Is protein powder supposed to come with a scoop?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a survey by Myprotein, only 20-30% of customers prefer to receive a scoop with every protein powder purchase, indicating a shift away from standard practice. This raises a common question for many consumers: is protein powder supposed to come with a scoop? The answer is not always a simple yes, as manufacturers balance convenience with environmental and cost factors.

Quick Summary

The inclusion of a scoop in protein powder packaging depends on brand, product, and environmental initiatives. While traditionally expected for convenient, accurate dosing, manufacturers are increasingly omitting scoops to reduce plastic waste. Consumers can use alternative measuring methods if a scoop is missing.

Key Points

Not always included: While most brands still provide a scoop for convenience, a growing number of companies are phasing them out due to environmental concerns.
Check the label: The most accurate way to determine a serving size is by checking the grams listed on the product's nutritional label, not by relying solely on the volume of a scoop.
Use a kitchen scale for accuracy: For the most precise measurement, a digital kitchen scale is superior to a scoop, which can vary based on powder density.
Try kitchen alternatives: If no scale is available, standard measuring spoons or cups can be used as a close substitute, though they are less accurate.
Missing scoop trick: If your scoop is missing, it's often just buried. A few gentle shakes of the sealed container can cause the lighter scoop to rise to the top of the denser powder.
Consistency is key: Regardless of your method, aiming for consistency in your measurements is more important than achieving perfect precision for most individuals.

The Traditional Expectation of a Scoop

For decades, it has been standard practice for protein powder manufacturers to include a plastic scoop inside each container. This tradition was established for several practical reasons:

Convenience: A scoop offers a quick, grab-and-go method for measuring a single serving, especially for athletes at the gym or individuals with busy schedules.
Guidance: It helps consumers adhere to the recommended serving size listed on the nutrition label, ensuring they consume the intended amount of protein.
Consistency: The scoop provides a consistent volume measurement for each use, which is important for people meticulously tracking their macronutrient intake.

Factors Influencing Scoop Presence

While a scoop was once a near-certain inclusion, several factors now determine whether you'll find one in your protein powder:

Environmental Initiatives: In recent years, many brands have launched 'scoopless' initiatives to reduce the hundreds of tonnes of single-use plastic waste generated annually. Some brands give customers the option to request a scoop during checkout instead.
Product Type and Size: Smaller packages or trial-sized protein powders may not include a scoop due to packaging constraints. Capsules or ready-to-drink shakes, of course, do not require one.
Customer Feedback: Some brands, like Myprotein, have found through customer surveys that a large percentage of buyers do not need a new scoop with every purchase, fueling the move toward more sustainable options.
Regional Differences: Manufacturers must also comply with various country-specific packaging and labeling regulations, which can affect the inclusion of a scoop.

How to Measure Protein Powder Without a Scoop

If you find yourself with a tub of protein powder but no scoop, don't fret. Here are several reliable methods for measuring your serving:

Method 1: Use a Kitchen Scale This is the most accurate method and the one favored by precision-focused fitness enthusiasts.

Check the nutritional label on the protein powder container for the serving size in grams (e.g., 30 grams).
Place your shaker cup or a small bowl on a digital kitchen scale and tare it to zero.
Scoop the powder into the cup until it reaches the desired weight in grams.

Method 2: Use Standard Kitchen Measuring Tools If a scale isn't available, common kitchen tools can provide a reasonably close measurement. Be aware that the density of protein powder can vary, so this method is less precise than weighing.

Check the nutritional label for the serving size in grams.
Find out the approximate conversion. For many whey proteins, 30 grams is roughly 1/4 cup or 2 to 3 level tablespoons, but this can differ by brand and density.
Use a standard measuring cup or spoon, and level off the powder with a knife for an accurate volume measurement.

Comparison Table: Scoop vs. Kitchen Scale


Feature	Using the Included Scoop	Using a Kitchen Scale
Accuracy	Varies based on powder density and how you fill the scoop (level vs. heaping).	Highly accurate; measures the exact weight recommended on the label.
Convenience	High; easy to use on the go or at the gym.	Lower; requires a scale and a flat surface, not practical everywhere.
Cost	Free; included with the product.	One-time purchase of a digital scale.
Environmental Impact	Creates single-use plastic waste with every container.	Minimal; a reusable tool that eliminates the need for plastic scoops.
User Error	Tends to be higher due to inconsistent packing or leveling of the powder.	Very low; eliminates variability caused by density differences.

What to Do If Your Scoop is Just Missing

Sometimes a scoop is legitimately included but simply buried during transit. Due to a phenomenon known as the "Brazil nut effect," heavier, smaller particles tend to settle at the bottom of a container while larger, lighter particles rise. The scoop, being lighter than the dense powder, often finds its way to the top after shipping. If you can't find it immediately, try this simple trick:

The Shake and Sift Method: Seal the lid tightly on the container and gently shake it from side to side for 20-30 seconds. This can help the buried scoop rise to the surface of the powder. If this fails, a long utensil like a spatula can help you sift through the powder to retrieve it.

Conclusion

The expectation for protein powder to come with a scoop is changing. While most products still include one for convenience, a growing number of brands are eliminating them to reduce plastic waste. If you receive a product without a scoop or simply prefer a more precise measurement, a kitchen scale is the most accurate tool to use. Ultimately, knowing the exact serving size in grams from the nutrition label is the key to consistent dosing, whether a plastic scoop is present or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is becoming increasingly normal for some protein powders to not include a scoop, especially for brands prioritizing environmental sustainability. Manufacturers are actively phasing out single-use plastic scoops to reduce waste.

The scoop is often buried deep inside the container due to a phenomenon where lighter particles (the scoop) rise to the top while heavier ones settle. Try shaking the sealed container or using a long utensil to sift through the powder and find it.

The most accurate method is to use a digital kitchen scale to measure the serving size in grams as listed on the nutrition label. For a less precise but faster option, you can use standard kitchen measuring cups or spoons.

No, scoops are not all the same size. The volume of a scoop can vary between brands and product types, depending on the powder's density and concentration.

Using tablespoons can work, but it's not as accurate. For many powders, a serving of 30 grams is roughly 2 to 3 tablespoons, but you should always refer to the specific product's serving size and ideally measure by weight for best results.

Companies are stopping the practice to decrease plastic waste and promote sustainability. Customer surveys have also indicated that many consumers already have scoops and don't need a new one with every purchase.

The most accurate method is to use a digital kitchen scale and measure the powder by weight in grams. This eliminates any inaccuracies that come from differences in powder density or inconsistent scooping.