If you want to build up a high amount of muscle mass, this article is for you. It shall give you the best choices of best protein powder for building muscle.
Is protein powder good for building muscle?
Protein powders are a source of synthetic protein from sources of animal or plant, such as milk, eggs, rice, or legumes. The common forms of protein powder are:
- Whole protein: By using heat, acids, or enzymes, we get whole protein from food. It contains about 60-80% of pure protein, and the rest is 20-30% of calories from fat and carbohydrates (carbs).
- Isolated protein: The whole protein goes through another filtration step to remove fat and carbs, to the stage of protein synthesis. The isolated protein powder contains about 90-95% of pure protein.
- Hydrolyzed protein: It is produced by ultimately heating acids or enzymes to disrupt the link of amino acids. It allows the body to absorb the compounds faster, and the muscles absorb them more natural.
Hydrolyzed products can make insulin levels increase if compared to other food types, in particular, in the case of protein powder. It can hugely promote muscle gain during exercise. Some powders contain a certain amount of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium.
It is important to note that not everyone benefits from taking such supplements. If your diet is rich in a good source of protein, it will be redundant when choosing a protein powder.
However, athletes and weightlifters claim that supplementing with protein powders helps them to gain maximum muscle mass and lose fat. Protein powder can also benefit people who have difficulty meeting their protein needs with just regular food.
This article offers a list of top 8 fantastic protein powders, which help to pick the best protein powder for muscle gain and to reduce weight.
Best Protein Powder for Building Muscle
NAKED WHEY Protein Powder – Best for taste
Naked Whey protein powder is a product made of 100% grass-fed cows. Notably, the powder is free from chemical additives, artificial sweeteners, and colorings. The unit is manufactured through a cold process, which ensures the essential amino acids and natural nutrients preserved.
A study had shown that 40% of 134 supplement brands’ protein powders contain a certain level of heavy metals. And Naked Whey Protein Powder is free from heavy metals, gluten, and genetically modified organism (GMO). Hence, the product maker ensures that their powder is extremely clean and healthy.
When talking to Naked Whey powder, we think of the main component constructed it, protein concentrate. Even though it is not as pure as protein isolate, it contains more natural nutrients and minerals. The protein concentrate also offers more biologically components, which is ideal for sport and training performances.
For 30 grams of Naked Whey protein powder, you have 25 grams of pure protein, which is low in fat and carbohydrates. Naked Nutrition guarantees that they deliver exact information and data about the nutrient facts.
Noticeably, most customers are impressed by the excellent taste of this unit. Naked Whey powder is almost tasteless. It is flexible to mix with water, coffee, or fresh milk. The powder is also great for smoothie or cake baking. It has one of the best tastes among unflavored protein powders on the market so far.
However, compared to other rivals, the powder is harder to mix in a shaker (shaking bottle). The reason is all of Naked Whey products do not include lecithin, which is an additive utilized in reducing viscosity in supplements.
In brief, the Naked Whey Protein Powder is not only delicious but also offers a high value of nutrients and supporting components. Because of its simplicity, many customers enjoy using this protein whey. And you?
Pros:
- Natural ingredients (grass-fed cows) and no chemical substances
- The high amount of protein supply
- Best taste even with the unflavored option
- Great balance in the formulation
- Fits with all types of meal recipes, drinks, and fresh milk
Cons:
- Hard to mix with a shaker
Pure Protein Whey Powder – Best for an innovative formula
Pure protein has gained a lot of attention in the field of supplements due to the useful calculation and formula on nutrients. It can be said that Pure Protein products are one of the most popular powders in recent.
Compared to the old version, this latest formula contains 25 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 75 mg of cholesterol, which increases the level of fat and carbohydrates. Each serving also contains 40 calories more than the original, measuring in a total of 170 calories. These higher values help you feel fuller after serving and maximize energy during your workout.
Compared to other formulas, The protein sources are ultra-filtration concentrated and micro-filtration isolation. The manufacturing process eliminates a large number of unnecessary components and offers a more fair amount of protein quality.
