel latte. The salt is real. Sea salt or salt appears on every salted caramel label we checked, and it does real flavor work: a small amount of salt sharpens sweetness and suppresses bitterness, which is why salted caramel can taste less artificial than plain caramel. It also explains the higher sodium figures, which we cover in the next section after the product cards. Caramel color is a separate ingredient and is not the same as caramel flavor. It is a brown colorant made by heating sugars, sometimes with ammonia or sulfite compounds, and some classes can contain a by-product called 4-MEI, which California lists under Proposition 65. None of the ingredient lists we checked for ISO100, Quest, Transparent Labs or Nutricost salted caramel include caramel color, but it does appear in some other caramel-flavored foods and drinks. If you want to avoid it, read the ingredient list rather than assuming a brown powder contains it. > **LABEL TIP** > > **Caramel flavor is not caramel color** > > Caramel flavor appears as natural or artificial flavor and adds taste. Caramel color is listed by that name and only adds color. A salted caramel protein can contain one, both or neither, and the ingredient list is the only place to check. ## 3. The Best Salted Caramel Protein Powders, Ranked Every pick is sold in a salted caramel flavor on Amazon US at the time of writing. Protein, calories, sugar and sodium come from the label or brand listing for the salted caramel flavor, which can differ from the same brand's chocolate or vanilla, and some figures come from retailer or database copies of the label where the brand does not publish them, as noted. Taste notes summarize buyer reviews; we have not tasted these powders. Price tiers compare approximate cost per gram of protein at typical Amazon prices. See our [methodology](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/how-we-test/) for how we weigh labels, certifications and buyer feedback. ### 1. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate, Salted Caramel **Award:** Best Overall | **Type:** Hydrolyzed and regular whey protein isolate - **Protein per serving:** 25 g (label) - **Calories:** About 110 - **Third-party testing:** Informed Choice (brand) - **Best for:** Everyday shakes, iced coffee ISO100 Salted Caramel lists 25 g of protein, 110 calories, 1 g of sugar and 190 mg of sodium per 30 g scoop on Dymatize's product page at the time of writing. The flavor comes from natural and artificial flavor and salt, sweetened with sucralose and stevia, and no caramel color is listed. It is an isolate, very low in lactose, and Dymatize states ISO100 carries Informed Choice certification. **Bottom line:** The best-documented, lean salted caramel for shakes and coffee. **Pros:** - 25 g of protein in 110 calories with 1 g of sugar, per the label - Lower sodium than Quest Salted Caramel - Mixes thin and clear, good for iced coffee, per buyer reviews - Informed Choice certification, per Dymatize **Cons:** - Premium price tier per gram of protein - Sodium is higher than ISO100's non-salted flavors - Uses both sucralose and stevia [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099J2SWXV?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) ### 2. Quest Protein Powder, Salted Caramel **Award:** Most Protein Among Blends | **Type:** Whey isolate and micellar casein blend - **Protein per serving:** 26 g (label) - **Calories:** About 120 - **Third-party testing:** No sport certification found - **Best for:** Coffee, baking, thick shakes Quest's salted caramel lists 26 g of protein, 120 calories, 1 g of sugar and 0 g of added sugar per 34 g scoop on its product page at the time of writing, from a whey isolate and micellar casein blend. Sea salt, sucralose, stevia and trace molasses and sugar build the flavor. The casein makes it thicker than an isolate, which buyers like in coffee and recipes, but sodium is high at 310 mg per scoop. **Bottom line:** The thick, high-protein salted caramel; watch the sodium. **Pros:** - 26 g of protein per scoop, Quest's highest of the flavors we checked - Thick, creamy texture from micellar casein - No sugar alcohols in this flavor **Cons:** - 310 mg of sodium per scoop, the highest here - Very sweet, per many buyer reviews - Premium price tier and no sport certification found [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Quest%20Protein%20Powder%2C%20Salted%20Caramel&tag=sktiger-20) ### 3. Legion Whey+ Grass-Fed Whey Isolate, Salted Caramel **Award:** Best Stevia-Sweetened | **Type:** Grass-fed whey protein isolate - **Protein per serving:** About 22 g (label) - **Calories:** About 120 - **Third-party testing:** Labdoor tested (brand) - **Best for:** Avoiding sucralose Legion's Irish grass-fed whey isolate, sweetened with stevia rather than sucralose, per Legion. Retailer and nutrition database copies of the salted caramel label at the time of writing list about 22 g of protein and roughly 120 calories per 30 g scoop; Legion's own figures vary slightly by flavor. Legion says Whey+ is tested by Labdoor, but it does not carry NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport certification. **Bottom line:** The pick for salted caramel without sucralose. **Pros:** - Stevia-sweetened grass-fed whey isolate, per Legion - Low in lactose and fat - Money-back guarantee, per Legion **Cons:** - About 22 g of protein per scoop, below ISO100 and Quest - Premium price tier per gram of protein - Some buyers report clumping in a shaker [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R3ZLXZ6?