The Best Protein Powder For Men in 2024 to Help Build Strength and Muscle Mass

Let me start with a piece of advice: Don’t fall for protein powders that claim to help you grow muscles in no time. The truth is that those companies spend most of their money on marketing. 

The best protein powder for men contains high-quality ingredients and is backed by science, not some shredded dude or a celebrity. Our group of certified personal trainers, competitive triathletes, and dietary professionals have sifted through the hundreds of protein powders on the market to give you our top 14 picks that will work for all types of men, regardless of their size, training experience, or fitness levels. 

The Garage Gym Reviews supplement testing methodology takes these four factors into consideration:

• Formulation: What ingredients are in it, and are they backed by research?
• Dosages: Are there clinically-endorsed doses of each ingredient?
• Solubility: Does it dissolve in the recommended amount of liquid?
• Taste: Is it yummy?

RELATED: Best Protein Powder For Women

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

NOTE: We intend the term “men” to include all men, including trans men. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis men (i.e., men who are not trans). For that reason, when we reference gender-based research and nutritional recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis men.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to check in with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.

The 13 Best Protein Powders for Men

• Best Overall Protein Powder for Men: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Budget Protein Powder for Men: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
• Best Protein Powder for Male Athletes: Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Protein Powder for Men for Weight Loss: Ritual Essential Protein 18+
• Best Low-Carb Protein Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
• Best Natural Protein Powder for Men: Legion Whey+
• Best Protein Powder for Men for Muscle Gain: Huel Black Edition
• Best Protein Powder for Men for Digestion: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey
• Best Grass-Fed Protein Powder for Men: Onnit Whey Protein
• Best Casein Protein Powder for Men: Legion Casein+
• Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Men: KOS Vegan Protein Powder
• Best Unflavored Protein Powder for Men: Naked Whey
• Best Protein Powder for Men with BCAAs: Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey

Compare Side By Side

	Transparent Labs Whey Isolate	Nutricost Whey Concentrate	Sports Research Whey	Ritual Protein	Jacked Factory Whey	Legion Whey+	Huel Black Edition	Momentous Whey	Onnit Whey	Legion Casein+	KOS Vegan Protein	Naked Whey	Optimum Whey Protein
Rating Our expert product testers, who include certified personal trainers and coaches, use a multi-point testing methodology to determine average ratings out of 5 stars.
Price Per Serving	$1.99	$0.73 – $0.99	$1.05	$2.66	$1.50	$2.00	$2.50	$2.70	$1.99	$2.00	$2.00	$1.25	$1.69
Protein Per Serving	28 g	25 g	25 g	20 g	24 g	22 g	40 g	20 g	20 g	26 g	20 g	25 g	24 g
Type	Whey protein isolate	Whey concentrate	Whey isolate	Pea protein	Whey protein	Whey protein	Pea and rice protein	Whey isolate	Whey isolate	Micellar casein	Pea, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, chia seed	Whey protein	Whey protein
Third-party Tested?					—						—
Calories Per Serving	130	130 – 150	140	115	110 – 130	100	400	90	120	110	160	120	120 – 130
Flavors	8 flavors	5 flavors	2 flavors	1 flavor	5 flavors	17 flavors	9 flavors	3 flavors	2 flavors	4 flavors	6 flavors	5 flavors	20+ flavors
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Best Overall Protein Powder for Men: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate 

Good for: Bodybuilders or any man whose main fitness goal is muscle-building

Best Overall

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• High-quality whey protein isolate
• 28 grams of protein per serving
• 15 flavors to choose from
• $1.99 per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality protein
• No artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or preservatives
• Lots of flavors to choose from
• Good customer reviews
• Whey isolate may be easier to digest for some people
• Subscribe and save 10% plus free shipping

Cons

• Price per serving on the high end
• Some reviews complain that it's too sweet

Bottom Line

Our testers love Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate because we know exactly what's in it, and almost every flavor we've tried is a 5 out of 5 on taste. Yes, it's a little more expensive than other protein powders but you get what you pay for.

With zero grams of fat, a minimal number of carbs, and 28 grams of protein in most flavors, Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is an easy choice for those looking to build muscle or lose weight. 

As you can tell by its name, this protein supplement uses whey protein isolate, a type of protein that has had a majority of the lactose removed. This not only results in a low-carb, low-fat protein powder, but could also be safe for those who normally can’t stomach dairy products, as pointed out in this February 2023 study¹.

I grabbed the limited-edition Peppermint Hot Chocolate flavor of Transparent Labs’ whey protein and enjoyed it even when the weather didn’t call for hot cocoa. All you really need is a fireplace and a Christmas tree to complete the scene with this protein powder. As a nutrition coach and a certified personal trainer, I shared my full thoughts on this protein powder in my Transparent Labs protein review.

Transparent Labs has built a reputation for being…well, transparent with its ingredients and nutrition labels. There are only five ingredients in each container and the dairy is sourced from cows that are grass-fed, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free. That’s why it gets a 5 out of 5 for ingredients and formulation.

It’s free of artificial ingredients, fillers, dyes, or preservatives, though it’s not a great source of vitamins and minerals. You’ll want to make sure you’re getting those from other food sources or a multivitamin. 

