The 11 Best Protein Powders for Men of 2023

By Presser
August 31, 2023
31 min read

A good protein powder can help you put on muscle, increase your strength, and lose fat. While protein deficiency isn’t common in the general population, men who lift weights may require around one gram of protein per pound of body weight, which is twice as much as the average non-gymgoer. (1) Hitting that number can be a challenge, which is where a good protein powder comes in handy. 

Men also require more protein than women since they generally have a larger build and more muscle to sustain. (2) But there are so many options out there — whey concentrate, vegan, casein, whey isolate, the list goes on — that shopping for the right protein for your needs can be a pain. Plus, a man’s protein needs can vary depending on their current goals and dietary preferences. So we went out and tried an unholy number of protein powders for things like muscle gain, weight loss, and digestion to find the best protein powders for men on the market today.

Best Protein Powders for Men

Best Protein Powder For Men Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.

Specs

  • Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
  • Protein Per Serving: 28 grams
  • Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Strawberry, Unflavored, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Mocha, Cinnamon French Toast
  • Price: $59.99
  • Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • This protein powder is lean and keeps the calories low for men who are looking to add protein without adding other macronutrients.
  • The eight flavor options are great for men who want variety.
  • Additional micronutrients like calcium, iron, and potassium can be beneficial for regulating testosterone levels in men. 

Cons

  • If you’re looking to bulk up, you might want to try a mass gainer or a protein with more carbohydrates and fat. 
  • At $2 per serving, this is one of the pricier protein powders.

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder packs a solid 28 grams of protein in each serving, which is higher than most protein powders on the market. Depending on the flavor, these servings usually max out at zero to three grams of carbs and fat as well, which is perfect for men who are looking to add protein without messing with their other macros. At 120 calories per scoop, it’s also great for men who want to retain as much muscle as possible during a cut. 

Despite its simple ingredient list, this protein also manages to pack in moderate doses of micronutrients like calcium (134mg), iron (0.5mg) and potassium (130mg), which studies suggest may help men regulate their testosterone levels. (3) Plus, it comes in eight different flavors from the classic Milk Chocolate and French Vanilla to the more exotic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie and Cinnamon French Toast. 

Best Tasting Protein Powder for Men: Huge Supplements Huge Whey

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

A blend of whey isolate and whey concentrate, Huge Supplements Whey Protein packs 23 grams of protein into each serving. It also contains 5g of BCAAs with only 2g of fat and 2.5g of carbs per serving.

Specs

  • Protein Type: Whey Concentrate and Whey Isolate
  • Protein Per Serving: 23.5 grams
  • Flavors: Cookie & Cream, Vanilla Milkshake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Cheesecake, Blueberry Muffin, Fruity Cereal 
  • Price: $49.95
  • Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • There are a bunch of interesting and tasty flavors, including Strawberry Cheesecake and Fruity Cereal. 
  • The papain included in this formula can make it easier to digest for men who have trouble with dairy products.
  • At around $1.50 per serving, it’s on the more affordable side of proteins.

Cons

  • At only 120 calories per serving, this isn’t the best option for men who want to bulk up. 
  • This is whey protein, so if you’re looking for animal-free protein, look somewhere else. 
  • 23.5 grams of protein per serving is on the lower end for protein powders. 

No matter how great a protein powder’s formulation is, it won’t do you any good if it tastes so bad you won’t drink it, which is why tasty protein powders are key. Huge Supplements Huge Whey’s five tasty flavors are clutch for people who want a tasty protein shake thanks to its twists to the standard chocolate (Chocolate Peanut Butter) and vanilla (Vanilla Milkshake) as well as standouts like Strawberry Cheesecake and Fruity Cereal. Fruity Cereal is a standout for our tester, who reports that it brings back memories of chowing down on some Fruity Pebbles before heading off to elementary school. 

