Best Protein Powder Products of 2024 for Muscle Gain and Weight Loss
- August 29, 2024
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- Medications , News and Blog
Hoping to bulk up, shed pounds, or bounce back from an injury? If you’ve hit a wall in your fitness journey, a protein powder may be what you need to help you reach your fitness goals.
But which ones really work? We explored the best protein powder products—starting with our top pick, Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer—to compare their advantages, drawbacks, ingredients, and costs. Dive in to find out which powders suit your needs and budget.
Best Protein Powder in 2024
- Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer – Best protein powder overall
- Crazy Nutrition 100% Tri-Protein – Best protein powder for weight loss
- Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ – Best vegan protein powder
- Naked Nutrition’s Naked Protein – Best protein powder for muscle gain
- Four Sigmatic Plant-Based Organic Protein – Best protein powder for women
The best protein powders showcase high-quality, scientifically backed protein formulation. Most feature ingredients with potent benefits, such as muscle gains, weight loss, or energy increase. Our top pick is Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer, as it ticked all of our boxes, but the other best protein powder brands also have their unique advantages.
1. Crazy Nutrition Mass Gainer – Best Protein Powder Overall
Pros
- High protein content
- B vitamins for energy
- Gluten-free formulation
- Added digestive enzymes
Cons
- Not a low-carb protein powder
Why Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer Stands Out
Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer is the #1 best protein powder in our roundup because it gives you fantastic value for your money. After all, its well-rounded formula packs protein, carbs, and nutrients. Even better, it offers fitness benefits as the best protein powder for weight gain and muscle growth.
Ingredients
Research shows that combining protein and carbohydrates (especially before and after resistance training) creates a great environment for muscles to develop and not degenerate. While protein gives muscles the raw materials to grow, your body needs carbohydrates to generate energy and to prevent tissue protein from breaking down [1].
On the other hand, the supplement’s B vitamins and magnesium assist your cells in producing energy, which you need for physical endeavors such as playing sports and working out, as well as building and repairing your muscles [2].
Dosage
Each serving is four scoops or 125 grams. Just add the scoops to 15 to 20 ounces of water or other liquids of your choice, then blend or shake it. You can drink it while having breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Cost
A one-time purchase of 2.5 kilograms will cost you $89.99, which is enough for five weeks. If you sign up for a subscription, you can save 30% and only pay $62.99.
User Reviews
As one of the best protein powders for men and women, Mass Gainer has a lot of positive feedback from customers. Reddit reviews on r/fitfrek praise this high-calorie, protein-rich supplement as a solid choice for muscle growth and recovery. Nevertheless, one Reddit user on r/weightgain isn’t thrilled with their customer service.
>>Get the best deal on Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer
2. Crazy Nutrition 100% Tri-Protein – Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss
Pros
- Four protein types with different digestion speeds
- Zero-gas formula with digestive enzymes
- 24 grams of protein per dose
- Choose between vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and banana flavors
Cons
- Unsuitable for vegans and those sensitive to dairy
Why Crazy Nutrition’s 100% Tri-Protein Stands Out
Crazy Nutrition’s 100% Tri-Protein keeps you satisfied for longer with its four types of dairy protein and digestive enzymes. With a low-calorie content and slow-release proteins, this is the best protein powder for weight loss on our list.
Ingredients
Tri-Protein contains whey protein isolate—a more concentrated version of whey—alongside milk protein concentrate, micellar casein, and calcium caseinate.
Research shows that blood levels of amino acids from micellar casein do not peak so suddenly and follow a smoother curve. This could make you feel full for much longer than milk or whey protein alone [3].
Dosage
Take one scoop of this whey protein powder for muscle gain daily, mixed with 16 ounces of your favorite shake or plain water.
Cost
A one-off purchase of this weight loss protein powder costs $69.99, which is enough for two months if you work out four times weekly; this qualifies you for free shipping. On the other hand, you only need to shell out $48.99 if you get a subscription. Moreover, you can set the delivery schedule based on how often you work out.
User Reviews
In the r/fitmeals thread, a Reddit commenter says that Crazy Nutrition’s 100% Tri-Protein is his favorite protein powder brand. Nevertheless, another participant in the same thread prefers making his own protein shake from scratch to buying a ready-made protein powder, such as this whey protein powder for weight loss.