Some people might experience digestive problems due to the stevia, but I and other customer reviewers barely noticed it when tasting this protein powder.

Best Budget Protein Powder for Men: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate

Good for: Men who are on a budget looking for quality protein

Best Budget

Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• 25 grams of whey protein concentrate per serving
• Available in 5 flavors, including unflavored
• High-quality ingredients and third-party testing
• Supports lean muscle growth and recovery after workouts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Non-GMO and gluten-free
• Manufactured in GMP-compliant facility
• Unflavored option only contains one ingredient, instantized whey protein concentrate
• Subscribe-and-save options
• Cost-effective price that starts around $0.87 per serving

Cons

• Whey concentrate may not mix as well as whey isolate
• Flavored options are higher in calories than other whey proteins

Bottom Line

Nutricost Whey Concentrate contains 25 grams of high-quality whey protein concentrate, available in five flavors. It's gluten-free, non-GMO, manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility, and third-party tested.

It’s pretty tough to find a protein that’s under $1 per serving. However, Nutricost has made it happen. Their 5-pound tubs on Amazon are available at a price that gets the price per serving down to about $0.78. Wow.

It’s whey concentrate, so it’s not as pure as whey isolate—it’ll have a bit more fat typically—but this whey protein still has a whopping 25 grams of protein per serving. Perry Nix, MS, RD, adds, “Whey protein concentrate is a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids, which are crucial for muscle growth.” Whey concentrate will help build your muscles just like whey isolate.

Kate Meier, GGR senior director of content and certified personal trainer, tried the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor. She gave the protein a 5 out of 5 for taste and solubility. Not a fan of peanut butter, she notes that the peanut flavor wasn’t overpowering. She also adds, “The protein mixes extremely well, even in a shaker cup.”

This budget-friendly protein comes in five flavors, including Unflavored. The unflavored protein receives the highest marks in formulation—a 5 out of 5. Although each flavor still has 25 grams of protein, all other flavors have artificial ingredients, earning them a 4 out of 5. If you’re avoiding artificial flavors and sweeteners, you might want to go with the unflavored whey protein concentrate.

Best Protein Powder for Male Athletes: Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate

Good for: Athletes wanting a clean, third-party tested protein powder

Best for Male Athletes

Sports Research Whey Isolate

GGR Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

• Whey protein isolate
• 25 g of protein per serving
• Available in chocolate or vanilla
• Informed Choice-certified

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Third-party tested
• 25 grams of protein per serving
• Subscribe-and-save options
• Non-GMO, gluten- and soy-free
• Creates a creamy texture when blended into smoothies

Cons

• Only two flavors available
• Our tester had issues with solubility

Bottom Line

Sports Research whey protein isolate has 25 grams of protein per serving and just 150 calories. It's third-party tested, too. Although there are only two flavors available, our testers think it's worth a try.

Top-level athletes have to be mindful of the supplements they put into their bodies to avoid taking any banned substances. The safest precaution is to take third-party-tested supplements. Our pick for the best protein powder for male athletes—Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate—not only gets third-party testing done by Informed Sport, but it also comes packed with 25 grams of protein per serving.

That’ll help with building muscle, but registered dietitian Perry Nix adds, “Whey protein is already naturally high in the branched-chain amino acid leucine, known for its role in activating muscle protein synthesis. Sports Research went a step further and added 1,000 milligrams of extra leucine to promote greater muscle-building potential.”

It earns a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation. Although the protein isolate is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats, the powder does use artificial ingredients, which is why it’s shy of a perfect rating.

Taste-wise, it’s good, and take my word for it; I tried out their Dutch Chocolate flavor. It reminds me of instant cocoa—almost like I should’ve been drinking my shake by a campfire with some s’mores. It absolutely gets a 5 out of 5 for taste from me. An added bonus is that it blends nicely with fruit for smoothies, too.

Straight out of the shaker cup, though, the protein was a little clumpy, even after some additional shaking. It earns a 3.5 out of 5 for solubility, which isn’t the worst. The part that did mix had a great texture and consistency…it may just take you a bit longer to mix than other protein powders. And at just over $1 per serving, I think it’s worth another minute of mixing.

Best Protein Powder for Men for Weight Loss: Ritual Essential Protein 18+

Good for: Those who are cutting or on a weight loss journey 

Best for Weight Loss

Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Organic pea protein powder
• 20 g of protein per serving
• Formulated to support adults 18-49
• Third-party tested
• 150 mg of choline per serving 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly
• No artificial sweeteners
• Complete amino acid profile
• Non-GMO
• USA-grown peas

Cons

• Only comes in one flavor
• Price per serving is on the high end
• Velcro bag closure ineffective

Bottom Line

Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake has 20 grams of protein per serving and 150 milligrams of chlorine (to support brain and nervous system function). This protein powder from Ritual is third-party tested and Informed Sport Certified, which means this formula has been screened for over 250 banned substances.