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) ### 4. Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate, Salted Chocolate Caramel **Award:** Best Chocolate Caramel | **Type:** Grass-fed whey protein isolate - **Protein per serving:** About 28 g (label) - **Calories:** About 130 - **Third-party testing:** Informed Choice (brand) - **Best for:** Chocolate caramel, clean label A chocolate-forward take on the flavor. Retailer and database copies of the label at the time of writing list about 28 g of protein and roughly 130 calories per 37 g scoop. Transparent Labs sweetens with stevia and avoids artificial sweeteners, dyes and gums, and it promotes Informed Choice certification, with an NSF listing also appearing for this flavor. Because it contains cocoa, it tastes closer to a chocolate caramel than a pure salted caramel. **Bottom line:** The high-protein, clean-label choice if you like chocolate with your caramel. **Pros:** - About 28 g of protein per scoop - Stevia-sweetened, with no artificial colors or gums - Informed Choice certification, per the brand **Cons:** - More chocolate than caramel, per buyer reviews - Premium price tier per gram of protein - Contains cocoa, which adds heavy-metal exposure for daily users [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQ32D39X?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) ### 5. Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate, Salted Caramel **Award:** Best Value | **Type:** Instantized whey protein isolate - **Protein per serving:** 30 g (brand) - **Calories:** About 120-140 - **Third-party testing:** None confirmed - **Best for:** Value, high protein The budget salted caramel with the biggest protein serving here. Nutricost lists 30 g of protein per serving, and nutrition database copies of the label at the time of writing show roughly 120 to 140 calories per 35 to 36 g scoop. Retailer ingredient lists show whey protein isolate, natural flavors, salt, acesulfame potassium and sucralose. It is sold widely on Amazon, but we could not confirm a sport certification. **Bottom line:** The most protein per dollar in salted caramel. **Pros:** - 30 g of protein per serving, per Nutricost - Budget price tier per gram of protein - Short ingredient list for a flavored isolate **Cons:** - No sport certification confirmed - Uses both acesulfame potassium and sucralose - Calorie figures vary across label copies; check your tub [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XZLZ6RV?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) ### 6. Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate, Salted Caramel **Award:** Popular Import | **Type:** Whey protein isolate - **Protein per serving:** About 21-25 g (varies by market) - **Calories:** About 90-110 - **Third-party testing:** Informed Choice (UK listings) - **Best for:** Light shakes Salted caramel is one of Myprotein's best-known flavors, and the isolate is the version US buyers can get most easily on Amazon. UK salted caramel labels list about 21 to 22 g of protein and roughly 93 calories per 25 g scoop, while US nutrition database entries for the isolate show about 25 g and 110 calories, so the panel depends on which market's tub you receive. It is sucralose-sweetened, and UK listings show the Informed Choice mark. **Bottom line:** A light, sweet salted caramel isolate if you can get it at a good price. **Pros:** - Light scoop at roughly 90 to 110 calories - Whey isolate, low in lactose - Informed Choice mark on UK listings **Cons:** - Label figures differ between UK and US versions - Some buyers find it too sweet - Amazon availability and pricing vary [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HHLGYWVR?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) ### 7. KOS Organic Plant Protein, Salted Caramel Coffee **Award:** Best Plant-Based | **Type:** Organic pea and seed protein blend with coffee - **Protein per serving:** About 20 g (2 scoops) - **Calories:** About 150-160 - **Third-party testing:** NSF listing at a retailer; confirm seal - **Best for:** Dairy-free, morning coffee The dairy-free salted caramel, with coffee built in. Retailer listings at the time of writing show about 20 g of plant protein and 150 to 160 calories per two-scoop, 37 g serving, with about 7 g of fat from coconut milk and seeds and about 50 mg of caffeine. Ingredient lists include organic coconut sugar with stevia and monk fruit. An NSF Certified for Sport listing appears for this flavor at a retailer; confirm the seal on your tub. **Bottom line:** The vegan salted caramel latte in a scoop, caffeine included. **Pros:** - USDA Organic and dairy-free - Coffee and caffeine built in for a morning shake - Buyers rate the coffee and caramel flavor highly **Cons:** - Only about 20 g of protein per two-scoop serving - About 50 mg of caffeine, which not everyone wants - Higher in fat and calories than the whey isolates [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076B8F1C6?