Do you use protein powder as a supplement to your healthy lifestyle? Perhaps you’ve used it as a weight loss tool? Or do you use it as a way to help with recovery and building lean muscle? There are many benefits to using protein powder to get that extra boost of protein to your diet, whatever reasons you might have. But there are so many options out there when it comes to choosing a protein powder – but which is the best protein powder for you?
Learn more about the pros and cons of each protein powder and what are some brands of protein powders I have tried and ones I’ve heard are good.
Also, the recipes that are featured do not necessarily correspond to the protein powder that’s listed although for the most part you can use any protein powder you want for these recipes anyway! Enjoy!
Whey Protein Powder
Whey is the most popular protein powder on the market; whey is a by-product in the process of turning milk into cheese.
- Pros: promotes lean muscle growth, fat loss, supports cardiovascular health and healthy metabolism; quickly absorbed by the body making it perfect for post-workout; it is inexpensive; complete protein source; many flavors available
- Cons: lactose is a common allergen; may contain artificial ingredients
Brands I’ve used include Jay Robb’s Whey in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry; Isopure Dutch Chocolate (delicious but contains artificial ingredients), Collagen Plus (includes collagen for healthy skin). I heard Isopure Natural Chocolate does not contain any artificial ingredients but I do not know how it tastes like because I haven’t tried it yet.
Casein Protein Powder
Casein is produced using a separation process applied to liquid milk that can concentrate or isolate the milk protein from the carbs and fats.
- Pros: similar benefits as whey; slow absorbing by body, perfect for anytime of the day (even bedtime).
- Cons: common allergen; not good for post-workout; more expensive than whey; has been linked to respiratory diseases and cancer; may contain artificial ingredients
Because of the respiratory dangers that casein comes with, I refuse to use it as a supplement. It has been known for a long time that casein is NOT a good choice because of the dangers and I do not recommend you to use it.
Egg White Protein Powder
Egg White Protein powder made by separating egg yolks from egg whites and dehydrating the egg whites to make into a powder form.
- Pros: complete protein; rich in vitamins and minerals
- Cons: common allergen; one of the most expensive protein supplements on the market
I love two brands of egg white protein that I’ve used, MRM Egg White Protein Powder and Jay Robb Egg White. Both of which were vanilla flavored. I love using this because it makes my protein shakes more fluffed up and it is perfect for use in mug cakes or protein pancakes when I don’t have any egg whites to use.
Soy Protein Powder
Soy protein is concentrated or isolated after the soy beans have been hulled and dried into soy flour
- Pros: offers all essential amino acids; may help improve immune system; may promote bone health; may prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
- Cons: soy is often genetically modified; may have an effect on hormone levels (estrogen)
I personally have not used any soy protein powders because I do not want the extra estrogen thing going on in my body especially since I already am on birth control and that have an additional effect on my hormone levels already. I do have soy flour at home which I got from a friend but I have not made anything with it yet.
Brown Rice Protein Powder
- Pros: good source of complex carbohydrates, vitamin B, and fiber; it is hypoallergenic; easily digestible
- Cons: deficient in some amino acids
I have not used this yet but I am curious about it and would be interested in trying it out! Sun Warrior seems to have a rice protein powder that’s popular among many vegans. Nutribiotic sounds like an interesting brand too – great price too!
Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp proten powder is derived from cannabis plant seeds
- Pros: superfood; improves metabolism, brain function, circulation, and more; includes all 21 amino acids (complete protein); hypoallergenic; high in fiber
- Cons: one of the most expensive sources because hemp is only harvested in select countries
I do not own this one yet but I totally want to after learning about it. My mom has the chocolate Hemp Protein she got at Trader Joe’s and she really likes it. Another brands I heard good feedback about is the hemp protein powder by Nutiva and Living Harvest’s Tempt.
Pea Protein Powder
Pea protein powder comes from yellow split pea
- Pros: hypoallergenic; easily digestible; highly satiating; few additives or artificial ingredients
- Cons: deficient in certain amino acids
Never used this one either and it seems to be difficult to find a good one, especially since the flavor might be a bit off. One I found on Amazon is Naturade and it seems to have good reviews.
So, which is the best protein powder for YOU based on what you’ve just learned from this post? Is there one protein powder you are drawn to more than others?
Information from Greatist, eHow, WikiHow
Questions for you:
- Which is your favorite protein powder from the ones listed above?
- What is your favorite protein recipe? (links welcome)
Let me know in the comments below!
