Are you looking to add more protein to your diet but not sure where to start? With all of the different types of protein powder on the market today, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
This post will explain the different kinds of protein powder and their benefits. We’ll also give you a few tips for choosing the right protein powder for your needs. So, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a way to add more protein to your breakfast, read on for the scoop on protein powders.
What is Protein Powder?
I know you already know what protein powder is but Google likes when websites give out silly and unneeeded info like this. So if we want this article to rank we need to add in this boring stuff.
Protein powder is a powdered form of protein that is derived from plants or animals. Athletes and bodybuilders often use it to help build muscle, but it can also be used by anyone who wants to increase their protein intake. Protein powder can be made from whey, casein, soy, pea, rice, or hemp, among other sources.
Benefits of Protein Powder
Of course, the main benefit of protein is to help get jacked or maintain the muscle you have. This is because protein powder provides your body with the amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair. In addition, some studies suggest that consuming protein powder may also boost weight loss efforts by increasing metabolism and curbing hunger.
How is Protein Powder Made?
Protein powder is made by extracting and isolating the protein from a source, such as other foods or plants. The goal is to retain as many nutrients as possible to preserve the original food’s health benefits. Protein powders also provide a convenient way for people to increase their daily protein intake without eating large quantities of meat or dairy products.
Types Of Protein Powder
Whey Protein
Whey protein is easily the most poplu form of protein powder on the market today. It’s derived from cow’s milk and contains high levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) necessary for muscle growth and repair. Whey protein is also easy to digest, making it a good choice for people who have trouble digesting other protein powders.
Whey Protein is also a fast-digesting protein which is why many people like to have a whey protein shake right after they workout to give their muscles a good shot of protein to begin the repair process after breaking down the muscle mass.
Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein isolate is a type of whey protein that contains an even higher percentage of protein than regular whey. It is the cream of the crop when it comes to protein powders. This makes it ideal for people looking for a high-quality, fast-digesting source of protein after working out or for those who have trouble digesting other types of protein powder. Whey Isolate is made by separating the protein from the fat and lactose in whey, resulting in the purest form of protein powder. Isolate is more expensive than the regular concentrate, and it is also better.
Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey protein concentrate is the most common type of whey protein. It contains a lower percentage of protein than isolate, but it is also less expensive. Concentrate is made by removing water and some of the fat from whey, resulting in a powder that contains more protein and calories than whey isolate.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate
Whey hydrolysate is a type of whey protein that has been further broken down into smaller peptides to make it easier for the body to digest. Because of its highly bioavailable nature, hydrolyzed whey is well-suited for people with digestion issues or those who need fast-digesting proteins to repair and grow their muscles after working out. If you have stomach issues when it comes to protein powder, you may want to give Hydrolysate a try.
The truth is, cow that aren’t stuck in a barn all day deliver milk that is higher in nutrients than whey protein from grain-fed cows. Grass-fed whey protein contains more omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and more CLA, a type of fat that has been linked to weight loss. In addition, grass-fed whey protein has a higher level of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. Better for the cows and better for you.
Grass-fed whey protein can come in an isolate or concentrate form, just like regular whey protein.
Casein Protein
Casein protein is a slow-digesting protein that is derived from milk. It contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add more protein to their diet. Casein is ideal for people who want a sustained protein release throughout the day or before bedtime. This is because casein takes longer to digest than other types of protein, providing your muscles with a steady supply of amino acids for several hours.
It is typical for bodybuilders and athletes to have a casein shake before bed so they can feed their muscles protein all night long so they can wake up looking like the Incredible Hulk…ok maybe not.
Soy Protein
Soy protein is another type of plant-based protein powder that some people use to increase their daily protein intake. It’s made by extracting soybean meal, then processing it into a fine powder. Soy protein has been shown to help reduce body fat and improve overall health, making it an excellent choice for people looking to lose weight or build muscle while avoiding animal products. However, some people may have trouble digesting soy due to an allergy or sensitivity, so it’s important to talk with your doctor before adding this protein powder to your diet.
I am not a fan of the taste of the soy protein powders personally. I remember my dad making them growing up, and they always tasted terrible, in my opinion.
Egg Protein Powder
Egg protein powder is made by drying egg whites and grinding them into a fine powder. It’s an excellent source of protein and contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle. Egg protein is easy to digest and has a high biological value, making it one of the best protein sources available.
Egg protein powder can be used to make shakes, smoothies, or baked goods. It can also be added to other types of protein powder to increase the protein content.
Hemp Protein Powder
No, drinking hemp protein shakes isn’t the same as drinking bong water; if it was it would be more expensive.
Hemp protein powder is made from the seeds of the hemp plant. It’s a complete source of protein, containing all of the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle. Hemp protein powder is also rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall health.
Pea Protein Powder
Pea protein powder is made by extracting the soluble pea protein from yellow split peas. It contains all of the essential amino acids needed to build muscle and can help reduce inflammation, making it a popular choice for those following plant-based diets. Pea protein powder is also hypoallergenic and easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for people with food allergies or sensitivities.
Pea protein is the most popular form of protein powder for vegan protein powders, it’s the plant-based protein champion!
