Top 10 Best Protein Powders For Muscle Gains, Weight Loss & More (Sponsored)
For cost, protein per serve, overall nutritional value, taste, and benefits, these are the ones that made the cut.
* Please consult your primary care provider before starting any new supplement, to ensure if they are right for you.
(Ad) If you’ve never hit the protein powder display at your local gym—or navigated the hundreds of formulas and brands on offer online—you’re in for a treat.
Or a struggle, depending on how you feel about shopping.
But the struggle is worth it when you find the right protein powder for you.
A good protein powder can help you level up your health and move closer to your fitness goals for 2022.
The Top 10 Best Protein Powders Currently on the Market
Protein powder has a pretty simple job: to supplement your protein intake. Whether it’s to increase muscle mass, enhance athletic performance, or help you in your weight loss journey—everyone’s got their reasons.
The job of protein powders might be simple, but the selection process most definitely is not. There are a million and one protein powders on the market (with the 2022 releases hitting shelves nationwide as we speak).
How do you know which one is right for your needs?
And how do you know you need one at all?
Our panel of experts―seriously, we’re talking nutritionists, fitness gurus, and gym junkies―have put the top performing protein powder lines to the test.
For cost, protein per serving, overall nutritional value, taste, and benefits, these are the ones that made the cut.
Huge Whey – Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gains
Type: Whey protein
Calories per serving: 130
Protein: 25 g
Carbs: 2.5 g
Sugar: 0 g
Fat: 2 g
Why We Love Huge Whey
Coming in first is Huge Supplements' Whey protein powder. What makes this such an excellent option is that each scoop packs a whopping 25 grams of protein.
That's a lot compared to the other protein powders out there. It's very beneficial to have a high protein content, as it's the building block for your muscles. Add it to your daily routine, and you'll quickly notice the impact this product has.
Despite packing a large amount of protein, Huge Whey barely contains any carbohydrates or fats, making it the perfect product for those seeking muscle gains.
Right now, you're able to buy Huge Whey directly from the Huge Supplements website. It's very cost-effective as well, as a massive 30-serving tub of Huge Whey will only set you back roughly $40.
It comes in four different mouth-watering flavors: Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Vanilla Milkshake.
These flavors are much more exciting than the traditional flavor routes. Trust us when we say you won't be disappointed by how this product tastes!
Huge Vegan Protein – Best Plant-Based Protein Powder
Type: Plant-based protein
Calories per serving: 109
Protein: 20 g
Carbs: 3 g
Sugar: 0 g
Fat: 1.5 g
Why We Love Huge Vegan Protein
If you're looking for the best plant-based protein on the market, it's time for you to meet Huge Vegan Protein. Each serving is roughly 110 calories and provides you with an enormous 20 grams of protein.
But what makes this a top-notch option is that it combines multiple vegan protein sources. That's right―you're getting a blend of mung bean, fava bean, rice, and pea.
Because this product combines these different sources, you're getting a complete protein profile. That means you're getting all the nine essential amino acids from this product, giving you plenty of benefits.
That's exactly what you should be after when looking for a plant-based protein powder.
On top of that, it tastes beyond impressive for a plant-based product. Huge Vegan protein is available in five amazing flavors:
· Birthday Cake
· Cookies & Cream
· Marshmallow Madness
· Graham Cracker
· Cinnamon Crunch
Having tried all these flavors, you can't go wrong with any of them. With that said, Marshmallow Madness is our favorite―it's delicious!
Huge Whey – Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss
Type: Whey protein
Calories per serving: 120
Protein: 23 g
Carbs: 2.5 g
Sugar: 0 g
Fat: 2 g
Why We Love Huge Whey
Sure, we've already mentioned this one, but it's worth another mention if you're specifically in the market for a weight loss protein supplement.
Each flavor packs roughly 23 to 25 grams of protein and only about 130 calories, meaning you're getting the majority of your calories from protein. This is perfect for weight loss, as it'll help you stay full and prevent cravings.
Huge Whey protein powder is a convenient and delicious way to increase your protein intake—satisfying your appetite and shaving down those calories to get you trimmer, faster.
With one serving delivering roughly 130 calories and more than 5 grams of essential amino acids, it takes a little time to adjust to how decadent this stuff tastes.
As we've said earlier in the article, you can only buy Huge Whey from Huge Supplements or Amazon―whichever is your preference. Click here to visit the official product page.
