Nutrition Products Protein Powders The 10 Best Whey Protein Powders for Men of 2023, According to a Dietitian Garden of Life Sport Whey Protein Powder is grass-fed and third-party tested By Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT Facebook Twitter Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT is a New York City-based telehealth registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications expert. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 22, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Willow Jarosh, MS, RD Medically reviewed by Willow Jarosh, MS, RD Willow Jarosh is a registered dietitian and nutrition coach specializing in intuitive eating. 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Verywell Fit / Marcus Millan Whey protein can be a great option to include in your routine if you have higher protein needs. It has research-backed benefits for building muscle and promoting muscle recovery after exercise. “Whey protein is a fast-digesting protein that comes from milk. Because of its digestibility it is a popular protein source for protein supplements,” says Manny Prieto, RDN, CSCS, Director of Personal Training and Nutrition. Whey is great for helping to build muscle because it is high in leucine, the primary amino acid involved in muscle protein synthesis, and is a good source of other branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) needed for muscles. These attributes make whey an ideal choice for those who want to aid muscle recovery and spark muscle growth after a workout. Primarily, people who are strength training and trying to increase or maintain muscle mass have the highest protein needs. Protein should mainly come from whole foods, but whey protein powder can be an excellent way to add extra protein to your diet if you struggle to meet your daily protein needs. For our top picks for best whey protein powders for men, we looked at the third-party testing, amount of protein, ingredient quality, nutritional information, type (isolate or concentrate), and taste. Protein powders often contain additional ingredients like vitamins, minerals and enzymes that may interact with certain medications. Whey protein specifically can reduce reduce effectiveness of some antibiotics and medications for Parkinson’s disease. Also, those with Kidney disease, following a low-protein diet, may not benefit from a protein powder. Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs, and to find out what dosage to take. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Vanilla at Amazon Jump to Review Best High Protein: ProMix Whey Protein Isolate at Amazon Jump to Review Best Naturally Flavored: Naked Whey Chocolate Protein Powder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Organic: Natural Force Organic Whey Protein Powder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Unflavored: NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powder at Amazon Jump to Review Best With Collagen: Vital Performance Lactose-Free Protein Powder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Low Sugar: BioSteel Whey Protein Powder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lactose Free: LEGION Whey+ Isolate Protein Powder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Muscle Feast Whey Protein Concentrate Powder at Amazon Jump to Review Best Whey Blend: Dymatize Elite 100% Whey at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks Is Whey Protein Beneficial for Men? Men Who May Not Benefit from Whey Protein How We Select Supplements What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Garden of Life SPORT Grass Fed Whey Vanilla Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On IHerb Pros Informed Choice certified and NSF Certified for Sport Certified grass-fed No added sugar Cons Not all may want or need the added probiotic Garden of Life Sport Whey Protein Powder checks a lot of boxes for making our overall best pick. It is Non-GMO Project Verified, free from added hormones, antibiotics, or added sugars. A serving provides 24 grams of high-quality whey protein, and it is available in both chocolate and vanilla flavors. The sweet flavor comes from erythritol and stevia, so there is no added sugar. However, not all may like the taste stevia and erythritol has. We like that this whey protein is third-party certified by Informed Choice and NSF Certified for Sport making it an excellent choice for athletes. The whey is sourced from pasture-raised, certified grass-fed cows, and the whey is cold-processed and micro-filtered. Micro-filtering is a step manufacturers can take to help remove any carbohydrates (lactose) or fat from whey protein to make a purer form of whey protein in a supplement. Cold pressed whey is considered a superior way to manufacture whey protein, as it may help