There are many brands and types of protein in the market today. It can become overwhelming and confusing for those interested.
One of the popular reasons for protein shakes are simply due to the fact that it’s convenient for anyone looking to supplement their fitness and health goals.
This article was written purely based on facts, opinions and personal experience taking various protein shakes over the past 15 years.
Here is a list of protein shakes the author has taken in no particular order:
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex
- Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey Protein Isolates
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Premium Micellar Casein Protein
- Isopure – Zero Carb 100% Whey Protein Isolate
- Nitro Tech 100% Whey Gold Protein
- BodyTech Whey Protein
- GNC Amp Wheybolic
- Muscle Med Carnivor
- Gaspari Myofusion
- 100% Egg Protein
- BSN Syntha 6
Criteria for Selection
When shopping for protein, the following criteria should be considered to ensure you’re getting best value:
- Purity: Not all protein powders are created equally. There are many protein powder that have fillers and added ingredients. Manufactures can also mislead consumers by making it confusing to figure out how much protein and what you’re getting in each servings.
- Type of Protein (Whey, Casein): There are several types of protein powder types such as Soy, Plant Based, Whey etc., This reading will only focus on mainly Whey Protein which is found in Milk.
- Price (Number of Servings)
- Taste: This is a very important factor. There are some Protein shakes that tastes very bad. I’m not a big fan of milk, so my ratings will be based on mixing the powder with ice cold water.
- Consumer ratings: If I am at Amazon.com, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, I will be looking for solid 4-5 star ratings.
- Performance: This is difficult to measure. Your performance can be affected by many other factors such as the amount of sleep you received previous night, your current diet, your current health condition etc., Therefore, I will only mention how I feel while taking the shake and take it for what it’s worth.
Whey protein is quickly digested, in which amino acids can be quickly released to help promote the growth of muscle mass, recovery and strength. It can also help promote fat loss by reducing your appetite.
Whey Protein is quickly digested, here are the 4 common types:
- Protein concentrates: This type of protein powder is engineered by taking protein from food sources and the final results would be 60-80% of calories from protein, leaving the rest of the calories from fat and carbs.
- Protein isolates: Protein isolates are much more potent and are typically 90-95% protein leaving the remaining for fat and carbs. For those who are lactose intolerant, this is your best option.
- Protein Hydrolysates: This form of protein is engineered so that your body can absorb it much easier. This is possible when the bond between amino acids is broken down.
- Casein is another form of protein, and is beneficial due to the timing of how the body absorbs it and how long it lingers in the body. It’s more commonly taken before bed time so your body will constantly be fed protein when your body is recovering. Because it takes a while to leave the body, unlike the Whey counterpart, it’s a good alternative for meal replacement and helps reduce hunger.
I am a huge fan of ON products, the Gold Standard is a top of the line protein choice. They are reputable and tastes very good. Can’t go wrong if you are seeking a whey protein product. Pretty comparable with other protein powder prices. It’s also easy on the stomach, and much cleaner protein based on how I felt taking other protein powders.
Snapshot
Protein: 24 G
Carbs: 3 G
Calories: 120
$ per serving: $0.79
Similar to the Gold Standard ON product, the Platinum HydroWhey is the next level up and as you would expect it’s a bit pricier. It has more protein per servings and other beneficial nutrient values. If money isn’t tight, can’t go wrong here.
Snapshot
Protein: 30 G
Carbs: 4 G
Calories: 150
$ per serving: $1.39
The Syntha-6 is one of the best tasting protein shakes I’ve ever tasted. It packs a good punch with all the essential vitamins and protein profile. When in comparison to the ON products, it’s just a tad below on the protein, more costly and more calories per servings. Overall solid choice if you’re into Soy Protein.
Snapshot
Protein: 22 G
Carbs: 15 G
Calories: 200
$ per serving: $0.94
The Isopure Zero Carb Protein powder is a top-notch product. It is very pure with zero fillers and great for those who is looking for pure protein and looking for a weight management supplement. The taste an flavor is very mild, which is why I decided to stick to the non-flavor so I can mix it with my pre-workouts.
Snapshot
Protein: 26 G
Carbs: 0 G
Calories: 110
$ per serving: $0.89
Naked Whey is probably one of the most purest protein in the market today and pricier ones. It claims to have sourced from grass fed cows milk and tastes very naturally fresh. Enough said.
Snapshot
Protein: 25 G
Carbs: 3 G
Calories: 120
$ per serving: $1.18
The ISO100 is Gluten free and is hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. There’s less than a gram of sugar and fat, which is a great option for those looking to watch their calories intake. It also has a great profile, clean and tastes and smells good.
Snapshot
Protein: 25 G
Carbs: 2 G
Calories: 120
$ per serving: $0.99
Check out these other TGR Articles!
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Honorable Mentions
Pro JYM was founded by well known figure in sports medicine, Jim Stoppani, PHD. Pro JYM is a combination of whey, casein and egg-protein which makes it unique. It also tastes good, but may not be ideal for those who can withstand egg and milk.
Evlution is similar to the JYM Pro in that it has a unique blend of whey, egg and casein for constant protein release for the body. There’s not a lot of flavors to choose from, 5 compared to other protein options but is a solid product that contains a strong profile.
NitroTech Protein Powder cranks up the competition by adding 3 grams of Creatine, per servings. NitroTech has been around for a long time and may be ideal if you’re looking to add size. Otherwise, I would stay away from this if you are looking to cut weight.
Snapshot
Protein: 24 G
Carbs: 7 G
Calories: 150
$ per serving: $1.10
Snapshot
Protein: 25 G
Carbs: 5 G
Calories: 140
$ per serving: $1.04
Snapshot
Protein: 30 G
Carbs: 4 G
Calories: 160
$ per serving: $0.87
