Protein, protein, protein! It’s all anybody in the fitness world talks about, raved about by many influencers and personal trainers as the number one thing your body needs to build muscle. As a result, there are hundreds – maybe even thousands – of the best protein powders out there for you to buy.
Of course, protein exists within our bodies, and we can get it from a whole range of different sources. Meat is a prime source of protein, as are dairy products. It is a macronutrient, which are the nutrients we need in larger quantities to provide us with energy. We need macronutrients to, well, live and breathe every single day. If we don’t get enough of them, we’ll have no energy to fuel the cells in our bodies.
While fats and carbohydrates are both important macronutrients in their own right, protein often takes the spotlight. Composed of different amino acids, protein plays a critical role in building and repairing tissue throughout the body, mainly your muscles. Effectively, your body takes these amino acids to build and repair the muscles and bones in your body, and they’re also used to make different hormones and enzymes.
In a simple sense, protein is essential for muscle recovery. After a workout, when your muscle fibers have been broken down, you need protein to build them back bigger and stronger. It has other benefits as well, such as aiding with fat loss. Yes, you can get protein from animal and plant products, but what if you don’t have enough time to cook – or you don’t have a big enough appetite to eat loads of protein-based foods?
This is where protein powder comes into play. In essence, this is a powder that contains a high concentration of vital proteins that fuels your body when you drink it. There are so many protein powders on the market, and they fall into various categories. If you’re looking for a way to fuel your fitness journey, we’ve selected the best protein powders money can buy, and you can view our reviews below:
| Xwerks Grow | Supports muscle growth and increased strength |
|---|---|
| BioTrust Low Carb | Increases energy level and muscular endurance |
| CrazyBulk Tri Protein | Keeps you energized and more focused |
| BiOptimizers Protein Breakthrough | Promotes gut health and better digestion |
| Transparent Labs Whey Protein | Better immune system and gut health |
| Live Conscious Organic Protein | Boost energy levels and physical performance |
| Fitera FitFreeze | Help to achieve weight loss goals |
| Amy Myers MD Paleo Protein | Supports healthy lean muscle mass and weight loss |
| Onnit Protein Grass Fed | Boost muscle gain and faster recovery |
| Green Regimen Elite Protein | Build and tone muscles for faster recovery |
| Cellucor COR Performance Whey Protein | Replenish nutrients after workout |
| Ladder Whey Protein | Boost healthy lean muscle mass |
| Ladder Plant Protein | Improve muscle strength and fat loss regime |
| NSP Nutrition Muscle Fuel | Helps to achieve superior muscle gains |
| NSP Nutrition Milk and Egg Protein | Reduce breakdown of muscle protein |
| Bauer BRF Whey Protein | Increases metabolism and muscular strength |
| Orgain Protein Powder | Support bone and heart health |
| IdealFit IdealLean Protein Powder | Controls calorie intake and promote fat loss |
| Legion Whey Isolate Protein | Improves workout performance and post workout recovery |
| Beast Sports Beast Protein | Repairs and rebuilds muscle tissues |
| Huge Supplements Huge Whey | Increased metabolism and physical performance |
| ProMix Whey Isolate Protein | Help in curbing cravings and faster recovery |
| MTN OPS Magnum | Increased strength and ensures faster recovery from muscle loss |
XWERKS Grow
Grow by Xwerks uses grass-fed whey protein isolate sourced from grass-fed cows to give users a clean and effective source of protein. Whey protein powder helps users repair their muscle mass as they nourish the immune system. It has a healthy balance of digestive support ingredients and antioxidants, delivering 25g of protein in every serving.