>>Get a discount for Crazy Nutrition’s 100% Tri-Protein
3. Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake +18 – Best Vegan Protein Powder
Pros
- Made from pea protein
- Added methionine for a complete amino acid profile
- Delicious natural vanilla flavor
- Contains iron at 19% of the daily value
Cons
- Not a low-calorie protein powder
Why Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake +18 Stands Out
The powder has earned our award as the best vegan protein powder. The formula is allergy-friendly, and several ingredients used are organic. If you’re searching for the best vanilla protein powder, it contains natural vanilla bean extract from sustainable farms in Madagascar. Plus, it’s sweetened with fermented sugar cane and monk fruit.
Ingredients
Essential Protein Daily Shake is the best pea protein powder for vegans and dairy-intolerant users. It’s enriched with methionine, an amino acid present in much lower levels in pea protein.
Pea protein powder has effects similar to whey protein when you use it as a supplement to your regular diet. A study involving older men reveals that pea and whey protein increased muscle growth to the same extent. Pea protein, however, can bring about even greater improvements than whey [4].
Dosage
Take one 30-gram scoop of this dairy-free protein powder every day. Combine it with 8 to 12 ounces of water or a smoothie of your choice.
Cost
The standard price for one packet weighing 455 grams is $44, which is good for 15 servings. At the time of writing, Ritual is offering this non-dairy protein powder at a discounted price of $35.20.
User Reviews
A Reddit user on r/fitmeals recommends Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake +18 as the best plant-based protein powder. They share that this powder, which is one of the best-tasting vanilla protein powders—made from pea protein—reminds them of the yellow birthday cake. Nevertheless, a different Reddit commenter suggests getting fiber from natural food sources instead.
>>Buy Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake
4. Naked Nutrition’s Naked Protein – Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain
Pros
- Lists the levels of each amino acid per serving
- Three types of protein with varying absorption rates
- Calcium and iron for essential mineral support
- Minimal fillers and no artificial ingredients
Cons
- Not advisable for lactose-intolerant or dairy-sensitive folks
Why Naked Nutrition’s Naked Protein Stands Out
We think Naked Protein is the best protein powder for building muscle and losing fat because it’s packed with three kinds of protein and amino acids. Additionally, Naked Nutrition transparently provides a breakdown of the amino acid content. With four major ingredients and zero sugar, it is sometimes considered one of the best protein powders for diabetics.
Ingredients
A common pitfall of weight loss is the loss of muscle mass alongside unwanted body fat. Popular weight loss supplements make this issue especially serious, as they lead to a sharp drop in calorie intake, reducing one’s resting metabolic rate.
Thankfully, research demonstrates that branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation can prevent muscle loss even if you’re following a low-calorie diet. It may also lead to gains in strength. The BCAAs—which are leucine, isoleucine, and valine—may help boost muscle energy production while maintaining muscle tissue [5].
Dosage
If you’re ready to start bulking up, take two scoops (or 29 grams) of this supplement which is one of the best-tasting vegan protein powders daily. Mix it in a homemade shake or simply blend in 6 to 10 ounces of water or milk.
Cost
Naked Protein might be the best value protein powder if you’re on a tight budget. It’s quite affordable at $26.99 for a single 454-gram container with 16 servings. The price will be even lower at $21.59 if you sign up for a subscription. To save between 30% and 40%, you can also use some HSA or FSA plans to pay for this cheap protein powder.
User Reviews
On the official Naked Protein page on the Naked Nutrition website, one customer describes it as the “best protein powder to build muscle” and that it is of “high quality and has no fake sweeteners.” Another client finds it hard to melt the clumps; she still admits that it’s a great addition to smoothies since it makes them creamy and fluffy.
