The 7 Best Protein Powders You Should Discover
Increase and maximize your training with the best protein powders. Hitting the gym and completing your reps is only half the battle if you really want to build muscle. The other half of the battle involves eating the right diet and providing your body with the necessary elements to repair muscle damage and stimulate the biceps.
To do this, we decided to find the best protein powders in 2021 and show them to you in the guide below with pros and cons. Each of these protein powders is great for building muscle, but some of them are exceptional for a particular purpose.
Our choices that we search around the builders world
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
Best overall protein powder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has many premium ingredients | Not the best for weight loss |
| It comes in various sizes and flavours | |
| It mixes very well | |
| All the ingredients are of quality Includes natural amino acids |
Why should you buy this?
Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Protein comes in several different flavours ranging from Double Chocolate to French Vanilla Cream and has everything you need in a protein supplement. It is an ideal choice for most fitness enthusiasts.
ON Gold Standard
Versatile and effective, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard will be a reliable choice for most.
Why chose Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard:
Lots of Carbs and Sugars – Some protein powders don’t have many key elements to maximize your gains and recovery period. This protein powder has a lot of carbohydrates and sugars along with 1.5 g of fat. This ensures that you feel good before or after your workout, depending on when you decide to take the supplements.
Reviews for this protein powder
Indian Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars, Reviews: 20,199
USA Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars, Reviews: 26,222
Instantized
Too many protein powders are clumpy when you try to mix them into your drink. This protein powder has been specifically developed to avoid this defect and easily mix it into milk, water or any other drink you want to combine it with.
Conclusion
With four sizes to choose from and all ingredients made from top-tier sources, this protein powder is an excellent choice if you want something versatile that is appropriate for weight gain and muscle building alike.
BSN Syntha-6 Whey Protein Powder
Best cheap protein powder For Weight Gain
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable for most | Taste could be better overall |
| Very good for recovery | |
| Includes a high amount of protein and sugar | |
| Multiple sizes available |
Why should you buy this?
Syntha-6 whey protein powder from BSN is an affordable option that will work for anyone looking to build muscle or gain weight in general. It’s packed with sugar and a whopping 22g of whey protein isolate and other natural sources.
BSN Syntha-6 Whey Protein Powder
Syntha-6 from BSN is cheap, effective and can be used at any time.
Why chose BSN Syntha-6 Whey Protein Powder:
Works Anytime – Unlike some specialized pre-workout or post-workout proteins, this one works no matter when you decide to take it. As such, it’s perfect for those with unorthodox schedules or those who exercise and need something they can drink both before and after their workouts.
Reviews for this protein
Indian Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars, Reviews 1,326
USA Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars, Reviews: 16,630
Recovery Support
The formula is supplemented with specific amino acids and other proteins that reduce your recovery time. Therefore, it is an ideal choice if you do not like your muscles to be too sore after completing an intense workout and you want your protein powder to help you with this aspect.
Conclusion
All in all, the protein powder is very affordable and just as effective as the more expensive options on the market. As the best result, even the budget-conscious should be able to make the profit they want without spending a lot of money.
PlantFusion Complete
Best vegan protein powder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with non-genetically modified ingredients | Recovery benefits are not that great |
| Easy to digest | Does not include as much as other proteins |
| Contains many proteins and superfoods | |
| Good taste overall |
Why should you buy vegan protein powder?
Plant Fusion Complete Pea Protein Powder is a vegan alternative to traditional protein supplements. All ingredients are made with non-GMO elements, making it perfect for animal and organic fitness enthusiasts.
PlantFusion Complete Vegan Protein Powder
The PlantFusion Complete Pea Protein Powder is an ideal powder for non-meat or dairy eaters.
Why we chose the Complete PlantFusion:
Main Ingredients – Too many protein powder supplements are made with low-quality ingredients that affect product quality in the long run. This protein powder, despite being vegan, does a fantastic job of increasing your gains and includes 21g of plant-based protein from peas and other vegetables. In fact, it’s packed with other superfoods that are handpicked to give you the maximum benefit.
Reviews for this protein
Indian Reviews
3.3 out of 5 stars, Reviews 130
USA Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars, Reviews: 7,108
Easy to Digest
Many protein powders weigh heavily on the stomach, making them an unappealing prospect after an intense workout. This protein powder is exceptionally easy to digest as the formula has been fortified with digestive enzymes and is completely dairy free.
Conclusion
Overall, we think this protein powder is one of the best options on the market, even if you’re not vegan, thanks to the quality of its ingredients and its tasty flavour, which is surprisingly good given its plant-based factors.
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
The best tasting protein powder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lots of protein | The powder grains are a bit thick compared to other powders |
| Easy to digest | |
| Helps recovery | |
| Good taste overall |
Why should you buy ON’s Serious Mass
Serious Mass protein from Optimum Nutrition is one of the best options on the market if you want to build muscle and gain weight like nobody else. It contains a whopping 1,250 calories per two tablespoons and over 50g of protein per serving.
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
The protein in ON Serious Mass is a first-rate option if you want to put on the kilos.
Why We Chose ON’s Serious Mass Protein:
Excellent Vitamins – In addition to the protein benefits already mentioned, this protein powder also contains more than 25 vitamins and minerals that you need to build muscle and stay healthy in general. As such, it is not only one of the best protein powders for building muscle, but it is one of the best post-workout supplements, without exception.
Reviews for this ON’s Serious Mass Protein
Indian Reviews
3.7 out of 5 stars, Reviews 5,338
USA Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars, Reviews: 39,661
Great Flavor
Finding a protein powder that tastes good is often a challenge, but it comes in a delicious chocolate format by default. Or you can select from several other top flavors ranging from banana to strawberry to vanilla. Whichever you choose, you will find that the protein powder mixes well with milk or water and is exceptionally easy to swallow.
Conclusion
This protein powder is a great choice overall, but an even better option if you want to add muscle as quickly as possible or recover from the fatigue of a painful workout more often than you currently do.
USN Supplements Bluelab Whey Best Protein Powders
Best protein powder for women
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very easy to digest | A little expensive considering the quantity |
| Rich in highly converting amino acids | |
| They support muscle growth and recovery | |
| Good taste overall |
Why should you buy USN Supplements Bluelab Whey
These whey proteins are a fantastic option for women as a result of included ingredients and great taste. They provide optimal muscle support and recovery, ideal for both cardio and bulking workouts.
USN Supplements BlueLab Whey Protein
USN Supplements BlueLab Whey Powder are perfect for women in terms of both taste and effectiveness.
Why we chose USN’s BlueLab Whey Protein For Women
Great for Muscle Growth – Women struggle to gain muscle like men, so they need exceptional protein powders to help them gain weight. Each serving of this protein contains 25g of protein and several other higher amino acids that can help women add muscle and recover faster. It even promotes optimal nitrogen retention and the conversion of new amino acids.
Read reviews for this
Indian Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars, Reviews 29
USA Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars, Reviews: 91
Digestible
Additionally, they are a quality option because they are easily digested. They use a combination of premium ingredients and concentrates to make them easy to swallow and digest. Many women also enjoy the biscuit and cream flavor, compared to the classic dark chocolate of most other proteins.
Conclusion
In general, most proteins work for both women and men. Despite this, these are a great option due to the rich content of protein and other convertible elements.
Plant Fusion Complete Lean Weight Loss
Best protein powder for weight loss
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for reducing appetite | Somewhat expensive for only 800 grams |
| Works well for vegans | Not the best for muscle recovery |
| Can help break down sugars and carbohydrates | |
| Easy to digest |
Why should you buy Plant Fusion Complete Lean For Weight Loss
Some protein powders are made for muscle growth, while others, like these, are perfect for burning fat. This natural-tasting supplement includes a unique protein called Eco-Lean. Combined with the rest of the formula, it helps reduce appetite and lose weight.
PlantFusion Complete Lean
PlantFusion Complete Lean Weight Loss Protein Powders reduce appetite and help build muscle at the same time.
Why we chose PlantFusion Complete Lean
These unique proteins are derived from a special variety of yellow peas grown in Europe. This allows her to reduce hunger, making you eat less, but still giving you the strength to train. While they don’t make you lose weight on their own, they can help you stick to your diet and regimen, making it easier for you to reach your ideal weight than it would otherwise be.
Reviews for this protein
Indian Reviews
3.3 out of 5 stars, Reviews 130
USA Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars, Reviews: 7,108
Ingredients
The rest of the ingredients are equally premium. All are certified non-GMO, and are perfect as an alternative for vegan women and men in case they don’t want to consume animal-derived products. They include a special blend of probiotic fiber, with banana leaves and chromium to burn sugars and carbohydrates. This makes them delicious and easy to digest.
Conclusion
These protein powders are an ideal option for gaining muscle and losing weight due to their ability to stay in the stomach without making you feel heavy after an intense workout.
Optimum Nutrition Performance Whey
Best whey protein isolate
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Relatively good taste | They do not reduce appetite |
| They contain premium amino acids | |
| They help with muscle growth and recovery | |
| Without sugars and artificial flavors |
Why should you buy ON’s Performance Whey Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition Performance Whey Isolate Powders are available in different quantities depending on how many you need. Each pack contains 30g of high quality whey protein isolate, the purest form of protein available on the market. Combine that with exceptional chocolate flavor and you have a first-class option.
Optimum Nutrition Performance Whey
ON Performance Whey Isolate Powder helps to build muscle mass, without many additional ingredients.
Why we chose Optimum Nutrition Performance Whey
Good for Muscle Growth – There are few protein supplements more effective for building muscle than pure whey protein isolate. This strain includes 13.5g of natural and essential amino acids and 6.5g of other amino acids. Combined, they help you build muscle and recover after intense workouts.
Reviews for this protein powder
Indian Reviews
3.8 out of 5 stars, Reviews 2,424
USA Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars, Reviews 26,222
Taste is not too strong
A lot of whey protein isolate has a horrible taste or too much added sugar. These whey isolates have no artificial flavors or sweeteners, just a single gram of sugar and fat. This makes them perfect as an alternative to regular protein powders, even if you don’t like the taste of the isolated options.
Conclusion
These Whey Isolates are a fantastic option if you want to maximize muscle growth and reduce recovery time after a workout. They are much lighter than others in carbohydrates and sugars, ideal for keeping an eye on your weight.
How we do the tests all protein powder
While researching the best protein powders on the market, we decided to try them on ourselves. The workouts were great, but we also paid attention to the taste of each supplement, how they mixed with other liquids like milk and water and how digestible they were, especially after particularly intense workouts. Thanks to that, we were able to find the best protein powders for each category. For women, we have received direct testimonials that we are confident that they work for the fairer sex.
Frequently Ask Questions
-
What are whey proteins?
Whey protein is a key ingredient in most protein shakes and supplements.
It is a mix of proteins derived from whey, a by-product of cheese.
Whey proteins are used because they are less fat than other types of proteins and contain several amino acids that are absorbed quickly by the body.
These are super proteins that work perfectly in smoothies or protein drinks. -
Whey protein isolate vs concentrated
Whey isolate and concentrate are made from the same amino acids as whey described above.
The main difference lies in how the two ingredients are processed or produced.
The whey are created by the collection and combination of a lot of liquid whey, added to other products to make them into powder.
Specifically, concentrated whey protein powders have a concentration of 80% by weight.
The rest of the powder is made up of vitamins and other macromolecules such as fats.
The whey isolate has a different concentration of 90% protein and 10% other elements. Therefore, whey protein isolate, such as ON Performance Whey Isolate Powder , is a supplement with more amino acids and more support for muscle growth. -
Is whey protein right for you?
Yup!
Whey is one of the best sources of protein in the world, as it helps the body absorb amino acids quickly and efficiently.
They help strengthen and repair muscles. -
Whey Protein vs Vegetable Protein
In many cases, plant proteins do not have the same nutritional properties as whey due to the source from which they are derived. Therefore, plant-based protein powders require more components and ingredients to provide the same benefits as traditional powdered supplements. PlantFusion Complete Pea Protein Powder is a perfect example of this type of supplement.
This is not to say that plant proteins are not indicated or that vegans cannot take effective proteins.
It just means that the formulas are more complex and you need to take a slightly higher amount over time to get the same benefits over using traditional supplements.
Additionally, many plant-based proteins taste slightly different than regular protein powders. -
Are whey proteins gluten-free?
Yes, whey protein is naturally gluten-free.
Whey does not include gluten, a major ingredient in high-carb products like bread.
Therefore, almost all protein powders are naturally gluten-free although not all of them may be non-GMO or vegan-friendly.
Despite this, this means that almost anyone can use protein powders and improve the effectiveness of their workouts, even if they are gluten intolerant.
