If you’re serious about building muscle, getting lean, or just keeping your body fueled the right way, protein isn’t optional. It’s the foundation. But walk into any supplement store or scroll through online listings and it’s chaos. Dozens of tubs, endless flavors, every brand promising you’ll look like a fitness model by Tuesday.
Here’s the problem, most protein powders are one-trick ponies. They hit fast, then fade, or digest so slowly you miss that prime recovery window. That’s why blended protein powders exist. They mix fast, medium, and slow-digesting proteins so your muscles get fed right now… and hours from now.
We’ve tested, tasted, and broken down the top options on the market. No fluff, no “bro science,” just the blends worth your money. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one to grab so you can stop guessing and start growing.
We Know Protein Powder Like The Back of Our Hand
To ensure that we deliver truly authentic and impartial evaluations, we adopt a meticulous approach of personally acquiring and conducting taste tests on the products we feature in our reviews. This practice extends to our comprehensive analysis of the top blended protein powders available.
Our dedicated team of fitness experts and nutritionists has undertaken the task of extensively exploring a wide range of popular protein brands currently circulating in the market. Through our in-depth investigation, we strive to identify the products we believe can truly support and enhance your fitness journey.
Protein Isolate Elite Series by Ksged Muscle isn’t just another blend on the shelf, it’s built to deliver from the first scoop to the last. This mix combines whey protein isolate, micellar casein isolate, and milk protein isolate, hitting you with fast-digesting protein right after your workout while keeping your muscles fed for hours afterward.
Because it’s made entirely from isolate forms, you’re getting a cleaner, purer protein with most of the fats and carbs stripped away. That means it’s easier on your stomach, absorbs faster, and actually gives you what you’re paying for.
And let’s talk taste. I tried the chocolate flavor, and it’s the kind of creamy, dessert-level good that makes you forget it’s a supplement. Smooth, rich, and something you’ll actually look forward to drinking.
Price-wise, it’s right where you’d expect a premium protein to be. Not cheap, but you’re not overpaying either, especially for something this clean, effective, and enjoyable.
Tri-Protein from Crazy Nutrition isn’t just a clever name, it’s exactly what this blend delivers. Six different proteins, timed to digest in three waves, so your muscles get what they need right after you train, hours later, and even while you sleep.
The fast-digesting whey hits first, perfect for that post-workout recovery window. Then the medium-speed proteins take over, keeping you fueled. Finally, the slow burners like casein drip-feed your muscles through the night for round-the-clock growth and repair.
Each scoop packs 21 grams of protein with just 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of carbs. At 100 calories, it’s lean enough to fit into any program without slowing you down. It’s Non-GMO, no fillers, none of the usual junk. And if you’re not into it for any reason, there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee.
You get three flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Salted Caramel. I’d stick with Vanilla or Chocolate; safe bets that always taste good. Price is a little higher than average, but you do get a free issue of Muscle & Health, and the subscription option knocks the cost down if you plan on making it your go-to.
Naked Protein from Naked Nutrition keeps it simple in the best way possible. No additives. No artificial sweeteners. Just clean, quality protein without the extra junk companies love to sneak in.
It’s a straightforward blend of grass-fed whey, micellar casein, and egg white protein. The fast proteins get to work right away after you drink it, while the slower-digesting ones keep feeding your muscles for hours. That balance makes it just as good for recovery as it is for staying full between meals.
The casein comes from skim milk sourced in the USA, and the egg whites are from US farms, processed within a day of being laid. Only four ingredients make the cut, which says a lot about how focused this formula is.
It’s unflavored, which you’ll either see as a blank canvas or a dealbreaker. Personally, it’s perfect if you like to mix your protein into smoothies, oats, or coffee without clashing flavors. You can get it in a 1lb tub or go for the 3lb tub to cut the cost per serving.
Price is a bit above average, but the bigger size and the 20% subscription discount make it one of the best deals you’ll find for protein this clean.
Pro Jym Ultra Premium Protein Blend earns its spot on the list for a reason. Dr. Jim Stoppani doesn’t really put out bad products, and this one is no exception.
It’s a smart mix of egg white protein, milk protein, whey protein isolate, and micellar casein. That extra dose of slow-digesting casein sets it apart. Take it at night and it’ll feed your muscles while you sleep. Take it in the morning and you’re covered for the day. Either way, you’re getting a steady supply of protein when you need it.
The flavor lineup is stacked too, eight options, all solid. No fillers. No amino spiking. Just a clean, well-rounded blend built for people who actually care about what they’re putting in their body.
