Protein is one of the many building blocks of life — you need it to bulk up, lose weight and maintain weight. It’s what keeps you fuller for longer and helps prime your body for repair. You’ve probably heard of protein powders before, too — those large tubs that adorn the walls of any reputable supplement shop. Contrary to belief, however, these nutritional powerhouses aren’t solely for gym rats and meatheads. There’s plenty to be had and gained by adding protein powders to your daily regimen, regardless of your activity levels. From the sleek and slim yoga enthusiast to the muscle-bound bodybuilder, everyone can reap the benefits of protein powder, provided they’re supplementing with a premium product.
Before we get the scoop on the best protein powders on the market, however, it helps to get a little understanding behind the benefits of protein supplementation, as well as a brief understanding on what to look for in a protein powder, which to choose and how to consume these nutrient-dense concoctions.
Products in the Guide
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Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
BEST OVERALL PROTEIN POWDER
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Isopure Zero Carb Whey Protein Isolate
BEST UPGRADE PROTEIN POWDER
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MyProtein Impact Whey Protein
BEST BUDGET PROTEIN POWDER
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Huge Supplements Huge Whey
BEST TASTING PROTEIN POWDER
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MyProtein Extreme Gainer Blend
BEST MASS GAINER PROTEIN POWDER
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Bare Performance Nutrition Whey Protein
BEST BLENDED PROTEIN POWDER
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Kaged Kasein Casein Protein
BEST CASEIN PROTEIN POWDER
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Huel Complete Protein
BEST ALL-IN-ONE PROTEIN POWDER
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MyProtein Whey Forward
BEST ANIMAL-FREE WHEY PROTEIN POWDER
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Vega Sport Premium Plant Based Protein
BEST GRAIN-FREE PROTEIN POWDER
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Kaged Plantein Vegan Protein
BEST VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER
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Bulk Supplements Soy Protein Isolate
BEST SOY PROTEIN POWDER
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Now Sports Pea Protein
BEST PEA PROTEIN POWDER
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Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein
BEST BONE BROTH PROTEIN
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The Benefits of Protein Powders
Protein is one of the main macronutrients you need in a well-balanced diet, and with that comes a number of health benefits. From giving your muscles that added boost for improved strength gain to managing your appetite for better weight loss, muscle recovery enhancement, bone health and more, there’s a lot that can come from this amino acid complex.
It goes without saying, then, that proper protein consumption is vital for a healthy body, for those with an active lifestyle, you need a little more than more sedentary individuals. A good ballpark for daily consumption is about 1.1–1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. So, a 180-pound athlete should look to consume roughly 90–123 grams of protein. While this might seem like a small amount, remember that protein sourced from whole foods can fill you up quicker, leaving you unable to consume your required intake. Protein powders and protein supplements can help you reach these marks at an easier clip, thanks to their portable, easy-to-consume nature — and more enjoyable tastes over extended periods, if we’re being honest. “Everyone can’t necessarily sit down to that kind of meal, or even have the appetite for that,” says registered dietician and fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Dr. Sue Kleiner, “So that’s where using a protein supplement as a snack [comes in].”
Be mindful, though, of that word “snack.” Getting your daily macronutrients from whole foods is still ideal due to the abundance of micronutrients found in each tasty meal. Think of protein powders as the mortar and whole meals as the bricks — when used in tandem, they can make one strong household, i.e., your physique.