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This page is your protein powder buyers guide 2021 which we’ve put together to make getting the protein powder that best supports you training goals quicker and easier than ever before.
In this buyers guide…
- We will tell you the top 7 things we recommend looking for in a quality protein powder for the best results from your efforts…
- We will give you our list of the top 10 protein powders on today’s market ranked according to how well they are selling and customer satisfaction…
- We will give you our top 3 recommendations according to your training goals…
- And we will also tell you where to go to buy your protein powder and pick it up at the best available price along with any deals and discounts that are currently being offered, and with speedy delivery too.
What To Look For In A Quality Protein Powder…
How To Choose The Right Protein Powder To Support Your Training Goals…
The first, and probably most important thing in deciding which protein powder to go for is to decide on exactly what you want it to help you achieve.
Sounds obvious, however if you don’t get this bit right, as far as your nutrition is concerned there’s not much chance of whatever follows going right either.
So, if you’re looking to increase your daily protein intake for improved recovery and to support new muscle growth then a basic quality whey protein powder would be the way to go.
If you want to gain weight and pack on more muscle but you either have a really fast metabolism, or you struggle to consume enough calories on a daily basis due to you already eating as much real food as you can, or you have a busy schedule that doesn’t allow for regular and frequent meal breaks, then a mass gainer protein powder would be your best option.
If you’re looking to lose some weight by cutting calories or meals, without sacrificing lean muscle mass then either a basic protein powder, a meal replacement shake, or a diet protein powder would suit you best.
So, decide what it is you want to achieve and then the rest becomes a lot easier, basically it’s just a matter of running through a simple checklist…
7 Things To Look For In A Quality Whey Protein Powder…
#1. Protein Type and Quality…
Look for a whey protein powder with an effective amount of high-quality protein per serving.
The purest, healthiest, and best is whey protein isolate, and the best whey comes from the milk of grass-fed cattle. Whey protein isolate is also the fastest digesting form of whey and so is an excellent choice for using immediately after your workouts to kick-start the growth and recovery process…
Hydrolyzed whey protein is also fast acting and rapidly absorbed by the body making it a pretty good alternative to whey protein isolate as a post-workout shake..
And whey protein concentrate has slightly lower protein content plus a slightly higher carb content making it a little slower to digest.
While they all provide similar benefits they do digest at different rates so don’t be afraid to experiment and see which one is best for you.
Alternatively you can go for a protein powder that’s a blend of all three, as you will find in our top choice, and which seems to be a popular and highly effective option for most people.
#2. Healthy Nutritional Profile…
Next we recommend examining the nutritional profile and going for one with a low carb, sugar and fat content. This makes for a more versatile and healthier protein powder, and one that’s far easier to fit into just about every nutrition plan and lifestyle while helping to support a number of different training goals.
#3. Amino Acid Content Per Serving…
We also highly recommend opting for a protein powder which provides a good amount of amino acids, BCAA’s and EAA’s, for improved recovery rates, reduced muscle soreness and improved protein synthesis following training, so look out for protein powders with these as well as L-glutamine and L-leucine.
#4. Natural Healthy Ingredients…
We also recommend sticking with protein powders which are naturally sweetened as opposed to ones with artificial sweeteners, and also avoiding ones which are full of additives such as thickeners, preservatives and other unnecessary fillers as best you can to keep everything on the healthy side.
#5. Mix And Taste…
We also strongly suggest choosing an instantized protein powder so that it mixes easily into a smooth textured shake without any lumps, clumps or grittiness that are going to put you off using it, and also one that tastes pretty good too, which fortunately most of them seem to do these days.
#6. Free From Unpleasant Side Effects…
You should also take into account any food intolerances you may have. Even if you don’t have any intolerances we recommend going for lactose, gluten and GMO free protein powders as they are much easier on your gut, healthier and can also help you perform better in the gym. You’re also less likely to suffer from indigestion, bloating, stomach cramps and excessive gas.
#7. Good Value For Money…
We feel that although it’s important to get the best value for money, it’s not the most important factor when it comes to choosing a protein powder, so what we advise here is to go for the best you can comfortably afford that’s been shown to produce the kind of results you’re looking to achieve.
In short…the most expensive ISN’T always necessarily the best, and vice versa.
The Top 10 Protein Powders 2021…
Here are our picks of the top 10 protein powders on today’s market ranked according to how well they are selling and customer satisfaction, starting with the best one first…
#1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
If you’re looking for a whey protein powder which will give you everything your body needs to optimize recovery and build and repair muscle after your weight training sessions we highly recommend checking out Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey.
