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With so many protein powders out there to choose from, finding the best one to support your own particular training goals can be a bit of a nightmare to say the least. That’s why, on this page we’ve shortlisted the top 20 protein powders 2021, to help make your search quicker and easier, and to help you make a much more informed choice.
Below you will find our top 20 picks, beginning with our top choice and working through each one from there. We’ve ranked them according to how well they are selling, how well they are actually performing for real people in the real world according to customer feedback, and our own experiences to give you the full story, the good as well as the bad, so you know exactly what to expect from each one.
As we’ve already reviewed each protein powder individually, all we’ve done on this page is list them with a brief description and a link through to the full review so that you can check them out for yourself on the site, plus we’ve also linked through to Amazon so you can check them out there too and grab any that you like the look of at the best available price.
Here Are The Top 20 Protein Powders 2021…
#1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
Our top choice probably comes as no surprise. Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey has been the worlds best selling protein powder for over 20 years now and anyone searching for a high-quality protein powder will have no doubt have already come across it at some point.
Gold Standard Whey has pretty much everything your body needs for nutritional support before, during, and after your workouts. It has a generous amount of protein per serving with whey protein isolate as its main ingredient, allowing it to be absorbed really quickly to kick-start the growth and recovery process, it also contains decent amounts of naturally occurring BCAA’s, and glutamine, plus it’s also low in sugar and fat making it ideal for lean muscle gain, efficient weight loss, and muscle maintenance.
Plus it’s also a great choice for rest-days to help you meet your daily protein requirements.
This protein powder is also instantized for quick and easy mixing, it’s got a really smooth, lump free texture, and it tastes absolutely amazing.
Click here for the full review…
#2. Bulk Pure Whey Protein Powder
Our number #2 choice is a premium, high-quality whey protein concentrate powder from one of the UK’s leading sports nutrition brands. Bulk Pure Whey Protein Powder is a high-quality protein supplement derived from the milk of grass-fed European cows giving it a fantastic nutritional profile rich in Glutamine and BCAA’s for improved protein synthesis, recovery and muscle growth.
Pure Whey is also instantized for quick and easy lump-free mixing, comes in 20 delicious flavours and has a whopping 80% protein content per serving making it a brilliant choice of post-workout shake for anyone looking to increase their daily protein intake and help support new muscle growth and muscle maintenance. It’s also pretty low in carbs, sugar and fat making it suitable for anyone following a weight management programme.
Click here for the full review…
#3 Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
In third place we have Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass. This is perfect for anyone who struggles to put on weight due to having a super-fast metabolic rate, people who simply don’t get the time to eat enough calories on a daily basis due to having a hectic lifestyle, and those who are eating as much as they can and still need extra calories to fuel muscle growth and recovery.
Serious Mass is packed with protein, carbs and calories, has an added vitamin and mineral complex with Vitamins C, D, and E, plus Zinc for added immune support, and also has creatine to help you power through intense workouts and glutamine to help replenish your glycogen stores.
Click here for the full review…
Click here to view on Amazon...
#4 Phd Nutrition Diet Whey Protein Powder
Our fourth choice is Phd Nutrition’s Diet Whey Protein Powder which is the perfect choice of meal replacement shake for men and women who’s focus is either on fat loss, or who are looking to maintain a year round lean and toned physique.
Diet Whey is a high-protein, low-sugar shake that’s formulated to mix and taste amazing while having less than 100 calories per serving. It also features the proven fat burning ingredients Green Tea Extract, CLA, Flaxseed and L-Carnitine. It’s also macro friendly and can be easily used alongside pretty much any nutrition plan, plus it’s also suitable for vegetarians too.
Click here for the full review…
#5 Myprotein Impact Whey Protein
In at number #5 we have Myprotein Impact Whey which is a fast acting 100% premium quality whey protein concentrate that’s low in carbs and fat, has a very impressive nutritional profile with all the essential EAA’s, and BCAA’s required for increased recovery times, improved performance, fat loss and muscle building.
This protein powder has slightly less protein per serving than our choices above however it’s still a worthy option for anyone looking for a high-quality protein powder to increase their daily protein intake and help support new muscle growth, as well as maintaining lean muscle during periods of dieting, and during exercise.
Click here for the full review…
#6 USN Muscle Fuel Anabolic
At number #6 we have USN Muscle Fuel Anabolic which is 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, and a very popular choice among those looking to dramatically increase their muscular size and strength.
Muscle Fuel Anabolic delivers a hefty amount of protein from multiple sources and with differing absorption rates, in each serving as well as a decent amount of carbs. It also comes with creatine and a number of other performance enhancing amino acids for increased physical performance making it an exceptional choice of post workout shake. It also comes in a number of different flavours which taste pretty delicious mixed with either water or milk.
Click here for the full review…
#7 Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder is next on our list. This protein powder is a whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate combination formulated to fuel athletes, bodybuilders and fitness and gym enthusiasts through intense and high-strength workouts.
