Top 7 Best Protein Powders For Muscle Gain Available In 2024
· 1 commentYou've been hitting the gym intensively, but you're not seeing any progress for some reason. There's a high chance you do not see results because your protein intake needs to be higher.
That's why many of us turn to protein powder supplements, as they're an effective and convenient way of hitting our daily protein intake.
But because there are so many products on the market, narrowing your search and finding the best protein powder for muscle gain can be a real challenge.
Luckily, we've done the hard work for you and can offer a comprehensive list of the best protein powders available.
Check them out below, and then keep reading to discover how they can help you reach your fitness goals faster!
Top 7 Best Protein Powders For Muscle Gain Of 2024
Protein powder is, without a doubt, one of the most commonly used supplements out there. Because it's such a popular and effective supplement, many different options exist.
But let's be honest, you don't want to sift through dozens, if not hundreds, of different products. That's why we've done the work for you.
We've shifted through over 40 different products and narrowed them down to our list of the 7 best protein powders for muscle gain.
- Best Protein Powder For Muscle Gain Overall: Huge Whey
- Best Natural Protein Powder For Muscle Gain: Naked Whey
- Best Protein Powder For Muscle Gain For Beginners: Dymatize Elite Whey
- Best Budget Protein Powder For Muscle Gain: Muscletech Nitrotech Whey
- Best Protein Powder For Weight Loss And Muscle Gain: Huge Isolate
- Best Protein Powder For Muscle Gain For Women: PEScience Select
- Best Grass-Fed Protein Powder For Muscle Gain: Raw Grass Fed Whey
Best Protein Powder For Muscle Gain Overall: Huge Whey
Product Specifications
- Protein Per Serving: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Serving: 3 grams
- Fats Per Serving: 2 grams
- Calories Per Serving: 130
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate
- Available Flavors: Cookie & Cream, Vanilla Milkshake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Cheesecake, Blueberry Muffin, Fruit Cereal, Cinnamon Bun, Chocolate Brownie, White Chocolate Raspberry
- Price: $44.95
- Servings Per Container: 30
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Packs a massive 25 grams of protein per serving
- Easy to mix and smooth texture
- Tastes fantastic and is available in 9 mouthwatering flavors
- Low in carbohydrates and fats
- Each purchase of Huge Whey comes with a free shaker
- Backed by over 1250 positive user reviews
- Includes digestive enzyme blend
Cons
- Some flavors sell out quickly
- Each container holds 30 servings
Huge Whey by Huge Supplements is our choice for the best protein powder for muscle gain overall. It is designed to support muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance. Each serving delivers a substantial 25 grams of high-quality whey protein, providing your body with the essential building blocks it needs to optimize muscle development and repair.
One of the standout features of Huge Whey is its impressive nutritional profile. With just 130 calories per serving, it offers a protein-dense option that fits well into various dietary plans. This low-calorie count ensures that you can increase your protein intake without significantly impacting your overall caloric intake, making it ideal for those looking to gain quality muscle.
Huge Whey is also known for its delicious flavors and excellent mixability, making it a convenient and enjoyable addition to your daily routine.
Flavors like Cinnamon Bun, Chocolate Brownie, and White Chocolate Raspberry cater to a wide range of taste preferences, ensuring you never get bored of your daily protein shake.
For athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone serious about improving their physique, Huge Whey stands out as the best overall protein powder for muscle gain. Its combination of high-quality ingredients, delicious flavors, and effective performance support makes it an essential addition to any fitness regimen.
Best Natural Protein Powder For Muscle Gain: Naked Whey
Product Specifications
- Protein Per Serving: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Serving: 8 grams
- Fats Per Serving: 2 grams
- Calories Per Serving: 150
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate
- Available Flavors: Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Unflavored
- Price: $26.99
- Servings Per Container: 12
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It uses all-natural whey protein sourced from small dairy farms
- A clean, natural formula that only uses three premium ingredients
- It's available in a 1-pound and 5-pound container
- GMO-Free, soy-free, and gluten-free
- No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors
Cons
- It's priced above average
- Each serving is 150 calories
- There are limited flavor options
NAKED Whey is an exceptional choice for those seeking a natural protein powder to support muscle gain. This product is made from 100% grass-fed whey protein concentrate sourced from small dairy farms in the United States, ensuring high quality and purity.
