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Best Protein Supplement Reviews and How to Choose One

last updated: Apr 06, 2021

The right protein supplements – taken at the right times – can help propel you to your bodybuilding and strength training goals by doing three things. They can increase your anabolic drive, improve your workload capacity and decrease your recovery time. Individually these factors can make a big difference. Put together they will work synergistically to power you towards your goals. In this article, we identify the 10 best protein supplements on the 2019 market.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 265 hrs of research

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MuscleTech NitroTech
94.4/100 our score
Potency
98
Side Effects
97
Safety Hazards
91
Materials
91
Ease of Use
95
MuscleTech NitroTech
Why is it better?

30 grams of protein

Creatine

BCAAs and Glutamine

Our #1 rated proteinDon't miss this...
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Our #1 rated protein
Researched Sources
19
Researched Sources
Total Readers
9K
Total Readers
Reviews Considered
14K
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
265
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
14
Products Evaluated
Sorting Options
Potency Side Effects Safety Hazards Materials Ease of Use By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.4
Potency
98 %
Side Effects
97 %
Safety Hazards
91 %
Materials
91 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$54.99
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.6
Potency
95 %
Side Effects
95 %
Safety Hazards
89 %
Materials
90 %
Ease of Use
94 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$35.47
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
Potency
90 %
Side Effects
95 %
Safety Hazards
87 %
Materials
90 %
Ease of Use
90 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
Potency
90 %
Side Effects
90 %
Safety Hazards
87 %
Materials
90 %
Ease of Use
87 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$26.18
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.2
Potency
85 %
Side Effects
85 %
Safety Hazards
86 %
Materials
90 %
Ease of Use
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$119.78
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
Potency
80 %
Side Effects
82 %
Safety Hazards
85 %
Materials
90 %
Ease of Use
82 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$52.93
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
Potency
80 %
Side Effects
82 %
Safety Hazards
85 %
Materials
90 %
Ease of Use
82 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.4
Potency
80 %
Side Effects
82 %
Safety Hazards
85 %
Materials
90 %
Ease of Use
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$62.37
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.2
Potency
80 %
Side Effects
81 %
Safety Hazards
85 %
Materials
90 %
Ease of Use
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$29.04

10 Best Protein Supplements

1. MuscleTech NitroTech

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94.4
image of MuscleTech NitroTech protein rich supplement
Amazon Link
Potency
98
Side Effects
97
Safety Hazards
91
Materials
91
Ease of Use
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$54.99
Pros:

30 grams of protein

Creatine

BCAAs and Glutamine

Cons:

Artificial Sugars

MuscleTech NitroTech delivers ultra-clean whey protein isolate and peptides to get amino acids to your muscle cells faster. Each serving provides you with 30 grams of the purest protein on the market. You also get a clinically dosed amount of the cleanest creatine monohydrate available, allowing you to train harder for longer.

With Nitro-Tech, you get a complete amino acid profile, delivering all of the essential amino acids, including 6.9 grams of BCAAs and 5.3 grams of glutamine. Multiphase filtration technology has been used to provide a sustained release of amino acids into your muscle cells. This will put and keep you in an anabolic state all day long. This formula will amplify recovery, performance, and strength.

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MuscleTech has created this superior protein powder which is 100% whey and tastes like chocolate! Could it get any better than that? It is designed for anyone looking for help in improving their strength and performance. It helps build lean muscle. The primary protein source is pure peptides and whey protein isolate. Every scoop is 24 grams of protein and the awesome taste does not add extra sugars or carbs.

You just drop a scoop in five ounces of either cold water or skim milk and shake it up. Use this powder between your meals and when exercising drink some before and afterward.

2. Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.6
image of Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey protein supplement
Amazon Link
Potency
95
Side Effects
95
Safety Hazards
89
Materials
90
Ease of Use
94
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$35.47
Pros:

20 flavors

5.5 grams of BCAAs

Great mixability

Cons:

Optimum Nutrition’s 100% whey is a hugely popular protein supplement. The main ingredient is 100% whey protein isolate, an extremely high quality, fast-acting source of amino acids. Each serving delivers 24 grams of protein to your muscle cells, with very low levels of lactose, cholesterol, and fat. Within that protein, the blend is 5.5 grams of branch chain amino acids, 4 grams of glutamine and glutamic acid.

