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Top 12 Best Protein Powders for Muscle Gain, Recovery and More
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Protein powders are an excellent way to supplement your lifestyle when you want to achieve muscle gains. By combining amino acids, nutrients, and whey or plant protein, you can stimulate muscle synthesis and recovery.
A good protein powder may also help to prevent the loss of muscle mass. And of course, these supplements also support improved stamina, endurance, and strength so you can have higher intensity workouts.
But depending on your muscle gain goals and your exercise and dietary routines, you should carefully review products before using them. You should also be aware of how to properly use protein powders for them to be most effective.
Lucky for you, we’re reviewing the 12 best protein powders for muscle gain.
We’ll also dive into the safest way to use protein powders for muscle gains and how to properly take them on a daily basis.
Keep reading to learn about our top 12 picks, where we compare the specifics and the pros/cons.
Stick around to the end to get answers to frequently asked questions about protein powders.
Our Top 12 Best Protein Powders for Muscle Gain And Recovery
Before we highlight the top 12 best protein powders for muscle gain, note that we’ve gone to great lengths to test a lot of different products.
Upon further research, we’ve compiled this list to share the most effective supplements reviewed based on customer satisfaction, protein macros, and quality of ingredients.
Based on those factors, we believe that these 12 products are the best you can find right now, although they each differ slightly.
1. Huge Whey
Huge Whey by Huge Supplements is the best option for muscle gains using a high-quality whey concentrate! It packs a lot of protein per scoop - up to 25 grams, which is a lot.
This is one of those tried and true protein powders for bulking up that customers consistently review with 5 stars for its effectiveness. It’s already gathered over more than 500 positive user feedback, which you can read by clicking here.
You can use it for both gaining mass and losing weight, making it an excellent product.
It’s also smooth, easy to mix, and comes in a variety of 6 delicious flavors. Overall, it’s the ideal protein powder with a decent price for the quality and value, and that’s why we recommend it!
Huge Whey Specs
Each 1-scoop serving contains the following:
- 120 calories
- 23g protein
- 2.5g carbs
- 2g fat
Benefits and Features of Huge Whey
One 30-serving tub (2 lbs) of this supplement costs $44.95, which is a great deal considering the flavor and quality. You get flavor options including cookie ; cream, vanilla milkshake, chocolate peanut butter, fruity cereal, blueberry muffin, and strawberry cheesecake.
The included branded-chain amino acids provide extra support for growing and repairing muscle fibers. The result? You can attain muscle gains more easily.
Furthermore, the calcium content supports healthy bones, and the potassium content can help support muscle recovery and soothe aches.
Pros of Huge Whey
- High protein content per serving (up to 25 grams)
- The best option for gaining lean muscle tissue
- Includes branched-chain amino acids for recovery
- Budget-friendly and purchase comes with a free shaker
- Low in carbohydrates, sugars, and fats
- Tastes fantastic and has excellent flavor options
- Produced in the USA in a GMP-certified facility
Cons of Huge Whey
- Exclusively available on Huge Supplements and Amazon
- Sells out quickly
2. Huge Vegan Protein
Huge Supplements Vegan protein powder is our best pick for a vegan alternative to whey. If you rely on plant-based proteins in your diet, this is a solid option with 20g per scoop.
It's 100% plant-based and made out of rice, pea, fava bean, and mung bean protein concentrates. Because it uses four protein sources, it provides you with a complete protein profile and all the amino acids you need.
That means it is superior and we consider it the best vegan protein powder. On top of that, it comes in 5 flavors that taste amazing. We fully recommend it as the best vegan option on the market.
Huge Vegan Protein Specs
Each 1-scoop serving includes the following:
- 110 calories
- 20g protein
- 3.5g carbs
- 1.5g fats
Benefits and Features of Huge Vegan Protein
This vegan protein powder features a complete amino acid profile, which most vegan protein supplements do not. Amino acids support healthy protein muscle synthesis for recovery and muscle growth.
It uses high-quality plant proteins with natural ingredients and no genetically modified organisms. It also comes in 5 delicious flavor profiles, including birthday cake, cinnamon toast crunch, cookies ; cream, marshmallow madness, and graham cracker.
Customers dote on this supplement with 5-star reviews, noting its amazing taste compared to other vegan protein powders on the market.