increase the absorption and nutritional value compared to whey that is made with high heat processing. Each serving contains 24 grams of protein, including 4.7 grams of BCAAs. Note this protein has organic tapioca fiber added which helps provide 4 grams of fiber per serving. A probiotic is also added, but not everyone may want or need this addition. Price at time of publication: $40 ($1.99 per serving) Form of protein: Whey Protein Isolate | Service size: 1 scoop (32g) | Calories: 120 | Protein: 24g | Sugars: 0g | Fat: 0g | Sweetener: Erythritol and Stevia Best High Protein ProMix Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate ProMix View On Amazon View On Promixnutrition.com Pros Provides 30 grams of protein Third-party tested From grass-fed cows Cons Contains six grams of sugar ProMix Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate is our top pick for men needing a high protein whey protein isolate supplement. The protein is sourced from grass-fed cows, and the product is free of gluten, soy, GMOs, hormones, antibiotics, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, stevia, gums, fillers, and bleach. This high-protein whey powder has 30 grams of protein per serving, including 6.6 grams of BCAAs, and 14.2 grams of essential amino acids making it the highest protein option on the list. Promix cold presses and microfilters their whey protein to less than 1 gram of lactose, making it much easier to digest for people with lactose intolerance. Some may like that this product uses coconut sugar, a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. However, each serving does provide six grams of sugar. Along with 30 grams of protein, it contains seven grams of carbs, six grams of sugar, 0.5 grams of fat, and 150 calories. We like that this protein powder is third-party tested for heavy metals, allergens, contaminants, and you can look up each lot number for testing results. Besides vanilla, this whey protein is offered in unflavored and chocolate flavors. Price at time of publication: $57 ($1.90 per serving) Form of protein: Whey Protein Isolate | Service size: 2 scoops (38g) | Calories: 150 | Protein: 30g | Sugars: 6g | Fat: 0.5g | Sweetener: none (unflavored) or coconut sugar (flavored options) Best Naturally Flavored Naked Whey Chocolate Protein Powder Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nakednutrition.com Pros Informed Choice certified Three ingredients No artificial sweeteners or flavors Sourced from grass fed cows Cons May not be sweet enough for all Naked Whey is a high-quality whey protein product with simple ingredients, no artificial ingredients, and a reasonable price tag. All flavors have 100 percent grass-fed whey protein concentrate that is cold pressed and sourced from grass-fed cows on small dairy farms in California and Idaho. Whether chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or unflavored, this protein powder does not contain any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors. Naked Whey prides itself on keeping ingredients to a minimum. For example, the strawberry flavor only has whey protein concentrate, organic coconut sugar, and organic dried strawberries as ingredients. The chocolate flavor only has whey protein concentrate, organic coconut sugar, and organic cocoa powder. Because of the simple ingredients, it may not be as sweet as other protein powders which some may or may not appreciate. This protein powder is GMO-free, soy-free, and certified gluten-free. A serving of the chocolate flavor provides 25 grams of protein, five grams of sugar, and six grams of BCAAs per serving. Naked Whey also has the Informed-Choice certification which means it does not contain banned substances for athletes. Naked Nutrition also does third-party testing to ensure their products have safe levels of heavy metals. Price at time of publication: $24 ($1.60 per serving) Form of protein: Whey protein concentrate | Service size: 2 scoops (37g) | Calories: 160 | Protein: 25g | Sugar: 5g | Fat: 3g | Sweetener: Organic coconut sugar Best Organic Natural Force Grass Fed Organic Whey Protein Powder Amazon View On Amazon View On Naturalforce.com Pros USDA Certified Organic Third-party tested One ingredient Cons Slightly lower in protein compared to others More expensive For men wanting a whey protein that is certified organic, we recommend Natural Force Organic Whey Protein. The unflavored version has just one ingredient—organic whey protein concentrate, and the vanilla and chocolate flavors only have three ingredients. For example, the vanilla flavor only has organic whey protein concentrate, organic vanilla flavor, and organic monk fruit powder. Their whey is sourced from grass-fed cows from family-owned farms in California, and Natural Force prides itself on sourcing only humanely treated cows. Each