The importance of protein in our diets is well documented, but what are the benefits of consuming it? Protein is a macronutrient that we all need to support lean muscle growth, recovery after workouts, support immune health, and drive overall wellness. It’s ideal essential for those who work out because it helps build muscle mass, gives you energy, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, aids weight loss, and promotes bone health.
How to Get More Protein in Your Diet
Eating a balanced diet with healthy protein sources is great – but what about for those who aren’t exactly home chefs? We recommend using a protein powder supplement to increase your protein intake. These powders are convenient and can be mixed in a shaker with water, milk, almond milk, or your favorite beverage for a quick protein hit any time of the day.
Check out our top picks:
1. Signature Whey
Our Signature 100% Whey Protein combines three different sources of whey protein in one powerful blend: whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and hydrolyzed whey protein. Whey protein is the most important weapon in your muscle-building arsenal. It promotes muscle growth, counteracts muscle breakdown, and supports your workout recovery.*
Signature 100% Whey Protein is perfect first thing in the morning, between meals, and especially after your workout. It’s so delicious it’ll can slay your sweet tooth without wrecking your macros. It’s a fantastic combination of value and quality. While many products are primarily whey protein concentrate, Signature 100% Whey has an impressive profile of 13 grams of isolate and 6 grams each of hydrolysate and concentrate. That means you have a lot of clean, quick-digesting, low-carb protein, with just enough whey concentrate for a creamy flavor and texture.
Simply put, it tastes really good. In reviews, customers rave about the delicious flavors with no artificial aftertaste. Mocha cappuccino and seasonal favorite oatmeal cookie are the most-praised flavors.
2. EVL Plant Protein
EVL Plant Protein is a plant-based protein powder that contains high levels of L-Leucine, which may help boost metabolism and burn fat faster. * Consuming vegan BCAAs found in Stacked Plant Protein after exercise can help reduce the level of muscle soreness felt after heavy training. Studies have shown that BCAA intake reduces muscle breakdown that occurs during both resistance/weight training and endurance exercise. That means you can recover faster and have less muscle soreness between challenging workouts. * Additionally, EVL Plant Protein is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, non-GMO verified, and vegan. Therefore, if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to animal protein, then this may be the perfect option for you!
3. Kaged Re-Kaged
Re-Kaged is a hybrid post workout and protein powder formula. With 28g of pure whey protein isolate, and loaded with post-workout essentials like fermented glutamine, Creatine HCl, and BetaPower betaine, RE-KAGED is a truly complete post-workout formula for anyone looking to make serious gains. Most protein powders don’t completely break down, and a lot of it is wasted passing through your system unused. RE-KAGED is formulated with ProHydrolase, a premium enzyme blend which breaks protein down into smaller particles for enhanced digestion and absorption.
This product best works as a post-workout shake because it contains 20 grams of protein per serving. Plus, it tastes incredible!
4. Pro JYM
Pro JYM was developed by Dr. Jim Stoppani as a premium protein powder with an ideal blend of the three most effective types of proteins for building muscle: whey, micellar casein, and egg protein. Because of this blend you get a combination of slow, medium, and fast-absorbing proteins allowing you to fuel your body longer. Not only does this blend of proteins help fuel your body, but it also tastes great!
The best-rated flavors are EXCLUSIVE to Bodybuilding.com. We have delicious flavors that you can only find here, including Vanilla Peanut Butter Swirl, Rocky Road, and S’mores.
5. RSP TrueFit
RSP TrueFit is a grass-fed whey protein powder that provides 25 grams per scoop along with 12 fruits and vegetables, 8g of prebiotic fiber, and 1B CFU probiotics. The complete blend of grass-fed whey protein and amino acid content have rapid digestibility, allowing for faster workout recovery. Build lean muscle and manage weight because you will feel more satisfied between meals. TrueFit is a great fit for high protein and low carbs diets, making it ideal for weight loss.
This all-in-one blend is ideal as a meal replacement when you’re too busy for breakfast or lunch. You can also take it 2-4 hours before workouts to prime your body for training or post-workout to replenish your glycogen stores and help support recovery.
This blend is non-GMO, gluten free, and has no artificial ingredients. That’s right – ZERO fake fillers.
6. Dymatize ISO100
The goal for many people after tough workouts is to feed muscles quickly. ISO100 is a HYDROLYZED whey isolate protein powder, which means it undergoes a process called “hydrolyzation.” This process makes ISO100 super-fast digesting, fast-absorbing, and ensures it gets to your muscles quickly. ISO100 contains 1g of sugar or less, 2g carbs or less, and 120 calories or less per serving. It supports high protein diets, low carb diets, keto diets, or whatever your nutrition goals may be.
ISO100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey Protein Isolate* was formulated for fast absorption and easy digestion, making it easy on the stomach. It is a delicious protein that mixes easily, with nothing more than a spoon in water, milk, or your favorite beverage. Try using a blender to blend ISO100 with delicious fruits and vegetables to make a seriously fantastic shake. Mix ISO100 in your oatmeal, fruit smoothies, nut-butters, or bake with it to boost the protein and flavor of your favorite recipes!
7. Signature Casein
Micellar Casein differs from a regular whey protein is its absorption rate. Micellar Casein is a slow release protein powder whereas whey proteins are fast absorbing proteins. Slower release proteins have been shown to be effective for both muscle building and preventing catabolism or muscle wasting.
This slow release is ideal for taking before bed or between meals to feed your muscles around the clock. The higher carbohydrate content also makes it a great shake to take 1-2 hours before training or after hard endurance workouts.
Have a sweet tooth? Mix up a shake instead of dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth without busting your macros.
8. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Serious Mass is the ultimate in weight gain formulas with 1,250 calories per serving. This formula is a tried and true favorite for hard gainers – people who have trouble putting on or keeping their weight up. Each 2-scoop serving delivers a powerful 50g of protein to support muscle recovery and growth.* You can use this after workouts or between meals to keep your calories and protein high for the day. Serious Mass provides you with the tools you need to support your weight gain goals.
Pro Tip: New users may find it beneficial to begin with 1/2 of a serving daily for the first week and then gradually increase to 1 serving a day. If you’re already used to a gainer try it mixed with milk for an even stronger shake.
Final Thoughts
Protein is essential when trying to lose fat and gain muscle. So if you’re looking for a protein powder that will help you achieve these goals, try out our top powder picks or one of our convenient, on-the-go protein bar options.