Best Protein Powders
Gold Standard Whey Protein
NOW Sports Pea Protein Powder
Gold Standard Casein Protein
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Why Protein Powder is the best supplement for hypertrophy and performance
Protein Powder is an incredible supplement for those looking to improve their physical fitness. It offers a wide range of benefits, from aiding in muscle growth and repair to helping reduce cravings and preventing muscle degradation.
Packed with essential amino acids with a high protein content, protein powder can be an excellent addition to any exercise routine for those looking to reach their fitness goals.
The main benefit of protein powder is simply convenience. making a quick protein shake once or twice a day can save hours of cooking and meal preparation to achieve the exact same macros. Most of us can't control enough variables in our daily life to make that time consistently, and while I encourage as much natural protein as possible, protein powder is an incredibly useful way to boost your protein intake to meet your macros.
Their are many types of protein powders, some have more amino acids and others are vegan friendly, while some are easier on your digestive system. Your choice of protein powder will ultimately come down to your lifestyle and what fits for you.
Our Top 7 Best Protein Powders
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
Most trusted Brand
When it comes to whey protein, Optimum Nutrition is the go to. It’s the number one seller on Amazon for a reason. Its a quality product that has been around for a long time
With each scoop of the powder, you’re getting 24g of protein, 3g of carbohydrates, 1g of sugar, and 1g of fat making a Total of 120 calories per serving.
This products main ingredient is a whey protein isolate (WPI) which is the purest
form a way and seen typically in the higher end of whey products, and with a price of $49.99 for a 2lb tub or $84.99 for a 5lb tub your getting the quality you pay for in a brand you can trust.
There are currently 12 different flavors to choose from. This powder was also designed to mix quite well with both milk and water and I have never had any issues when using this powder.
If you are looking for a reputable company that produces a solid protein powder, you can’t go wrong with Optimum Nutrition.
Vega Organic Protein & Greens - great Vegan Protein Option
Vega have gone and created a fantastic vegan friendly, gluten free, organic protein powder.
They are a top of the line brand when it comes to vegan powders so the quality is undeniable with this product.
The protein sources used for this product is a combination of peas, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds for a total of 20g of protein and 150 calories per serving.
This powder also has vitamin A, vitamin C and omega 3. Containing no artificial flavours or preservatives.
As for blending and mixing, I found that it did a pretty good job. It worked extremely well with water and with amond milk. The texture was a little chalky, but that can be expected with powders at times.
The product currently comes in 5 flavours to suit your individual taste in the form of chocolate, coconut almond, french vanilla, berry and chocolate mint. This products only shortcoming is its low serving count at 17 for a tub that weighs a little over a pound. If it fits your lifestyle however, you can't got wrong with the quality Vega brings.
BSN Syntha-6 Isolate Protein Matrix - Best All Around Performance Protein
BSN has been one of the staples of the supplement world, and their Syntha-6 Isolate Protein Matrix is no new kid on the block.
This protein powder comes from a purely isolate sourced matrix of whey isolate, casein isolate, and milk protein isolate. Giving it a combination of slow and fast digesting protein to increase the duration of muscle protein synthesis which is the main selling point and what differentiates this product from other powders.
Because of its protein spectrum this product is best used before a space of time where their will be no caloric intake
This product contains 22g of protein, 15g of carbohydrates, 6g of fat and 4g of sugar at 200 total calories per serving with other amino acids. Coming in with 5 different flavours at a price of $49.99 for 3lbs and $74.99 for 5lbs. A reasonable expense for the quality of product you are receiving.
I would recommend this protein to aspiring athletes or anyone who wants a high performance protein powder with a protein matrix that promotes superior muscle protein synthesis.
GHOST Whey Protein Powder - Best Flavor Selection Protein
GHOST brand of supplements is one of the hottest on the market and it's not hard to see why when you try their whey protein powder.
When it comes to flavours, GHOST has one of the best selections I've seen, with flavours like Chips Ahoy, coconut ice cream, coffee ice cream, and even fruity cereal milk.
Each serving contains 25g of protein, 7g of carbohydrates, 3g of fat and 4g of sugar to a total 160 calories. The main drawback of this product is it only comes in one size with a relatively low serving count at 26, for a price of $44.99.
There are also no amino acids in this protein, which can be a bit of bummer if you want added benefits for muscle repair and building, although its blend of whey sources is enough if you just need extra protein and already have your BCAA's in another form.
If you are looking for a great tasting protein powder but don't mind it being just that, then GHOST Whey Protein Powder is a worthy product.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein- Best For long term absorption
This is a great product to take before bed because the slower digestion rate of the casein protein powder means you will anabolic for a longer period of time, and ideally build build better quality muscle while you sleep.
Made by the trusted brand that is Optimum Nutrition, you get high quality ingredients in the form of 2 flavours; vanilla or chocolate. Its unfortunate that there isn't more options but in this case its quality over quantity.
Each serving contains 120 calories 24g of protein, 3g of carbohydrates, 1g of fat and 1g of sugar.
This product is only available in a 2lbs tub with 26 servings for a rather expensive price of $49.99. I wouldn't recommend this for the more casual lifters, this product makes more sense to be utilized by someone with experience following a strict caloric diet. I mainly say that because of the extra expense is not necessarily worth it unless you have your other nutritional factors nailed down.
NOW Sports Pea Protein Powder - Best Alternative Sourced Protein
If you are looking for a great vegan protein powder that is different from all the rest, you might want to consider trying NOW Sports Pea Protein Powder.
The only protein source of this product is derived from yellow peas. It is GMO free and both gluten and vegan friendly.
This is probably the cleanest protein I've ever personally tried, with a naturally unflavored taste and macronutrients that make it suitable for just about any diet
If you are looking for a clean choice of protein, you can't go wrong with this product.
A single serving has only 20 calories with 24g of protein with 1g of carbohydrates, 2g of fat and 0g of sugar. Making it the lowest calorie option on our list. it currently only comes in a 2lbs tub with 27 servings for $29.99 making it an incredibly affordable choice.
Ultimately, you can't go wrong with this product. with the highest protein to calorie ratio, it also is packed with 4200mg of BCAA's in a clean, easy on the digestion system pea protein. Your sure to love this products simplicity and effectiveness.
How to take protein as a supplement
A standard "scoop" that comes with most proteins you buy will be between 25-30g.
The recommendation on the products is usually between 1-2 scoops daily, so up to 60g, and usually before or after a workout.
For those looking to build muscle, a basic rule is to consume about 1g of protein per pound of lean body weight a day.
Knowing this figure can seem a bit high, you can supplement with whey protein throughout the day to hit those higher protein goals.
Keep in mind that in some cases, consuming too much protein powder can cause some digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, pain, and cramping.
If you are feeling these effects from one or two scoops you may be lactose intolerant and should consult a medical professional who may suggest protein isolate or consuming other protein-rich foods.
Conclusion
Protein powder is an excellent choice for those looking to build muscle, reduce soreness after exercise, increase strength during workouts and prevent muscle degradation.
With it often being chalked full of amino acids, sporting a high protein content, Whey can help you reach your fitness goals while keeping cravings at bay.
If you have any worries you should consider consulting a medical professional before taking any of these supplements in order to ensure that they are right for you and won't cause unwanted side effects.
Regardless of what type of protein powder you choose or how much protein intake is best for your individual needs, there's no denying the potential benefits of adding this powerful supplement into your daily routine.