The flavors aren’t the only thing that makes Huge Whey so tasty — the added xanthan gum gives the mixes a creamy texture, even when mixed with water. This creaminess is especially complementary to the Chocolate Peanut Butter, which some reviewers have noted gives it a milkshake vibe. The 23.5 grams of protein per serving isn’t the highest you’ll find, but the 120 calories are ideal for men who are looking to keep their protein intake high without adding a bunch of calories to their daily intake. Plus, the papain in this formula can aid with digestion, which is great for men who tend to have issues with digesting milk products. 

Best Protein Powder for Male Athletes: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

Dig into this easily digesting grass-fed whey isolate that provides 25 grams of protein with each lean 110 calorie scoop. It comes in three tasty flavors at a cost-effective price making it a solid choice for nearly anyone.

Specs

  • Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
  • Protein Per Serving: 25 grams
  • Flavors: Unflavored, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast
  • Price: $39.99
  • Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • The grass-fed whey isolate in this protein may digest faster, which makes it ideal for using after workouts. 
  • Men who want a lean protein source will appreciate the 110 calories in this powder.
  • The unflavored option is perfect for athletes who prefer to stack this with other supplements. 

Cons

  • Guys who are avoiding artificial ingredients won’t like the sucralose in this mix. 
  • If you’re looking to bulk up, you may want a protein with more than 110 calories. 

For athletes, no matter how hard you work out, you won’t see real progress without a solid nutrition plan and adequate amounts of protein. But once you have your macros dialed in, adding more protein without piling on extra calories can be a challenge. Jacked Factory’s Authentic ISO is a great solution, thanks to its solid dose of 25 grams of protein and only 110 calories per serving. The high protein and low calorie count make it easy to add a good amount of protein to your day without carving out a chunk of your available calories. 

That 25 grams of protein comes in the form of whey isolate, which is processed more than concentrate to remove more carbohydrates, fats, and lactose. This not only makes it a leaner protein, but it also makes it easier to digest so that athletes can absorb their protein faster after a tough workout. Plus, it comes in five different delicious flavor options, including Unflavored, which makes it easy to stack it with a pre- or post-workout as well. 

Best Protein Powder for Men for Digestion: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.

Specs

  • Protein Type: Whey Isolate
  • Protein Per Serving: 26 grams
  • Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, Strawberry
  • Price: $62.99
  • Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • The digestive enzymes included here may aid in breaking down the protein. 
  • Whey isolate contains almost no lactose, which makes it easier for lactose-sensitive men to digest.
  • The 26 grams of protein per scoop is on the higher side. 

Cons

  • This protein powder is more expensive than most of the other powders on this list. 
  • If your goal is putting on muscle, you may want to shoot for a mass gainer powder.
  • If you don’t have trouble digesting protein, there are plenty of other, less expensive options.

One of the more common complaints that men have about taking protein powders is the stomach issues that may occur when taking a milk-based protein like whey. Often, men with lactose-sensitive stomachs can experience bloating, nausea, and other gastric issues. Fortunately, Swolverine’s Whey Protein Isolate combats these problems in two different ways. 

First off, the 26 grams of protein comes in the form of whey isolate, which is processed to remove almost all of the lactose making it much easier to digest. It also includes a digestive blend with papain and protease, both enzymes that may aid in breaking down protein for easier digestion. It costs about $2.10 per serving, which is higher than a lot of protein powders on the market, but its easy digestion and low 110-calorie count might make it worth the price for you. 

Best Protein Powder for Men for Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.

Specs

  • Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
  • Protein Per Serving: 28 grams
  • Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Strawberry, Unflavored, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Mocha, Cinnamon French Toast
  • Price: $59.99
  • Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • The 28 grams in this powder is one of the higher amounts you’ll find in protein powders.
  • With only 120 calories, it’s easy to add protein without adding a lot of extra calories. 
  • This powder only uses natural sweeteners for its flavoring. 

Cons

  • The $2 cost per serving is on the higher end for protein powders. 
  • This is a whey isolate, so it won’t work for men who avoid animal products. 

