12 Best Whey Protein Powders of 2023
Looking to increase muscle mass, enhance athletic performance, and maximize the results of your gym workouts? Consider incorporating whey protein into your nutrition plan. As a high-quality protein source, whey can help you build and repair muscle tissue, improve recovery time, and support overall health and wellness.
Why Choose Whey Protein?
Whey is the “faster” protein because its amino acids are quickly absorbed by
our body. As a result, it serves as a good source of protein for a pre-or
post-workout snack.
Research suggests that using whey protein powder along with resistance training can
help maintain lean body mass and increase upper and lower-body strength. But
walk through the aisles of any supplement store, and you'll see a wide
variety of different protein types.
So why whey? One of the major benefits of using whey protein is that it
contains a wide range amino acids not seen in plant-based protein
products, like pea or hemp proteins, says Marie Spano, M.S., sports
nutritionist for the Atlanta Hawks, Braves, and Falcons.
Whey protein is also technically a glutathione precursor. Only a few
years ago, the only reliable and simple way to boost glutathione was to
consume a good quality non-denatured whey protein powder. Cysteine tends
to be the limiting factor in glutathione production, and is found in good
quality whey, making it strong healthy source of a good amino acid profile
that boosts glutathione.
There is also an abundance of essential amino acids in whey protein, one of which is leucine. Leucine is needed to 'turn on' muscle building at a cellular level, according to Mike Roussell, Ph.D., author of The Meta Shred Diet.
But keep in mind — you need to put in the work in the gym for your whey protein powder to actually help you build muscle. “It is important to note that whey protein alone won't lead to muscle building," Roussell notes. "In order to build muscle you need to be in a calorie surplus (eating more calories than you are burning) and consuming ample total protein (1g/lb body weight).”
There is also an abundance of essential amino acids in whey protein, one of which is leucine. Leucine is needed to 'turn on' muscle building at a cellular level, according to Mike Roussell, Ph.D., author of The Meta Shred Diet.
But keep in mind — you need to put in the work in the gym for your whey protein powder to actually help you build muscle. “It is important to note that whey protein alone won't lead to muscle building," Roussell notes. "In order to build muscle you need to be in a calorie surplus (eating more calories than you are burning) and consuming ample total protein (1g/lb body weight).”
But bear in mind that in order for your whey protein powder to genuinely aid
in muscle growth, you must put in the necessary effort at the gym. Building
muscle is not possible with just whey protein.
Before you increase your protein intake significantly, check with your doctor
since people with certain medical problems, such as calcium deficiencies or
low blood pressure, could experience adverse effects from whey protein.
Three Types of Whey Protein
- Whey protein concentrate (WPC)
This is a concentrated protein that keeps more of the nutrients. Most
non-isolate proteins are comprised of WPC.
- Whey protein isolate (WPI)
This is similar to WPC but most of the carbohydrates, fat, and fat-soluble
vitamins have been removed, so the powder has a higher percentage of protein.
Typically, isolate is digested more quickly and, therefore, more agreeable for
some. For that reason, most trainers and registered dieticians recommend
opting for WPI, though it’s often more expensive.
- Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH)
WPH is considered pre-digested since it breaks down peptides – the building
blocks of proteins – to help with quicker absorption. Before you increase your
protein intake significantly, check with your doctor since people with certain
medical problems, such as calcium deficiencies or low blood pressure, could
experience adverse effects from whey protein.
Top 10 Whey Protein Brands in World (Summary)
1. Optimum Nutrition
2. Dymatize
3. Nutricost
4. Jocko Mölk
5. Body Fortress
6. TGS Nutrition
7. Ascent
8. Ghost
9. Jay Robb
10. Muscletech
Although there are many whey protein brand customer reviews on many online
sites, we have curated some of the helpful ones below. Check out below the
best whey protein brands available online.
1. Best-tasting whey protein powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
Price: From $25 > BUY ON AMAZON
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1 in Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 - more than 200,000 global ratings
Whey Protein Isolates (WPI) are the purest form of whey protein that
currently exists. By using WPI as the primary ingredient along with
premium ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate (WPC) in Gold
Standard 100% Whey, we're able to pack 24 grams of protein into
every serving to support your muscle-building needs after training.
