The 8 Best Protein Powders for Men, According to a Dietitian

Your workout performance is affected by your muscle health.

When you have less muscle strength and mass, it is possible for you to get tired easily.

According to a study in the United States, it was reported that protein supplementation can increase muscle protein synthesis, thereby causing a 9% increase in athletic performance.

In this article, you will find the best protein powders that can suit the health needs of every man.

At a Glance

The Top 8 Protein Powder Supplements for Men

If you are on a tight budget and you want to experience the health benefits of whey protein powders, you might want to give the Crazy Nutrition TRI-PROTEIN a try.

This protein powder comes with muscle-building effects that can help you increase your energy levels.

Compared to hemp proteins, this one is more potent because it is made from natural and non-GMO ingredients.

Per serving, this protein powder gives 21 grams of protein and 97 calories.

One great thing about it is that it contains less than one gram of fat.

The protein content of this formula comes from whey isolate, whey concentrate, micellar casein protein, milk protein concentrate, calcium caseinate, and whey protein hydrolysate.

Other uses of this supplement are an appetite suppressant and a metabolism enhancer.

Pros

• The Crazy Nutrition supplement comes in different flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and salted caramel.
• The company offers a 100% 60-day money-back guarantee in case the Crazy Nutrition protein powder does not work for you. When you subscribe using your email, you get 20% off and free shipping.
• The formula of this supplement contains digestive enzymes that can promote easy digestion. The formula is also 

Cons

• May cause some mild side effects such as nausea and vomiting during the first use.

Moving on, if you are looking for a grass-fed whey supplement, going for the ONNIT Whey Isolate Protein might be a great choice.

This protein is sourced from grass-fed cows to help you in building muscle. It also can enhance muscle recovery and metabolism.

This means that this protein powder is suitable for those who want to lose weight.

Per serving of this protein gives 20 grams of protein, 120 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and fat-soluble vitamins.

These values are for the chocolate flavor.

If you want a smaller carbohydrate content, you can choose vanilla.

Aside from this, this supplement also contains branched-chain and essential amino acids for better enhancement of your muscle health.

According to the company, this formula has better amino acid contents, especially leucine, compared to a plant-based protein powder like organic pea protein supplements.

Pros

• This supplement comes in different flavors such as vanilla and Mexican chocolate.
• The formula of the ONNIT Whey Isolate Protein contains no added sugar. It is also gluten-free, soy-free, and lactose-free.
• It comes with enzymes to ease digestion and promote greater assimilation.
• Can be used as a pre-workout and post-workout protein shake. This supplement is also easy to mix and blend, according to some users.

Cons

• According to some users, the chocolate flavor tastes artificial. For sensitive stomachs, this one may cause mild bloating.

If you want a higher protein intake, you might want to consider the NAKED Nutrition Naked Whey protein a try.

Per serving of this supplement gives 25 grams of protein, 120 calories, and 3 grams of carbohydrates.

It also contains 5.9 grams of essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids per serving.

Compared to other whey protein powders, this one has the highest protein content.

However, it contains natural sugars, around 2 grams per serving. 

Furthermore, the benefits you could get from using this supplement include enhanced lean muscle mass, muscle growth, and muscle recovery.

According to the company, this supplement can help you tone muscles and is also suitable for those who want to lose weight.

One great thing about the Naked Whey is that it was processed via a cold-pressed method to extract more nutrients for you to gain optimum nutrition.

To make a Naked protein shake, mix 2 scoops of the powder with 10 ounces of water, milk, or your favorite beverage.

You can also add some fruits and veggies for a healthier protein shake.

Pros

• The formula of the Naked Whey contains no growth hormones, additives, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors. It is also certified gluten-free, GMO-free, and soy-free.
• The company offers free shipping on orders above $99.
• The Naked Whey comes with antioxidant effects to boost the immune system. It can prevent infections and protect your cardiovascular health.

Cons

• Based on some reviews, one scoop is already full of nutrition. However, even with just a scoop, some users experienced heartburn and indigestion during the first use of the Naked protein.

Most protein powders come with digestive enzymes and these are responsible for making the supplement gentle on the stomach.

However, some protein powders contain probiotics that can improve your gut health better.

So, if you are looking for one, you might want to take a look at the Garden of Life Certified Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder Vanilla flavor.

Per serving of this protein powder gives 21 grams of protein, 4.7 grams of branched-chain AAs, 120 calories, and 6 grams of carbohydrates.

Other ingredients include calcium and potassium.

