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The Best Whey Protein Powders of 2024
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Whey protein powder is a dietary supplement commonly used by athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals looking to increase their protein intake. Whey is the liquid part of milk that separates during cheese production. It is full of beta-lactoglobulin, immunoglobins, and alpha-lactalbumin, which promote muscle building and aid in weight control. Whey protein powder is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained from food sources. It's highly digestible and quickly absorbed by the body, making it an efficient way to deliver protein to muscles after exercise for muscle repair and growth.
We reviewed the best whey protein powders on the market based on features like formula content, flavor(s), other nutrient content, and formula purity. The Opportuniteas Whey Protein Powder is the best overall pick on our list; keep reading to see the rest!
Our Top Picks For Whey Protein Powders
View all ContentsThe Best Whey Protein Powders
Best Overall
If you’re looking for a multifunctional supplement, this whey protein powder from Opportuniteas can easily improve your diet and fitness routine. It provides your body with 27 grams of premium whey protein isolate that’s purified at low temperatures for maximizing the nutritional content. This won’t only increase your muscle strength but also helps muscles quickly recover, allowing you to get back to working out faster. This product also comes with 60 mg of dark-roasted Colombian caffeine to provide an instant boost to your energy levels and make you feel more active. With coffee and protein mixed, you won’t get any hunger pains early in the morning.
This whey protein powder can be taken early morning or midday before a workout session to get maximum energy for continuing with your fitness regime. It fits perfectly in most diet plans where your daily protein intake needs to be higher than carbohydrate consumption. It’s easy to digest, so you won’t suffer from frequent bloating or constipation. Plus, this option has no artificial sweeteners, GMOs, or gluten.
Pros
- Boosts digestion
- No artificial sugar added
- Energizing caffeinated formula
Cons
- Less quantity
Most Protein
Nutricost Whey Protein Powder is an outstanding product offering a great amount of quality protein per serving. Its five-pound bag packs a whopping 30 grams of protein per scoop, giving individuals and athletes the high-level nutrition they need to maintain muscle growth and improve their overall health. This product is made with only the best, high-quality isolate which sets it apart from other similar products on the market.
It is manufactured in a GMP-compliant and FDA-registered facility, ensuring only the highest standards in quality control and assurance. The included scoop makes it easy to measure out the correct serving size to get just the right amount of protein every time you use this product. The milk chocolate flavor is a sure winner for all those chocolate lovers out there who don’t want to sacrifice their love of sweets for the sake of nutrition.
Pros
- High protein content per serving
- Mixes exceptionally well with water and milk
- Cheap compared to other brands
Cons
- Can upset sensitive stomachs
Great For Weight Loss
The TransformHQ Chocolate Peanut Butter Whey Protein Powder reigns supreme in the world of meal replacement shakes. It delivers a dynamic taste variety that truly satisfies a variety of taste palates. Meanwhile, in addition to tasting good, it meets nutritional needs. This protein-packed formula successfully combines taste and nutrition, allowing you to build muscle and increase your strength in a flavorful way.
Its chocolate peanut butter flavor not only tastes delicious but it doesn’t leave behind any unpleasant aftertaste. Moreover, this gluten-free and non-GMO shake powder is highly effective, not only for individuals on a weight loss journey but also for people with diabetes. This whey protein powder consistently outperforms others in its category, offering 28 servings of delicious and nutritious shakes per container. With each scoop, your body will receive a powerful fuel.
Pros
- Great taste and variety of flavors
- Filling and curbs cravings
- Supports weight loss efforts
Cons
- Takes extra time to blend
Most Delicious Flavors
Suitable for pre and post-workout sessions, this whey protein powder from Body Fortress helps you achieve your fitness goals faster. Two scoops have 60 grams of protein and 12 grams of BCAAs to help your body recover from muscle injury and fatigue while building stronger muscle fibers. This product helps provide enough fuel to carry out intense workout sessions every day. It also comes infused with creatine to increase the absorption rate of the whey. So, your body can easily make the most of this nutritional supplement.
Enriched with cocoa, this whey protein powder tastes just like chocolate, offering a delicious flavor. It contains no gluten and very little sugar for maintaining the taste. This option is the best overall whey protein powder on our list, owing to its higher protein and BCAA content as well as excellent performance for muscle growth.
Pros
- Contains minimal sugar
- High BCAA content
- Delicious chocolate flavor
Cons
- Price is on the higher side
Best Value
Known for its excellent quality, this whey protein powder from Optimum Nutrition can take your fitness regimen to the next level. In each serving, you get 24 grams of whey protein blend that comprises whey protein isolate, whey peptides, and whey protein concentrate. Thanks to this unique composition, it strengthens the muscles, keeps fatigued at bay, and instantly starts the recovery process. This pick also contains glutamine and BCAAs to ensure your muscles contract and relax properly, improving your mobility and energy levels.
Available in multiple flavors, this whey protein powder tastes amazing and won’t make you nauseated. You can take the powder early in the morning and before or after your workout routine. Either way, it delivers optimal performance and improves your muscle power. This product also doesn’t contain any type of artificial growth-boosting hormone, GMOs, or sweeteners.
Pros
- Safe and energizing formula
- Available in eight delicious flavors
- Contains the least carbs and fat
Cons
- Can take some time to digest
Best Unflavored Option
Affordable and high quality, the Naked Whey Protein Powder helps you perform intense workouts while keeping your muscles healthy and strong. It comes with only 100% grass-fed whey protein. No ingredients like soy, gluten, GMOs, or artificial sweeteners are added to the powder, ensuring maximum safety for your health. Whey protein and BCAAs combine to improve your muscle strength and boost the post-workout recovery process. Calcium will also help improve bone strength and resilience.
