10 Best Protein Powders For Muscle Gain, According to Experts

Aging can decrease your muscle thickness and muscle gains.

According to a study from Canada, muscle mass declines at a rate of 0.8% per year.

Since your muscles play an important role in strength, performance, and overall physical function, it is important to maintain muscle mass, especially for those who want to lose weight.

Moreover, there are protein supplements that can help you preserve your muscles, and in this article, you will find the best protein powders for muscle gain that can suit your health needs.

At a Glance

The Top 10 Best Protein Powders For Building Muscle

When taking protein powders for muscle gain, it is highly recommended to go for the low-cal ones.

When your calorie intake is higher than how much fat you burn, this could only lead to weight gain.

So, if you are looking for the best protein powder for muscle gain with low-calorie content, the Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein is worth the try. 

Per serving of this protein powder gives 97 calories, 21 grams of protein, 1.06 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.84 grams of fat.

Take note that the protein content of this protein supplement is sourced from the following:

• Whey protein isolate
• Whey protein concentrate
• Micellar casein protein
• Milk protein concentrate
• Calcium caseinate
• Whey protein hydrolysate

According to the company, this protein powder works by triggering muscle protein synthesis, and as published in The Journal of Physiology, this protein synthesis could help you build lean muscle mass, increase muscle gains, and recover from muscle fatigue.

Other uses of this whey protein include appetite suppressant, energy enhancer, and metabolism booster.

Also, the formula of this protein powder is soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. 

Moreover, this blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate comes in delicious flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel. 

According to some users, the taste of the Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein is not chalky compared to other whey protein powders.

Additionally, if you like protein shakes, you can make one using this protein powder.

To use this whey protein supplement, add one scoop of the whey isolate and whey concentrate blend to 16 ounces of water or your favorite shake. 

If you want another low-cal protein, you can consider an egg protein powder. However, egg protein powders offer lower protein content.

Learn more about best-selling supplements from Crazy Nutrition.

Pros

1) No side effects

Because of the enzymes in this whey protein powder, users do not experience any side effects. Other protein powders may cause stomach cramps and bloatedness, but this one causes none.

Also, because of the digestive enzymes, this whey powder is easily absorbed into the system.

2) Procurement features

One great thing about this whey protein powder is that the company offers a 100% 60-day money-back guarantee in case of shipping issues or dissatisfaction.

The company also offers free shipping on orders above $50.

3) Support weight loss

This whey protein powder supports weight loss by boosting your metabolism.

When your metabolism increases, it will be easier and faster for you to burn your stubborn fat.

It also reduces your unhealthy cravings.

Thus, consuming this whey protein powder makes you eat less. According to some users, this whey protein powder can keep them full for hours.

Cons

1) Shipping issues

One thing to consider with regards to this whey protein powder is that the company does not ship to some countries. 

Currently, the company only ships to the United States and the United Kingdom.

Many protein powders offer bland tastes.

However, these tastes may be unpalatable to other protein powder users, making them not appreciate these dietary protein supplements.

Eventually, these can lead to the idea that protein powders are not effective.

So, if you are looking for the best protein powder with delicious flavors, you might want to consider the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard.

Compared to other protein powders, this one offers more protein content. Per serving gives 24 grams of protein and 5.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids.

Also, per serving gives 4 grams of the amino acids glutamine and glutamic acid.

According to a study in Canada, these amino acids, especially glutamine, can increase lean muscle mass by 41%.

When you take this protein whey with regular exercises such as bench presses and squats, it can increase workout performance by 30%.

Moreover, the protein content of the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is sourced from the following:

• Whey protein isolate
• Whey protein concentrate
• Whey peptides
• Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate

According to the company, aside from enhancing muscle mass and athletic performance, this Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard whey protein can also reduce muscle fatigue.

This means that those who are looking for protein powders for muscle recovery will appreciate this whey protein.

Furthermore, this whey isolate and whey concentrate blend can be used any time of the day.

Other protein powders are supposed to be only used before exercise but this one can be used every time you feel that your energy is declining.

Take note that this supplement also contains whey protein hydrolysates. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, these hydrolysates can increase amino acid uptake and enhance muscle protein synthesis.

Pros

1) Easy to mix

According to some users, this whey protein blend is easy to mix. It is very soluble in water and other beverages compared to other whey proteins. 

2) Wide flavors to choose from

Aside from the unflavored version, this whey protein comes in different flavors such as double rich chocolate, banana cream, chocolate coconut, chocolate malt, chocolate mint, coffee, delicious strawberry, French vanilla, rocky road, strawberry banana, white chocolate, and chocolate hazelnut.

