Build Lean Muscle With The Best Protein Powder
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KOS Organic Plant Based Protein Powder -
Opportuniteas Whey Protein Powder -
Nutricost Whey Protein Powder -
Sunwarrior Blend Protein Powder -
Bean Envy Bone Broth Protein Powder -
Garden of Life RAW Meal Protein Powder -
Myotein Chocolate Whey Protein Powder -
NOW Foods Whey Protein Powder -
Jarrow Unflavored Whey Protein -
Buyer's Guide
Protein supplements come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. In fact, there are so many different types of protein supplements out there that making the right choice can be a painstakingly difficult task. Even if you weigh the pros and cons of each protein category to narrow down the selection, there are still a tremendous amount of options to wade through in order to find the right product to suit your needs.
We know that protein is essential for building and maintaining lean muscle. We also know that it can be difficult for some trainees to get the proper amount of protein necessary for maximizing results from whole food sources alone, which makes supplementation a necessity. In this master list we’ve broken down the available proteins by category and picked the best protein powders in 2022 to make it easier for you to select a supplement that will work to help you get that much closer to your goals.
Bean Envy Bone Broth Protein Powder
- Natural mood stabilizer
- Source of amino acid
- Way too sweet
The Best Protein Powder Models of 2022 in Detail
KOS Organic Plant Based Protein Powder - Best Protein Powder Overall
The delicious mix of organic ingredients like coconut milk and Peruvian cacao provides a rich flavor to this protein powder, yet it delivers only 170 calories per serving as it is sweetened with low-calorie stevia. The powder is made with high-quality vegan ingredients that provide complete proteins in each serving with a whole array of vitamins and minerals.
Each serving contains a massive 20g of protein, delivering around 20% of the daily protein requirement for the average person. The powder also includes a blend of digestive enzymes that help make it easier for your body to digest it, and is completely free from common allergens like dairy, gluten, and soy so it can be safely consumed by most people. However, it does take time to dissolve in water or almond milk, mostly because of its plant-based composition.
Opportuniteas Whey Protein Powder - Another Top Pick
Here's another top quality protein powder to consider for your post-workout shakes and smoothies, courtesy of Opportuniteas. Available in multiple tasty flavors, including chocolate, coffee and vanilla, this whey protein powder features top quality ingredients, such as grass-fed protein isolate and organic flavorings, perfect for people who want the benefits of protein without any digestive issues or other negative effects associated with low quality ingredients.
It's free from gluten, GMOs and other unwanted elements, and one of the best things about this protein powder is how well it blends into different recipes. You can easily mix it in with a shake or smoothie, but you can also bake it in brownies or mix it in with a range of other dishes and desserts to suit your tastes and preferences.
Nutricost Whey Protein Powder - Best Whey Protein
Since whey protein digests quickly and has a diverse amino acid profile, it is referred to as "The King of Protein." Nutricost's Whey protein is a fast and easy source of protein consumption. Whey protein is the only protein that contains all of the 20 amino acids, along with all 9 essential amino acids, rendering it the best choice for anyone trying to increase muscle building, speed up recovery, and perform better. Due to the unflavored nature of this whey protein concentrate, you can add it to a smoothie, cup of tea, or glass of milk without altering the flavor of your drink. There are 25 grams of protein in each serving, and each bottle has 73 servings. This bottle should last over two months if you drink only one serving every day.
Sunwarrior Blend Protein Powder - Runner Up
Sun Warrior protein powder is considered magic in some circles. This plant-based protein supplement has all of the components you would expect from your whey protein and more. The texture and consistency is a smooth, medium thickness; not watery, but at the same time you don’t have to chew your protein. This is a classic vanilla-flavored, vegetable-based protein that actually tastes good so it pretty much appeals to almost anyone.
The Warrior Blend comes complete with important amino acids including your branch chain amino acids which are hard to find in a vegetable-based protein. All of this would mean nothing if it didn’t offer a decent serving of protein. Warrior Blend goes above and beyond with 27 grams of protein per serving and a very respectable 100 calories per serving.