Pros of Huge Vegan Protein
- 100% Vegan formula with 20 grams of protein
- Complete protein amino acid profile
- Dairy-free and gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Made in the USA
Cons of Huge Vegan Protein
- Slightly less protein content compared to whey powders
3. Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Isolate
The ProteinSeries grass-fed whey protein powder from Transparent Labs is our top pick for a natural whey protein. The protein isolate comes from dairy that comes from hormone-free cows.
It’s also free of other unnatural substances like sugars and colors. It comes in a variety of sweet, delicious flavors and has one of the highest protein ratios in the industry.
For both workout recovery and protein macros, this is a good choice.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Isolate Specs
Each 1-scoop serving of this powder contains the following:
- 120 calories
- 28g protein
- 1g carbs
- 0.5g fats
Benefits and Features of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Isolate
This protein powder contains some added magnesium, potassium, and calcium content to supplement nutrient value. Additionally, it’s very well-reviewed by customers for its taste and effectiveness.
Possible flavors include chocolate peanut butter, cinnamon pastry, mocha, milk chocolate, strawberry, salted caramel, cinnamon french toast, and vanilla.
Muscle gains are a lot easier with this protein powder, and it also can help you burn off fat as you build strength. We recommend it for a great value deal for the protein and high-quality ingredients you’re getting.
Pros of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Isolate
- Packs a lot of protein
- Low in calories
- Fat and sugar free
- Free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and colors
Cons of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Isolate
- Not allergen-free, as its protein base is milk
- Expensive at $59.99 per 2lb container
4. Dymatize Athlete's Whey
Dymatize’s Athlete’s Whey powder is a budget-friendly, high-protein supplement with amino acids included for muscle synthesis.
It’s gluten-free but has a much higher caloric content compared to the other supplements on our list. Each 4-pound tub contains 40 servings of 100% whey protein that has been banned substance tested.
Dymatize Athlete’s Whey Specs
Each 2-scoop serving of this whey formula includes the following:
- 180 calories
- 30g protein
- 6g carbs (of which 5g sugar)
- 3.5g fat
Benefits and Features of Dymatize Athlete’s Whey
Athlete’s Whey powder comes in vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream flavors. It’s an anytime protein supplement, which means you can take it pre-workout, post-workout for recovery, or with meals.
It’s made from high-quality ingredients in GMP-certified facilities and it is suitable for all athletes.
Pros of Dymatize Athlete’s Whey
- Packs 6,6 grams of branched-chain amino acids
- Perfect for athletes
- Banned substance tested and gluten free
- Great taste
Cons of Dymatize Athlete’s Whey
- Limited flavor options
- Relatively high cholesterol and sodium content
- Not allergen-free (contains milk and soy)
5. Gold Standard Whey Protein
Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard whey powder is 100% whey blend - protein concentrate, isolate, and peptides. It’s a high-protein blend with BCAAs and comes in 11 delicious flavors.
This is a decent, high-quality instant shake mix designed to be taken any time of the day for muscle gains. It’s also the most awarded and one of the best-selling protein powders currently on the market.
Gold Standard Whey Protein Specs
Each 1-scoop serving of Gold Standard protein powder contains the following:
- 120 calories
- 24g protein
- 3g carbs (of which 1g sugar)
- 1.5g fat
Benefits and Features of Gold Standard Whey Protein
This formula features branded-chain amino acids for faster protein muscle synthesis. It also has added calcium content, which supports bone health, as well as potassium and iron nutritional value.
Customers enjoy this protein powder for its natural ingredients that are tested and free of banned substances. You can get in flavors like double rich chocolate, delicious strawberry, French vanilla, chocolate mint, and many more.
Pros of Gold Standard Whey Protein
- Helps with muscle growth and recovery
- Includes BCAAs and Glutamine
- Budget-friendly
- Supports endurance and recovery
- Available in different sizes
Cons of Gold Standard Whey Protein
- Contains allergens (soy and milk)
- Relatively high in cholesterol content
6. Sports Research Whey Isolate
Sports Research whey powder is designed to build lean muscle mass. It contains a high quantity of protein isolate per serving, in addition to other nutrients like Vitamin D, MCT powder and calcium.
Its high-quality ingredients are micro-filtered and instantly mix up into a smoothie, snack, or post-workout recovery shake.
