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Top 10 Best Protein Powders for Muscle Gain

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedFebruary 29, 2024

Protein powder is a popular supplement used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to increase muscle mass and aid in recovery. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best protein powder for muscle gain.

Whey protein is the most common type of protein powder and is derived from milk. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids, and is quickly absorbed by the body. Casein protein is another milk-derived protein powder that is slower to digest, making it a good option for prolonged muscle recovery.

Other popular protein powders include soy, pea, and hemp protein. These plant-based options are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and can provide similar benefits to whey protein.

When choosing a protein powder for muscle gain, it is essential to consider factors such as the protein content per serving, the type of protein, and any additional ingredients such as sweeteners or fillers.

We have researched and tested various protein powders to identify the best options for muscle gain. Our top pick is Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein, offers a potent tool for muscle gain enthusiasts, leveraging its unique tri-protein blend for sustained muscle nourishment and comprehensive recovery support. For our second pick we have Whey Isolated Protein by PrimeGenix. It has unparalleled potential to ignite muscle growth and recovery through premium whey isolates, despite its slightly higher cost. Our third pick is Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder, which is packed with high calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to help you build muscle mass and recover faster.

Best Protein Powders for Muscle Gain

If you're looking to build muscle, protein powder can be a great addition to your diet. Not all protein powders are created equal, however. Some are better suited for muscle gain than others. In this roundup, we've compiled a list of the best protein powders for muscle gain to help you make an informed decision.

Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein

The Editor's Choice

Experience the ultimate muscle gain with CrazyNutrition Tri-Protein. Uniting premium whey, casein, and egg white sources, its potent amino acid mix fuels recovery and growth.

Order Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein Now!

CrazyNutrition Tri-Protein stands out as an exceptional choice for individuals focused on maximizing muscle gain. This advanced protein powder formula combines the benefits of three high-quality protein sources – whey, casein, and egg white – to provide a comprehensive amino acid profile that supports muscle recovery and growth. Its unique blend ensures a sustained release of protein, making it ideal for both pre and post-workout consumption. With CrazyNutrition Tri-Protein, users can experience a significant enhancement in their muscle-building journey.

Pros

  • The combination of whey, casein, and egg white proteins offers a diverse array of amino acids, enabling continuous muscle nourishment and repair.
  • Tri-Protein's balanced absorption rate provides a prolonged supply of amino acids, preventing muscle breakdown and promoting muscle synthesis over extended periods.
  • With its rich amino acid profile, the powder aids in reducing muscle soreness and enhancing recovery post-exercise.

Cons

  • Individuals with egg allergies need to avoid this product due to its egg white protein content.
  • Tri-Protein contains certain artificial flavors and sweeteners, which might not align with preferences for all-natural products.
  • Pricey.
Order Whey Isolated Protein Now!

PrimeGenix's Whey Isolated Protein stands as an epitome of excellence, securing its position as the second best protein powder for muscle gain. With each scoop, it delivers a symphony of microfiltered whey isolates meticulously crafted to amplify muscle synthesis and expedite recovery. This nutritional powerhouse transcends the ordinary, boasting an ultra-refined formula that ensures maximum protein concentration while minimizing carbohydrates and fats. Whether you're a dedicated athlete striving for peak performance or a fitness enthusiast sculpting your ideal physique, PrimeGenix's Whey Isolated Protein tantalizingly beckons with its promise of unparalleled results, cementing its status as an indispensable asset on the journey to realizing muscle-bound aspirations.

Pros

  • Fosters rapid muscle growth and repair due to its high-quality whey isolates.
  • With minimal carbs and fats, it offers a protein-packed punch without unnecessary additives.
  • Its quick digestion ensures a timely influx of essential amino acids, enhancing recovery post-workout.
  • Ideal for pre/post-workout shakes or as a protein-rich ingredient in recipes for added dietary flexibility.

Cons

  • It is pricey
  • Whey protein may trigger allergies in some individuals, leading to digestive discomfort.
  • Whey isolate may still contain trace amounts of lactose, posing issues for lactose-intolerant users.
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If you want to gain strength and size quickly, then you should consider purchasing Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder. It's packed with high calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to help you build muscle mass and recover faster.

Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder has been a fantastic addition to my diet. I have been using it for a few weeks now, and I have noticed a significant improvement in my muscle mass and strength. The product mixes easily and tastes delicious, especially the Gourmet Vanilla flavor.

If you are looking for a high-calorie protein powder to help you gain muscle mass quickly, then Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder is an excellent choice. However, you should keep in mind that this product is not suitable for everyone, and you should consult with your doctor or nutritionist before using it.

Pros

  • It contains 10.7 grams of BCAAs, including 5.1g Leucine, to help activate Muscle Protein Synthesis.
  • It has 1310 calories and 245g carbs per serving to help even the hardest gainers pack on mass.
  • It has 52 grams of protein per serving (a blend of fast, medium, and slow digesting proteins) for muscle support.

Cons

  • Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of the product.
  • It is not suitable for most casual lifters or people in general due to its enormous serving size.
  • The taste can be a little too “strong” for some people.
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This protein powder is a great option for those looking to gain muscle and improve workout recovery.

Overall, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder is a high-quality product that delivers results. The protein content is impressive and the amino acid profile is beneficial for muscle recovery. While the flavor may not be to everyone's taste, the versatility of the product makes it a great option for any time of day. If you're willing to invest a bit more in a quality protein powder, this product is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • Contains 24g of protein per serving to help build and maintain muscle when taken over time with regular resistance training.
  • Includes 5.5g of naturally occurring branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and 11g of naturally occurring essential amino acids (EAAs) per serving to support muscle recovery.
  • Can be taken anytime – great before or after exercise, between meals, with a meal, or any time of day when you need extra protein.

Cons

  • Some users may not enjoy the French Vanilla Creme flavor.
  • The powder may not mix well with certain liquids.
  • The price point may be higher than other protein powders on the market.
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This protein powder is a great choice for those looking to gain muscle mass and boost their daily caloric intake.

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder is a high-calorie weight gainer that provides 1,250 calories per 2-scoop serving. It also contains 50 grams of blended protein and over 250g of carbohydrates per serving, making it a great choice for those looking to increase their daily caloric intake and build muscle mass.

One of the benefits of this protein powder is its versatility. You can add fresh or frozen fruits, peanut butter, nuts, and other calorie-dense foods to boost your weight gain potential. It also includes 22 vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc, to provide immune support.

However, the packaging may vary, and exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting or damage of the product. Additionally, it may be clumpy when mixed, which can be a downside for some users.

Overall, Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder is a great choice for those looking to increase their daily caloric intake and build muscle mass.

Pros

  • Provides 1,250 calories per 2-scoop serving
  • Contains 50 grams of blended protein per serving
  • Includes over 250g of carbohydrates per serving

Cons

  • Packaging may vary
  • Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product
  • May be clumpy when mixed
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If you're looking for a protein powder that is packed with nutrients and helps you rebuild lean muscle faster, then Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder is worth considering.

I have personally used Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder and found it to be an effective post-workout supplement that helped me rebuild lean muscle faster. The 60 grams of protein and 12 grams of BCAAs per two scoop serving provided my body with the nutrients it needed to recover after a hard workout. Additionally, the vitamins C & D plus zinc helped support my immune system, which is especially important during cold and flu season.

While the Strawberry flavor was not my personal favorite, I found it to be quite delicious and enjoyable to drink. However, those with dietary restrictions may need to seek out other protein powders that meet their needs. Additionally, I did notice that the powder did not always mix well with certain liquids, which could be a potential drawback for some users.

Overall, I would recommend Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder to anyone looking for a high-quality protein supplement that helps support muscle recovery and immune function.

Pros

  • Provides 60 grams of protein and 12 grams of BCAAs per two scoop serving, making it great for post-workout muscle recovery.
  • Contains vitamins C & D plus zinc, which help support your immune system.
  • Deliciously sweet Strawberry flavor.

Cons

  • Contains no aspartame and no gluten but may not be suitable for those with other dietary restrictions.
  • Some users may prefer a different flavor.
  • May not mix well with some liquids.
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MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Whey Protein Powder is an excellent choice for those who want to gain lean muscle and increase strength. This protein powder is packed with essential nutrients that help build muscle, improve performance, and enhance recovery.

MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Whey Protein Powder is an excellent choice for anyone looking to gain muscle and improve their performance. This protein powder is designed to help build lean muscle, increase strength, and enhance recovery. With 5g of glutamine & precursor, 6.8g of BCAA, and 3g of creatine monohydrate, this protein powder provides the essential nutrients needed to support muscle growth and recovery.

