7 of the best protein powders and how to choose

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Quick look links

• Best for a whey protein concentrate in many flavors: MyProtein Impact Whey Protein
• Best for an easily digestible whey isolate powder: BiPro BOLD Whey + Milk Protein Isolate
• Best for a sugar- and fat-free hydrolyzed whey protein: Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed
• Best for fullness and muscle recovery: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein
• Best for a vegan, non-GMO pea protein option: Ritual Essential Protein
• Best for a paleo-friendly egg protein option: Naked Egg
• Best for a gluten-, soy-, and lactose-free brown rice protein: Orgain Organic Protein Powder

About protein powder

Although the Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein in the general population is about 0.35 grams (g) of protein per pound (lb) of body weight, those who are active may benefit from a higher protein intake.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends roughly 0.5–0.9 g of protein per lb of body weight for those who are physically active.

People should aim to get sufficient protein from their diet, but this can sometimes be difficult due to dietary restrictions or costs. Therefore, protein powder supplementation may be a suitable alternative to help people reach their nutritional goals.

The most suitable protein powder for each individual will vary, as people will need to consider their health goals and any dietary restrictions they have.

The makers of protein powders isolate the protein in foods to make a nutritional powder. Some of the most popular variants include milk proteins and plant proteins, which are ideal for vegans. Some manufacturers may also use egg protein.

People who choose milk proteins can choose from two primary milk derivatives: whey and casein.

Whey protein is a fast digesting protein that the body can quickly absorb. This means that it is a suitable protein source for a pre- or post-workout snack. Casein takes longer to digest, so people may prefer to use casein before fasting or going to sleep.

Whey protein is also typically available in three formats:

• whey protein concentrate (WPC)
• whey protein isolate (WPI)
• whey protein hydrolysate (WPH)

Each type undergoes a different manufacturing process to determine its protein concentration and attributes:

• WPC: This form is the least processed and also usually the cheapest. It contains roughly 29–89% of protein and other nutrients, such as fats and carbohydrates.
• WPI: This form has a slightly higher protein content, at about 90%, and it contains far fewer carbohydrates and fats. It requires additional processing and tends to be more expensive.
• WPH: This type is the most processed form and is “predigested,” meaning that it has undergone partial hydrolysis. This means that it is easier for the body to digest and use.

Plant proteins such as hemp protein and pea protein are options for vegans, people with lactose intolerance, and those whose bodies do not digest milk protein well.

However, plant protein powders may not be complete by themselves, meaning that they may not contain all nine essential amino acids. A 2019 review notes that manufacturers can make plant protein higher in quality by either blending or supplementing them with other protein sources to create a complete protein profile.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements such as protein powders as strictly as pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the manufacturers to evaluate product safety and label them accordingly.

An analysis by the Clean Label Project suggests that some protein powders may contain high concentrations of harmful metals. Therefore, it may be advisable for people to investigate what the manufacturers do to reduce contamination and whether or not the product has undergone third-party testing.

How we choose products

Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria where possible:

• Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high-quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
• Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the supplement dosage.
• Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a safe dosage.
• Third-party testing: MNT chooses products that undergo third-party testing for contaminants.
• Type of protein: MNT chooses products that have a range of protein sources, such as whey and plant-based.

Whey protein powders

Below is a selection of whey protein powders available to buy online.

Best for a whey protein concentrate in many flavors: MyProtein Impact Whey Protein

MyProtein is a British company that has recently started supplying protein supplements to the United States.

This product is a whey protein concentrate. It contains 19 g of protein per serving, and each serving contains 100 calories.

It is available in a wide variety of flavors, such as vanilla, s’mores, and birthday cake.

The brand also states that the protein received a grade A ranking by independent tester Labdoor for both quality and value.

This product is available in packs of 0.55, 2.2, 5.5, and 11 pounds (lb).

Best for an easily digestible whey isolate powder: BiPro BOLD Whey + Milk Protein Isolate

This offering from BiPro is a whey isolate protein powder. It contains 23 g of protein per serving, and the company suggests that it is easily digestible and helps people feel fuller for longer.

BiPro Bold products are lactose-, gluten-, and hormone-free.

They also include a prebiotic fiber, which the company says may help promote a healthy gut.

This product is currently available in four flavors: Boldly Bare, Creamy Vanilla, Chocolate Milkshake, and Strawberries & Creme.

Additionally, BiPro BOLD Whey + Milk Protein Isolate is available in sizes of 1, 2, and 5 lb, and a pack of 12 single-serve portions.

Best for a sugar- and fat-free hydrolyzed whey protein: Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed

This offering from Dymatize is a combination of hydrolyzed whey protein isolate and whey protein isolate. The brand claims that its award-winning product is the world’s best-selling isolate.

This protein powder contains 25 g of whey protein in each serving and is free from sugar and fat. Each serving contains 116 calories when mixed with water. This product is also gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians.