Transparent Labs Whey Isolate – Best Grass-Fed Protein Powder
Type: Whey isolate
Calories per serving: 120
Protein: 28 g
Carbs: 1 g
Sugar: 0 g
Fat: 0 g
Why We Love Transparent Labs Whey Isolate
Next up, we have Transparent Labs' grass-fed whey isolate. First of all, it's a good quality product, as Transparent Labs―the brains behind PreSeries Bulk Pre-Workout―takes a lot of care with their manufacturing. US-born and bred, the lab is certified FDA GMP-compliant.
Secondly, it tastes good. Not too sweet, but not bland. It blends well, with superior mixability even if you don't have a blender to hand. We've test-driven this one in ye olde faithful shaker bottle with decent results—and no powdery dregs in the bottom of the bottle when we're done.
Where Transparent Labs' protein powder falls short is in the cost rating. This is one expensive tub, but with good reason.
Grass-fed whey isolate is expensive to start with, so when you factor in a stateside manufacturing facility and the high quality of the end product, it's easy to see why you're paying the extra few dollars.
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass – Best Mass Gainer Protein Powder
Type: Whey protein & calcium caseinate blend
Calories per serving: 1,250
Protein: 50 g
Carbs: 250 g
Sugar: 0 g
Fat: < 5 g
Why We Love Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
This is a beast of a mass gainer protein powder. Optimum Nutrition has crafted a powder to deliver serious bulk that stays true to its name. With a staggering 1,250 calories and 50 grams of protein per serving, you’ll stack on some serious pounds in minimal time.
Optimum Nutrition has used a combination of protein sources to deliver both fast and slow digesting benefits and packed in enough of a carb injection to support the most grueling workouts in your routine.
This protein powder is enhanced with creatine and glutamine to aid in muscle recovery, while the carb support can aid in replenishing your body’s glycogen stores.
Did we mention it tastes awesome?
With thousands of online reviews and a devoted following in the fitness community, this one is known to be easy to mix, smooth to drink, and without the bloat that comes with some mass gainers.
Dymatize Elite Casein – Best Casein Protein Powder
Type: Casein protein
Calories per serving: 130
Protein: 25 g
Carbs: 3 g
Sugar: 0 g
Fat: 2 g
Why We Love Dymatize Elite Casein
Excellent macros and a competitive price for the experienced body builder. New to the game? That’s okay too—Dymatize Elite has factored in everything you need for a supremely balanced, tasty protein powder.
A full 25 grams of 100% micellar casein aids in prolonged muscle recovery, while 2.3 grams of L-leucine back up that muscle support. Sustained release amino acids help with muscle growth, making Dymatize Elite Casein a solid choice post-workout for overnight sustained muscle repair.
Dymatize also offers up their casein protein powder in a few different flavors. Rich Chocolate and Smooth Vanilla make ideal staples for a simple shake, a pudding, or a couple of pancakes, while Cinnamon Roll is best reserved for those with a serious sweet tooth.
The brand copped some heat early last year when some savvy buyers noted that the 4-pound container actually held less than 3 pounds of actual protein powder, but it looks like the issue was resolved by the end of 2021—our last purchase was pretty much spot on 4 pounds.
Naked Pea – Best Pea Protein Powder
Type: Plant-based protein
Calories per serving: 120
Protein: 27 g
Carbs: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
Fat: 0.5 g
Why We Love Naked Pea
True to its name, there’s only one ingredient in Naked Pea: pea protein. Essentially an extract of protein from US- and Canadian-grown yellow split peas, this is a protein source that’s easily utilized within the body—meaning it’s ideal as a vegan alternative to whey protein.
Zero additives, zero sweeteners, and independently tested for heavy metals, this is the king of pea protein offerings for the conscientious fitness enthusiast.
Not only is it minimal and nutritionally sound, but it’s got a perfect protein content for those looking to streamline their physique.
It might not be the best tasting protein powder on the market right now, but it’s virtually unbeatable as a plant-based muscle-building supplement.
Vital Proteins Original Collagen – Best Collagen Protein Powder
Type: Collagen
Calories per serving: 70
Protein: 18 g
Carbs: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g
Fat: 0 g
Why We Love Vital Collagen
A bioavailable collagen peptides powder might not look like it belongs on this list, but hear us out. Loaded with beneficial ingredients to strengthen hair, nails, skin, joints, and ligaments, Vital Proteins has also managed to enhance their supplement with 18 grams of protein in a sugar-free, fat-free, carb-free form.