This stuff has been the world’s number 1 bestselling whey protein powder for over 20 years now, plus it’s also Amazon’s number 1 bestselling protein powder, as well as being our overall top choice of protein powder for 2021 too.
It’s an instantized protein powder so it mixes really easily, it tastes amazing, it’s also low in fat and sugar so it’ makes a great choice for adding muscle without gaining fat, as well as for cutting fat without losing muscle, and it won’t bloat you up or cause you any stomach upsets either so it’s ideal to use before, during and after training, as well as at any other time of the day too.
It ‘s also very reasonably priced, plus it’s available in a number of different size packs so the more you buy, the more you save, making it great value for money too.
Gold Standard Whey is also getting rave reviews over on Amazon where it currently has a pretty impressive average customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, from a massive 61,245 reviews, 77% of which are 5 star, with a further 13% being 4 star, showing that an incredible 90% of the people buying, and using this protein powder are very happy with it.
Click here for the full review…
#2. Bulk Pure Whey Protein Powder
If you’re looking for a very reasonably priced protein powder from one of the leading names in sports nutrition, which will give you pretty much everything you need to add new muscle healthily without breaking the bank, and which also makes a fantastic choice of post-workout shake we highly recommend checking out Bulk Powders Pure Whey Protein Powder Shake.
It mixes nice and easily to produce a smooth and creamy shake like drink, it tastes pretty amazing too, especially when you mix it with milk, and it’s really easy to chug down, and it doesn’t sit heavy on your stomach or bloat you up, making it great to use pre-workout.
It’s also available in a wide range of flavours, and 4 different pouch sizes too, giving you the option of saving a bit of money the more you buy.
The only real minor drawback with Bulk Pure Whey is that the resealable strip on the pouch may not last as long as the protein powder inside, other than that this one is a definite goer.
Right now Bulk Powders Pure Whey Protein Powder Shake is getting some pretty impressive feedback from buyers over on Amazon, where it has an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from a staggering 5,865 reviews!, 71% of them being 5 star, and a further 16% are 4 star, showing that the vast majority or 87% of people buying this protein powder on Amazon are very happy with it
Click here for the full review…
#3 Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
If you’re someone who struggles to put on weight, build new muscle, and you are looking for the ultimate weight gain supplement which gives you all the protein and extra calories you need, we highly recommend checking out Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass over on Amazon.
This stuff mixes pretty well, but only really in a blender, there’s just too much powder per serving to give you a smooth and easily drinkable shake when mixed in a standard shaker bottle.
Serious Mass is jam packed with quality calories and protein, it tastes pretty amazing too, making it easy to drink, and it doesn’t have any nasty chemical aftertaste either.
We also found it not to sit too heavily on the stomach or cause bloating either, however please bear in mind that some users experienced the opposite.
This stuff is also selling like hot cakes and getting some pretty impressive customer feedback over on Amazon, where right now it has an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from a massive 27,048 reviews!, 73% of which are 5 star with a further 13% being 4 star and we have every reason to believe you’ll be as impressed with it as we, and they are.
Click here for the full review…
#4 Phd Nutrition Diet Whey Protein Powder
For anyone looking for a high-protein, low-carb, low calorie shake, with added proven fat burning ingredients, to help you preserve muscle, lose fat, or maintain a year round lean and toned physique, we strongly recommend checking this one out.
PhD Diet Whey mixes really easily, tastes amazing and doesn’t cause any bloating or other stomach upsets either, making it versatile enough to be used before, during, and after workouts as well as at any other time of day you’re looking for a low calorie protein hit.
Right now this diet protein supplement is also getting some pretty good customer feedback on Amazon, where it’s one of their best protein powders and currently has an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,370 reviews, 74% of which are 5 star, and a further 13% are 4 star, showing that just about everyone buying it on Amazon is as impressed with it as we are, and we think you will be too.
Click here for the full review…
#5 Myprotein Impact Whey Protein
If an economical, fast absorbing premium protein powder with a great amino acid content, and which is also low in carbs, fat and calories, and gives you pretty much everything your body needs for improved recovery, muscle building, fat loss and performance is what you’re looking for, then we highly recommend picking up some Myprotein Impact Whey Protein.
Impact Whey mixes quickly, easily, and completely to produce a smooth and delicious protein shake that goes down a treat. It doesn’t cause bloating or stomach upsets, it’s nice and light, and is versatile enough to fit into pretty much any nutritional programme easily.
