Whey protein powder is a protein source that can help people who are active get the protein they need. Whey protein contains all of the essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. It is usually easy to digest this protein compared to other sources.
Athletes need 1.2-2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight each day, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A higher amount of protein is needed to build, repair, and maintain muscle. According to Peter Pace, protein supplements are not as good as whole-food sources of protein for meeting human protein needs.
If you’re having trouble getting all the nutrients you need from your diet, our sports dietitians say that whey protein powders can be a quick and easy way to supplement your intake. Whey protein may not be a good choice if you have a milk allergy or sensitivity or follow a vegan diet since it is derived from milk.
This means that when choosing a protein powder, it is important to select a brand that has a reputation for quality. We recommend that competitive athletes choose a protein powder that is third-party tested to avoid consuming prohibited substances accidentally. There are many companies that test products to ensure they meet certain standards. Some well-known testing companies are NSF, USP, and ConsumerLabs.
The Best Whey Protein Powders
The most effective protein powder can help you see real results, whether you’re an athlete who is concentrating on their performance, or a regular person who is just trying to stay in shape and be healthy. But which one should you invest in? A few years ago, you could only find protein supplements in niche sports shops, but now you can find them almost anywhere. Protein powders have become increasingly commonplace, providing a wider range of options to choose from.
A good protein powder should come in a variety of flavors, have a long list of added ingredients, and be able to fix many different issues. If you’re not familiar with the details of sports nutrition, the large number of choices may be overwhelming. Here are the best whey protein powders.
Best Overall: Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate, Vanilla
Pros
- NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport Certified
- Whey isolate form and ProHydrolase enzyme for easy digestion
- Whey sourced from milk from grass-fed cows
Cons
- Expensive
Who else recommends it? According to Healthline and The Strategist, Momentous Essential Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate is the best protein powder.
Our top pick for the best whey protein is Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein. It is of high quality and has passed third-party testing with flying colors. The protein in Momentous is whey isolate, which contains 90% protein and is easy to digest. This product contains ProHydrolase, an enzyme blend that promotes digestion and absorption.
We’re impressed with Momentous because it’s been certified by NSF International for Sport and Informed Sport. That means it’s been tested by an independent third party to make sure it doesn’t contain any banned substances and that it has what it says on the label. If you’re a competitive athlete, it might be important to pick protein powders that have gone through third-party testing.
One scoop of Momentous Whey Protein provides you with 20 grams of high-quality protein. It also provides 2.3 grams of leucine, which is an important branched chain amino acid for muscle growth. You should consume between one and three grams of leucine per meal or snack to optimize muscle protein synthesis. We recommend pairing this powder with carbohydrate foods for complete recovery, as it is low in carbohydrates.
Best Budget: Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate, Unflavored
Pros
- ConsumerLab approved
- Contains only two ingredients and no sweeteners
- Whey isolate form for easy digestion
Cons
- Thin drink when mixed with liquid
Whey protein isolates are generally more expensive than other protein powders. This whey protein is a great choice for those who are looking to save money while still getting a quality product. This protein powder is also verified by ConsumerLab, one of the most reliable third-party testers.
Most protein powders that contain flavoring also contain alternative sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit in order to reduce the amount of sugar. However, these sweeteners can have their own drawbacks. Myprotein’s unflavored version contains no added sweeteners, sugar alcohols, or fillers. This protein powder can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. You can add it to soups or baked goods for extra protein, or use it in cakes and smoothies for a protein boost.
Best Whey Protein Concentrate + Isolate Blend: Ascent Native Fuel Whey, Chocolate
Pros
- Informed Sport Certified
- Blend of whey protein concentrate and isolate
- Free from artificial ingredients
Cons
- Processed on equipment with tree nuts and peanuts
This product contains both whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, resulting in a slightly higher fat and carbohydrate profile. This protein powder mixes smoothly and evenly, without clumping like some other brands.
Ascent Native Fuel Whey is a protein powder that is free from artificial ingredients and comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, lemon sorbet, vanilla bean, and unflavored. One scoop of this product contains 25 grams of protein and 2.7 grams of leucine to support post-workout recovery.
Best Tasting: BiPro Elite Whey Protein Isolate, French Vanilla
Pros
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Whey isolate form for easy digestion
Cons
- Expensive
When searching for a delectable protein powder that doesn’t compromise on quality, BiPro Elite Whey Protein Isolate is a great option. The protein powder does not have any extra sugar or any added fillers. The drink is flavored with stevia leaf extract and sugar and is available in French vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored versions. The manufacturer recommends adding it to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt. If you’re looking to add carbohydrates to your diet, pairing them with carbohydrate-rich foods is a great way to make sure you’re getting enough of the nutrient, especially after a workout.