Being a collagen peptides powder, this is also flavorless, odorless, and free from dairy, gluten, and heavy metals. There’s no need to disguise it with fruit or milk—just dissolve it in your morning cup of joe and you’re ready to start your day.
If you’re looking for a reasonable boost to your protein intake but can be sensitive to weird tastes and textures, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder is the ultimate intro protein powder to enhance your fitness journey.
Naked Whey – Best Unflavored Protein Powder
Type: Grass-fed whey protein
Calories per serving: 120
Protein: 25 g
Carbs: 3 g
Sugar: 2 g
Fat: 2 g
Why We Love Naked Whey
It’s rare to find a 100% grass-fed whey protein powder with no preservatives, no sweeteners, and no genetically modified additives. To really double down on their unique offering, NAKED has embraced cold processing for this whey protein powder to eliminate contaminants and heavy metals.
What does this mean for you?
In simple terms, a totally unflavored, genuinely naked whey protein source for muscle recovery and improved resilience.
NAKED Nutrition has always had a focus on high-performance protein powders, and this NAKED Whey really stays true to brand.
Jam-packed with essential amino acids (5.9 grams of BCAAs per serving) and a pure, natural protein source, you can trust that your muscles are getting the best support available on the open market.
Novapro Whey Isolate – Best Lactose-Free Protein Powder
Type: Whey protein isolate
Calories per serving: 120
Protein: 26 g
Carbs: 3 g
Sugar: <1 g
Fat: 0.5 g
Why We Love Novapro
How does Novapro Whey Isolate taste this good? With less than a gram of sugar and fat per serving, it doesn’t make sense that it tastes this rich, creamy, and delicious. Not only does it taste great, but it’s also keto friendly, gluten free, and lactose free.
Factor in that it delivers less than 3 grams of carbs—ideal for fitness enthusiasts embracing that low-carb lifestyle—and you’re looking at the gold standard of protein powders.
Novapro’s newest protein powder supports muscle recovery and reduces oxidative stress thanks to leucine, cysteine, glutamine, and glutathione. It drives your metabolism and boosts your immune system with sunflower lecithin.
It’s also US-made, meaning it’s formulated and crafted to FDA GMP compliance.
And even if you forget all that, it’s packed with enough protein to stave off hunger and drive your metabolism higher.
Ranking the Best Protein Powders of 2022
Can you tell we take protein powder seriously? We take our annual protein powder rankings seriously too.
Our team of dedicated judges is made up of athletes, fitness editors, and nutritionists to make sure we’ve got all the bases covered. We curate a list of the best protein powders for every fitness goal.
We’ll be honest with you: a lot of really good protein supplements don’t make the cut.
If they do, it’s because they excel in these key areas:
Protein Content
This one might seem obvious, but there’s more to protein content than meets the eye. It’s not all about the number of grams of protein per serving.
It’s also about the type of protein on offer, how it’s produced and sourced, and the quality of the manufacturing process.
Product Quality
It doesn’t stop there either. We also need to look at the macronutrient profile and the manufacturer’s history.
We dig into things like the amino acid profile of the protein powder blend. We check out the sweeteners used—with two of the most popular being stevia and monk fruit extract, which add exactly zero additional calories.
We also look at thickeners—like guar gum—which are used to help the powder bind with water and emulsify. Because nobody wants to start their day with a watery protein shake.
Taste & Flavor Options
Let’s face it—if it doesn’t taste good, are you even going to drink it? Some of the best protein powders on the market right now are going to waste because they just aren’t palatable.
Chalky, overly sweet, overly bitter, powdery, gritty, or just plain “weird tasting”―unless you’re that guy at the gym chugging his protein shake like it’s water, this one is going to be a deal-breaker.
At the same time, we like options, right? We’re big fans of protein powder lines that offer more than one flavor option (like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass, with four awesome flavor profiles!).
Price
Finally, you’ve got to look at value. The cheapest protein powder isn’t necessarily the best value—just like the most expensive protein powder isn’t the best.
It’s all about analyzing price per serving, in conjunction with everything else.
What Does Protein Powder Do?
To answer this question properly, we’ve got to break it down a little.
First up: What does protein do?
Dietary protein provides the building blocks our bodies need to maintain their own proteins—building blocks called amino acids.
While we can get dietary protein from many sources—like beans, legumes, red meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products like yogurt and cheese—those also come with calories and fats that might throw us off our fitness track.