Ritual Essential Protein 18+ comes in at 115 calories per serving, which is at the lower end of the more than 75 protein powders we’ve tested. Plus, it has 20 grams of protein that, according to this May 2008 study,² can help you feel more full than carbs or fats. If you’re full, you’re less likely to eat more calories. As a result, you’ll have an easier time achieving a caloric deficit—when you burn more calories than you consume—which is crucial for weight loss.

Yes, it’s pea protein, and most of the time that can’t be considered a “complete” protein source because it’s low in the amino acid methionine. However, Ritual adds an extra helping of this amino acid to create a high-quality protein for weight loss.

The protein powder only comes in one flavor, vanilla, but weightlifting coach and GGR senior director of content Kate Meier says it’s a 4 out of 5 on taste and makes an excellent accompaniment to her morning smoothie. “It’s not super plant-y or hemp-y like some plant-based proteins are,” she says. “The taste is definitely detectable, but not overly strong.”

Read our Ritual Protein Powder Review for more information.

Best Low-Carb Protein Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Authentic Whey

Good for: Men trying to reduce their carbohydrate intake

Low Carb

Jacked Factory Authentic Whey

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• 24 g of protein per serving
• Low-fat and low-carb
• Costs $1.50 per serving
• Five flavors
• Artificial aftertaste

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low-carb
• Five flavors
• 24g of protein per serving
• No fillers or thickening agents
• Customers say the vanilla flavor tastes great, even when mixed in water
• Customers appreciate the versatility of the vanilla flavor

Cons

• Some artificial ingredients
• Has an artificial aftertaste

Bottom Line

Jacked Factory Authentic Whey is a low-carb, high-protein supplement that comes in five flavors at an affordable price.

Flavored protein powders can sometimes introduce carbs and sugar into the equation, but Jacked Factory Authentic Whey has a maximum of 2 carbs per serving and zero grams of added sugar. That’s not to mention that it only costs $1.50 per scoop to help keep your wallet and muscles as big as you want them. 

It uses stevia and sucralose, and honestly, you can taste it in some of their flavors. But again, it’s nothing to worry about so long as you’re not consuming too much of these sweeteners throughout your diet. 

When it comes to the flavor department, I give this a 4 out of 5. I had Fruity Cereal Splash, and while it reminded me of a Froot Loops bowl, there was a slight artificial aftertaste. It wasn’t anything too bad but it’s noticeable. (On the bright side, I felt no rumblings after drinking it.)

Things like xanthan gum are used as a thickening agent and have little to no nutritional value, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much. 

Jacked Factory uses a protein blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, the latter of which is generally more easily digestible⁴. People who are lactose intolerant should consult with their physician before consuming this protein powder, but I and other customer reviewers experienced no digestive problems when drinking it. 

Read more about this protein supplement in our Jacked Factory Authentic Whey review.

Best Natural Protein Powder for Men: Legion Whey+

Good for: Anyone looking for a protein powder free of additives or harmful ingredients

Natural

Legion Whey+

GGR Score: 4

Check Price Use code GARAGEGYM to save 20%

Product Highlights

• Sourced from small dairy farms in Ireland
• Over 5 g of BCAAs per serving
• Non-GMO and animal welfare approved
• Third-party tested for banned substances

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low in carbs and fat but high in protein
• Natural ingredients
• Money-back guarantee
• Made with ethically-sourced milk
• Lots of flavor options
• Subscribe and save 10%

Cons

• Comparably high cost per serving
• May be clumpy when mixed
• Some customers thought flavor was too sweet, or in some cases lacked flavor

Bottom Line

Legion Whey+ is a clean, sustainable protein powder that also is macro-friendly and a great option for anyone looking for a clean protein supplement. Many of our testers have bought this with their own money because they love the taste and easy mixability.

Legion Athletics’ dedication to an all-natural protein powder begins by sourcing their dairy from small Irish farms, which, as this June 2013 study³ points out, is associated with better milk quality. 

Furthermore, it has a Labdoor Tested for Purity certification to show that it’s been tested for heavy metals and other harmful substances, is safe for athletes, and has been tested for THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana—and yes, some supplements may contain very small amounts of it). 

Legion has a Truly Grass-fed certification, which shows that the cows have a mostly grass-fed diet that leads to higher antioxidant content⁴ in the dairy they create. They’re also free of antibiotics, hormones, or other harmful substances.  

We awarded Legion Whey+ a 5 out of 5 on its formulation and third-party testing for these reasons—we’re big fans of transparent supplement companies.

This tastes like a clean protein powder, and the Cinnamon Cereal flavor reminds me of my youth. It tastes like Cinnamon Toast Crunch—specifically when you get to the bottom of the bowl when the cereal flavor really seeps into the milk. Pure nostalgia.

The nutritional content varies by flavor, but you can’t go wrong with any of the 17 choices Legion offers—you get anywhere from 22 to 24 grams of protein, 2 to 4 grams of carbs, and up to 5 grams of fat.

That last one is on the higher end of what we like to see in protein powders, but we wouldn’t worry about it too much so long as the rest of your diet has moderate amounts of fat. 

Check out my Legion Whey protein review.

