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When it comes to building muscle, boosting your performance, and making the most out of all your hard work in the gym, it often means adjusting protein consumption. Research suggests that using whey protein powder along with resistance training can help maintain lean body mass and increase upper and lower-body strength.
When you’re looking for whey protein, navigate through the aisles of any supplement store, and you’ll see a wide variety of different protein types. There is a seemingly endless number of protein powder options, but some may not be suited for your goals or lifestyle. Choosing the most suitable whey protein for your routine or training can be dependent on a range of variables: budget, goals, taste, mixability, ingredients, certifications, and much more. With so many whey protein supplements to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the confusing world that is sports nutrition, especially when you’re trying to find the best whey protein powder.
To help you find a good product, we’ve researched & compared the best whey protein supplements on the market right now. Also, below you will find a suite of information covering all the ways whey protein function, and why a certain whey protein product might be the most suitable for you.
What Is Whey Protein?
Whey protein is a by-product of the cheese-making process when whey protein is separated from the other elements of milk. Whey protein is considered a complete protein as it contains all 9 essential amino acids and high levels of branched-chain amino acids. Producers then process and dry the whey into powder form. In its powder form, whey protein is one of the most popular sports nutrition products in the world because of its availability, cost, and effectiveness. Whey protein is fast to digest, and also convenient to prepare, which makes it an ideal protein supplement for athletes who need a quick boost of protein in rebuilding and repairing the muscular damage caused by working out.
What Kind of Whey Protein Powders Are There?
Whey can be processed to yield whey protein in three whey protein types: whey isolate, whey concentrate, or whey hydrolysate.
- Whey Protein Isolate: Widely considered the best form of whey protein powder, whey protein isolates typically containing 90% or more protein by weight can be produced. It’s very low in fat, and lactose, so even people who are lactose intolerant can often be fine taking good whey protein isolate powders. Overall, the processing steps used in the production of whey isolate result in higher protein content and lower fat and carbohydrate content per serving. With that being said, its higher purity and protein content make it a bit more expensive than more affordable alternatives like whey protein concentrate.
- Whey Protein Concentrate: Perhaps the most commonly used form of whey to increase dietary protein intake, often with a goal to maximize muscle hypertrophy. Whey protein concentrate is fast-acting, affordable, and widely available. Concentrate typically contains around 80% protein, although it can vary widely. However, the types of amino acids found in whey protein concentrate or whey protein isolate are virtually identical, since they both are derived from the same proteins.
- Hydrolyzed Whey Protein: This form of whey involves a protein that has been broken down into little molecules to increase the speed of digestion, absorption, and utilization. This ultra-fast absorption makes hydrolyzed whey protein the best after an intense muscle-damaging session, in comparison with those consuming whey isolate. Hydrolyzed whey protein is typically more expensive, and is not commonly used as the main type of whey, although it may be added to good whey protein blends.
How Can Whey Protein Powder Help Me?
Most people have enough protein in their diet to support everyday bodily functions – between 0.7 and 0.9g of protein per kg of body weight. If you’re training hard, you’re breaking down a lot of muscle. Protein in your muscles is catabolized – or broken down – and lost if the body doesn’t have enough to replenish its supplies. Protein powders usually offer a higher protein concentration than natural foods high in proteins like meat, fish, dairy, and whole grains. That’s why whey protein shakes on training days can help plug the gap and preserve your hard-earned lean muscle.
Whey protein supplementation, along with resistance exercise, can help improve muscle protein synthesis and promote the growth of lean tissue mass.
10 Best Whey Protein Powders Compared
For even more targeted body benefits, check out this list of whey powders. These are the 10 best whey protein powders as picked by our editorial team!
10 – GAT Whey Protein
GAT Whey Protein Best for: For healthy and active individuals who want to support improved digestion and assimilation of protein into muscles.
GAT Sport Whey Protein is an optimal source of protein to help build and maintain muscle. Each scoop of GAT Whey Protein is packed with 25g of fast-acting 100% premium whey protein that gets straight to work on your muscles. Each scoop contains 3-4g carbs, 5g BCAAs, 1.5-2g fat.
Coming in at a price point of $64.99 for 68 servings it is within the competitive pricing of $0.96/serving.
GAT Whey Protein comes in a range of different flavors, including vanilla, rich chocolate, cookies, cream, and coffee, and it is available to buy online from many online retailers including amazon.com.
Why Buy GAT Whey Protein:
Who Shouldn’t Buy GAT Whey Protein:
GAT Whey Protein Review: “In conclusion, This whey protein by GAT Sport Nutrition is a great product and one of the best in its category. Great tasting protein. Very mixable and good amino acid profile!”
9 – XPI Myotein Protein Powder
XPI Myotein Protein Best for: Bodybuilders and athletes who need to support decreased recovery time.
XPI’S Myotein 5 different type protein blend – whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, lactase, micellar casein, whey protein hydrolysate, l-glutamine, and colostrum. Zero cholesterol. The blend of proteins will be delivered to muscles at different rates means you get the benefits of both fast and slow.
XPI’S Myotein will supply a steady stream of muscle-building goodness. Myotein works great as a meal replacement shake and can assist you in the fitness and physique goals you have.
