Key takeaways
- Protein powders can be used to supplement your whole-food intake to either lose weight or bulk.
- Protein powders can differ from vegan to milk-based, seed or nut-based, as isolated protein or any combination of these.
- Thorne Whey Protein Isolate is our pick for best overall.
Protein powders are a convenient and often cost-effective way to boost your protein intake to support muscle growth or your health.
But with the variety of protein powders available, choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming.
To make your purchasing decision easier, we compiled a list of protein powders that best support your goals and preferences.
Here’s our roundup of the 7 best protein powders for men.
Here’s a quick look at how these protein powders compare:
$65 for 30 servings
• Vanilla
• NSF Certified for Sport
$43.80 for 26 servings
• Vanilla
• Strawberry
$49.99 for 27 servings
• Vanilla
• Oatmeal Cookie
• Peanut Butter
• NSF Certified for Sport
$69.99 for 11 servings
• Vanilla
• Unflavored
• Strawberry
• Chocolate PB
• Double Chocolate
• Informed Choice-certified
$69.99 for 63 servings
• Gourmet Vanilla
• Informed Choice-certified
$54.95 for 25 servings
• Vanilla
• Unflavored
• NSF Certified for Sport
$71.94 for 28 servings
• whey protein concentrate and isolate
• micellar casein
• collagen peptides
• Sea Salt Caramel
• Rich Chocolate
• Madagascar Vanilla
• Cookies & Cream
• Cinnamon Toast
• Chocolate Peanut Butter
• Caffe Mocha
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the products on this page, we considered all the protein powders that passed our vetting process. We then personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the products on this page, we considered all the protein powders that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.
The sheer variety of protein powders on the market allows you to be selective in choosing the best one for your needs and goals, but it can be overwhelming at the same time.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best protein powder for you:
- Type: Protein powders can either be animal- or plant-based. If you don’t have an intolerance or allergy to animal-based protein powder products and don’t avoid them for personal reasons, a quality whey protein concentrate is a suitable choice.
- Third-party testing: Although supplements like protein powders are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are not held to the same standards as prescription drugs. As such, it’s best to choose one that is third-party tested to ensure you’re getting what’s on the label and nothing more.
- Price: Some protein powders can be relatively inexpensive, while others can be costly. Dairy-based protein powders tend to be less expensive than plant-based alternatives, and protein concentrates are less expensive than isolates.
- Other ingredients: Some protein powders contain other ingredients like creatine or fiber that are intended to support muscle growth or weight management, respectively. If you don’t want or need these additional ingredients, you may be able to save on costs by choosing products without them.
- Flavors: Some companies use artificial sweeteners and flavors, while others use natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit. If the latter is important to you, make sure you read the ingredients list to identify whether it contains natural sweeteners and flavors.
Possible benefits of increasing your protein intake include:
While protein powder can be beneficial, it might not be a fit for everyone. There are several reasons why some people might choose to stop taking protein powder altogether.
For starters, it can cause digestive issues, especially when consumed quickly or in large amounts.
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Some ingredients — including sugar alcohols,
Plus, certain brands also contain additives, fillers, and artificial flavors or ingredients that some might prefer to avoid altogether.
Be sure to check the ingredient label carefully for additives, sweeteners, or other ingredients that you might want to limit.
It’s also important to choose a product that aligns with your dietary needs and preferences.
Sticking to smaller serving sizes when you’re first getting started and gradually increasing over time can also help you assess your body’s tolerance to prevent negative side effects.
Protein powder can be beneficial in some cases, especially when used to support specific health or dietary needs.
For instance, it can be a convenient way to meet your protein requirements, especially when starting a new workout routine, recovering from an injury, or trying to bulk or gain weight.
It’s also useful if you’re following a specific diet that tends to be lower in protein, including vegan or vegetarian diets.
That said, protein powder shouldn’t be used to replace a balanced diet. Instead, use it to complement a variety of other nutritious sources of protein in your meals.
How often you take protein powder will depend on various factors, including your protein needs, the amount of protein you’re getting from other sources, and your overall health goals.
However, you can safely take protein powder daily if you choose.
The best time to drink protein shakes depends on your goals. For example, if you’re hoping to gain muscle, it’s often recommended to consume protein shortly after finishing a workout.
On the other hand, if you’re aiming to support recovery, taking a slow-digesting protein like casein 30 minutes before bed or after resistance training in the evening might be your best bet.
Meanwhile, if you’re using protein powder for weight loss, try drinking it between meals to help increase feelings of fullness.
The most common way to use protein powder is by mixing it with water or your favorite beverage. You can also mix it into oatmeal and soups or use it to make protein powder pudding, energy bites, pancakes, and more.
While hot water doesn’t affect the efficacy or nutritional value of protein powder, it can alter the taste and texture. More specifically, it can cause the protein powder to become clumpy or gritty, which might make it less enjoyable to drink.
Generally, protein powder lasts 2 years after the manufactured date, regardless of when you open it. The manufactured date is usually stamped on or around the bottom of the tub or package. Some products list the expiration date.
With the variety of protein powders available, choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming.
By reviewing the list of protein powders we’ve selected, we’re hopeful you’ll find one that suits your needs and goals.
Remember, protein powders aren’t a substitute for whole foods, but they can be a convenient and cost-efficient way to help you meet your protein needs.