7 Best Cheap Protein Powders On The Market

best cheap protein powders

The use of protein powders comes with many health benefits.

According to a study in New Zealand, these supplements can enhance muscle mass, speed up muscle recovery, and promote weight loss.

However, not all of these are affordable!

So, if you want the most budget-friendly protein powders, read on and see which of these will suit your health needs.

Top 7 Cheap Protein Powder Of 2023

7 Best Cheap Protein Powder of 2022

1) Best-Tasting Protein Powder: Crazy Nutrition TRI-PROTEIN

Tri protein bg

When you buy cheap whey protein powders, you should always consider the taste. You would not like it when the one you buy gives off a bland taste, right?

So, to ensure that the protein powder you buy tastes good, you might want to consider the Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein supplement.

This is a simple but delicious whey protein formula that will surely give you many health benefits from weight loss to enhanced muscle growth.

According to the company, this whey protein works by stimulating muscle protein synthesis.

Aside from its muscle-building effects, it can also boost metabolism, suppress appetite, and increase energy levels.

Taking the Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein supplement gives you 97 calories, 1 gram of carbohydrates, and 21 grams of protein per serving.

Also, the protein content is sourced from whey protein isolate, concentrate, micellar casein, milk protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, and whey protein hydrolysate.

Learn more about the top-selling products of Crazy Nutrition.

For other best whey powders with an acceptable taste, you can read more.

Lastly, if you want some best-tasting protein bars, you can click on the link to learn more about these amazing snacks.

Pros

  • The Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein comes in different flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel. 
  • The formula of this whey protein is low in carbohydrates and vegan, making it suitable for those who are on a plant-based diet.
  • Contains digestive enzymes to support easy digestion.
  • The company offers free shipping on orders above $50 and a 100% 60-day money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with the Crazy Nutrition whey protein. 

Cons

  • The shipping is limited. Currently, the company only ships to the USA and UK.

2) Best Vegan Protein Powder: Naked Chocolate Protein Shake

Naked chocolate protein shake

If you are vegan and you want to experience the health benefits of the best protein powders while considering your budget, the best cheap protein powder for you is the Naked Chocolate Protein Shake.

According to the company, this protein powder can help you manage body weight and enhance muscle mass.

It comes with a complete amino acid profile and taking it gives you 130 calories, 8 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein per serving.

The protein source is pea protein and other ingredients of this protein powder include calcium, iron, and potassium.

Read more about the best vegan protein powders here.

Pros

  • Aside from the chocolate flavor, there are also other available flavors like the Naked Whey Vanilla Protein, strawberry banana protein, and PB blueberry vegan protein.
  • The formula of this supplement is third-party lab tested and contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. It is certified gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and GMO-free.
  • Contains healthy fats called medium-chain triglycerides to support cardiovascular health.
  • According to some users, this supplement is easy to digest.

Cons

  • Based on product reviews, the powder is chalky. Additionally, when you mix it, even with the use of a blender, clumping and foaming start to form.

3) Best Keto-Friendly Protein Powder: Vega Protein and Greens

Vega Protein and Greens

If you are on a keto diet and looking for the best plant-based protein powders, you might want to take a look at Vega protein and greens.

This protein powder is manufactured by the company Vega and the supplement was first introduced to the market in the year 2018.

According to the company, aside from helping you lose weight, this plant-based protein powder can also help build muscle.

Many users love it because it comes with no side effects compared to whey protein powders.

Taking the Vega Protein and Greens gives you the nine essential amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, 120 calories, 4 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein per serving.

Other ingredients include calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A, K, and C.

Furthermore, the protein sources of this supplement come from pea, brown rice, and sacha inchi protein.

Aside from these, it is also filled with alfalfa powder, spinach powder, broccoli powder, and organic kale powder.

For other keto-friendly protein powders, click on that link to read more.

Pros

  • The Vega protein powder comes in different flavors such as berry, chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate + vanilla. According to some users, these flavors taste best when added with almond milk.
  • With its vitamin C content, this supplement comes with antioxidant effects and can support your immune system.
  • The formula of the Vega Protein and Greens contains no artificial sweeteners, added sugar, fat, or cholesterol. 
  • This keto-friendly supplement is vegan certified, gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, grain-free, and soy-free. It is also lactose-free, making it safe for lactose intolerant individuals.