Plant-Based Protein Powder
Plant-based protein powder is made from various plant sources, such as pea protein, hemp protein, and rice protein. This type of protein powder is ideal for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. It provides all of the essential amino acids needed to build muscle while avoiding animal products. In addition, plant-based protein powders are typically hypoallergenic and easy to digest, making them an excellent choice for those with food allergies or sensitivities. Some people also find that plant-based protein powders can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Mass Gainers
Mass gainers are protein powders that contain a high level of calories and nutrients. They are typically used by people trying to gain weight or build muscle. Mass gainers usually contain protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. This makes them an excellent choice for those trying to increase their calorie intake. These may cause constipation, so I would also look for one that contains a decent amount of fiber.
Mass gainers generally use a form of whey protein or blended protein.
To be honest, mass gainers are a waste of money. The high cost per serving isn’t even worth it. You would be better off just going to Chipotle and getting a burrito instead of drinking a mass gainer shake.
Meal Replacement Shakes
Liquid lunch baby! No, not the fun kind, we are talking about meal replacement shakes.
Meal replacement shakes are protein powders that are designed to replace one or more meals each day. They typically contain protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. These types of protein powders can be a convenient way to get the nutrition you need while on the go. They can also help keep your appetite in check and prevent unhealthy snacking between meals. Some meal replacement shakes may also provide additional benefits, such as improving heart health or enhancing weight loss. Whatever your goal is when it comes to protein powder, there is sure to be a type that fits your needs.
Meal replacement shakes usually use a form of whey protein or a blend of different proteins.
Do you need protein powder?
Not really, let’s be honest, you can get all of the protein you need for eating food. However, protein powder can be an excellent way to boost your muscle building and help you meet your daily protein requirements.
Protein powders can be helpful for vegans and vegetarians that have less protein in their everyday diets or for people that have trouble getting enough protein from solid foods.
Protein powder can also be a convenient way to increase your protein intake if you struggle to eat enough throughout the day. It’s a lot easier to make a protein shake than cooking up a steak, especially if you are short on time.
Bodybuilders and Protein Powder
Bodybuilders and other athletes often use protein powder to help build muscle mass. It provides a convenient way to increase protein intake without eating large amounts of food. Protein powder can also be helpful for people who are trying to lose weight, as it can help preserve muscle mass while on a calorie-restricted diet.
Instead of saying “that guy must be on roids” maybe people should start saying, “that guy must be on protein powder.
Athletes and Protein Powder
Much like bodybuilders, athletes need protein to help build muscle and repair tissue. Protein powder can be a convenient way to increase protein intake without eating large amounts of food. It is also easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for athletes training hard and need quick energy.
Regardless of your sport of choice, the purity of your protein sourcing is vital. Some supplements slip through the cracks with banned ingredients that could tarnish your reputation or prohibit you from entering a competition. Suppose you compete in structured or professional athletics. In that case, it is essential that any supplement you take be third-party tested for safety and purity by a qualified healthcare professional or dietitian.
What to Consider Before Buying Protein Powder
When it comes to protein powder, quality is key. Look for a protein powder that is made from natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. You should also check the label to make sure the protein powder you consider is low in calories and fat and high in protein.
Purity
Unfortunately, some protein powders don’t always contain the full amount of protein listed on the label. To ensure you are getting what you pay for, look for protein powders that have been third-party tested for purity and quality.
Don’t get some weird knockoff brand that is made in China either, try and make sure it’s at least made in the USA.
Sourcing
Another critical factor to consider when choosing a protein powder is the source of the protein. The best sources of protein are those derived from whole food sources, such as eggs or grass-fed cows, not cows stuck in a barn all day eating grain.
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, protein powders made from pea protein or other plant-based sources can be an excellent choice.
Ingredients
The less chemicals in your protein powder the better. Avoid any protein powder that contains artificial sweeteners like Sucralose, artificial flavors, colors, or additives. Instead, opt for a protein powder made from natural ingredients that will provide you with the nutrients your body needs.
Price
One of the most important factors to consider is price when it comes to protein powders. Different protein powders are available at a range of different price points, so it is essential to do your research and compare prices before making a purchase. Look for protein powders that offer good value for money without compromising on quality, ingredients, or purity.
You do get what you pay for with protein powder, though. Grass-fed whey protein isolate is likely the best form of protein powder you can get, it’s also the most expensive.
Does Different Protein Powder Make a Difference?
With all these different kinds of protein powder available, does it make a difference? Aren’t they all just giving you protein? While all protein powders are designed to help you increase your daily protein intake, they can vary widely in terms of their composition and purity. Some protein powders may be made from highly processed ingredients or use artificial sweeteners and flavorings. In contrast, others may contain a more natural source of protein derived from whole food sources. Ultimately, the best protein powder for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a protein powder that is pure, natural, and free from artificial ingredients, then whey protein isolate or casein protein powder may be the best choice for you. If you are vegan or vegetarian, pea protein powder or rice protein powder can be a good alternative. Regardless of your protein powder choice, it is important to do your research and check the label carefully to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that will provide you with the nutrients you need.
Final Words
So, should you opt for protein powder? For many athletes and active individuals, protein powder can be an excellent way to help meet their daily protein needs. Protein powder can be an easy and convenient way to increase your protein intake, especially if you struggle to eat enough whole food sources of protein. However, it is essential to remember that protein powder is a supplement and should not be used as a replacement for a healthy diet. Be sure to include a variety of protein-rich whole food sources in your diet while also incorporating a protein powder that meets your individual needs and preferences. With careful research and consideration, you can find the right protein powder to help support your muscle growth and overall health.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
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