one scoop serving provides 110 calories, 20 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of sugar. Note the 20 grams of protein per serving is slightly lower than most of our other picks. Besides being USDA-Organic, this protein powder is also Non-GMO Project Certified, gluten-free, and soy-free. Natural Force states every batch of protein powder is third-party tested for ingredient amounts, heavy metals, and free of microbial contamination. Certificate of Analysis for each batch of protein powder is listed on their website. Price at time of publication: $40 ($2.30 per serving) Form of protein: Whey Protein Concentrate | Service size: 1 scoop (26g) | Calories: 100 | Protein: 20g | Sugar: 1g | Fat: 1.5g | Sweetener: None (unflavored option) or Organic Monk Fruit (chocolate and vanilla flavors) The 5 Best Casein Protein Powders of 2023, According to a Registered Dietitian Best Unflavored NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate Unflavored Powder 1.2-Pound Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Vitacost Pros Informed Sport certified Budget-friendly Free of common food allergens Cons Amount of BCAAs not clearly listed Now Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate is the top pick for men looking for a high quality unflavored whey protein powder. This choice provides 25 grams of protein per serving and has less than 1 gram of carbs per serving. The type of whey used is microfiltered whey protein isolate with less than 1 percent soy lecithin added as well to help uniform mixing with a liquid. It is Informed Sport certified meaning it is a great choice for athletes, as every batch is tested for over 220 banned substances. We also like NOW Sports products because they do extensive in-house testing for ingredient purity and quality. This protein powder is non-GMO and contains no natural or artificial sweeteners, with the only ingredients being whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin. While the breakdown of amino acids is listed on the nutrition label, most other whey proteins clearly state the total amount of branched chain amino acids (BCAA). So, if you are particularly interested in the amount of BCAA, you’ll just have to do some calculating instead of seeing the exact amount easily on the label. Price at time of publication: $27 ($1.44 per serving) Form of protein: Whey Protein Isolate | Service size: 1 level scoop (28g) | Calories: 110 | Protein: 25g | Sugar: <1g | Fat: 0.5g | Sweetener: none The 5 Best Hemp Protein Powders Available, Recommended by a Dietitian Best With Collagen Vital Performance Lactose-Free Milk Protein Isolate Powder Amazon View On Amazon View On Nestlenutritionstore.com View On Vitacost Pros Informed Sport certified and NSF Certified For Sport Budget-friendly Includes 10 grams of collagen Lactose free Cons Contains 5 grams of added sugar For men looking for a convenient way to get whey protein powder and collagen, Vital Performance Protein Powder is the best option. This balanced protein powder is made with milk protein concentrate, which contains a mix of both fast-digesting whey and slower-digesting casein proteins. It also includes 10 grams of collagen protein, which some research suggests can help improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration. For male athletes, it has been shown a collagen supplement may help improve performance and recovery the day following damaging exercise. The protein is sourced from grass-fed cows and contains 8 grams of EAAs (essential amino acids) and 5 grams of BCAAs, with a total of 25 grams of protein per serving. It comes in four flavors—chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and coffee—and are all sweetened by tapioca dextrose, monk fruit and stevia. Each serving provides 5 grams of sugar. It is third-party certified by both Informed Sport and NSF For Sport, making it an excellent option for athletes. Finally, it is lactose-free, making it a great whey protein choice for lactose-intolerant people. Price at time of publication: $29 ($1.38 per serving) Form of protein: Milk Protein Isolate | Service size: 2 scoops (36g) | Calories: 130 | Protein: 25g | Sugars: 5g | Fat: <1g | Sweetener: tapioca dextrose, stevia, monk fruit The Best Collagen Supplements and Powders According to a Dietitian Best Low Sugar BioSteel 100% Whey Protein Powder Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Three different forms of whey protein No added sugar NSF certified for sport Cons Not grass-fed Biosteel 100% Whey Protein is a great choice for men looking for a flavored whey protein powder that is low in natural and artificial sweetener. This high-quality whey protein contains mostly whey protein isolate but also contains whey protein concentrate and hydrolysate. Most whey proteins use either whey isolate and/or concentrate—it