All that time in the gym won’t do much if you’re not eating enough protein. Best protein powders can help you build muscle, get stronger, stay lean, and improve your overall life.
Protein shakes are a quick and easy solution to hit your daily protein goal. However, finding the right protein powder for your needs can be a mind-numbing task, when plenty of protein powder brands and products don’t live up to their claims.
If you are looking for top-notch plant-based, meal replacements or even keto-friendly best whey protein powder we got you covered. We have tested a boatload of popular and best protein powders available and have compiled a list of our top picks with details of each best protein powder. This should help you decide on the best protein powder to get your hands on so you can get back to the squat rack.
Top 21 Best Protein Powders list 2022
| XWERKS Grow | Strengthens and boost immune system |
|---|---|
| Onnit Protein Grass Fed | Promote faster recovery and muscle gain |
| BioTrust Low carb | Support healthy digestion and weight loss |
| CrazyBulk Tri Protein | Energize muscles and enhance muscle repair |
| BiOptimizers Protein Breakthrough | Supports fat loss and improves energy level |
| Transparent Labs Whey Protein | Improves immune functioning and digestive health |
| Live Conscious Organic Protein | Boost metabolism for overall performance |
| Fiera FitFreeze | Reduce cravings and increases energy level |
| Amy Myers MD Paleo Protein | Helps in maintaining muscle growth and boost energy level |
| Vital Proteins Collagen Whey Protein | Boost healthy bones and muscles |
| Ladder Whey Protein | Helps in building muscle mass |
| NSP Nutrition Muscle Fuel | Helps in achieving muscle growth and aid in weight loss |
| NSP Nutrition Egg and Milk Protein | Reduces muscle protein breakdown |
| Bauer BSF Whey Protein | Helps in losing weight and gaining muscles |
| Orgain Protein Powder | Strengthen muscles and promotes joint health |
| IdealFit IdealLean Protein | Controls overall calorie intake |
| Legion Whey Isolate Protein | Boost muscles and overall physical performance |
| Beast Sports Beast Protein | Repairs and rebuild tore muscles and tissues |
| Huge Supplements Huge Whey | Promotes muscle growth and lowers down blood sugar level |
| MTN OPS Magnum | Promotes lean muscle growth |
| Ladder Plant Protein | Improves muscle mass and helps in losing weight |
Let’s get into the details of each one of them, shall we?
Xwerks GROW
Our first-round draft pick of best protein powders. XWERKS sources its protein from New Zealand grass-fed cows, which has some of the highest standards in the World. Using 100% whey protein isolate means their formula is not mixed with cheaper whey concentrate. This whey protein isolate also has the advantage of being micro filtered which almost entirely removes lactose, fats, and carbs but leaves other important ingredients.
| Ingredients | 6 g BCAA’s and 25 grams of protein per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $49 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Onnit Protein Grass-Fed
Onnit is an organic plant-based protein powder that acts as a full meal replacement formula containing a 25g of protein serving. One of our top picks is also USDA Organic Certified. Its serving contains 4g of organic fiber and digestive enzymes. It comes without artificial sweeteners or artificial flavors. This plant-based protein powder contains high-quality ingredients to offer various health benefits.
| Ingredients | 4g organic fiber, digestive enzymes, and 25 g protein per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $35 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 90 days |
BioTrust Low Carb
Whether you are on the keto diet or not, a BioTrust low-carb protein powder is the best thing you can consume at the start of the day. It will help you feel much healthier and fuller. This way, you will feel satisfied and stay away from those unhealthy snack foods. Each serving consists of 24g of pasture-raised, premium protein. It also contains slow-digesting micellar casein for absorption. The best part is that it is the best vegan protein powder as it contains a special digestive enzyme blend called ProHydrolase, which makes it a high-quality protein shake.