Bean Envy Bone Broth Protein Powder - Best Value for Money
Additionally, the Bone Broth Powder by Bean Envy is gluten, sugar and dairy-free, non-GMO and keto/paleo friendly. In addition to magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, this bone broth powder is rich in additional minerals that are essential for bone health. Bone broth is high in protein, which is essential for joint health. It also aids in the relief of osteoarthritis and arthritic symptoms. Bone broth is low in carbs, yet it may still fill you up. According to studies, drinking bone broth on a daily basis might help you feel fuller, eat less, and lose weight over time. It also helps you relax and enhances the quality of your sleep, which is beneficial for individuals who have trouble sleeping- bone broth protein aids in falling asleep sooner and staying asleep longer.
- Natural mood stabilizer
- Source of amino acid
- Way too sweet
Garden of Life RAW Meal Protein Powder - Honorable Mention
Perhaps the finest attribute of this vegan protein powder is the great taste while it offers more protein per serving that many whey proteins. Raw protein offers 17 grams of certified organic protein and with only 90 calories per serving it is perfect for any diet. It mixes great in water and while the consistency is a little on the thin side, it makes drinking it quick on the go really easy. Unlike most other proteins powders, this Raw protein has the benefit of additional fibers and vitamins.
Myotein Chocolate Whey Protein Powder - Consider
Myotein is the next generation of whey protein. It is packed full of time released whey protein and Aminogen to ensure the maximum amount of protein of absorption. It is fortified with glutamine to aid in muscle recovery and Coleus Forskohlii for weight loss. It comes in delicious vanilla and chocolate flavors that mix well with water or milk. Myotein is a little bit more expensive than other proteins on the list, but it is also a super formula. With how much stuff is in Myotein protein it is surprisingly low in calories and only has seven total grams of carbohydrates and a single gram of fat.
NOW Foods Whey Protein Powder - Consider
NOW foods products make a lot of these lists because they are pure products at a reasonable price. As far as the protein itself it comes in a 110 calories per scoop which is pretty average. It also has a respectable 25 grams of protein per serving. This protein is not flavored which is great because it can be mixed with nearly anything without messing with its flavors. It also dissolves very well so you don’t get the gritty taste or excess protein left at the bottom of the drink.
Jarrow Unflavored Whey Protein - Consider
This is another protein that is awesome because it dissolves like it was already a liquid and tastes like nothing at all. It comes in three different flavors, but the unflavored version is the best because it mixes with practically anything. It has a whopping two grams of carbohydrates and an equal amount of fat. That means that the low 94 calories are comprised mostly of quality protein. The only real downside to this product is that it only has 18 grams of protein per serving which keeps the calorie count low, but is almost half the amount of protein as some other products.
Buyer's Guide
Are you looking to get fast results in your weight loss or muscle toning journey? Then this guide is for you.
Here a detailed analysis of the essential features to look out for before purchasing a protein powder will be discussed.
We know there are several brands out there. Each brand has a unique advert strategy that may sway you and make you feel compelled to buy, but wait. You need to read this guide to know if what you are about to purchase will give you the results you desire.
What Is Protein Powder?
Many Athletes, fitness trainers, and gym enthusiasts are not new to the term protein powder, and protein shakes. In fact, many of them have found ways of incorporating protein powders into their diet.
Protein powders are supplements made up of several essential macro and micronutrients, with proteins having the highest percentage. Protein powders build and repair tissues by producing the needed enzymes and boosting the necessary hormones required for muscle growth, weight loss, and muscle recovery.
What are Protein Shakes?
These are easy-to-make drinks. They are made by mixing protein powder and water. These drinks can also be made by mixing protein powder, milk, and several other ingredients to create whole blend shakes.
What are the Benefits of Drinking Protein Powder?