is more rare to see whey hydrolysate. Whey protein hydrolysate is a hydrolyzed (pre-digested) form of whey protein, and some studies have shown whey protein hydrolysate can be helpful for recovery by reducing the damage to muscles from hard workouts. Biosteel whey protein is rBGH hormone-free, gluten and soy-free, non-GMO, and contains no artificial colors or flavors. Note this whey protein does have natural flavors added and guar gum added as a stabilizer to improve mixing with liquids. Each serving contains 24 grams of protein, two grams of carbs, one gram of sugar, one gram of fat, and 110 calories. The product is certified by NSF for Sport meaning it is third-party tested for ingredient amounts, contaminants, and banned substances. It comes in vanilla and chocolate flavors, sweetened with stevia, and has no added sugar. Price at time of publication: $45 ($1.80 per serving) Form of protein: Whey Protein Isolate, Concentrate, and Hydrolysate | Service size: 1 scoop (28g) | Calories: 110 | Protein: 24g | Sugar: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sweetener: stevia Best Lactose Free LEGION Whey+ Chocolate Whey Isolate Protein Powder Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Third-party tested Unique flavors Certified grass-fed Cons Expensive For men who are lactose intolerant and want to use whey protein, we recommend using Legion Whey+. The lactose-free whey protein isolate powder is sourced from grass-fed cows, and Legion Whey+ uses non-GMO ingredients and is free of antibiotics. Some may appreciate it is naturally sugar free, as it is sweetened with stevia. Each one-scoop serving contains 100 calories, 22 grams of protein, 0 grams of sugar, and three grams of carbohydrates. Legion Whey+ does have natural flavors and some ingredients to help with mixing like guar gum, sunflower lecithin, and silica. The product comes in an astonishing 11 flavors. Besides the basics like chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored, some more interesting ones include mocha cappuccino, cookies and cream, honey cereal, and cinnamon cereal. This whey protein is third-party tested from LabDoor, an independent supplement testing company that tests for purity, label accuracy, and banned substances. This means it is not only a safe choice but also great for athletes. Price at time of publication: $60 ($2 per serving) Form of protein: Whey Protein Isolate | Service size: 1 scoop (32g) | Calories: 110 | Protein: 23g | Sugar: 0g | Fat: 1g | Sweetener: none (unflavored) or stevia (flavored options) The 12 Best Vegan Protein Powders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Budget Muscle Feast Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate Powder Amazon View On Amazon Pros Grass-fed and hormone-free Simple ingredients Third-party tested Cons Slightly lower in protein If you consistently use whey protein, you know it can be an expensive supplement. We recommend Muscle Feast Grass Fed Whey Protein Concentrate Powder for men looking for a high-quality grass-fed whey protein that is also budget-friendly. This whey protein comes from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows and is free of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) and recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST). Each serving provides 18.3g of protein from whey protein concentrate, including 4.2 grams of BCAAs, 1.2 grams of sugar, 1.8 grams of fats, and 96 calories. Note this amount of protein is slightly less than other picks. There is no sugar added to this powder—it is sweetened with stevia. The only other ingredients are cocoa and sunflower lecithin. The product is third-party tested by Labdoor for label accuracy and purity from heavy metals and microbes. You can look up specific lot numbers on Labdoor to see each analysis for each lot. Muscle Feast Grass Fed Whey Protein is soy-free and certified gluten-free. There are three different flavor options: chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored. It provides 37 servings per container at a decent price, so you get more for your money. Price at time of publication: $40 ($1.08 per serving) Form of protein: Whey Protein Concentrate | Service size: 1 scoop (32.96g) | Calories: 96 | Protein: 18.3g | Sugar: 1.2g | Fat: 1.8g | Sweetener: none (unflavored) or stevia (flavored options) The 11 Best Protein Bars of 2023, According to a Dietitian Best Whey Blend Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein Powder Amazon View On Amazon View On Muscleandstrength.com Pros Provides 25 grams of protein Third-party tested Budget-friendly Cons Contains artificial sweeteners For men who want a protein supplement containing whey protein blend, we suggest Dymatize Whey Protein. Each serving has 25g of protein and 5.5g of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Like