The 6 Best Protein Powders for Men of 2020, According to Dietitians

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is packed with 24 grams of whey protein and four grams of glutamine and glutamic acid, which is essential for immune function and optimal intestinal lining functionality. It also contains 5.5 grams of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), which are a group of three essential amino acids, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Optimum Nutrition also states that they perform daily quality assurance inspections to ensure Good Manufacturing Practices and maintains their NSF certification for sport. This means products are held to the highest industry standards as MLB, NHL and CFL clubs are only permitted to recommend products with an NSF certification.

It’s not just the low calories that make Legion’s Whey + Whey Isolate Protein one of the best low-calorie protein powders for men. It’s also where the protein comes from—Legion only uses protein from 100% grass-fed cows. Plus, it’s high in protein, gluten-free, and low in carbohydrates, which makes this a great protein powder for anyone following a keto-style diet. Using Legion’s protein powder after a workout can help to build and preserve lean body mass. 

There’s a good reason Naked Whey is our pick for the best whey protein powder: It’s 100% grass-fed pure whey protein with zero additives. In other words, it’s free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. Plus, it’s free of GMOs, growth hormones, and gluten.

Each serving contains 25 grams of whey protein and 5.9 grams of BCAAs. Naked Whey goes through Informed Choice testing, a quality assurance program for sports nutrition products, suppliers to the sports nutrition industry, and supplement manufacturing facilities. Naked Whey also claims not to use acid or bleach in their processing. 

When vegan protein powders use a combination of plant protein sources, the overall nutritive value increases because each plant has its own unique nutrient profile. Sunwarrior Protein Powder features fermented pea, goji berry, and hemp protein. Pea protein is known for its high branch chain amino acid (BCAA) profile, goji berries are full of antioxidants, and hemp seeds supply a nice dose of the brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. This protein powder is also organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free. 

Preserving the integrity of musculature by consuming adequate protein throughout life is critical for maintaining movement while we age. Adequate fiber intake is also important for maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal system as well as aiding in satiety.

One serving of this organic, plant-based protein powder contains 26 grams of protein and 20% of the daily recommended intake of fiber. Sprout Living’s Epic Protein powder also contains cranberry seed, which adds a nutrition boost by providing antioxidants and polyphenols to support cognition, mood, and a healthy urinary tract. 

Combining organic pea, pumpkin, hemp, and sunflower, Nutiva’s Plant Protein Superfood is an excellent complete source of plant-based protein. Gluten-free, certified organic, and non-GMO, this powder is also free of Stevia, which has been shown to cause mild gastrointestinal distress.

For a bonus, Nutiva includes digestive enzymes such as papain and bromelain from papaya and pineapple, which helps ease digestion. Plus, unlike many other protein powders, Nutiva also has fiber. Diets high in fiber have been associated with lowering cholesterol levels, preventing and treating constipation, and even reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.