Each serving provides 25 grams of protein and 5.9 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are essential for muscle protein synthesis and recovery.
What sets NAKED Whey apart is its commitment to a clean, minimal ingredient list. The product contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize natural ingredients. It is also non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences
NAKED Whey is available in simple, natural flavors like chocolate and vanilla, which are easy to mix and versatile enough to incorporate into various recipes and shakes. It's also available as an unflavored option.
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for a natural, effective way to boost their protein intake and support muscle growth, NAKED Whey is an outstanding choice.
Best Protein Powder For Muscle Gain For Beginners: Dymatize Elite Whey
Product Specifications
- Protein Per Serving: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Serving: 3 grams
- Fats Per Serving: 3 grams
- Calories Per Serving: 140
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Blend (Concentrate, Isolate, Hydrolyzed)
- Available Flavors: Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Vanilla
- Price: $39.95
- Servings Per Container: 25
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides 25 grams of fast-digesting protein per serving
- Available in 2-pound and 5-pound containers
- No unnecessary ingredients or fillers
- Excellent range of delicious flavors
- Uses a blend of different types of whey protein
- Has collected a lot of positive reviews
Cons
- Only comes in several flavors
- One container holds just 25 servings
- High in cholesterol
Dymatize Elite Whey is an excellent protein powder for beginners looking to enhance muscle gain. Each serving delivers 25 grams of fast-digesting whey protein, making it an ideal choice to support post-workout recovery and muscle repair.
The protein is sourced from a blend of whey protein concentrate, isolate and hydrolyzed, providing a balanced amino acid profile to support optimal growth.
It comes in a variety of mouthwatering flavors such as Chocolate, Vanilla, and Cookies & Cream, Dymatize Elite Whey is not only effective but also enjoyable to consume. Its easy mixability ensures a smooth, lump-free shake every time, making it convenient for beginners new to protein supplementation.
Additionally, Dymatize Elite Whey is tested for banned substances, providing peace of mind for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Its combination of quality, taste, and nutritional value makes it the best protein powder for beginners aiming to build muscle effectively.
Best Budget Protein Powder For Muscle Gain: Muscletech Nitrotech Whey
Product Specifications
- Protein Per Serving: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Serving: 4 grams
- Fats Per Serving: 2.5 grams
- Calories Per Serving: 160
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Blend (Concentrate, Isolate, Peptides)
- Available Flavors: Strawberry, Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Cookies And Cream
- Price: $32.99
- Servings Per Container: 22
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Designed to support muscle growth and recovery
- Includes 3g of Creatine & 6.6g of BCAAs
- Rapid absorption and digests easily
- No useless fillers
- Good taste and mixability
Cons
- Relatively high in cholesterol
- One tub holds 22 servings
Muscletech NitroTech Whey is a top choice for those seeking an affordable yet effective protein powder for muscle gain. What makes this a unique option is that each serving delivers 30 grams of high-quality protein sourced from a combination of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein peptides.
By combining three different sources, you'll be able to absorb and digest the content optimally. In addition to its robust protein content, NitroTech Whey includes 6.6 grams of branched-chain amino acids and 3 grams of creatine per serving.
These ingredients are essential for muscle repair and reducing muscle soreness after intense workouts. Despite its premium formulation, NitroTech Whey remains budget-friendly, making it accessible for those looking to maximize their gains without breaking the bank.
For those looking for a cost-effective protein powder that doesn't compromise on quality, Muscletech NitroTech Whey is the best budget-friendly option for supporting muscle gain.
Best Protein Powder For Weight Loss And Muscle Gain: Huge Isolate
Product Specifications
- Protein Per Serving: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Serving: 3 grams
- Fats Per Serving: 2 grams
- Calories Per Serving: 150
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
- Available Flavors: Birthday Cake, Cinnamon Crunch, Choco Madness, Fruity Cereal
- Price: $59.95
- Servings Per Container: 30
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It uses 100% pure whey isolate protein
- Perfect for losing weight and building muscle
- Each serving provides 30 grams of protein
- Extremely low in carbohydrates and fats
- Contains a digestive enzyme blend to help with digestion
- Great flavor profile, mixability and texture
Cons
- Price is higher than average
- Only four flavors to choose from
Huge Isolate is the best choice for individuals looking to simultaneously lose weight and gain muscle. This protein powder is crafted from high-quality whey protein isolate, which is known for its high protein content and low levels of carbohydrates and fats.