the Biosteel whey protein, this option may be a good choice for someone specifically looking for a protein to help with muscle recovery from a hard training day. This protein includes whey protein hydrolyzed whey protein which may offer specific benefits to repairing muscles after intense training. This protein powder is third party tested by Informed Choice for any banned substances, so it is a good choice for athletes. In addition to 25g of protein, it provides 140 calories, three grams of carbs, two grams of sugar, and three grams of fat. It provides a whopping 67 servings per container—about a 2 month supply if you use one serving per day. The low cost per serving makes it a budget-friendly choice. It comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors and has only 2g of sugar since it uses aspartame and acesulfame potassium, which some may not want. Price at time of publication: $66 ($1.05 per serving) Form of protein: Whey Protein Concentrate, Isolate, Hydrolyzed Whey | Service size: 1 scoop (36g) | Calories: 140 | Protein: 25g | Sugars: 2g | Fat: 3g | Sweetener: Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium Is Whey Protein Beneficial for Men? Protein is an essential nutrient needed to make enzymes, hormones, build, and repair muscles and bones. Your daily protein needs will vary depending on a number of factors, including age, gender, activity level, and health status. The following groups of men have higher protein needs and may benefit from whey protein: Men who strength train to build muscle: Protein needs for most men who strength train will be between 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of weight. For someone who is 150 pounds, that will be between 95 to 136 grams of protein per day. This amount of protein will help with maintaining and building new muscle when paired with strength training exercises. While it is possible to get all protein needs from food, it may be difficult with diet alone. Whey protein can help someone reach their higher protein needs and can be a convenient way to get protein on-the-go. Whey is absorbed fast into the body which is why it is commonly consumed before or after workouts. It should be noted those who are just starting out with a resistance training program probably don’t need or benefit from supplementing protein. As time, intensity, and duration increases with strength training, taking a protein supplement like whey protein can become helpful to maintain lean muscle. Elderly men: As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and strength more easily than in younger years. To combat age-related muscle loss, experts recommended consuming 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of weight along with strength training. For example, if you’re 150 pounds, you should consume at least 68 to 82 grams of protein daily. Whey protein can be the recommended choice for this age group especially because whey has a fast absorption compared to other types of protein. Men Who May Not Benefit from Whey Protein Whey protein is a convenient way to get more protein in the diet, but it may not be beneficial for everyone. The following groups may not benefit from whey protein powders: Endurance athletes: While protein is an important part of any athletes’ diets, the focus for endurance athletes—especially for nutrition supplements—are usually more on carbohydrates instead of protein. Therefore, an endurance athlete may not benefit from adding whey protein assuming they are getting adequate overall calories and carbohydrates in the diet. Supplementing with carbohydrates around exercise has shown to be important for endurance athletic performance and muscle recovery. However, when carbohydrate intake is less than 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, protein may be needed to help with glycogen restoration. Healthy adults eating enough protein: If you’re already eating enough protein and calories in your diet, any additional protein you get most likely won’t be beneficial. Medical diseases requiring protein restrictions: Medical diseases, including chronic kidney disease and inherited metabolic disorders like phenylketonuria, homocystinuria, maple syrup urine disease, and tyrosinemia, require lower protein intake. Therefore, taking a protein supplement like whey protein is not recommended for these conditions. People with dairy allergy: Since whey protein comes from cow milk, people with a milk allergy should also stay away from whey protein. “Whey protein is generally safe, but there are some people who shouldn’t take it. It does come from dairy so if you are allergic to dairy or do not consume animal products for any other reason then you should not take whey,” says Prieto. People on a vegan diet: Whey protein, like cow’s milk, is not vegan. So, people