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1) ## 4. Does Salted Caramel Have More Sodium? How the Flavor Changes the Numbers Yes, usually. The salt that defines the flavor shows up on the panel, and protein and calories can shift too. The clearest comparison is one brand across several flavors. The figures below come from each brand's own product page at the time of writing. | Product and flavor | Protein | Calories | Sugar | Sodium | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Dymatize ISO100 Salted Caramel | 25 g | 110 | 1 g | 190 mg | | Dymatize ISO100 Cookies & Cream | 25 g | 120 | 1 g | 130 mg | | Dymatize ISO100 Chocolate Peanut Butter | 25 g | 120 | 1 g | 180 mg | | Quest Salted Caramel | 26 g | 120 | 1 g | 310 mg | | Quest Peanut Butter | 23 g | 120 | 1 g | 200 mg | | Quest Cookies & Cream | 20 g | 100 | Under 1 g | 150 mg | Quest Salted Caramel carries 310 mg of sodium per scoop, about double its cookies and cream, and ISO100 Salted Caramel carries 190 mg against 130 mg for its cookies and cream. For most healthy people that is not a problem. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend keeping sodium under 2,300 mg a day for adults, so one scoop of Quest is about 13% of that. Two scoops a day plus a salty diet adds up faster, though, and people with high blood pressure or kidney disease should count it and ask their doctor or dietitian about a sensible limit. Protein moves too. Quest's salted caramel gives 26 g per 34 g scoop, the most of its three flavors we checked, while its cookies and cream gives only 20 g. ISO100 holds 25 g across flavors but drops to 110 calories in salted caramel. Myprotein's isolate is the reminder that market matters: UK salted caramel tubs list about 21 to 22 g per 25 g scoop, while US database entries show about 25 g and roughly 110 calories, so read the panel on the tub you actually receive. If sodium is your main concern, ISO100 Salted Caramel is the lower-sodium choice of the two brands with published panels. Salted caramel is otherwise one of the leaner dessert flavors, because the caramel is flavoring rather than sugar. Our [best whey protein isolate](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-whey-protein-isolate/) guide compares isolates on protein per calorie across all flavors. ## 5. Sweeteners in Salted Caramel Protein Powder Caramel is a sweet flavor, so the sweetener matters. Sucralose is the most common: ISO100 pairs it with a little stevia, Quest pairs it with stevia, Nutricost pairs it with acesulfame potassium, and Myprotein's isolate uses sucralose. Sucralose is heat-stable and intensely sweet, which suits a candy flavor, though buyers who dislike it describe a lingering sweetness after the shake. Stevia-only powders are the alternative. Legion describes Whey+ as sweetened with stevia, and Transparent Labs lists stevia extract in its whey isolate. Salt and caramel flavor tend to hide stevia's bitter finish better than vanilla does, according to buyer feedback, which makes salted caramel one of the easier flavors to enjoy if you are switching away from sucralose. KOS uses organic coconut sugar with stevia and monk fruit, per retailer ingredient lists, so it carries some real sugar. There are no sugar alcohols in the ISO100 or Quest salted caramel panels, which both show 0 g. That makes salted caramel gentler on sensitive stomachs than Quest's cookies and cream, which uses erythritol. If you want a broad comparison of how sweetener systems taste across flavors, our [best tasting protein powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-tasting-protein-powder/) guide covers sucralose, stevia, monk fruit and sugar side by side. Anyone managing blood sugar should still check total carbohydrates, not just sugar, and talk to a doctor or registered dietitian about how a daily shake fits. For most people, a salted caramel whey with 1 to 3 g of carbohydrate per scoop is one of the easier sweet treats to fit into a low-sugar diet. ## 6. Salted Caramel Protein in Coffee Salted caramel is the natural protein flavor for coffee, and it is how many buyers use it. The simplest method is an iced salted caramel latte: shake one scoop of a whey isolate with 4 oz of cold milk until smooth, pour it over ice, then add a shot of espresso or 4 oz of cold brew. Isolates such as ISO100 and Nutricost dissolve fastest; blends with casein, such as Quest, give a thicker, creamier drink. Hot coffee is trickier. Whey proteins can clump when powder hits very hot liquid. Mix the scoop into a little room-temperature milk first to make a smooth slurry, then stir in coffee that has cooled for a minute or two. A frother helps. Do not try to dissolve dry powder directly in boiling coffee, or you will get stringy clumps. Our [best protein powder for coffee](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-protein-powder-for-coffee/) guide covers the techniques and the powders that mix best. KOS Salted Caramel Coffee is a special case because it already contains coffee and caffeine: about 50 mg per serving from organic caffeine, per retailer listings, roughly half a typical cup of brewed coffee. Adding it to coffee stacks caffeine, so count it. The FDA considers