8 Great Brands of Protein Powder

Ambika Taylor May 25, 2022 General Comments Off on 8 Great Brands of Protein Powder 162 Views

In the wide world of supplements, it’s hard to think of one more universal than protein powder. These products vary widely in terms of ingredients, amino profiles, and special characteristics that fit different dietary needs and requirements.

With regard to use cases, protein powder is exceptionally versatile as well – it’s not only about packing on muscle. People use it to stay satiated during weight loss, to regain strength after injury, or just as a quick and easy meal on the go.

That’s why you should never just blindly pick a protein powder, and why a bit more research is key to getting the optimal product for you. Here are eight great brands of protein powder to start your journey and advance your fitness goals.

Table of Contents

1. Orgain Organic Protein

A truly organic protein powder is hard to find, let alone at a good price and with tasty flavors. These factors come together to earn Orgain the top spot on our list, with delicious, affordable, plant-based protein powder that is 100% USDA-certified organic.

Not only has Orgain mastered the art of flavor, but they’ve also set the bar high for service and savings with a subscription model (free shipping) and great discounts.

It’s hard to overtake Orgain in terms of pure quality, cost-effectiveness, and the undeniable appeal of the brand overall.

2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey

Optimum rose to the top of the protein scene in the 2000s with some aggressive marketing, but has the quality held up over the years? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.

Their “gold standard” whey may be tasty and deliver good nutrition, but it’s not for everyone (vegans, for instance), and it’s not organic. There have also been question marks about quality control through the years, so be careful where you buy these products.

3. Huel Complete Protein Powder

We give credit to Huel for achieving a plant-based protein powder that checks all the boxes for sustainability, complete nutrition, and great flavors. Banana pudding and strawberry shortcake? Yes, please!

There’s no denying the quality of Huel’s product, but convenience and cost issues hold it back from being the best. It’s a pricey product with a 2-tub minimum, but you get what you pay for.

4. Bob’s Red Mill Almond Protein Powder

In terms of versatility and baking ability, Bob’s Red Mill holds it down with this exceptional almond protein. There’s nothing artificial about this product whatsoever – no sweeteners, colors, or preservatives.

The downside here is the “mixability” of the powder in a typical protein shake, and those clumps leave something to be desired.

5. Ladder Whey Protein Isolate

If you like supporting small brands with big ambitions, check out Ladder. Co-founded by Arnold himself, it’s easy to see why this company is getting some buzz.

The reviews for Ladder’s protein are glowing, and we like the inclusion of tart cherry for additional recovery.

When you run the numbers, however, this is a costly product. If whey protein is your preference and you have the extra cash, this company is worth a look, even if there are only two flavors to choose from.

6. Vega Sport Vegan Protein Powder

Hats off to any company making a vegan protein powder, especially one designed for high-performance athletes. Vega does a great job with this product, drawing from sources like pea, pumpkin, alfalfa sprouts, and more.

You even get a good dose of probiotics and BCAAs from one scoop of Vega, but you’ll pay the price upfront with a hefty cost. We’d also like to see an organic version of the product, which has yet to be released.

7. Garden of Life Sport Plant-Based Protein

Finally, there’s another great organic protein powder on the market from Garden of Life. This powder is renowned for its complete nutrient profile and a favorite among vegans, with sources like navy beans, lentils, and cranberry seeds.

Unfortunately, not everyone will digest these protein types so easily, so it’s hit or miss depending on your body’s natural preferences. The flavors are also less than impressive, and some reviews point out a bitter aftertaste.

8. Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Powder

BSN has mastered its branding and compels bodybuilding newcomers to buy this “ultra-premium protein matrix” in huge volumes each year.

But all hype aside, this is truly a unique and interesting protein product, combining various types of whey isolate, concentrate, casein, and more – all in one. Reviewers also rave about the flavors and the silky consistency, which is always a plus for daily enjoyment.

Just beware that this is far from a natural product – synthetic is right in the name! But if you’re okay with a lab-made product through and through, check this one out.