>>Get a discount for Naked Protein here
5. Four Sigmatic Organic Plant-Based Protein – Best Protein Powder for Women
Pros
- 24 grams of an organic plant-based protein blend
- Herbal and medicinal mushroom extracts boost your energy and well-being
- Contains 5 mg of iron per serving
- Three delicious flavors plus the best unflavored protein powder
Cons
- You can’t use it as a meal replacement shake (unless you add fruit and dairy)
Why Four Sigmatic’s Organic Plant-Based Protein Stands Out
Between the added iron and adaptogen extracts, Organic Plant-Based Protein by Four Sigmatic makes the cut as the best protein powder for weight loss that female users can take advantage of. After all, some ingredients could help address women’s health needs.
Ingredients
Lab studies show that cordyceps militaris extract—which is included in organic plant-based protein—could have gentle estrogen-like effects on menopausal ladies. As a result, it may help prevent unwanted weight gain and insulin resistance [6].
Clinical research shows that ashwagandha (yet another ingredient in the formula) may greatly increase estrogen levels and reduce mild to moderate menopausal symptoms, both physical and psychological [7].
Dosage
Take one 40-gram scoop every day, which you can add to water or milk. The unflavored option is also the best protein powder for smoothies, as it won’t clash with the original taste.
Cost
The more you order, the more you can save. A one-time purchase of a single jar with 15 servings costs $50, while you only need to pay $40 if you’re a subscriber. Two containers will cost you $95 (or $76 with a subscription). Finally, four packs are originally priced at $180, but you only have to shell out $144 if you subscribe.
User Reviews
One Reddit commenter on r/PCOSloseit says she likes Four Sigmatic’s protein powders because they’re vegan, taste pretty good, and are not chalky in texture. In contrast, another Reddit user on the same thread prefers the texture of dairy-based products compared to plant-based ones.
>>Check the latest prices for Four Sigmatic Plant-Based Protein
What Is a Protein Powder?
Protein powders are powdered forms of protein supplements that feature highly concentrated proteins extracted from sources such as whey (milk), peas, hemp, and soy. Some products also come with carbohydrates or fat (like MCT oil) for extra calories to support muscle growth and recovery. Other protein supplements also have added vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts.
How Does Protein Powder Work?
Protein powders provide additional dietary protein in easily digestible formulations. They are not meant to substitute your usual nutrient intake in food, only add to it. One study reveals that boosting your protein intake beyond the recommended amount may increase your muscle protein production [4].
The best protein powders for building muscle may have additional effects besides directly providing your body with the building blocks of tissue. One study shows that protein powder may protect your muscles by raising the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1. Also known as IGF-1, it plays a key role in stimulating tissue growth [8].
Additionally, BCAAs can promote muscle growth and repair in different ways while ramping up their energy supply. Some of the best protein powders for weight loss also have high levels of BCAAs, as they may prevent muscle loss while on a low-calorie diet [5].
>>Get the best price on Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer
Health Benefits of Protein Powder
Adding a natural protein powder to your regular diet may encourage muscle growth, give you faster recovery after workouts, strengthen your immune function, and help you manage your weight.
Immune System Support
Your immune system requires heavy-duty antioxidant support, as it is exposed to high levels of oxidative stress when fighting off infections and cleaning up debris from injury. Lab studies show that whey protein’s cysteine content—which your body uses to produce its own antioxidants— may improve your antioxidant defenses [9].
Muscle-Building and Recovery
The best protein powders can support muscle growth and recovery. Both whey and pea protein, for example, may boost muscle protein production [4].
Other research demonstrates that whey protein can aid in restoring your muscle function after a workout. This is because it can speed up the repair of the microscopic damage that you experience during heavy exercise [10].
Weight Management
Many people notice that protein is more satisfying than carbs alone (especially simple sugars!). Additionally, it’s easier to lose weight and change your body composition for the better if you improve your protein production and bring down inflammation.
One study on milk protein supplementation suggests that it can help women lower their BMI and waist circumference after eight weeks. The muscle gains might be smaller, but milk protein has a lower amount of BCAAs compared to whey [11].
Potential Side Effects of Protein Powder
Protein powders are generally safe for healthy adult users and have minimal side effects. However, their dense nutrient content and the presence of lactose might cause problems, such as bloating and gas [12]. This is why some of the best protein powders have digestive enzymes to help break them down.
Still, you should be cautious about taking protein powder if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, we do not recommend using protein powder if you have reduced kidney function or are on dialysis.
