In addition to these categories, you'll see proteins from numerous sources, including: Protein Hydrolysates: To create a protein hydrolysate, manufacturers partially break down or "pre-digest" in order to make it easier to digest and absorb. For those searching for a lean and ultra-pure protein, isolates are often the way to go. Protein Isolates: Isolates are a highly filtered type of protein that contains 90-95 percent pure protein that's been stripped of fats, carbs, and, in the case of whey isolate, nearly all traces of lactose. This is the most common and easy-to-produce type of protein. The remainder of the concentrate is made of fats and carbohydrates. Protein Concentrates: Concentrates contain 60-80 percent protein. Protein powders can come from animal or plant sources, but both types contain at least one of the following three categories of protein-and often, all three. GO NOW What are the different types of protein powders? In fact, in 's Foundations of Fitness Nutrition course, Doug Kalman, Ph.D., RD, notes, "As long as calories-i.e., total portions-are under control and you're getting enough protein, popular diets all work with about the same level of predictability." So don't fear the big scoop! Yes, one serving is a whopping 50 grams, but before you cut it in half, remember: If you're in a caloric deficit, protein isn't where you should be cutting from. So if you struggle with macro math, this protein will definitely make it easier. It comes in a wide range of flavors and sizes, including the 7.5-pound bucket, and is keto-friendly, since it's had the carbs, sugars, and lactose removed. Isopure is about as light and clean as protein can get and has a devoted following among athletes looking to lose weight and burn fat while holding onto their hard-earned muscle. Many reviewers also find this product easier to stomach than some of its competitors, likely due to the balanced protein blend. It's a versatile whey blend that can not only be easily mixed in a shaker bottle, but also added to a wide variety of recipes including waffles, cookies, and more. Mocha cappuccino and seasonal favorite oatmeal cookie are the most-praised flavors. In reviews, customers rave about the delicious flavors and lack of a synthetic aftertaste.
That means you have a lot of clean, quick-digesting, low-carb protein, with just enough whey concentrate for a creamy flavor and texture. While many products are primarily whey protein concentrate, Signature 100% Whey has an impressive profile of 13 grams of isolate and 6 grams each of hydrolysate and concentrate. Protein Type: Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, and Whey Protein HydrolysateĮven if it wasn't our "house" brand, this would still be our go-to for whey, primarily because it's a fantastic combination of value and quality.The Best Protein Powders Best-Tasting Protein Powder Value: The lowest priced protein isn't always the best value! All of our best proteins factor in the price per serving.Life's too short to drink bad-tasting or chalky protein. Flavor: If a protein doesn't taste good, you probably aren't going to stick with it regardless of how "good for you" it might be.But more important is how it's produced, the macronutrient profile, and the track record of the manufacturer. Formula: Sure, the amount of protein in a serving of a powder matters.Every protein on this list has thousands of enthusiastic reviews and top ratings backing it up. Customer Ratings and Reviews: Our customers take their protein very seriously, and they let us know through their purchases, ratings, and feedback.To choose our top picks, we took it a step further and used the following criteria: Our team of fitness editors, athletes, and nutrition advisors helped select the candidates for the best protein powders for every goal based on nutritional quality, taste, value, and customer feedback. Meet the best protein powders of 2022, learn what makes them great, and see how much you should take to be ready to build muscle, burn fat, and feel great. And we can stand behind them, too, because at, we drink protein shakes like it's our job.
Each one has been reviewed hundreds or even thousands of times by customers and purchased again and again. The only problem? There are also more choices than ever! To help you narrow down your options and match you up with the best protein powder for your needs and goals, we've created this list of our most popular proteins.