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Jun 5, 2024 · Find out which protein powders are recommended by nutrition experts for different purposes and preferences. Compare prices, flavors, ingredients and ratings of 10 top-rated products.
- The right protein powder for you will depend on factors like age and weight, as well as what your goals are. Some may want to lose or gain weight,...
- The best brand of protein powder will depend on factors such as the type of protein included (animal protein vs. plant protein), cost and personal...
- Popular types of protein powders include whey, casein, egg white, and plant-based proteins. The healthiest protein powders will include ingredients...
- Protein powder can assist with weight loss, weight gain or weight management depending on how you incorporate it into your diet. Protein powder for...
- Protein powders can assist with building muscle, athletic performance and other potential health benefits, however, since the FDA does not weigh in...
- Because protein powder is classified as a dietary supplement, the FDA does not regulate it with the same standards as food or medicine. Third-party...
- Overview
- A quick look at the best protein powders by type
- How we chose the best protein powders
- How each type of protein powder works
- The benefits of using protein powder
- How to choose a protein powder
- How to use protein powder
- Frequently asked questions
- The bottom line
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
•Our picks
•Comparison
•How we chose
•Protein powder types
•Benefits and safety
•Tips for choosing
•Best whey: Naked Whey Protein Powder | Skip to review
•Best pea protein: Ritual Essential Protein | Skip to review
•Best organic: Ora Organics Vegan Protein Powder | Skip to review
•Best for weight gain: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer | Skip to review
•Best casein: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein | Skip to review
•Best egg white: NOW Sports Egg White Protein | Skip to review
Healthline’s dietitians determined the best protein powders using the following criteria:
•Ingredient and nutrient quality: We looked for products that are made from high quality ingredients and contain minimal amounts of added sugars and artificial additives.
•Quality testing: We prioritized products that are third-party tested for quality, accuracy, and purity. We also looked for products that are third-party certified to be safe for competitive athletes.
•Reviews: The protein powders listed below either have been tried and recommended by Healthline editors or have mostly positive online reviews.
•Price: We included options to suit a variety of budgets.
Additionally, every brand and product on our list has been vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article meets the following criteria:
The type of protein powder you choose depends on your dietary needs, health goals, and personal preferences.
•Whey: Whey is a milk-based protein that’s quickly and easily digested and absorbed. When combined with resistance training, whey protein may help increase muscle mass, support growth, and speed up post-workout recovery, so it’s a great choice for athletes.
•Casein: Casein is a protein in milk that’s digested and absorbed slowly, which can help you feel full longer, so it may help reduce your appetite. The slower digestion and absorption rate may also support muscle growth and recovery over longer periods.
•Egg white: Egg white protein is a great alternative to whey or casein protein, especially for people with an allergy to dairy products.
•Collagen powder: Collagen is a component of muscles, and supplementing with it may help stimulate muscle growth when combined with resistance training.
•Plant-based: People following a vegan lifestyle should opt for plant-based protein sources, such as pea or brown rice. These can also be suitable for people who follow a dairy-free diet or have trouble digesting dairy or lactose.
Protein powder can be a quick and convenient option to increase your protein intake.
This may be especially beneficial for people who have increased protein needs, have difficulty meeting their needs through food sources alone, or have certain dietary restrictions, such as a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Many athletes take protein powder after exercising, which may help enhance muscle growth and speed up post-workout recovery.
Additionally, enjoying a protein shake or high protein snack may even support weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness between meals.
When choosing a protein powder, you’ll want to consider several factors, including:
•Protein source: Protein powders contain either animal-based or plant-based protein sources. Examples of animal-based proteins include casein, whey, collagen, soy, and egg. Plant-based protein powders often contain pea, rice, or hemp protein. Some vegan blends also contain whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
•Additional ingredients: Look for protein powders that have as few ingredients as possible. Always check the labels carefully, and consider avoiding products containing artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors.
•Quality testing: Because the FDA doesn’t evaluate the safety, quality, or effectiveness of protein powders, it’s best to choose products that are third-party tested to ensure purity and potency.
Keep in mind that protein powder shouldn’t be used to replace healthy sources of protein in your diet because high protein foods also provide other valuable nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Still, supplements can be an easy and convenient way to increase your protein intake, as there are many ways to use protein powder.
