Bottom-line is, I'm very satisfied with the product and considering the price it might become my new favorite protein powder. Vegan protein powders are the fourth option. Pea, hemp, rice and soy are popular sources but there are plenty of others. “What’s key here isn’t just looking at the protein content, but the quality,” says Butcher. “You can tell that by looking at its essential amino acids – it’s ‘complete’ if it contains all nine. To achieve this, you’ll want a blend of at least two protein sources.” What is the healthiest protein powder to drink? Flavoured Versions: Whey Protein Concentrate ( Milk), Cocoa Powder (Chocolate flavours only), Flavours, Colouring: Beetroot Red (Strawberry Flavour only), Caramel Colour (Banana Peanut Butter flavour only), Xanthan Gum, Instantising Agent: ( Soy Lecethin, 0.4%), Sweetener: Sucralose, Stevia.

However these contain many more calories from fat and carbohydrate than they do from whey isolate and concentrate,” Thompson explains. “Whilst these may help to increase mass, it is most likely the increase will come from fat rather than muscle.” Nutritional values are based on our best selling unflavoured version. Chocolate versions and other flavours will vary due to the addition of natural cocoa powder, as well as flavouring which is added to achieve the delicious taste. Putting its own spin on the term ‘fast food’, The Protein Works’ Complete 360 Meal is a convenient way to secure all your macros and micros (including all-important fibre) in one go. Alongside its substantial protein content, the oats in the blend – while introducing a slightly chunkier texture – add a good dose of slow-release carbs to help keep you fuller throughout the day. Meanwhile, its added extras include coconut-derived MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) – a supplement popular among athletes and bodybuilders for its potential role in boosting weight loss and energy levels.

The best protein powders for muscle gain you can buy in 2023

Some powders additionally contain creatine, which can boost performance during high-intensity exercise; powders designed to build lean muscle may contain L-carnitine, which helps your body use fat as fuel for exercise. Then there’s also good old caffeine, the most beloved energy booster of all, which can be found in many protein powders. As for the taste, it has an oat-like, almost earthy taste typical of a lot of vegan proteins. If you’ve tried Huel’s main ‘complete powder’ in the past, you’ll recognise it. That said, this is easy to drink and despite coming in flavours such as Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Strawberries & Cream, it doesn’t feel too sweet or artificial. In fact, the Vanilla is particularly creamy, even when combined with only water.

Protein supplements are used by all sorts of performers and athletes from football, tennis and golf players to stage performers and dancers,” says Shane Collins, founder of Circuit Society gym and co-founder of NUA Health supplements. “But we all cause damage to our muscles every day just by walking around and lifting things, and certainly when we train. Protein helps repair that damage.”

Pure Whey Protein Concentrate 80

Each 35g serving contains 24g of protein, with 5g of BCAAs, including 2.2g of leucine. The mix of whey and casein means it can be used at any time, whether you need an instant hit of protein after a workout or a steady stream over the course of a night. A serving also only contains 2.5g of sugar and 4.4g of carbs in total, and the powder comes in five dramatically-named flavours, including Cookie Chaos and Strawberry Siege. The serving size is small at 16g, which is why the protein content is also lower than other shakes at 10g, but you can always double up. The protein is sourced from peas and there are added vitamins in the shake, including half your recommended daily intake of B12. So what’s best? “Building muscle requires resistance training, sufficient protein and a small calorie surplus,” says Thompson. “In theory, any type of protein powder can be used to boost protein intake, but a protein powder with added creatine may help maximise training performance and therefore gains.” Is vegan protein healthier than whey?

Whey isolate is more refined, and therefore more expensive. “Whey isolate is refined in a process that will remove the fat and the lactose from the compound,” says Butcher. “That makes it one of the leanest options, meaning it usually comprises of upwards of 90% protein content.” As a whey concentrate, MyProtein’s Impact Whey offers good value for money and at 103 calories per serving, it may be useful for those adhering to a calorie deficit. Each serving contains over 2g of the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) leucine, which plays a key role in muscle synthesis. To decide on the best protein powder for you, it helps to ask: what are protein powders for? Protein is a nutrient needed all over the body to help build, repair and maintain tissue. It is made up of chains of amino acids, nine of which are termed ‘essential’ since your body can’t make them itself. Here’s how it’s made.Whey comes from cow’s milk and is rich in protein — we take the best bits to make whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. For allergens contained in product, see ingredients marked in bold. Produced in an environment that processes Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Peanuts and Nuts.

For a healthy body, the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) is 0.75g of protein per kg of bodyweight per day. If you don’t typically eat many animal-based sources, protein powders can help you hit that target. And they’re not only for people who go to the gym. With its higher protein percentage, whey isolate may be your best bet, Butcher suggests. “If you’re eating in a calorie deficit, it will help give you high protein content while cutting down on unnecessary extras.” Whic protein powder is best for building muscle? As discussed, a vegan option is of course healthier if you’re not able to consume dairy. But for those who can and are willing, whey has plenty of benefits for the body.