Besides, Pure Protein puts their concentration and isolation protein through filtration processes. In this way, it provides the protein in its most potent, rawest form. In your body, it offers more efficient metabolism and gives better results in the gym.
These changes have been developed to help maximize your benefits in the gym. However, the formula adjustments receive a certain number of feedbacks as the high level of fat is not suitable for health after several years.
Of course, Pure Protein is still one of the most popular brands in its field. This powder will be a suitable option for those who are looking for something with a high-quality protein supply.
Pros:
- High-quality protein supply due to the most innovative formula and manufacturing procedures
- Affordable
- Gives better performance in necessary activities or gym training
- Many retailers in walks of life
Cons:
- The new formula contains a higher level of fat amount
Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder – Best for vegetarians and vegans
Orgain Organic Protein Powder is a plant-based protein nutrition powder, providing 21 grams of protein with only 150 calories per serving. The powder does not contain artificial sweeteners or flavors.
Each 45-gram serving is 100% free of gluten, GMO, and is USDA organic certified. It is also known for the ability to build and restore muscles. Also, its excellent results in weight management is a considerable benefit.
Consumers vastly praise the taste of the Orgain Organic Protein Powder as one of the most delicious flavors in terms of vegan supplements. The manufacturer offers various choices of characters to the customer. The flavor option of cookies and cream is the best seller of the Orgain unit.
The most crucial benefit of Orgain Organic Protein Powder is the protein quality, an essential part of every person’s diet. The protein made from vegan ingredients helps repair tissue, build muscle, and may have many other benefits, including support for those who want to lose weight.
Some reviews claim that the ingredients found in powdered creams (including Acadia chewing gum, erythritol, and guar gum) sometimes cause side effects such as bloating and nausea.
The customer’s feedback on this product regarding side effects seem to be mixed, with a large number of people giving positive feedback, saying they did not experience any side effects. While others say, this product causes flatulence and other health problems during usage.
In short, the Orgain Organic Protein Powder is one of the best supplements for vegans and vegetarians due to its high-quality protein supply and rich flavor. The powder is also useful in building muscle mass and reducing excessive fat.
Pros:
- USDA organic certified
- Affordable
- High protein with low calories per serving
- Tasteful flavor for a vegan/vegetarian supplement
- Support for gaining muscle and losing weights
Cons:
- Side effects (bloating and nausea)
Optimum Nutrition (ON) Whey Gold Standard Protein Powder – Best for those who require a high amount of protein
ON Gold Standard Whey Protein powder is a supplement that provides the highest level of protein. This product is widely used for professional athletes, powerlifters, weightlifters, and bodybuilders for the whole process from bulking to cutting. It is also the best-selling supplement in many cumulative years.
The unit contains up to 90% of pure whey protein isolate, in which 24 grams of protein per serving can provide up to 79% of pure protein. Whey Gold Standard powder offers the purest, most absorbable protein, and essential nutrients such as alpha-lactalbumin, glycomacropeptides, beta-lactoglobulin, etc.
Specifically, with just one teaspoon of the product can provide up to 4 grams of glutamine precursors and 5 grams of BCAAs. Also, Whey Gold Standard product is the ON protein supplement that has been the best-selling muscle boost for ten years in a row, which
The unit comes with multiple choices in flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or banana cream. Most flavors are easy to use because it suits for specific personal tastes.
Our most favorite features of this product are the careful and professional packing procedure. The packaging has detailed information about nutrition ingredients, which is easy to understand even for the novices.
A noteworthy positive point is the manufacturer blend different types of protein, which ensures that the customers could get the utmost benefits of the protein mix. The use of whey isolate, concentrate, and peptides guarantee a supply of a quality source of protein.
Also, the component of the Enzyme Complex is beneficial to ensure faster protein digestion and absorption, which makes Whey Gold Standard powder is more optimal for lactose intolerant individuals.
However, due to the low carbohydrates level, some types of users need to combine the Whey Gold unit with glycogen.
