Best Muscle-building Protein Powders

Protein powders can assist with peopling assemble muscle. Having the powder when an exercise might assist with speeding recuperation from opposition and intense exercise.

In 2022, the protein powder market was worth $21.6 billion. The market may grow even more by 2032 due to the increasing amounts of people following a vegan diet.


A small 2018 study found that protein powder increased muscle strength and size in healthy adults doing regular resistance training. Additionally, a 2021 studyTrusted Source with competitive soccer players indicates that increasing daily protein intake can help reduce deterioration during intensive training.

Best for a range of flavors: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

  • Price: from around $44.99
  • Protein source: whey protein isolate
  • Available flavors: 12

Optimum Nutrition specializes in protein supplements. The Gold Standard 100% Whey protein powder is one of its best-selling products.

This product’s main ingredient is whey protein isolate. Because this powder also contains whey protein concentrate, there are 24 grams (g) of protein in a single serving.

People can easily mix the powder with liquid with a shaker or spoon. The company recommends mixing 1 scoop into 6–8 ounces (oz) of cold water or milk.

Best whey protein powder: Momentous Essential Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate

  • Price: from around $53
  • Protein source: grass-fed animal whey protein
  • Available flavors: 2

This grass-fed whey protein powder from Momentous is gluten-free and National Sanitation Foundation certified for sport. This means it is safe for athletes to take.

The company claims it adds enzymes to aid digestion, and people can add it to milk, water, or smoothies.

Each pack contains 24 servings. Each serving offers 23.27 g of grass-fed protein alongside other essential nutrients, such as calcium, sodium, and potassium.

Best for vegetarians: TrueNutrition RBGH/Soy Free Whey Protein Isolate

  • Price: around $21
  • Protein source: whey protein without soy or recombinant bovine growth hormone
  • Available flavors: 34

TrueNutrition specializes in nutritional supplements. The company offers its customers the opportunity to create a personal protein supplement.

The RBGH/Soy Free Whey Protein powder is among its most highly reviewed powders.

TrueNutrition recommends mixing 1 scoop in 12–24 fl oz of water, juice, or milk.

When to contact a doctor

People do not generally need to contact a healthcare professional before consuming protein powders.

However, if a protein powder contains caffeine, a person may wish to contact a healthcare professional for advice. For instance, people who are pregnant should limit their caffeine intake. It may also be unsuitable for individuals with certain health conditions.

People should immediately discontinue using protein powder if they have an allergic reaction to one or more ingredients. If a person experiences an allergic reaction, they should seek immediate medical attention.

FAQ’s About Muscle-building Protein Powders

Here, we answer some common questions about protein powders.

Is protein powder good for burning fat?

ResearchTrusted Source suggests that while whey protein can improve nitrogen excretion in people with obesity or overweight, there is no significant improvement in body composition or fat percentage.

People may find better fat loss results if they eat a balanced, nutritious diet alongside regular exercise.

Can you use protein powder as a meal replacement?

Protein powders generally do not contain the nutrients a person would otherwise consume in a balanced diet. People should not use protein powders as meal replacements.

Do you need to exercise while using protein powder to build muscle?

Protein powders do not build muscles by themselves. A person will need to exercise the muscles they wish to build.