| Ingredients | 150 calories, 1 g sugar, 4 g net carbs,5 g BCAAs, and 24 g pasture-raised pea protein |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $34 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days |
Crazy Bulk Tri-Protein
It is the best protein powder you can mix with 250 to 300ml water or milk and enjoy its chocolatey flavor. If you are looking for a perfect protein supplementation that helps you build muscle and reduce post-workout pain, Crazybulk formula is your go-to protein powder as it has one of the largest scoops at about (30g per scoop). Tri protein does not hit your body hard with too much Protein rather, it spreads out its dosage over a longer period of time. Its dosage helps one to achieve daily protein intake with no artificial flavors or artificial sweeteners. The manufacturer has also added caseinate to make it the best casein protein powder in this list.
| Ingredients | Whey protein concentrate, micellar casein, milk protein isolate, calcium caseinate, and whey protein hydrolysates |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $56 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days |
BiOptimizers Protein Breakthrough
A tasty organic plant-based protein powder that was developed over 17 years. Although it is a natural plant-based powder and known to be one of the best protein powders as it tastes quite good with a smooth texture. If you want to develop muscle mass, get your hands on the biOptimizers vegan Protein powder. It contains a deal blend of pea protein, hemp protein, and pumpkin seed protein – three of the most popular vegan protein sources available. The formula helps you feel fuller and away from unhealthy foods. It is rich in nine essential amino acids for best results, but it is only for the premium crowd.
| Ingredients | Pea, Hemp and Pumpkin seeds protein |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $75 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 365 days |
Transparent Labs Whey Protein
A reasonably priced yet quality protein formula made out of grass-fed, hormone-free American cows. The Transparent Labs whey protein supplementation contains whey protein isolate with an 88% protein-by-weight ratio. You can use this whey protein powder to achieve a range of your fitness goals. A scoop of this protein powder contains milk protein, whey concentrate, and enough dietary protein. Also, it is a gluten-free pure muscle-building protein, at a reasonable price.
| Ingredients | 120 calories, 28g protein, and 1g carbs |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $59 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 90 days |
Live Conscious Organic Protein
The highest quality and one of the best protein powders on the list is USDA Organic Certified protein powders that taste pretty good. This Live Conscious best protein powder contains pea protein, rice, sacha inchi, and pumpkin seed protein blended together. If you want to boost your metabolism, then this is the best choice with 15g protein per serving. It has some popular flavors like Vanilla Dream, and it comes in prebiotic fiber, Live Conscious Organic Protein.
| Ingredients | Rice, pea, sacha inchi, and pumpkin seed protein |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $43 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 365 days |
Fiera FitFreeze
Fitfreeze, a gluten-free best protein powder that tastes like dessert but acts like a high-quality protein. It targets your brain’s reward centers and helps you believe you have eaten something chocolatey, helping you stay fuller and away from unhealthy foods. By consuming this top-rated powder, you will essentially stick to your diet and fitness goals. However, it is used in a slightly different way than the others. You mix the powder and freeze it after which you consume and enjoy it.
| Ingredients | 150 calories, 15g protein, 7 g fiber, and 6 g sugar |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $10 per pack |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Amy Myers MD Paleo Protein
It is the best protein powder that is developed by a certified doctor and not just a nutritionist or dietitian. Amy Myers paleo protein is one of the most popular protein supplements in the market today. It comes in many flavors like salted caramel, strawberries, double chocolate, and cookies and cream. Since it is a paleo protein, it uses grass-fed Whey with 21g of serving and ultimately gives the same benefits as a bone broth.
| Ingredients | 110 calories, 21 g protein, and 5 g carbohydrates |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $70 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 90 days |
Vital Proteins Collagen
Vital Proteins collagen peptides are vitamin dense and collagen-rich powder that mixes easily with water. If you want to make an athletic body with improved performance and recover with a lean body, this is your best formula. The Vital Proteins is your best option if you want to build muscle and bones too. Just like many protein powders, it comes at a reasonable price.