Cons

  • The new formula of the Vega Protein and Greens comes with a strong aftertaste.

4) Best Cheap Whey Protein Isolate: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate Powder

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate Powder

If you prefer whey protein powders better, one of the best cheap protein powders you can consider is the MicroPure Whey Protein Isolate Powder.

This is a pure whey protein isolate that can promote muscle growth and weight loss.

Many users love it because it can also burn fat, boost metabolism, and reduce muscle fatigue.

Compared to other whey protein isolate powders, this one comes with no side effects.

It is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.

Taking this supplement gives you 120 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of dietary fiber, and 25 grams of protein per serving.

Other ingredients include digestive enzymes, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Per serving also gives 12 grams of the essential nine amino acids and 5.7 grams of branched-chain amino acids.

Take note that this Kaged whey isolate has a protein dosage of 25 grams.

Thus, those who want a higher protein intake will surely appreciate it.

According to some users, this protein powder is best paired with the Pre-Kaged protein powder supplement.

Pros

  • This Kaged whey isolate comes in different flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, cinnamon French toast, and s’mores.
  • This supplement is stomach-friendly as it causes no side effects. It contains digestive enzymes to ease digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • The formula of the Kaged whey isolate is gluten-free and contains no added sugars and artificial flavors.
  • One great thing about this whey isolate is that it is third-party lab tested and informed-sport certified to ensure users that it has no banned substances.

Cons

  • Just like the Vega Protein and Greens, the MicroPure Whey Protein Isolate Powder has a new formula and this formula has a strong aftertaste.

5) Best Cheap Whey Protein Concentrate: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder

Optimum Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder

Aside from whey protein isolate, there is also whey protein concentrate.

If you are looking for one of the latter, the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is highly recommended.

This whey protein powder is manufactured by Optimum Nutrition and was first introduced to the market in the year 2004.

According to the company, this whey protein powder can support lean muscle mass, increase muscle strength and endurance, and reduce muscle recovery time.

Per serving of this whey protein powder gives 110 calories, making it one of the low-cal protein supplements.

Also, taking it gives you 1 gram of fat, 40 mg of cholesterol, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and 24 grams of protein per serving.

Aside from the whey concentrate, this supplement is also sourced from whey isolate and hydrolyzed whey protein.

It is packed with the benched-chain and essential nine amino acids, making it suitable for those who want to get a higher protein intake.

Pros

  • This whey protein powder comes in different flavors such as banana cream, chocolate coconut, chocolate hazelnut, chocolate malt, chocolate mint, coffee, delicious strawberry, double rich chocolate, French vanilla, rocky road, and strawberry banana. Unflavored is also available.
  • Compared to other protein powders like Form Performance Protein, this supplement contains lower sodium content, around 100 mg per serving.
  • The formula of the Optimum Nutrition whey protein powder is banned substance tested and contains no sucralose and gluten. It can be used as an alternative to GMO-free soy protein powders.
  • Based on product reviews, this whey protein powder is easy to mix and blend in any liquid base.

Cons

  • The Optimum Nutrition whey protein powder is not suitable for patients with kidney disorders.

6) Best-Unflavored Cheap Protein: Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder

Isopure Zero-Carb Protein Powder

If you are looking for the best-unflavored protein powder, you might want to take a look at the Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder.

This supplement is manufactured by the company Glanbia Performance Nutrition and the protein powder was first introduced to the market in the year 2015.

According to the company, this protein powder is a complete protein source of amino acids, including the naturally occurring BCAAs.

Taking this supplement gives you 100 calories and 25 grams of protein per serving.

Other ingredients of this protein powder include 80 mg of calcium per serving.

Although this protein powder gives you more protein dosage compared to regular protein powders, this one is not used for weight reduction.

For other lactose-free protein powders, you can read more by clicking this link.