Price is a touch above average, but not enough to scare you off. And if you go with the subscription, you’ll knock off 20 percent, which makes it an even easier choice if this ends up being your daily driver.
Syntha-6 from BSN earns its spot by going big on variety and flavor. This blend packs six different protein sources, giving you a steady release from fast-acting to slow-burning so your muscles stay fueled for hours.
Each serving delivers 22 grams of protein and 10 grams of essential amino acids. There’s a touch of sugar, about 2 to 3 grams, but it’s there for a reason. It helps make Syntha-6 one of the best-tasting proteins you can buy. The flavor is rich, creamy, and feels more like a treat than a supplement.
It’s not the leanest option at 190 calories and 5 grams of fat per serving, so anyone watching their macros closely should keep that in mind. But if you’re looking to build muscle and don’t mind a few extra calories, it’s a plus, not a minus.
The price might look steep at first glance, but you’re getting 46 servings per tub. When you break it down, it’s actually a solid deal for a protein powder that tastes this good and keeps you covered from your post-workout shake to your next meal.
Protein from Granite Supplements might have a plain name, but what’s inside is anything but boring. This blend pulls together five different protein sources, including two types of whey and a dose of casein, so you get both the quick-hit recovery and the slow, steady feed your muscles need.
Each serving gives you 22 grams of protein, only 120 calories, and just 2 carbs. It even throws in protease enzymes to help your body break it down without the stomach drama some powders can cause.
It’s made in the USA in a cGMP-certified facility, which means it’s held to higher manufacturing standards. You get four flavors to choose from, but I’d play it safe with vanilla. It works on its own or blended into just about anything.
Price is right in the middle of the pack. No bulk discount here, so you’re paying for quality rather than quantity. If you want a clean, balanced protein that keeps it simple and gets the job done, this one’s worth a spot in your rotation.
If you want a protein powder that delivers A LOT of protein powder per scoop, this is the one for you.
This blended protein delivers a massive 50 grams of protein per serving. That is huge!
All that protein will also help satisfy your hunger more than other protein powders, so you eat less.
This is a great protein powder for those looking to bulk up. It’s like a mass gainer morphed with a protein powder. It comes in at 310 calories and 17 carbs per serving to feed those muscles, so they are sure to grow.
The downside with one is the chalkiness and the taste. This one is at the bottom of our list in terms of taste. If you can choke it down, it will bring the gains, though.
Pricewise, Pre Series is pretty reasonable, considering how much protein you get per serving.
MusclePharm brings a blend of five different proteins, loaded up with BCAAs and Glutamine to give your muscles what they need to grow and recover. It’s built for people who train hard, and it shows.
This one is athlete-approved. It’s been banned-substance tested and certified by Informed-Choice, so you can take it without worrying about what’s in it. If you’re competing or just want to know your supplements are clean, that matters.
It only comes in big 4-pound tubs, which means 52 servings per container. That’s a lot of shakes, and it’s not the kind of thing you run out of in a week. Just keep in mind, there’s no slow-release casein here. This is a faster-digesting blend, heavy on the whey, so it’s better for right after training or during the day rather than before bed.
You’ve got four flavors to pick from. I’d still stick with chocolate or vanilla. You can’t go wrong with the classics.
Price lands in the higher range, not outrageous but definitely not bargain-bin. For the quality and the athlete-focused approach, it earns its spot on the list.
Pros
Good taste
Lots of fast-release whey protein to feed muscles quick
Want to find out how we decided? Here are our criteria.
Types of Protein Powders Used
The higher the quality of protein used, the better. Extra points were given out for higher-grade protein powders like whey protein isolate, hydrolysate, and micellar casein. Protein powders that are mainly made from concentrates got downgraded.
Taste
Taste of course, matters, it doesn’t have to taste like a milkshake but it should at least be decent enough that you don’t have to choke it down. Gross-tasting protein powder usually just sits on the shelf and are a waste of money.
Calories and Carbs
Calories and carbs are important if you are trying to lose or gain weight. There are a couple of choices on the list that are more for those that are bulking, while the rest are good to help you stay lean.
Price
Nowadays, just about everything is expensive, and protein powder is no different. Blended protein powders are above average in price too. We took price into consideration, but most of these aren’t cheap.
Why Use Blended Protein Powder?
If you want muscle growth that actually shows, you can’t just grab the first tub of whey you see and call it a day. The real move is blended protein powder.
It’s a mix of different proteins—whey, casein, egg white, milk protein—that work on different clocks. Some hit your muscles right away, others keep feeding them for hours. That’s how you keep the growth switch flipped on long after your workout’s over.