Optimum Nutrition’s 100% Whey protein powder comes in over 20 flavors. The powder has been instantized to allow for ease of mixability. In fact, you can mix this product with just a glass and a spoon. Taking this product post-workout will provide the recovery and growth that your body needs to build muscle.

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This powder is a 100% blend of whey with protein isolate, concentrate and peptides to support gaining lean muscle mass. It contains 5G of BCAAS.
It is also gluten-free.

The rich chocolate flavor contains no sucralose. This powder is easy to mix with no lumps so you will enjoy the taste and texture. The quality is the best and tested for banned substances. You can choose from four different sizes and over twenty tasty flavors.

3. EAS 100% Pure Whey Protein Powder

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.4
image of EAS 100% Pure Whey Protein Powder
Amazon Link
Potency
90
Side Effects
95
Safety Hazards
87
Materials
90
Ease of Use
90
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

30 grams of protein

7.3 grams of BCAAs

No fillers

Cons:

Contains maltodextrin

EAS 100% Whey protein powder provides you with 30 grams of protein per serving from 100% pure whey protein. A huge 7.3 grams of that is in the form of naturally occurring branch chain amino acids to give your muscles the fuel that they need to grow. You won’t find any fillers or proprietary blends in this product. This product has been NSF tested and certified.

EAS 100% whey mixes very easily, allowing you to blend it together with nothing more than a spoon and glass of water. It mixes like a milkshake, especially if you use a shaker bottle or blender. The taste is one of the strengths of this product, coming in a range of flavors. Each serving provides you with 160 calories.

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Use this powder to build up your muscles with 30 grams of the best quality protein. Each serving gives you 7.3 grams of the BCAAs which help develop protein and repair your muscle damage. There are no added fillers or sugar. It has been tested and certified by NSF.

Take some 30 minutes after your strenuous workout and it will help rebuild and repair your muscles. You can also get it in a ready to drink a shake.

4. Pure Protein Natural Whey

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
image of Pure Protein Natural Whey supplement
Amazon Link
Potency
90
Side Effects
90
Safety Hazards
87
Materials
90
Ease of Use
87
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$26.18
Pros:

23 grams of protein

5 grams of BCAAs

Multiple sources of protein

Cons:

Limited flavor options

Pure Protein provides you with 23 grams of protein and more than 5 grams of branch chain amino acids with every serving. The protein formula has been instantized for ease of mixing. The protein is combined from a range of sources, including microfiltered whey protein concentrate. This provides a very fast-acting source of amino acids that go directly into your muscle cells.

The nutrient-dense and artificial free nature of this product make it a great post-workout supplement option. Pure protein mixes well and doesn’t leave any clumpiness at the bottom of the glass. When blended, it produces a frothy mix. It’s French Vanilla flavor is great tasting. Each serving provides you with 130 quality calories.

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Enjoy your protein every day naturally with pure protein powder in a tasty french vanilla flavor. Each serving is an enjoyable low-fat treat you can have any time of the day. This is a protein powder that acts fast to give you all the amino acids you need to support your lean muscle vitality and strength.

This protein powder supplements a well-balanced diet and will support a healthy lifestyle. When you have an active lifestyle, you have to feed your body. This powder is loaded with good protein and flavor. It has bars, powders, and shakes.

5. Cellucor Cor-Performance 100% Whey

image of Cellucor Cor-Performance 100% Whey protein
Amazon Link
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

5.5 grams of BCAAs

Low in carbs and fat

Great flavors

Cons:

Can leave a little clumpiness

Cellucor Cor-Performance 100% Whey Protein gives you 25 grams of 100% whey protein, along with 130 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 3 grams of carbohydrate per serving. You also get 5.5 grams of branch chain amino acids per serving. The protein source is whey isolate, along with digestive enzymes designed to deliver the amino acids to your muscles as fast as possible.

Cellucor Cor-Performance 100% Whey Protein is very low in both carbs and fat, making it an ideal post-workout supplement. It comes in an impressive range of dessert-inspired flavors. This protein is great for adding into other recipes, such as protein pancakes. Each 4.8-pound tub provides you with 52 servings.

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Two scoops of this whey powder have 24g of whey protein which will act fast and also includes digestive enzymes to cover your protein needs. This powder has low carbohydrates and fat which are not needed in a protein shake.

The flavors are inspired by your favorite desserts so you will enjoy the taste as well as the health benefits. The flavors are second to none including whipped vanilla, molten chocolate, cinnamon, peanut butter marshmallows, and more delicious flavors. And of course, your satisfaction is guaranteed.

