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Sometimes, all you could eat would not suffice if you’re not getting enough protein in your diet. Especially if you are a bodybuilder or an athlete, you need the best protein powder out there. A balanced diet is crucial, and the importance of protein in muscle building can’t be overstated. However, the growing diet culture has massively affected the amount of protein that we are able to take.
That’s why protein supplements have grown in popularity among gym-goers and body athletes. Protein supplements help you bridge the gap between the required protein intake and how much you’re able to intake from food. There are many supplements out there, but we’ve listed out the best protein powders for your reference to make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Protein Powder
Protein is the building block of the human body, and it’s what helps you gain strength and muscles. And among the sea of protein supplement brands out there, it’s likely to make the wrong purchase. Look at the factors listed below to consider before making a purchase for the best protein powder for you:
Protein quality
Look for the protein quality before buying. See if it meets all the required parameters to qualify as a quality protein brand. Check if it has the right amount of essential amino acids needed for your body. See how many acidity regulators are there in a particular protein brand and other constituents to judge the quality of the powder.
Protein Source
There are primarily two sources of protein: plants and animals. Animal protein sources come from milk, egg and meat. However, the plant kingdom offers a variety of tastes and rich sources of protein as well, such as whey, casein, soy, pea, rice, hemp, and others. See what meets your requirements better and decide on what protein to buy.
Amino Acid Profile
Our body needs essential amino acids from external sources, the ones that it can’t produce itself. These amino acids are maintained in the protein supplement powders to help you meet your goals. So, while picking the next box of protein powders, check if they help with your EAA requirements.
Allergens and Sensitivities
Look for protein powders that do not contain substances you’re allergic or sensitive to. For example, if you’re lactose intolerant, going for a whey protein supplement could be a bad idea. In its place, you can choose either pea-based protein powder or hemp-based protein powder.
Other factors to consider while picking a protein powder include your digestibility, which ensures that you do not get any digestive problems after consuming it. Moreover, brand reputation and credibility in the market. You can do this by looking at the reviews and testimonials put out on Google or marketplaces like Amazon for specific products.
Last but not least, consider the burning question of how costly it is. Protein powder is something that you will have to invest in every month. So it’s better that you select the ones that don’t break your bank.
The Best Protein Powder Brands out There
The following list of best protein powder brands has been curated based on the authenticity of ingredients, their effectiveness, and prices. Compare these factors before making your decision:
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Essentially pure protein, Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate has 28 grams of the macronutrient that helps build muscle and increases satiety1 (the sensation of being full). For those whose primary concern is protein consumption, it’s a terrific alternative because most flavors have only one gram of carbs and zero grams of fat.
You’ll also be pleased that Transparent Labs goods have been examined by Informed Choice for the presence of any prohibited drugs if you’re an athlete. Transparent Labs’ whey isolate was also tested by Ellipse Analytics, an independent accredited lab, and it received an Above Average rating overall, passing our stringent quality assessment for both protein content and purity.
Product Specifications:
- Price per serving: $1.99
- Flavors: Various, including Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, and more
- Servings per Container: 30
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
Visit Transparent Labs to get your Protein today!
Naked Whey Chocolate Protein Powder
The three constituents of Naked Nutrition’s Chocolate Whey Protein Powder are raw cacao, coconut sugar, and grass-fed whey. Amazingly, each meal has a delightful flavor and exactly the right amount of sweetness, thanks to the three grams of additional coconut sugar. This protein has a flavor and appearance comparable to chocolate milk when combined with water.
This product might be a wonderful method to increase your protein consumption without adding any extras, as each serving contains 25 grams of whey protein. It works well as a post-workout recovery smoothie, and because it is Informed Choice Certified, athletes can feel secure knowing that it includes just the ingredients listed on the label and no chemicals that are prohibited for use in competitions.
Product Specifications:
- Protein Source: Whey
- Servings: 60
- Serving Size: 2 scoops (38g)
- Protein Content per Serving: 25g
- Calories per Serving: 160
- Added Sugars: 3g
- No Artificial Sweeteners
- Third-Party Testing: Confirmed
Visit Naked Nutrition to enhance your workout regimen.
XWERKS Grow
While XWERKS Grow tastes best when combined with milk, which is the recommended beverage, you can still enjoy a tasty protein shake if you run out and don’t feel like running to the store. It tastes like a richer, more protein-rich version of Yoo-hoo. What’s even better is that it tastes almost as good when combined with water. A five-star rating for flavor is what you’re getting with this protein powder, whichever way.
Moreover, it’s a premium protein that includes essential elements that support the development of muscular growth. New Zealand has some of the tightest dairy rules in the world. Thus, the cows used to produce the whey protein isolate originate from there.
Additionally, XWERKS employs a micro-filtration method that preserves the majority of the whey’s essential minerals and amino acids—the building blocks of protein—while eliminating the majority of its fat, sugar (lactose), and carbohydrates.
Product Specifications:
- Price per serving: $1.96
- Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Strawberry
- Servings per Container: 30
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25g (Peanut Butter variant: 23g)
- Carbs: 1g (Peanut Butter variant: 2g)
- Fat: 0g (Peanut Butter variant: 2g)
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
Visit XWERKS Grow and get your best-tasting protein powder today.