Each serving delivers a substantial 30 grams of protein, making it an ideal supplement for supporting muscle growth and recovery while aiding weight loss.
One of the standout features of Huge Isolate is its purity and quality. It contains minimal lactose and is free from unnecessary fillers, ensuring that you're getting a clean protein sources that supports muscle repair and growth.
The optimal balance of macronutrients per serving also makes it suitable for those on calorie-restricted diets, helping you stay within your daily limits while still effectively fueling your muscles. Huge Isolate is available in mixed tasty flavors, such as Birthday Cake, Cinnamon Crunch, and Choco Madness, making it a delicious and enjoyable part of your daily routine.
If your goal is to improve muscle growth while shedding excess weight, Huge Isolate offers a perfect balance of high protein content, low calories, and delicious taste, making it the best protein powder for achieving these dual fitness goals.
Best Protein Powder For Muscle Gain For Women: PEScience Select
Product Specifications
- Protein Per Serving: 24 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Serving: 2 grams
- Fats Per Serving: 1 gram
- Calories Per Serving: 130
- Protein Source: Protein Blend (Milk Protein Isolate, Casein Protein, Whey Protein Concentrate)
- Available Flavors: Cake Pop, Chocolate Cupcake, Chocolate Mint Cookie, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Truffle, Cookies & Cream, Vanilla, Peppermint Bark, Snickerdoodle, Strawberry Cheesecake
- Price: $39.99
- Servings Per Container: 27
Pros & Cons
Pros
- This protein powder combines both whey protein and casein protein
- Only 130 calories per serving while containing 24 grams of protein
- It helps support performance and body composition
- Each serving packs 5 grams of BCAAs with extra leucine peptides
- It's gluten-free
- Third-party tested to ensure high quality
Cons
- Some flavors contain up to 250mg of sodium per serving
- It may be too sweet for some people
PEScience Select Protein is an outstanding choice for women looking to enhance muscle gain while maintaining a balanced diet. This protein powder combines both whey and casein proteins, providing a sustained release of amino acids that support muscle recovery and growth throughout the day.
Per serving, this option provides 24 grams of protein, making it an efficient source for meeting daily protein requirements.Select Protein is particularly beneficial for women due to its blend of fast-absorbing whey protein and slow-digesting casein protein. This combination helps to keep you feeling full longer, aiding in weight management and reducing the temptation for unhealthy snacking.
It also includes 5 grams of BCAAs per serving, which are essential for muscle repair and growth, making it a comprehensive solution for active women
You'll find that this product comes in a lot of flavor options. A few popular picks are Chocolate Truffle, Snickerdoodle, and Cake Pop. PEScience Select ensures that getting your protein intake is both enjoyable and convenient. Its excellent mixability means you can easily add it to shakes, smoothies, or even baked goods without clumping.
For women seeking a versatile, effective, and delicious protein powder to support muscle gain, PEScience Select Protein stands out as the best option on the market.
Best Grass-Fed Protein Powder For Muscle Gain: Raw Grass Fed Whey
Product Specifications
- Protein Per Serving: 21 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Serving: 2 grams
- Fats Per Serving: 1 gram
- Calories Per Serving: 97
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate
- Available Flavors: Unflavored
- Price: $75.99
- Servings Per Container: 90
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Only uses one ingredient: 100% pure grass-fed whey
- No added sweeteners, preservatives, fillers or soy lecithin
- Each sachet contains 90 servings
- Processed at low temperatures
- It is gluten-free
Cons
- Each scoop only provides 21 grams of protein, which is less than other products featured
- It's relatively expensive compared to other options
Raw Grass Fed Whey is an ideal protein supplement for those aiming to build muscle with a natural and high-quality source. Sourced from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows, this whey protein is free from artificial additives, hormones, and GMOs, ensuring a clean and pure product. Each serving provides 21 grams of protein, rich in amino acids that help support muscle repair and growth.
This protein powder is minimally processed to preserve its nutritional integrity, offering a clean taste and excellent mixability. It’s versatile and can be easily added to shakes, smoothies, and various recipes, making it convenient for daily use.