Made from cold-pressed technology, this whey protein powder retains all essential compounds of the ingredients, so you can get maximum benefits. It mixes in milk or water easily and takes only 30 seconds for dissolution. You can also mix different flavoring ingredients like cocoa powder or coffee to make the protein powder more delicious, or use it to bake high-protein cookies. What’s more, its protein content is ideal for almost all diet types.
Pros
- Contains no growth hormones
- Safe for your GI tract
- Can be used in many recipes
Cons
- Limited flavors to choose from
Best for Muscle Gain
With enough protein powder for over 62 servings, this whey protein powder from Dymatize can easily meet your fitness needs and help you achieve your goals faster. Suitable for diets like keto and paleo, this supplement can be consumed early morning as well as before or after your workout. This product contains BCAAs which make your muscles strong while preventing fatigue, allowing you to do more intense cardio or strength training with ease. They also aid in faster recovery from muscle injuries and regular wear and tear on muscle fibers.
This whey protein powder contains calcium to boost your bone’s strength and promote muscle building. This pick can also aid digestion without causing hunger pains, bloating, constipation, or any other GI tract problem. Its ingredients get absorbed in your body quickly, providing almost instant results. Infused with vanilla flavor, this whey protein powder tastes excellent, making it more enjoyable to integrate into your routine.
Pros
- Fast absorption for optimal results
- Available in nine mouthwatering flavors
- Large, long-lasting quantity
Cons
- Has a sandy texture
The Best Whey Protein Powder Buying Guide
A whey protein powder can work wonders on your muscles, making them stronger and more resilient. But to make the most out of this supplement, you need to get the perfect product for your fitness regimen. This comprehensive buying guide can help you weigh your options so you invest in a whey protein powder that meets your needs.
Benefits of Whey Protein Powder
- Whey protein powder contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to improve muscle growth, decrease muscle soreness, and more
- Glutamine, one of the major amino acids in whey protein powder, boosts muscle recovery and healing
- It’s useful for diets like paleo and keto where your protein intake needs to be high
- Whey protein powder facilitates bodybuilding and helps you get well-defined muscles
- As whey protein powder increases your metabolism, cells consume more carbohydrates and break down fat
How To Choose a Whey Protein Powder
Size or serving
As you need to take whey protein powder regularly, you should get a product that can last for at least a month. For this, check the number of servings per container and the number of scoops you should add to prepare your ideal protein shake or smoothie.
If you consume the shake once a day, choose a product with 27 to 30 servings. On the other hand, if you use whey protein powder twice or more per day, you should choose a product with 62 servings or more.
Formula
The formula of a whey protein powder is the most crucial factor because it impacts its performance and benefits. Most products come with 100% whey protein while a few consist of a blend, like whey concentrate, whey isolate, and whey peptides. Most products have BCAAs, which are usually at a lower concentration than whey. Some options also include minerals like calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium for a balanced diet. While looking through the ingredients, ensure the whey protein is sourced from grass-fed cows as this is healthier and more effective than that obtained from artificial sources.
Safety
You should check if the chosen whey protein powder is free from GMOs, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol. These components make the product unfit for consumption and your health. If you have gluten intolerance, choose a product with no gluten. Similarly, the selected pack of whey protein powder shouldn’t have any artificial growth hormone since it behaves like a steroid and can disrupt regular homeostasis.
Flavor
Drinking unflavored protein shakes can be unappealing and make you feel nauseated. So, it’s better to choose a whey protein powder with infused flavors. For instance, if you love chocolate, get a product that tastes like it. If you want a protein that’s ideal for the morning, go for a product with coffee for extra energy. Peanut butter and vanilla are also popular flavors for whey protein powders.
Digestion and absorption
Your optimal whey protein powder should be easily digestible without impacting the GI tract and its functions. For instance, the product shouldn’t cause bloating or indigestion. You should also get a product with a higher absorption rate so that your cells can easily absorb the components.
How To Consume Whey Protein Powder
There are a variety of ways to incorporate whey protein powder into your diet. Some of them include:
- The traditional method of mixing whey protein powder with water or milk to make a protein shake
- If you don’t like plain shakes, you can add whey protein powder to smoothies, which is a great way to also enjoy fruits and vegetables for more vitamins and nutrients
- Make delicious baked goods by adding whey protein powders to cake or cookie batter
- For a healthy breakfast, add whey protein powder to oatmeal, along with some chopped nuts and fruits, or add it to pancake batter
Precautions To Follow
Whey protein powder offers ample benefits if consumed appropriately. In case you take it more than recommended, you may experience side effects like acne, bloating, irregular bowel movements, headaches, and nausea. You should also avoid it if you are allergic to dairy products because whey protein powders are made from milk proteins.
People Also Asked
How often should I consume whey protein powder?
The frequency at which you consume whey protein powder depends on your fitness routine and health requirements. For instance, if you’re bodybuilding, you should take the supplement two or three times a day. But if you simply wish to make your muscles stronger for regular workouts, consuming it once a day will meet your needs.
Should I take whey protein powder if I have higher creatinine and uric acid levels?
No, you shouldn’t take whey protein powder if you have higher creatinine and uric acid levels. This is because after digestion, more amino acids will be released into your bloodstream and that can further increase your creatine and uric acid levels.
Is there any age restriction for consuming whey protein powder?
No, there’s no age restriction for taking whey protein powder. But you should consult with your trainer or doctor to better understand the appropriate quantity to consume based on your age, diet, and fitness regimen or goals.