6. Body Fortress Super Advanced 100% Whey

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.2
image of Body Fortress Super Advanced 100% Whey
Amazon Link
Potency
85
Side Effects
85
Safety Hazards
86
Materials
90
Ease of Use
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$119.78
Pros:

60 grams of protein per serve

8 grams of BCAAs

100% premium whey

Cons:

Limited flavors

Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein provides you with a massive 60 grams of protein with every two-scoop serving. That makes it the highest yielding protein per serving that we have reviewed. Included in that 60 grams is more than 8 grams of branch chain amino acids. The mix contains 100% premium whey with zero added soy protein. The tasty vanilla flavor mixes easily in either milk or water.

Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein supports lean muscle mass. Its huge protein content delivery will keep you in an anabolic state all day long and will deliver those vitally important post-workout amino acids. This protein powder can also be added to other recipes to boost the amino acid profile.

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This powder comes in a 2-pound container full of yummy chocolate. It will help in your training recovery since it contains creatine and other amino acids. You will be able to train more intensely and build up your lean muscle faster.

You can combine this protein powder with other supplements the company makes to help your workouts be even more effective.

7. IsoPure Whey Protein Isolate

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
image of IsoPure Whey Protein Isolate
Amazon Link
Potency
80
Side Effects
82
Safety Hazards
85
Materials
90
Ease of Use
82
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$52.93
Pros:

50 grams of protein per serve

100% whey protein isolate

Microfiltered

Cons:

Taste of some flavors may not appeal

Isopure Whey Protein Isolate delivers an impressive 50 grams of protein per serve with absolutely no carb content. Each serving is 110 calories. The protein source is 100% whey protein isolate, the purest fasting delivering protein on the market. The formulation is packed with vital nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to power you through your day. However, you won’t find any gluten, lactose or impurities in this product.

Isopure Whey Protein Isolate is made using the process of microfiltration to ensure that it is a clear milk protein when dissolved in water. It is available in lots of flavors including a flavor-free option, allowing you to add it to other recipes without distorting the flavor.

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This powder does more than a lot of the choices by helping with your ketogenic macros. It is lactose-free and gluten. It is only 100-110 calories so it helps you manage your weight. It also has zero carbs.

This powder has 25g per serving of protein isolate to support your muscles. It will support your lifestyle because you can use it between meals or any time around your workout.

8. Six Star Pro Nutrition 100% Whey

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
image of Six Star Pro Nutrition 100% Whey
Amazon Link
Potency
80
Side Effects
82
Safety Hazards
85
Materials
90
Ease of Use
82
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

30 grams of protein per serve

BCAAs

Glutamine

Cons:

Some flavors do not taste the best

Six Star Pro Nutrition Elite Series Whey Protein Powder provides you with 30 grams of protein per serve. There are absolutely no trans fats in this product, which is also free of additives and fillers. It includes a high dosage of both branch chain amino acids and glutamine to give your muscle the specific amino acid profile that it is craving post-workout.

Six Star Pro Nutrition 100% Whey claim that test subjects were able to build 4x the muscle and 2x the strength when supplementing with this product compared to other protein powders. The product mixes well in a blender bottle, without any grittiness or clumping. It comes in a range of tasty flavors.

Are you confused about macros? Make sure to check out our Best Macro Diet Calculator for Weight Loss to get all the facts.

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This product comes from a top-selling brand of bodybuilding supplements. It is a superior formula you trust to help increase your strength capacity.
It will help you improve your muscle performance with the best ingredients like creatine monohydrate, ultra-premium beta-alanine, and arginine AKG.

The formula has a dose of caffeine scientifically researched to improve your workout intensity and mental performance.

9. BSN Syntha-6

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.4
image of BSN Syntha-6
Amazon Link
Potency
80
Side Effects
82
Safety Hazards
85
Materials
90
Ease of Use
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$62.37
Pros:

Great taste

22 grams of protein

Mixes well

Cons:

6 grams of fat per serve

BSN SYNTHA-6 protein powder gives you 22 grams of protein per serve, which is a little lower than most of the other protein supplements we have been considering. It includes essential amino acids and essential fatty acids. It is also a premium source of fiber, with 5 grams in every serving. You also get 6 grams of fat in every service, making for a nutritious, multi-purpose protein supplement.

