Protein is one of the three essential macronutrients the body needs. Its a part of your hair, connective tissues, and skin. While protein stores don’t provide energy, they act like building blocks for other bodily structures.
Most people should try to consume 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. If you’re an athlete or looking to gain muscle, bump it up to one gram per pound.
It’s hard to know which is the best protein powder for lean muscle building. It’s easy to get caught up in manufacturer claims and impressive-sounding words. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best protein shakes on the market today.
Keep reading to find the one to help you hit your goals this year.
Table of Contents
Do I Need to Use Protein Powder?
Absolutely not.
Does using protein powder make it easier for you to hit your protein requirements? Absolutely.
If you’re a hardcore carnivore, you may not need to use protein powder at all. You probably already meet your daily recommended protein intake from your diet.
If you don’t have the stomach for overloading your meals with meat, protein powder can help.
There are many benefits of pre-workout protein supplement, smoothies, or capsules.
They can help you lose weight and recover faster post-workout. Whey protein is very satiating, which can result in less over-eating and more effortless weight loss.
A diet that’s high in protein can boost your metabolism. This is especially true when you pair a high-protein diet and strength building. The more muscle your body has, the more calories you’ll burn in a day.
Let’s now take a look at our protein powder recommendations.
1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
Optimum Nutrition makes this powder using whey protein isolates – the purest form of whey. While the isolates make it a little more expensive, its quality is unbeatable. This makes ON’s powder the best whey protein on the market.
You’ll also receive a hefty dose of glutamine and glutamic acid with every scoop. Glutamine is great for your intestines and can help you reach your training goals faster.
ON’s protein can help combat cravings with flavors like rocky road, salted caramel, and cake batter. If you prefer your shakes to be more fruity, they have strawberry and strawberry banana.
You can also try ON’s Casein powder before bed to help build muscle while you sleep.
Type of Protein: Whey
Protein/Fat/Carbs Per Serving: 24/1/3
Flavors Available:Â 23
2. Healthspan Elite
Despite what some muscleheads might have you believe, vegans can build muscle, too. This vegan powder is the companion vegans need to help them reach their protein goals.
This powder also delivers 100% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12, too. B12 is necessary for vegans, as it’s almost impossible to get all you need from food alone.
For those with sensitive taste buds, this manufacturer offers unflavored varieties. You can also add flavor drops like chocolate, caramel latte, strawberry, or vanilla if you wish.
Type of Protein: Pea, pumpkin and brown rice
Protein/Fat/Carbs Per Serving:Â 20/0.8/1.4
Flavors Available:Â 5
3. BulkSupplements Casein
Don’t let its minimalist brand name fool you. BulkSupplements provides some of the best whey protein for men and women on the market today.
Their unflavored casein powder is no exception to that rule. This powder provides a slow release of amino acids, unlike whey’s fast-digesting proteins. Its slow-digesting formula makes it perfect for taking before bed to help heal you while you sleep.
It provides a hefty dose of Branched Chain Amino Acids, too. BCAAs help you grow muscles and speed up your recovery time.
Type of Protein:Â Casein
Protein/Fat/Carbs Per Serving:Â 26/1/1
Flavors Available:Â 1
4. MRM Egg White
MRMs Egg White Protein Powder is an excellent option for people with dairy or gluten sensitivities. It’s derived from 100% egg whites, and its high protein level is naturally achieved. The powder is loaded with high-protein egg whites and has a fantastic amino acid profile to boot.
The powder is low carb, low fat, and low cholesterol. Its easy-to-digest formula is perfect for people following a paleo diet.
Unlike other powders on the market, this one isn’t chalky. It mixes easily into smoothies or juices and can even go into breakfast favorites like oatmeal.
Type of Protein:Â Egg white
Protein/Fat/Carbs Per Serving:Â 26/1/1
Flavors Available: 2
5. Dymatize ISO100
Dymatize ISO100 uses hydrolyzed whey isolate to make digestion and absorption a breeze. The hydrolyzation process removes excess fats, carbs, and lactose. This makes it an excellent choice for people with sensitivities to lactose.
Aside from the considerable protein boost in every scoop, ISO100 also provides 5.5 grams of BCAAs. Nearly three grams of which come from L-Leucine.
This essential amino acid is helpful when you’re trying to build muscle. It can also aid in fat and weight loss, too.
ISO100 is available in several different flavors, so there’s sure to be one that suits your fancy. Birthday cake, peanut butter, and orange dreamsicle are their most popular flavors.
Type of Protein:Â Whey isolate
Protein/Fat/Carbs Per Serving: 25/0/1
Flavors Available: 12
6. Naked Nutrition Pea Protein Isolate
This pea protein from Naked Nutrition is another no-brainer for vegan athletes. It doesn’t have any added sugars or unnecessary fillers, so you can feel good about putting it into your body. It’s made from GMO-free crops and is soy and gluten-free for those with dietary sensitivities.
One of the best things about this is that it contains only premium yellow peas. Naked Nutrition gets their peas from environment-friendly farms in Canada and the United States. If you want a powder made with only the most natural and pure ingredients, this is it.
Take one look at the label’s impressive amino acid profile, and you’ll be sold. With 5.7 grams of BCAAs per serving, this powder has it all.
Type of Protein:Â Pea
Protein/Fat/Carbs Per Serving: 27/0.5/2
Flavors Available:Â 3
Get Your Hands on the Best Protein Powder for Lean Muscle
If you have goals in the gym, you need to make sure you’re eating to support them. You’ll hit your goals faster by using the best protein powder for lean muscle building. Now comes the hard part of deciding which of the above six jives best with your lifestyle.
Keep reading our blog for more life-changing tips and guides.