There’s no way around it — if you want to build muscle, you’re going to need a good amount of protein to rebuild the muscle that you break down in the gym. But it can be hard to add enough protein to your diet without piling on carbs and fats, and there’s only so much dry chicken breast you can choke down. Fortunately, each scoop of this powder contains 28 grams of protein (on the high side for protein powders) sourced from grass-fed cows. 

That protein comes in the form of whey isolate, which is processed to remove more fat and carbs, so you’ll only be adding somewhere between zero and three grams of carbs and fat per scoop. The processing also removes nearly all the lactose from the whey so that it can digest easier, particularly for men with lactose sensitivity. Plus, each of the 10 flavor options is naturally flavored with stevia, so if you’re into all-natural ingredients, this is the protein for you. 

Best Protein Powder for Men for Weight Loss: Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein

Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein

Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein

Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein

This whey isolate offers 20 grams of protein sourced from 100 percent grass-fed cows per serving. Also, it includes a proprietary enzyme blend that can aid in digestion. 

Specs

  • Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
  • Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
  • Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Unflavored
  • Price: $64.99 (one-time purchase), $55.21 (subscription)
  • Servings Per Container: 24

Pros

  • At 100 calories, this is one of the leanest protein powders you’ll find. 
  • The protein in this powder is processed to remove extra fat and carbohydrates, keeping extra macros to a minimum.
  • It also includes an enzyme blend that may aid in digestion.

Cons

  • There are only three flavor options — Chocolate, Vanilla, and Unflavored. 
  • At $2.70 per serving, this sits near the top of the protein powder price range. 
  • You only get 24 servings per container, which means you may need to buy this more often.

One of men’s biggest concerns when trying to lose fat is losing all that hard-earned muscle with it. Getting enough protein is a key component to keeping that muscle, but it can be hard to find a protein that’s lean enough to keep you in a caloric deficit. Momentous Whey Protein Isolate only has 100 calories per serving, making it a great option for men who are on a cut. This protein comes in the form of whey isolate, which has less carbs and fat than whey concentrate, thanks to its refinement process. 

This powder also contains 200mg of ProHydrolase, a proprietary blend of enzymes that may aid in digestion, helping you absorb the protein faster, so you can start rebuilding muscle sooner after a workout. Plus, there are moderate doses of iron and sodium, as well as potassium, which may help men keep their testosterone levels optimal. (3)

Best Whey Protein Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

Jacked Factory Authentic ISO

Dig into this easily digesting grass-fed whey isolate that provides 25 grams of protein with each lean 110 calorie scoop. It comes in three tasty flavors at a cost-effective price making it a solid choice for nearly anyone.

Specs

  • Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
  • Protein Per Serving: 25 grams
  • Flavors: Unflavored, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast
  • Price: $39.99
  • Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • Whey isolate, like this one, is often preferred to concentrate since the refinement process takes out most of the carbohydrates, fats, and lactose. 
  • The potassium in this mix may help maintain healthy levels of testosterone. 
  • There are only 110 calories per serving, making it easy to add to your diet without overloading on calories. 

Cons

  • Men who are trying to bulk up may want to opt for a powder with more calories per serving. 
  • This protein uses sucralose as a sweetener, which can leave a bitter aftertaste. 

Whey protein is one of the most common types of protein powder on the market, but not all wheys are created equal. The most common two you’ll find are whey concentrate and whey isolate. Concentrate is the less expensive option and generally consists of about 80 percent protein by weight. If you’re willing to spend a little more dough, you can go with a whey isolate like Jacked Factory’s Authentic ISO, which goes through a more rigorous refinement process that strips out more proteins, carbohydrates, and most of the lactose.

The result is a powder that contains a leaner protein that may also digest quicker than concentrate. This makes it easier to fit a large dose of protein (25 grams) into your diet plan without taking up a big chunk of your daily calories. While the carbs and fat are low here, there are added micronutrients, most notably 98mg of potassium, a mineral that studies have found may help regulate testosterone levels in men. (3

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Men: KOS Organic Plant Protein

KOS Organic Plant Protein

KOS Organic Plant Protein

This protein powder packs 20 grams of plant-based protein plus various superfoods, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains enzymes to aid digestion and promote gut health.