Best Protein Powder for Men for Muscle Gain: Huel Black Edition

Good for: Men who are looking to increase their protein intake for muscle gain

Muscle Gain

Huel Complete Black

GGR Score: 3.97

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Product Highlights

• Plant-based complete nutritional shake 
• 400 calories, 40 g protein, 5-8 g fiber, 4-6g sugar
• No artificial sweeteners
• 9 flavor options
• Gluten-free meal shake

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Doesn’t need to be refrigerated
• Resealable bag
• 40 g protein in each serving
• Contains all essential vitamins and minerals
• 9 flavors available
• Subscribe and save
• Cookies & Cream flavor tastes better than most other vegan protein powders we’ve tried
• Uses pea, flaxseed, and brown rice protein for a more complete amino acid profile

Cons

• Reviewers say there's a bit of an aftertaste from plant-based protein
• Expensive for a meal replacement

Bottom Line

Huel Complete Protein Powder Black Edition is a nutritionally complete meal replacement shake powder, containing 400 calories per serving along with 40 grams of protein in all of the nine flavors. Fat, carb, and fiber content varies by 1 to 3 grams across flavors, but you can expect to find a healthy serving of unsaturated fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber in each shake. Plus, each shake contains all essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids with no artificial sweeteners or gluten.

Men generally have more lean muscle mass than women, as stated in this 2017 review⁵, which means they need more protein to maintain it. Huel Black has 40 grams of protein per serving, which far surpasses even the highest amounts on this list. 

Perry Nix, RD, says of the formulation, “Forty grams of protein per serving is plenty to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, a process that supports muscle recovery and growth. Additionally, including 27 vitamins and minerals is impressive and provides countless benefits, including enhancing muscle function, supporting energy metabolism, bolstering immune health, and promoting bone health.” For this reason, Huel earns a 5 out of 5 for its formulation.

Our product tester, GGR social media manager Brittany Combs, tested the Cookies and Cream flavor and thought it was delicious, giving it another 5-out-of-5 score. She says, “It was sweet, but not overly sweet. The best was adding it to my coffee in the morning. I wouldn’t mix a full serving in with my coffee, but it was just enough to make my espresso more tasty.” Other than Cookies and Cream, there are eight other flavors to choose from, including an unflavored version.

Brittany rates the solubility a 4.5 out of 5. Although the powder mixed well, she could feel a little grittiness when mixed just with water. “It mixes better in a blender and some ice,” Brittany adds.

At about $3.12 per serving, this is a more expensive meal replacement powder, so it may not be ideal for everyone’s budget. Also, if you’re worried about third-party testing, know that Huel holds independent testing of each ingredient used, although they don’t reveal who does the third-party testing. That said, Huel appears to be very transparent, detailing each ingredient on their website and citing sources as to the benefits of the ingredients.

While we’d always recommend a balanced and complete meal over a meal replacement shake, we also get that life is busy, too. If you’re on the move a lot and need a quick shake packed with nutrients and protein to keep those #gains coming, we recommend Huel Black Edition.

You can learn more in our full Huel review.

Best Protein Powder for Men for Digestion: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey

Good for: Those looking for an easily digestible protein powder 

Best for Digestion

Momentous Grass-Fed Whey

GGR Score: 4.08

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Product Highlights

• Grass-fed whey protein isolate 
• Cold-pressed with a micro-processing filtration 
• ProHydrolase enzyme blend 
• Protein is sourced from Irish cows

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clean ingredients
• Third-party verified
• Mixes well
• High-quality
• Bioavailable
• Subscribe and save 10% (25% off your first order)
• Free shipping on orders over $75
• Whey is sourced from grass-fed cows that are hormone-free, steroid-free, and antibiotic-free

Cons

• Unflavored may clump when mixing
• Expensive

Bottom Line

If you are willing to pay a premium price for a high-quality grass-fed whey protein, the Momentous brand is a solid choice. It is cold-pressed and put through a micro-processing filtration which is supposed to preserve the protein’s amino acid profile. While we cannot confirm that, we know it tastes darn good and did not upset any stomach during our testing.

Momentous Grass-Fed Whey is another protein powder that utilizes the more easily digestible and mostly lactose-free form of whey protein known as whey protein isolate¹. It also contains other ingredients that may help people who sometimes experience stomach problems when drinking protein powder. 

There are 200 milligrams of proteases (digestive enzymes). An October 2022 study⁶ found these enzymes could support improved gut health and reduce digestive issues when taken as a supplement—but Momentous already included it for you, so there’s no need to drive to the nutrition store. All that means Momentous earns a 5-out-of-5 rating for ingredients and formulation.

“It tastes very much like cocoa; it tastes a lot like hot chocolate (only we mixed it with ice cold water),” says GGR senior director of content and competitive weightlifter Kate Meier, who rated it a 4 out of 5 on taste. “I would buy this and I’d drink this again based on taste. Goes down really smoothly, really easily.”

This protein powder is also one of the finest and easiest to mix of the more than 50 protein powders we’ve tested. Certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly is able to thoroughly incorporate it into his morning iced coffee with his straw—so a shaker bottle will obliterate all clumps and provide a smooth protein drink. We gave it a 5 out of 5 for solubility.