ON's attention to detail extends to mixability. This superior
quality powder instantly mixes using a shaker or a glass and spoon.
- Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) Main Ingredient
- Over 4 Grams of Glutamine & Glutamic Acid in Each Serving
- 24g of Whey Protein
- 5.5g of Naturally Occurring BCAAs
Pros: Tastes good, relatively affordable, safe ingredients and third-party tested.
Cons: Complaints about the formula changing, contains an artificial sweetener.
Ive been going to the gym since August of last year, its May now.
Ive only recently decided to start taking protein to level my gains
up. I chose the vanilla flavor and i dont even have to add any milk,
ice, fruits etc. All i do is add water, shake for about 20-30 sec
and its good to go...Taste fine, smells a lil funky tho and you would have to clean your
bottle after every use or it becomes unbearable. Tho the taste is
always the same. Over all will buy again and have seen improvements
on muscle growth for the first month of use.
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1 in Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 - more than 200,000 global ratings
Whey Protein Isolates (WPI) are the purest form of whey protein that
currently exists. By using WPI as the primary ingredient along with
premium ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate (WPC) in Gold
Standard 100% Whey, we're able to pack 24 grams of protein into
every serving to support your muscle-building needs after training.
ON's attention to detail extends to mixability. This superior
quality powder instantly mixes using a shaker or a glass and spoon.
- Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) Main Ingredient
- Over 4 Grams of Glutamine & Glutamic Acid in Each Serving
- 24g of Whey Protein
- 5.5g of Naturally Occurring BCAAs
Pros: Tastes good, relatively affordable, safe ingredients and third-party tested.
Cons: Complaints about the formula changing, contains an artificial sweetener.
Ive been going to the gym since August of last year, its May now.
Ive only recently decided to start taking protein to level my gains
up. I chose the vanilla flavor and i dont even have to add any milk,
ice, fruits etc. All i do is add water, shake for about 20-30 sec
and its good to go...Taste fine, smells a lil funky tho and you would have to clean your
bottle after every use or it becomes unbearable. Tho the taste is
always the same. Over all will buy again and have seen improvements
on muscle growth for the first month of use.
2. Best Digestion Friendly Whey Protein: Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder (Amazon's Choice)
Price: $29.99 > Buy on Amazon
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2 in Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders
The Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder is the only lactose-free option on our list but it’s not the only one that uses hydrolyzed isolate protein-the Optimum Nutrition’s Platinum Hydro Whey does, too-which is supposed to help with digestion and absorption.
Each serving has 25 grams of protein, less than a gram of fat, 120 calories, and 2 grams of carbs, including less than 1 gram of sugar. There are 13 flavors to choose from, including cinnamon bun, fudge brownie, gourmet chocolate, and chocolate coconut.
Labdoor recommends the Dymatize ISO 100 as one of the best whey protein powders. In its tests, the powder had high scores for nutritional value and product purity, including less than one part per million of six harmful substances. Around 91% of the calories in this powder come from its protein content.
Pros: Lactose-free, 91% of calories are from protein, less than a gram of sugar and fat, third-party tested.
Cons: Contains an artificial sweetener, 160 mg sodium per serving.
Price: $29.99 > Buy on Amazon
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2 in Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders
The Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder is the only lactose-free option on our list but it’s not the only one that uses hydrolyzed isolate protein-the Optimum Nutrition’s Platinum Hydro Whey does, too-which is supposed to help with digestion and absorption.
Each serving has 25 grams of protein, less than a gram of fat, 120 calories, and 2 grams of carbs, including less than 1 gram of sugar. There are 13 flavors to choose from, including cinnamon bun, fudge brownie, gourmet chocolate, and chocolate coconut.
Labdoor recommends the Dymatize ISO 100 as one of the best whey protein powders. In its tests, the powder had high scores for nutritional value and product purity, including less than one part per million of six harmful substances. Around 91% of the calories in this powder come from its protein content.