Specs

  • Protein Type: Plant-Based blend of Pea, Flaxseed, Quinoa, Pumpkin Seed, and Chia Seed
  • Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
  • Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
  • Price: $49.95
  • Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • This protein is made fom peas, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin sees, and chia seeds, which is perfect for men who avoid animal products. 
  • At $1.50 a serving, this is on the cheaper side of protein supplements. 
  • All of the ingredients are all-natural, USDA Certified Organic, and whole-food derived. 

Cons

  • The 20 grams of protein included here is lower than many proteins on this list. 
  • There are leaner proteins out there for men who are trying to limit their caloric intake. 

It can be hard for men who stick to a vegan diet to get enough protein, which is where a vegan protein powder like KOS Organic Plant Protein comes in handy. This protein powder provides 20 grams of protein from a blend of peas, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds to deliver an amino acid profile similar to milk protein. 

Plus, it includes a blend of 16 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, which many men are lacking. (3) It also offers a proprietary digestive enzyme blend of protease, amylase, cellulase, lactase, and lipase, all of which may aid in digestion. (4)

Best Casein Protein Powder for Men: Transparent Labs Casein Protein

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Casein

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Casein

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Casein

Free of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Casein is an incredibly straightforward supplement without fillers. It’s also remarkably low in fat and carbohydrates.

Specs

  • Protein Type: Grass-fed micellar casein
  • Protein Per Serving: 25 grams
  • Flavors: Chocolate
  • Price: $59.99
  • Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • This casein stands out from its competition for its sourcing from grass-fed cows and all-natural ingredients.
  • The low calorie count is ideal for men who are trying to lose weight. 
  • Macro counters will appreciate that there are only four carbs and zero grams of fat. 

Cons

  • The only flavor option is chocolate. 
  • The $2 per service price is on the higher end of proteins. 

Casein is a slow-digesting protein, which is ideal for men who want to stay full longer or who would like a slow, steady delivery of protein while they sleep. Transparent Labs’ casein is a great option, especially if you take it before bed because it is almost entirely composed of casein, with only four grams of carbohydrates and zero fat. 

This casein is only available in chocolate, which may not be ideal for mixing with other supplements, but that chocolate is sweetened with stevia, which may help with that before-bed sugar tooth that often comes with caloric deficits. It’s a bit pricier than other casein proteins, but its high-quality sourcing and lean profile can make it worth the cost. 

Best Budget Protein Powder for Men: Huge Supplements Huge Whey

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

Huge Supplements Whey Protein

A blend of whey isolate and whey concentrate, Huge Supplements Whey Protein packs 23 grams of protein into each serving. It also contains 5g of BCAAs with only 2g of fat and 2.5g of carbs per serving.

Specs

  • Protein Type: Whey Concentrate and Whey Isolate
  • Protein Per Serving: 23.5 grams
  • Flavors: Cookie & Cream, Vanilla Milkshake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Cheesecake, Blueberry Muffin, Fruity Cereal 
  • Price: $49.95
  • Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • The $1.50 per serving cost makes this protein more budget-friendly than many other options.
  • The papain in this formula may help your body digest it faster. 
  • Flavors like Fruity Cereal and Blueberry Muffin help it stand out from its competitors.

Cons

  • This is a blend of whey isolate and whey concentrate, so lactose-sensitive men may have some digestive issues with it. 
  • This protein is whey-based, which won’t work for men who avoid animal products. 

Regularly using protein powder can take a huge bite out of your grocery bill, but choosing the cheapest option may leave you with sub-standard ingredients or a powder with additional fats and carbohydrates. Huge Supplements Huge Whey is an excellent balance between quality and affordability, thanks to its moderate 23.5-gram blend of whey concentrate and whey isolate protein and solid $1.50-per-serving price point. Blending the two types of protein keeps the protein powder leaner than a straight whey concentrate, but more budget-friendly than a pure whey isolate. 

