Research has proven over and over that protein is an essential macronutrient. It is a complex substance that is made of amino acids, found in all living things, and known for providing your body with everything you need to survive and thrive.
Since protein is found in all living things, this means that humans have it. This substance plays a critical role in creating and maintaining your cells and is responsible for carrying out a variety of functions, including:
- Enzyme creation
- Muscle building
- Digestion facilitation
- Tissue repair
- Hormone production
- Carrying of oxygen through bloodstream
Basically, protein is necessary for your overall health and well-being. While protein can be found naturally in whole foods, many people turn to protein powders to increase protein levels in their bodies. This enhances muscle mass, facilitates weight management, improves stamina, and increases strength.
However, before you run out and grab the first protein powder you find, there’s a lot you need to know about these wellness supplements. After all, there are so many options, it’s important that you know what you’re looking for to make the best decision.
Many of the companies in the industry make promises, but they don’t all live up to those promises. In this article, we’re going to explain more about protein powders, and then review the top 5 protein powders you can find on Amazon. It’s important to note that you’re not stuck with the first one you try. If you try one and don’t like it, switch and keep switching until you find one that works for you.
Best 5 Protein Powder on Amazon Reviews
Later on in this article, we’re going to explore a few of the different types of protein and explain some of the benefits associated with using a protein powder. For now, though, we’re going to explore the top 5 best protein powders you will find on Amazon. You will find that most of these are whey protein, but there are a couple that are plant-based. If you are thinking about adding a protein powder to your daily routine, try one of these.
XWERKS Grow
XWERKS Grow is whey isolate protein. It is sourced from dairy cows that are raised in New Zealand on a grass-only diet. It is 100% pure because it’s put through advanced filtration to remove fats, carbs, and lactose. This filtration process leaves behind a product that is almost 100% pure protein.
We’ve listed this as number 1 on our list because it’s high quality. Whey protein isolate is much easier for your body to digest. You don’t have to worry about bloating or gas. Plus, it’s soy-free and gluten-free.
Each serving of XWERKS Grow offers 25 grams of protein, 0 carbs, 0 fat, and 6 grams BCAAs. There are 4 flavor options: vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, and strawberry.
Many of the products on the market have a strange aftertaste- XWERKS Grow does not.
| Product Name | XWERKS Grow |
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| Protein Type | Whey isolate |
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| Cost | $59 |
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SHOP FOR XWERKS HERE
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Transparent Labs 100% Whey Protein is also a whey isolate, sourced from dairy cows from farms in the USA. They are fed natural, grass diets and never given any type of hormones. This is one of the highest-quality powders you can find because the protein ratio of each scoop is 88%. The scoop size is 32 grams and contains 28 grams of protein.
Transparent Labs never adds flavors, sweeteners, or any other additives. When you use this protein powder, you are giving your body one of the healthiest protein powders on the market.
Each scoop offers the following:
- 28 grams protein
- 1 gram carbs
- 120 calories (depending on flavor choice)
- Under 1 gram sugar
As you can see, this protein powder has a stellar macronutrient profile and it has one of the best price points as well. This proves that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a quality protein powder.
| Product Name | Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein |
|---|---|
| Protein Type | Whey isolate |
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| Cost | $59.99 |
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SHOP FOR TRANSPARENT LABS HERE
Ghost Lifestyle Whey
One thing that we learned in our research is that most of the brands on the market don’t really think about what they are putting into their products. However, Ghost Lifestyle is different. Their ingredients are simple. They use a 100% whey protein blend (concentrate, hydrolysate, and isolate), along with digestive enzymes to help your body digest it.
Each serving of Ghost Lifestyle Whey offers over 25 grams of protein. It is soy-free and gluten-free. It is available in several interesting flavors:
- Milk Chocolate
- Peanut butter cereal milk
- Marshmallow cereal milk
- Regular cereal milk
- Fruity cereal milk
- Cinnamon cereal milk
- Coffee ice cream
Ghost Lifestyle is always 100% honest and transparent about their products and they don’t use proprietary blends, because they don’t believe in hiding things from their consumers.
Ghost Lifestyle Whey is 100% soy-free and gluten-free. Many of the brands on the market use protein that has been lecithinated by soy. However, Ghost Lifestyle knows that soy is a proven allergen, so they prefer to use sunflower instead. Plus, it’s important to note that soy contains phytoestrogens, which are proven to decrease testosterone and increase estrogen.
| Product Name | Ghost Lifestyle Whey |
|---|---|
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| Nutrition Profile | 25+ grams protein |
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| Cost | $44.99 |
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SHOP FOR GHOST HERE
Steel Supplements VEG-PRO
Steel Supplements VEG-PRO is a vegan protein powder. It is pure and non-GMO, offering 20 grams of protein, as well as the 9 essential amino acids. The amino acid profile is preserved because it’s produced at low temperatures with zero fillers or carriers.