who are on a vegan diet would benefit from supplementing with a vegan protein powder instead of whey. How We Select Supplements Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here. We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. We prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by one of three independent, third party certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com. It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend. What to Look For in Whey Protein Powders for Men Third-Party Testing Supplements that are third-party tested are sent to a lab where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants. However, it’s important to note: Third party testing does not test to see if a product is effective or safe for everyone, and it does not ensure the supplement will not interact with other supplements or medications.Not all third-party testing is created equal. It is not uncommon for supplement companies to pay labs for certificates after conducting minimal to no testing. The third party certifications we can trust are: ConsumerLab.com, NSF, and USP. However, these certifications are difficult to obtain and/or expensive for manufacturers, so many companies choose not to get their products tested by one of these three organizations. Sometimes products tested by these three companies are more expensive to try to offset the cost they pay for certification.Just because a supplement is not tested by one of these three companies, it does not mean it’s a bad product. We recommend doing some research on the reputability of the manufacturer, and calling up the manufacturer and their testing lab to determine their protocols and decide if you feel comfortable consuming the supplement. Form It’s important to know what form of whey protein the supplement contains before purchasing, as each has its own uses, purposes, and benefits. “ Whey protein is a dairy protein, which means it is a rich source of all the essential amino acids that your body needs to consume from diet. It’s commonly bought as whey concentrate, whey isolate, and sometimes hydrolyzed whey isolate. The latter two forms tend to have little to no lactose in their mix,” says Nick Snow, BS, NASM-CPT, FNS. Which one you choose depends on your own preferences and goals. Whey protein powder can be from a whey concentrate or isolate. Whey protein isolate has more protein and less carbohydrates (lactose) than whey protein concentrate, while the concentrated form has slightly more carbohydrates and less protein. Whey protein isolate could be more beneficial for people looking for higher protein options, such as people who want to gain muscle mass or people engaging in intense exercise. Whey protein concentrate could be beneficial for anyone who wants a more whole food source of protein, as this option contains more of the natural carbs and fats found in milk. Typically, whey protein concentrate contains up to 80% of protein by weight, so it has more carbohydrates (lactose) and less protein than whey protein isolate. Isolate, on the other hand, is 90% (or more) protein by weight, so it is higher in protein and has fewer carbohydrates than concentrate. A few of the supplements in our list also contain whey protein hydrolysate, a form of whey protein isolate that has been hydrolyzed (predigested), and is the easiest of the three to digest and absorb. This might be the most beneficial to anyone with digestive issues and athletes who need a very fast digesting protein around their workouts/exercise sessions. Ingredients & Potential Interactions It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking. In whey protein supplements, it's common to see flavors, binders, sweeteners, and emulsifiers used. These are generally used to improve taste, texture, and shelf life. Some of these include acacia gum, natural flavors, artificial flavors, erythritol, stevia, aspartame, acesulfame potassium and sugar. Aspartame may need to be avoided for anyone with gut issues, as it can cause or worsen microbiome imbalance in the gut. Lecithin is also a common ingredient used as an emulsifier. Most products use sunflower lecithin, but it can also be derived from soy, so anyone with a soy allergy should double check to make sure the lecithin is not soy-derived. Whey Protein Dosage When choosing protein supplements, it's important to be aware of how much protein the supplement provides. This will ensure you meet your protein needs and do not consume too much. Whey protein supplements typically provide 15-30 grams of protein per serving. Those who require more protein, such as those trying to build muscle or preserve muscle mass while losing weight, might consider a slightly higher protein product or closer to 30 grams. If you have kidney disease, aim for a lower protein option, or closer