Being sourced from only whey protein isolate, fats and carbs are almost non existent in Grow. With the choice of vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, or strawberry.
| Ingredients | 25g of protein, whey concentrate, 6g of BCAAs, 2g of fat, and 2g of carbs per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $50 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
BioTrust Low Carb
BioTrustLow Carb, created by Joel Marion, is made for consumers following a ketogenic diet. However, it also benefits individuals who aren’t following this type of diet, the reason why it is known as one of the best protein powders. It is made with clean and natural ingredients to reduce users’ cravings. Without these cravings, users are less likely to indulge in unhealthy foods, and they get the satisfaction they need with healthier options. Users need this protein powder to help them create lean muscles as they increase their metabolism.
| Ingredients | 150 calories, 4g of net carbs, 1g of sugar, 5g of BCAAs, 11g of essential amino acids, and ProHydrolase, a digestive enzyme |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $34 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days |
CrazyBulk Tri-Protein
Tri-Protein, a formula from CrazyBulk, provides consumers with support for their muscle gains and reduces the discomfort that comes with a workout. It is a well-known best whey protein powder. To create the protein shake, users have to measure out quite a hefty scoop (30g). Still, each one is filled with whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, micellar casein, milk protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, and whey protein hydrolysates.
| Ingredients | Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, micellar casein, whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, DigeZyme, and calcium caseinate |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $56 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days |
BiOptimizers Protein Breakthrough
BiOptimizers Protein Breakthrough changes up this list with plant-based protein powders. It is the result of 17 years of release, finding a way to create a smooth texture with high-quality plant-based protein. Plus, many customers enjoy the taste of this remedy, showing that the creators found the best blend of pea, hemp, and pumpkin seed protein possible.
With the use of plant proteins, most consumers find that they end up with fewer food cravings, helping them to restrict their appetite naturally. With fewer calories consumed, users start to establish a deficit that will keep them from being hungry between meals. It also means fewer carbohydrates, while the plant-based protein powder provides the user with necessary amino acids.
| Ingredients | Pea Protein, Hemp protein powder, and Pumpkin seeds protein |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $75 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 365 days |
Transparent Labs Whey Protein
Transparent Labs Whey Protein powder offers protein exclusively from 100% grass-fed American cows, creating a whey isolate with 25g of protein per serving. The cows used to get this protein have never been treated with hormones, and the blend contains no artificial flavors. Users get 120 calories in every scoop and less than a gram of sugar, and just 1g of carbs for the top macronutrient profile on the list.
| Ingredients | 120 calories, 28g protein, and 1g carbs |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $59 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 90 days |
Live Conscious Organic Protein
Live Conscious Organic Protein boasts incredible quality with the USDA Organic certified protein powder. In this combination, the formula offers 15g of protein per serving to improve metabolism and help with muscle development.
Users get additional ingredients to support the digestive process, like prebiotic fiber. It also comes in several flavors.
| Ingredients | Rice protein powder, pea protein, sacha inchi, and pumpkin seed protein |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $43 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 365 days |
Fitera FitFreeze
Fitera FitFreeze deals with weight loss, helping users eliminate the excess fat cells and improve their satisfaction after meals to stop the cravings. With fewer cravings, consumers can stick with their diet much easier, which is only made simpler with the use of fiber as well. Luckily, it is available as a chocolate supplement, so users don’t have to feel like they are sticking with a diet.
Unlike other best protein powders on this list, the preparation involves several extra steps. Users start by mixing the protein powder like any other protein supplement.
| Ingredients | 150 calories, 7g fiber, and 6g sugar |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $10 per pack |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Amy Myers MD Paleo Protein
Amy Myers MD Paleo Protein comes with the support of one of the most famous names in the supplement industry today. Dr. Myers is actually a professional medical doctor, rather than offering a skill set as a certified nutritionist or a marketing expert that simply wants to sell the best protein powder.
In this formula, users get high-quality and organic protein powder, but they have their choice of many familiar flavors. The flavors include (but are not limited to) Cinnamon Roll, Vanilla Bean, Double Chocolate caramel sea salt, Strawberries & Cream, and Salted Caramel.
| Ingredients | 110 calories, 21 grams of protein per serving, and 5 g carbohydrates |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $70 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 90 days |
Onnit Protein Grass-Fed
Onnit Protein Grass-Fed comes with many flavor options, including vanilla and Mexican chocolate. To get its 20grams of protein per serving, the creators add no sugar at all – just the protein sourced from cows in New Zealand.