| Ingredients | 25 g protein, 10 g collagen, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $44 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Ladder Whey Protein
A company that Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lebron James founded. The two names that we have all heard. They both support Ladder for building muscles up. Each of the servings contain . It is NSF certified which is its unique quality as this is a sports certification. Enjoy it in either vanilla or chocolate flavor.
| Ingredients | 6g Protein, 7g of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and 2 billion CFUs of probiotics |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $70 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
NSP Nutrition Muscle Fuel
A formula that contains filtered Whey isolate designed to minimize fat. NSP muscle fuel contains protease and papain, two digestive enzymes boosting a body’s absorption capabilities and boosting whole-body protein metabolism. The drink is low in fats and carbs; hence it is easy for your body to absorb. Also, it is responsible for muscle protein synthesis.
| Ingredients | 25 g protein |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $41 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
NSP Nutrition Milk & Egg Protein
This milk protein isolate formula takes 92% of its protein from milk and egg. It helps you build muscle without gaining body fat. It helps in stabilizing your sugar levels and will keep your energy levels high. You will look and feel much younger as well. The formula replicates the old days of yore when bodybuilders used to drink a lot of milk and eat eggs. Today NSP Nutrition has a niche fan following.
| Ingredients | 92% milk and egg protein per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $50 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 365 days |
Bauer BRF Whey Protein
The supplement is a popular whey protein powder and the brand is quite popular. It is a pure and clean and high-quality 90% whey protein isolate powder that is easy on the digestive system. It is popular in the United Kingdom and has about five-star reviews. People claim to like the taste of Baur BRF Whey Protein, while other protein powders like the strong macro and macronutrient profiles. If you want one of the best protein powders and a perfect meal replacement then Bauer BRF Whey Protein is your best choice.
| Ingredients | Whey proteins, Vitamin C, and Clarinol CLA |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $69 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Orgain Protein Powder
If you are looking for organic protein powder, or plant-based protein powders, Orgain is the brand you were looking for. They have a range of best protein powders, from meal replacements to protein shakes. All are high-quality products. The Orgain Organic Protein Powder contains 1g of plant protein per serving with 0g of sugar and 6g of prebiotics and fiber. The best part about their formulas are they are USDA Organic Certified and enjoy their variety of flavors.
| Ingredients | 21g protein and 6 fiber per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $32 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
IdealFit IdealLean Protein
If you are a woman trying to lose weight all the while trying to lose weight then Idealfit IdealLean is for you. The formula does not have additional artificial sweeteners of flavors rather, it has a whey protein isolate formula with minimum added ingredients. This formula helps women to consume more protein for muscle strength. Also. it comes in chocolate peanut butter flavor, which makes it one of the best protein powders for women.
| Ingredients | 20g protein, 100 calories, 2g sugar, and zero fat per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $30 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Legion Whey Isolate Protein
A formula that was made from 100 percent natural grass-fed Whey isolate protein powder. Whey is obtained from sustainable farms in Ireland. The Legion protein powder contains whey concentrate and protein isolate. There is no sugar added as well as it is a gluten-free supplement. The product claims its uniqueness in the high-quality milk that is considered the healthiest and cleanest milk in the world obtained by sustainable farms certified by Ireland’s Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS), which sets strict standards for farmers.
| 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
Beast Sports protein powder that is available in a 4lb tub contains 25g of Protein per serving. Its name says it all, as it’s one of the beastliest protein powders on this list. The formula is a blend of both amino acids and enzymes that help digestion. Its value for money is in the fact that each tub has about 52 servings. It is not just to build muscle; rather, the company claims it can strengthen the bones, increase strength, improve blood pressure and metabolism and help with weight management.
