PROTEIN POWDER CAN be a powerful supplement when used correctly, like creatine or a multivitamin. But finding the right one for your needs is a big task in an overcrowded protein market. Studies show protein powders can help build lean muscle and promote optimal recovery, making them a widely sought after supplement. It’s hard to find an easier way to make progress toward your daily protein goals than by taking a few big gulps of a high-protein smoothie. There are multiple types of protein powder to sift through, the most common being whey protein. Whey protein is derived from cow’s milk and is the most widely consumed type of protein powder. In addition to whey, you’ll find casein protein (also derived from cow’s milk but slower to digest than whey), and plant-based proteins (rice, pea, hemp, pumpkin seed, or a blend of these). Overall, the best protein powders keep it simple: They boast a solid macro profile and taste great.

While there are other factors that should be in consideration throughout your search (i.e., third-party testing, type of protein, and price), if you stick to those two basics, you’re likely to find a powder you can easily and consistently implement into your daily routine. Do you need to slam a protein shake as soon as you finish working out? Other lists out there have too many picks, in our opinion, and we're only looking to share with you the very best of what we've found. Our in-house testers have put dozens of protein powders through the blender (and shaker) performance enhancer for men years, not months, and dubbed these six as their favorites. The same could be said for the expert nutritionists we consulted with, like Jordan Sullivan, who's worked with UFC champions like Israel Adesanya and Alex Volkanovski. There are three main types of protein powder to consider: whey protein, casein protein, and plant-based protein. You’ve probably seen whey protein the most-it’s derived from cow’s milk and performance enhancer for men comes in the form of whey concentrate, whey isolate, or hydrolyzed whey.

Whey concentrate is the least processed form of whey protein, and therefore, contains the most dairy. Whey isolate is processed to remove most of the dairy, and hydrolyzed whey is processed even further for Prime Boosts the best absorption of the three, according to studies. Casein protein is also derived from cow’s milk, but it is much slower to digest than whey protein. Some people even take casein at night, so it has time to process as they sleep, according to some studies. Plant-based protein is derived from plant-based sources like rice, pea, hemp, pumpkin seed, or a combination of these. It can be higher in carbs and a touch lower in protein because of this, but proteins made of a blend of plant sources typically provide a similar nutritional profile to whey proteins. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the type of protein you should seek out-it just comes down to what you’re best able to implement into your fitness routine and daily lifestyle.

A good protein powder typically offers anywhere from 20 to 30 grams of protein per scoop. Plant-based powders often sit on the lower end of this range with whey and casein being on the higher end. You’ll want to consider how much protein you want from your shakes vs. If you’re looking to use a protein powder as part of a smoothie for a meal replacement, Prime Boosts Supplement you’ll want a powder closer to 30g of protein, according to studies. If you’re just looking to use a protein shake as a snack, that 20g range will work just fine. While protein is the main character, fats, carbs, and calories are also important considerations. If you’re looking to build lean muscle, you’ll want a protein powder that’s low in all three-it’s surprisingly easy to find a protein powder with three or fewer grams of both fat and Visit Prime Boosts carbs, especially whey isolates and hydrolyzed wheys.