In general, Whey Gold Standard protein powder is an excellent supplement for both bodybuilders and dieters. It provides an excellent source of protein and a large number of essential amino acids for muscle and energy recovery.
Pros:
- Offers the highest amount of protein and nutrient elements
- Best-selling supplement for years
- Well-packing and detailed print
- Innovative formula
Cons:
- Low carbohydrate amount
Isopure Whey Protein Isolate Powder – Best for losing extra weights
Isopure Whey Protein Isolate powder provides 25 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbohydrate and fat, and 100 calories per serving. It also comes along with a low level of cholesterol (10 mg).
The product comes with no fat, carbohydrates, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, which sounds like a perfect night-time protein shake and an ideal supplement for reducing weights. The best way to take the most advantage of Isopure protein powder is by mixing with branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), Creatine, Glutamine.
Isopure powder also adds essential vitamins, minerals, and some nutrients without any impurities, including gluten or lactose. So, it is easy to absorb and be suitable for the digestive system, which should be the first choice if you have any lactose allergy or poor digestion.
Specifically, one of the most outstanding benefits is the enormous amount of vitamins that the Isopure supplement provides. Other types of whey protein supplements do not pay much attention to vitamin quality.
The product is processed through an extremely strict molecular microfiltration. Hence, the Isopure unit is elementary to dissolve in water, and your body can also absorb the protein powder exceptionally quickly and effectively.
Sadly, the powder is struggled to dissolve hot water based on several reviews. Some customers also complain about the flavor of the powder is not good enough comparing to other products on the market.
Briefly, Isopure Whey Protein Powder is a superb supplement for those who require a decent amount of protein daily but do not want to gain any extra weights. Also, the product offers a considerable amount of vitamins, which improve your health and the process of muscle mass growth.
Pros:
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- The high amount of protein with no fat/carbohydrates
- Provides extra essential nutrients, especially vitamins
- Easy to be digested and absorbed
Cons:
- Hard to mix with hot water
- Not be impressive in taste.
Garden of Life Meal Replacement Powder – Best for soy-allergies
Garden of Life Organic Protein Raw Powder is made from 13 kinds of organic protein. The product provides 22 grams of the daily nutritional value, including all necessary amino acids. The protein powder also contains vitamins A, D, E, and K created from a food source derived to support digestive function and functions of probiotics and protein-digesting enzymes.
The Garden of Life manufacturer guarantees that their products contain no flavor enhancers or preservatives. The powder preserves the amino acid integrity and synthetic feed fully.
In general, this unit is efficient for building and recovering muscles before and after workouts. It is also perfect for muscle growth and fat loss.
The unit promotes protein synthesis ultimately and increases the protein amount to absorb. The most outstanding benefit is that this product is suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and especially those who are sensitive to milk and soy. The manufacturer ensures that this is the highest quality substitute for soy whey and milk protein.
However, there are some negative comments about the reformulated flavor of this Garden of Life unit. The customer found that the taste is worse than the old versions.
After all, the Garden of Life protein powder is an excellent replacement of milk- or soy-made protein powder. The product provides a decent amount of protein and nutrients with efficient functions of recovering and building muscle mass like other milk-made products.
Pros:
- The best substitute for milk and soy contained products
- Provides a high amount of proteins and nutrients
- Support for digestion efficiently
- No flavorings, colorings, and sweeteners
Cons
- Some flavors are not tasteful
MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder – Best for digestion and absorption
Combat Whey protein powder is a product line manufactured by Muscle Pharm in Canada. Muscle Pharm asserted its reputation in 2010 and gradually became a big tycoon in the village of food supplements for bodybuilders and sportspeople.
Combat Whey provides 25 grams of high-quality protein per serving. The product is suitable for people who practice with high intensity for a long time. It is necessary to continuously replenish protein for optimal muscle recovery and development.
This MusclePharm product makes a difference because of the combination of five protein sources with different absorption speed. This feature helps a healthy human body absorbing protein continuously for a cumulative of eight hours.