Enzymatic hydrolysis partially breaks the protein powder down. The brand states that this means that it is very easy to digest.

The product is available in a variety of flavors, such as fudge brownie, cookies and cream, and birthday cake.

This protein powder is only available in a container that weighs 1.4 lb.

Casein protein powders

Casein protein powder options include:

Best for fullness and muscle recovery: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein

This powder contains casein, which means that it is a slower digesting and absorbing protein.

The brand suggests that it is a suitable powder to use after exercise, between meals, or before bed to support fullness and muscle recovery.

It contains 24 g of protein per serving and includes no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.

Dairy-based sources of protein, such as whey and casein, also contain branched-chain amino acids, which may further help recovering muscles.

This product is available in Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Supreme, and Cookies & Cream flavors. It is available in sizes of 2 and 4 lb.

Pea protein powders

Pea protein powder options include:

Best for a non-GMO pea protein option: Ritual Essential Protein

This product contains organic pea protein.

Each serving of this product delivers 20 g of protein, with only 3 g of carbohydrates and no sugars.

According to the brand, this product is also free from GMOs, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors.

This protein powder is unflavored. It is available in a pouch that weighs 1 lb.

Egg protein powders

Egg protein powder options include:

Best for a paleo-friendly egg protein option: Naked Egg

This egg protein powder offering from Naked Nutrition uses dried egg whites that come from non-GMO chicken eggs laid on U.S. farms.

This product is a suitable option for people following a paleo diet.

It contains 25 g of protein per serving, and the company says that it processes eggs into a powder in under 1 day to retain the highest nutritional value.

Naked Egg products also contain no additives such as sweeteners, flavors, or colors.

This protein powder is unflavored. It is available in a container that weighs 3 lb.

Brown rice protein powders

Brown rice protein powder options include:

Best for a gluten-, soy-, and lactose-free brown rice protein: Orgain Organic Protein Powder

Orgain Organic Protein Powder provides an organic plant-based protein blend that is suitable for a range of different diets.

In addition to brown rice, this powder also contains protein from pea and chia seed sources.

Each serving delivers 21 g of protein along with 4 g of organic fiber.

According to the company, the product includes a complete amino acid profile. It is also vegan-friendly and gluten-, soy-, and lactose-free.

This protein powder is available in a variety of flavors, such as Natural Unsweetened, Vanilla Bean, and Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt. It is available in canisters of 1.02, 1.59, and 2.03 lbs, and a bundle of 10 single-serve packets.

Comparison chart

The following table compares all of the protein powders in this article.

What to look for in a protein powder

People may wish to consider the following factors when purchasing a protein powder:

• Type of protein: People may wish to consider their dietary requirements. For example, those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or vegetarian, may prefer plant-based powders as they do not contain any dairy or animal by-products.
• Amount of protein per serving: Some people may prefer to purchase a protein powder with a higher amount of protein per serving.
• Flavors: A person who prefers a variety of flavors may wish to purchase different protein powders than those who prefer unflavored ones.
• Size: Some companies offer protein powders that are available in different weights. Others may also offer single-serve packets, which may be preferable to those who wish to try out a product before committing to a larger container.

Possible benefits of protein powders

Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue, and make enzymes and hormones.

One 2017 review indicates that protein powder supplementation is a safe and convenient method of ingesting high quality dietary protein.

Following a high protein diet can help a person build muscle mass, reduce appetite, lose weight, and aid muscle recovery after exercise.

How to use 

People should always follow the instructions on the packaging. Typically, this will involve taking a scoop of protein powder and mixing it with a liquid to make a protein-rich beverage.

Popular mixer options include water, milk, milk alternatives, and yogurt. Some people may also consider blending fruit into the beverage to create a more nutrient dense snack.

Frequently asked questions

Below are the answers to some frequent questions about protein powders.

What is the healthiest protein powder source?

The type of protein powder a person purchases depends on their dietary requirements. People who are vegan, vegetarian, or lactose intolerant, for example, will prefer to purchase plant protein as this does not contain any animal by-products or dairy.

It is also important to check whether a company has a third party test its products. A third-party will ensure that the protein powder has not been cross-contaminated and is free from harmful ingredients.

What protein powders do celebrities use?

Celebrities most likely use the protein powders that they or their personal trainers believe give them the best results from their workouts.

Some celebrities may recommend certain protein powder brands on their social media. However, a person should choose the protein powder that best suits their dietary and nutritional needs.

Which is the best whey protein for beginners?

Whey protein is an easily digestable form of protein.

Any whey protein isolate has a higher amount of protein than other whey powders. However, it tends to be more expensive.

Whey protein hydrolysate is “predigested” and the most processed form of whey protein. People may find this form more easy to digest.

Summary

Protein is a vital macronutrient to include in the diet. Using protein powder may be a helpful way for people to add more protein to their diet.

There are many protein powders available to suit people’s dietary restrictions and requirements. People may also wish to consider their health and fitness goals when choosing a protein powder.