The $2.47 per-serving cost is on the more expensive side, but it might be worth it to avoid paying the price with your digestive tract. Our Momentous Essential grass-fed whey protein review has more information.

Best Grass-Fed Protein Powder for Men: Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein

Good for: Male athletes 

For Athletes

Onnit Whey Protein

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Sourced from New Zealand grass-fed cows
• Made with whey protein isolate to filter out fats and carbs
• Offers a complete amino acid profile
• Website offers a subscription option to save money and auto-ship

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low in carbs
• High in leucine
• Whey isolate gets to muscles faster
• Non-GMO
• Third-party tested by Informed Sport, so athletes can safely take it

Cons

• High cost per serving
• Can cause digestive issues for some people
• The Mexican Chocolate flavor has mixed reviews

Bottom Line

Onnit Whey Protein is a great protein option for those looking for a grass-fed protein, however there are cleaner grass-fed protein powders on the market that are lower in cost.

There’s no need to worry about the presence of antibiotics or steroids in the milk used to create Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein. Onnit sources its grass-fed dairy from New Zealand, which has some of the strictest dairy laws in the world⁷ that prevent cows from being exposed to antibiotics, pesticides, or hormones. 

Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein also bears the Informed-Sport certification, meaning it’s safe for athletes who want to ensure their supplements are free of any banned substances. The Informed-Sport certification process checks for more than 250 banned substances.

Former GGR senior fitness writer Amanda Capritto is a competitive triathlete who’s super-strict about her supplementation, and Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein is a win in her book. “The Mexican Chocolate actually tastes different from other chocolate protein powders, which I honestly wasn’t expecting,” Amanda says. “It’s rich when mixed with whole or oat milk.”

The use of whey protein isolate means it’s more easily digested than whey concentrate and may be safe for those with dairy sensitivities. Onnit takes it a step further by adding a digestive enzyme blend that, among other things, contains protease and papain. Both have been linked with improved gut health¹⁰. In fact, Amanda scored it a 5 out of 5 when it comes to digestion. “I felt nothing,” she says.

There’s another ingredient that we don’t see often in protein powders: lactobacillus acidophilus. This probiotic strain found in yogurt can help treat a number of digestive disorders, including chronic diarrhea, according to a November 2020 study,⁸. We’re not sure what, if any, benefit it has when added to protein powder, but it could help some people who often have trouble digesting dairy products. 

Read our Onnit grass-fed whey isolate review for more of our thoughts on this product.

Best Casein Protein Powder for Men: Legion Casein+

Good for: Men who want a casein protein powder that will keep them full 

Case(in) Closed

Legion Athletics Casein+ Protein Powder

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Milk-derived casein protein powder
• Thick texture
• 5 flavor options
• Sourced from grass-fed cattle
• 25 g protein per serving 
• 5 grams of BCAAs and 11.4 grams of EAAs per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sourced from grass-fed cattle
• 100% micellar casein
• Tasty flavor options
• Smooth, rich, creamy texture
• Analyzed for purity and potency in an ISO 17025 accredited lab
• 0g added sugar
• Includes BCAAs and EAAs
• Subscribe-and-save option

Cons

• Casein protein is significantly thicker than whey
• Casein can cause bloating and gas, especially upon initial use
• Takes quite a bit of shaking to get rid of all clumps

Bottom Line

Legion Athletics Casein+ Protein Powder comes in several delicious flavors, and we’re fans of the Banana Cream Pie. Casein can be consumed as a shake, or with less water, like a pudding. This protein has 25 grams of protein per 110-calorie serving.

A study in the Journal of Nutritional Science⁹ found that casein protein powder was digested much slower than whey protein powder, meaning it kept people fuller for longer. You’ll sometimes see casein in meal replacement powders for this very reason. Legion’s Casein+ protein powder was our favorite casein protein powder because it comes from grass-fed cows and has been tested for harmful and banned substances. 

Grass-fed dairy has more antioxidants than grain-fed dairy, but another reason to seek out these types of products is they have a better omega-3/omega-6 ratio. Both types of omega fatty acids are what are known as “good” fats, but you want more omega-3s in your diet than omega-6s. 

This February 2018 study¹⁰ found grass-fed dairy had a more optimal omega-3/omega-6 ratio than milk from grain-fed cows. Omega-3s have been linked with improved heart and joint health¹⁸, and may even help reduce the frequency of certain types of headaches. 

The Banana Cream Pie flavor tastes more like an underripe banana than a dessert, but it still tastes really good. Since trying it out, I’ve used it as my nighttime protein powder for quite some time now and I wake up still feeling full.

If you’ve never had casein protein powders before, just know they’re generally much thicker and take more time to blend than their whey counterparts. Mixing the Legion Casein+ was still easy, so I give it a 5 out of 5 for solubility (though I still recommend a shaker ball).

Check out our full Legion Casein+ review for more.

Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Men: KOS Vegan Protein

Good for: Men who live a plant-based lifestyle 

No Whey

KOS Vegan Protein Powder

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Multi-source vegan protein powder 
• USDA-certified organic, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO
• Digestive support via DigeSEB to help maximize absorption

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Manufactured in the USA
• Superfood-infused
• 20 g protein per serving
• Chocolate flavor is rich
• Enhanced with digestive support enzymes
• Under $1.50 per serving

Cons

• Customers say it has a gritty/chalky flavor
• Some users reported protein gave them stomach issues
• Reports of strong sweetness and bad aftertaste

Bottom Line

KOS is a vegan protein with a lot of positive reviews, but a number of people experienced stomach issues using this protein powder.

If you live a plant-based lifestyle, are interested in becoming vegan, or just want to find a high-quality and great-tasting vegan protein powder, there’s nothing better than Vega Sport Premium Protein. 

Vegan protein powder has a slight disadvantage as most plant-based protein sources, with the exception of soy, are deficient in some amino acids (the building blocks of protein molecules).

But since soy is a common allergen, KOS uses what are known as complementary proteins. These are various protein sources that, when combined, create a complete protein to give you all the essential amino acids necessary for building and maintaining muscle mass. This particular vegan protein powder for men uses pea protein, flax seed protein, quinoa protein, pumpkin seed protein, and chia seed protein.

Certified sports nutrition coach and competitive triathlete Amanda Capritto isn’t the biggest fan of vegan protein powders but gave KOS Chocolate a 3 out of 5 on flavor. It had a rich chocolate taste that wasn’t earthy like other non-dairy protein shakes.

KOS also has a blend of digestive enzymes that may help with digestion, according to this January 2019 meta-analaysis¹¹.

However, Amanda notes in her KOS Vegan Protein review that a full serving is two scoops, which is a lot of powder.

Need a more portable plant-based protein supplement? Check out our No Cow protein bar review.

Best Unflavored Protein Powder for Men: Naked Nutrition Naked Whey

Good for: Anyone looking for an unflavored protein powder 

Unflavored

Naked Nutrition Naked Whey

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Flavorless option
• No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
• Sourced from small dairy farms
• Cold processed to limit contamination
• Only 3 ingredients (unflavored has 1)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Relatively low cost per serving
• GMO-free
• Non-denatured
• Zero additives

Cons

• Can be foamy when mixed
• Limited flavor options
• Some reviews mention errors on the product label

Bottom Line

Naked Nutrition Naked Whey is a great natural protein powder if you are looking for a flavorless protein option.

Sometimes you just want to add protein to your morning smoothie without changing the flavor. For that, we recommend Naked Nutrition Naked Whey. Unlike some unflavored protein powders that often contain other ingredients and additives, Naked Whey is exactly that—whey, and nothing else. 

After testing out Naked Whey, I can say with confidence that this is truly an unflavored protein powder. I should know since I’ve tried hundreds of protein powders during my time as a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer. I wouldn’t recommend drinking it straight as it has a powdery texture, but it goes great with smoothies.

Since it’s unflavored, you can be sure this protein powder is gluten-free, non-GMO, and soy-free. It also has the Informed Choice Trusted By Sport certification that shows it’s safe for athletes to consume without fear of accidentally ingesting any banned substances. That gives it a perfect 5-out-of-5 score when it comes to third-party testing and certifications.

Naked Whey uses whey protein concentrate. Unlike whey protein isolate, whey concentrate still has much of the lactose (i.e., carbs and sugar) and fat naturally found in whey. That’s not the worst thing in the world, especially since carbs and fats are necessary for different bodily functions. Still, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re counting your macronutrient intake. 

We also love when protein powder manufacturers clearly state their amino acid profile, as is the case with Naked Whey. Another advantage is that Naked Nutrition uses grass-fed cows—which a February 2021 review⁴ found contained a higher number of phytonutrients than grain-fed cows. The same review stated that phytonutrients were linked with a reduced disease risk and may support heart health⁴.

Best Protein Powder for Men with BCAAs: Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey

Good for: Men looking for a solid protein powder with branched-chain amino acids

Budget Pick

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Contains 3 different kinds of whey protein
• Tested for banned substances
• Over 5 g of BCAAs per serving
• Instantized to help prevent clumping

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Contains research-backed amounts of protein per meal needed to build muscle
• Plenty of flavor options
• Low in carbs
• Free shipping on orders over $75

Cons

• Some users say it's overly sweet
• Contains artificial flavors
• Most flavors contain sucralose

Bottom Line

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is a team favorite for its budget-friendly prices and taste. Our team has tried multiple Optimum Nutrition flavors, and every one is ranked a 4 or 5 out of 5.

Boasting more than 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids in each serving, Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard gets our pick for the best protein powder for men with BCAAs. Along with a healthy dose of BCAAs, Optimum Nutrition has 24 grams of protein per serving. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive, costing close to $1 per scoop, especially if you buy it in larger containers.

RELATED: Does protein powder expire?

For those wondering, “Why on Earth would I buy a 73-serving bag of chocolate flavor protein powder,” there are two answers. Besides the lower per-serving cost, protein powder can last up to a year when stored in the right conditions (at room temperature in a cool, dry place).

In other words, you don’t have to worry about it going bad like you do with meat or eggs. That’s a win-win in our book and one of the many reasons Optimum Nutrition gets a 5 out of 5 on price.