Protein powder, on the other hand, is an easy way to consume dietary protein without a bunch of calories, saturated fats, or sugars.
If gaining mass is your goal, mass gainer protein powders can also help you pack in enough calories and protein without having to force-feed yourself.
Protein powder is also helpful to those who require more protein than their diet can provide. Anyone who is recovering from surgery or illness or is dealing with appetite loss or injury is likely to require more protein than they can consume. In that case, supplemental protein powder can help.
Aside from convenience and ease of use, researchers have gone on record to list two other key benefits to using protein powder.
It Promotes Weight Loss
According to dietitians, protein powder can be a useful tool for achieving fat loss—provided it’s used properly.
In conjunction with a caloric deficit and an active lifestyle, protein powders can make a highly nutritious, low-calorie meal replacement. Let’s say you blend your protein powder of choice with a glass of skim milk each morning. Essentially, you’re replacing your usual breakfast with a 250 calorie shake that leaves you satiated.
A 2018 study of obese and overweight adults backed this up—those who replaced one meal a day with a protein shake lost an average of 9.5 lbs. over 12 weeks.
The control group—who didn’t use a meal replacement shake—lost only 0.5 lbs. on average.
Some nutritionists might argue that replacing a meal with any shake will support your weight loss—but there’s evidence that this isn’t totally true.
One study in particular—this one from 2008—proved that high-protein, low-carb meal replacement shakes led to increased fat loss when compared to high-carb, low-protein meal replacement shakes.
It Speeds Up Muscle Growth & Recovery
There’s a reason protein powders are such a major part of gym life: they’re good for muscle growth and recovery.
Long the domain of athletes and body builders, protein shakes have been used consistently to support building muscle mass and improving physical performance. But how does it work?
When we exercise, we stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) within the body—the process of building muscle mass.
When we consume high-quality protein, we also stimulate MPS. When our protein powder provides branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) that can easily be absorbed into the bloodstream, it triggers a higher level response of MPS.
In short, protein powder plus BCAAs plus exercise equals building muscle mass.
At the same time, studies have shown that high-quality protein powders can support the body’s ability to retain muscle after weight loss.
Since we all know muscle mass improves metabolism as well as strength and a host of other benefits, it pays to invest in keeping it around.
The Different Types of Protein Powder
When it comes to protein powder, you may have already figured out that they are not all created equal.
Quality and macronutrients vary from one product to the next. The same goes for calorie count, ingredients, and even the type of protein used.
In this section, we’re unpacking the three main types of protein used in protein powders—and how they differ.
Whey Protein
Animal-based protein sources can be broken down into two of the three categories we’re going to discuss: whey and casein.
Whey is a liquid derived from milk that has been curdled and strained—usually as a by-product of cheese manufacturing.
It’s considered the gold standard of dietary protein sources for a number of reasons:
- Whey protein contains all nine essential amino acids.
- It is widely available and reasonably affordable to manufacturers.
- It is highly effective as a protein source.
- It is rapidly digested by humans.
- It is easily absorbed by the digestive system and delivered into the blood and muscles quickly.
Whey protein comes in four forms—all rich in BCAAs. Some protein powders use one type of protein exclusively, while some use a whey/casein or whey/soy blend.
It all depends on the product’s end goal for you or on the price point the protein powder will be sold at when it hits the shelves at your local store.
Whey Protein Concentrate: The whey protein is removed from the water and minerals in milk.
Whey Protein Isolate: The whey protein is removed from the fat and lactose in milk. This is the purest form of whey protein.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate: Often referred to as hydrolyzed whey, this protein source is partly broken down by enzymes and acids. For this reason, it is considered “pre-digested” and is often easier on those with milk allergies or digestive issues. This is the most expensive form of whey protein.
Native Whey Protein: Unlike the other three forms of whey protein, native whey is not harvested as a by-product of cheese. It has a higher nutritional value than other whey protein forms and is extracted directly from milk.
Casein Protein
Casein makes up approximately 80% of the protein content in cow’s milk—so it’s the main type of protein available in dairy.
Where whey can be rapidly absorbed into the digestive system and the bloodstream, casein breaks down much more slowly.
This makes it ideal as a slow-release product to support muscle recovery—it’s often found in protein powders marketed as overnight recovery supplements and is recommended as a pre-bed protein shake to rebuild and repair muscles as you sleep.
Plant Protein
While whey and casein protein are both derived from dairy, there are a plethora of plant-based options to choose from too. You might also know them as vegan protein powders.
