What Are The Best Protein Powders For Lifters?

What Are The Best Protein Powders for Lifters? These protein powders provide high-quality protein, a good amino acid profile, and fit specific training goals such as muscle growth, fat loss, digestion speed, or personal preference. This guide reviews 6 of the best protein powders currently available, plus an honorable mention, based on protein quality, formulation, and practical use. So if you’re ready, let’s jump right in!

A Quick Look At The Top 6 Protein Powders

Protein Powder	Protein Type	Protein per Serving	Best For
Hi-Tech Precision Protein	Hydrolyzed Whey	25 g	Maximizing muscle growth
NOW Sports Whey Isolate	Whey Isolate	25 g	Clean, fast-digesting protein
Rule 1 Source 7 Protein	Protein Blend	22 g	Long gaps between meals
PEScience Vegan Select	Plant-Based (Pea & Rice)	20 g	Vegan and plant-based lifters
Panda Fuel Premium Protein	Whey + Casein Blend	30 g	Digestion and absorption support
Rule 1 Clear Isolate	Clear Whey Isolate	20 g	Cutting and low-calorie diets
NOW Sports Whey Protein	Whey Blend	24 g	High-quality everyday protein

Reviews – The Top 6 Protein Powders

What is The Best Overall Protein For Muscle Growth?

The primary reason I made Hi-Tech Precision Protein  the Best Overall for muscle growth is not because it has the cleanest formula, but that is very important. While Precision Protein features a very high quality whey protein (hydrolyzed), I put it here for one reason and one reason only – it is one of, if not the, most anabolic protein powders on the market. Why, you might ask? 

Simple – it uses a special Hi-Tech developed technology that allows the BCAA/EAA leucine in the product to be released during the initial stages of protein synthesis. Of course, leucine is the most anabolic of any amino acid, and protein synthesis is a direct trigger of muscle growth. I cannot overstate the innovation of this protein powder!

Rating: 4.5 Stars!

PROS

• 25g Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Per Serving – Bound To A Patented “Phospholipid  Matrix”
• Powerful Protein Synthesis Optimizer!
• Low Sugar – Low Fat
• Tastes Great!

CONS

• Does Contain Some Artificial Flavoring
• Contains One Artificial Sweetener

What is The Best Whey Isolate?

I picked NOW Sports Whey Isolate for its clean formula (remember I said this was important) and its 25 grams of whey protein isolate, which is the highest quality protein you can buy. This is an all-natural formula, it’s sweetened with organic stevia and is naturally flavored (there’s also an unflavored option). In addition, there’s zero fat, zero sugar, 2 grams of total carbs, and it has a low sodium content. 

NOW always has several certifications for its products. Their whey isolate is no different. This product is tested for banned substances and GMP quality-assured. Finally, whey isolate is fast digesting and ideal for morning use, post-workout use, and any time you feel you need a protein that digests quickly. 

Rating: 5 Stars! (The Purity of This Product Earned This Rating)

PROS

• Contains Premium Quality Whey Isolate
• 25g Per Serving
• Very Clean Formula

CONS

• A Few Lifters Don’t Like The Mixability

What is The Best Blend?

Rule 1 Source 7 Protein is the best protein blend because it combines fast- and slow-digesting protein sources to provide sustained amino acid delivery. If you’re about to start a long day at work or school, and you know it will be hard to make your meals, a protein powder with slower digesting proteins like this can be a life-saver. In addition, consuming a powder with slower digesting proteins near bedtime keeps you in an anabolic state for hours. 

Source 7 Protein features 7 sources of protein: whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed whey protein, native whey protein isolate, micellar casein, milk protein isolate, and pea protein. Each scoop provides over 10 grams of EAAs. This is a fantastic blend that is perfect for those lifters having problems making regular meals. 

Rating: 4 Stars!

PROS

• Features A 7-Source Protein Blend That Stays In Your System For Hours
• Provides 22 Grams of Protein per Serving

CONS

• It has 9 Grams of Total Carbohydrates including 5 Grams of Sugar per Serving

What is The Best Vegan Protein?