In addition to the protein, there are only two grams of fat and 2.5g of carbs per serving. Plus, Huge Supplements has added the digestive enzyme papain, which can aid in digestion. (5) This comes in five flavor options, including Fruity Cereal and Strawberry Cheesecake. 

Best Organic Protein Powder for Men: KOS Organic Plant Protein

KOS Organic Plant Protein

KOS Organic Plant Protein

KOS Organic Plant Protein

This protein powder packs 20 grams of plant-based protein plus various superfoods, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains enzymes to aid digestion and promote gut health.

Specs

  • Protein Type: Plant-Based Blend of Pea, Flaxseed, Quinoa, Pumpkin Seed, and Chia Seed
  • Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
  • Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
  • Price: $49.95
  • Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

  • All of the ingredients in this powder are USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, and derived from whole foods. 
  • The blend of protein sources provides a full amino acid profile. 
  • At $0.60 per serving, this is one of the most affordable protein powders you’ll find. 

Cons

  • This has a slightly lower dose of protein at 20 grams per serving. 
  • Each scoop contains six grams of fat and nine grams of carbs, which is higher than the other proteins on this list. 

Finding an organic protein powder is no easy task, but KOS’s Organic Plant Protein has you covered. This USDA-Certified Organic protein uses a blend of organic ingredients including pea protein, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed protein, and organic chia seed to provide a complete amino acid profile that’s similar to what you’d find in whey protein, minus the animal products. 

Each scoop has 20 grams of protein, which is on the lower side compared to others on this list, but the digestive enzyme blend here can help your digestive system absorb as much of that protein as possible. Plus, the blend of vitamins and minerals includes B12, a vitamin that studies show men tend to lack. (6)

How We Chose the Best Protein Powders for Men

Choosing the right protein isn’t easy. Even after you’ve looked at the different types of protein out there, you’ve got different brands, dosages, and price ranges to work through. We took several factors into consideration when we chose the best protein powders for men, including protein type, protein content, taste, and macro counts.

Protein Type

There are a lot of protein varieties to choose from, so we tried to narrow it down to the most common and easily accessible protein powders. We went primarily with milk-based protein powders like whey, which in itself has several categories. We focused mostly on whey concentrate, which is the least processed and most affordable, as well as whey isolate, which, while slightly more expensive, undergoes further processing to reduce the amount of carbohydrates, fat, and lactose. 

A glass of protein shake, a jug of milk and protein powder in a scoop.
Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock

We also included plant-based protein for men who prefer to avoid animal products. These are generally composed of a pea protein blended with other plant proteins to create a complete amino acid profile. 

Protein Content

Two of the most common goals for men are either acquiring more muscle mass or maintaining it while on a cut, both of which require anywhere between 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. (1) To make sure that men got the most out of each serving, we looked for protein powders that had at least 20 grams of protein per serving and gave preference to powders that were closer to 25 or 30 grams. 

Taste

If you have to choke down a protein powder every time you take it, the odds are it’ll spend more time gathering dust in your pantry than putting muscle on your frame. Fortunately, it seems like every year, there are more and more new and interesting flavors available. We tried to pick protein powders that not only did the classics (like chocolate and vanilla) justice, but also thought outside the box with flavors like Fruity Cereal, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Blueberry Muffin, to name a few. 

Calories and Macros

If you’ve tracked your nutrition before, you know that it can feel like a puzzle. You might have your carbohydrates and fat dialed in, but if you’re low on protein, it can be hard to add more without messing up your ratios.

A scoop of whey protein powder and the container in the background.
Credit: Dan_photography / Shutterstock

So, we tried to pick protein powders that had the fewest amount of carbohydrates and fats to make it easier for men to fit more protein into your daily macros. As a result, most of the protein powders on this list also have roughly 100 to 120 calories per serving, so they won’t take a huge bite out of your daily calorie count.

Benefits of Protein Powders for Men

Since men tend to have bigger bodies and more muscle mass than women, they require more protein in their diets than women do. This goes doubly for men who work out, which is probably why male customers account for 70 percent of all protein supplements sold. (7) Besides being a nutritional requirement, supplementing with protein powders has plenty of additional benefits, including satiety, muscle growth, and convenience. 

