Contents
- Best Whey Protein Powders – 2018 Top 10 List
- Top 10 Whey Protein Powders Reviews
- 1. Transparent Labs Protein Series 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate
- 2. NowFoods Whey Protein Isolate
- 3. Dymatize ISO-100
- 4. Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate
- 5. JYM PRO JYM
- 6. Nature’s Best Zero Carb ISOPURE
- 7. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- 8. MuscleTech NITRO-TECH
- 9. Cellucor COR Performance Whey
- 10. USP Labs Modern Protein
- FAQ
Many people believe that protein supplementation shouldn’t even be called a supplement simply because you’re purely adding a macronutrient into your diet. You wouldn’t say you’re supplementing with a chicken breast. Protein powders simply provide a convenient, easy way add additional protein into your diet.
Protein is the building block for muscle. Without it enough of it, you won’t be able to grow bigger, stronger, or repair yourself nearly as effectively. Protein is also important an important factor of weight loss as it reduces muscle catabolism.
The last thing you want when you’re losing fat is to lose all of your hard-earned muscle, too. This’ll not only cause you to grow weaker but worsen your appearance – the complete opposite to the goal of a cut. Not only this, but protein is an extremely satiating macronutrient. This means that you’ll feel full, on fewer calories and so, your weight loss journey will be far easier.
Best Whey Protein Powders – 2018 Top 10 List
| Nr | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Transparent Labs Protein Series 100% Grass Fed Whey |
| 2. | NowFoods Whey Isolate |
| 3. | Dymatize ISO-100 |
| 4. | Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate |
| 5. | JYM PRO JYM |
| 6. | Nature’s Best Zero Carb ISOPURE |
| 7. | Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey |
| 8. | MuscleTech NITRO-TECH |
| 9. | Cellucor COR Performance Whey |
| 10. | USP Labs Modern Protein |
Top 10 Whey Protein Powders Reviews
1. Transparent Labs Protein Series 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Purchasing products where the cow has been fed the highest-quality diet will create dairy products with a higher micronutrient (vitamin and mineral) content.
The usual cow-feed is made for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This means that you get your dairy products at a lower price, but also at a lower nutritional value, too.
Cows that are fed on a natural grass-fed diet will create healthier products with far more beneficial components than regular dairy.
You can even see the difference in grass fed and non-grass fed products by their color. Grass-fed products will have a darker, more yellow appearance due to their micronutrient content whereas normal dairy is much whiter.
Transparent labs have created a powder to not only give you a high amount of protein but all of the natural advantages of dairy, too. It’s free from hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals that cattle are usually pumped with for a much healthier powder.
Per serving, you get 28 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbohydrate and 0 grams of fat. That’s exactly what a protein powder should be – pure protein.
The only drawback is that it only comes in chocolate and vanilla flavor without any of the extra variety that a lot of protein powders have. Also, as it is of a higher quality it does come at a premium price. Though your health should be a priority and therefore, Transparent Labs’ Whey Protein Isolate is worth every cent.
2. NowFoods Whey Protein Isolate
The company promises that the powder contains no artificial or GMO ingredients whilst being entirely free from gluten.
It’s also a microfiltered whey isolate. There are various processing techniques available to companies such as Cross Flow Microfiltration, Reverse Osmosis, Dynamic Membrane Filtration, Ion Exchange Chromatography, Electro-Ultrafiltration, Radial Flow Chromatography, Nano Filtration, and Microfiltration.
Microfiltration is simply a clean way to produce powders with a high protein content by drawing out the excess macronutrients and thus, making them leaner and better suited for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Per serving, there’s 110 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, less than one gram of carbohydrate and 25 grams of protein. NowFoods have also provided their entire amino acid breakdown that includes naturally-occurring BCAAs.
With 1.6 grams of isoleucine and 2.7 grams of leucine, you can be sure that this powder will help to build and preserve muscle mass. Valine, the last of the three BCAAs, comes in at 1288mg. You’ll also find 588mg of the non-essential amino acid L-Arginine. Arginine has been shown to improve blood flow and nitric oxide levels within the body. You may know NO from pump products.
Pumps not only feel good, but they help to improve nutrient and oxygen delivery to the muscles which help to boost strength and endurance capabilities. By being able to handle more volume, we can also get better results.
However, it’s not entirely perfect as the powder does come unflavored with no flavored options available.
3. Dymatize ISO-100
Per 30 gram serving, you’ll get 0.1 grams of fat, 2.3 grams of carbohydrate and a whopping 25 grams of protein making for just 110 calories per scoop.
This is where you can truly see the benefits of isolate powders as they really do keep protein high whilst minimising fats and carbohydrates.
As well as this, the amino acid breakdown is incredibly favorable for any fitness goal:
• 1.5g of L-Valine
• 2.7g of L-Leucine
• 1.5g of L-Isoleucine
• 588mg of L-Arginine
• 4.5g of L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine has been shown to reduce muscle wastage which is only improved with leucine and isoleucine. There’s a total of 5.7 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs to spike MPS and improve performance.
The powder is entirely vegetarian and contains no gluten or sugar. This means that it should be manageable for anyone with a lactose intolerance.
One thing you may notice that’s different about this powder is that it’s hydrolyzed, meaning that it’s been pre digested to enhance the bio-availability of the nutrients as well as increase the rate of digestion to release amino acids into the system much faster.
The product comes in seven different flavors: gourmet vanilla, cookies and cream, smooth banana, gourmet chocolate, strawberry, fudge brownie and birthday cake, so there’s something for everyone.
4. Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate
Their popularity stems from the fact that they want to make good-quality and effective supplements available at a lower price than most brands.
MyProtein’s Impact Whey Isolate is one of their best products as it has possibly the lowest calories out of any other powder.
Each scoop contains just 93 calories, 0.1 grams of fat and 0.6 grams of carbohydrates, but a muscle-boosting 23 grams of protein.
That means that per 100 grams of powder you’re only getting 0.3 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of carbohydrate but 90 grams of protein!
Their Impact Whey Isolate has even been ranked Grade A by Labdoor, an independent tester who check for both quality and value. This makes their powder officially certified as one of the best powders available on the market.
MyProtein also takes pride in their extensive flavor range. The flavors include, but aren’t limited to: blueberry, chocolate nut, white chocolate, salted caramel, strawberry cream, vanilla, chocolate caramel, chocolate brownie and natural banana.
As well as this, if you like the powder, then you can buy it in bulk to save money. A lot of people do not buy supplements simply because they believe they can’t afford them. Yet, this means that they’re leaving gains and progress behind.
MyProtein is one of the few brands that offer 1kg, 2.5kg and 5kg bags alongside frequent deals and offers for even more money off.
5. JYM PRO JYM
This means that it contains more than one source of protein.
Each scoop contains:
- 7.5 grams of Whey Protein Isolate
- 7 grams of Micellar Casein
- 2.5 grams of Egg Albumin
- 7 grams of Milk Protein Isolate (5.5 grams of casein and 1.5 grams of whey)
So, you can break the serving down into 50% (12.5 grams) micellar casein, 10% (2.5 grams) egg white protein and 40% (9 grams) of whey protein.
The benefit of having a blend is that you get a mix of release times for the protein to enter the body. You get the immediate MPS spike from the whey, and then a sustained release from both the egg white and casein powder.
This means that you don’t just get one MPS spike with your powder. Instead, you get elevated muscle protein synthesis levels over time for longer lasting growth. Research has shown that adding medium and slow digesting proteins to your fast-digesting shakes keeps your MPS levels higher and therefore, significantly impact your results and gains.
Instead, you get elevated muscle protein synthesis levels over time for longer lasting growth. Research has shown that adding medium and slow digesting proteins to your fast-digesting shakes keeps your MPS levels higher and therefore, significantly impact your results and gains.
Breaking down the calories and macronutrients, each serving contains 160 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 7 grams of carbohydrate and 24 grams of protein. The powder comes in three flavors: chocolate cookie crunch, cookies & cream, and vanilla.
6. Nature’s Best Zero Carb ISOPURE
The macronutrient value of the powder is absolutely astounding, even when comparing it to other isolates.
There’s a zero carb or a low-carb isolate but both contain absolutely zero sugar, making them perfect for anyone with a lactose intolerance or trying to cut.