Nicole Davis, GGR head of content and certified personal trainer, has tried multiple Optimum Nutrition flavors but said the Delicious Strawberry is one of her favorites.

“I wouldn’t have normally picked this flavor but my husband said this was his favorite protein back in the day and it didn’t disappoint. Even my kids liked it.” We can’t think of a better endorsement than that.   

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard uses artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and fillers among their other ingredients, so if you want natural ingredients, you may want to avoid it. They’re present in very small quantities, so it shouldn’t be much to worry about for most people. 

Check out our Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard review for our full thoughts about this protein powder.

Other Protein Powders for Men We Researched

Here’s a sneak peek at a few of the other protein powders we considered for this list, but ultimately decided against for various reasons. 

• Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder: Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder is a better fit for someone looking for a meal replacement protein powder—that is, a protein powder that’s a bit higher in carbohydrates and fats than your typical protein supplement that can be used as a meal replacement shake.
• Kaged Kasein: Another great casein protein powder, but we went with Legion Casein based on taste. Kaged Kasein also tasted good, just not as good as Legion.
• 1st Phorm Phormula 1: A delicious and macro-friendly protein powder, but not one we can recommend to most people since it costs $65 a container.
• Orgain Organic Grass-Fed Whey: A great choice if you’re looking for an organic protein powder, though it has more carbohydrates than we typically like in a protein powder. That’s not a bad thing, just something to be aware of when shopping for protein supplements.
• Sun Warrior Protein Warrior Blend: A lower-calorie protein powder that’s great for those trying to lose weight—it just wasn’t our favorite when it came to taste.
• Performix ioWHEY: Some of our testers loved Performix’s taste, while others said it fell a bit short. Ultimately, the lack of consensus kept it off this list.
• GNC Lean Shake Burn: A bit too pricey and not tasty enough, at least in our opinion.
• Ghost Whey Protein: Trendy and nostalgic flavors, but our expert product testers felt it was a bit too sweet and artificial-tasting.
• Now Sports Whey Protein Isolate: A decent unflavored protein powder, though we felt it had a more noticeable “whey” taste than Naked Whey.
• MuscleTech Iso Whey Clear: This “clear” protein comes in fruity flavors, rather than the traditional dessert-themed protein powders. While taste is subjective, our expert product testers weren’t in love with the flavor and felt there were too many “floaties” left over after mixing.
• Huge Supplements Whey Protein: Huge Whey protein has a bit more carbs and fats than we typically like to see in a protein powder, though it’s a great choice if your main fitness goal is building muscle mass.
• Cira Bright Whey Protein: A great choice for women—which is why we left it off this list.
• Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Whey: Some nostalgic flavor offerings, though there are better options at this price range.
• Earth Fed Muscle: Even though we like this clean protein powder, Earth Fed Muscle isn’t third-party tested, meaning it’s not ideal for athletes.
• Kaged Plantein: We just didn’t like the taste of this vegan protein powder.

Now do you believe me when I say we’ve tried literally dozens of protein powders? 

How We Picked and Tested the Best Protein Powder for Men

If you’re wondering how we were able to leave so many protein powders off our list, here’s an inside look at our criteria for the best protein powder for men: 

• Protein content: We wanted to make sure each choice had a good amount of protein.
• Overall calorie content: We looked at the total number of calories in each protein powder.
• Solubility: How well does this product dissolve in the suggested amount of liquid? Are there floaties? Is it grainy? Is it super thick or super thin? Does it separate after a few minutes?
• Digestibility: While this can be subjective, we made sure none of us experienced any major side effects from these protein supplements. 
• Protein source: Did the protein powder come from whey protein, egg white, collagen, casein protein, or plant-based proteins (i.e., pea protein, rice protein, chia seeds, or brown rice)?
• Amino acids: Did the protein powders contain all 12 essential amino acids needed for muscle growth, and were there any branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)?
• Price: Price per serving can range from $1.25 on the low end to upwards of $2 on the high end. A $1.90 per-serving cost would get it a 1-2, whereas a per-serving cost of $1.50 or less would get a 4-5.
• Flavor: Again, this is subjective, but we wouldn’t recommend anything we didn’t like or was universally panned in customer reviews.  
• Transparency and third-party testing: Since dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA, having an independent third-party lab verify that what’s on the label is what’s in the protein powder is super important, especially for athletes. Transparency also plays a part in this. Does the company provide COAs, not use proprietary blends, and generally seem very upfront about what’s used in their protein powder and why?

Benefits of Protein Powder for Men

Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider purchasing a protein powder: 

• Convenience: Which is quicker: Grilling and eating a steak or whipping up a quick protein shake? That’s right, the second one.
• Shelf-stable: If kept at room temperature and properly sealed, protein powders can last up to 18 months—much longer than eggs, meat, or other protein sources. 
• Supports muscle growth: Protein can help you maintain and build lean muscle mass.
• Supports weight loss: Because it’s the most satiating macronutrient, protein powder can also be used for those looking to lose body fat. 