Pros: Lactose-free, 91% of calories are from protein, less than a gram of sugar and fat, third-party tested.
Cons: Contains an artificial sweetener, 160 mg sodium per serving.
3. Best Gluten Free Whey Protein: Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder -
Price: From $22 > Buy on Amazon
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11 in Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 - more than 40,000 global ratings
- IMPROVED TRAINING RECOVERY: Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder is enhanced with creatine and other critical amino acids, allowing you to train harder and rebuild lean muscle faster, because tomorrow's workout starts with today's recovery
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS: Body Fortress provides a variety of pre, intra & post workout supplements to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts. Add Super Advanced Whey Protein to your mass building regimen to maximize your workout routine
- AFFORDABLE SUPPLEMENTS: Body Fortress is committed to the idea that your gains should be a result of the level of your Dedication & Commitment, not the size of your budget, so our supplements are always the highest quality without being the highest price
I had wanted to add whey protein into my diet but did not want to spend a lot. This Body Fortress Whey Protein Powder was just what I needed. Mixes easily with milk in a blender. Very tasty and it comes in a 5 Lb. canister. Recommend to others looking to add protein to their diet.
4. Best Sugar and Lactose Free Whey Protein Powder: Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey Protein -
Price: From $39.99 > Buy on Amazon
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32 in Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders
A single serving of Optimum Nutrition’s Platinum Hydro
Whey yields 140 calories, 30 grams of protein, one gram of fat, 3
grams of carbs, and no sugar. It’s made of hydrolyzed whey protein,
which breaks down the protein into smaller pieces for better absorption
and easier digestion.
You can choose from seven flavors:
cookies and cream overdrive, chocolate mint, velocity vanilla, chocolate
peanut butter, supercharged strawberry, turbo chocolate, and red velvet
cake, which was the highest-rated flavor on Bodybuilding.com.
There
is no sugar in this product but Optimum Nutrition does use artificial
sweeteners such as sucralose and high-fructose corn syrup.
If you are lactose-intolerant, the Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey
Protein would be perfect for you. It uses ingredients which are suitable
for vegetarians and is completely lactose-free. The whey protein in this
protein powder is also processed differently compared to other options.
It is broken down through hydrolysis, which makes it easier for our
bodies to process and digest. Faster digestion means that our body can
benefit more from taking this whey protein.
The Optimum
Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey Protein is an excellent choice if you want
more protein per gram that is easily digestible as well.
Pros: 30 grams of protein per serving, third-party tested, superb
mixability, no sugar
Cons: Contains high-fructose corn syrup
Cons: Contains high-fructose corn syrup
5. Whey Protein for Weight Loss - MuscleTech Nitro Tech Ripped 4lbs
Price: From $19.97 > Buy on Amazon
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13 in Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders
Why buy this:
- Good for weight loss
- Scientifically tested weight loss ingredient
- Superior peptides
- Ultra-pure
- Advanced L-Carnitine and CLA formula
6. Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein Powder
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7 in Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powders
Elite Whey provides 25 grams of 100% Whey Protein per serving. Whey is
considered to be the best source of protein due to its high Biological
Value (BV), Amino Acid Profile, and fast absorption to give your body
what it needs to build muscle and recover.
Each serving of Elite Whey delivers 5.5 grams of Branched-Chain Amino
Acids (BCAAs), which are depleted during intense training. BCAAs help
promote the building of protein, as well as help with speeding recovery.
Elite Whey also delivers 2.7 grams of L-Leucine, the BCAA that is
directly involved in activating muscle protein synthesis, the process
that builds your muscles and allows you to get stronger.
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 - more than 16,000 global ratings
I like this vanilla protein powder because it was easy to add in my
shakes and tasted great even mixed with water I like supplementing with
protein because I believe it helps with muscle repair and I am very
happy with this product.
7. Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
Nutricost whey protein isolate powder contains 30 grams of protein in
each serving (scoop included) of this high-quality, carefully
formulated, whey protein powder.