BiPro states that its powder has a low level of lactose, so people who are intolerant to lactose will not have any reaction to it.
Best Organic: Garden of Life Certified Organic Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder Chocolate
Pros
- Certified USDA Organic
- No artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be appropriate if lactose intolerant
- Contains erythritol, which may cause stomach upset in some
If you’re looking for a high-quality, USDA Organic and non-GMO certified protein powder, Garden of Life’s Organic Whey protein is a great option. It’s made from grass fed, hormone free cows, so you can be sure you’re getting a clean product. This protein powder contains whey protein concentrate, which is cheaper than whey isolate.
This Garden of Life whey protein provides you with 21 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fat and 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving. You should have a slightly higher fat and carbohydrate content to help you feel full, but you should still eat carbohydrates with your meals after working out. This product contains 4.7 grams of branched chain amino acids, including 2.2 grams of leucine, to help with muscle repair.
Garden of Life’s products do not contain any added sugars; instead, they are sweetened with organic stevia leaf extract and erythritol, a sugar alcohol. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you should be aware that this product contains 12 milligrams of naturally occurring caffeine.
What should you look for in the best protein powder?
If you’re new to protein powder, it can be difficult to know where to start. You can determine the best protein powder for you by examining how much exercise you do and what type. The needs of powerlifters differ from those of runners who commit to running on a treadmill every day. Do you like to work out at a gym or do you prefer to come up with your own workout ideas at home?
If your goal is to gain muscle mass, you will want to consume a lot of protein. However, it is important not to overdo it.
“In recent years, there have been high levels of heavy metals found in certain protein powders,” says Julie Stefanski, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “It’s important to research the company’s testing for these contaminants.”
Competing in an event means you’ll have to be careful not to consume a banned substance by mistake. Check the ingredients list carefully to make sure. You can find a list of protein powders that have been through Informed Sports’ approval process on their website.
If you’re trying to lose body fat, you might want to choose a protein powder that’s lower in carbohydrates and calories. All protein powders are not the same in terms of the macro-nutrients and calories they offer, so it is important to read the nutrional information on the label carefully. A single serving of protein powder can range from 70-1000 calories.
Stefanski believes that it is crucial to determine what your goals are and how protein powder can actually help you to achieve them. The amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat in the product depends on what it is being used for, such as a meal or post-workout, and the amount of protein and energy that is needed.
The usual protein powder is made from whey powder, which is a by-product of making cheese. If you are looking for plant-based options, you can choose from alternatives including hemp seeds, soy and peas. To learn more about vegan protein powders, read our list of the best ones on the market.
When you are picking what foods to get your protein from, it is helpful to know that different types of protein have different effects on the body. This means that the body can use more of the protein from some sources than others. “This ranking is known as protein digestibility. Whey protein and other cow’s milk sources rank highest. Animal protein sources are better than plant protein sources. Although collagen has become more popular, it does not contain some of the amino acids that are found in an equivalent amount of whey protein.
The percentage of protein in whey powder can range from 29% to 90%. This varies depending on the manufacturing process. Powders with a high protein concentration will have very low levels of fat, lactose, and cholesterol, while those with lower protein levels will have higher concentrations of these components. So, you will find that whey isolate powders which have been filtered several times will have much higher protein percentages but they will also be more expensive.
When choosing a protein powder, it is worth considering how easily it is digested, as some are gentler on the body than others. Stefanski said that if you want to find the best quality protein, you should look for a digestibility score called PDCAAS. She explained that the higher the value is, the better the amino acids will be absorbed by your body.
What are the benefits of using the best protein powder?
There is no doubt that protein powders are very convenient and versatile. If you find it challenging to consume enough protein, or if your diet doesn’t have enough of this crucial nutrient, then protein powders can help you get the right amount. There are endless possibilities for what you can do with them. You can sprinkle them on other foods, blend them with other ingredients, or simply mix them with water.
Protein powders have a long shelf life and will not go bad quickly. You can keep them on your kitchen shelf for months. Protein powder is much easier to carry around than a heavy bottle of pre-made protein shake or a food container.
How to achieve the best results? Stefanski says that the best time to consume extra protein is within one hour of training. The amount of protein and carbohydrates a person needs depends on their overall energy needs. If you don’t eat enough calories, your body will start breaking down muscle proteins for energy instead of using them to build new tissue.
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