PEScience Vegan Series Select is a great example with 20 grams of a pea and brown rice protein blend per serving. In addition, there’s zero fat, zero sugar, and it’s naturally flavored and naturally sweetened. 

Vegan protein powders have come a long way in recent years. For decades, soy was the primary choice for vegan or vegetarian lifters. More recently, protein powders using pea and/or brown rice have become the standard. 

Rating: 5 Stars!

PROS

• 20 Grams of Pea and Brown Rice Protein per Serving
• Zero Carb – Zero Fat
• Naturally Flavored and Sweetened

CONS

• Some Users Feel The Texture Is A Little Chalky

What Protein Powder Has The Best Rate of Absorption?

Panda Supplements Panda Fuel Premium Protein is the best absorbed protein because it has an advanced and innovative absorption/probiotic 3-complex ingredient profile. Let’s be real, absorption is the name of the game. 

Not only is there protease, a digestive enzyme, this sensational protein powder also takes full advantage of the patented absorption enhancers Bioperine® Black Pepper, AstraGin®, and Senctiv®. Plus, there’s a 50 mg probiotics blend providing 25 billion CFU. Wow! 

Not to mention, this protein provides a huge 30 grams per serving coming from whey isolate, hydrolyzed whey, whey concentrate, and casein. That means fast and slow digesting protein sources. If you want the ultimate digestion/absorption protein, this is it!

Rating: 5 Stars!

PROS

• Features 30 Grams of an Exclusive Whey/Casein Protein Blend per Serving
• This Protein Contains 4 Absorption Enhancers
• Contains a Probiotic Blend

CONS

• Maybe a Little High in Fat and Sugar

What is The Best Clear Protein Powder?

Rule 1 Clear Isolate is the best clear protein powder because it provides 20 grams of whey isolate protein with zero fat and sugar while mixing into a light, juice-like drink. Its low calorie content and refreshing flavor profile make it ideal during cutting phases. Rule 1 Clear Isolate is a stellar example and is ideal for anyone that wants something besides the typical milkshake-like flavors

Rating: 4.5 Stars!

PROS

• Supplies 20 Grams Clear Whey Isolate Protein per Serving
• Zero Sugar – Zero Fat – Just 90 Calories
• Crisp, Light, Refreshing Fruity Taste

CONS

• A Little High in Sodium (100 mg)
• Uses Artificial Sweeteners and Flavors

Honorable Mention – NOW Sports Whey Protein

Here’s a great whey protein from NOW Sports. There’s 3 different types of whey including isolate, concentrate and hydrolyzed. It’s a clean, premium quality formula with no artificial ingredients. That’s why it’s here – it’s just too good to pass up!

Rating – 5 Stars!

The Top 6 Protein Powders – Buying Guide

The importance of using a good protein powder cannot be overstated. Sure, you should eat real food sources first, but there are times when real food isn’t possible. For example, I’ve had many, many occasions at work where I could not take a full meal break, but had enough time to drink a shake. Not to mention, a couple of protein shakes a day can go a long way toward helping you reach your daily protein goals. 

Why is Protein The Most Important Macronutrient?

Of the three macronutrients, protein is the most important. This is because our body is largely made up of protein (after water and other components). One of the primary things that make up protein is amino acids. In fact, these are commonly referred to as the “building blocks” of protein. There are 20 amino acids, these can be called proteinogenic amino acids because they are involved in the creation of protein. The body uses aminos in different sequences for thousands of functions every day.

What Are Essential and Non-Essential Aminos?

The body makes all but 9 of these 20 amino acids. Those that are made by the body are called non-essential amino acids. The remaining essential aminos need to be supplied by diet and by supplements. So you need to eat and supplement enough protein to reach your goal every day. Most protein sources only stay in the body for a few hours. That means protein needs to be consistently ingested throughout the day. (1, 2)

How Much Protein Should You Consume per Day?

The general recommendation for lifters is approximately .8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight, with some authorities suggesting up to 1.5 grams per pound. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should consume a bare minimum of 120 grams of protein daily with as close to 150 grams as you can get being the ideal. In addition, taking in up to 225 grams per day is perfectly fine. (1, 2)

What Are The Benefits Of Protein Powder?