| Ingredients | Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Caffeine, DMAE, and Theacrine |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $60 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days |
Huge Supplements Huge Whey
Huge Nutrition Whey is a whey protein powder that delivers 23g protein and 120 calories in each serving. It also has 5g BCAAs per scoop, enhancing the value of Protein in your body. The formula is made with whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. Each 30.8g scoop has 8g fat and is leaner than any high-powder proteins on this list of high quality protein powders. A company that claims its uniqueness in its quality and extensive testing and research before its launch is one of the safest and healthiest options we can recommend to anyone.
| Ingredients | 23 g protein, 120 calories, and 5g BCAAs |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $40 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
MTN OPS Magnum
A formula that comes in many tasty flavors like Vanilla, Berries, or Birthday cake. MTN OPS Magnum is ideal for bodybuilders to build muscle. Each serving has 1.5g of glutamine for muscle recovery.
| Ingredients | 23g protein and 1.5g glutamine |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $45 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Ladder plant protein
If you are looking for Ladder protein without the use of Whey, then this protein supplement is the best for you. It comes in vanilla and chocolate flavors and helps you build muscle. A formula created by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lebron James surely delivers good results. Priced at $60 per bottle, you can get your muscle built up in no time.
| Ingredients | 21g protein, 4.5g BCAAs, whey concentrate, and 9g nine essential amino acids and nutrients per serving |
|---|---|
| Key Highlights | |
| Price | $60 |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Types of Protein Powder
Most protein powders come with different health goals and dietary preferences. We have compiled a list of proteins found in our top-ranked list.
Whey Protein Powder: The most popular and commonly found Protein in the formulas we listed above. Whey is a fast-absorbing milk by-product that helps to boost muscle growth and recovery. It comes as whey protein concentrate, whey protein hydrolysate, and hydrolyzed whey protein isolate.
Whey Protein Isolate: A whey protein with its fats and lactose removed through a system of filters creates at least 90 percent protein at the end.
Casein Protein: A protein that sports for a long time and helps to build muscle mass, and helps with fat loss. Many people prefer to consume it at night, allowing their bodies to consume Protein as they sleep.
Egg protein: A popular protein is egg white protein powder in the 1970s and 1980s, it has recently made its way back to protein powders through egg whites and turned into powder.
Pea Protein: A popular plant-based and cheap Protein that is rich in fiber is pea protein powder.
Brown Rice Protein: Brown rice has all the nine essential amino acids; however, its low in leucine hence every best rice protein powder is mixed with brown rice and pea protein.
Soy Protein: A high quality protein which is not commonly found in the protein formulas because it is known to reduce testosterone and increase estrogen. Nevertheless soy protein is rich with muscle building protein and also increases bone density.
Mixed plant protein: Most plant-based protein powders mix other plant sources as they do not carry all essential amino acids versus the plant-based protein.
Collagen Protein Powder: A protein in abundance in the human body is now also found in some of the best collagen protein powder as it has proved to have great results on skin elasticity and joint health.
What Are the Side Effects of Protein Powder?
If you are healthy and not using certain medications then protein powders should be totally fine to use. If you have any concerns you should always check with your doctor. Some possible, but uncommon side effects can include:
- Stomach pains and digestive issues
- Cramping
- Reduced appetite
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Right Dosage
There is a debate on how much protein powder one should take. According to experts, you should take protein powder equal to your body weight , so for example, if you are 200Ibs, you must take 200g of protein per day. Some other experts say one must have a balance of dosage.
Optimal protein intake depends on your lifestyle and goals:
- If you are sedentary aim for at least 1.2-1.8 grams per kg of protein
- If you are active aim for 1.4-2.0g per kg of bodyweight
- If you are active and also looking to add muscle 1.6-2.4g per kg of bodyweight
- If you are overweight 1.2-1.5g per kg of bodyweight
The Benefits of Protein Powder
Many studies have shown that protein powders have shown promising results for lean muscle development, weight loss, and endurance.
In the 2010 research, participants were given protein powder or a placebo and were asked to complete a resistance program. It was seen that participants that had consumed protein powders showed better lean muscle development.
