If you’re having trouble reaching your daily protein target, then a protein powder can offer the solution. Supplementing with it can aid in fat loss, enhance muscle mass, curb hunger cravings, and boost your health and well-being many other ways.
The problem? The quality among protein powders varies tremendously. That’s why it’s crucial to select a product that is in alignment with your goals and needs.
Now, to save you countless hours of research, we’ve created this unbiased and evidence-based review article. It contains the best protein powders on the market to-date. All you have to do is select the product that best fits your personal situation for optimal results. Let’s dive in!
Protein: What Is It and Why Should You Care?
Proteins function as the building blocks of your body. They’re used to make muscles, skin, tendons and organs, as well as hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters and many other compounds that are crucial for your health and well-being.
In addition to these critical biological functions, getting enough protein daily also helps you obtain and maintain your ideal figure. Here are just three of the many benefits that getting adequate protein has on your physique:
- Boosts fat loss
Eating more protein helps with obtaining and maintaining healthy body weight. For example, one study had 19 subjects increase their protein intake from 15% to 30% of their daily calorie intake. Without making any other dietary changes, they automatically consumed an average of 441 fewer calories per day, which led to an average weight loss of 11 pounds in 12 weeks! (1, 2, 3).
- Curbs hunger
The primary reason why eating more protein helps you lose weight is that it reduces total caloric intake by slashing appetite and raising satiety. It does so by increasing levels of the satiety hormones cholecystokinin, GLP-1, Peptide YY, while lowering the hunger-inducing hormone, ghrelin (4, 5, 6, 7).
- Supports muscle mass
It’s well-documented that getting enough protein aids muscle growth and strength. Besides, it also prevents muscle loss if you’re on a weight-loss diet. This not only keeps your sex appeal buzzing but also benefits your metabolism since muscle is metabolically active (8, 9, 10).
Here’s what to do…
To experience the life-enhancing benefits of protein, consume between 0.8 and 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight. So, if you weigh 170 pounds, get between 136 and 204 grams of protein daily. If you don’t reach that target by diet alone, a high-quality protein powder can be the perfect solution.
How to Choose Protein Powder
There are many protein powders on the market. Variations in the source type include whey, casein, egg white, collagen, beef, soy, pea, hemp, and rice – just to name a few.
Now, if you want optimal results, then it’s crucial to select a protein powder that’s optimized for your goals and needs. Here are the four best options if you are following a ketogenic diet:
1. Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein is the liquid that remains after milk is curdled and strained. This protein-rich liquid then gets spray-dried into a powder and undergoes microfiltration to create whey protein isolate. Whey protein is excellent for many reasons.
First off, it’s the fastest-digesting protein powder, which means that the amino acids reach your bloodstream most quickly. This makes it an excellent post-workout solution. Besides, whey protein has an excellent amino acid profile.
It’s particularly rich in leucine, an amino acid that plays a crucial role in stimulating muscle growth. Whey protein, along with casein, have the highest bioavailability of all protein powders. And it’s the most affordable option (11, 12, 13).
2. Casein
Like whey, casein comes from milk. The main difference, however, is that casein digests more slowly since it contains gel-forming capabilities that slow down intestinal motility and absorption speed. Casein has a top-notch amino acid profile and bioavailability.
And because casein digests slowly, it’s satiating effects outlast those of whey, egg white, beef, and protein powders from other sources. That’s why it’s the best option for curbing hunger and promoting weight loss. For the same reason, casein powder is also good to take before going to bed, as it will supply your body with amino acids throughout the entire night.
3. Egg White
Egg white protein powder is made by first separating the egg white from the yolk, after which they undergo dehydration and pulverization. The end result is a highly bioavailable protein-rich powder with an excellent amino acid profile.
Egg white protein digests at a moderate speed. So it stimulates protein synthesis (muscle growth) and curbs hunger for a more extended period than whey but not nearly as long as casein. Egg white protein is excellent for those who can’t consume whey or casein due to a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance. Besides, it’s free of carbs; is relatively cheap; and contains considerable amounts of vitamins A, B, and D (14).
4. Collagen
Collagen is the most plentiful protein in your body. It’s found in nearly every tissue, including your skin, muscles, bones, and tendons. Consuming enough collagen can boost your health and well-being in many ways.
For example, researchers found that collagen can increase skin moisture, reduce wrinkles, slow down skin aging, boost hair growth and thickness, support cardiovascular health, and improve joint health (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20).
Collagen protein does, however, have one downside: it lacks certain amino acids, such as leucine, that are crucial for muscle growth. That’s why collagen is not optimal for increasing muscle mass. But from a pure health-perspective, collagen is hard to beat.
Note: plant-based protein powders are not recommended because they have an inferior amino acid profile (either incomplete, too low in leucine, or both). And beef protein powder isn’t recommended either since it’s derived from the discarded parts of a cow –such as bones, hooves, skin, joints, connective tissue, ears – which not only sounds gross (at least, to us), but also results in an inferior amino acid profile.
The Best Protein Powders to Choose
We’ve evaluated every protein powder on the market and developed an unbiased list of the best products to save you the time and headache. Your part is simple! Go through the list below and choose the product that best fits your needs, situation and preferences. Let’s get started!