This formula is one of the best animal-based protein powders that aims to promote muscle gains and help with the recovery process, which are all typical benefits of using whey protein powder. However, whey protein isolate is what they get from this formula, which means that it is the purest version of whey protein that users can get.
| Ingredients | 110 calories and 20 grams of protein per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $70 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 90 days |
Green Regimen Elite Protein
Green Regimen’s Elite Protein has enough calories to be a complete meal replacement shake, thanks to the 25g of organic plant-based protein. It is rich in superfoods, providing users with 4g of fiber from organic protein sources as well. The only thing missing with digestive enzymes to help along the process is the added sugars, stevia, and artificial flavors, but no one misses having those.
It is one of the best protein powders due to its composition of superfoods.
| Ingredients | 25 g protein, 4 g fiber, and enzymes |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $35 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder
Cellucor is one of the top names in the industry of best protein powders, offering a top-rated protein powder that contains 70 servings in each bottle. The incredible value provides users with 24 grams of protein per serving in each 120-calorie serving. Plus, users get the support of BCAAs within the easily mixable whey protein isolate. Due to the purity and quality, consumers may notice that this organic protein powder digests much faster than most protein powders that they’ve tried. It is a known whey protein supplementation, containing nine essential amino acids.
| Ingredients | 24 g protein, 5.25 BCAAs, and 10 g calories per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $54 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Ladder Whey Protein
Ladder was developed by two highly recognizable names in the fitness industry – Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lebron James. The purpose of this simple remedy is much like that of other protein powders – to improve muscle mass and offer fuel for each workout.
To make this protein powder easier on the digestive system, it includes probiotics that will keep the gut healthy without any discomfort in the digestive process.
Unlike any other protein powder on this list, Ladder Whey Protein has NSF Certified for Sport certification, the reason it is known as the best protein powder.
| Ingredients | 26g protein, 14 g of nine essential amino acids, 7g BCAAs, 14g nutrients, and 2 billion probiotics |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $70 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Ladder Plant Protein
Ladder Plant Protein offers an alternative option to consumers that want to shop with this brand but don’t want to consume animal-based protein products. The Ladder Plant Protein formula is a great plant-based protein powder that has the exact pricing and reliability as Ladder whey protein, but it offers the support without ever touching whey protein.
Available in chocolate or vanilla, it still provides the performance that consumers have come to expect from Schwarzenegger and James.
| Ingredients | 21g protein, 4.5g BCAAs, and 9g nine amino acids and nutrients per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $50 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
NSP Nutrition Muscle Fuel
NSP Nutrition’s Muscle Fuel already uses whey isolate protein powder. Still, the primary source goes through an intense filtration process to ensure that only a minimal amount of fat is left behind. Users who want to lose weight need to have one of the high-quality protein powders, though they will choose either vanilla or chocolate flavors.
To support the digestion of this pure protein source, the creators include two digestive enzymes – protease and papain. They help users digest the formula efficiently without causing constipation from daily use. Plus, users get 25g of protein per serving, giving a clean macronutrient profile.
| Ingredients | 25 grams of protein per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $41 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
NSP Nutrition Milk & Egg Protein
NSP Nutrition’s Milk & Egg Protein is the second time NSP Nutrition is mentioned on the list of best protein powders, but the main reason is the unique sources of nutrients – milk protein isolate and eggs. Milk and eggs have always been praised by bodybuilders and other professionals for the way that they help users target their muscle development. Rather than gulping down raw yolks, users can take advantage of this formula for old-fashioned muscle gains.
With 92% milk and egg protein, users can focus on their weight loss goals as they continue to build their muscle mass.
| Ingredients | 92% milk and egg protein per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $50 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 365 days |
Bauer BRF Whey Protein
Bauer BRF (Battle Ready Fuel) Whey Protein offers a clean and pure source of 90% isolate powder. Best Protein powders are known for being quite dense and hard on the stomach, but this best protein powder offers additional ingredients to make it easier on the digestive system. It contains all of the amino acids that the body needs (but cannot make for itself), and there are no filler ingredients that could take users further away from their goal.
