No matter if you’re looking to build muscle, lose weight, or just be healthier, there’s a protein powder to help you do it. High-quality protein powders are more popular than ever, but they’re also being used by a broader range of people than ever. A post-workout shake definitely isn’t just for athletes training for a competition or bodybuilders trying to build muscle anymore! Everyone on a fitness journey—whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been at it for years—can benefit from adequate protein.
The only problem? There are also more choices than ever! To help you narrow down your options and match you up with the best protein powder for your needs and goals, we’ve created this list of our most popular proteins. Meet the best protein powders of 2021, learn what makes them great, and see how much you should take to be ready to build muscle, burn fat, and feel great.
Best Protein Powders
1. Pro Jym Protein Powder – Best-Tasting Protein Powder
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Type: Blend: Whey Isolate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate & Egg
Calories: 150
Protein: 24g
Carbs: 6g
Sugar: 1g
Fat: 3g
These proteins are released into the body at different rates, your muscles are being fed growth food long after you drink the shake. It’s the perfect protein blend for muscle growth, strength, energy, and recovery.
2. Gold Standard 100% Whey, 5 Lbs – Best Whey Protein Powder
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Protein Type: Blend: Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Peptides
Calories: 130
Protein: 24g
Carbs: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Fat: 1.5g
It can be used for muscle building, performance, and recovery, as well as for staying lean. Gold Standard Whey remains a solid nutritional choice with a lot of options.
One more awesome thing about Optimum Nutrition is it mixes so easily you can just stir it with a spoon. You don’t even need a shaker bottle (although it helps make a super smooth shake). So you have zero excuse to skip your protein, even if all your shaker bottles are in the dishwasher.
3. Dymatize ISO-100, 3 Lbs – Best Whey Protein Isolate Powder
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Protein Type: Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate
Calories: 120
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Fat: 2g
Dymatize ISO100 is an ultra-pure whey protein isolate that has been both filtered and blended with whey hydrolysate, creating a super-fast digesting and absorbing protein with peerless macros. It has had nearly all sugars, carbs, fats, and lactose removed, leaving almost nothing but pure muscle-building protein.
When you’re watching your calories, eating super clean, and avoiding junk food, it feels like a treat—but one that takes you closer to your goals.
4. Evlution Nutrition Stacked Plant Protein – Best Plant-Based Vegan Protein Powder
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Protein Type: Pea Protein, Rice Protein
Calories: 130
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 11g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 6g
Fat: 2g
EVL Stacked Plant Protein lives up to its name by being more than just a great source of protein. Along with a robust pea and rice protein blend, it provides 4 grams of BCAAs, 1 billion CFU probiotic blend, and a kale and spinach greens blend. It’s certified vegan, gluten-free, sucralose-free, and made with non-GMO ingredients. This formula combines best-in-class ingredients to create a fast-absorbing protein blend perfect to support muscle recovery and growth before and after workouts.
If you’re accustomed to whey protein shakes, expect to use a bit more water than normal—and maybe more than the label recommends—unless you don’t mind a slightly thicker shake.
5. Kaged Muscle Kasein – Best Casein Protein Powder
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Protein Type: Micellar Casein Protein Isolate
Calories: 120
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Fat: 0.5g
Kaged Muscle Kasein is a popular protein for pre-bedtime snacking, since it slowly digests and continuously feeds muscles essential amino acids over a course of several hours, helping support a long-term anabolic state and avoid muscle protein breakdown.
Kaged took this classic protein to the next level by nailing amazing milkshake-like flavors for both the vanilla and chocolate flavors.