Last Updated on March 27, 2019
I have used soy and whey and liked them both in the past. Now I am looking at hemp because I am not eating whey or soy right now – I use powdered egg whites in my smoothies right now.
I have heard that whey isolate is good. And I think that the egg would be great.
Awesome post! A few days I googled what protein powders were best for you and I came up with nothing, but your post clears it all up for me. I use Whey Protein Powder. Love the flavors it comes in, just looking for the right brand. The only one I Have tried is Deisgner Whey French Vanilla and Trader Joe’s Chocolate.
I haven’t tried the Designer Whey but I heard it’s delicious. I really like the ones I mentioned though, I recommend them. Glad you found the article informative! 🙂
Zeal has some of the best tasting protein shakes check out the website coachcamp.zealforlife.com
I use brown rice protein powder usually but that’s honestly because somebody told me to. It’s all very confusing to me and it’s not like it’s a cheap thing that I can just test a bunch out. This is a great post though, I’ll definitely have to look at some of your recommendations!
Thanks hun, glad it could help. How do you like rice protein overall? What do you use it in usually, like shakes or recipes?
Nutiva hemp protein powder is fabulous! It’s really the only protein powder I use. I 100% recommend it.
As a vegan my choices of protein source are very limited. Thank god there are more of those yummy meat substitute these days. Thanks for the great share!
I really don’t use protein powder at all and am just amazed that there are so many kinds! What a great, informative post!
Terrific post and graphic! I didn’t realize there was pea protein.
Great post! I love how this is all laid out, I have always wondered about the many differences but it can get overwhelming since there are so many variations. My boyfriend and I have tried all kinds, I like hemp protein because it is dairy and soy free, but it tastes soooo strong! We add raw cacao powder and maca root which helps a tiny bit. Still trying to find the right combo.
P.S. would you mind if I reposted this graphic (with a link back here, of course) on my health/environment blog? http://www.sustainable-sass.com. Let me know! 🙂 I would love to share it.
Hey Mandy! Sure, you can definitely repost it, thank you for asking!
The TJ’s hemp protein was really good from what I remember but I never used it as a protein shake – just for pancakes. I def wanna find a good brand, I feel like this is the one I’m going to switch to using all the time – the benefits are overwhelmingly good!
I love the fact that you are calling attention to the fact that not all protein is equal. I want to point out another effective measure of protein quality is the “amino acid score” which is based on the amino acid composition of the protein. It is a sophisticated measure represented by a simple score that makes it easy to make smart decisions about protein choices.
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I use whey mostly, but I fell in love with hemp protein a few months ago! I got the Nutiva brand…and while the color can be a little disturbing, I think the mild flavor is great! I usually add a spoonful of cocoa powder to it and that does the trick for covering up the swamp-like color! Lol And of course, I could never live without my precious peanut flour!
I used to use GNC’s Protein 95 (a soy based protein) and really liked the taste of it, but like you, I try to limit my intake of soy products these days due to all the controversy…plus, there is soy in almost EVERYTHING these days…don’t think I need to go looking for more!
I tried pea protein and frankly, it was disgusting. It stayed gritty, even using a Vitamix blender, drags in the mouth and has a foul flavour. I’ll try using it in protein pancakes/brownies and see how it goes. I’m using whey isolate at the moment and although I am sensitive to lactose, it seems ok (the process they use to make it decreases the lactose content relative to regular whey powders, it also makes it much more soluble).
Oh man, that sucks about the pea protein. May I ask what brand and flavor were you using, for future reference (so I DON’T buy it).
It’s made by an Australian company so is probably not available in the USA anyway. However, the assistant in the shop where I bought it assured me that he uses it and that it dissolved completely (what a joke!). He did say it was a bit”bland” if you didn’t combine it with other flavours. If only it was bland. It didn’t make any difference what I put in the smoothie I could still taste it’s “yuk” factor.
I have a friend who has tried several pea proteins and she said they were all terrible. I mentioned to her that I was thinking of trying egg white protein. In her experience, egg white protein was really awful in that it caused her digestive problems – bloating, cramps and wind. She has a really delicate stomach though, although she did say that her husband, who isn’t so sensitive, reported the same problems.
I did see some good reviews of the Sun Warrior pea protein on Vitacost, but my (and my friend’s) experience has put me off even trying it.
Just thought I’d add – if you find a pea protein that is actually good I’d love to know about it. I regularly buy from vitacost and iherb so if they stock it, I can get it.