One great thing about this protein powder is that its protein content is sourced from Californian grass-fed cows, yielding high-quality whey concentrate.

Other ingredients of this protein supplement include organic tapioca fiber, organic gum acacia, organic erythritol, sea salt, and organic stevia extract.

If you want this supplement to be one of your favorite protein shakes or meal replacement, mix 2 scoops of the powder with 6 ounces of water.

Mix using a blender to achieve better consistency.

If you want to go for an organic alternative, you can also try the Garden of Life Organic Plant-Based Protein.

This protein supplement uses a plant-based protein powder like organic pea protein that can yield a higher protein content.

Pros

• The formula of the Garden of Life protein powder is hormone-free, non-GMO, and gluten-free. It contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. 
• Easy-to-digest protein supplement. Many users also report that this protein powder tastes better when combined with fruits.

Cons

• This protein supplement contains organic stevia. Some users may not like the taste of this organic substance.

There are some differences when it comes to whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.

The former is highly filtered and contains no lactose, low in fat, and has few carbohydrates.

On the other hand, a whey protein concentrate is rich in branched-chain and essential AAs but has more lactose and carbs. 

So, if you are looking for the best whey protein isolate, you might want to consider the Legion Athletics Whey+ Protein Powder.

This supplement was first introduced to the market in the year 2013.

Since then, the company, LEGION Athletics, has received thousands of positive reviews from its customers.

Per serving of this supplement gives 22 grams of protein, 100 calories, 5.6 grams of branched-chain AAs, and 2 grams of fat.

According to the company, this supplement can maintain healthy body weight and build muscle mass.

Other uses of this protein powder include enhancement of energy levels, mood, mental focus, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and reduction of fatigue.

To use this supplement as your meal replacement, mix one scoop of the powder with 6 ounces of water.

Take the mixture before or after your workout session.

Pros

• This protein supplement is naturally sweetened and flavored and it contains no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and colors.
• The formula of this supplement is third-party lab tested. It is also non-GMO and lactose-free.
• This protein powder comes in different flavors such as vanilla, fruity cereal, chocolate, cookies and cream, mint chocolate, salted caramel, cocoa cereal, and honey cereal.
• Many users report that this supplement comes with no side effects. It is also easy to mix and blend.

Cons

• The LEGION Athletics is not a soy-free protein powder.

Other protein sources, such as whey and plant-based proteins, offer bland tastes. However, this may nauseate the users more.

So if you are looking for the best-tasting protein powders, you might want to add the Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, Double Rich Chocolate a try.

This protein powder is packed with 24 grams of protein per serving.

It also contains 120 calories and 5.5 grams of branched-chain AAs. 

As men age, they start to lose muscle mass. According to a study in California, after age 30, muscle mass decreases by 8% per decade.

This rate is even higher after the age of 60.

Eventually, if this continually happens, the ability to perform your daily task declines as well.

Fortunately, according to the company, this supplement can help you build muscle, increase muscle strength, and reduce muscle recovery time.

Furthermore, the high-quality whey protein content of this supplement is made up of the following blend: microfiltered isolates, ion-exchanged protein isolates, ultra-filtered protein concentrates, and hydrolyzed peptides.

To use this supplement, add one scoop of the powder with 10 ounces of water.

Shake the mixture using a blender for better consistency.

Consume the shake 30-60 minutes after your training session, or anytime you wish to snack on a high-protein diet.

Pros

• This protein powder comes in different flavors such as double rich, chocolate hazelnut, chocolate malt, chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream, extreme milk chocolate, French vanilla cream, mocha cappuccino, strawberries & cream, strawberry banana, vanilla ice cream, and white chocolate. 
• The company offers free shipping on orders above $25.
• The formula of the Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein contains digestive enzymes to ease digestion and improve metabolism. Many users report that the formula of this supplement is very easy for the stomach.
• This Gold Standard whey supplement is easy to mix and blend with any beverage.

Cons

• This Optimum Nutrition supplement contains soy and some artificial sweeteners.

If you are an elite user of protein powder supplements, you might want to give the Muscle Pharm Combat Protein Powder a try.

This supplement gives 25 grams of protein per serving.

This dosage is higher compared to regular dietary supplements.

Because of this, you should know your body’s protein needs to not oversupply your body with protein. 

Furthermore, the protein content of this supplement is sourced from whey protein concentrate, isolate, hydrolysate, micellar casein protein, and egg albumin.