Plant-sourced protein powders are low in fat and calories, making them ideal for weight management. Plus, they are higher in fiber than other forms of protein, so you have a healthy digestive balance.
As mentioned, Steel Supplements VEG-Pro is non-GMO. It is also gluten-free (except the Cookies & Cream flavor), and dairy-free. According to the manufacturer, this protein powder is one of the best alternatives to whey protein.
| Product Name | Steel Supplements VEG-PRO |
|---|---|
| Protein Type | Plant-sourced |
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| Cost | $35.00 |
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SHOP FOR STEEL SUPPLEMENTS HERE
CrazyNutrition 100% Tri-Protein
CrazyNutrition is one of the oldest brands in the fitness arena. They are well-known and well-loved. Their 100% Tri-Protein is ideal for those who want to reduce muscle aches and pains following a workout and increase their muscle gains.
In this protein powder, you will find 6 different types of protein. It is formulated to release these proteins in 3 phases. The concept is that it allows your body to absorb it easier. Many of the other brands flood your body with protein all at one time. This is a controlled release.
Each serving of CrazyNutrition 100% Tri-Protein contains 21 grams of protein, spread out over the following types:
- Whey protein concentrate
- Milk protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
- Calcium caseinate
- Whey protein hydrolysate
- Micellar casein
In addition, CrazyNutrition 100% Tri-Protein contains DigeZyme, which is a digestive enzyme that increases absorption and reduces bloat. This protein powder is only available in three flavors:
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Salted caramel
| Product Name | CrazyNutrition 100% Tri-Protein |
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| Cost | $49.99 |
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SHOP FOR CRAZYNUTRITION HERE
How We Chose 5 Best Protein Powders on Amazon
When you start looking around for a protein powder, you’ll quickly become overcome by all of the options. This is the reason we kept the following in mind when creating this list to help you decide where to start:
- Taste
- Quality
- Value
- Price
Types of Protein Powders
Protein powders are available in a variety of types. Most of the products we’ve included on our list are the most common type of protein: whey. However, there are a couple that are plant-based and some are a combination of several types of protein. Below, we’re going to explore some of the most common types of protein powder you will encounter:
- Whey
- Soy
- Hemp
- Casein
- Pea
- Brown rice
- Egg white
When you first begin your protein powder journey, the options will overwhelm you. In fact, you may even want to give up because you don’t think it’s possible to find the best one.
One thing you must understand is there is no “best” protein. Everyone is different and has different needs and goals. Therefore, there is a “best for you” protein. You must determine your personal needs and goals to figure out which one fits that profile.
Below, we’ll start with the basics: the different types of protein powders.
Whey
Whey is the most prevalent and popular protein on the market. Most of the products on our list above are whey protein. This protein is a byproduct that is produced in the process of making cheese. During cheesemaking, milk is separated into a solid (curds) and a liquid (whey). At one time, the liquid was disposed of. That is, until researchers discovered they could use it.
There are three kinds of whey protein:
- Isolate: 90%+ protein, 0 fat, carbs, or lactose
- Concentrate: up to 89% protein, low in fat and carbs, does contain lactose
- Hydrolysate: an ultra-filtered version of whey protein, easier for the body to digest
Keep in mind that since whey is a byproduct of milk, if you are allergic to dairy, you should choose a different source. Additionally, though whey does come from milk, whey isolate should be fine for those who are lactose intolerant. However, if you prefer to be on the safe side, you may want to choose a different source as well.
Since whey protein contains the 9 essential amino acids, it is considered a “complete” protein. It has high levels of BCAAs, which are 3 of the 9. Your body does not produce these 9 amino acids, so they must come from your diet or through supplementation.
According to research, when used in conjunction with a strength training program, whey protein facilitates recovery from intense training, helps you to gain/retain muscle mass, and improves strength.
Soy Protein
Soy protein, according to health and fitness experts, is a high-quality source of plant-based protein. Unfortunately, male body builders should avoid it because it is known to contain phytoestrogens, which reduce testosterone and increase estrogen in the body- especially when consumed in large amounts. It’s also important to note that soy protein does not contain as much leucine as whey protein does.
Additionally, soy protein contains less of the other amino acids than whey protein. As mentioned, male bodybuilders should avoid soy protein due to the phytoestrogens- but postmenopausal women may benefit from it.
The phytonutrients in soy protein may help older adults with low bone density and an increased risk of heart disease.
Hemp Protein
Hemp protein is the third type of protein we’ll look at. This is a newer form of protein that has very quickly increased in popularity. It comes from cannabis plants and does have trace amounts of THC.