Sources of Protein Powder

Protein powders come in a variety of ways and from a variety of high-protein foods. You can generally separate them into two camps: animal proteins and plant-based proteins. The main difference between these two is that animal proteins are complete proteins, which means they contain all nine essential amino acids we need in our diets. 

Plant-based proteins, on the other hand, are often incomplete proteins, meaning they lack at least one essential amino acid from their amino profile. Because of this, many plant-based protein powders are a blend of multiple plant proteins to create a more well-rounded profile.

Here’s a look at more of the different types of protein sourced from animals:

• Whey and casein: Whey and casein are derived from cow’s milk during the cheesemaking process. Whey starts as a liquid and is absorbed faster than the more solid casein.
• Egg white protein: Egg whites can make protein powder that’s high in essential amino acids and fat-free.
• Collagen: This type of powder is derived from animal connective tissues. It’s important to note that collagen protein powders typically are incomplete proteins.
• Beef protein: A rarer type of protein powder, this comes directly from beef.

Here are some plant-based protein powders:

• Soy protein
• Hemp protein
• Pea protein
• Brown rice protein
• Chia protein
• Pumpkin seed protein

Out of all these plant-based proteins, only one is a complete protein: soy protein.

What to Look For in Protein Powder for Men

Here’s how to determine the best protein powder for your needs:

• Protein content: Find a protein powder that fits your macronutrient goals. 
• Digestibility: If you’re lactose intolerant, you’ll either want a dairy-free protein powder or one that primarily contains whey protein isolate. 
• Amino acids: Make sure it contains all 12 essential amino acids.
• Price: Find one that fits your budget. 
• Flavor: Make sure you like the taste. 

RELATED: Best Protein Chips

FAQs About Protein Powder for Men

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

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2. Paddon-Jones D, Westman E, Mattes RD, Wolfe RR, Astrup A, Westerterp-Plantenga M. Protein, weight management, and satiety. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 May;87(5):1558S-1561S. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/87.5.1558S. PMID: 18469287.
3. Archer, S. C., Mc Coy, F., Wapenaar, W., & Green, M. J. (2013). Association of season and herd size with somatic cell count for cows in Irish, English, and Welsh dairy herds. In The Veterinary Journal (Vol. 196, Issue 3, pp. 515–521). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.12.004
4. van Vliet, S., Provenza, F. D., & Kronberg, S. L. (2021). Health-Promoting Phytonutrients Are Higher in Grass-Fed Meat and Milk. In Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (Vol. 4). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.555426
5. Bredella MA. Sex Differences in Body Composition. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2017;1043:9-27. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-70178-3_2
6. Kostiuchenko O, Kravchenko N, Markus J, Burleigh S, Fedkiv O, Cao L, Letasiova S, Skibo G, Fåk Hållenius F, Prykhodko O. Effects of Proteases from Pineapple and Papaya on Protein Digestive Capacity and Gut Microbiota in Healthy C57BL/6 Mice and Dose-Manner Response on Mucosal Permeability in Human Reconstructed Intestinal 3D Tissue Model. Metabolites. 2022 Oct 26;12(11):1027. doi: 10.3390/metabo12111027. PMID: 36355110; PMCID: PMC9696696.
7. Design and Operation of Farm Dairies, New Zealand Government
8. María Remes Troche J, Coss Adame E, Ángel Valdovinos Díaz M, Gómez Escudero O, Eugenia Icaza Chávez M, Antonio Chávez-Barrera J, Zárate Mondragón F, Antonio Ruíz Velarde Velasco J, Rafael Aceves Tavares G, Antonio Lira Pedrín M, Cerda Contreras E, Carmona Sánchez RI, Guerra López H, Solana Ortiz R. Lactobacillus acidophilus LB: a useful pharmabiotic for the treatment of digestive disorders. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2020 Nov 24;13:1756284820971201. doi: 10.1177/1756284820971201. PMID: 33281937; PMCID: PMC7692339.
9. Churchward-Venne TA, Snijders T, Linkens AM, Hamer HM, van Kranenburg J, van Loon LJ. Ingestion of Casein in a Milk Matrix Modulates Dietary Protein Digestion and Absorption Kinetics but Does Not Modulate Postprandial Muscle Protein Synthesis in Older Men. J Nutr. 2015 Jul;145(7):1438-45. doi: 10.3945/jn.115.213710. Epub 2015 May 27. PMID: 26019248.
10. Benbrook, C. M., Davis, D. R., Heins, B. J., Latif, M. A., Leifert, C., Peterman, L., Butler, G., Faergeman, O., Abel-Caines, S., & Baranski, M. (2018). Enhancing the fatty acid profile of milk through forage-based rations, with nutrition modeling of diet outcomes. In Food Science & Nutrition (Vol. 6, Issue 3, pp. 681–700). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.610
11. Khalesi S, Bellissimo N, Vandelanotte C, Williams S, Stanley D, Irwin C. A review of probiotic supplementation in healthy adults: helpful or hype?Eur J Clin Nutr. 2019 Jan;73(1):24-37. doi: 10.1038/s41430-018-0135-9. Epub 2018 Mar 26. PMID: 29581563.

Anthony O'Reilly, CPT, CNC

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

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