#1. Pure Label Nutrition Grass-Fed Whey
If you’re looking for a top-notch whey protein powder, the Pure Label Nutrition Grass-fed Whey is – hands down! – the best on the market. It’s a pure powder that’s sourced from U.S.-based, grass-fed cows, leading to a superior amino acid profile and quality.
It’s also unflavored; contains zero additives; has no added sugar, colorings, flavorings, or preservatives; and is free of hormones, GMO, gluten, and soy.
In addition, each serving contains only one gram of carb (most grass-fed whey supplements contain between two and four grams). And you can try the product risk-free because Pure Label Nutrition backs you with a 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Pure and clean powder.
- Sourced from U.S.-based, grass-fed cows.
- Contains no additives and preservatives.
- Free from hormones, gluten, GMO, and soy
- Contains only one gram of carb per serving.
- A 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- Relatively expensive.
#2. Bulksupplements Pure Casein Protein Powder
Bulksupplements is known for selling clean and pure powders at an affordable price. Their casein product lives up to expectations. It is free from additives and fillers; unflavored; and loaded with naturally-occurring branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and calcium.
This casein-based supplement is the best choice for those who are looking for a protein powder to aid weight loss and curb hunger. And since casein is digested slowly, this is an excellent pre-bed supplement for those who want to support muscle growth and athletic performance by providing their body with access to high-quality amino acids throughout the entire night.
Pros:
- Reputable manufacturer.
- Clean and pure powder.
- No additives, flavorings, or fillers.
- Rich in calcium.
- 26 grams of high-quality protein per serving.
- Less than one gram of carbs per serving.
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons:
- The zip closure of the packaging can be improved.
#3. Paleo Thin® Unflavored Egg White Protein Powder
If you’re looking for a high-quality egg white powder, then Paleo Thin’s Unflavored Egg White Protein Powder is the best option. Why?
First, it’s a very pure product, containing just two simple ingredients: egg whites (from U.S. farms) and non-GMO sunflower lecithin (a stabilizer). And this unique formula is flash-frozen into powder so that the proteins are not damaged.
Besides, it dissolves well and is neutral-tasting, so you can easily mix it into any smoothie or baking recipe to get more protein. It contains only one gram of carb per serving. And this unique formula is flash frozen into a powder so that the proteins are not damaged.
In addition to the unflavored version, this product is also available in two other flavors: blueberry tart and chocolate. Both of them, however, contain slightly more carbs (2 grams per serving).
Pros:
- Unflavored version contains only egg whites and sunflower lecithin.
- Egg whites sourced from U.S. farms.
- Dissolves easily.
- Neutral tasting (unflavored version).
- 25 grams of protein per serving.
- Just one gram of carbs per serving (unflavored version).
- Flash-frozen to prevent damage to protein structure.
Cons:
- Some may find taste of the flavored alternatives (blueberry tart and chocolate) to be too sweet.
#4. Perfect Keto Collagen
If you’re looking for the best collagen supplement on the market, then we recommend Keto Collagen by Perfect Keto. The reason is that Perfect Keto derives their collagen from 100% grass-fed, U.S.-raised cattle, ensuring their product has an excellent amino acid profile.
It is also a more eco-friendly protein powder. Each serving provides you with five grams of pure medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil powder to increase blood ketone levels. Each serving delivers 1.5 grams of acacia fiber to support gut health without raising blood sugar. And, it’s available in four delicious flavors.
Pros:
- Comes from 100% grass-fed, U.S.-raised cattle.
- Contains MCT oil powder to deepen ketosis.
- No clear cutting of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest for production.
- Contains acacia fiber to support gut health.
- Available in four delicious flavors.
Cons:
- Sweetened with Stevia, which some may find to have an overpowering sweetness.
The Bottom Line on Keto-Friendly Protein Powders
It’s no secret… Getting enough protein is crucial for your health and well-being. Ensuring your body has enough protein will help you achieve healthier body weight, experience fewer cravings, and build stronger, better-toned muscles.
If you don’t get enough protein through diet alone, then supplementing with a protein powder is an excellent solution. However, it’s crucial to select the right product, as many manufacturers peddle low-quality protein that can may hamper your vitality.
The good news? By using the unbiased product recommendation list outlined above, you now can select the best protein powder for your situation, needs, and preferences. So, if you’re serious about taking your health and well-being to the next level, then select the product that’s best for you.
Here’s What to Do Next
If you’re looking for a grass-fed whey protein that’s excellent for boosting muscle growth and assisting with post-workout recovery, then you want to invest in the powder by Pure Label Nutrition.
=> Click here to get the whey protein powder by Pure Label Nutrition >>
If you’re looking for a clean and pure casein protein that’s superior for curbing hunger and aiding weight loss, then you want to invest in the powder by Bulksupplements.
=> Click here to get the casein protein powder by Bulksupplements >>
If you’re looking for a pure egg white protein that you can easily add into any smoothie or baking recipe, then you want to invest in the powder by Paleo Thin.
=> Click here to get the egg white protein powder by Paleo Thin >>
If you’re looking for a premium-quality collagen protein that can boost your health and well-being, and deepen your state of ketosis, then you want to invest in the powder by Perfect Keto.
=> Click here to get the collagen powder by Perfect Keto >>
Click the link of the product that best fits your needs, situation, and preferences to enjoy the life-enhancing benefits of getting enough protein. You’ll be glad you did!