Thorne Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate
As a reliable, superior supplement company, Thorne makes no exceptions with their protein powder. It is a wonderful choice for athletes who want to replenish and accelerate recovery after an exercise because it is NSF Certified for Sport, one of the most comprehensive third-party testing bodies. It has a creamier and thicker texture than some of our other choices, but it dissolves well in water, so it’s a wonderful option for a denser smoothie or smoothie bowl.
With only one gram of added sugar per serving, Thorne’s protein powder has a low sugar level. Evaporated cane juice and stevia are used to sweeten it.
Product Specifications:
- Protein Source: Whey
- Servings: 30
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (30g)
- Protein Content per Serving: 21g
- Calories per Serving: 100
- Added Sugar: 1g
- Sweetened with Stevia
- Third-Party Testing: Confirmed
Visit Thorne Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate for Quick Muscle Growth!
True Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate (Cold-Filtration)
Among the various varieties of protein powders that this firm sells, True Nutrition’s Whey Protein Isolate (Cold-Filtration) has the most protein per serving of any product on our list. Furthermore, True Nutrition offers a range of protein powders that may be customized to suit individual needs.
Various alternatives include whey, casein, egg protein, pea, rice, pumpkin, hemp, and marine, porcine, or bovine collagen. Potential buyers can select up to three boosts, such as more maca or turmeric powder, in addition to their desired taste and kind of protein. The business states that cold-filtration ensures the highest possible purity of protein concerning this specific type of protein.
Product Specifications:
- Cost per serving: $0.32
- Type: Whey
- Protein per serving: 30g
- Maximum protein content per serving among all of our listed options
- Gluten-free and vegetarian
- Enables bespoke protein tastes, such as Red Velvet Cake, Cookie Butter, Natural Fruit Punch, and French Vanilla
Visit True Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate (Cold-Filtration).
Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey
The 100% Gold Standard Whey Protein from Optimum Nutrition is by far the most reasonably priced protein powder we tested; the key is to get the larger bags. For instance, a 146-serving bag costs just $1.08 for every 31-gram scoop, while a 27-serving bag costs $1.66 per serving. Protein powder has a fairly lengthy shelf life, so you may get more value for your money when using it.
The fact that a low-cost protein powder contains thickeners and artificial sweeteners (to make it so cheap) shouldn’t come as a surprise. Still, there are many positive aspects of the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard.
This protein powder is beloved by many for a variety of reasons. To enhance muscular endurance and recovery, it contains five and a half grams of branched-chain amino acids in addition to a blend of protein sources, including hydrolyzed whey protein and whey isolate and concentrate derived from hormone-free cows.
Product Specifications:
- Price Range: $1.08-$1.66 per serving (Price varies based on container size)
- Flavor Options: 17 delicious varieties to choose from
- Servings per Container: 28-70 servings available per container
- Total Calories: Ranges from 120 to 130 calories per serving
- Protein Content: Provides a solid 24g of protein per serving
- Carbohydrates: Contains 2-5g of carbs per serving, with variance across flavors
- Fat Content: Offers 1-2g of fat per serving, with flavor-dependent differences
- Protein Sources: Formulated with a blend of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein
Buy Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey today!
Dymatize ISO 100
Dymatize ISO 100 is the greatest chocolate protein powder you would have ever tested. It tastes great, yet it’s not too sweet or overbearing for you to get tired of. Milk gives it a deeper flavor.
Dymatize ISO 100 is easier for the body to absorb and digest16, and there isn’t much evidence to back up claims that it may speed up the synthesis of muscles or proteins more quickly than intact proteins. High-quality protein powder Dymatize ISO 100 contains two grams of carbohydrates and one or less grams of fat (depending on the taste), each 32-gram scoop delivering 25 grams of protein.
Product Specifications:
- Cost per serving: Between $1.65 and $1.99
- Flavor Selection: Includes options like Fruity Pebbles, Birthday Cake, Chocolate, and more
- Servings per Container: 20 servings within a 5 lbs. packaging
- Total Calories: Less than 120 calories per serving, varies with flavor
- Protein Amount: Each serving contains 25g of protein
- Carbohydrates: 2g per serving
- Fat Content: 1g per serving
- Protein Sources: Derived from hydrolyzed whey protein isolate and whey protein isolate
Shop Dymatize ISO 100 today and get the supplement your body deserves!
The Bottom Line: Verdict
In the pursuit of the best protein powder, meticulous consideration of factors like protein quality, source, and allergens is crucial. Our curated list showcases top brands like Transparent Labs and Dymatize ISO 100, offering diverse options to suit various dietary needs and fitness goals. With prices ranging from $0.32 to $1.99 per serving and flavors ranging from classic chocolate to innovative Fruity Pebbles, there’s a protein powder for every palate. Elevate your fitness journey and fuel your muscles effectively with these trusted protein powder brands.
FAQs
What is the best protein powder for muscle gain?
Thorne Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate or True Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate can work wonders for your muscle gain. Mainly, protein isolate and hydrolyzed whey protein are the best ingredients for muscle gain.
Which protein powder is best for weight loss?
Protein powders with lower calorie and carbohydrate content, such as whey protein isolate or plant-based protein powders, are often favored for weight loss goals.
How can I choose the best protein powder for muscle gain?
Opt for protein powders with high-quality ingredients like whey protein isolate or hydrolyzed whey protein, found in brands like Thorne Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate or True Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate.
What is the best protein powder for weight loss?
Protein powders with lower calorie and carbohydrate content, such as whey protein isolate or plant-based options, are often preferred for weight loss goals.