It’s also a ready-to-mix whey protein powder that’s low in sugar and fat and has less than 100 calories perv serving. It’s lower in protein than ON’s Gold Standard Whey, however it’s still a healthy, great tasting shake for supporting muscle repair, recovery and growth following intense bodybuilding and powerlifting workouts, and can be consumed at any time of the day to help you meet your protein requirements.
Click here for the full review…
#8 Phd Nutrition Smart Protein Chocolate Brownie
Phd Nutrition Smart Protein is an incredibly delicious and highly versatile protein powder which can be used in a number of different ways. As well as mixing up into a tasty high-protein post-workout shake, you can also use it in your favorite recipes to make high-protein pancakes, waffles and brownies. You can also 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 bakes and desserts.
Each serving contains 18g protein, 2.5g fat, 4.1g carbs, and less than 1g of sugar, all for just 116 calories, meaning you still get to satisfy your sweet tooth but in a healthier way than before.
This is an ideal way to make sure you meet your daily protein requirements other than by only consuming shakes.
Click here for the full review…
#9 Premium Body Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
In at number #9 is Premium Body Nutrition’s Whey Protein Powder which is a 100% whey protein blend of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate, and is designed specifically for athletes, gym goers, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts who are looking to increase their daily protein intake to support new muscle growth and faster recovery after training.
PBN Whey Protein is made from premium quality ingredients and contains a respectable 23.6g of protein per serving with just 1.1g of fat and 2.1g of carbs, and a total calorie count of just 119 per serving making this particular protein powder a pretty good choice for weight management too, plus it’s also suitable for vegetarians.
Click here for the full review…
#10 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Isolate Protein Powder
In at number #10 we have another product from the Optimum Nutrition range, this time it’s their Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Isolate Powder which is an excellent source of protein for all 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 protein with a maximum of 0.3g of sugars, 0.4g of fat, 1.3g of carbs, and a whopping 83% of pure protein in each serving, along with 5.5g of naturally occurring BCAA’s.
ON’s Gold Standard Whey Isolate is great to use 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. It mixes easily to produce a smooth textures lump free shake and tastes absolutely fantastic.
Whatever your own particular fitness goals may be, this one is well worth checking out…
Click here for the full review…
#11 Serious Gainz Mass Gainer Protein Powder
At number #11 we have Serious Gainz Mass Gainer Protein Powder from The Bulk Protein Company which is geared towards those who are looking to gain real, lean muscle. It features a high-quality time-release protein powder blend alongside a decent amount of calories making it ideal for bulking. This protein powder is a great choice if you’re struggling to gain weight due to having a fast metabolic rate, or if you just can’t eat enough regular food in a day, or if you don’t have the time to stop and eat because of a busy schedule.
Each serving of Serious Gainz Mass Gainer has 30g of protein, 81g of carbs and 468 lean calories to support recovery and lean muscle growth following heavy and intense workouts. It’s basically a hardcore mass gainer that’s designed to be used immediately after serious muscle-building workouts on training days, and between breakfast and lunch on non-training days by serious athletes and gym-goers.
Click here for the full review…
#12 USN 100 Percent Whey Protein
USN 100 Percent Whey is a fast-acting, high-quality protein powder and a fantastic choice of post-workout shake from one of the market leaders in sports nutrition. It’s made up from a triple-whey protein blend for muscular repair and improved recovery and performance, and it mixes and tastes amazing too.
On the nutritional side, you get 24g of protein, up to 5.6g BCAA’s, 2g of fat, and 3.5g of carbs for 129 calories per serving. It’s also low in sugar at just 1.7g per serving so it’s pretty healthy too, and can be consumed at any time during the day to help you meet your protein requirements, however it’s particularly effective when consumed immediately after training sessions.
Click here for the full review…
#13 The Protein Works Whey Protein 80
In at number #13 we have the award winning Whey Protein 80 from The Protein Works. This is a high-protein, low-calorie, ultra-pure whey protein concentrate which mixes instantly to produce an incredibly smooth shake with zero grittiness, plus it’s naturally flavoured too so there’s no weird aftertaste either.
Whey Protein 80 contains 20g of protein in each serving which is slightly less than some of our other choices, 1.5g of carbs, 1.4g of fat and 101 calories making it a decent choice for gaining muscle without fat, losing fat without sacrificing muscle, maintaining a year round lean and toned physique, and muscle recovery following exercise.
Click here for the full review…
#14 Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder
Next up we have Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder which is a scientifically formulated, hydrolyzed 100% whey protein isolate that’s incredibly fast acting, making it a fantastic choice if you’re looking for gains in muscular size and strength and improved recovery, plus it’s from Dymatize who have a worldwide reputation for creating products with very high standards of purity, quality and taste.
In each serving of ISO 100 Whey you get 25g of protein, 5.5g of BCAA’s which includes 2.7g of L-Leucine along with ZERO fat and ZERO carbs, less than 1g of sugar and just 110 calories making it great to use if you’re doing keto or following a high-protein, low-carb nutrition plan. It’s also gluten free making it really easy to digest and can also be used in your favourite recipes and smoothies as well as a highly effective post-workout shake.