- potent & high quality whey protein isolate
- made in a GMP compliant facility
- 30g of protein per serving
- serving scoop included
- plain whey or try one of our delicious flavors
- high in essential amino acids, including BCAA's
- available in 2lb and 5lb sizes
Ratings
4.5 out of 5 - more than 4,700 global ratings
Great product overall no added stuff no whey blends, low calorie and
fat, lots of protein per scoop no other unnecessary stuff. 10/10 would
recommend
8. Jocko Mölk Protein Powder
– Jocko Mölk
Designed and engineered with a time-release blend of whey concentrate, whey isolate, micellar casein, and egg. This whey isolate protein powder slowly digests in your system and fuels muscle growth and muscle recovery all day long.
– Amino Acids
Blended with a plethora of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, these necessary components help your body with building muscle and regulating immune function. Check out the amino acid profile on the bottle!
– Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics
With added digestive enzymes and probiotics to fuel growth and muscle recovery all day long, Mölk’s complex mix of digestive enzymes and probiotics keeps your gut in check and ensures everything moves smoothly.
– Grass-fed Protein, No Hormones or Soy
We’ve developed the best protein powder from four different types of protein: whey protein concentrate and isolate, casein, and egg. Our whey protein powder comes from happy, grass-fed cows and is soy- and hormone-free.
– Sugar Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor
Get your protein shake without the unwanted sugar. Mölk is sweetened with monk fruit only. It has no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and no added flavors.
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 – more than 4,700 global ratings
Jocko Mölk Protein Powder Reviews
Taking this product after a straining arm day gave me so much energy throughout the day. It gives me the strength and energy to get after it.
9. TGS 100% Whey Protein Powder
– Pure Whey, Only 2.Ingredients
25g of protein. No added sugars, artificial sweeteners, fillers, artificial colors, flavors, additives or preservatives. Soy free, gluten free, stevia free, growth hormone free, GMO free. Made in the USA. Sourced only from US Farms. Our advanced micro-filtration system gently processes whey to prevent denaturing leaving high quality bioavailable undenatured whey protein concentrate. Great clean alternative to organic and grass fed whey protein powder.
– No Bad Aftertaste, Not Gritty, Grainy
Smooth, adds great consistency to smoothies. Mixes well. No clumps in a shaker cup. Each scoop contains 25 grams of protein, the full spectrum of all 9 essential amino acids. You get 5.4g of naturally occurring BCAA’s (branched chain amino acids) making it a great choice for post workout muscle recovery, building lean muscle, homemade meal replacement shakes and general fitness.
– Low Carb, Keto, Vegetarian Friendly
For MEN and WOMEN from fitness enthusiasts to bodybuilders looking to improve their overall fitness, build & maintain lean muscle or lose weight. Great for keto or other strict low carb diets. Our low calorie whey makes it great for weight loss plans and meal replacement shakes.
– Add Protein To Food, Cooking and Baking
Flavorless, Unsweetened whey is great for adding to oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, pancakes, breads, cookies, protein bars, and much more! Making home protein packed snacks has never been easier.
Ratings
4.6 out of 5 – more than 2,900 global ratings
TGS 100% Whey Protein Powder Unflavored Review
I really loved this product, as a fairly bigger than average guy (I
weigh 190 pounds and 5’11” tall) I require lots of protein to gain and
maintain muscles, and there’s no better way to do it than protein
shakes, especially since they’re low on calories, however, what I don’t
like about protein shakes is their taste, most protein shakes taste bad,
and leave a bad after taste, I’ve found the perfect protein shake for
me, it really blends well, and it doesn’t leave an aftertaste since
there’s no flavor at all!
PS: For an extraordinary experience, mix it with milk! :)
10. Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 - more than 5,000 global ratings
- Zero Artificial Ingredients
Ascent Whey Protein contains zero artificial ingredients or flavors. It
is naturally sweetened and contains only 1g of sugar, which is naturally
occurring. Ascent is also Gluten Free, and Informed Sport labeled –
meaning it’s tested and free of any banned substances
- One Scoop = 25 Grams of Protein
Ascent Whey Protein contains 25g of whey protein per serving, which is
equivalent to the amount of protein found in 3 full cups of whole milk,
3 (8oz) servings of yogurt, 4 large eggs, 1 small chicken breast, or ¾
cup of almonds.