It’s also getting some pretty impressive feedback from buyers over on Amazon right now it has an average customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 13,287 reviews, 70% of which are 5 star, and a further 16% are 4 star showing that the vast majority of people buying this protein powder over on Amazon are extremely happy with it.
Click here for the full review…
#6 USN Muscle Fuel Anabolic
Muscle Fuel Anabolic from USN will be of great interest to anyone looking for an all-in-one muscle builder protein shake that’s designed to increase physical performance, reduce recovery times following intense workouts, and help build new muscle.
USN Muscle Fuel Anabolic is formulated to do all this and has for some time been a firm favourite among those looking to dramatically increase their muscular size and strength.
This one really does makes an exceptional and hugely popular choice of post workout shake and comes in a number of different flavours which taste pretty delicious mixed with either water or milk.
And right now it’s getting some great customer feedback on Amazon, where it has an average customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,599 reviews, an impressive 73% of which are 5 star, and a further 15% are 4 star suggesting that the vast majority of Amazon buyers are very happy with their purchase and the service they are receiving.
Click here for the full review…
#7 Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
For a great tasting, low calorie protein supplement that’s easy to mix, versatile, and which gives you everything you need to push your body to its limits in the gym, and recover quickly afterwards, we strongly suggest checking out Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder over at Amazon.
This protein supplement also tastes pretty good, just like you’d expect it to coming from Optimum Nutrition, and doesn’t cause any bloating or stomach problems, plus there’s nothing but protein in it meaning it has a fantastic nutritional profile too, and it also comes at a pretty decent price point making it great value for money.
This whey protein powder is also getting some pretty good reviews on Amazon where it currently has an average customer feedback score of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 160 reviews, 63% of which are 5 star, and a further 16% are 4 star showing that the majority of people buying this protein supplement there are happy with it.
We like this supplement and we think you will be every bit as impressed with it as we are and have no reservations about recommending it to anyone looking for a quality protein powder with a great nutrition profile at a good price.
Click here for the full review…
#8 Phd Nutrition Smart Protein Chocolate Brownie
PhD Nutrition Smart Protein chocolate brownie is an incredibly versatile and deliciously tasty protein powder which you can use in a number of ways to boost your daily protein intake.
Great as a post-workout shake, you can also add Phd Nutrition Smart Protein to your favourite recipes to make high-protein pancakes, waffles and brownies, or you can mix it with milk to make a quick and tasty high-protein mousse, as well as using it to boost the protein content of any other favourite baked goods and desserts.
This is an ideal way to make sure you meet your daily protein requirements other than by only consuming shakes.
It’s not doing badly when it comes to customer ratings either. Right now on Amazon it’s got an average customer rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,051 reviews, and 65% of them are 5 star, with a further 17% being 4 star, showing that a pretty high percentage of people buying it on Amazon right now are pretty happy with it.
Click here for the full review…
#9 Premium Body Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
This is another pretty decent protein powder you can use to increase your daily protein intake to support new lean muscle mass and recover faster after hard and intense training sessions that’s also easily affordable.
PBN Whey Protein Powder is also low in carbs and fats making it versatile enough for pretty much all athletes no matter their training goals, to use alongside their existing nutrition plans.
It mixes well with either water or milk in a shaker cup or a blender and produces a pretty decent tasting smooth and lump free shake, plus it’s really easy to get down and doesn’t sit heavy on your stomach, and it’s got a decent amount of protein per serving too.
And right now it’s also getting some pretty decent feedback from customers over on Amazon where it currently has an average customer feedback score of 4.4 out of 5 stars which we think is pretty impressive and makes it well worth checking out.
Click here for the full review…
#10 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Isolate Protein Powder
And rounding off our top 10 list we have Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Isolate Powder. Whey isolate is an excellent, and very popular source of protein amongst all types of athletes, bodybuilders and fitness models. It’s formulated from the highest quality whey proteins which have all the excess carbs and fats filtered out to create a complete, healthy and effective protein powder.
So, for a great option for using before workouts to support lean muscle mass, after workouts for improved recovery, and at any other time of the day to help you meet your daily protein requirements we highly recommend taking a closer look at this one.
It mixes easily to produce a smooth textured lump free shake and tastes absolutely fantastic.
Right now this one has an average customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars(the same as our top choice) from 1,187 reviews, 79% of which are 5 star, and 12% of which are 4 star showing that just over 9 out of 10 people buying this protein powder on Amazon are very happy with it.
