Top protein powder for 2024

When it comes to building muscle or meeting your daily protein intake, having the right protein powder can make all the difference in the world. When I started working out, I was only consuming protein from foods like chicken, steak and eggs. But as a skinny guy struggling to consume food throughout the day, I needed another way to meet my protein goals.

I’ve learned that protein shakes are one of the most efficient and healthy ways to meet your protein goals. Whether your goal is to lose weight or gain weight, it is crucial that you meet your protein goals. There are thousands of protein powders to choose from, so it can get a bit overwhelming trying to figure out which is the best. Through my personal experience and intense research, I’ve created this guide to help breakdown the top protein powders in 2024, highlighting their key features, benefits, downfalls and what sets them apart from the competition.

1. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder: Fruity pebbles

• Protein type: Whey Protein Isolate
• Key Features: 20 servings, 25 grams of protein per serving (1 scoop), 150 calories per serving
• Benefits: Great taste, ultra-fast absorbing for smoothness, easy-digesting
• Potential drawbacks: Contains artificial sweeteners, can cause upset stomach for those with lactose intolerance

If you’re sick of those horrible tasting protein powders, then I would highly recommend going with Dymatize ISO100. The fruity pebble variant is my personal favorite and also the most popular option out of their selection. Absolutely fantastic taste along with its ability to easily mix with milk or water, this is a protein powder that I am currently using and plan to stick with. It is worth noting however, some have complained about this protein powder causing an upset stomach. If you are one that struggles with lactose intolerance, I would possibly look at some other options.

2. KOS Vegan Protein Powder

• Protein type: Pea, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed protein, chia seed
• Key Features: 28 servings, 20 grams of protein per serving (2 scoops), 160 calories per serving
• Benefits: Completely organic, digestive enzymes for digestive support, gluten and dairy free
• Potential drawbacks: Digestive enzymes may not be necessary, consumers report a “thick, smoothie-like” texture

If you are looking for an organic, plant based protein powder, then KOS Vegan Protein Powder is the one for you. Due to the plant based formula contained fiber, you will get that “full” feeling for a longer period of time, making it a top option if you’re trying to lose weight. It is also high in vitamins such as Vitamin E, B12 and more. The taste is great, with no grittiness or noticeable aftertaste. Just be aware of the Digestive Enzymes that are included. You may need to contact your healthcare provider prior to consuming this product.

3. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Protein powder

• Protein type: Whey Protein Isolate
• Key Features: 74 servings, 24 grams of protein per serving (1 scoop), 120 calories per serving
• Benefits: Supports muscle recovery, gluten-free, great mixability with milk
• Potential drawbacks: Contains two artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium and sucralose), may be more expensive than other options

When looking from a value perspective, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard makes a great case for the best. Priced at $73, you’ll be getting 74 servings for about a dollar a serving. If you plan on taking protein powder everyday then I would highly suggest purchasing this protein powder. The taste is amazing when mixed with water or milk. The only thing to note about mixing with water is the thin texture, so I would recommend blending this with either less water or choosing milk or a smoothie. It does contain a couple artificial sweeteners, so if you tend to avoid products containing these then this may not be the best option for you.

4. Momentous Grass Fed Collagen Peptides Protein Powder

• Protein type: Collagen
• Key Features: 30 servings, 15 grams of protein per serving, 60 calories per serving
• Benefits: Unsweetened and unflavored, great mixing option with other drinks, free of sugar, cholesterol, purines, and additives
• Potential drawbacks: Low protein content, does not mix well with water

For those looking for a collagen based protein powder, Momentous Collagen Peptides is by far the best. This powder can be mixed with any food or drink for a quick protein boost. I personally like to use it in my morning coffee, as there is no aftertaste and residue. It also assists with supporting soft tissue development, aiding in muscle recovery, and promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails. Now I will say that this is not a protein powder to use post-workout, due to the low protein content at 15 grams per serving. However mixing in this powder throughout the day can be an easy way to reach your daily protein intake.

5. Gnarly Grass-Fed Whey Vanilla Protein Supplement

• Protein type: Whey
• Key features: 20 servings, 25 grams of protein per serving (2 scoops), 160 calories per serving
• Benefits: Third-party tested for harmful contaminants and banned substances, excellent mixture with water or milk, contains pre and probiotics
• Potential drawbacks: Pre and probiotics may interact with certain medications, contains an artificial sweetener (stevia)

If you’re an athlete that competes competitively, then you know just how important it is to consume products that are tested for harmful contaminants and banned substances. This is one of the best protein powders in terms of mixing, as it leaves absolutely no clumps or residue behind in both water or milk. The chocolate, and vanilla flavors are both delicious but not too sweet, and leaves no aftertaste. It is important to note the pre and probiotics however, as some may need to consult with a physician before consuming this product. But other than that, this was one of my favorite protein powders I’ve taken, and would highly recommend for those intense trainers.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right protein powder, there are many factors you want to consider, such as ingredients and caloric intake. Although protein powder is a great supplement to take, you want to be sure you don’t completely replace your natural protein intake from foods. Remember, too much of anything is a bad thing and this very well applies to protein powder.

But don’t let this intimidate you. Whether you’re consuming for muscle gain, weight loss or just want to reach your protein intake make sure you go with one of these 5 options. You really can’t go wrong choosing any of these. Thanks for reading and be sure to check out some other articles just like this on testofman.com. I promise you won’t regret it!