Building muscle takes more than just lifting weights. You need protein to help your muscles grow big and strong. Sometimes, food alone doesn’t give you enough protein. \
That’s why protein powders are so cool! They’re an easy way to get more protein and help your muscles get stronger.
In this post, we’ll show you 11 of the best protein powders for muscle gain. Whether you’re new to working out or already super strong, you’ll find something here to love. Let’s jump in and check them out!
In a Nutshell
- Protein powders add extra protein to your diet for muscle growth.
- You can pick from whey, casein, or plant-based powders.
- Look at protein amount, taste, and cost when choosing one.
- Check the ingredients to match your diet needs.
- Protein powders help, but don’t skip eating healthy food too.
Protein fixes your muscles after a workout and helps them grow bigger. The best powders mix easily, taste yummy, and give you lots of protein without too many calories. Some come in fun flavors like chocolate or vanilla, while others have no flavor at all. This list has 11 awesome powders that can help you build muscle fast. We’ll tell you what’s great about each one and what’s not so great. That way, you can pick the perfect one for you!
1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
- Packaging May Vary - New look, with the same trusted quality
- GOLD STANDARD 100% WHEY BLEND – 24g blended protein consisting of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and...
Lots of people love Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder for muscle gain. It gives you 24 grams of protein in each scoop. The protein comes from whey, which your body uses fast to build muscle. You can get it in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, and it mixes into a smooth shake with water or milk.
This powder tastes really good, which makes drinking it fun. It’s also not too expensive and comes in a big tub that lasts a long time. But it has artificial flavors and sweeteners. If you want all-natural stuff, you might not like it.
Pros:
- Gives you 24 grams of protein per scoop
- Tastes awesome in many flavors
- Mixes easily with liquids
Cons:
- Has artificial flavors and sweeteners
This is a great choice if you’re starting out. The taste and protein make it a winner for lots of people.
2. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
- Product 1: Seize the Glaze with NEW ISO100 Dunkin' Glazed Donut flavor!
- Product 1: 25g protein which includes 5.5g branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), 2.6g Leucine per serving, 1g sugar and 1g...
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder is super good for muscle gain. It has 25 grams of protein per scoop, a little more than some others. The protein is hydrolyzed, so your body grabs it fast to fix muscles after a workout. It’s low in carbs and fat too.
You can pick flavors like chocolate or vanilla, and most people like how it tastes. It helps your muscles recover quickly. But it costs more than some powders, and the texture might feel a bit gritty.
Pros:
- Has 25 grams of protein per scoop
- Low carbs and fat
- Works fast because it’s hydrolyzed
Cons:
- Costs more money
- Feels a bit gritty sometimes
If you want fast results and don’t mind the price, this powder rocks. It’s perfect after a tough workout.
3. MuscleTech NitroTech Whey Protein Powder
- Product 1: PROTEIN POWDER for WEIGHT LOSS – MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Ripped is the ultimate protein plus weight loss...
- Product 1: LEAN MUSCLE BUILDER – Each scoop contains 30g of ultra-clean protein from whey peptides (hydrolyzed whey...
MuscleTech NitroTech Whey Protein Powder is made for big muscle fans. It packs 30 grams of protein in each scoop, one of the highest amounts here. It also has creatine, which makes your muscles stronger and bigger. Flavors include chocolate and vanilla.
This powder mixes well and tastes yummy. The extra creatine gives it a boost. But it’s pricier, and if you already take creatine, you might not need more.
Pros:
- Gives 30 grams of protein per scoop
- Has creatine for more strength
- Tastes good and mixes easy
Cons:
- Costs more than basic powders
- Extra creatine might not be for everyone
If you want a strong powder with extras, this is it. Just check if the creatine fits your plan.
4. BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Powder
- RIDICULOUSLY DELICIOUS : BSN broke through the whey protein flavor barrier once and for all with the introduction of...
- 22G PROTEIN MATRIX : consisting of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, calcium caseinate, micellar casein,...
BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Powder tastes like a treat. It has 22 grams of protein per scoop from whey and casein. That means it helps your muscles fast and slow all day. You can get it in chocolate milkshake or strawberry flavors.
This powder feels creamy and delicious, almost like dessert. It’s perfect if you don’t like boring shakes. But it has more calories and sugar, so it’s not great if you want to lose weight.
Pros:
- Tastes super yummy and creamy
- Mixes whey and casein for all-day help
- Comes in fun flavors
Cons:
- More calories and sugar
- Not good for losing weight
If you want a shake that’s fun to drink, this is your pick. It’s like a reward after working out.
5. Garden of Life Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
- WHAT’S THE SCOOP: Build and repair muscle and reduce recovery time with 22g of organic plant based protein powder and...
- DOWNRIGHT DELICIOUS: We’re taking a stand against chalky ; our raw protein powder unflavored is not only easy to mix...
Garden of Life Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is awesome for plant lovers. It has 20 grams of protein per scoop from peas and chia seeds. It’s organic and skips dairy, soy, and gluten. Flavors include vanilla and chocolate.
This powder works for vegans or people with allergies. It mixes well and feels smooth. But some say it tastes earthy, not as sweet as whey powders.
Pros:
- Uses plants and stays organic
- No dairy or allergens
- Great for vegans
Cons:
- Tastes earthy to some
- Has less protein than others
If you want a clean, plant-based powder, this is a solid choice. It’s kind to your stomach too.
6. Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder
- 30 GRAMS OF PLANT BASED PROTEIN POWDER with 5g BCAA amino acids and 5g Glutamic Acid. Amino Acid profile containing 9...
