The 7 Best Types of Protein Powder
What Are Protein Powders?
Protein powders are concentrated sources of protein from animal or plant foods, such as dairy, eggs, rice or peas.
There are three common forms:
Protein concentrates: Produced by extracting protein from whole food using heat and acid or enzymes. These typically supply 60–80% protein, with the remaining 20–40% composed of fat and carbs.
Protein isolates: An additional filtering process removes more fat and carbs, further concentrating the protein. Protein isolate powders contain about 90–95% protein.
Protein hydrolysates: Produced by further heating with acid or enzymes — which breaks the bonds between amino acids — hydrolysates are absorbed more quickly by your body and muscles.
Hydrolysates appear to raise insulin levels more than other forms — at least in the case of whey protein. This can enhance your muscle growth following exercise (1Trusted Source).
Some powders are also fortified with vitamins and minerals, especially calcium.
However, not everyone benefits from these powders. If your diet is already rich in high-quality protein, you likely won’t see much difference in your quality of life by adding protein powder.
However, athletes and people who regularly lift weights may find that taking protein powder helps maximize muscle gain and fat loss.
Protein powders can also aid individuals who struggle to meet protein needs with food alone, such as people who are ill, older adults and some vegetarians or vegans.
Summary Protein powders come from a variety of sources and are available in several formulations. People use them to increase muscle mass, improve overall body composition and help meet their protein needs.
Whey protein
How it works
Contains high levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and digests quickly to create new muscles and aid recovery
May also help
Blood pressure levels
Blood sugar levels
Gut health
Healthy aging
Heart health
Inflammation
Oxidative stress
Weight management
Safety
Generally safe for most people
1. Whey Protein
Whey protein comes from milk. It is the liquid that separates from the curds during the cheesemaking process. It’s high in protein but also harbors lactose, a milk sugar that many people have difficulty digesting.
While whey protein concentrate retains some lactose, the isolate version contains very little because most of this milk sugar is lost during processing.
Whey digests quickly and is rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Leucine, one of these BCAAs, plays a major role in promoting muscle growth and recovery after resistance and endurance exercise (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).
When amino acids are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream, they become available for muscle protein synthesis (MPS), or the creation of new muscle.
Studies reveal that whey protein can help build and maintain muscle mass, assist athletes with recovery from heavy exercise and increase muscle strength in response to strength training (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).
One study in young men showed that whey protein increased MPS 31% more than soy protein and 132% more than casein protein following resistance exercise (9Trusted Source).
However, a recent 10-week study found that postmenopausal women had a similar response to resistance training whether they took whey protein or a placebo (10Trusted Source).
Other studies in normal-weight, overweight and obese individuals suggest that whey protein may improve body composition by decreasing fat mass and increasing lean mass (11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).
What’s more, whey protein seems to reduce appetite at least as much as other types of protein (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).
One study gave lean men four different types of liquid protein meals on different days. The whey-protein meals led to the largest decrease in appetite and the greatest reduction in calorie intake at the next meal (18Trusted Source).
Some studies suggest that whey protein may also reduce inflammation and improve certain heart health markers in overweight and obese people (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
Featured Pick
SFH Pure Whey Protein
Gluten-free Non-GMO
AMAZON RATING 4.6
Highlights
31 g of whey protein concentrate per serving
100% grass-fed
Natural vanilla flavor
Ingredients
Read more: 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Whey Protein
Casein protein
How it works
Gradually exposes muscles to steady levels of amino acids to reduce muscle breakdown and promote growth
May also help
Blood pressure levels
Cell growth
High cholesterol
Immune function
Weight management
Safety
Generally safe for most people
2. Casein Protein
Like whey, casein is a protein found in milk. However, casein is digested and absorbed much more slowly.
Casein forms a gel when it interacts with stomach acid, slowing down stomach emptying and delaying your bloodstream’s absorption of amino acids.
This results in a gradual, steadier exposure of your muscles to amino acids, reducing the rate of muscle protein breakdown (22).
Research indicates that casein is more effective at increasing MPS and strength than soy and wheat protein — but less than whey protein (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).
However, one study in overweight men suggests that when calories are restricted, casein may have an edge over whey in improving body composition during resistance training (27Trusted Source).