BSN SYNTHA-6 protein powder is available in more than 10 flavors. The taste is a major plus for this product, with such decadent flavor as chocolate cake batter. It mixes just like a frothy milkshake, making it hard to believe that it is actually good for you.

If you’re trying to gain weight fast, be sure to check out our Best Supplements to Gain Weight Fast review – we cover the 10 best products on the market right now.

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This formula is delicious and has the protein matrix you need. Even though the taste is fantastic, it only contains 2-3g of sugar per serving.

You can use this powder after a workout, between meals for a snack or treat yourself. It is designed to be your protein boost at any time of the day.

10. Jarrow Formulas Whey Protein

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.2
image of Jarrow Formulas Whey Protein
Amazon Link
Potency
80
Side Effects
81
Safety Hazards
85
Materials
90
Ease of Use
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$29.04
Pros:

8 grams of essential amino acids

Non-growth hormone

100% natural

Cons:

Only 17 grams of protein per serve

Jarrow Formulas Whey Protein provides 17 grams of protein and 8 grams of essential amino acids in every serving. The protein is a whey protein concentrate sourced from cows that have not been treated with growth hormone (rBST). It is ultra-filtered so as to be as low as possible in lactose, carbs and fat content. This product is no less than 80% protein and contains no artificial flavors or fillers. No proprietary blends are used.

Jarrow Formulas Whey Protein has been stringently tested to meet the standard that the company demands of all of its products. It is manufactured in a cGMP certified facility in the United States. This product is 100% natural with no added hormones.

Find the best supplements across all categories, with our Best Workout Supplements 2019 mega review – it’s got all the essential knowledge you need.

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This protein formula easily dissolves and is free from rBST. It contains no additives or artificial sweeteners and is 100% natural. It also contains 4g of BCAAs with each serving.

Protein is not only good for bodybuilders but also for people who want to control their appetite and lose weight, help your blood sugar levels and strengthen your immune system.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Potency

potency brings results

The potency is important because you want to pay attention to how often you can use the protein supplement, both so you are not overdoing it and to make sure you are getting all the help you need to build lean muscle mass.

Side Effects

An eye on side effects

With anything you put in your body, you want to read the instructions and make a special note of the side effects. Fortunately, protein powder is pretty safe but make sure you watch for the proper dosage.

Safety Hazards

Be aware of safety

The protein supplements are fairly safe, but you should check the ingredients to make sure there is nothing you are going to be allergic to or have a reaction from. Make sure you always take supplements as advised and pay attention to warnings.

Materials

In this case, you want to pay attention to the ingredients. You want something with good potency, quality ingredients, all-natural and with no additives or artificial substances. You want to make sure what you are putting in your body is the absolute best you can buy.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is important

Protein powder supplement should mix easily with water or skim milk so you can have the option of using it anywhere. It should mix without any lumps and be quick to stir together. It should also taste good so it will be an easy part of your daily routine.

expert tips icon
Make a quick breakfast

A good way to start your day is to mix your protein powder with a vegetable, a fruit, some sort of healthy fat, and some low-fat milk to make a healthy smoothie which will really get your day off on the right foot.

Have a protein shake shortly after your intense workout

This will help your recovery time and help give you more muscle and strength gain. It is not necessary to keep the benefit of your workout, but it is a good way to refresh yourself after working out.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Do I need a protein powder supplement?

a:

If you follow a regular exercise regiment no matter what kind it is, having a protein supplement helps to build it back up. Look for something easy to digest like the many types of whey powder.

q: What is the best way to consume protein powder?

a:

The many options are pretty much your own personal preference. You can mix it with water, milk, or coconut water. You can also mix it into a healthy fruit smoothie.

q: How much protein should I consume daily?

a:

The serving suggestion is usually around 30g daily. Studies have shown this is the ideal dose to help repair the damage done by your intense training and will help get the protein synthesis going.

q: When is the best time to take protein powder?

a:

After you are done with your daily workout is a good time because that is when your muscles need it. You can also mix it with mealtime or between meals for a snack or a treat.

q: What else is in protein powder?

a:

Many of them have other ingredients that are good for sports nutrition. Creatine is a substance the powers your cells and improves efforts during high-intensity training. L-Carnitine mobilizes the fatty acids from your fat cells so it helps with energy. Enzymes and probiotics help your stomach break down food for better digestion.