- SUPPORT RECOVERY POST WORKOUT with ingredients like tart cherry, turmeric extract and 2 billion CFU probiotics (bacillus...
Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder is a strong plant-based pick. It gives you 30 grams of protein per scoop from peas and seeds. It’s made for athletes and has BCAAs to help muscles heal. You can get it in chocolate or vanilla.
This powder is perfect for vegan athletes who need lots of protein. It packs a punch for muscle gain. But it can feel thick when mixed, and some don’t like the taste.
Pros:
- Has 30 grams of protein per scoop
- Adds BCAAs for healing
- Works for vegans
Cons:
- Feels thick when mixed
- Taste isn’t for everyone
If you’re a vegan who works out hard, this powder helps a lot. Just mix it well!
7. Orgain Organic Protein Powder
- CLEANER INGREDIENTS: 21g of Organic plant based protein and 1g sugar. Our protein blend contains Organic peas, brown...
- HIGHER STANDARDS: This product is vegan, gluten-free, kosher, made without soy ingredients & Non-GMO. You also won't...
Orgain Organic Protein Powder keeps things simple and plant-based. It has 21 grams of protein per scoop from peas and rice. It’s organic and skips artificial stuff. Flavors include chocolate fudge and vanilla bean.
This powder mixes smooth and tastes good. It’s easy on your stomach and not too pricey. But it has less protein than some, and it might feel too sweet.
Pros:
- Organic with no fake stuff
- Smooth and tasty
- Mixes easily
Cons:
- Less protein per scoop
- Can feel too sweet
If you want an easy, plant-based shake, this is a great one. It’s simple and fun to drink.
8. Naked Whey Protein Powder
- ONLY THREE INGREDIENTS: 100% Grass Fed Pure Whey Protein, Vanilla and Organic Coconut Sugar. Vanilla Naked Whey contains...
- ALL NATURAL WHEY: Our Vanilla Grass Fed Whey is sourced from small dairy farms to bring you non-denatured whey packed...
Naked Whey Protein Powder is super basic. It has 25 grams of protein per scoop and just one ingredient: whey. No flavors or sweeteners here, so it’s all natural.
This powder is perfect if you want something pure. You can mix it into smoothies or food without changing the taste. But it’s unflavored, so it’s not fun to drink alone.
Pros:
- Just one ingredient
- Gives 25 grams of protein
- Mixes into anything
Cons:
- No flavor, so not tasty alone
- Can feel chalky
If you like plain and natural, this powder is awesome. It’s cheap and clean.
9. Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder
- One 1.1 lb container (100 servings) of Isopure 100% Pure Creatine Monohydrate Powder to help support muscle health; no...
- 5 grams of 100% pure creatine monohydrate powder per serving is a great choice for healthy adults looking to support...
Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder is great for low-carb eaters. It has 25 grams of protein per scoop and no carbs at all. It uses whey isolate, which is pure and easy to digest. Flavors include vanilla and chocolate.
This powder mixes light and tastes good. It’s perfect if you’re cutting carbs. But it costs more, and some say it’s too sweet.
Pros:
- Has 25 grams of protein
- Zero carbs and low fat
- Digests easily
Cons:
- More expensive
- Tastes too sweet for some
If you want protein without carbs, this is your guy. It’s light and strong.
10. Kaged Muscle Plantein Plant-Based Protein Powder
- BUILD MORE : Whey Protein Isolate powder delivers 25g of whey protein per serving. With full-spectrum BCAAs and EAAs,...
- FORMULATED FOR ENHANCED ABSORPTION: Our advanced whey isolate protein powder utilizes ProHydrolase, a premium enzyme...
Kaged Muscle Plantein Plant-Based Protein Powder is a cool plant option. It has 25 grams of protein per scoop from peas. It skips artificial colors and flavors. You can get it in banana bread or cinnamon roll flavors.
This powder tastes unique and mixes smooth. It’s great for muscle gain without dairy. But it costs more than some plant powders.
Pros:
- Gives 25 grams of protein
- Fun, yummy flavors
- Smooth texture
Cons:
- Costs more money
- Harder to find
If you want a tasty plant powder, this one’s a blast. The flavors make it special.
11. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
- Naturally Flavored Clean Protein Powder: Made from naturally-fed, hormone-free whey, free of artificial sweeteners, food...
- 28g of Protein Per Serving: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is sourced from 100% grass-fed, grass finished...
Transparent Labs Mass Gainer helps you gain weight and muscle. It has 53 grams of protein per scoop, plus carbs and fats. It’s made for bulking up. Flavors include chocolate and vanilla.
This powder tastes good and mixes well. It’s perfect if you’re skinny and want to get bigger. But it has lots of calories, so it’s not for losing weight.
Pros:
- Has 53 grams of protein
- Adds carbs and fats for bulk
- Tastes good
Cons:
- High in calories
- Not for weight loss
If you need to gain weight fast, this powder is the best. It’s a big help for muscle.
FAQs
How much protein powder should I take each day?
You should take enough protein powder based on your weight and how active you are. A good rule is 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of your body weight daily. Split it into a few shakes during the day.
Can I take protein powder if I’m not working out?
Yes, you can use protein powder even if you don’t work out. Protein helps your body in many ways, not just for muscles. But if you’re not active, you might need less than someone who exercises.
Are there any side effects of taking protein powder?
Most people feel fine with protein powder. Some might get a bloated tummy, especially with dairy powders if they don’t handle milk well. Start with a little bit to see how you feel.
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