Though this formula is incredibly popular in the United Kingdom, it is starting to gain traction in the US as well.
| Ingredients | Whey proteins, Vitamin C, and Clarinol CLA |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $69 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days |
Orgain Protein Powder
Orgain is a brand with many different protein powders, including protein from plants and whey. Their online store offers everything, giving users a full lineup of superfood powder, meal replacement shakes, and even superfood protein powders. The flagship formula – Orgain Organic Protein Powder – contains plant proteins with 21 grams of protein per serving.
Using USDA Organic certified ingredients, users have their choice of many flavors. Some customer favorites include Creamy Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Coconut, Iced Coffee, and Peanut Butter. However, some consumers just want the best protein powder that they can make their own flavors from, which is why there’s a natural and unsweetened option available.
| Ingredients | 21g protein and 6 fiber per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $32 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
IdealFit IdealLean Protein
IdealFit’s IdealLean Protein caters specifically to women, dealing with the cravings that come with significant diet changes. It focuses primarily on helping women to lose weight.
Many protein powders on the market load the body with fat, sugar, and other filler ingredients as a way to make them feel full without nourishing the body. IdealLean Protein takes a different path, offering only whey protein isolate and high-quality ingredients. While there are some fillers and other elements, they aren’t enough to make a significant impact on the user.
| Ingredients | 20g protein, 100 calories, 2g coconut sugar, and zero fat per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $30 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Legion Whey Isolate Protein
Legion Whey Isolate Protein comes exclusively from grass-fed cows to create a whey isolate protein powder. Everything is sourced from sustainable Irish dairy farms, packing 120 calories and 22g of protein per serving. The carbs are minimal, and users should be happy to learn that it offers some of the cleanest milk globally with no added sugars and 1.5g of fat in each serving.
Legion makes a point only to have a relationship with the farms that have achieved certification with the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS) of Ireland. This entity strictly regulates farmers, ensuring that any nutrients that come from them are of the highest quality possible.
| Ingredients | 22g protein, 120 calories, 2g carbs, 5.6g BCAAs, and 1.5g of fat per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $50 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 365 days |
Beast Sports Beast Protein
Beat Sports’ Beast Protein comes in a massive 4-lb. tub, which users can choose to fill with either the chocolate or vanilla version. It offers 25g of protein per serving, giving it one of the highest concentrations of any protein powder on this list of best protein powders.
Ultimately, this formula is not just about giving the user a little extra protein in their workout. The ingredients balance both fast and slow digestion, giving users the initial support and energy while slowly nourishing the body as it progresses. Along with increased muscle growth, this formula also improves bone strength, reduces hunger, promotes muscle strength, reduces high blood pressure, and increases metabolism. It acts as an excellent management system for weight loss and muscle gain.
| Ingredients | 25 g protein |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $60 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days |
Huge Supplements Huge Whey
Huge Supplements packs a lot of punch into their Huge Whey supplement, offering 23g of protein and 120 calories in every scoop of the powder. With flavors like chocolate peanut butter and cookies & cream, users won’t have to worry about choking down another unappetizing remedy. To improve the amount of protein that the body absorbs, the formula has 5g of BCAAs in each scoop as well.
Rather than just using one kind of protein powder, users get both whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate, adding in cocoa powder and other ingredients for a good flavor. Even though there is a little fat included in the remedy (2g per serving), it is still reasonably lean compared to other products here.
Though Huge Supplements has an excellent reputation, they were only recently launched in 2019, aiming to serve bodybuilders and other consumers who are serious about getting in shape.
| Ingredients | 23 g protein, 120 calories, and 5g BCAAs |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $40 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
ProMix Whey Isolate Protein Powder
ProMix ’s Whey Isolate Protein Powder uses a micro-filtering process to give the best support for muscle-building and recovery after a workout. Users get 30g of protein per serving, including 6.6g of BCAAs for a potent amount of protein. Plus, there are over 14g of essential amino acids in every serving.
