As a fitness enthusiast and personal trainer, I know how important it is to choose the right protein powder to support muscle growth. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best protein powder for muscle gain. In this article, I will guide you through the factors to consider when choosing protein powder, and review the top 10 best protein powders for muscle gain in 2023.

Introduction to protein powders for muscle gain

Protein powder is a dietary supplement that provides a concentrated source of protein. It is a convenient and efficient way to boost your protein intake, especially if you have a busy lifestyle and find it challenging to consume enough protein through whole foods. Protein powders are popular among athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts who are looking to support muscle growth, repair, and recovery.

Why protein powder is essential for muscle growth

Protein is the building block of muscle tissue. When you exercise, you create small tears in your muscle fibers. To repair and rebuild these fibers, your body needs protein. Consuming a sufficient amount of protein is essential to support muscle growth and recovery. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, athletes and active individuals require 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to support muscle growth.

Protein powders are an excellent way to boost your protein intake, especially after a workout when your muscles need the nutrients the most. They are easy to digest, and the amino acids they provide are quickly absorbed by your muscles, making them an effective tool to support muscle growth.

Factors to consider when choosing protein powder for muscle gain

When choosing the best protein powder for muscle gain, there are several factors to consider, such as:

Protein source

Protein powders can be made from various sources, such as whey, casein, soy, pea, hemp, and rice. Whey protein is the most popular and well-researched option for muscle gain. It is a complete protein source that contains all nine essential amino acids and is quickly absorbed by the body. Casein protein, on the other hand, is slower to digest and can provide a sustained release of amino acids over several hours, making it a good option before bed. If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, plant-based protein powders such as pea, hemp, or rice protein can also be effective.

Protein content

The protein content per serving varies between protein powders. Look for a protein powder that provides at least 20 grams of protein per serving, which is the amount required to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.

Ingredients

Check the ingredient list for any added sugars, artificial flavors, or fillers. Choose a protein powder with a minimal and clean ingredient list.

Quality

Look for protein powders that are third-party tested for quality and purity, such as NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice, or BSCG Certified Drug-Free.

Top 10 best protein powders for muscle gain in 2023

After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a list of the top 10 best protein powders for muscle gain in 2023. These protein powders are based on their protein source, protein content, ingredients, and quality.

1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is one of the most popular whey protein powders on the market. It is made from whey protein isolate, concentrate, and peptides, providing a high-quality protein source. It contains 24 grams of protein per serving and is low in fat and carbohydrates. It is also third-party tested for quality and purity.

2. Dymatize ISO100

Dymatize ISO100 is a whey protein isolate that is 100% hydrolyzed for quick absorption. It provides 25 grams of protein per serving and is low in carbohydrates, fat, and lactose. It is also NSF Certified for Sport.

3. Naked Nutrition Naked Whey

Naked Nutrition Naked Whey is a grass-fed whey protein concentrate that is free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. It provides 25 grams of protein per serving and is third-party tested for purity.

4. Legion Whey+

Legion Whey+ is a whey protein isolate that is made from grass-fed cows. It contains 22 grams of protein per serving and is free from artificial additives. It is also third-party tested for purity and quality.

5. Vega Sport Premium Protein

Vega Sport Premium Protein is a plant-based protein powder that is made from pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, and alfalfa protein. It provides 30 grams of protein per serving and is rich in BCAAs and other essential amino acids. It is also NSF Certified for Sport.

6. Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein

Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein is a vegan protein powder that is made from a blend of pea protein, sprouted navy bean protein, and sprouted lentil protein. It provides 30 grams of protein per serving and is rich in BCAAs and other essential amino acids. It is also NSF Certified for Sport.

7. Sunwarrior Warrior Blend

Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is a plant-based protein powder that is made from a blend of pea protein, hemp protein, and goji berry protein. It provides 19 grams of protein per serving and is rich in BCAAs and other essential amino acids. It is also USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified.

8. KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is a vegan protein powder that is made from a blend of pea protein, flaxseed protein, quinoa protein, pumpkin seed protein, and chia seed protein. It provides 20 grams of protein per serving and is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified.

9. MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder

MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder is a blend of whey protein concentrate, isolate, hydrolysate, egg albumin, and micellar casein. It provides 25 grams of protein per serving and is fortified with added BCAAs and glutamine. It is also third-party tested for purity.

10. Myprotein Impact Whey Protein

Myprotein Impact Whey Protein is a whey protein concentrate that is low in fat and carbohydrates. It provides 21 grams of protein per serving and is available in various flavors. It is also third-party tested for purity and quality.

In-depth review of the best protein powders - their benefits, ingredients, and quality

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is a popular whey protein powder that is made from whey protein isolate, concentrate, and peptides. It provides a high-quality protein source that is quickly absorbed by the body. It contains 24 grams of protein per serving and is low in fat and carbohydrates. It is also third-party tested for quality and purity.

The benefits of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey include:

  • Provides a high-quality protein source for muscle growth and recovery
  • Low in fat and carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for calorie-conscious individuals
  • Contains a blend of whey protein isolate, concentrate, and peptides that provide a complete amino acid profile
  • Available in various flavors to suit individual taste preference

The ingredients in Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey include:

  • Whey protein isolate, concentrate, and peptides
  • Natural and artificial flavors
  • Lecithin
  • Salt
  • Sucralose
  • Acesulfame potassium

The quality of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is third-party tested for purity and quality. It is certified by Informed Choice, which ensures that the product is free from banned substances.