Both options give you an impressive 25 grams of protein regardless.
Protein powders should be just that: pure protein – and that’s what ISOPURE delivers.
Per scoop, you get:
- 105 calories
- 0.5 grams of fat
- 0 grams of carbohydrate
- 0 grams of sugar
- 25 grams of protein
If you’re the type of person who prefers to get the bulk of their calories from whole foods, then this is the powder for you.
Nature’s Best have even gone the extra step by including an extensive flavor range. The powder comes in: apple melon, banana cream, cookies and cream, creamy vanilla, dutch chocolate (low carb), mango peach, mint chocolate chip, pineapple orange banana, strawberries and cream, and toasted coconut (low carb).
Nature’s Best recommend taking two scoops in order to double the protein punch to 50 grams but keep the fat at just 1 gram and carbohydrates at 0.
IsoPure also contains a range of micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Niacin, Vitamin B16, Vitamin B12, Zinc and magnesium all with 25% of your RDA per scoop. Doubling your scoops brings these up to 50% which means that it’s not just good for your gains, but good for your health, too.
7. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
It’s almost as if you can’t call yourself a viable fitness supplement store if you don’t stock ON.
They’re the first recommendation to anyone looking to purchase a powder as they’ve maintained a very strong reputation in the industry and for good reason.
Per 29.4-gram scoop, you get 110 calories, 0.9 grams of fat, 1.3 grams of carbohydrate and 24.2 grams of protein. There’s also 5.5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs as well as 4 grams of glutamine and glutamic acid.
Optimum Nutrition has been able to use their large fan base to experiment with their flavors. Most companies have to stick to the standard chocolate, vanilla and possibly strawberry if you’re lucky. Yet, ON want to make sure that there’s something for everyone.
From birthday cake to rocky road to caramel frappe, there’s an option for everyone. That’s why they’re often the first recommendation because everyone can enjoy Gold Standard’s whey. Whether you’re bulking or cutting, it’s an effective, efficient powder that won’t break the bank either.
As Gold Standard’s whey is truly tried and tested, many customers will testify to its mixability. The last thing you want from a powder is for it to clump up into a chunky, watery mess. That’s the last thing Gold Standard will do.
You can be sure with Gold Standard that you’re getting just that: the best standard. Don’t believe us? Just read any of the thousands of ON reviews online. They are quite possibly the most popular protein powder brand around.
8. MuscleTech NITRO-TECH
They wanted to make a powder that would deliver the results it said opposed to selling you false claims.
To do this, they’ve analyzed various studies to formulate a powder that’s backed by science to get you the best gains possible.
The powder is predominantly composed of whey protein isolate and whey peptides, but they’ve also included 3 grams of creatine per scoop to give you that boost in power, strength, and speed.
That’s creatine monohydrate, too: the most studied form of creatine proven to be the most effective. This saves you from buying creatine separately and ensures that you’re getting maximum results.
For those of you unfamiliar with this supplement, creatine is an extremely effective way to boost your strength and power output with minimal side effects.
It increases your stores of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which helps in short bursts of energy such as when you’re doing heavy sets of 1-5 reps or sprinting 100 meters. By increasing our stores of ATP, we can work at a higher intensity and see better progress with our muscle size and strength.
Per scoop, you get:
- 140 calories
- 1.5 grams of fat
- 1 gram of carbohydrate (1 gram of sugar)
- 30 grams of protein
- 3 grams of creatine monohydrate
- 2 grams of L-alanine
- 1 gram of Glycine
- 6.9 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs
MuscleTech believes that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice macronutrients just to get your protein in. That’s why the majority of those calories are from pure, whey-derived protein.
There are 7 different flavors: cookies & cream, milk chocolate, decadent brownie cheesecake, mocha cappuccino swirl, strawberry, vanilla, and vanilla birthday cake.
9. Cellucor COR Performance Whey
It’s composed of 100% fast-acting whey protein to quickly start repair after your workout.
One scoop of COR-Performance Whey comes with 130 calories, 1 gram of fat, 5 grams of carbohydrate and 25 grams of protein.
Not only this, but they’ve included specific digestive enzymes to help your body properly absorb the protein in each scoop.
