Here are the best protein supplements for bodybuilding, recovery, and performance.
Protein powders play a key role in maintaining, growing and repairing body tissue after training. A supplement like whey protein powder can be used as an emergency food source if you are running short on time, but in reality proper protein intake is also essential for the production of a number of key hormones which promote growth of muscle mass and maturation from a protein powder.
Considering the indispensable role that protein plays, it is vital to consume an adequate serving of the macro every day for muscle growth and the types of whey protein can help. Failing to do so can result in the development of chronic diseases and ailments such as muscle wastage, anemia (low blood iron), decreased immunity and fatigue. Vitamins and minerals and branch chain amino acids can help you lose weight and aid in muscle repair from protein powders. To allow you to select a protein powder or protein blend that fits your goals, our team has tried and tested a vast number of premium options.
In this post our team at Generation Iron is going to compare whey protein concentrate and isolate supplements to recommend the most effective protein powder for bodybuilding, performance and recovery. Here’s our list of the best protein powders.
Best Protein Powder Supplements for 2025
- Best Protein Powder Overall: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
- Best Protein For Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Protein For Men: PEScience Select Protein
- Best Protein Isolate: MUTANT ISO SURGE
- Best Whey Protein: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Protein Meal Replacement: MUTANT FLEX FOOD
- Best Budget Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
- Best Clean Organic Grass-Fed Protein: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Non-Dairy Protein Powder: MuscleMeds Carnivor
- Best Fat Free Protein: Cellucor COR-Performance Whey
- Best Vegan Protein Powder: Nutricost Pea Protein
- Best RTD Protein: MuscleMeds Carnivor RTD
- Best Protein For Weight Loss: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate
- Best Protein For Women: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
- Best Protein For Bulking: MUTANT MASS
Finding The Best Whey Protein Powders
When selecting the best protein powder for bodybuilding, it is important to study the ingredients closely as many protein powders that appear to be of good quality often contain fillers and bulking agents which have no purpose other than increasing the quantity of the two types of whey protein, being whey protein concentrate and isolate powder, or a protein blend. A good quality powder will be high in protein and low in filler ingredients, calories, and sugars. Additionally, from a practical viewpoint, you want a shake that performs well in terms of taste, price, digestibility, and mixability for the best protein powders. Protein powders get bonus points for having a short ingredients list. Things like artificial sweeteners and fillers aren’t as bad as some health influencers want you to believe but we don’t want large amounts of them in a protein supplement.
A good protein powder mixes really easily into protein shakes and smoothies, with little to no grit or chalkiness, and tastes great (our favorite is typically the vanilla flavor). As stated, there are so many options for the best protein powder for bodybuilding available in whey protein concentrate or isolate that it can become convoluted, as well as plant based protein which can provide for the best vegan protein powder benefits. To allow you to pick the powder that matches your goal, we have reviewed the best options on the market.
Best Protein Powder Overall
Finding an all-around great protein powder can be challenging but it is possible. With the right ingredients and formula, all of those protein wants and needs can be achieved either with the best whey protein or a plant based protein powder.
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
Looking for a cheap whey protein concentrate? Check out Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate! A quality protein supplement at half the cost.
| Calories | 130 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 3g |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Flavors | Chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, vanilla, strawberry milkshake, and even unflavored. |
| Number Of Servings | 69 |
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate prides itself on simplicity and transparency. The primary ingredient is whey protein concentrate, which is a form of whey that retains a higher percentage of beneficial nutrients compared to whey protein isolate. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals looking for a more comprehensive protein source.
The product also boasts minimal additives, with no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors. This is a positive aspect for those who prefer a clean and straightforward protein supplement without unnecessary additives. However, it’s worth noting that some users might miss the flavor variety that comes with artificially sweetened options.
Pros
- No artificial ingredients and a transparent label ensure honesty from one of the best whey protein powders.
- Third party tested for accuracy to ensure nothing you don’t want in your supplement is included.
- Organic and non-GMO for optimal health benefits.
- Good choice for those who tend to be sensitive to certain protein supplements.
- Contains essential amino acids perfect for building muscle.
- Right amount of protein per scoop per serving so you get the most for your dollar.
Cons
- Slightly high in carbs and cholesterol for those looking out for these.
- Despite lactose, their are no digestive enzymes to aid in gut health and digestion
- Premium priced product for those looking save some money.
Price: $51.26
Use the promo code GENIRON10 for 10% off!
Read our full review of Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate.
Best Whey Protein For Muscle Gain
Some people use whey in order to gain weight and a mass gainer can work wonders for your bulking needs. Loaded with a great balance of macronutrients is exactly what you need most to see those gains out of a great whey protein powder or mass gainer.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Sugar | Less than 1g |
| Flavors | Cinnamon Pastry, Mocha, French Vanilla, Cookies ‘N Cream, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cereal Splash, Strawberry, Salted Caramel |
| Number Of Servings | 30 |
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey makes the list boasting an impressive array of eco-friendly accomplishments. It’s organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. There are no artificial sweeteners — a rarity in a world full of whey protein powder, which are almost always filled with chemical flavorings to disguise the chalkiness of protein. There are also no artificial colorings or preservatives added. If you have a sensitive stomach, allergies, or just care about the environment, this is an excellent whey isolate for you and your body weight goals and is easy to digest compared to a whey concentrate. Additionally, this vegan protein powder is certified organic and tested for heavy metals by third-party labs to ensure safety.““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““