For fitness enthusiasts seeking a sustainable and nutritious protein option, Raw Grass Fed Whey stands out as the best grass-fed protein powder for muscle gain. Its commitment to quality and natural sourcing makes it a top choice for those focused on health and performance.
How We Chose The Best Protein Powder For Muscle Gain
If you've already started searching for the best protein powder for muscle gain, you know just how many options there are.
So, to narrow our search, we had to use a strict set of criteria to rule out subpar and ineffective supplements. To help you better understand our selection, we've carefully explained what we looked for below.
Protein Per Serving
The whole point of taking a protein supplement is to get as much protein as possible. So, we were careful only to select brands that offered an optimal dosage of protein.
If you're trying to pack on muscle mass, you'll want to get between 0.7 to 1 gram of protein per lb of body weight. So, if you're 150lbs, you will need between 105 and 150 grams of protein each day. Make sure to calculate how much protein you need per day.
Therefore, we only included products that offered a good amount of protein to help you reach your daily macronutrients.
If you go back through our list of the top five best protein powders for muscle gain, you'll quickly notice that they all contain roughly 25 grams of protein per single serving.
This way, you know that you're getting the best results for your money. With more protein, your muscles will recover faster and see gains like never before.
Taste and Flavor Options
Another factor we looked at was taste and flavor options. There's no reason why your protein shouldn't be something you look forward to drinking.
We specifically looked for brands that offered various flavors to match any preference. Most of our selections have at least five different options, many of which are unique.
That way, as soon as you're done working out, you can enjoy a protein shake and treat it like a reward rather than a necessary step toward gains.
Additives
Quality and purity often go hand-in-hand, and you want as few additives as possible when it comes to your protein supplements.
Of course, by additives, we mean filler. You want to steer clear of a protein powder full of harmful additives, and that's exactly what we did!
With the products we've shown you, you're guaranteed to get a high-quality supplement.
Price Per Serving
Lastly, we looked at the price per serving of each product. We find that the price can make or break your decision. Therefore, we carefully picked out products that fit most people's budgets.
As we reviewed our list of the best protein powders for muscle gain, we ruled out anything that cost more than $1.50 per serving. In our opinion, that's as much as anyone should have to pay for protein.
The Different Types Of Protein Powder For Muscle Gain
If you're new to the world of protein powders, you may be confused by the different terms that brands use to describe their supplements.
After all, there are actually three different types of whey protein, all of which are made in different ways and offer different benefits.
Before you start buying powders, let's explain what these differences are.
Whey Protein Concentrate
As you're shopping around, you're more than likely going to find whey concentrate products. This is the most common type of whey protein, made by separating milk's solid and liquid components during the cheese-making process.
The solids are removed, and the remaining liquid is reduced into a concentrated protein-rich powder.
Along with protein, whey concentrate also contains beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, and other minerals and nutrients commonly found in milk.
This type of whey powder generally contains 80% pure protein and is low in fat and sugar. This makes it an excellent source of amino acids, which athletes need to build muscle.
It's also the most cost-effective option, making it very popular amongst bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.
Whey Protein Isolate
Whey isolate is a more refined version of whey concentrate. After milk solids are strained from the whey, the remaining liquid is then further processed to remove any excess lactose, fat, and other impurities.
This makes it a cleaner and more protein-dense form of whey, although it is also more processed. By isolating more of the proteins, this powder type is generally 90% pure and is easier for lactose-intolerant athletes to digest.
It is, however, slightly more expensive since it goes through a more intense concentration process.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate
You'll likely run across whey hydrolysate powders at some point, too. These protein powders are the most refined and are made by breaking the protein bonds in whey concentrate to make the powder more easily digestible.
For this reason, they're popular among athletes with lactose intolerance and sensitive stomachs. They're also incredibly rich in proteins—often above 90% purity—with hardly any fat or sugar.
Understandably, though, the extra process of isolating and breaking protein bonds makes these products more expensive than the other two whey proteins described above.
Casein Protein
Last but not least is casein protein. It is one of the two major proteins found in milk, the other being whey protein. Casein accounts for about 80% of the total protein in cow's milk, while whey makes up the remaining 20%.
What makes casein protein unique is that it is slower-digesting and provides a sustained release of amino acids.