Talk to your doctor first before taking any of the best protein powders out there, especially if you have health conditions or are taking prescription medications.
>>Get the best price on Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer
What to Look for in a Protein Powder
When choosing the best protein powder, concentration, type, and additional ingredients are all important factors.
Protein Content per Serving
The amount of protein you get per serving depends on both the protein quality and the absence of additional ingredients. You should take at least 20 grams per serving, with products that feature carbohydrate sources giving you a larger serving overall.
Type of Protein
The best type of protein is one that is bioavailable. Research has shown that whey and casein (milk) proteins usually work well when it comes to raising blood levels of BCAAs [13].
On the other hand, pea protein was found in a clinical study to have similar results for muscle growth as whey [4]. Pea protein is much lower in methionine, though, so products like Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake contain extra methionine to compensate.
Additives and Fillers
Any additives should be evidence-backed and provide extra benefits, while fillers must be kept to a minimum. Additional ingredients—such as B vitamins or magnesium—can increase your energy, for example. Flavorings should be natural, such as vanilla bean extract or cacao.
Brand Reputation
Each brand we researched had to have a good reputation. That means no warnings from the FDA or anti-doping watchdogs.
Dietary Preferences (e.g. Vegan, Gluten-Free)
If you have dietary restrictions for health or ethical reasons, whether or not each protein powder matches your needs is the first thing you should discover. Many potential allergens are typically listed in bold print.
Certification and Quality Testing
Third-party testing and certifications are the most reliable ways to make sure you’re using one of the best clean protein powders. Certification from organizations like NSF International and Informed Choice assures customers that each protein powder is free from harmful contamination.
Source of Ingredients
The ingredients’ sources also determine the best protein powder for you. If you need the best organic protein powder, the ingredients should be certified organic to minimize harmful contaminants or listed as natural and non-GMO.
While Crazy Nutrition’s protein powders are natural and made without GMOs, others, such as Four Sigmatic, contain organic ingredients.
>>Get the best price on Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer
How to Determine if Your Protein Powder Is Clean
A “clean” protein powder is free from artificial ingredients and contaminants. They should contain minimal amounts of fillers.
The simplest way to determine the cleanliness of your protein powder is to carefully read the label and product information on the ingredient’s sources. Many of our favorites contain certified organic ingredients and minimal fillers (such as lecithin).
A good way to see if your protein powder is clean is by finding independent lab test results. These labs do not have a financial interest in any one supplement company they test for, so there is a low risk of a biased result.
FAQs About Protein Powders
Here are common questions people ask when researching the best protein powder for muscle gain or weight loss.
Is Clean Whey Protein Good for You?
Whey is one of the most effective protein powders available unless you are allergic or intolerant to dairy protein (in which case you’re better off with a lactose-free protein powder). Just hunt for the best whey protein powder products on the market.
What Is the Best Protein Powder?
In our opinion, the best protein powder is Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer. With added carbs from gluten-free oats, it gives your muscles extra protection against being broken down by stress hormones.
What Is the Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss?
Crazy Nutrition’s 100% Tri-Protein—which came in second overall—was the best protein powder for weight loss we found. It’s low-calorie and focuses on protein content, including types that are released more slowly into the blood.
Which Protein Powder Is Best for Weight Gain for Females?
Four Sigmatic’s Organic Plant-Based Protein contains additional ingredients that may support estrogen production in women.
What Is the Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain?
Naked Nutrition’s Naked Protein blend of ingredients and clearly listed amounts of BCAAs make it the best protein powder for muscle gain. Furthermore, BCAAs can help protect your muscles as you try to lose weight.
What Is the Best-Tasting Protein Powder?
Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake +18 is a contender as the best-tasting vanilla protein powder, thanks to the fusion of natural vanilla bean extract and fermented cane sugar. Due to its pleasant, rich cocoa flavor, 100% Tri-Protein by Crazy Nutrition could also be seen as the best chocolate protein powder.
What Is the Best Quality Protein Powder?
While all the protein powder brands we reviewed are high quality, Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer has an extra edge. In addition to its potent fusion of protein and low-glycemic carbs, the patented enzyme blend makes it easier for you to absorb and digest the ingredients in the formula.
What Is the #1 Rated Protein Shake?
