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.
Recipe: Tropical Protein Pancake
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.
Recipe: Mocha Banana Protein Soft Serve
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!
Recipe: Mocha Protein Pancakes
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.
Recipe: Pumpkin Protein Pudding
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!