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the peppermint patties are beautiful. it shows you can use healthier ingredients and still achieve great results.
We absolutely love your blog and find a lot of your post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for.
Would you offer guest writers to write content available for you?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome web site!
No I do not take on guest writers. But thank you for your interest.
I like the pros and cons. Like you, I stay away from soy protein powders. It would seem that combining a couple of these types of powders would be best to get a completely balanced protein mixture.
Hay thanks for sharing such a detailed post about protein powder. You post has helped me to pick best protein for me.
Glad to help, which one did you end up picking?
Hello Kammie! I really loved your explanation for all the different types of protein out there. This information is really helpful for a huge range of people, most of the time we only hear about WHEY, casein, or egg protein for supplements, but actually you can get protein from a LOT of different sources. In case of protein supplementation in recent years “matrix protein” (combination of several types of protein) has been taking over the market due to its affordability good results on fitness.
By the way, I also liked your infographic 🙂
I love the Arbonne Vegan Protein Powder. It has a combination of pea, rice and cranberry for a complete protein and long chain amino acids. Vanilla and Chocolate are both amazing and smooth. I tried many before I finally decided. If anyone would like a sample pack just email me at forjanene@gmail.com
Janene, I’d love to try it!
Hi,
This protein tozu is good anyhow?
Thnx
I have not tried that particular brand. I see it does have artificial flavors though.
I love you Protein 101 breakdown and delicious images in the post.
I personally switched to Dymatize iso 100. It’s a bit pricey, but worth every penny. Some of the highest grade fast-absorbing protein I’ve tried. It does wonders right after my workouts.
Keep up the good work!
Many people don’t realize there are so many different types of protein, like casein, whey and soy. There are many myths and debates over soy and the way it mimics estrogen in the body, but it appears that soy is the best choice of protein for a vegan. I believe casein is the best before bed time, especially if you exercsie frequently. I love whey protein shakes, as I blend in some banana, peanut butter and pine pollen to get a ton of nutrients after a workout.
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I’d go for the Brown Rice Protein Powder (looks yummy and enticing). For those who are on the hunt for cheap protein powder, or if you want to know the things you may be doing wrong when you exercise, you can view this source: http://www.prioritizehealth.net/4-things-youre-doing-wrong-when-you-exercise/
Oh my goodness Kammie, this post is a godsend! I found it via your pin on Pinterest for making the perfect protein shake, and it came at the perfect time. I’ve been thinking about trying rice protein powder for a little while now, mainly because I don’t like the poignant taste of whey protein powders. Do they rice protein powders have a milder flavor, or should I be looking at a different kind instead?
Have you tried a vegan blend? I recently bought Garden of Life Raw Protein Powder from Whole Foods (was on sale) in chocolate flavor and it is so good, very delicate and mild flavor. I haven’t actually tried a pure rice protein so I can’t tell you how it compares to whey. But I would consider checking the one I mentioned.
Thanks Kammie! I tend to avoid WF because of their expensive price tags, but if you recommend that protein powder, I’ll definitely go check it out. Thanks for your help! 🙂
Definitely. It does look to be rice protein too so yeah! Who knows, maybe it’s still on sale? You can also try Vitacost, it’s the online health store I use and they tend to have great prices.
My girlfriend and I were reading this together. Wow, what a great breakdown of all the protein powders.
We both use the Jay Robb formula for completely different strategies. I also use a casein powder for when I go to sleep. She takes the whey protein isolate in the mornings to kick-start her metabolism. Essentially, the powder acts as a meal replacement. My goals are different: gain mass.
Thanks again. How long ago did you start this website?
Great, thank you so much for the comment! Glad you and your girlfriend found it helpful. The blog started about 2 years ago 🙂 Hope to see you guys back here again soon! 🙂
If you guys like using protein powder for baking and cooking, you might like the recipe I posted today – protein waffles 🙂 Just a thought. They are available in the main page. Enjoy!
I personally use the cyctosport 100% whey protein. While it’s not the best protein powder on the market, it can be found super cheap at Costco. Another great website for whey protein powder is http://www.wheytoofit.com
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Great summary of the different kinds of proteins! I’m with you on the use (or non-use) of casein. I generally stick with whey protein products for their overall benefit.
I actually haven’t tried any of the ones on your list, but ON Gold Whey Standard is definitely the most consistent whey protein that I constantly go back to.