Pros

  • The formula of the Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder is suitable for lactose intolerant individuals. It is gluten-free and contains no added sugars, soy, dairy, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
  • This supplement is keto-friendly and it can be added to any shake or recipe.
  • Comes with enough protein dosage that can enhance both muscle strength and growth.
  • Based on product reviews, this Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder is easy to mix and blend with any beverages or meals.

Cons

  • Compared to other protein powders like the Organic Protein Company, this one is not a good source of vitamins and minerals.

7) Best Protein for Daily Use: MuscleTech Premium Gold 100% Whey Protein Powder

MuscleTech Premium Gold Whey Protein Powder

Even the best protein powder you take may not be safe for daily use as too much protein can cause side effects including acne breakout.

So, if you want to consume these supplements daily, the best protein powder for you is the MuscleTech Premium Gold 100% Whey Protein Powder.

This whey protein powder is manufactured by the company MuscleTech and the supplement was first introduced to the market in the year 2014.

According to the company, this supplement is a complete protein source of both essential and branched-chain AAs.

Taking it gives you 130 calories, 2 grams of fat, 60 mg of cholesterol, 4 grams of carbohydrates, less than 1 gram of dietary fiber, and 24 grams of protein per serving.

The protein content is sourced from whey peptides, whey isolate, and whey concentrate.

Other ingredients include calcium, iron, and sodium.

Furthermore, this supplement gives you enough protein that can support your overall wellness while keeping your body safe from any side effects.

Pros

  • This MuscleTech Premium Gold 100% Whey Protein Powder is fast-absorbing. 
  • According to some users, this MuscleTech protein powder is easy to mix and blend with any beverage.
  • Many users love it because it comes with a delicious taste.

Cons

  • Since this one is fast-absorbing, it is easily excreted and can wean off faster than other protein powders like the Designer Protein powder.

How to Choose the Best Protein Powders

Before buying a protein powder, especially when you are considering the price, you should consider some factors.

These factors will not just help you optimize the benefits but your money as well. Some of these include:

  • Protein types – There are many protein types such as hemp, soy, and grass-fed whey protein from grass-fed cows (cow’s milk). So, before buying one, you should consider the type of protein powder that you need.
  • Protein dosage – After determining the type, you should know how much protein you need. Make sure to only buy the supplement that can give you enough protein as too much may cause you some side effects.
  • Formula – It is also very important to consider the formula. Here, you should take a look at each of the ingredients and check if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If the formula has a proprietary blend, make sure that the contents of the blend are listed as well.

Since you are buying cheap supplements, you should get the one that can offer you the maximum benefits.

If you have an extra penny, go for cheap ones that can provide you with many vitamins and minerals.

If you can find cheap supplements with a money-back guarantee feature, you can also consider them.

These supplements will surely save much of your money.

Final Thoughts

Taking protein powder supplements can give you many health benefits.

Since there are many affordable protein powders on the market, you should know which of these is most suitable for you.

If you want the best-tasting protein, you can go for the Crazy Nutrition TRI-PROTEIN.

This supplement comes with three delicious flavors.

If you want an unflavored one, the Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder is worth considering.

If you are vegan, you can consider the Naked Chocolate Protein Shake.

On the other hand, if you want a keto-friendly protein powder, you can try Vega Protein and Greens.

This supplement is highly recommended because it is rich in vitamins and minerals as well.

If you want whey protein isolate, you can go for the MicroPure Whey Protein Isolate Powder – Kaged.

Moreover, if you want whey concentrate, you can try the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder.

Lastly, if you want a protein powder that is safe to be used daily, the MuscleTech Premium Gold 100% Whey Protein Powder is a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is better between grass-fed whey protein isolate and concentrate?

The whey protein isolate can promote better weight loss effects. However, when it comes to price, the concentrate is cheaper than the former.

What are the common side effects of protein powders?

Generally, using protein powders is safe. However, when too much protein is ingested, it could cause acne breakouts, stomach upsets, headaches, and vomiting.

Which protein powders are most safe for those with sensitive stomachs?

The lactose-free and gluten-free protein powders are safe for the stomach. With regards to the protein types, those with sensitive stomachs would appreciate the whey proteins better.