Using a protein powder provides several benefits. These include:

• Supports Muscle Growth
• Keeps The Body In An Anabolic State – This Supports Protein Synthesis
• Enhances Post-Workout Recovery
• Prevents A Catabolic Environment 
• Preserves Muscle During Periods Of Fat Loss
• Supports Healthy Hair, Skin & Nails
• Promotes Immune System Health
• Convenient – Easy to Use
• Helps You Meet Your Daily Protein Requirements

What You Should Look For When Considering A Protein Powder?

Here’s what to look for when considering a protein powder: 

• High-Quality Ingredients – Look for high-quality protein such as whey and as clean a formula as possible. 
• Premium Protein Sources – Don’t settle for inferior protein sources such as soy.
• Good Macronutrient Profile – Always make sure total carbohydrates, sugar, fat, and sodium are low. 
• Limited Fillers – Look for products with a limited number of added ingredients. The more fillers you’re getting, the less actual protein you get per scoop. 

Here’s a trick to check the actual protein content per serving of your protein powder. Divide the grams of protein on the label by the scoop size. Both of our Top 2 powders have a protein content of 78% (25g / 32g = .78). That’s a typical number, and it can go higher depending on the product. The less fillers, etc. that’s in the product, the higher the number. For example, if you get NOW Sports Whey Isolate unflavored, it’s 85% protein (24g/28g = .85).

What Are The Different Types Of Protein? 

Here are some of the most common types of protein you’ll find in protein powders:

Whey Isolate

This is the highest quality whey protein. It’s widely considered to be the best quality protein powder available. It will contain very little carbs and fat. 

Whey Concentrate

This is the most common whey protein. Whey concentrate has a little more carbs and fats than either isolate or hydrolyzed. 

Hydrolyzed Whey

This is whey protein isolate that’s broken down more than other types of whey which means it will absorb faster. All whey proteins are fast-digesting, but hydrolyzed is the fastest. 

Micellar Casein

Micellar is the highest quality form of casein protein. The main advantage of micellar casein is that it is slow-digesting – it stays in the system for 7 hours.

Plant-Based

This is vegan protein. Usually, it’s pea, or pea and brown rice. When combined, they create a complete protein. These protein sources are medium-digesting. 

Egg White

This was the highest quality protein until whey came along. Even so, it’s still a high-quality protein. The high sodium content is the only real downside. Egg white protein is a medium-digesting protein. 

What is The Best Way To Use Protein Powder?

First of all, you can mix your protein with any hot or cold beverage as well as with food. I suggest having a small protein shake in the morning after a glass of water. For example, when you get up, drink an 8 ounce glass of cold water. After a few minutes, follow that with a 4-6 ounce protein shake. This is meant to “break-the-fast” of 7-10 hours of sleep, but it’s not meant to be breakfast.  After a few minutes, have your morning coffee, and eat breakfast at your normal time.

Have 1-2 shakes during the day to help you reach your protein goals. Key times are in between meals and post-workout (with simple carbohydrates). In fact, I suggest drinking a post-workout shake as soon as possible after your last set. I don’t mean an hour or two later, I mean 10-15 minutes later. 

I also suggest having a casein-based protein shake about 20-30 minutes before bed. It doesn;t need to be a large shake. 

Besides a regular shake, you can use your protein powder to make smoothies. You can also use it for baking all kinds of high-protein foods, such as pancakes, muffins or yes, even cookies. You can also add it to oatmeal or yogurt. Finally, you can mix it into literally any recipe. 

Summary

Well, there you have it, the Top 6 Protein Powders – plus an Honorable Mention. This guide will help you pick the protein powder that best fits your needs. That means all you have to do is stop by illpumpyouup.com and stock up – once you’ve done that, let’s go make a shake!

References:

1. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/howgeneswork/protein
2. Tarnopolsky, M. A., MacDougall, J. D., & Atkinson, S. A. (1988, January). Influence of protein intake and training status on nitrogen balance and lean body mass. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3356636