One of the best things about MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Whey Protein Powder is that it absorbs fast and digests easily. This means that you can recover faster, build more lean muscle, and get better results from your training sessions.

However, some people may experience digestive issues when using this protein powder. Additionally, MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Whey Protein Powder contains artificial flavors and sweeteners, which may be a concern for some people. Finally, this protein powder contains soy and milk ingredients, which may be a concern for those with allergies.

Overall, MuscleTech Nitro-Tech Whey Protein Powder is an excellent choice for anyone looking to gain muscle and improve their performance. With its powerful formula and essential nutrients, this protein powder can help you achieve your fitness goals.

Pros

  • The most powerful protein formula ever developed.
  • Contains 5g of glutamine & precursor, 6.8g of BCAA, and 3g of creatine monohydrate.
  • Absorbs fast and digests easily.

Cons

  • May cause digestive issues in some people.
  • Contains artificial flavors and sweeteners.
  • Contains soy and milk ingredients.
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If you are looking for a protein powder that is easy on the stomach, gluten-free, and has a great fruity pebbles flavor, then Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder is the perfect partner for your muscle gain goals.

Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder is a great choice for those who are looking for a fast-absorbing and easy-digesting protein powder. It is perfect for post-workout recovery and muscle gain goals. The fruity pebbles flavor is a plus, making it enjoyable to drink.

The protein powder is scientifically formulated with fast-digesting hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, which makes it easy on the stomach. It contains 25 grams of protein, including 5.5 grams of BCAAs and 2.6 grams of Leucine per serving, making it an excellent choice for muscle gain goals. It also has zero grams of fat and less than 1 gram of sugar per serving, making it a healthy option.

However, the protein powder does contain sweeteners like sucralose and steviol glycosides, which may not be suitable for some people. It may also not mix well with some liquids, which can be frustrating. Lastly, it is slightly expensive compared to other protein powders in the market.

Overall, Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder is a great choice for those who are looking for a fast-absorbing, easy-digesting, and tasty protein powder for muscle gain goals.

Pros

  • Scientifically formulated with fast-digesting hydrolyzed whey protein isolate
  • Contains 25 grams of protein, including 5.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and 2.6 grams of Leucine per serving
  • Zero grams of fat and less than 1 gram of sugar per serving

Cons

  • Contains sweeteners like sucralose and steviol glycosides
  • May not mix well with some liquids
  • Slightly expensive compared to other protein powders
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If you're looking for a delicious protein powder that tastes like a treat, GHOST Whey Protein Powder, Chips Ahoy! is worth considering.

If you're looking for a protein powder that tastes like a dessert, GHOST Whey Protein Powder, Chips Ahoy! is a great option. The combination of whey protein and real cookie pieces creates a unique and delicious flavor that is hard to resist. Plus, the transparent label ensures that you know exactly what you're putting into your body.

One downside to this protein powder is that some may find the flavor to be too sweet or artificial. Additionally, the inclusion of cookie pieces means that the carb content is slightly higher than some other protein powders. Finally, the price point may be higher than other options on the market.

Overall, if you're looking for a versatile and delicious protein powder that can be used in a variety of ways, GHOST Whey Protein Powder, Chips Ahoy! is definitely worth trying.

Pros

  • The combination of whey protein and real Chips Ahoy! cookie pieces makes for a delicious and unique flavor.
  • The transparent label allows you to know exactly what you're getting in each scoop.
  • The versatile powder can be used in shakes, smoothies, baking, and cooking.

Cons

  • Some may find the flavor too sweet or artificial.
  • The inclusion of cookie pieces means the powder has a slightly higher carb content than some other protein powders.
  • The price point may be higher than other protein powders on the market.
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If you are looking for a protein powder that can help you gain muscle and size, MuscleTech Mass Gainer Protein Powder is a great option to consider.

MuscleTech Mass Gainer Protein Powder is specially formulated for performance athletes looking to increase their dietary protein, carbohydrates, and overall calorie intake. It is packed with high-quality protein and mass-producing calories, plus muscle builder creatine monohydrate, a proven anabolic driver for faster mass and strength gains. With this superior formula, you'll reach muscle-building milestones more efficiently.