All of the protein in this formula is sourced from grass-fed Irish cows, and users have their choice of chocolate or unflavored powder.
| Ingredients | 30g protein, 6g BCAAs, and 14.2g amino acids |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $45 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 90 days |
MTN OPS Magnum
MTN OPS’s Magnum formula has an incredible 23g of protein in every single serving, but it also adds 1.5g of glutamine to help users recover after a workout. With this fuel, the strength of the user’s muscles prevails, and they can improve their potency with every single workout. This formula is beneficial to bodybuilders and athletes.
Plus, users get to choose from multiple flavors, including Berries & Cream, Mountain Mocha, Vanilla Milkshake, and Birthday Cake.
| Ingredients | 23g protein and 1.5g glutamine |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $45 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
What type of protein powder is the best?
We touched upon this earlier, and we mentioned that there were different types of protein powder on the market. Unfortunately, we can’t give an answer as to which is the best because it really depends on your goals.
What we can do is look at the different types in more detail, helping you see where they could be most beneficial to someone:
Whey protein
As mentioned, this is made from the whey byproduct of milk. One of the main benefits of whey protein is that it’s absorbed very quickly by the body. For this reason, it’s the protein of choice for many athletes that want to get protein quickly following a workout. There are also three types of whey protein you’ll come across:
Concentrate – this is its most ‘natural’ form and contains carbs and fats still in the whey after it has been sourced from dairy cows. The actual amount of protein can vary quite dramatically and be as low as 30%, or as high as 90%.
Isolate – the most common and ‘best’ form of whey. Isolate means the whey has been isolated from the extra carbs and fats from the milk. As a result, it is pure protein and you get 90% protein at the very least.
Hydrolysate – this type has been hydrolyzed, meaning it is already partly digested/broken down, making it easier for your body to absorb.
Casein protein powder
Best casein protein powder has a longer absorption rate than whey. As such, it is often used in meal replacement protein powders to give a longer and more sustained effect throughout the day. Most people will also prefer to take this at night with an evening meal, so your body has time to absorb it while you sleep. If you need a huge amount of protein sources, it’s common to see people take a whey protein shake after exercising, then a casein one in the evening or when going for long periods without eating.
Collagen protein
Not one we mentioned earlier, but a popular protein powder nonetheless. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and helps with muscle growth, skin health, and so much more. The best collagen protein powder is often taken as more of a supplement for general wellness than gaining muscle because of the benefits it provides for your skin, hair, joints, and nails.
Egg protein
Back in the day, instead of protein shakes, bodybuilders would just down some raw eggs for a complete protein kick. Nowadays, you can get protein made from powdered egg whites. Egg white protein powder, but it can be a good source of a complete protein blend for vegetarians or people with dairy/lactose problems.
Plant-based proteins
All plant-based protein powder is vegetarian as no meat is used to create them. However, only a few are considered vegan. Typically, the most popular plant-based blends are:
- Pea protein – a complete protein
- Brown rice protein – a complete protein
- Soy protein
- Hemp protein
Naturally, plant-based proteins could be the ‘best’ type for you if you are vegan or lactose-intolerant.
Our Final Thoughts On The Best Protein Powder
Protein supplements are excellent for people who want to experience the benefits of protein, yet don’t get enough of it in their natural diets. If you want to build muscle, lose weight, gain strength – and much more – protein powder could be right for you. We’ve gone through all the best options on the market right now, delivering you a selection of what we deem to be the top protein powders money can buy.
Of course, be sure to take your budget and personal goals into account – and it can be a good idea to get samples before you buy. We strongly recommend this as it helps you try different flavors to find one that you actually enjoy. With regular use and a healthy, active, lifestyle, you’re sure to see excellent results from your protein powder of choice.
RELATED:Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Men and Women
Affiliate Disclosure:
The links contained in this product review may result in a small commission if you opt to purchase the product recommended at no additional cost to you. This goes towards supporting our research and editorial team and please know we only recommend high quality products.
Disclaimer:
Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely a substitute for sound medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Make sure to consult with a professional physician before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary as the statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
