This post was written in partnership with Ka'Chava.
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Protein intake plays an integral role in any health and fitness routine. But sometimes, it can be hard to meet ideal protein intake goals through meals alone. It is these situations where protein powders can play a pivotal role. With so many protein powders on the market today, choosing one that is the best protein powder for you can take a lot of time and research. Lucky for you, you can just read below to learn about the top protein powder products we have already researched for you.
This list of the best protein powders of 2024 contains products that have proven consumer approval, contain high-quality ingredients, and provide features that are beneficial to consumers trying to improve their health and wellness. That’s why we chose options with no banned ingredients and added nutrients. As a healthcare provider for the past decade or so, I have extensive experience in recommending protein powders to clients to supplement their diet in order to ensure adequate protein intake daily. Over that time, I have been able to test an array of protein powders and have listed the best ones I recommend below to save you the work.
Ka'Chava is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free protein powder that contains no artificial ingredients. With the intention of being a holistic superblend, Ka'Chava has ingredients like super greens, probiotics, antioxidant berries, electrolytes and more. The mix offers benefits like increased energy, improved digestion and a healthy immune system boost. You can choose from five flavors: vanilla, chocolate, chai, matcha and coconut acai.
Optimum Nutrition is a world-renowned brand in the fitness industry for providing athletes with the high-quality, protein-rich protein powder they need to support optimal performance. In 13 flavors, including unflavored, Optimum Nutrition is a versatile protein powder product that mixes well in a variety of smoothies or alone with water and milk. This gluten-free, artificial growth hormone-free formula is a trusted protein powder consumers can count on to help them meet their fitness and nutrition needs.
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey protein powder is a top-rated protein powder that comes in fun flavors perfect for even the novice protein powder consumer. With BCAA and leucine content, this protein powder product can support muscle growth and strengthening from athlete to the average older adult. Sweeten up your fitness routine with this Informed Choice-approved protein powder product.
BSN Syntha-6 is a highly consumer-rated protein powder product known for its mixability and milkshake-like texture. This protein powder product stands out from other protein powders due to its good fiber content that helps support gut health. With 10 grams of essential amino acids per serving, BSN Syntha-6 helps to support any fitness or nutrition goals.
Ascent 100% Native Whey protein product is one of the least processed protein powders on the market with zero sugar or gluten. This artificial flavor and sweetener-free product provides an all-natural whey protein product with naturally higher leucine levels than some other whey protein products to support adequate muscle growth and strengthening. For clean fitness nutrition, choose Ascent 100% Native Whey Protein.
Muscle Milk is a well-renowned protein product brand that has a rich protein content and consumer-approved flavor. This protein powder product is a good source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins A, C and D, which is an added bonus to its muscle synthesis potential. Whether your fitness goal is post-recovery support or muscle building, Muscle Milk could work for you.
Orgain is a protein powder that is pea and brown rice protein-based, free of several allergens and any artificial ingredients. This ingredient profile makes it accessible to those who have problems with digestion. This sugar-free, kosher, non-GMO protein powder is a fairly inexpensive product that can provide a source of clean nutrition in any health or fitness routine.
Isopure unflavored protein powder is a low-calorie protein powder product with only 100 calories per serving and is free of sugar and fat, which is perfect for those trying to manage their weight. With 100% whey protein isolate, this protein powder product contains 5.67 grams of BCAAs and 2.5 grams of naturally occurring L-glutamine per serving to help support muscle strength and recovery.
Premier protein is a consumer-favorite protein powder product since it comes in both powder and pre-prepared forms. It is a convenient protein product with great flavor and texture but with no gluten or soy for those with allergies or intolerances. This 100% whey protein product goes perfectly in drinks, smoothies, or in your favorite hot cereal or pudding to support compliance and enjoyability.
Body Fortress is a higher-calorie protein powder made specifically for muscle strength and development. It is inexpensive, but still maintains a 100% premium whey protein product with added nutrients like vitamins C and D as well as zinc, the latter of which research shows may help support muscle growth and help reduce muscle fatigue.
You may ask yourself, “What is the best protein powder?” It’s important to remember that not all protein powders will be ideal for everyone. Just like with choosing a way of eating, you should choose a protein powder that fits your taste preferences, budget and health needs. For example, if you are looking for a product to help you improve athletic performance, you should choose one with a variety of amino acids as well as BCAAs to support muscle growth and recovery.
If, on the other hand, you’re simply looking for a delicious protein shake to provide nutrition while satisfying your sweet tooth, then look for protein powders that provide a variety of flavors and an appealing taste.
Finally, if you’re following a plant-based diet or have food allergies or intolerances, then you’ll want to reach for protein powders that exclude certain ingredients. The most important part of choosing a protein powder is finding one that works best for you. Don’t choose one simply because your neighbor, friend, family member or personal trainer recommends it. Choose a protein powder that will work best with your body, health goals and lifestyle.
Protein powders are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, you should be sure to choose brands that you trust or brands that have certification by a third party to ensure safety and efficacy. You can look for protein powder products that have been tested for banned ingredients, are certified by Informed Choice or the USDA, as well as those that have undergone lab testing before reaching the shelves.
Expensive protein powders don’t necessarily perform better than lower-cost protein powder options. Those protein powders that cost more may contain additional features such as higher concentrations of amino acids, added ingredients for performance like creatine, or added nutrients such as calcium and vitamins. However, if you’re on a tight budget and simply need a convenient way to consume more protein in your daily routine, then lower-cost options that have a trusted reputation are sufficient to supplement your healthy lifestyle.
Recent research shows that spreading your protein intake throughout the day is more effective than consuming a large amount all in one sitting. Not to mention that some studies suggest that consuming protein powders post-exercise or before bed can provide a great benefit to muscle recovery and synthesis, even to older adults at risk for sarcopenia or muscle loss. However, a 2023 study shows that lean body mass improvement in adults and older adults can benefit from protein powders regardless of timing. Therefore, you should base the timing of your protein powder intake on your fitness goals and lifestyle.
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