One of the best things about MuscleTech Mass Gainer Protein Powder is that it only uses pure HPLC-tested creatine. Scientific studies have shown that it helps replenish ATP stores in the body for enhanced performance, more muscle, and strength. The high-quality protein and easily digestible carbs can deliver 1,500 clean calories when mixed with 2 cups of skim milk.

While some users may not like the flavor of this protein powder, others find it to be delicious. However, it is important to note that exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting or damage of the product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery.

Overall, MuscleTech Mass Gainer Protein Powder is a great option for those looking to bulk up, pack on muscle, smash through strength plateaus, and make the kind of mass gains they've never experienced before.

Pros

  • Provides high-quality protein and mass-producing calories
  • Contains creatine monohydrate, a proven anabolic driver for faster mass and strength gains
  • Easily digestible carbs can deliver 1,500 clean calories when mixed with 2 cups of skim milk

Cons

  • Product may melt or get damaged if exposed to heat or sunlight
  • Flavor may not be appealing to some users
  • May not work for everyone
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If you're looking for a protein powder that can help you build muscle and recover after a workout, Muscle Milk Pro Series Protein Powder Supplement is a great choice.

Muscle Milk Pro Series Protein Powder Supplement is a great way to get the protein your body needs to build muscle and recover after a workout. The powder is easy to mix and versatile, so you can add it to water, smoothies, or even oatmeal for a protein boost. Plus, it contains 20 vitamins and minerals to help support overall health.

However, some users may find the taste too sweet, and the powder contains artificial sweeteners and flavors that may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, some individuals may experience bloating or digestive discomfort after consuming the powder.

Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality protein powder to help support your fitness goals, Muscle Milk Pro Series Protein Powder Supplement is a great choice.

Pros

  • High-quality protein to support post-workout recovery and muscle growth
  • Easy-to-mix and versatile
  • Contains 20 vitamins and minerals to help support overall health

Cons

  • Some users may find the taste too sweet
  • May cause bloating or digestive discomfort in some individuals
  • Contains artificial sweeteners and flavors

Buying Guide

When looking for the best protein powder for muscle gain, there are a few key factors to consider before making a purchase. Here are some features to look for:

1. Protein Content

The protein content of the powder is one of the most important factors to consider. Look for a powder with a high percentage of protein per serving. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 20 grams of protein per serving.

2. Amino Acid Profile

The amino acid profile of the protein powder is also important. Look for a powder that contains all of the essential amino acids, as these are the building blocks of muscle. Some powders may also contain added branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which can help with muscle recovery.

3. Ingredients

It's important to read the ingredient list carefully. Look for a powder that uses high-quality protein sources, such as whey, casein, or soy. Avoid powders that contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other unnecessary additives.

4. Price

Protein powders can vary greatly in price. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that higher-quality powders may be more expensive. Look for a powder that fits within your budget while still meeting your protein needs.

5. Digestibility

Some people may have trouble digesting certain types of protein. If you have a sensitive stomach, look for a powder that is easy to digest, such as whey protein isolate.

6. Certification

Look for a protein powder that has been certified by a third-party organization, such as NSF International or Informed-Sport. This ensures that the powder has been tested for purity and quality.

By considering these factors, you can find the best protein powder for your muscle gain goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the #1 protein for muscle gain?

The #1 protein for muscle gain is Crazy Nutrition Tri-Protein. It contains all the essential amino acids needed to build and repair muscle tissue. Whey protein is also easily digested and absorbed by the body, making it an ideal post-workout protein source.

2. What is the best protein to get shredded?

The best protein to get shredded is a protein blend that includes whey protein isolate, casein protein, and egg protein. This combination provides a sustained release of amino acids, which can help preserve muscle mass while promoting fat loss.

3. Can you build muscle with protein powder?

Yes, you can build muscle with protein powder. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, and protein powder provides a convenient and easy way to meet your daily protein needs.

4. What is the best protein powder to gain muscle?

The best protein powder to gain muscle is a whey protein isolate. It is a high-quality protein source that is easily absorbed by the body and contains all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair.

5. Which is the best whey protein for muscle gain

The best whey protein for muscle gain is a whey protein isolate. It is a pure form of whey protein that contains a high percentage of protein per serving and is easily absorbed by the body.

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