Myotein comes in two flavors. Creamy Chocolate and French Vanilla, to be more specific. At the time of writing, the 71 servings tub cost $54.95 at amazon.com which comes down to $0,77 per serving.
Why Buy XPI Myotein Protein:
Who Shouldn’t Buy XPI Myotein Protein:
XPI Myotein Protein Review: “This is a delicious protein powder with a good combination of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, whey protein hydrolysate, micellar casein, and egg white protein. XPI Myotein is one of the most, if not the most, complete protein powders on the market.”
8 – Universal Nutrition Iso Whey
Universal Nutrition Iso Whey Best for: Athletes that want to increase muscle mass, prevent muscle breakdown, and improve performance.
Ultra iso whey protein powder from Universal Nutrition contains only premium 100% ultrafiltrated whey protein isolates and a pretty impressive amino acid profile. Each 25g serving of ultra iso whey protein serving contains an imposing 21g of protein and no fat.
Ultra iso whey mixes great! It dissolves quickly and easily, making for a smooth, milkshake texture. There are just four different flavors to choose from – chocolate shake, lemonade chiller, tropical punch, and a vanilla shake.
Formed in 1977, Universal Nutrition is now one of the most recognized and respected brands in sports nutrition.
Why Buy Universal Nutrition Iso Whey:
Who Shouldn’t Buy Universal Nutrition Iso Whey:
Universal Nutrition Iso Whey Review: “Overall, Universal Nutrition Iso Whey is a delicious protein powder with a serious amount of protein per serving (21g per 25g serving). It also has a notable amino acid profile. It tastes good and mixes brilliantly.”
7 – Evlution Nutrition 100% Whey Protein
Evlution Nutrition 100% Whey Protein Best for: Bodybuilders and athletes who need to perform at high-levels.
Evlution Nutrition’s 100% whey protein powder is the ideal muscle food to supply essential amino acids to fuel muscle growth and help you recover faster and stronger. 100% whey has 25 grams of protein, includes all 9 essential amino acids and 6 grams of BCAAs included per serving making it the perfect choice to boost muscle building, performance, and recovery.
Evlution Nutrition has an excellent reputation and has become a popular name in the world of workout supplements. The numerous new products from the company include many devoted to giving you the energy and help you require.
Evlution Nutrition’s 100% whey protein powder is available in vanilla ice cream and double-rich chocolate flavors. Coming in at a price point of $59.99 for 58 servings it is within the competitive pricing of $1.03/serving.
Why Buy Evlution Nutrition 100% Whey Protein:
Who Shouldn’t Buy Evlution Nutrition 100% Whey Protein:
Evlution Nutrition 100% Whey Protein Review: “In conclusion, This 100% whey protein by Evlution Nutrition is a strong blend of 5 proteins with both BCAAs, EAAs, and Glutamine added in. There are 25 grams of protein in each serving and is low fat and low carb.”
6 – MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey
MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey Best for: Gym-goers seeking high-quality ingredients that help build muscle mass and assist in recovery.
MusclePharm’s Combat 100% Whey is a muscle-building protein powder comprised of high-quality ingredients that help build muscle mass and assist in recovery. It contains 100% premium whey protein in the forms of Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Concentrate. As for the macros, this protein powder has 25 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of fat, and 3 grams of carbs per serving.
Combat 100% whey protein banned-substance tested and certified by Informed-Choice. Athletes who see the Informed-Choice logo on a product can be assured it has undergone rigorous checks and testing to ensure that it is not contaminated with banned substances and is safe to use.
MusclePharm’s Combat 100% whey protein comes in a range of different flavors, including cappuccino, chocolate milk, cookies ‘n’ cream, double chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, and it is available to buy online from many online retailers including amazon.com. This is one of the cheapest pre-workouts on the market: $45.03 for 73 servings, which is 62 cents per serving.
Why Buy MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey:
Who Shouldn’t Buy MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey:
MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey Review: “This is a delicious protein powder with a good combination of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. If you looking for an inexpensive source of protein, MusclePharm’s Combat 100% Whey might just fit the bill.”
5 – BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein
BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Best for: Hardcore bodybuilders seeking to promote muscle protein synthesis and recovery support.
BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein consists of 22g protein matrix: consisting of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, calcium caseinate, micellar casein, milk protein isolate, and egg albumin, which provides a full spectrum of amino acids.
What’s unusual is that BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein isn’t low-carb, but it’s not high-carb either. Many of the post-workout protein powders have at least twice the carbs as protein, but BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein has 15 grams of carbs and 5 grams of fiber, so around 10 grams of net carbohydrates.
BSN SYNTHA-6 whey protein powder comes in a range of different flavors, Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Milkshake, Strawberry Milkshake, Peanut Butter Cookie, Banana, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies & Cream, and it is available to buy online from many online retailers, including amazon.com.
Why Buy BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein:
Who Shouldn’t Buy BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein:
BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Review: “In conclusion, BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein is a top-quality protein powder and we find it to be an especially good option for use after your evening workout. Good flavors, mixes easily and results!”
4 – Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein
Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein Best for: For healthy and active individuals who want to get the most out of their workouts.
Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein is a blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. Each serving contains a total of 25g of protein, 3g of carbs, 2.5g of fat, 5.5g of BCAA – which includes 2.7g of leucine.
Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein is also backed by science. It’s a scientifically proven 100% whey protein powder that’s fast to digest and is quickly absorbed, plus it’s also a banned substance tested and manufactured in GMP-certified facilities.
Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein is available in chocolate, vanilla, and gourmet vanilla flavors. Elite 100% Whey Protein is available to buy from numerous online retailers. At the time of writing, the 25 servings tub cost $49.45 at amazon.com which comes down to $2 per serving.
Why Buy Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein:
Who Shouldn’t Buy Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein:
Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein Review: “Overall, Dymatize produces quality products. Elite 100% whey protein mixes well, quick digesting and absorbed by the body fast to fire up your muscle building and recovery after training.”
3 – Ultimate Nutrition Prostar Whey Protein
Ultimate Nutrition Prostar Whey Protein Best for: Athletes or beginners embarking on their fitness journey.
Prostar 100% whey protein utilizes an ultra-filtration process to ensure the highest quality whey protein powder. Prostar 100% whey protein packs the highest protein content with a tri-blend of different wheys – whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and whey peptides, also known as hydrolyzed whey. One serving delivers 25 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs (1 gram of sugar and no fiber), 1 gram of fat, and 120 calories.
You can pick up a standard 5-pound tub on Amazon for around $49.99, which provides 80 servings. That comes to 63 cents a serving or 2.5 cents per gram of protein, making Prostar 100% whey protein is one of the cheapest whey protein blends on the market.
Prostar 100% whey protein comes in 14 delicious flavors including unflavored. Try Prostar whey protein in chocolate or vanilla for a classic tasting protein shake, or treat yourself to our gourmet flavors like cocoa mocha, mango, raspberry, or new chocolate birthday cake.
Why Buy Ultimate Nutrition Prostar Whey Protein:
Who Shouldn’t Buy Ultimate Nutrition Prostar Whey Protein:
Ultimate Nutrition Prostar Whey Protein Review: “We would recommend Ultimate Nutrition Prostar whey protein for most athletes, bodybuilders, and weightlifting enthusiasts. It’s has a great macronutrient balance, it tastes amazing, and it’s insanely cheap.”
2 – Bodybuilding Signature 100% Whey Protein
Bodybuilding Signature 100% Whey Protein Best for: Bodybuilders and athletes seeking ultimate muscle growth and recovery.
BodyBuilding’s signature 100% Whey Protein combines three hard-hitting types of protein in one powerful blend – whey isolate, whey concentrate, and whey hydrolysate to give you a balanced amount of proteins. 1 scoop (35.5g) of Bodybuilding’s signature 100% whey protein provides 24g protein, 2g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 80mg cholesterol, 6g total carbohydrate, 1g dietary fiber, 2g total sugars, 140 calories.
Bodybuilding signature 100% Whey Protein carries the name of arguably the world’s most popular fitness website. The manufacturer also displays excellent transparency – it reveals all of the ingredient amounts. There are no “proprietary blend” packaging labels to be found here.
Bodybuilding signature 100% Whey Protein is definitely worth the price and consideration because of clinically dosed ingredients. Coming in at a price point of $28.99 for 27 servings it is within the competitive pricing of $1.07/serving.
Why Buy Bodybuilding Signature 100% Whey Protein:
Who Shouldn’t Buy Bodybuilding Signature 100% Whey Protein:
Bodybuilding Signature 100% Whey Protein Review: “In conclusion, Bodybuilding Signature 100% Whey is fully transparent, inexpensive, and research-backed whey protein. This product says what it is and it is what it is.”
1 – Myprotein The WHEY
Myprotein The WHEY Best for: Hardcore bodybuilders seeking to achieve their daily fitness goals.
Myprotein the whey is a pretty solid low-carb protein powder. It has a tri blend of different wheys and enzymes. One scoop provides 120 calories, 25 grams of high-quality protein, 3g leucine, 5g naturally occurring glutamine, 2 grams of carbs (with no fiber or sugar), and 1.5 grams of fat.
MyProtein is a very popular protein brand that delivers a range of quality products, including protein powders, vitamins and minerals, high-protein foods, and snack alternatives.
Myprotein the whey comes in a range of different flavors, including salted caramel, strawberry, chocolate, chocolate caramel, vanilla, cookies and cream, matcha, peanut butter cup, and it is available to buy online from many online retailers including amazon.com.
Why Buy Myprotein The WHEY:
Who Shouldn’t Buy Myprotein The WHEY:
Myprotein The WHEY Review: “Overall, Myprotein The WHEY is a very solid protein product, it has more protein and less fat, and it may digest more easily. We highly recommend MyProtein for their quality and value which is set above all others.”
We’ve finally reached the end of our top 10 whey protein powders ranking.
Through this list, we hope that you’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a quality whey protein powder so good. From there, you can decide exactly where your budget and health requirements meet.
For those of you that demand the highest quality whey protein supplements without exception, we hope that this list has helped you to find the perfect whey protein powder.