3) High-quality protein

Using this whey protein assures you that you are taking a high-quality protein powder.

This whey isolate and whey concentrate blend has undergone banned substance testing.

Cons

1) Contains an artificial sweetener

One thing to consider when using this whey protein is that it contains sucralose.

This substance is one of the zero-calorie artificial sweeteners that other users might not appreciate.

If you are looking for whey protein isolates, the Legion Whey Plus is highly recommended.

This whey protein isolate is manufactured by the company Legion Athletics and it was first introduced to the market in the year 2014.

Since then, the company was able to sell more than a million of this whey isolate and they have already served more than 250,000 customers.

According to the company, this is a pure whey protein isolate sourced from grass-fed whey protein. It contains no artificial flavors and added sugars.

Per serving of this pure whey protein isolate gives you 22 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 5.6 grams of branched-chain amino acids, and essential amino acids.

All of these ingredients can enhance muscle growth and muscle strength, reduce muscle fatigue, and support weight loss.

Pros

1) All-natural formula

One of the best things about this whey protein isolate is that it is gluten-free, lactose-free, and non-GMO.

It contains no artificial sweeteners or chemicals and is third-party labs tested to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

2) Wide range of flavors

This whey protein isolate comes in different flavors such as chocolate, fruity cereal, vanilla, cookies and cream, mint chocolate, birthday cake, salted caramel, cocoa cereal, and honey cereal.

Additionally, all of these flavors are naturally sweetened. They contain no food colorings and unnecessary junk.

3) Low-calorie protein powder

This protein powder also contains low-calorie content.

Per serving gives you 100 calories. If you are looking for whey protein isolates with fewer calories, the Legion Whey Plus can be considered.

Cons

1) Comes with aftertaste

According to some reviews, this whey protein isolate can effectively enhance your muscle strength and can promote weight loss.

However, many users experienced an aftertaste.

2) Does not mix well

This whey protein isolate is not soy-free. Based on some reviews, because of this content, this supplement is hard to mix.

Other protein isolates contain cholesterol.

So, if you are looking for the best protein powders with a clean and cholesterol-free formula, you might want to give the Redcon1 Isotope a try.

According to the company, this protein powder is suitable for those who need a higher daily protein intake.

Per serving of this supplement gives 25 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and essential amino acids.

Other ingredients of this protein powder include:

• Sodium
• Calcium
• Potassium

Aside from muscle gains, it can also boost muscle recovery and nutrient delivery. It is also important to note that this protein powder contains 125 mg of calcium.

According to a study from Denmark, aside from enhancing your bone health, this vitamin can also improve muscle function and plasticity.

Moreover, the protein content of this dietary supplement is processed using healthy, high-quality milk protein isolate.

It also has no added sugars and it is lactose-free.

According to the company, this protein powder is also easy to digest.

It is gentle on the stomach, causes no bloating, and no stomach upsets that is why you can use it any time you wish.

Based on product reviews, many users report that this protein powder is easy to mix.

Other protein powders tend to settle down at the bottom of the bottle but this one does not. With just one shake, you can enjoy the benefits of this protein powder.

Pros

1) Procurement features

When you subscribe using your email, you will get a 50% off on your purchase. For your next orders, you will get 30% off.

Also, per tub can already give up to 30 servings. This makes the protein powder worth the buy because other protein powders only give 20 servings or less.

2) Keto-friendly

This protein powder is keto-friendly.

This means that this is whey-free and you can use it as one of your protein shakes for a meal replacement if you want to consume whole foods.

All the ingredients are all-natural to promote bigger muscle gains.

3) Many flavors

One great thing about this protein powder is that it comes in different flavors.

These flavors include blueberry yogurt, mint chocolate, chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, and vanilla.

Also, all of these are not artificial flavors. Based on product reviews, many users report that these are delicious, do not give chalky feelings, and are palatable to the tastebuds.

Cons

1) High sodium content

Take note that this protein powder contains 200 mg of sodium per serving.

This one is high compared to other protein powders like the Huge Whey Protein Powder and the Naked Whey Protein Powder.

If you are looking for a protein powder with casein protein, you might want to give the Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein a try.

However, between whey and casein, the former is a faster protein type.

This means that the amino acids are absorbed quickly in the body and the muscle protein synthesis is faster.

On the other hand, the latter is a slow-digesting protein.

This means that it is more effective in promoting healthy muscle growth. Casein also comes with larger protein chains.

They are more expensive than whey because they provide a higher protein intake than whey protein powders.

According to a study from Canada, casein proteins are bioactive compounds that can improve gut health.