to 15 grams, and should be supervised by a nephrologist, a kidney specialist, and a registered dietitian while taking a protein supplement. How Much is Too Much? Despite all the benefits of protein, it is possible to get too much protein in your diet. Generally, long-term consumption of up to 2 grams of protein per kg of body weight per day (140 grams for a 70-kilogram adult) is safe for most healthy adults. However, the exact amount of protein best for you will vary based on gender, body weight, activity level, and other factors. Although the tolerable upper limit is 3.5 grams per kg body weight per day, this is only for people who are well-adapted to a high-protein diet. Consuming more than two grams per kg of body weight per day may cause digestive, renal, and vascular abnormalities. To decide if you are getting too much protein from whey supplements, total the amount of protein you consume from other food sources (animal and plant). Then determine if adding whey protein will cause an excessive amount of protein intake. A dietitian can further help you determine how much protein you are getting from your diet and if you are getting too much. The exact amount of protein that people require will vary, and those looking to build muscle with resistance training or those looking to preserve lean mass while losing weight might benefit most from a higher end of the recommended protein intake spectrum. If you have kidney disease, you should aim closer to 0.6 - 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (42 - 56 grams per day for a 70-kilogram adult). People with kidney disease should also consult a nephrologist and registered dietitian before taking any protein supplements. Taste Finally, the taste is an important thing to consider when purchasing a protein supplement. It's important to research and read product reviews, as this can give you more insight into the different products and help you make a decision. Great-tasting protein powders can have a moderately strong flavor or aftertaste. Individual preference for flavor and taste can vary. One thing to keep in mind is that if you purchase an unflavored whey protein, it may taste bland and need to be added to something (like a fruit smoothie or a healthy protein-based dessert) in order to taste good. We picked a variety of whey protein powders to reach all desired taste preferences and included unflavored, sweetened naturally, and some protein powders that had non-nutritive sweeteners. Frequently Asked Questions Is whey protein powder good for men? One-hundred-percent whey protein (either whey protein isolate, concentrate, or hydrolysate) can be a great addition to your daily diet and supplement regimen. Combined with resistance training, whey protein is a good supplement for active men looking to build muscle or men who struggle to get enough protein every day through whole foods.Whey protein has been shown to enhance whole-body protein metabolism and exercise recovery in men after resistance exercise. It’s important to note that men with kidney disease and other diseases that affect protein intake should check with a doctor before taking a whey protein supplement. Is whey protein better than other types of protein? Whey protein has some advantages over other types of proteins. For example, it has been shown to decrease cortisol after workouts, unlike soy protein. Some research has shown soy protein can lead to a drop in testosterone after workouts, which didn't happen with whey protein.Whey protein is also unique due to its other health benefits, including a source of antioxidants, and may even help prevent high blood pressure. Whey protein specifically has been shown to improve body weight, lower fat mass, and help lower some heart disease risk factors in overweight and obese people. What are the types of whey protein? Prieto says, “ The three main types of whey protein are whey protein concentrate (WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI), and whey protein hydrolysate (WPH), with different levels of processing in each.Whey protein isolate has more protein and fewer carbs/lactose than whey protein concentrate. It is more beneficial for people looking for higher protein options, such as people who want to gain muscle mass or engage in intense exercise. Whey protein concentrate has more carbs in the form of lactose and less protein and is beneficial for anyone who wants a more complete/whole food source of protein, as this option contains more of the natural components of milk. Prieto says, “WPC is the least processed and is 35-80 percent protein by weight.” Whey protein hydrolysate is predigested and has been shown to help reduce fat mass, so it is the most beneficial to anyone with digestive issues, athletes who need a quick digesting protein, and people looking to lose weight.