- Fast Digesting Post-Workout Recovery
Made with native whey, Ascent Whey Protein is the perfect post-workout
shake for muscle repair and recovery. Ascent also contains 5.7 g of
naturally occurring BCAA’s, 2.7g of Leucine and 12g of Essential Amino
Acids.
- We Make It Ourselves, From Beginning To End
We built our own factory, and control every step of the process
ourselves. Trust the experience of a family-owned business that’s been
making high-quality whey protein for decades.
My husband and I make a shake with this powder each time we work out.
Our personal trainer recommended it to us. It’s one of the few we’ve
tried over the years that doesn’t have a bad after taste, doesn’t upset
our stomachs, and it recovers our muscles nicely.
11. Jay Robb Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 – more than 4,900 global ratings
– The Real Whey
Jay Robb Whey Isolate Powder is a clean, delicious, and protein-packed way to promote your health goals.
– Build + Repair
Whey protein helps fuel the process to build new muscle faster and support metabolism.
– Nutrition Made Delicious
Nourishing your body is easy and outrageously delicious with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and more.
– Easy to Blend
Our easy-to-mix formula simplifies getting your protein on the run, in the gym, or at home
Jay Robb Whey Isolate Protein Powder Review
Keep reordering bc husband likes it… he needs to regain strength and stability after an illness. He has commented on the flavor, which keeps him using it. So far so good!
Jay Robb Whey Isolate Powder is a clean, delicious, and protein-packed way to promote your health goals.
– Build + Repair
Whey protein helps fuel the process to build new muscle faster and support metabolism.
– Nutrition Made Delicious
Nourishing your body is easy and outrageously delicious with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and more.
– Easy to Blend
Our easy-to-mix formula simplifies getting your protein on the run, in the gym, or at home
Jay Robb Whey Isolate Protein Powder Review
Keep reordering bc husband likes it… he needs to regain strength and stability after an illness. He has commented on the flavor, which keeps him using it. So far so good!
12. Myprotein Impact Whey Protein -
Price: From $18 > Buy on Amazon
Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 – more than 3,000 global ratings
MyProtein Impact uses the highest-quality whey protein possible. Its whey is obtained from grass-fed cows. Depending on the flavor you choose, the Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate Protein fits up to 22 grams of protein into each 25-gram serving.
It does this with little or no fat or sugar and only 90 calories per serving. The sodium content is also low at 25 mg per serving.
Labdoor independently tests dozens of whey protein powders, and the site recommended the Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate because it scored high in Labdoor’s ingredient safety, nutritional value, and product purity tests. The testers found there were 21.9 grams of protein in every 25-gram serving.
Pros: Safe ingredients, excellent product purity, a high concentration of bound protein, fat-free, low in sodium.
Cons: Concerns about quality control, contains artificial sweetener.
It does this with little or no fat or sugar and only 90 calories per serving. The sodium content is also low at 25 mg per serving.
Labdoor independently tests dozens of whey protein powders, and the site recommended the Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate because it scored high in Labdoor’s ingredient safety, nutritional value, and product purity tests. The testers found there were 21.9 grams of protein in every 25-gram serving.
Pros: Safe ingredients, excellent product purity, a high concentration of bound protein, fat-free, low in sodium.
Cons: Concerns about quality control, contains artificial sweetener.
FAQs
a. Whey vs Casein Protein
Whey is the “faster” protein because its amino acids are quickly absorbed by out body. As a result, it serves as a good source of protein for a pre- or post-workout snack. While casein is the “slower” protein since it’s digested more slowly. Therefore, people might choose to consume casein before fasting or sleeping.b. Is Casein or Whey Better for Weight Loss?
A study compared weight loss diet with either whey or casein supplements on overweight men for 12 weeks, showed that those taking casein supplements lost an average of 8% of their body weight. Those taking whey lost an average of 4%.However, another study showed no significant difference between whey and casein for weight loss, making them equally as good for weight loss.
c. When to Take Whey Protein Before or After Workout?
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