Other ingredients of this supplement include branched-chain AAs, glutamine, and fast-digesting and slow-digesting proteins.

According to the company, this supplement can increase muscle growth, muscle recovery, and muscle energy.

You can use this supplement as your pre-workout or post-workout drink.

To make a protein shake using this supplement, mix one scoop of the powder with 8 ounces of water.

The company recommends mixing it with low-fat skimmed milk.

Pros

• The formula of the Muscle Pharm supplement is gluten-free. It is also third-party lab tested to ensure that the supplement does not contain any banned substances and is safe to use.
• The company offers a 100% 30-day money-back guarantee in case of dissatisfaction or shipping issues.
• Each of the ingredients in this supplement is bioavailable. According to the company, the supplement is also easy on the digestive system.
• According to some users, this supplement is one of the best-tasting protein powders. It contains dyes, filler, and artificial flavors, and is comparable to pea protein powders

Cons

• The only concern of the users regarding this supplement is that the powder clumps on the bottom a lot. The previous version is not hard to mix but the new protein powder version makes using this supplement a hassle.

Other protein dietary supplements contain digestive enzymes while others contain probiotics.

If you want a mix of these two, the best protein powder you might want to take a look at is the Gnarly Whey Protein.

Aside from the prebiotics, it also contains probiotics.

Because of this, it is safe to say that this supplement is the best one for digestive health. 

Per serving of this supplement gives 25 grams of protein.

Others only give 21 grams of protein or less but this one is also a potent supplement.

Other ingredients of this supplement include milk protein and healthy fats sourced from medium-chain triglycerides.

Looking at the dose, this gluten-free supplement can truly give you enough protein that you need while you are working out.

Aside from enhancing gut health, according to the company, this supplement can increase lean body mass and muscle endurance.

For those who want to achieve weight loss, this one might not suit you best since it contains saturated fats.

Also, take note that this protein supplement contains black pepper extract.

For safer dietary restrictions, you should check if you have any sensitivities to this substance. 

To check your food sensitivities, you can try the Everlywell Food Sensitivity Test Kits.

Pros

• Contains vitamin C in the form of citrus bioflavonoids. These compounds are also helpful in boosting your immune system.
• The Gnarly supplement is sourced from grass-fed protein. This one is suitable for those who want more protein intake.
• According to some users, this supplement is easy to mix and blend. For better consistency, mix the Gnarly protein in a blender when making some smoothies.
• This supplement comes with a solid taste and it is very filling. It is also an effective energy booster.

Cons

• This supplement contains a high-calorie content, around 160 per serving. Its carbohydrate content is also 12 grams per serving.

How to Choose the Finest Male Protein Powders

When choosing the best protein powders, you should consider some factors. These factors will not just help you optimize your health, but your money as well.

The first factor you should take a look at is the protein type.

Here, you will choose between plant-based protein powders and animal-based protein powders.

Research suggests that an organic plant-based protein powder can provide better effects on cardiovascular health compared to animal-based protein.

After deciding what protein type to use, you should know how many grams of protein you need. Remember, too much protein can cause acne and constipation.

Of course, you would want to avoid these side effects.

Next, you should take a look at the ingredients of the protein powder. Ask yourself if you have any food sensitivities or allergies to each of the ingredients listed.

You should also take a look if the supplement contains proprietary blends.

If so, it is important to know what is inside those blends.

Furthermore, you should go for a supplement that offers a money-back guarantee. Some supplements are not effective for some users.

Thus, having this feature will help you get your money in case of some issues or the supplement does not work for you.

There are times when you might want to consider the price. If this is one of your factors to consider, compare the products by checking the dosages and ingredients included. Some supplements come at a cheap price but provide high-quality content.

Final Thoughts

Indeed, the use of protein powders does not only improve your muscles but your gut, brain, and overall health as well.

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

If you are on a tight budget, you can consider the Crazy Nutrition TRI-PROTEIN. On the other hand, if you want grass-fed whey, you can go for the ONNIT Whey Isolate Protein.

There are also protein powders for gut health. Some of the best choices you can choose from include the Garden of Life Certified Organic Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder Vanilla and the GNARLY Whey Protein.

If you want a potent protein powder, you might want to take a look at the NAKED Nutrition Naked Whey and Muscle Pharm Combat Protein Powder. Both of these two can provide 25 grams of protein per serving.

If you want to go for a protein powder isolate, the LEGION Athletics Whey+ Protein Powder. This one is truly delicious.

There is also another best-tasting protein powder and that is the Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Double Rich Chocolate.