Many athletes and gym enthusiasts use casein proteins at night because this protein type can provide sustained protein digestion and fuel your muscles even while you are at rest.

With regards to the Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein, per serving can provide 25 grams of protein, 130 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 45 mg of cholesterol.

Other ingredients of this casein protein powder include:

• Sodium
• Carbohydrates
• Dietary fibers
• Calcium and iron
• Naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids

It is worth mentioning that this protein powder offers a higher amino acid content compared to other protein powders like the Naked Whey Protein Powder.

Even the other best protein powders only provide 5 grams of amino acids while this one can provide 11 grams.

If you want a protein powder with a higher amino acid content, you can also check the Body Fortress Whey Protein.

According to the company, even while you sleep, this protein powder with casein can also help you lose weight and prevent muscle loss.

Take note that it may take up to 8 hours for this protein powder type to be fully digested.

Lastly, this protein powder is a lactose-free, low-cal, and low-sugar supplement.

Learn more about other high-quality protein powders with casein.

Pros

1) Offers different flavors

This casein protein powder comes in different flavors such as chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, and vanilla. All of these flavors are natural.

2) Gluten-free

Many whey protein powder users look for a gluten-free supplement. So, if you want a slow-digesting whey protein, this Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein is highly recommended.

3) Easy to mix

One thing why users love this protein powder is because it is easy to mix and blend.

It provides great texture and consistency. It can also be added to many recipes such as pudding and other baked goods.

Cons

1) Contains stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener.

Those who do not like this taste may not appreciate this protein powder. Other users report that this ingredient causes stomach upset.

2) Mild side effects

One of the things to be considered when taking this protein powder is that it causes mild stomach upset, nausea, and constipation.

However, these can only be considered during the first use of the protein powder.

If you are looking for plant-based protein powders, you might want to take a look at the PlantFusion Complete Plant-Based Protein Powder.

There are very few protein powders that are comparable to whey proteins.

According to the company, the PlantFusion Complete Plant-Based Protein Powder is the only vegan supplement that can offer almost the same potency as wheys like the Body Fortress Whey Protein. 

Usually, plant-based proteins provide fewer grams of protein but this offers the same protein content.

This is one of the best protein powders that are suitable for vegans.

Per serving of this complete protein powder gives 21 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, 4 grams of amino acids, and 120 calories. Other ingredients of this supplement:

• Fat and carbohydrate
• Calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium
• Amino acids
• Digestive enzymes

Moreover, the protein content of this supplement is sourced from pea protein, organic sprouted amaranth powder, organic sprouted quinoa powder, whole algae protein, and alpha GPC.

In one study from the United States comparing whey protein with pea protein, it was reported that both of these protein types provide comparable effects on muscle growth, mass, and strength.

However, pea protein supplementation can help you lose weight better.

Other uses of this protein powder include appetite suppression, bodyweight management, balanced nutrient delivery, and muscle recovery.

Just a reminder, before deciding to go for the plant-based protein powders, you should know how much protein powder you need for building muscle.

The whey protein is suitable for those who need a higher protein intake.

To use this plant-based protein powder, add one scoop to 8 ounces of chilled water. Shake the mixture with a bottle shaker or mix it using a blender.

According to the company, you can use this protein shake up to 3 times a day.

Pros

1) Vegan formula

The formula of this protein powder contains no added sugars, artificial ingredients, and chemicals. It is dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free.

Moreover, the PlantFusion Complete Plant-Based Protein Powder is third-party lab tested to ensure the users its safety and effectiveness.

2) No bloating

Since this protein powder contains digestive enzymes, many users report that it is gentle on the stomach. It causes no side effects such as bloating, constipation, and other stomach upsets.

3) Many flavors to choose from

Aside from the natural flavor, the one without stevia, you can also choose from other flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream, and red velvet.

Based on product reviews, some users report that all of these flavors offer no chalky taste in your mouth.

Cons

1) Other flavors contain stevia

Take note that the natural flavor is the only one that has no stevia. Other flavors contain this zero-calorie natural sweetener. 

Most protein powders contain digestive enzymes and there are only a few that contain probiotics.

So, if you are looking for the best protein powder that can help you build muscle and promote a healthy gut, the Garden of Life Sport Grass-Fed Organic Whey Protein Powder is worth the buy.

This protein powder is manufactured by the company Garden of Life and this supplement was first introduced to the market in the year 2016.

According to the company, this supplement can also support immune health, muscle growth, and muscle recovery. It can sharpen mental focus and increase energy levels as well.