The simplest way is to mix it with a beverage, such as water or milk, or blend it with other ingredients, such as fruits and veggies, to create a smoothie.
You can also mix protein powder into simple foods, such as yogurt, oatmeal, or dips.
Is protein powder safe?
Protein powders are generally well tolerated and have few side effects, so they’re safe for most adults. However, certain types of protein may affect you, especially in terms of digestion. Certain types of protein can cause gas, bloating, or stomach cramps. Skin reactions are also possible. Some supplements could contain contaminants, such as yeast or bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness. They may also contain heavy metals, which can negatively affect the health of your kidneys, brain, thyroid gland, and reproductive system if consumed in large amounts. Choosing a high quality product that has undergone third-party testing for purity and potency can help minimize the risk of contamination with these harmful compounds. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take any medications that could be affected by protein powders, talk with a healthcare professional before using one. Protein powders are generally well tolerated and have few side effects, so they’re safe for most adults. However, certain types of protein may affect you, especially in terms of digestion. Certain types of protein can cause gas, bloating, or stomach cramps. Skin reactions are also possible. Some supplements could contain contaminants, such as yeast or bacteria, which can cause foodborne illness. They may also contain heavy metals, which can negatively affect the health of your kidneys, brain, thyroid gland, and reproductive system if consumed in large amounts. Choosing a high quality product that has undergone third-party testing for purity and potency can help minimize the risk of contamination with these harmful compounds. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take any medications that could be affected by protein powders, talk with a healthcare professional before using one.
Is protein powder safe for the liver?
For most healthy adults, protein powder is unlikely to harm liver health. If you have liver disease or other underlying health conditions, it’s best to talk with a doctor before adding protein powder to your diet. For most healthy adults, protein powder is unlikely to harm liver health. If you have liver disease or other underlying health conditions, it’s best to talk with a doctor before adding protein powder to your diet.
What is the best protein powder for weight loss?
Whey protein is a great option for weight loss, as studies have shown that it could improve body composition when paired with resistance training. Plant-based protein powders can also be a good dairy-free alternative if you’re trying to lose weight. According to one small study of 30 people, whey protein and pea protein were similarly effective at reducing appetite and daily calorie intake when consumed as part of a high protein breakfast. Whey protein is a great option for weight loss, as studies have shown that it could improve body composition when paired with resistance training. Plant-based protein powders can also be a good dairy-free alternative if you’re trying to lose weight. According to one small study of 30 people, whey protein and pea protein were similarly effective at reducing appetite and daily calorie intake when consumed as part of a high protein breakfast.
When trying a new protein powder, pay attention to how your body responds. As with any supplement, you may wish to take a break every so often or alternate between different products.
Many people get plenty of protein from the foods they eat.
However, if you’re trying to increase your protein intake, having a protein shake or adding protein powder to foods like oatmeal and yogurt can help you meet your needs.
Finally, try to consume plenty of whole, fresh foods, including natural sources of protein and fiber, as well as plenty of water.
Compare the top nine protein powders based on type, flavor, organic, whey, pregnancy, plant-based, value, muscle gain, and athlete categories. Learn about the pros and cons, ingredients, certifications, and prices of each product.
Jan 4, 2024 · Compare the top-rated protein powders for every need, from whey to vegan, based on taste, texture, nutrition, and third-party testing. Learn how to choose the right protein powder for your goals and preferences.
2 days ago · However, protein powders can be a convenient way to boost your intake if you’re not getting enough protein in your diet or have certain health goals like gaining and retaining muscle mass.
Jun 14, 2024 · Compare 26 protein powders based on nutrition, flavor, texture and value. Find out which ones are the best overall, chocolate, vanilla, plant-based and more.
Jun 28, 2024 · Find out the best protein powders for different needs and preferences, from whey to plant-based, based on expert advice and reviews. Learn about protein sources, flavors, ingredients, and how to use them for muscle building and weight loss.
2 days ago · Best Protein Powder Overall: XWERKS GROW Protein Powder. Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain: Sports Research Whey Protein. Best Protein Powder for Athletes: Jacked Factory Grass-Fed Whey...