up to about 400 mg of caffeine a day generally safe for healthy adults, and people who are pregnant, sensitive to caffeine or taking certain medications should talk to a doctor about a lower limit. If you want salted caramel flavor without any added caffeine, choose one of the whey powders. If you want an all-in-one morning coffee shake and are fine with the caffeine, KOS covers protein and coffee flavor in one scoop. ## 7. Salted Caramel Protein Recipes and Uses Beyond coffee, salted caramel works well anywhere vanilla would. A caramel apple shake blends one scoop with half a chopped apple, a pinch of cinnamon, 10 oz of milk and ice. A banana caramel shake uses a frozen banana in place of the apple and tastes richer. Both land around 250 to 300 calories with an isolate and milk. For breakfast, stir one scoop into overnight oats with 1/2 cup of oats, 3/4 cup of milk and diced apple, then top with a few chopped pecans. Protein yogurt is quicker: fold half a scoop into 3/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt with a pinch of flaky salt, which brings out the caramel. A thick protein dip for apple slices takes one scoop and two to three tablespoons of milk or yogurt, stirred until smooth. Baking with salted caramel protein works best in blondies, mug cakes and pancakes, where the caramel flavor survives the heat better than fruit flavors do. Use a blend with casein, such as Quest, rather than a pure isolate, which dries out quickly in the oven. Replace up to a third of the flour, add a wet ingredient such as yogurt or mashed banana, and bake a few minutes less than the recipe says. Our [best protein powder for baking](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-protein-powder-for-baking/) guide covers ratios in more detail. Salted caramel also pairs with other flavors in your cupboard. Half a scoop of salted caramel with half a scoop of chocolate tastes like a caramel candy bar, and with peanut butter powder it leans toward a candy bar with nuts. If you already own a chocolate tub, our [best chocolate protein powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-chocolate-protein-powder/) guide explains why rotating away from cocoa now and then is a good idea. ## 8. What Buyers Say About Salted Caramel Protein We did not taste these powders; this section summarizes buyer reviews. Salted caramel is generally less divisive than strawberry or cookies and cream, because the flavor is close to vanilla with a salty edge. ISO100 Salted Caramel draws praise for mixing thin and clear in water and for a balanced sweetness. Quest's version is often described as very sweet and thick, which fans like in coffee and critics find heavy on its own. Legion and Transparent Labs buyers tend to describe their salted caramel flavors as more natural tasting, with the stevia finish noticeable to a minority. Transparent Labs' chocolate caramel is described as closer to chocolate than caramel, which is worth knowing if you want a pure salted caramel. Nutricost buyers often say it tastes good for the price and mixes without clumping, though it is less nuanced than premium brands. Myprotein's salted caramel is one of the brand's most popular flavors in the UK, and US buyers report similar sweetness, with some finding it too sweet. KOS buyers like the coffee and caramel combination and describe a rich, slightly earthy shake typical of plant protein. Across brands, the most common complaint is sweetness fatigue, which is easily fixed by using more milk or splitting a scoop with an unflavored or [vanilla protein powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-vanilla-protein-powder/). If price is your deciding factor, our [best cheap protein powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-cheap-protein-powder/) guide compares budget tubs across flavors if Nutricost is not available in salted caramel when you shop. If you want a dairy-free option in more flavors than KOS offers, see our [best plant-based protein powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-plant-based-protein-powder/) guide. ## 9. Common Mistakes to Avoid ### Ignoring the sodium line Salted caramel often carries more sodium than other flavors. Quest lists 310 mg per scoop, about double its cookies and cream. One scoop is fine for most people, but two or three a day on a salty diet adds up, especially with high blood pressure. ### Confusing caramel flavor with caramel color Caramel flavor adds taste and is listed as natural or artificial flavor. Caramel color is a separate brown colorant listed by name. None of the salted caramel labels we checked use it, but do not assume either way. Read the ingredient list. ### Stacking caffeine without noticing KOS Salted Caramel Coffee contains about 50 mg of caffeine per serving. Adding it to a cup of coffee or taking it with a pre-workout raises your total quickly. Count it alongside your other caffeine sources, especially later in the day. ### Dumping powder into hot coffee Whey clumps when dry powder hits very hot liquid. Mix the scoop with a little cool milk first, then add coffee that has cooled for a minute or two, or use an iced latte method. A handheld frother makes a smooth drink. ### Assuming the numbers match the brand's best-seller Flavors change protein, calories and sodium. ISO100 Salted Caramel has 110 calories against 120 for its cookies and cream, and Myprotein's labels differ by market. Always read the panel for salted caramel on the tub in your hand. ## 10. Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best salted caramel protein powder? For most people, Dymatize ISO100 Salted Caramel. Per Dymatize's label it gives 25 g of protein in 110 calories with 1 g of sugar, it carries less sodium than Quest's version, and Dymatize states it is Informed Choice certified. Quest is the thicker, higher-protein blend, and Legion or Transparent Labs are the stevia-sweetened alternatives. ### Does salted caramel protein powder have sugar? Very little in most cases. ISO100 and Quest each list 1 g of total sugar and 0 g of added sugar per scoop. The caramel taste comes from flavoring, not cooked sugar. KOS is the exception among our picks, using organic coconut sugar alongside stevia and monk fruit, so check its panel for the exact amount. ### Why does salted caramel protein have more sodium? Because the salt is real and does flavor work. Quest Salted Caramel lists 310 mg of sodium per scoop against 150 mg for its cookies and cream, and ISO100 Salted Caramel lists 190 mg against 130 mg. For most healthy adults that is a small share of a 2,300 mg daily limit, but people watching sodium should count it. ### Does salted caramel protein contain caramel color? Not in the labels we checked. ISO100, Quest, Transparent Labs and Nutricost salted caramel ingredient lists do not include caramel color; the flavor comes from natural or artificial flavors and salt. Caramel color is a separate ingredient listed by name, so if you want to avoid it, read the full ingredient list on your tub. ### Is salted caramel protein good in coffee? Yes, it is one of the best flavors for coffee. Shake a scoop of isolate with a little cold milk, pour over ice and add espresso or cold brew. For hot coffee, mix the powder into a small amount of cool milk first to prevent clumping. KOS Salted Caramel Coffee already contains about 50 mg of caffeine, so count that. ### Is there a vegan salted caramel protein powder? Yes. KOS Organic Plant Protein in Salted Caramel Coffee is dairy-free and organic, with about 20 g of protein per two-scoop serving per retailer listings. It includes about 50 mg of caffeine and some coconut sugar, and it is higher in fat than whey. There are fewer plant options in this flavor than in chocolate or vanilla. ### What is the cheapest salted caramel protein powder? Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate in Salted Caramel is the budget pick, with 30 g of protein per serving per Nutricost and a low price per gram at typical Amazon prices. It is sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium, and we could not confirm a sport certification, so drug-tested athletes should choose ISO100 or Transparent Labs. ## Related Flavor Guides - [Best Protein Powder for Coffee](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-protein-powder-for-coffee/): The powders that mix cleanly into hot and iced coffee, and how to avoid clumps. - [Best Chocolate Protein Powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-chocolate-protein-powder/): Whey and plant chocolate picks, plus the cocoa lead and cadmium question. - [Best Tasting Protein Powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-tasting-protein-powder/): The flavors buyers rate highest straight from a shaker, across every brand. ## The Bottom Line The best salted caramel protein powder for most people is Dymatize ISO100 Salted Caramel: 25 g of protein, 110 calories, 1 g of sugar and a lower sodium count than Quest, per the label. Quest is the thick, high-protein blend, Legion and Transparent Labs are the stevia-sweetened options, Nutricost is the value buy, Myprotein is the light import and KOS is the vegan pick with coffee built in. Check two lines on the panel before you buy: sodium, because the salt in salted caramel is real, and the ingredient list, to see whether you are getting caramel flavor, caramel color or both. Both vary by brand and by flavor, so the label for the exact tub is the only one that counts. ## More in Protein Powder Guides in this category that pair with what you just read. - [Best Tasting Protein Powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-tasting-protein-powder/) - [Best Vanilla Protein Powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-vanilla-protein-powder/) - [Best Chocolate Protein Powder](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-chocolate-protein-powder/) - [Best Protein Powder for Coffee](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/best-protein-powder-for-coffee/) About the Author [Best Protein Powder Editorial Team](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/authors/editorial-team/), Supplements Desk The editorial team reads the label, the certificate and the price per gram of protein before a powder gets near a ranking -- and says plainly when a cheaper tub does the same job. [Full profile](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/authors/editorial-team/) | [How we test](https://www.best-proteinpowder.com/how-we-test/)