Per serving can give 24 grams of protein, 120 calories, 6 grams of branched-chain amino acids, 4 grams of glutamine and glutamic acid, and 2 billion probiotics.

Furthermore, the protein content of this supplement is sourced from grass-fed whey protein, making the formula antibiotic-free, soy-free, non-GMO, and certified organic. 

Take note that the blend of this protein powder includes whey protein isolate and milk protein. Other ingredients of this supplement include:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Carbohydrate
• Dietary fiber
• Calcium and iron

It is worth mentioning that the protein extraction technique used in this supplement is cold-pressed.

According to a study from Sweden, the cold press extraction process can yield more protein. 

In this study, it was reported that, on a larger scale, cold press extraction can yield up to 90.8% of protein.

To use this protein powder, mix one scoop with 8 ounces of water.

Use the mixture 30 minutes before a workout to enhance athletic performance or one hour after your training session to combat hunger, improve satiety, and reduce muscle fatigue.

Pros

1) Zero fat and low cholesterol

Take note that this protein powder contains no fat. Those who want to lose weight and build muscle will surely appreciate this supplement. 

Additionally, this supplement contains low cholesterol.

So, for those who are looking for protein powders with cholesterol content, this one is worth considering.

2) Offers 4 flavor options

One great thing about this protein powder is that it comes in different flavors such as chocolate whey, creamy vanilla plant + salmon, rich chocolate plant + salmon, and vanilla whey.

All of these flavors contain no added sugars.

Cons

1) Strong cocoa aftertaste

Based on some reviews, this supplement provides great consistency and texture. However, many users report that it has a strong cocoa aftertaste.

There are many whey protein concentrates on the market. However, most of these, even the unflavored ones, provide unwanted tastes.

So, if you are looking for a whey protein concentrate that you can add to your favored beverages or recipes for building muscle, you might want to give the NutriCost Whey Protein Concentrate a try.

Per serving of this protein powder gives 25 grams of protein, 130 calories, and a complete amino acid profile. Other ingredients of this supplement include the following:

• Cholesterol
• Sodium
• Carbohydrate
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium

This protein powder is denatured.

The powders were never treated with heat.

According to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, a denatured protein can offer great digestion and absorption. 

The 5 lb tub can provide 69 servings. If you wish to try this protein powder first, you can go for the 2 lb tub.

To use this protein powder, mix one scoop with 8 ounces of water, milk, or your favorite beverage. Use the mixture once a day.

It is also recommended to buy this supplement together with the Nutricost Creatine Monohydrate for better muscle gains.

Pros

1) Tested for purity

This protein powder is third-party labs tested.

It is non-GMO and the formula has no gluten.

2) Variety of flavors

Although this protein powder is well-known for its unflavored version, it also comes in other delicious flavors such as vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, chocolate, and strawberry milkshake.

Cons

1) High cholesterol content

When buying this protein powder, you have to consider its cholesterol content.

Per serving gives around 70 mg of cholesterol and this is higher compared to other protein supplements for building muscle.

2. Saturated fat

Saturated fat can increase LDL levels.

These are the unhealthy fats and cholesterol in the body.

Although this powder supplement can promote muscle gains, it is safe to say that it is not as healthy as the other supplements.

Many protein powder users sometimes wonder if it is safe to take these supplements daily.

The answer is it depends on your health and how much dosage of protein your body needs.

Most of these protein powders are supposed to be taken before working out but if you are looking for a supplement that can be safely used daily, you might want to consider the Thorne Whey Protein Isolate.

Per serving of this supplement gives 21 grams of protein, 100 calories, branched-chain amino acids, and 4 grams of carbohydrates.

It also has a proprietary blend that includes bromelain and papain.

Take note that the bromelain ingredient is a protease.

According to a study published in the European Journal of Sport Science, protease supplementation can increase muscle fatigue and maintain healthy testosterone levels.

On the other hand, the papain ingredient, another protease ingredient, can increase muscle strength and muscle function even during extensive workouts.

The protein of this supplement is non-denatured.

This means that this protein powder is sourced directly from milk and not whey.

Other ingredients of this protein powder include the following:

• Cholesterol
• Carbohydrate
• Dietary fiber
• Calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium

Talking about the positives, this protein powder is NSF sport-certified. The formula does not contain gluten, soy, and artificial sweeteners.

Furthermore, aside from enhancing muscle gains, this supplement can help you manage body weight.

Pros

1) Supports healthy digestion

Because of the proteases this supplement has, it is safe to say that it is easy to digest.

So, for those who want to add support to their gut health, this protein powder can be one of your choices.