Whether your reasons for going plant-based are ethical, health-driven, or a combination of the two, there are plenty of protein-rich plants and legumes willing to offer up their services for the greater good.
Soy Protein
One of only a handful of plant-based protein sources that contain all nine essential amino acids, soy protein is extracted from the hulled, dried flour of soy beans. Soy protein concentrate and soy protein isolate can both be used in protein powder.
Hemp Protein
Hemp has received a lot of hype over the past few years—and with good reason. A highly adaptable, hypoallergenic, high-fiber plant-based protein source, it’s high in essential fatty acids, easy and economical to produce, and good for the environment.
Unfortunately, it is low in leucine, so most hemp-based protein powders will include a leucine supplement or secondary protein supplement.
Pea Protein
Typically made from golden peas—not the green peas you find in your freezer—this vegan-friendly alternative to casein is slow-release and ideal for overnight muscle recovery.
Rice Protein
Rice is a high-carb food, but—surprisingly for some—brown rice contains more than 8 grams of protein per 100 grams.
This can be isolated and ground into powder for extraction. Great for those who need to avoid dairy, soy, and gluten, rice protein is naturally high in B vitamins.
Aside from these key plant-based proteins, some protein powder developers are also exploring even further afield—like chia seeds (a naturally protein-rich food) and pumpkin seeds.
Should You Be Using Protein Powder?
We all need to be eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. We know that. But often our diet takes a back seat to all the jobs we’ve packed into our lives and all the stuff we’ve got on the agenda.
Protein powder—like other dietary supplements—was created to help pick up the slack.
There are a lot of benefits to using protein powder—for athletes, gym enthusiasts, body builders, and anyone focused on fat loss, muscle building, strength training, fitness, and recovery.
If you fall into any of those categories, supplementing your protein intake with protein powder is a lot more convenient than trying to pack more lean dietary protein into your daily diet without throwing the rest of your macros out of balance.
But how should you be using it? We’ll explore that in the next section.
How to Use Your Protein Powder
We like to think we know our readers. And we’re guessing this is the section most likely to be skipped.
Right?
But bear with us because here’s where we’re going to give you the lowdown on the proper way to select, mix, and flavor your protein powder for best results.
First up, the basics.
How to Mix a Protein Shake 101
Step 1. Fill a shaker bottle with 8-12 fl. oz. of water or milk.
Step 2. Get your hands on a high-quality protein powder like Huge Whey. Open it up.
Step 3. Use the scoop in the tub to measure out the recommended amount of powder (spoiler alert: it’s usually 1 level scoop). Put it in the shaker bottle.
Step 4. Close the shaker bottle and shake, shake, shake until frothy and mixed. Drink up.
Tips to Make Your Protein Shake Even Better
This is going to depend on your macro and caloric goals, as well as how full you want to be and how much goodness you want to pack into your shake—so use the tips at your discretion.
- Try different liquids. The world is your oyster here. Almond milk, rice milk, apple juice, cow’s milk…you can transform your protein powder into literal pudding just by changing your base liquid and the amount of liquid you use.
- Add fruits and veggies. Frozen berries are a great way to cool down and trick your body into thinking it’s got ice cream after a brutal workout. Likewise, a serving of spinach is virtually tasteless in a protein shake, but your body will thank you.
- Add butter. Looking to boost your caloric intake and increase muscle mass? Try adding almond or cashew butter to your next protein shake—but only if you’re using a blender (for obvious reasons).
- Add seeds. Chia seeds will give your protein powder a supplementary protein boost, and if you leave your shake to sit for a little while, it’ll thicken up like pudding.
5 Protein Shake Hacks You Need in Your Life
- The first time you mix your protein shake, use water. Without adding milk or any other flavorings, you’re going to get a good gauge on how your protein powder really tastes. Maybe you’ll hate it and definitely never have it with water again (unlikely if you choose one of our top 10 powders). On the other hand, maybe you’ll love it, and you can skip the extra calories and macros that come along with the milk and fruit you habitually throw in the blender.
- Get a blender. A magic bullet-type deal will work wonders too. A Vitamix—while a little bit OTT for this operation—will also deliver smoother, creamier protein shakes and puddings.
- Always put the liquid in first, then add the powder. If you put the powder on the bottom, good luck getting it all blended properly.
- If you’re using a shaker bottle, use half the liquid you need, add the powder, and shake. Once everything has emulsified, add the rest of the liquid and shake again.