Research indicates that hemp protein has high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with several other essential amino acids. Due to the fact that the levels of lysine and leucine are low, hemp protein is not a complete protein.
Since hemp protein is new, there has not been a lot of research devoted to it yet- so we don’t know much. However, one thing is certain, it is a high-quality plant-sourced protein.
Casein Protein
Casein also comes from dairy. According to research, it turns into a gel in your stomach, which slows down digestion. Therefore, casein is known to keep you feeling satiated longer than other forms of protein.
Since digestion is slowed, the amino acids have more time to absorb into your muscles, which decreases the rate of muscle protein degradation. Research shows that when compared to other types of protein, casein is more effective for improving muscle protein synthesis.
Pea Protein
Pea protein is a plant-sourced protein that has become a favorite among vegans, vegetarians, and those who are sensitive to dairy and/or eggs. It is made from split yellow peas and contains 8 of the 9 essential amino acids. It is high in BCAAs.
Research shows that while the body is slower to absorb pea protein than whey protein, it absorbs it quicker than casein. Satiety is about the same as other forms of protein. It is important to note though- most of the research thus far has involved rats. At this time, we’re still awaiting human trials.
Brown Rice Protein
Brown rice protein is another plant-sourced protein. It has been around for some time but is not as popular as other forms of protein. When it comes to muscle growth, brown rice protein is inferior to whey protein. It is not a complete protein because it does not contain lysine.
At this time, there has not been much research devoted to this type of protein, so it’s not clear whether it’s a quality protein or not.
Egg Protein
The final type of protein we’ll look at is egg protein. If you are sensitive or allergic to dairy, but still prefer an animal-sourced protein, this might be your best option. According to dietary experts, whole eggs are a wonderful addition to your meal- it allows you to remain fuller for a longer period of time.
That being said, egg protein is typically made with egg whites only- no yolks. This means that while the protein content is high, there is no fat because there are no yolks. When you use an egg protein, you won’t experience the fullness you would with whole eggs.
It does contain the 9 essential amino acids, so it is a complete protein. In fact, it is the second highest source of leucine.
Unfortunately, egg protein hasn’t gotten as much attention as some of the other types of protein, but it is promising.
Benefits Associated with Protein Powder
Research proves that protein offers a variety of benefits. In fact, it’s critical for bone, skin, and muscle health. Your body requires protein to function properly. Here are some of the benefits associated with protein powder:
Managing weight
Consuming foods that are high in protein or taking a protein supplement helps you feel fuller longer. This keeps you from snacking so much between meals and keeps you from eating too much at your mealtimes. Therefore, it’s easier to maintain your current weight or lose weight as you need to.
One study in 2017 indicated that supplementing with protein powders reduced total fat and overall body weight in participants who are overweight or obese. Research also indicates that protein supplementation can reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
Increasing Muscle Mass
Protein can help you bulk up, especially when used alongside a workout routine. Protein can build muscle mass.
In 2019, researchers looked at the results from 49 different studies supporting protein as a solution for increasing muscle mass. These studies indicated that protein supplementation, along with a resistance training workout, increased the size and strength of muscles.
Improves Recovery following a Workout
Protein not only helps increase muscle mass, it repairs damaged muscles/tissues. Some research indicates that this is the main reason that people use protein powder- to deal with the soreness following an intense workout session.
Many studies agree that protein powder is a great option to consume following your workout because it decreases muscle damage and also improves performance and muscle protein synthesis.
Enhances Nutrition
Nutrition experts have released the following RDI of protein for adults 19 and older:
- 56 grams for males
- 46 grams for females
If possible, you should be getting at least this much through your diet. However, most people can’t reach these goals for various reasons. If you have a hard time achieving this goal, you may find it’s best to add a protein powder to your routine.
If you are older, a serious athlete, or have been diagnosed with a chronic illness, you may wish to exceed the RDI. There is no rule that you can’t go higher.
Conclusion
If you want to survive and thrive, you need protein. While it’s best to get what you need through your diet, many people struggle with this. If this is your situation, you may wish to add a protein powder supplement to your routine.
There are so many options on the market and while variety is a good thing, it can also be overwhelming. That is why we created the best 5 protein powders on Amazon. If you’re interested in starting with protein powder, start here. If you don’t like it, try something else and keep trying until you find the perfect fit!
Read: Best Creatine Monohydrate Supplements for Muscle Growth
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Disclaimer:
Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely substitutes for sound medical or financial advice from a licensed healthcare provider or certified financial advisor. Make sure to consult with a professional physician or financial consultant before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed as the statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA, or Health Canada approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and do not provide any kind of get-rich money scheme. Reviewer is not responsible for pricing inaccuracies. Check product sales page for final prices.