Featured Pick
BulkSupplements.com Casein Protein
AMAZON RATING 4.3
Highlights
25 g of casein protein per serving
Third-party tested for safety and quality
Can be taken before bedtime or periods of rest
Ingredients
Read more: Why Casein Is One of The Best Proteins You Can Take
Egg protein
How it works
Provides all nine amino acids essential for lean muscle growth and appetite reduction
May also help
Blood pressure levels
Bone health
Cell growth
Eyesight
Heart health
Nutrient balance
Weight management
Safety
Generally safe for most people
3. Egg Protein
Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein.
Of all whole foods, eggs have the highest protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS).
This score is a measure of a protein’s quality and digestibility (28Trusted Source).
Eggs are also one of the best foods for decreasing appetite and helping you stay full for longer (29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source).
However, egg protein powders are typically made from egg whites rather than whole eggs. Although the protein quality remains excellent, you may experience less fullness because the high-fat yolks have been removed.
Like all animal products, eggs are a complete protein source. That means they provide all nine essential amino acids that your body can’t make itself.
What’s more, egg protein is second only to whey as the highest source of leucine, the BCAA that plays the largest role in muscle health (31).
Keep in mind that egg-white protein hasn’t been studied as much as whey or casein.
In one study, it demonstrated less potential to reduce appetite than casein or pea protein when consumed before a meal (32Trusted Source).
In another, female athletes taking egg-white protein experienced similar gains in lean mass and muscle strength as those supplementing with carbs (33Trusted Source).
Egg-white protein could be a good choice for people with dairy allergies who prefer a supplement based on animal protein.
Featured Pick
MRM Nutrition Egg White Protein
Gluten-free Lactose-free
AMAZON RATING 4.6
Highlights
23 g of egg white protein per serving
Added digestive support for quicker nutrient absorption
Rich vanilla flavor
Ingredients
Read more: Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating Eggs
Pea protein
How it works
Contains high levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to boost fullness hormones and strengthen muscles
May also help
Blood pressure levels
Heart health
Safety
Generally safe for most people
4. Pea Protein
Pea protein powder is especially popular among vegetarians, vegans and people with allergies or sensitivities to dairy or eggs.
It’s made from the yellow split pea, a high-fiber legume that boasts all but one of the essential amino acids.
Pea protein is also particularly rich in BCAAs.
A rat study noted that pea protein is absorbed slower than whey protein but faster than casein. Its ability to trigger the release of several fullness hormonesmay be comparable to that of dairy protein (34Trusted Source).
In a 12-week study in 161 men doing resistance training, those who took 1.8 ounces (50 grams) of pea protein daily experienced similar increases in muscle thickness as those who consumed the same amount of whey protein daily (35Trusted Source).
In addition, a study revealed that humans and rats with high blood pressure experienced a decrease in these elevated levels when they took pea protein supplements (36Trusted Source).
Though pea protein powder shows promise, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these results.
Featured Pick
138 Foods Pea Protein
Gluten-free Lactose-free
AMAZON RATING 4.1
Highlights
27 g of 100% pure pea protein per serving
Vegan, soy-free, and low carb with zero added sugar
Unflavored protein designed to be mixed with any beverage
Ingredients
Read more: Pea Protein Powder: Nutrition, Benefits, and Side Effects
Hemp protein
How it works
Includes omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids that digest easily for gradual muscle build
May also help
Blood sugar levels
Gut health
Heart health
Oxidative stress
Safety
5. Hemp Protein
Hemp protein powder is another plant-based supplement that is gaining popularity.
Although hemp is related to marijuana, it only contains trace amounts of the psychoactive component THC.
Hemp is rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and several essential amino acids. However, it is not considered a complete protein because it has very low levels of the amino acids lysine and leucine.
While very little research exists on hemp protein, it appears to be a well-digested plant protein source (37Trusted Source).
Featured Pick
Navitas Organics Hemp Powder
USDA organic Non-GMO Gluten-free
AMAZON RATING 4.6
Highlights
13 g of organic hemp protein per serving
Made from cold-pressed hemp seeds
Can be blended, stirred into beverages, or used for baking
Ingredients
Read more: Hemp Protein Powder: The Best Plant-Based Protein?
