Your choice of protein powder can make a lot of difference if your goal is to enhance your nutrition. Whether you’re trying to bolster your strength training program, gain more muscle or balance your diet, protein powder can certainly help. This is the reason why most people you see in gyms like Fitness 19 drink protein smoothies before or after their workouts.
Experts say that a safe level of protein ranges from 0.8 g/protein/kg of body weight, up to 2g/protein/kg of body weight. Most individuals only need 1 to 1.2 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight.
According to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines, protein should comprise 10 – 35% of your daily caloric consumption. Protein is an essential macronutrient and if you don’t consume enough of it, you will have difficulty retaining and growing muscle.
The protein powders we’ve included in our list have been evaluated including how much protein they contain, the ingredients used, and how good (or bad) they taste.
1. MyProtein Impact Whey Protein
- Protein: 21g (depending on flavor)
- Carbs: 1 – 3.2g (depending on flavor)
- Calories: 95 – 104kcal (depending on flavor)
- Protein source: whey protein concentrate
- Pros
- Good value for money
- Good range of flavors
- Cons
- Whey concentrate not isolate
Some flavors taste weird
This protein powder has been praised for its value, ease of mixing, and range of flavors. The brand prides itself on giving consumers an all-round, value-for-money product. The protein in MyProtein comes from whey concentrate, which may cause bloating in some people. It comes in more than 40 flavors including vanilla, strawberry, chocolate brownie and sticky toffee pudding, which taste fine although some are too sweet.
2. Bulk Natural Pure Whey Isolate
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 1.5g
- Calories: 108kcal
- Protein source: whey protein isolate
- Pros:
- Gentle on stomach
- Fewer ingredients
- Cons:
- Only 2 flavors
Stevia is a bit overpowering
Most people who have tried this product have remarked favorably on the natural ingredients it uses and how it doesn’t cause bloating. However, some reviewers have noted that the stevia gives it a tangy aftertaste.
Bulk Natural is low in carbs and calories. There are only two flavors – chocolate and strawberry.
3. Gold Standard Whey Protein
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 3g
- Calories: 112kcal
Protein source: whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate
- Pros
- Neutral flavor
- Few ingredients
- Cons
- A bit expensive
This product is a bit pricey compared to the others we’ve included on this list. However, if you prefer to add your own flavors and do not like the sweeteners that most whether products contain, then this one’s for you. The taste is neutral (a mild milky flavor). It uses soy lecithin as an emulsifier and mixes well too.
4. BSN True Mass 1200
- Protein: 53g
- Carbs: 216g
- Calories: 1,271kcal
Protein source: Whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate and casein
- Pros
- 1,200 kcal per serving
- Good value
- Cons
- Has only 3 flavors
- Doesn’t mix easily
The BSN True Mass 1200 contains a whopping 1,271 calories and 53g protein per serving so it’s really helpful if you’re aiming for massive gains. However, if you’re on a diet, this may not be so ideal because the added calories could jeopardize your goals.
5. Orgain Organic Protein
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 15g
- Calories: 150kcal
- Protein source: Organic rice, organic pea and organic chia seed
- Pros:
- Healthy ingredients
- Good taste for all flavors
- Cons:
- Contains salt
Orgain Organic Protein is well-rated on platforms like Amazon particularly for its texture and taste. This plant-based protein powder however has a stevia-aftertaste so this might be something to consider if you don’t like stevia. On the other hand, the all-natural organic ingredients in this product more than make up for any drawbacks.
6. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 0g
- Calories: 70kcal
- Protein source: Bovine collagen
- Pros:
- No carbs and low in calories
- High in collagen
- Cons:
Not for vegetarians - Lower protein content
Vital Proteins contain 18g of protein, 70 calories and zero carbs. It’s something you can easily incorporate into your diet without worrying about gaining weight. You can even put it in your coffee or smoothie. This product contains bovine collagen and it’s unflavored.
You can watch this video review to know more about this product: