(Getty)
When starting your fitness journey, adding protein powders to your diet can help expedite results and be a healthy replacement for snack time. And whether you’re looking to lose weight or gain weight, protein powder is beneficial for both because it fills you up, curbs your appetite, and gives you muscle-building compounds, all in a convenient powder form.
We’ve put together the top protein powder supplements available on the market. But remember, it isn’t magical powder that shed the pounds. Dropping those unwanted LB’s will take effort and eating right.
But protein powder can give you a boost in the right direction. And all these protein powders come in delicious, water or milk soluble flavors.
Please remember to consult your doctor before deciding to integrate any one of these highly-rated protein powders into your workout regimen and diet.
Also remember that the prices posted here are reflect those when this article was published.
1. Cellucor COR Performance Whey Protein
(Amazon)
Cellucor COR Performance Whey Protein is your standard, go-to whey protein. Whey protein is a mix of globular proteins, which is a liquid by-product of cheese production. It’s then freeze dried and offered in powder form, like it is here. After a hard workout, consuming whey protein can help boost muscle growth—but only after a workout. However, whey protein has other beneficial uses when integrated into a non-workout diet. Whey protein contains amino acids and has been found to help reduce the risks of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Cellucor COR Performance Whey Protein comes in over 20+ flavors from the standard chocolate or strawberry to s’mores and more.
Price: $34.95 for 5 LBS.
Buy Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard here.
2. Optimum Nutrition 100% Soy Protein Vanilla Bean
(Amazon)
Optimum Nutrition 100% Soy Protein Vanilla Bean is a soy protein isolate that is low fat and cholesterol-free. Soy protein comes from the soybean, which is made into a soybean meal that has been dehulled and defatted. Dehulled and defatted soybeans are then processed into isolates. These isolates provide a nearly complete protein for you diet.
Optimum Nutrition 100% Soy Protein Vanilla Bean comes in chocolate, too.
Price: $25.68 for 2 LBS.
Buy NOptimum Nutrition 100% Soy Protein Vanilla Bean here.
3. Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Hi Fiber, 3 Pound Bag
(Amazon)
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Hi Fiber is an alternative to whey protein, made from USDA-certified-organic hempseeds. Hemp is commonly known as marijuana. Hempseed protein contains 37% protein, 43% fiber, 9% beneficial fats, and 0 net carbs, which means it contains more protein than most grains, nuts, and legumes, but less than half that of soy protein and about half of whey protein. Still, hemp protein is a great powder to integrate into your diet and can also aid in solving constipation, too.
Price: $25.59 for 3 LBS.
Buy Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Hi Fiber, 3 Pound Bag here.
4. PlantFusion Protein Vanilla Bean 2lb
(Amazon)
PlantFusion Protein Vanilla Bean 2lb is a protein derived from plants, but that does not mean soy. Protein sources include isolated protein compounds from such plants and vegetables as peas, artichokes, amaranth, and quinoa. This protein powder option isn’t as complete as the others, but is a great, healthy option for those who are vegan or vegan-leaning. It’s also very low fat and doesn’t contain as many chemicals as some other leading market protein powders do.
Other flavors include chocolate raspberry and cookies ‘n’ cream.
Price: $32.25 for 2 LBS.
Buy PlantFusion Protein Vanilla Bean 2lb here.
5. CytoSport Muscle Milk Lean Muscle Protein Powder
(Amazon)
You’ve probably heard of CytoSport Muscle Milk Lean Muscle Protein Powder because it’s one of the most popular protein products on the market. It’s also the only protein powder on here that should be strictly reserved for those doing muscle training and bodybuilding as the formula is designed to trigger muscle growth. Muscle Milk promote thermogenesis, which is also found in weight loss supplements (colloquially diet pills), and helps burn fat. The active muscle building protein itself is designed to emulate human mother’s milk, one of nature’s most complete foods.
Muscle Milk comes in a lot of flavors, including orange creme.
Price: $64.56 for 5 LBS.
Buy CytoSport Muscle Milk Lean Muscle Protein Powder here.