Sports Research Whey Isolate Specs
Each 1-scoop serving of Sports Research whey isolate powder contains the following nutrition:
- 150 calories
- 25g protein
- 4g carbs (of which <1g sugar)
- 4g fat
Benefits and Features of Sports Research Whey Isolate
The formula in this protein powder is enhanced with leucine amino acids for better muscle recovery and bulking up. It comes in a delicious Dutch chocolate flavor with minimal added sugar.
It instantly mixes up into a protein drink. With 56 servings per container, you get a great value deal with the price just under $60.
Pros of Sports Research Whey Isolate
- Uses high-quality whey protein isolate
- Packs 3 grams of MCTs
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Manufactured and quality-tested in the USA
Cons of Sports Research Whey Isolate
- Contains some allergens (milk)
- Limited flavor options
7. Pro Jym Ultra Protein Blend
Pro Jym’s Ultra-Premium protein powder combines several types of protein isolates. It mixes egg white, milk, whey protein isolates, and micellar casein to boost daily macros and build muscle mass.
It’s well-reviewed for its taste, texture, and effectiveness. Both men and women can enjoy the results in terms of energy, endurance, strength, and recovery.
Pro Jym Ultra Protein Blend Specs
Each 1-scoop serving of Pro Jym Ultra Protein contains the following nutritional info:
- 140 calories
- 24g protein
- 4g carbs (of which 1g sugar)
- 2.5g fat
Benefits and Features of Pro Jym Ultra Protein Blend
As an anytime supplement, you can take this blend in the morning, at night, between meals, or pre/post-workout. It comes in a delicious, naturally flavored vanilla or chocolate blend that easily mixes into liquids.
The protein composition is 50% casein, 40% whey, and 10% egg protein. Together, these proteins digest at different rates for the ultimate muscle-building supplement.
Pros of Pro Jym Ultra Protein Blend
- Combination of different types of proteins
- Non-proprietary blend
- Designed with long-term muscle growth in mind
- Contains BCAAs for muscle synthesis
- Rich in calcium, which supports bone health
Cons of Pro Jym Ultra Protein Blend
- Price is relatively high
- Not vegan-friendly
8. BSN Syntha Six
BSN Syntha Six is a premium protein matrix packed with whey protein and egg protein. It also combines essential amino acids for better muscle gains and post-workout recovery.
It even helps to boost workout performance levels and increase your energy when working out. It comes in several delicious flavors and is a good all-around choice for all lifestyles and workout regimens.
BSN Syntha Six Specs
Each 1-scoop serving of BSN Syntha Six protein powder contains the following nutritional info:
- 200 calories
- 22g protein
- 15g carbs (of which 3g sugar)
- 6g fats
Benefits and Features of BSN Syntha Six
The branded-chain amino acids in this protein formula help to improve workout endurance, leading to bigger gains. What’s nice about the powder is that it’s budget-friendly and tastes great.
With flavors like cookies and cream, peanut butter, banana, and strawberry milkshake, your protein shakes can be enjoyable.
Pros of BSN Syntha Six
- Targets lean muscle growth and muscle recovery
- Tastes good
- Easily mixes into recipes
- Can be used at any time of the day
Cons of BSN Syntha Six
- One serving contains 200 calories
- Relatively high in fat and carbohydrates
- Not vegan-friendly
9. Animal Whey Isolate
Animal Whey protein isolate powder is a highly digestible, low-sugar formula for muscle recovery post-workout. It comes in a variety of delicious flavors and includes high-quality protein and other ingredients.
Each serving is packed with protein that will mix easily into your beverage without clumping.
Animal Whey Isolate Specs
Each 1-scoop serving of Animal Whey Isolate includes the following nutritional info:
- 120 calories
- 25g protein
- 3g carbs (of which 1g sugar)
- 1g fat
Benefits and Features of Animal Whey Isolate
It’s a fast-absorbing and highly bioavailable formula so that it can get to work on your muscles quickly. One nice feature of this isolate is that it helps to soothe sore muscles post-workout. It also has digestive enzymes to help you stomach and process it more easily than other protein powders.
You can choose from flavors such as banana, chocolate, cookies and cream, brownie batter, strawberry, and vanilla. What’s more, is that each 4-pound container is a value deal at less than $50.