10 Best Protein Powders for Men

• Whey protein powders
  • Whey concentrate: Contains up to 80% pure protein with the remaining 20 to 40% composed of fat and carbs
  • Whey isolate: Contains 90% pure protein
  • Whey hydrolysate: Produced by heating with acid or enzymes, which break the bonds between amino acids resulting in faster absorption
• Plant-based protein powders
  • Hemp protein: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and several essential amino acids
  • Pea-protein: Made from the yellow split pea, a high-fiber legume
  • Rice or pure soy protein: Good option for people who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or allergic to animal-based products
• Casein protein: Isolated from cow’s milk and is digested and absorbed slowly, thus reducing the rate of muscle protein breakdown 
• Egg protein: Typically made from egg whites, a complete protein 

1. Naked Whey

• Cold-processed and claims to not be contaminated by chemical detergents, synthetic additives, or heavy metals

2. Vanilla Whey Isolate Protein Powder

• Contains whey isolate, a purer form of whey protein, which has 99.9% of the offending lactose removed and is thus safe for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergies
• Trace amounts of lactate can still trigger bloating and diarrhea in some predisposed people

3. Dymatize Elite 100% Whey

• Offers a high-quality protein blend of whey protein concentrate and isolates, particularly rich in leucine, the amino acid that kick-starts the muscle-building process
• Available in two flavors: rich chocolate and gourmet vanilla

4. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

• Contains whey protein isolate, in which most of the carbs and fats have been removed, leaving behind at least 90% pure protein 
• Good choice for men who follow a low-calorie diet or are lactose intolerant
• Available in a wide range of flavors

5. NOW Sports Unflavored Whey Isolate

• Contains whey isolate and provides 25 grams of high-quality whey protein isolate per serving, making it easy to mix into recipes or beverages

6. Garden of Life Sport

• Organic plant-based protein powder that is suitable for people with allergies or intolerance to dairy- or animal-based protein powders
• Made from a blend of protein from yellow peas, navy beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, and cranberry seeds
• Contains all essential amino acids needed for building and maintaining muscle
• Contains a strain of the probiotic Bifidobacterium to support digestive and immune health

7. Naked Pea Protein Powder

• High-quality product sourced from yellow peas
• One of the best plant-based alternatives for men who are vegan or have an intolerance or sensitivity to milk proteins
• Available in two flavors (chocolate and vanilla) and also comes in an unflavored option for baking

8. Legion Casein + Protein Powder

• Provides protein in the form of casein—another major milk protein that contains all the essential amino acids our body needs
• Absorbed by the body at a slower rate, providing the muscles with a steady supply of amino acids over a longer period, typically between 5-7 hours
• Particularly useful for promoting muscle growth during periods of fasting, such as while sleeping or between meals

9. Natural Force Organic Grass-Fed Whey

• Contains whey protein from grass-fed cows
• High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other beneficial nutrients
• Available in two flavors (cacao bean and vanilla bean) and also has an unflavored option

10. Nutiva Organic Plant Protein Powder

• Made from a combination of organic pea, pumpkin, hemp, and sunflower proteins
• Contains digestive enzymes, such as papain and bromelain from papaya and pineapple, respectively, which help ease digestion

Because protein powders are not regulated by the FDA, it is vital to be selective in choosing one that suits your needs and goals. Consult a certified nutritionist for advice.

Try to prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by one of the three independent or third-party certifiers (USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab).

Here is what to look for when choosing a protein powder:

• Type: A quality whey protein concentrate is a great choice if you are not lactose intolerant or allergic to animal-based protein powders.
• Flavors: Check the label to avoid artificial sweeteners and flavors and make sure the product contains natural alternatives such as stevia or monk fruit.
• Cost: Dairy-based protein powders tend to be less expensive than plant-based alternatives; protein concentrates are less expensive than isolates.
• Other ingredients: Some protein powders contain other ingredients, such as creatine or fiber, that are intended to support muscle growth or help with weight management, respectively. 
• Third-party testing: Choose one that is third-party tested to ensure you are getting what is mentioned on the label and nothing else.
• Harmful substances: Check the ingredient label to ensure that the product does not contain banned substances (such as anabolic agents and stimulants) or undisclosed ingredients (such as caffeine and witch hazel) that may be harmful to your health.

Besides being a convenient and effective way to boost protein intake, other benefits of taking protein powder include the following:

• Controls appetite
• Manages blood sugar levels
• Controls blood pressure
• Increases exercise endurance
• Improves body composition
• Promotes healthy aging
• Protects muscle mass 

Most protein powders are used as a post-workout recovery supplement to be taken within 30-60 minutes of finishing weight training or endurance exercises, which helps stimulate muscle regeneration and protein synthesis.