“WPC is the least processed and is 35-80 percent protein by weight. WPI is 90% protein by weight. WPH is processed differently to make it even more digestible. If you’re looking for the fastest-digesting protein, then WPH is the best, but for most men, that might not make much of a difference in practice.” What is the most trusted whey protein powder brand? All of our picks for this list are from trusted, high quality brands. Some of the more well known brands on the list that are widely trusted include Garden of Life, Dymatize, Naked Nutrition, and Now Sports. How often should you have whey protein powder? Whey protein can be taken daily and mixed with water or milk, added to fruit smoothies, or used to make high-protein versions of your favorite foods. Whey protein is very safe, but it's best to stick to 1-2 scoops daily to ensure your diet is primarily from nutrient-dense whole foods that contain other nutrients your body needs. Snow says, “[Whey protein] is not time dependent so take it whenever. You likely get extra benefit in the 2-hour window post workout, but it’s not necessary. Most of my clients consume their shakes post workout or as a shake whenever they need a snack.” Whey protein can be taken at night, but an even better option would be casein protein, as it digests much slower, helping to keep you full throughout the night. It has been shown to improve post-exercise recovery, acute protein metabolism, and exercise performance when taken 30 minutes before bed.If you have kidney disease or other medical issues, always check with your physician before taking a whey protein supplement. Prieto says, “Whey protein does not harm the liver or kidneys of healthy men, but those with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions do need to be careful about increasing their protein intake. Large increases in protein can exacerbate liver or kidney damage.” Why Trust Verywell Fit Jonathan Valdez, RDN, CDCES, CPT has been a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified personal trainer for eight years. He has also been on the nutrition and fitness medical review board for VeryWell Fit since 2019 and is an avid runner and tennis player. When examining the best whey protein powders for men, Jon looks at the type of whey used, protein amount, other ingredients, and third-party testing. Then he looks at the flavor profile because if it doesn't taste good, he isn't going to drink it. His favorite product is Garden of Life Sport Whey Protein Chocolate Flavor because of its overall nutrient profile, breakdown of protein content, use of whey isolate, and best of all satisfying chocolatey flavor. The 10 Best Protein Powders for Women of 2023, According to a Dietitian 20 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. West DWD, Abou Sawan S, Mazzulla M, Williamson E, Moore DR. Whey Protein Supplementation Enhances Whole Body Protein Metabolism and Performance Recovery after Resistance Exercise: A Double-Blind Crossover Study. Nutrients. 2017;9(7):735. Published 2017 Jul 11. doi:10.3390/nu9070735 Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al. 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Artificial Sweeteners Negatively Regulate Pathogenic Characteristics of Two Model Gut Bacteria, E. coli and E. faecalis. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(10):5228. Published 2021 May 15. doi:10.3390/ijms22105228 Wu G. Dietary protein intake and human health. Food Funct. 2016;7(3):1251-1265. doi:10.1039/c5fo01530h Phillips SM, Van Loon LJ. Dietary protein for athletes: from requirements to optimum adaptation. J Sports Sci. 2011;29 Suppl 1:S29-S38. doi:10.1080/02640414.2011.619204 Ko GJ, Obi Y, Tortorici AR, Kalantar-Zadeh K. Dietary protein intake and chronic kidney disease. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2017;20(1):77-85. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000342 Kraemer WJ, Solomon-Hill G, Volk BM, et al. The effects of soy and whey protein supplementation on acute hormonal reponses to resistance exercise in men. J Am Coll Nutr. 2013;32(1):66-74. doi:10.1080/07315724.2013.770648 Wirunsawanya K, Upala S, Jaruvongvanich V, Sanguankeo A. Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Coll Nutr. 2018;37(1):60-70. doi:10.1080/07315724.2017.1344591 Lockwood CM, Roberts MD, Dalbo VJ, et al. Effects of Hydrolyzed Whey versus Other Whey Protein Supplements on the Physiological Response to 8 Weeks of Resistance Exercise in College-Aged Males. J Am Coll Nutr. 2017;36(1):16-27. doi:10.1080/07315724.2016.1140094 Kerksick CM, Arent S, Schoenfeld BJ, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Nutrient Timing. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2017;14(1). doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0189-4 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit