10 Protein Powders That Will Help You Build Muscle
Protein is an essential component when it comes to building muscle mass. One of the most effective ways to up your protein intake is through protein powder. Whether you choose a whey protein isolate powder or a plant based protein powder, there are dozens of different products on the market. When it comes to picking the right protein powder, there are several factors to consider, such as quality, taste, price, and manufacturing standards. With these considerations in mind, here are some of the best protein powders on the market for all budgets.
Legion Whey Plus
If you’re looking for an all-around great whey protein powder, this is an excellent choice. One scoop of this protein powder contains 22 grams of protein in just 100 calories and only 3 grams of carbohydrates. This protein powder does not contain any fillers, and the brand lists every ingredient on the packaging label. Legion Whey Plus comes in 11 different flavors, such as mocha cappuccino, mint chocolate and fruity cereal. This product also comes in an unflavored version as well. This product is a great option for those looking for a clean, transparent protein powder that will work well in any protein shake. This product is fairly expensive, retailing for just under $50.
PlantFusion Complete Plant-Based Protein Powder
Finding vegan protein powders with good quality and texture can be difficult, but this PlantFusion protein powder is the real deal. This protein powder contains peas, quinoa, and algae, with branched-chain amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine, to make a complete protein. In one scoop, this vegan protein powder contains 21 grams of protein in 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbohydrates. Vegan protein powders are frequently criticized for their lack of flavor options, but this product comes in seven, including vanilla, cookies and creme, and red velvet. This product is also a bit expensive, retailing for $52.99.
MyProtein Pro The Whey+
Another excellent whey protein option is from MyProtein. One scoop of this protein powder contains 25 grams of protein in just 120 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrates and 1.5 grams of fat. Additionally, this protein powder contains 3 grams of leucine, and over 5 grams of naturally-occurring glutamine in each scoop, providing additional benefits for muscle growth, performance and recovery. This protein powder comes in three flavors, including chocolate fudge and cookies and cream. This powder is a bit pricey, retailing at just under $45.
NutriCost Whey Protein Concentrate
If you’re looking for a more budget friendly whey protein concentrate, this protein powder is an option to look at. Though it still comes in at a price of just under $40, it’s still less expensive than many of the other excellent protein concentrates on the market and comes with 71 servings. This protein powder contains a strong amino acid profile, containing alanine, glutamic acid, leucine, lysine, and many more. This powder comes with 25 grams of protein per serving, with only 2.5 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and 130 calories. This powder comes in three flavors–vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate peanut butter.
Healthspan Elite Complete Vegan Protein
If flavor is your priority with your vegan protein powder, this product is the perfect fit for you. This unique protein powder comes with an optional bottle of flavor droplets that you can add to any recipe you make with your protein powder, or you can keep it unflavored. This provides you with the ultimate flexibility with your protein powder. With just one scoop of this protein, you get 21 grams of protein in just 101 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, and 1.2 grams of carbohydrates. This product is reasonably priced, retailing for just under $35.
SiS REGO Rapid Recovery+
Recovery is extremely important when it comes to building muscle and this protein powder is formulated to help with that. This protein powder contains a higher concentration of carbohydrates to help your body recover from medium to high intensity workouts. Additionally, this product contains 2 grams of leucine per serving, which also contains 20 grams of protein, 23 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.5 grams of electrolytes. This product is a bit up there in price, retailing at $58.
Isopure Low Carb Whey Isolate
If you follow a keto or low-carbohydrate diet, this protein powder is an excellent option for you to look into. One scoop of this protein powder contains 25 grams of protein in just 110 calories, 1 gram of carbohydrates and 0.5 gram of fat. This powder comes in very large sizes, with a 62 serving container retailing for $67.56 on Amazon. This powder comes in five different flavors, including chocolate peanut butter, coffee, cookies & cream, and espresso.
Core Nutritionals Grow
When aiming to build muscles, some people want to gain weight in pure muscle mass, and this protein powder is excellent to help you with that. With three scoops of this protein powder, you’ll gain 547 calories, 40 grams of protein, 13 grams of fat, and 80 grams of carbohydrates. This product will certainly help you consume more calories than you burn, helping you pack on that muscle mass.
Nakey Whey
Whey protein powders can be filled with a ton of additives, but this product is as clean as it gets. This protein powder is made with only one ingredient–whey protein concentrate. This powder is GMO free and made from whey protein from pasture-fed cows from small dairy farms. This product contains 25 grams of protein per serving, in addition to 120 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of sugar. Although this product is cleaner and more ethically formulated than many protein powders on the market, it is quite pricey, retailing for just under $90 per container.
MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate
If you want a fresher, fruitier taste in your protein powder, this MyProtein whey protein isolate provides you with just that. Each serving is packed with 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of BCAAs, and 3 grams of glutamine. These fruity flavors include lemonade, peach mango, cranberry apple, and tropical dragon fruit.
Protein powders can be an excellent way to increase your protein intake and help you build larger muscle mass over time. There are numerous options you can choose from depending on your fitness and dietary goals. Hopefully this list gives you an idea of what protein powders might work for you.