Click here for the full review…
A Quick Recap So Far…
So far in this protein powders buyers guide you have discovered how to choose the correct protein powder to support your training goals…7 things to look for when choosing a protein powder…and the top 10 bestselling and highest rated protein powders for 2021.
On the site we have so far reviewed the top 20 protein powders so if what you’re looking for isn’t in the list above, you’ll more than likely find it here.
Now We’ll Give You Our Top 3 Goal Specific Recommendations For 2021…
Here are our top recommendations of protein powders which we believe will help you get the best results whether you are…
Simply looking to boost your daily protein intake to support faster recovery times and new muscle growth…
Looking to pack on some serious muscle and struggling to consume enough calories on a daily basis due to having a high metabolic rate, being short on time due to having a hectic schedule, or simply not being able to eat enough real food in a day to get the caloric support you need…
Wanting to lose weight by cutting calories and looking for a quality meal replacement diet protein powder to support doing it healthily and effectively…
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey – #1 Whey Protein Powder And Our Overall Top Choice…
We recommend you go for this one if you just need to increase the amount of protein you consume each day in order to support improved recovery rates and new muscle growth after training…
Key features...
- PACKAGING MAY VARY: New look, with the same trusted Quality!
- THE WORLD’S #1 BEST-SELLING* instantised whey protein powder for over 20 years, catering to those looking for support before, during and/or after their workout
- FAST-ABSORBING whey protein with whey protein isolate as the main ingredient helps build muscle and helps with muscle recovery**
- Contains naturally-occurring BCAAs and GLUTAMINE
- LOW IN SUGAR and fat
- Available in a VARIETY OF FLAVOURS – great for mixing in with your favourite meals and drinks at any time of day
- *Source: EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED; CONSUMER HEALTH 2019 EDITION; SPORTS PROTEIN POWDER CATEGORY; % RETAIL VALUE SHARE; 2018 DATA
-
**Source: Official Journal of the European Union – COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 432/2012
To read our full Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder review, click here…
Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass – #1 Mass Gainer…
We recommend going for this one if you need more protein along with more calories to put on weight and add new muscle due to having a fast metabolic rate, or you simply can’t eat enough regular food on a daily basis to gain weight, of if your lifestyle doesn’t allow you to stop and eat enough calories to build new muscle…
Key features...
- PACKAGING MAY VARY: New look, with the same trusted Quality
- Mass gainer with whopping 1250 CALORIES and 50 g of PROTEIN per serving. Contains less than 5 g fat
- Comes as an instantised powder. Mix with fruit or nut butters for a tasty and calorific post-workout drink or take between meals to Encourage muscle growth
- PROUDLY CONTAINS NO ADDED SUGAR: Boasts 24 vitamins and minerals per serving
- GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY. Serious Mass protein powder delivers a high-calorie content and quality protein at competitive rates
- Provides calories, ENCOURAGING WEIGHT GAIN and refuels body’s glycogen stores
To read our full Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Powder review, click here…
PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein Powder – #1 Diet Protein Powder…
We recommend opting for this one if you are looking to lose some weight by cutting your daily calorie intake and don’t want to lose any of your hard earned muscle at the same time, or if you have achieved your goal physique and are looking to maintain it all year round…
Key features…
- Diet Whey is a High Protein, Low sugar shake with less than 100 calories per serving
- Includes fat burning ingredients, CLA, L-Carnitine and Green Tea extract
- Unsurpassable taste and texture
- Available in 13 delicious flavours
- 100 Percent recyclable packaging
- Packaging may vary
To read our full PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein Powder review, click here…
Where To Buy Your Protein Powder At The Best Price…
To get the best protein powder to support your own individual training goals, at the best available price, and to take advantage of any other deals and discounts currently being offered, we strongly recommend buying on Amazon.
Shop around by all means, however you’ll probably find that you don’t need to spend as much on Amazon to qualify for free delivery as you do on pretty much every other site, plus they don’t offer the same deals and discounts either, or deliver as quickly.
Amazon is also great for last minute research like price and product comparisons, as well as checking through the latest customer feedback before buying just to make sure that everything is as you want it.
And Amazon also make returning any items you may not be completely satisfied with really quick and easy to do too, ordering is really easy, plus it’s also just about as safe and secure as you can get too, meaning they have you pretty much covered from all angles.
Click here to see all the best-selling whey protein powders on Amazon...
Thanks for reading…
It just remains for us to say thanks for reading our protein powder buyers guide 2021, we hope you found it helpful, and we wish you every success in your muscle and fitness journey.