Satiety

When you’re cutting, protein is useful because it generally helps you feel fuller, longer. This may be in part because it can influence hormones that send signals that you’re full. (8) This is great because as you fill up on lean protein, you’ll be less likely to chow down on those chips in your pantry or DoorDash some wings from the Korean place down the street. 

Muscle Gain 

Protein powder alone won’t put on muscle, but studies have shown that when added to resistance and endurance training, supplementing with protein can help men increase their strength and muscle mass. (9) In these studies, it was suggested that taking a protein supplement after a workout can be an effective way to rebuild the muscle that you break down during a workout, helping your body adapt to the increased load with (you guessed it) bigger and stronger muscles. 

Convenience

Sometimes a guy just doesn’t have time to cook up a few dozen chicken breasts for the week. Protein powders are a convenient way to squeeze another 20 to 30 grams of protein into a busy day. Mixing up a protein shake and downing it only takes a few minutes and provides a nice (and hopefully tasty) reprieve from trying to cram in whole-food-sourced protein all day long. 

Common Types of Protein Powder

Sometimes it seems like you need a degree in advanced chemistry to know the difference between the types of protein out there. Here’s a quick primer to help you tell your isolates from your hydrolysates. 

Whey Concentrate

The most common and often the most affordable form of whey protein, concentrates are the least refined type of whey protein. They generally contain 60 to 80 percent protein, with carbohydrates and fats making up the rest of the powder. 

Whey Isolate

Whey Isolates are refined more than concentrates, a process that removes more fat and carbohydrates from the supplement. This type of powder is usually made up of 90 to 95 percent protein. It also removes most of the lactose, which may make isolates easier on the stomach than whey concentrates. 

Whey Hydrolysate

This protein takes the refinement even further, breaking down the bonds between the amino acids. The result is a protein that may be absorbed more quickly by your body (and, as a result, your muscles). While hydrolysates are the most refined form of whey protein, they can also be prohibitively expensive, which is why many men lean more towards concentrates or isolates. 

Casein

Like whey, casein is a protein found in milk, but unlike whey, it forms a gel when it contacts stomach acid, which slows down its absorption into your bloodstream. This can be beneficial for men who are cutting and want to stay full longer. It can also be ideal for men who are trying to put on muscle mass Taking a scoop of casein before bed delivers a slow, steady drip of protein while you sleep, which is when the majority of muscle building occurs. (10) (11)

Pea Protein

This protein is an ideal option for men who avoid animal products. Pea protein has all nine essential amino acids, and it may trigger the release of fullness hormones similar to the way that dairy protein does. (12) Often, you’ll find it blended with other sources of plant protein like quinoa, pumpkin seed protein, and brown rice protein. 

How Much Do Protein Powders for Men Cost?

Protein powders can vary in price with whey concentrates often being the least expensive option, usually coming in at around $1 or so per serving. Whey isolates and hydrolysates are usually on the higher end of the price spectrum at $2 or more per serving, with plant-based proteins sitting somewhere in the middle at around the $1.50 range. 

Whey protein powder in a scoop, set beside weights and spilled whey powder.
Credit: RHJPhtotos / Shutterstock

If you’re buying a tub, you can expect to spend anywhere from $25 to $60 or more, depending on the type and brand of protein. Also, be sure to check the serving amount in each package. Most containers have about 30 servings, but a protein that may seem cheaper might end up offering fewer servings, driving up the price per serving.

What to Consider Before Buying Protein Powders for Men

As we’ve said before, there are a lot of types of protein powder available, but dialing in the best one for men depends greatly on the individual. When you’re shopping for protein powder, consider things like protein content, dietary restrictions, and taste preference.