Our top-rated protein powder you can take as a shake is Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer. As for the best vegan protein powder, Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake is a good alternative.
Which Whey Protein Is Most Effective?
Both whey protein isolates and concentrates appear to be equally effective. Crazy Nutrition’s 100% Tri-Protein is the best whey isolate protein powder.
>>Get the best price on Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer
Best Protein Powder: Final Thoughts
The best protein powder gives both athletes and amateurs a better chance of reaching their fitness goals. It can come in handy whether you hope to gain more muscles, lower your body weight, or recover faster from a workout injury.
In our roundup, Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer took the top position thanks to its added carbs and vitamins, while the same company’s 100% Tri-Protein product was the best protein powder for weight loss (it’s probably the best-tasting chocolate protein powder, too!).
Now, deciding which protein powder is best for you and your unique needs is up to you!
>>Get the best price on Crazy Nutrition’s Mass Gainer
References
- Bird, Stephen P et al. “Supplementation Strategies for Strength and Power Athletes: Carbohydrate, Protein, and Amino Acid Ingestion.” Nutrients vol. 16,12 1886. 14 Jun. 2024, doi:10.3390/nu16121886
- Tardy, Anne-Laure et al. “Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence.” Nutrients vol. 12,1 228. 16 Jan. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12010228
- van Dam, Lotte et al. “Postprandial amino acid response after the ingestion of pea protein, milk protein, casein and a casein-pea blend, in healthy older adults.” International journal of food sciences and nutrition vol. 75,1 (2024): 70-80. doi:10.1080/09637486.2023.2276667
- McKendry, James et al. “The effects of whey, pea, and collagen protein supplementation beyond the recommended dietary allowance on integrated myofibrillar protein synthetic rates in older males: a randomized controlled trial.” The American journal of clinical nutrition, S0002-9165(24)00472-6. 16 May. 2024, doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.05.009
- Dudgeon, Wesley David et al. “In a single-blind, matched group design: branched-chain amino acid supplementation and resistance training maintains lean body mass during a caloric restricted diet.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition vol. 13 1. 5 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0112-9
- Jang, Dongyeop et al. “System-level investigation of anti-obesity effects and the potential pathways of Cordyceps militaris in ovariectomized rats.” BMC complementary medicine and therapies vol. 22,1 132. 12 May. 2022, doi:10.1186/s12906-022-03608-y
- Gopal, Sriram et al. “Effect of an ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) root extract on climacteric symptoms in women during perimenopause: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research vol. 47,12 (2021): 4414-4425. doi:10.1111/jog.15030
- Schürch MA;Rizzoli R;Slosman D;Vadas L;Vergnaud P;Bonjour JP; “Protein Supplements Increase Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Levels and Attenuate Proximal Femur Bone Loss in Patients with Recent Hip Fracture. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Annals of Internal Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9599191/. Accessed 8 July 2024.
- Veskoukis, Aristidis S et al. “Whey protein boosts the antioxidant profile of rats by enhancing the activities of crucial antioxidant enzymes in a tissue-specific manner.” Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association vol. 142 (2020): 111508. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2020.111508
- Davies, Robert W et al. “The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on the Temporal Recovery of Muscle Function Following Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Nutrients vol. 10,2 221. 16 Feb. 2018, doi:10.3390/nu10020221
- Elahikhah, Mahsa et al. “Milk protein concentrate supplementation improved appetite, metabolic parameters, adipocytokines, and body composition in dieting women with obesity: a randomized controlled trial.” BMC nutrition vol. 10,1 80. 3 Jun. 2024, doi:10.1186/s40795-024-00879-1
- Silanikove, Nissim et al. “The Interrelationships between Lactose Intolerance and the Modern Dairy Industry: Global Perspectives in Evolutional and Historical Backgrounds.” Nutrients vol. 7,9 7312-31. 31 Aug. 2015, doi:10.3390/nu7095340
- Liu, Jue et al. “Amino Acid Availability of a Dairy and Vegetable Protein Blend Compared to Single Casein, Whey, Soy, and Pea Proteins: A Double-Blind, Cross-Over Trial.” Nutrients vol. 11,11 2613. 1 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11112613