Due to its slow digestion rate, casein protein has been shown to promote prolonged muscle protein synthesis and may help prevent muscle breakdown.
It is often recommended for prolonged periods without protein intake, such as before bed, to support muscle protein synthesis during sleep.
What To Know Before Taking Protein Powder For Muscle Gain
You should be aware of a handful of practical guidelines before you start taking protein.
These will help you get the most out of your supplement and ensure you make gains in as little time as possible.
Timing Isn't Important
Protein isn't like other supplements—you don't have to take it right before or after your workout.
The body will continue to digest and process the molecule throughout the day, regardless of when you take it.
This makes it a more straightforward supplement to take since you can wake up and have a protein shake with a meal.
It's Completely Safe to Take
Protein powder is the safest supplement you can take. Our bodies naturally need protein, and whatever you don't use will pass through your urine.
The only side effect you may experience after taking protein powder is bloating, gas, or stomach pain. This is because protein can be heavy on a sensitive stomach. But for most people, there are no issues when taking it.
Convenient Protein Source
Protein powders are a high-quality and convenient source of protein. You mix one or two servings with water or milk, and you've got a massive amount of protein to help grow your muscles.
It's also important to know that protein powder contains all the essential amino acids, which your body needs to maximize muscle growth and recovery.
Tips to Increase Your Muscle Gains
Taking one of the protein powders we've shown you is certainly a step in the right direction, but it's not the be-all and end-all of putting on size.
If you're not already following some of these tips, we highly recommend changing your daily routine to focus on gains.
Eat In A Caloric Surplus
Whether you want to gain or lose weight, the basic principles are the same - track your calories. No matter how much you lift in the gym, you'll never see any gains if you aren't giving your body more calories than it needs.
This can be tricky, though, because many guys hesitate to start eating more out of fear of getting fat. Eating more calories doesn't necessarily mean eating unhealthily, though.
Eating between two and three-hundred extra calories of clean, low-carb, low-fat food daily can quickly gain size without losing definition.
Give Your Muscles Enough Rest
Another common problem for beginners is that they overwork their muscles. There's a general idea that lifting more automatically means more gains, but it's a little more complicated than that.
Every time you lift, you create tiny microtears in the muscle fibers that slowly heal to create more muscle mass. If you don't give your muscles enough time to heal, they'll never grow stronger or larger.
In fact, you could throw your muscles in lysis, causing them to shrink rather than grow. To prevent this, it's essential to:
- Give your body the nutrients it needs to recover
- Take a rest day at least once a week
- Sleep for at least 7 hours every night
If you manage to check off all three of those requirements, you should be in good shape to start making mad gains.
Focus On Getting Stronger
This should be obvious, but what you do in the gym also matters. If you're exercising but not focusing on getting stronger, you'll struggle to make any gains.
Start changing your routine to focus on lifting heavier, not just maintaining. By using progressive overload, you'll train your muscles to manage greater weights, and they'll quickly increase in size.
Focus on getting stronger on compound movements, staying within a lower rep range. Try to add more weight or increase the reps every new workout.
Do You Really Need Protein Powder For Muscle Gain?
Even though protein powders are very common, many people wonder if you really need them.
The answer is no; you don't necessarily need them to gain muscle mass.
You can get enough protein through nutrition, but it's a real challenge for most of us.
That's why many of us turn to protein powder for muscle gain. They pack a lot of protein (25 to 30 grams per serving), are incredibly convenient, and taste amazing.
By adding multiple servings to your daily nutrition, it's going to be much easier to hit your daily protein macronutrients.
To conclude, you don't need them, but they make your life much easier and as they're a high-quality source of quality macronutrients.
Final Thoughts: Best Protein Powder For Muscle Gain
Adding protein powder to your routine will make you see better muscle and strength gains. It's by far one of the most effective and safest supplements available on the market.
But there's a lot to choose from, which can get confusing. That's why we've shown you what we found to be the best protein powders for muscle gain.
Our top choice is Huge Whey, which packs a whopping 25-gram dose of protein, along with added branched-chain amino acids, and comes in 9 delicious flavors.
Take the protein whenever you want, but be sure to follow a routine, get enough sleep, eat above your caloric needs, and lift to build strength rather than maintain.
Soon enough, you'll achieve the goals you've been working toward. Let's get those gains!
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