Some of the benefits you derive from taking protein powders include:
- Weight loss or weight gain depending on the type of protein powder you take and your goal
- Building muscle mass
- Boosting performance and recovery rate during and after workouts
What are the Types of Protein Powders Available on the Market?
The type of protein powder you choose will determine how fast you get to enjoy the benefits. It also determines the source of the protein.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is the most popular type of protein powder. It is sourced from milk by isolating the liquid from the milk when cheese is manufactured. Many athletes and fitness trainers use Whey protein before sessions because of its ability to digest quickly. Whey protein is water-soluble and can easily be made into a protein shake. It is a complete protein.
Casein Protein
Casein, unlike Whey protein, is not easily absorbed by the body. However, it is also sourced from milk. This type of protein is rich in glutamine and is used as a post-workout supplement. The mixture of Whey Protein and Casein protein is called a whole milk protein.
Soy Protein
Soy protein, like pea protein, is another good source of plant protein. However, it has phytoestrogenic properties. Plant-based protein powders might also fall under the "organic protein powder" umbrella.
Other less common types of protein include; brown rice, fava bean protein, and hemp seeds.
What are the factors to consider before purchasing protein powder?
Your Goals
Your reason for using protein powder will determine the type of protein powder you should purchase. People looking to lose weight need to opt for protein powders with fewer carbs. At the same time, if you want to gain muscles, consider powders with a high protein to calorie ratio.
Other goals include weight gain, increased performance, and meal replacement options. Athletes looking to improve performance need protein powder with 1:3 proteins to carbs ratio. Those that want protein powders as a meal replacement can create what we term a SUPER SHAKE. This protein shake will contain fruits, vegetables, and more.
The Ingredients List
Select protein powders with very few ingredients. Essential ingredients that should be included in whatever protein powder you choose include; Protein, sweeteners, flavoring, thickening agents, and emulsifiers. Each of the ingredients mentioned is vital.
It is crucial to check the quantity of sweeteners, flavoring agents, and thickening agents inside the protein. Unsweetened is the best way to go, to be honest. Sweeteners contain artificial sugars that can cause bloating.
Protein Source
The source of the protein is also something you must consider. Protein can either can be sourced from plants or animals. A typical source of animal protein used in the manufacture of protein powder is milk. Milk is used to produce whey and casein protein. These protein powders are the most popular. Other sources of animal protein include; meat, collagen, and egg white.
Plant protein on the other hand is perfect for vegetarians and people who are allergic to milk and other sources of animal protein. One complete plant protein is soy. It has all the essential amino acids the body needs. However, it is an allergen. Some other sources of plant protein include peas, brown rice, and hemp. They are not complete proteins.
Quality
To get the highest quality protein powders, the blend of protein contained in the protein powder must be complete.
The body needs 20 amino acids; of these 20, nine are essential amino acids. Whatever protein powder you purchase must contain these essential amino acids because the body cannot produce them independently.
Additionally, there are also conditional amino acids whose production levels might not be up to the standard if the user is sick. The remaining seven are non-essential and can be produced by the body.
Other essential factors that you should consider include; Processing Method and the taste of the protein powder. The processing method takes into consideration the degree of processing the protein powder has gone through. The least processed protein powder is called concentrates, and they contain 70-80% of protein. Fats and carbohydrates make up the 20% remaining.The second level of processing protein powders give rise to isolates. This category of protein powders have gone through additional filtration. They contain 90% protein.
The purest form of protein powders is called protein hydrolysates.
Protein Powder FAQ
What are some of the side effects of protein powder?
Protein powders have been known to cause Acne, increase insulin levels, and unbalanced nutrient composition. These side effects are still being debated.
Is protein powder bad for your kidneys?
Intake of protein powder will only become detrimental if taken in large amounts. This is why you should not take more than 0.3g of protein per 1/2 kg of your body weight.
Can I drink a protein shake on an empty stomach?
Research shows that the best time to take a protein shake is on an empty stomach.