- Add ice. In shaker bottles, ice helps break up clumps. In any blending situation, a cold smoothie is always better than a lukewarm one.
Does Protein Powder Have Side Effects?
For most of us, consuming protein powder carries no direct risk—and a lot of benefits. It all depends on the requirements of your body, your lifestyle, and your training goals.
There are a couple of caveats, however. For starters, supplements can come with a risk of heavy metal contamination. There’s an easy workaround here, though—find a brand that carries out third-party heavy metal testing (like the brands that made our top 10 protein powders list).
Excessive use of protein powders above and beyond what your body requires could also potentially lead to weight gain, kidney stones, or decreased liver function.
Again, the solution is simple—do the math, and be sure that you’re consuming the correct amount of high-quality protein for your body’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Protein Powder Go Bad?
Yes. Protein powder isn’t designed to live forever, and it usually expires within a year. Whey protein has a slightly longer shelf life than casein and plant-based proteins.
Always store properly—in a cool, dark place (not the refrigerator)—and check the expiration date.
How Much Protein Powder Should I Take?
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions on the tub. That way, you’ve got an accurate gauge on your nutritional intake. We recommend not to exceed 3 scoops of protein powder per day.
What Should I Mix My Protein Powder With?
You’ve got a lot of options. Rice milk adds sweetness, hemp milk adds essential fatty acids, soy and dairy milk add more creaminess, and oat milk is popular for enhancing the flavor of chocolate protein powder.
You could also try fruit juice—but check with the manufacturer, as some fruit juices interact badly with protein structures.
Is Protein Powder Good for Weight Loss?
Yes, it is!
Protein is important to our bodies in many ways. Adequate protein intake enables us to fight off infections, assist in wound healing, and maintain or build muscle, and it gives us the energy to go about our busy lives.
Protein powder also provides a reliable, nutritious meal replacement when we’re looking to trim down the waistline—and the caloric intake. Protein powders can help us to feel full and satisfied for longer, without compromising on key nutrients in our diet.
When Should I Take My Protein Powder?
This one is all going to depend on what you want to achieve.
For fat loss and meal replacement, it’s simple: pick a meal, ditch it, and drink your delicious protein smoothie instead. Opt for a whey or plant-based protein powder for something fast-digesting and filling in a hurry.
For lean muscle building and gains, the best time to take your protein powder is within the anabolic window: 15-60 minutes after a workout. Muscle protein synthesis is massively enhanced after exercise, so you want to feed that process as it happens.
For slow release muscle recovery overnight, you’ll want to take a casein-based protein powder just before bed. It’ll provide sustained blood sugar support as well as all the protein your body needs to rebuild as you rest.
For those times when you don’t feel like a full meal—but you know you need to feed your body—a fast-digesting whey-based protein powder will deliver the nutrients you need, where you need them. Just remember, protein powder is designed to supplement a balanced diet.
Can You Mix Protein Powder with Creatine?
Absolutely. To properly absorb creatine into the body, it’s best to have it with a small amount of sugar—like fruit juice or a piece of fruit. If you want to add creatine to your shake, try throwing in a handful of blueberries or acai berries to sweeten things up and improve creatine absorption.
Is Protein Powder Bad for Your Kidneys?
Research says “No.” Protein powder is designed as a beneficial supplement to a balanced diet.
The link between excessive protein consumption and kidney health is still being analyzed, but studies have established that there is no evidence that too much protein damages healthy kidneys.
That said, individuals who suffer from kidney disease should consult their health care provider before consuming any protein supplements.
Conclusion
Protein powder may seem like it only has one job—to give you protein—but the best of the best do way more than that.
The best protein powders on the market in 2022 increase muscle mass, enhance athletic performance, aid in weight loss, support muscle recovery, and improve muscle repair overnight.
And they taste good while they’re doing all that.
Whatever your health and fitness goals for 2022, we’re confident you’ll find a protein powder that supports your goals on this list:
For muscle gains: Huge Whey
For plant-based protein: Huge Vegan
For grass-fed protein: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed
For weight loss: Huge Whey
For mass gainers: Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
For casein protein: Dymatize Elite Casein
For pea protein: Naked Pea
For collagen: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
For flavorless protein: Naked Whey
For lactose-free protein: Novapro Whey Isolate
Now that we’ve unpacked our top 10 best protein powders for the new year, which one are you choosing?
You can’t go wrong with any of these options―make sure to choose the one that aligns with your goals!
*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer-reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.