Dietary Restrictions

A good portion of protein powders come from milk, so if you’re sensitive or intolerant to lactose, you’d better tread carefully. If you have a sensitivity to milk, you may be able to get away with taking whey isolate, which has almost all of the lactose removed. If the thought of a bowl of ice cream sends you running to the nearest bathroom, you’re better off looking for a whey hydrolysate or plant-based protein powder. 

Protein Content

If you’re looking for more protein, you’re going to want to find a powder that serves at least 20 grams. Since most fall within the 20- to 25-gram range, it shouldn’t be difficult to find one that works for you. But make sure you read the nutritional information on whatever protein you’re considering, as some protein powders can contain as little as 10 to 15 grams per serving. 

Flavor Options

If you don’t care what your supplements taste like, as long as they do the job, more power to you. But there’s nothing wrong with a protein powder that offers you a little treat in the middle of your day. In addition to the classic chocolate and vanilla offerings, keep an eye out for fun flavors like Cinnamon French Toast or Blueberry Muffin. After all, you’re more likely to drink a protein shake that you like than one that you have to choke down. 

Final Word

Protein powders can be a huge help for men who are looking to get stronger, pack on more muscle, or keep as much muscle as possible while losing weight. But, since protein powder sales make up more than half of the total supplement market, there are a glut of options out there. (13)

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a minute to write down your goals. Losing weight? There’s a good protein for that. Getting stronger? Got some great options here. Working with a tight budget? No problem. Once you have your requirements down, you can use this list to help you find the perfect protein powder for you. 

FAQs

What is the best protein powder for men? 

The perfect protein powder varies from person to person, but for our money, the best is Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder thanks to its easy digestion, hefty 28-gram dose of protein, and eight tasty flavors.

Is protein powder good for men? 

Protein powder can be good for both men and women. It can help increase muscle strength and size when paired with exercise — plus, it can help you retain muscle mass in a caloric deficit. And additionally, protein powder can help increase feelings of satiety, which can help keep you from overeating.

Is it good to drink protein powder every day?

There’s nothing wrong with drinking one or two protein shakes per day, as long as you’re getting protein from whole foods as well. But too much protein can put extra strain on your kidneys, so be sure not to overdo it.

Resources

  1. https://www.acsm.org/docs/default-source/files-for-resource-library/protein-intake-for-optimal-muscle-maintenance.pdf
  2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/nutrientrecommendations.aspx
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  8. Alhakbany MA, Alzamil HA, Alnazzawi E, Alhenaki G, Alzahrani R, Almughaiseeb A, Al-Hazzaa HM. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Use of Protein Supplements among Saudi Adults: Gender Differences. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Feb 19;10(2):394. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10020394. PMID: 35207007; PMCID: PMC8872357.
  9. Chungchunlam, S. M., Henare, S. J., Ganesh, S., & Moughan, P. J. (2015). Dietary whey protein influences plasma satiety-related hormones and plasma amino acids in normal-weight adult women. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 69(2), 179-186. https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2014.266
  10. Cintineo, H. P., Arent, M. A., Antonio, J., & Arent, S. M. (2018). Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training. Frontiers in Nutrition, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00083
  11. Boirie, Y., Dangin, M., Gachon, P., Vasson, P., Maubois, L., & Beaufrère, B. (1997). Slow and fast dietary proteins differently modulate postprandial protein accretion. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 94(26), 14930-14935. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.94.26.14930
  12. Dattilo M, Antunes HK, Medeiros A, Mônico Neto M, Souza HS, Tufik S, de Mello MT. Sleep and muscle recovery: endocrinological and molecular basis for a new and promising hypothesis. Med Hypotheses. 2011 Aug;77(2):220-2. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.04.017. Epub 2011 May 7. PMID: 21550729.
  13. Overduin J, Guérin-Deremaux L, Wils D, Lambers TT. NUTRALYS(®) pea protein: characterization of in vitro gastric digestion and in vivo gastrointestinal peptide responses relevant to satiety. Food Nutr Res. 2015 Apr 13;59:25622. doi: 10.3402/fnr.v59.25622. PMID: 25882536; PMCID: PMC4400298.
  14. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/protein-powder-market

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