In 2011 research, showed that whey muscle development better results in older men as it helped improve their digestion instead of casein powders
Similarly a research in 2016 proved that consuming whey isolate protein helped develop better lean muscle and strength in people.
In 2004 research, three groups were assigned different proteins, one was given Whey, the other casein, and the other placebo. It was seen that Whey and casein helped increase the same levels of net protein balance. It is also researched that different proteins are absorbed in different speeds and contain different leucine content, although all will improve muscle development in men.
In one research, it was seen that whey protein increased muscle protein to about 31% more than soy protein and 132% more than casein protein after strength training sessions.
One of the benefits of protein powders is reduced inflammation. Yes, research also supports that whey protein could reduce inflammation and improve biomarkers of cardiovascular health in obese individuals.
Protein powders are also popular as a hunger suppressant, allowing people to lose weight. Many people consume it as a meal replacement to feel fuller and away from unhealthy foods.
There was also a wide misconception that plant-based proteins are weak; however, research has shown that these are false assumptions as pea, hemp, and other plant-based proteins can sometimes be as effective as animal based protein powders.
Hemp protein powder is found to be Protein that is easy to digest for the body; it is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has several essential amino acids making it very beneficial for the body.
Brown rice protein and hemp protein powder were researched in an eight-week study, and it was discovered that both had the same effects on the body’s composition, muscle strength, and recovery.
What are the other benefits of taking protein powder?
Weight loss: Studies have found that protein powders help people lose weight as they keep them fuller, thus satisfying their satiety hormones, allowing them to stick to a low-calorie diet and lose body fat.
Anticancer: Study shows that Whey protein powders could be useful for cancer; however, more research needs to be done.
Cholesterol: A 12-week study studied the effects on individuals’ cholesterol levels and discovered that there was a significant drop in bad cholesterol.
Asthma: a group of children were given 10g protein and saw a significant improvement in their immune response.
Blood Pressure and Heart issues: protein powders are seen to reduce your risk of heart disease and improve cardiovascular health. Studies have proven that whey protein is good for dropping blood pressure in people with hypertension and saw a decrease in heart disease and stroke risk.
FAQs
What is Protein?
Proteins are macronutrients that you need in large amounts to stay alive and healthy.
What does Protein do?
It is good for post-workout recovery, building muscle, and helps you stay full, allowing you to eat less unhealthy food.
How much should one consume Protein?
As a general rule of thumb you should try to consume at least one gram of protein per pound of bodyweight.
Which Protein is best?
It is good to consume Protein from whole foods like meat, but you can consume proteins from high-quality protein powders which contain either whey, egg or plant-based sources.
What is casein protein powder?
A protein found in cow’s milk has similarities to whey protein, although casein protein is absorbed over a longer period which is good for muscle growth.
How to consume protein powder?
You can mix the protein powder with water, milk, almond milk, or any other drink. You can also bake with protein powders.
What is incomplete Protein versus complete Protein?
Complete proteins have a full profile of amino acids that your body cannot make on your own, and it helps you build muscles. However, incomplete protein powders do not have all amino acids and only satisfy the body’s combined needs.
When to consume protein powder?
Although you can consume it any time, pre workout, during, or after a workout. Some take it in the morning to stay full, some at night to fuel their body muscle repair overnight.
Is a high protein diet harmful?
Most high protein diets are not harmful unless you have an underlying medical issue.
How much Protein can you absorb at once?
Experts say one can absorb 25 to 30 grams of Protein at once. However, it is better to spread it out throughout the day rather than all at once.
Final Word
Best protein powders are a popular way to lose weight, build lean muscle and achieve post-workout recovery. It can help regulate your internal health, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health. We took hundreds of protein powders into consideration and came up with this list. If you are ready to shop for your next best protein powder, take a look at our best protein shake of 2022, you won’t be disappointed!
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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.
