While I’m personally all for bro science and trickle-down gains, the best protein powders have come a long way since we were all freshmen in high school sucking down mass gainer shakes and asking seniors to swipe us the latest snake oil Max Power Test Boosters from GNC. That being said, your swole gym bro’s protein powder will probably get the job done—but with so many options on the market, finding the best protein powder for your specific needs can be a tall order. That’s why your gym buddies here at GQ Recommends did the heavy lifting for you and tested a grip of different protein powders to put together this list of our favorite ones, for your viewing pleasure.
The Best Protein Powders, at a Glance:
The Best Protein Powder Overall: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder
Look, is this the most exciting choice for the top spot? Definitely not. You’ve almost certainly seen this tub of protein on shelves at gyms and nutrition stores, and it’s probably that brand the jacked person you know first recommended to you back in the early aughts. However, there are a few reasons it’s our number one: It’s dependable, it’s affordable, it mixes well, it comes in a grip of solid flavors, and it’s got a decent amount of protein per serving. It also has a preposterous amount of positive reviews and anecdotal evidence supporting its efficacy. “I used [other protein powders] back in the day and loved them,” Austin Day—ACE-certified personal trainer, marathon runner, and former college wrestler—says. “But I always come back to Optimum.” I’ve personally gone through countless tubs of this stuff, and while it’s not my all-time favorite protein powder, it’s got a respectable 24 grams of protein per scoop and it’s the brand I feel most comfortable recommending to just about anyone looking for a no-frills, trusty whey concentrate.
The Best Tasting Protein Powder: Ghost Nutter Butter Protein Powder
Okay, onto my personal favorite and go-to protein powder: Ghost. For years, I was an unflavored protein powder guy (I know, I know, gross), but this is the brand that changed my mind. With a range of flavors including Chips Ahoy!, Cinnabon, and (my top pick) Nutter Butter, this is without a doubt the best-tasting protein powder in the game. Their secret? They partner with snack brands and use the same ingredients you’d find in the snacks. (Like, there are literally bits and pieces of Nutter Butters in the protein powder—God bless America.) In addition to being undeniably delicious, it’s got a strong 26g of protein powder per serving, mixes well, and sits well in my stomach.
The Best Value Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Protein Powder
If you’re into supplements, but don’t want to break the bank, you can’t go wrong with Nutricost. The products are some of the best bang-for-your-buck items on the market, and I’ve been using the brand’s supplements for years, from protein and vitamin D to creatine, magnesium, and more. As far as their protein goes, you’re getting a solid 25 grams of protein per serving—and for a $60 5-pound tub, that’s hard to top. The range of flavors leaves a little to be desired, but if you’re looking for value, this is our top pick.
The Best Plant-Based Protein Powder: KOS Vegan Protein Powder
My girlfriend doesn’t digest whey protein powder very well, so she sticks to this vegan option from KOS. It’s only got 20 gram or protein per serving, which is on the lower end, but it’s also won numerous awards from a grip of publications for its flavor. (It’s actually the only plant-based protein powder my girlfriend will buy, since every other one she’s tried has been a let-down flavor-wise.) Do we love the “superfood” denomination? Not really, but the taste alone puts this one in our top spot for plant-based protein powder.
The Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder: Isopure Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Hold on, whey isolate? What’s that? Well, whey protein powder usually comes in two forms: whey isolate and whey concentrate. The difference is that whey isolate undergoes more processing, which makes isolate contain fewer fats and carbs per serving than concentrate (a.k.a. it “isolates” the whey). Does it make a huge, notable difference in your gains? Probably not. However, a few of our testers with sensitive stomachs report that isolate is easier to digest, compared to concentrate. The tradeoff is that it tends to be more expensive than concentrate. Our pick is Isopure: I’ve been a fan of this protein in the past, but the $80 price point for 41 servings was a little tough for me to swallow. However, this 25-gram-per-scoop formula comes highly recommended by a slew of testers and reviewers alike, and if you find that isolate is easier on your stomach, it’s something to consider.
The Best Unflavored Protein Powder: Levels Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
I was a Levels man myself for about a year, and if I’m honest, I picked it because of the cow on the tub—and I’m glad I did because this grass-fed protein is some of the best I’ve tried. Coming in at a dollar an ounce, it’s not the cheapest option, but it’s 25 grams per scoop, made in the USA, and has [deep breath] no hormones, no GMOs, no added sugars, no soy, no gluten, no bleach, no fillers, and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. My favorite part, though? The unflavored… flavor (?) blends seamlessly into whatever you put it in. One of my biggest gripes with protein powder is that I can always tell when that chalky whey flavor cuts through an otherwise delicious bowl of oatmeal, smoothie, or shake. This stuff? Undetectable. To really put it to the test (gird your loins), I mixed a scoop of it with straight water—yes, really—and could hardly tell the difference, besides the slightly, uh, thicker texture.
The Best Clear Whey Isolate: Isopure Clear Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Clear whey isolate is a relatively new item you might have seen gracing the online shelves of your favorite online supplement retailers. Basically, it’s whey protein that’s been “ultra hydrolyzed” to mix clear and be far less thick than the whey concentrate you might be used to. I was pretty skeptical at first, but after trying this out, I’ve gotta say, it’s a cool idea, and it actually works. All you do is mix it in water, give it a good shake in a blender bottle, and wait a few minutes for the foam to settle. The end result is like a slightly thicker Gatorade, and while it’s definitely not my go-to way of consuming protein powder, it’s a great option for those who want to use protein powder, say, intra-workout or outside on a hot day, when the idea of sucking down thick chocolate sludge might not be so appealing. (Two things to note: It’s only got 20 grams per scoop, and it’s pricey.)
Why Should You Use Protein Powder?
With so many health claims floating around social media, it can be tough to spot the supplement scams. For example, those “detox teas” probably didn’t give your favorite influencer a six-pack, and there’s a small chance that the protein powder your jacked gym buddy has a promo code for in his Instagram bio isn’t the sole cause of his jacked-ness.
However, protein is decidedly not a scam and can help you build muscle—so long as you’re also eating a balanced diet, training hard, and focusing on your sleep and recovery. Protein powder shouldn’t be your only source of protein (you should try to get most of your protein from whole foods) but it’s a great way to sneak in some extra protein throughout the day, and are hard to beat if you’re on a time crunch or on the go.
“Protein powder is a convenient tool you can use to meet your daily protein needs, but it should be used to complement, not replace, a balanced diet,” Jennifer Conway, MPH, RD, LDN, and Director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at Waimānalo Health Center, explains. “Before supplementing, I recommend you identify your exact daily protein needs based on your weight, age, fitness level, and nutrition goals. The quality of protein powder matters, so look for brands that contain all nine essential amino acids and are third-party tested for quality and safety. For optimal results—and taste!—pair it with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like nuts or nut milk, and supplement around your activity levels—like after workouts to support muscle recovery or for on-the-go nutrition to sustain your energy during the day. Remember that moderation is key for a balanced lifestyle and excessive reliance on supplements can leave gaps with other essential nutrients.”
How We Tested
In my 15 years of strength training, I’ve tried pretty much every major protein powder out there, from no-name Wal-Mart brands to high-end, probably-too-expensive blends from the newest, most hyped-up DTC brands in the game. Plus, I also consulted with my network of meatheads testers, which includes my fellow gym rats office, former NCAA athletes, NASM- and ACE-certified trainers, and competitive BJJ grapplers.