The last thing you want is to drink a shake and your body can only effectively digest half the mix. By including digestive enzymes, Cellucor has ensured that your body is much better equipped to handle the protein so that you get the best results and make the best progress.
All of the flavors and inspired by popular desserts to give the best taste – think of protein-packed: cinnamon swirl, molten chocolate, peanut butter marshmallow, strawberry milkshake, and whipped vanilla. This makes them perfect as a sweet treat to curb your cravings so that you don’t reach for a higher-calorie option.
10. USP Labs Modern Protein
This is then merged with whey protein concentrate and micellar casein protein to deliver a high-quality blend of different fast and slow digesting proteins.
It makes the powder perfect for any time of day whether it’s straight after a workout, as a protein-boost at breakfast, or right before bed to ensure you keep making gains whilst you sleep.
The benefit of a blend also means that your MPS levels remained elevated over a long period of time opposed to just spiked for a couple of hours like usual whey protein does.
USP Labs ensure that their whey protein concentrate contains 80% protein as some concentrates can be as low as 30%. As you never quite know the quality of the concentrate, it’s brilliant that USP labs have ensured this high protein percentage.
You’ll even find the digestive enzymes lactase and protease to make sure that your body fully absorbs all of the protein and doesn’t leave anything left behind.
Per 35 gram scoop, you get 140 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrate, and 23 grams of protein. You also get 30% of your recommended daily intake of calcium.
You can find USP Labs’ Modern Protein in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and chocolate caramel cookie flavor.
FAQ
1. How Do I Choose The Best Whey Protein Powder? What Should I Look For?
The perfect protein powder for you will depend on your needs, goals, and lifestyle. If you’re intolerant to dairy or follow a vegan diet, then you’ll need to choose a vegan protein powder. If you’re lactose intolerant, then choosing a zero carb powder will minimize the amount of lactose present in the powder.
As well as this, you’ll want to choose a powder that’s cost-effective. Those who are on a budget will want to opt for the lower priced items on this list. However, if money isn’t an issue, then picking a higher priced powder will give you more quality.
Your weight and training schedule will make a difference, too. Those who follow a more intense training schedule will need a higher protein intake and therefore, it would be better to choose a higher protein powder. Those who are heavier will need more protein, too.
2. What Are The Best Whey Protein Powder Blends?
We’ve scoured the internet looking for the best protein powder blends so that you don’t have to. Looking for the right supplements can be tiresome. Though, you can rest assured that the best protein powder blends are the ones listed above.
3. What Are The Best Whey Protein Powder Companies And Brands?
Similarly to the best protein powder blends, the best companies are the ones listed above.
4. What Is ‘Complete Protein’?
Whey is what’s known as a ‘complete protein’.
There are certain amino acids that body needs as it cannot synthesize them itself. These are:
- Isoleucine
- Phenylalanine
- Lysine
- Leucine
- Threonine
- Valine
- Tryptophan
- Methionine
- Histidine
A complete protein is a source that contains all 9 essential amino acids.
The most important of these for aesthetics are leucine and isoleucine. Leucine promotes MPS (Muscle Protein Synthesis) within the body. This is simply the process of creating muscle tissue and what is more commonly referred to as ‘muscle building’.
Isoleucine draws glucose into the muscle belly which increases their size as well as aiding in performance. These are two of the three BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) which have been shown to be important for health and fitness goals.
5. What Is The Difference Between Whey Protein Concentrate vs Isolate vs Hydrolysate
Before we get onto the list of powders, it’s important to note the difference in whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. Without delving too much into the specifics, isolates are considered to be the purest form of whey. They contain around 90% protein with the remaining 10% coming from carbohydrates and fats. This makes them incredibly lean, too.
Though, they come at a higher price. Isolates are also better for those who have issues with lactose as the reduced sugar content means that there’s little to no lactose in the powder. On the other hand, concentrates are cheaper but contain around 80% protein with a higher carbohydrate and fat content.
You can also find hydrolysate powders where they’ve been pre-digested in order to allow for faster absorption rates. Though whey is already absorbed fairly quickly (around 8-10 grams per hour) so many people do not feel the need for this.
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