Click here for the full review…
#15 BSN Syntha-6 Whey Protein Powder
And at number #15 is the amazing tasting BSN Syntha-6 Whey Protein Powder which is ideal for anyone looking for an ultra-top-notch protein powder to support their physique and nutritional goals, and which comes from a global leader in sports nutrition with a reputation for quality, result-producing products.
What you get with this one is a great tasting, 6-protein blend which delivers 22g of fast, medium, and slow digesting proteins, 6.5g of fats, 6g of carbs, and just 1.6g of sugar per serving, which you can use first thing in the morning, immediately after workouts, with meals and before bed to give your muscles an almost constant supply of aminos to support growth and recovery.
This one is actually worth checking out for the taste alone!
Click here for the full review…
#16 Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein Powder
Here we have another high quality protein powder from Dymatize, this time it’s their Elite 100% Whey Protein Powder which is a really good choice to use before workouts, immediately after workouts, as well as at any other time during the day you need a high-quality protein hit.
As well as providing 25g of scientifically proven, fast-digesting and fast-absorbing 100% whey in each serving you also get 5.5g of BCAA’s for improved protein synthesis and recovery, 2.7g of L-Leucine which also boosts protein synthesis, 2g of sugar, 3g of carbs all for just 14o calories. It’s easy mixing, great tasting, and can also be used in your favourite recipes for a kick in flavour and protein content.
Click here for the full review…
#17 USN Diet Fuel Ultralean Meal Replacement Shake
At number #17 we have an extremely popular and incredibly effective weight loss aid – USN Diet Fuel Ultralean Meal Replacement Shake. This is a high-fibre, high-protein MRP that’s specially formulated to help you transform your body and maintain a lean and toned physique, especially if you have a hectic lifestyle and not much time to follow a healthy nutrition plan as much as you’d like to.
Each serving of Diet Fuel Ultralean contains 25g of protein, 3.4g of fibre, and just 200 calories. You also get a fantastic vitamin and mineral complex which helps you maintain ac healthy diet, chromium to support your metabolism and Tolerase PH-Stable Lactose for improved digestion. It’s also designed to maintain normal blood sugar levels to prevent insulin spikes, plus it mixes easily and tastes pretty amazing too!
Click here for the full review…
#18 SCI-MX Nutrition Pro V-Gain Protein Powder
In at number #18 we have the bestselling plant-based protein powder from Sci-MX Nutrition-Pro V-Gain Protein Powder, which is a premium blend of soy, rice, and pea proteins. This one makes an excellent choice for athletes who want a high-quality alternative to milk based proteins. Pro V-Gain is a 100% complete protein powder just like whey, and is perfect for muscular recovery, repair and growth after intense workouts.
Each serving contains a very generous 34g of protein, 3.8g of carbs and 1.7g of fat, along with the essential vitamins, minerals and BCAA’s to help you power through strenuous workouts and smash your PB’s. Each serving also provides Vitamin B6, B12, and Magnesium to help reduce tiredness and fatigue.
This plant-based protein powder is also low in sugar, mixes really well, and tastes far better than you have ever probably imagined!
Click here for the full review…
#19 Muscle Pharm Combat Protein Chocolate Milk Powder
Our number #19 pick is Muscle Pharm’s Combat Protein Chocolate Milk Powder which is a blend of 5 different fast and slow digesting proteins which form this technologically advanced protein superfood. This protein powder is designed to fulfil the needs of athletes, bodybuilders and gym goers who are looking for a more superior protein for more optimal performance, muscle building and maintenance, and which helps support a healthy body composition while fuelling effective fat loss.
It also features a digestive blend for maximum uptake by your muscles, it provides your muscles with a steady supply of amino acids for up to 8 hours for maximum growth and recovery, plus it also prevents muscle tissue breakdown over time.
Combat Protein has 25g of protein, 5g of carbs, 1.5g of fat, 2g of sugar and 130 calories per serving making it ideal for bulking, cutting and maintenance.
Click here for the full review…
#20 Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein
And at number #20 we have Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein which is an excellent slow-digesting high-quality protein which supplies a prolonged stream of muscle building nutrients for the improved growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and which makes it the perfect bedtime protein powder.
Each serving contains 24g of premium micellar casein protein, 10g of naturally occurring essential amino acids, it’s low in fat, has NO added sugars, plus it’s also fortified with Zinc and Magnesium for better night-time use.
Casein protein has been shown to improve muscle growth and recovery, and aid in fat loss and improved body composition when used alongside whey protein, making it an essential choice if you’re serious about realising your maximum physical potential.
Click here for the full review…
And there you have it…
So, there you have our Top 20 Protein Powders 2021. As you can see there is something there to support pretty much every athletic goal, and as this list is based in part on real feedback from real athletes, bodybuilders and gym-goers, just like you, and us, you can be sure that these are the protein powders that are helping them get real results from their efforts in the gym.
We hope you found this page helpful and informative, and that it also helps to make your search for the best protein powder for you that much quicker and easier.
Thanks for reading.