Dymatize ISO100

Dymatize ISO100 is a whey protein isolate that is 100% hydrolyzed for quick absorption. It provides 25 grams of protein per serving and is low in carbohydrates, fat, and lactose. It is also NSF Certified for Sport.

The benefits of Dymatize ISO100 include:

  • Provides a high-quality protein source that is quickly absorbed by the body
  • Low in carbohydrates, fat, and lactose, making it an ideal choice for individuals with lactose intolerance or who are watching their calorie intake
  • 100% hydrolyzed for quick absorption
  • NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring that the product is free from banned substances

The ingredients in Dymatize ISO100 include:

  • Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate
  • Natural and artificial flavors
  • Soy lecithin
  • Salt
  • Potassium chloride
  • Sucralose
  • Steviol glycosides

The quality of Dymatize ISO100 is NSF Certified for Sport, which ensures that the product is free from banned substances.

Naked Nutrition Naked Whey

Naked Nutrition Naked Whey is a grass-fed whey protein concentrate that is free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. It provides 25 grams of protein per serving and is third-party tested for purity.

The benefits of Naked Nutrition Naked Whey include:

  • Provides a high-quality protein source that is free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors
  • Made from grass-fed cows, which may provide additional health benefits
  • Contains 25 grams of protein per serving
  • Third-party tested for purity

The ingredients in Naked Nutrition Naked Whey include:

  • Grass-fed whey protein concentrate
  • Sunflower lecithin

The quality of Naked Nutrition Naked Whey is third-party tested for purity.

Legion Whey+

Legion Whey+ is a whey protein isolate that is made from grass-fed cows. It contains 22 grams of protein per serving and is free from artificial additives. It is also third-party tested for purity and quality.

The benefits of Legion Whey+ include:

  • Provides a high-quality protein source that is made from grass-fed cows
  • Free from artificial additives
  • Contains 22 grams of protein per serving
  • Third-party tested for purity and quality

The ingredients in Legion Whey+ include:

  • Whey protein isolate
  • Cocoa powder
  • Natural flavors
  • Guar gum
  • Salt
  • Stevia leaf extract

The quality of Legion Whey+ is third-party tested for purity and quality.

Vega Sport Premium Protein

Vega Sport Premium Protein is a plant-based protein powder that is made from pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, and alfalfa protein. It provides 30 grams of protein per serving and is rich in BCAAs and other essential amino acids. It is also NSF Certified for Sport.

The benefits of Vega Sport Premium Protein include:

  • Provides a high-quality plant-based protein source that is rich in BCAAs and other essential amino acids
  • Contains 30 grams of protein per serving
  • NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring that the product is free from banned substances
  • Available in various flavors to suit individual taste preferences

The ingredients in Vega Sport Premium Protein include:

  • Pea protein
  • Pumpkin seed protein
  • Organic sunflower seed protein
  • Alfalfa protein
  • Tart cherry
  • Beetroot
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Carrot
  • Strawberry
  • Raspberry
  • Acerola cherry
  • Apple
  • Banana
  • Chlorella
  • Hydrilla
  • Stevia extract
  • Xanthan gum

The quality of Vega Sport Premium Protein is NSF Certified for Sport, which ensures that the product is free from banned substances.

Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein

Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein is a vegan protein powder that is made from a blend of pea protein, sprouted navy bean protein, and sprouted lentil protein. It provides 30 grams of protein per serving and is rich in BCAAs and other essential amino acids. It is also NSF Certified for Sport.

The benefits of Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein include:

  • Provides a high-quality plant-based protein source that is rich in BCAAs and other essential amino acids
  • Contains 30 grams of protein per serving
  • NSF Certified for Sport, ensuring that the product is free from banned substances
  • Made from sprouted grains, which may increase nutrient availability

The ingredients in Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein include:

  • Organic pea protein
  • Organic navy bean sprout
  • Organic lentil sprout
  • Organic cranberry seed protein
  • Organic sunflower seed protein
  • Organic flaxseed protein
  • Organic amaranth sprout
  • Organic quinoa sprout
  • Organic millet sprout
  • Organic buckwheat sprout
  • Organic garbanzo bean sprout
  • Organic chia seed sprout
  • Organic pumpkin seed sprout
  • Organic sesame seed sprout
  • Organic coconut sugar
  • Organic vanilla flavor
  • Organic cinnamon
  • Sea salt
  • Stevia extract

The quality of Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein is NSF Certified for Sport, which ensures that the product is free from banned substances.

Sunwarrior Warrior Blend

Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is a plant-based protein powder that is made from a blend of pea protein, hemp protein, and goji berry protein. It provides 19 grams of protein per serving and is rich in BCAAs and other essential amino acids. It is also USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified.

The benefits of Sunwarrior Warrior Blend include:

  • Provides a high-quality plant-based protein source that is rich in BCAAs and other essential amino acids
  • Contains 19 grams of protein per serving
  • USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified
  • Contains a blend of pea protein, hemp protein, and goji berry protein, which may provide additional health benefits

The ingredients in Sunwarrior Warrior Blend include:

  • Organic pea protein
  • Organic hemp protein
  • Organic goji berry protein
  • Organic cocoa
  • Organic chocolate flavor
  • Organic guar gum
  • Sea salt
  • Organic stevia extract

The quality of Sunwarrior Warrior Blend is USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified.

KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is a vegan protein powder that is made from a blend of pea protein