2) Rich taste to curve cravings

Although this supplement only comes in limited flavors, it offers a rich and filling taste.

According to some users, this protein powder has helped them lose weight because of its appetite suppressant effects.

Cons

1) No dosage for the proprietary blend

One thing to be noted when it comes to buying this protein powder is that it has a proprietary blend.

Although the ingredients in this blend are listed, the dosages are not.

Thus, for protein powder safe use, it is advised to seek medical consultation from a healthcare professional before taking this supplement.

2) Added sugars

Although this protein powder offers high-quality protein, it contains added sugars.

Users who want to avoid this ingredient may not appreciate this supplement.

There are many protein powders on the market but only a few of these come with healthy fats.

As we all know, these healthy fats do not just promote better muscle thickness but can also support cardiovascular health and increase energy levels.

So, if you are looking for protein powders with omega fatty acids, you might want to take a look at the Gnarly Whey.

According to the company, this supplement is all-natural.

The protein content is sourced from grass-fed cow’s milk to support muscle protein synthesis and immune function.

Other ingredients of this supplement include omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Other uses of this supplement include muscle recovery, nutrient absorption, and metabolism. 

Moreover, per serving of this supplement gives you 25 g of protein, 160 calories, and 4 grams of carbohydrates. Other ingredients include the following:

• Saturated fat
• Dietary fibers
• Sugars
• Sodium
• Black pepper extract
• MCT oil powder

One thing to consider before buying this supplement is that it comes with a digestive enzyme proprietary blend, with no specific dosages on the label. 

Take note that when a supplement offers a proprietary blend, it is still important to know how much is inside this blend to ensure the safety of the supplement.

Pros

1) Procurement features

When you subscribe using your email, you will get a 10% discount. If you do not want to buy a big pack, you can go for the pre-measured travel packs.

2) Two flavor options

This protein powder comes in two flavors. These include chocolate and vanilla. Both of these flavors are NSF sport certified.

3) Easy to digest

Because of the prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzyme blend, it is safe to say that this supplement is easy to digest and absorb.

It causes no side effects such as bloatedness.

Cons

1) Black pepper extract

This supplement contains black pepper extract. Those who are allergic to this substance should avoid this supplement.

How to Choose the Finest Protein Powder for Muscle Gain

Before buying protein powders, there are some factors you might want to consider.

These factors do not just help you improve your wellness but also optimize your money.

The first factor you need to consider is the safety and quality of the supplement.

Here, you will have to check the ingredients and dosages of each ingredient.

• Do you have any allergies to any of the ingredients?
• Can you tolerate these dosages?

It is also necessary to look for proprietary blends.

Some supplements with proprietary blends do not list the ingredients in the blend, and this is dangerous because users might be allergic to some of the unknown ingredients.

Next, you should also consider which protein type is suitable for you.

If you want greens, you can go for plant-based proteins.

If you want a fast-digesting protein, you can go for whey. On the other hand, if you want slow-digesting protein, you should go for casein proteins.

Each of these protein types provides different protein content.

Thus, you should also know how much protein your body needs so as not to ingest too much protein.

Remember, too much protein can cause acne, and you might not want this to happen to you.

Moving on, a money-back guarantee feature may also be taken into consideration.

This procurement feature helps you save much of your money in case of quality issues or dissatisfaction.

There are times when you may consider the price.

However, if you want to add this as one of the things to consider, always remember to go for quality over price.

Take note that some cheap supplements offer better benefits.

Lastly, if you have certain digestion or metabolism issues, it is highly recommended for you to take supplements with prebiotics or digestive enzymes.

Choosing these will make everything more gentle for your stomach.

Final Thoughts

Indeed, protein supplementation does not only offer health benefits to the muscles but also provides support to the brain, metabolism, and gut.

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

For a low-cal supplement, you can go for the Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein.

This supplement only gives 97 per serving and this one has the lowest calorie content. On the other hand, if you want a cholesterol-free one, you can go for the Redcon1 Isotope.

If you are looking for the best-tasting supplement, you can consider the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard. On the other hand, for an unflavored one, you can try the NutriCost Whey Protein Concentrate.

Furthermore, if you want a protein isolate, the Legion Whey Plus is worth the try. For casein, the Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein is highly recommended.

Additionally, for the plant-based one, the PlantFusion Complete Plant-Based Protein Powder can be considered.

If you want a supplement for your gut health, you can try the Garden of Life Sport Grass-Fed Organic Whey Protein.

However, if you want a protein powder for daily use, the Thorne Whey Protein Isolate is a smart choice. Lastly, if you want a supplement for muscles with healthy fats, the Gnarly Whey will work as well.