The amounts of BCAA and glutamine contained in Combat Whey prevent muscle catabolism, quickly restore muscle, reduce muscle soreness, stimulate muscle growth, and increase exercise performance. The manufacturer also guarantees that its products do not contain gluten and artificial substances.
However, the taste of MusclePharm Combat powder can be too sweet for some people. There are also nuts in the ingredients, so if you have nut allergies, it may be not the right choice.
MusclePharm Combat Whey Protein powder has an affordable price, which is suitable for all customer ranges. In particular, the Combat Whey powder has Casein Protein, so there is no need to add casein separately to muscles at night. It is both convenient and cost-effective for users.
Pros:
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- Provides a high amount of quality protein
- Different absorption speed to fit with all kinds of human digestion system
- Contains a high amount of BCAA, casein, and glutamine
- Affordable
- No gluten and flavorings
Cons:
- Can be too sweet for personal taste
- Includes nut if you have nut allergies
BSN’s SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Powder – Best for versatility
SYNTHA-6 is a reasonably high-quality protein stream that tastes deliciously. It contains six different protein samples, each with a different level of digestibility and various amino acid backgrounds. Some of these protein samples include Ultra-Filtered Whey Protein Concentrate, Micellar Casein, Micro-Filtered WPI, Egg Albumen, Calcium Caseinate, and Milk Protein Concentrate.
This combination ensures that your muscles are fed continuously for up to eight hours. To enhance this super-quality blend, SYNTHA-6 is also enhanced with BCAAs, Glutamine, and Aminogen for better digestion and a healthy heart. Also, the Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), fatty acids, and fiber increase nutrient intake significantly.
SYNTHA-6 Protein powder has overcome the taste barriers that no other Whey brands have ever been able to do. It has up to two incredibly delicious flavors for you to choose from. BSN builds the flavor like the Milkshake flavor that you often buy at your favorite stores. The taste of SYNTHA-6 is perfectly formulated in the end with the purpose to suit everyone who needs daily protein supplementation to compensate for the missing nutrients.
Syntha 6 is considered to be an All-Day-Protein powder. You can use it in the morning, between several meals, before or after training, or before going to bed. It is especially suitable for the following groups of people:
- Sportspeople want to build lean muscle.
- People who want to lose weight.
- Individuals who want to add protein to their daily diet.
- Individuals with busy or active lives
- Individuals who want a protein with an excellent taste
This product has the most expensive cost in our list so har. However, with all the benefits, the high price is still worthy of purchasing.
In short, with a high-quality protein blend but low in fat and carbs, SYNTHE-6 will help a wide range of individuals reduce body fat, maintain weight, and help build muscle.
Pros:
- Suitable with all kinds of users
- Easy to digest and process inside the human body
- Excellent tastes
- Innovative formula and combinations
Cons:
- Expensive
Which protein is best for muscle growth?
Protein Concentrate is the most popular and used by many people because of its lowest price. Protein Concentrate is the most natural since it does not have to go through multiple stages of purification and refining. Therefore, this type of whey contains many high biological value compounds that are good for muscle growth.
The best advantage of Whey Protein Concentrate is that it has a high biological value for building muscle mass, faster absorption than natural protein source, and low in cost.
Which brand is whey protein best for muscle gain?
If you are a person who wants to increase muscle mass and are allergic to lactose, you should use products with Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Hydrolyze. You can refer to some of the following high-quality Whey brands such as Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate, Mutant Iso Surge, Nitrotech Whey Gold 8lbs.
Best Choice
Our top pick for this list is BSN’s SYNTHA-6 Whey protein powder due to its amazing benchmarks. The product provides a high amount of quality protein and all necessary nutrients. It is processed through innovative and modern manufacturing stages. Also, the product is beneficial for all types of customers, from the training novices, ordinary people to professional athletes, and even bodybuilders.
Conclusions
Whey Protein Powder is commonly used as a complement to a high-protein diet. It ensures adequate protein supplementation to support maximizing lean muscle building process and effective weight loss.
This article shall help to choose the best protein powder for muscle gain for your requirements. Do not hesitate to comment on your experience, and please catch up with our next reviews.