Brown rice protein
How it works
Contains a full spectrum of essential amino acids to promote fullness, body composition, muscle mass gain, and recovery
May also help
Blood pressure levels
Blood sugar levels
Heart health
Inflammation
Weight management
Safety
Generally safe for most people
6. Brown Rice Protein
Protein powders made from brown rice have been around for some time, but they are generally considered inferior to whey protein for building muscle.
Although rice protein contains all of the essential amino acids, it is too low in lysine to be a complete protein.
There isn’t a lot of research on rice protein powder, but one study compared the effects of rice and whey powders in fit, young men.
The eight-week study demonstrated that taking 1.7 ounces (48 grams) of rice or whey protein daily resulted in similar changes in body composition, muscle strength and recovery (38Trusted Source).
However, more research on brown rice protein is needed.
Featured Pick
Zen Principle Brown Rice Protein
USDA organic Gluten-free
AMAZON RATING 4.1
Highlights
26 g of brown rice protein per serving
Vegan, soy-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO natural ingredients
Quickly dissolves in water and other beverages
Ingredients
Read more: Is Brown Rice Good for You?
Mixed plant proteins
How it works
Provides all nine amino acids and can be supplemented with enzymes to speed up digestion and absorption
May also help
Blood sugar levels
Gut health and digestion
Heart health
Weight management
Safety
Generally safe for most people
7. Mixed Plant Proteins
Some protein powders contain a blend of plant sources to provide your body with all the essential amino acids. Two or more of the following proteins are usually combined:
Brown rice
Pea
Hemp
Alfalfa
Flax seeds
Artichoke
Due in part to their high fiber content, plant proteins tend to digest slower than animal proteins. Although this may not pose a problem for many people, it can limit the amino acids your body can use immediately after exercise.
One small study provided resistance-trained young men with 2.1 ounces (60 grams) of whey protein, a pea-rice protein blend or a pea-rice blend with supplemental enzymes to accelerate digestion (39Trusted Source).
The enzyme-supplemented powder was comparable to whey protein in terms of the speed at which amino acids appeared in the blood.
Featured Pick
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
USDA organic Non-GMO Gluten-free
AMAZON RATING 4.4
Highlights
22 g of plant-based protein per serving
Added probiotics and enzymes for easy digestion
Sugar-free vanilla flavor
Ingredients
Read more: A Nutritionist’s Guide to Plant-Based Protein: How to Make It, Eat It, and Love It
Which Protein Powders Are Best?
Although all protein powders provide a concentrated source of protein, certain types may be more effective at giving your body what it needs.
For Muscle Gain
Research has consistently confirmed whey protein’s ability to promote muscle mass and recovery. While whey concentrate is cheaper than whey isolate, it contains less protein by weight.
Here are a few suggestions for whey protein powders:
Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein: This whey protein isolate plus concentrate provides 24 grams of protein and 5.5 grams of BCAAs per serving.
EAS 100% Whey Protein: This whey protein concentrate provides 26 grams of protein and 6.3 grams of BCAAs per serving.
Dymatize Nutrition Elite Whey Protein: This combined concentrate and isolate gives 24 grams of protein and 5 grams of BCAAs per scoop.
For Weight Loss
Casein protein, whey protein or a combination of the two may be the best protein supplement for promoting fullness and fat loss:
Jay Robb Grass-Fed Whey Protein: This whey protein isolate packs 25 grams of protein per scoop.
Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Protein: This casein protein offers 24 grams of protein per scoop.
EAS Whey + Casein Protein: This combination of whey and casein protein concentrates boasts 20 grams of protein per scoop.
For Vegetarians and Vegans
Here are a few high-quality protein powders containing single or mixed 100%-vegan plant proteins:
Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake: This blend of pea protein, flax seeds, hemp and other ingredients has 20 grams of protein per scoop.
MRM Veggie Elite: This blend of pea protein and brown rice protein with vegan digestive enzymes yields 24 grams of protein per scoop.
Summary It’s best to choose a protein powder based on your dietary preferences, food tolerances and health and fitness goals.
The Bottom Line
Protein powders can provide high-quality protein in a concentrated, convenient form.
Although not everyone needs protein powder supplements, they can assist you if you do strength training or cannot meet your protein needs with diet alone.
If you’re looking to up your protein intake, try one of these products today.