The science is on your side here. Baylor University ran a 10-week weight-training study and found that guys who took a whey-and-casein combo packed on 4 pounds of lean muscle while even trimming a little fat. The group who took whey alone? No new muscle, and their body fat actually crept up.
The Mayo Clinic has a pretty good explanation for why. Whey and casein digest at different speeds, so you’re not just getting one quick hit of protein—you’re getting a steady stream that keeps recovery and muscle building running in the background all day or night.
Bottom line, if you’re serious about putting on size or hanging on to the muscle you’ve got, blended protein is where you want to be. Whey alone just can’t do the job as well.
Common Types of Protein Used in Protein Blends
These are the most common types of protein powders used in protein blends:
Whey Concentrate: This is the most common type of protein powder out there. It is also the cheapest. Pretty much every protein blend you come across will have whey concentrate in it. It only makes sense to use it as a manufacturer.
Whey Isolate: Whey isolate is a higher grade of whey protein, containing around 90% or more protein by weight. It is considered a “fast-acting” protein, meaning it is rapidly absorbed by the body and can help to promote muscle growth and recovery after exercise. It is also low in lactose and fat.
Micellar Casein: This is a slow-digesting protein that is derived from milk. This kind of protein is absorbed more slowly, so drinking a protein shake with micellar casein will feed your muscles all night or all day.
Milk Protein: Milk protein powder is a pretty popular protein when it comes to blended proteins. This protein contains both whey and casein proteins for quick and long release.
Egg Protein: Egg protein is also pretty popular in blended proteins. This protein has a similar amino acid profile to whey protein, and it is also rapidly absorbed by the body. It is also a good alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. Some companies will go a step further and use egg white protein, which is more allergy friendly.
Benefits of Getting More Protein
As you probably know, getting protein has its benefits, but what are they?
Muscle Building – Probably the most well-known benefit to getting your protein is that it helps you build and maintain muscle. This can lead to athletic performance and a more toned appearance.
Weight Management – Protein can help you feel full for longer so you end up eating less and therefore eat fewer calories and lose weight.
Blood Sugar Control – Protein can help control the absorption of carbohydrates, which can help lower blood sugar and reduce cravings.
FAQ
Is it good to blend protein powder?
Blending different types of protein powder can be a good option because it combines different types of proteins that have different absorption rates. This can help promote muscle growth both in the short and long term.
Is blended protein better than whey?
Whey protein provides a great shot of fast-acting protein, while blended protein powders are more balanced with both and long. It really depends on what your goals are; if you want fast-acting protein go with whey. If you want some fast acting and some long, go blended.
Is it ok to drink protein smoothies every day?
Yes, of course. But you shouldn’t rely on them for all of your nutritional needs. Most of your nutrition needs to come from actual food. Then you just supplement that with the protein smoothie or supplement of choice.
What are the cons of taking protein powder?
Protein powder is generally safe, but there are things to consider because it can have side effects like gas (protein farts), and protein in excess over a long period of time can cause kidney damage. Then there are also allergies to consider.
There you have the best blended protein powders on the market. These can be a great option for those looking for both a fast-acting and slow-release protein powder in one. They can provide a nice balance of different types of proteins with varying rates of absorption, making them incredibly versatile and giving you the best features of many different protein powders all in one supplement.
Referances
Kerksick CM, Rasmussen CJ, Lancaster SL, Magu B, Smith P, Melton C, Greenwood M, Almada AL, Earnest CP, Kreider RB. The effects of protein and amino acid supplementation on performance and training adaptations during ten weeks of resistance training. J Strength Cond Res. 2006 Aug;20(3):643-53. doi: 10.1519/R-17695.1. PMID: 16937979.
Soop M, Nehra V, Henderson GC, Boirie Y, Ford GC, Nair KS. Coingestion of whey protein and casein in a mixed meal: demonstration of a more sustained anabolic effect of casein. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Jul 1;303(1):E152-62. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00106.2012. Epub 2012 May 8. PMID: 22569072; PMCID: PMC3404559.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic with over 25 years in the industry. He’s run half marathons, tackled mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, and coached everything from wrestling to girls’ soccer.
Along the way, he’s tested hundreds of supplements and built a deep well of supplement knowledge. His work has appeared in Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review, and more. Today, he’s the editor-in-chief of this site, still training hard and helping others reach their goals. Connect with him on LinkedIn below.
Yo that Protein Isolate Elite is the bomb. Tastes incredible!