The 8 Best Whey Protein for Men to Buy in 2018

From Optimum Nutrition, this whey protein powder is called the Gold Standard, and many exercise enthusiasts consider it just that. It boasts 24 grams of protein per serving, 100 percent of it from whey. There are also 120 calories and 5.5 grams of BCAAs and 4 grams of glutamine per serving. It comes in 20 different flavors, which are “instantized” for easy mixing. A fun bonus: If you have an Alexa device, you can access the company’s recipes for supplementing your workouts.

Recommended for use before or after exercise, you mix one scoop with cold water or milk and drink it down. Customers rave about this protein power, with 16,000-plus reviewers on Amazon giving it a five-star review.

This whey protein powder from BPI Sports is made of 100 percent whey protein isolate and hydrolysate, which is touted as whey protein in its purest form. It’s designed for fast digestion and, therefore, rapid results. One serving (one scoop mixed with cold water) has 130 calories and 25 grams of protein and it’s designed to be used after a workout to help with muscle recovery and growth.

It comes in seven flavors including chocolate brownie, cookies and cream, and banana cream pie. Customers love the taste and creamy texture and say it’s a good value.

From Muscletech, this whey protein powder contains 30 grams of protein per 150-calorie serving, along with glutamine, BCAA amino acids and creatine. The company says its blend of ingredients have been scientifically shown to support more muscle growth than whey protein alone. It’s also filtered to produce an ultra-clean formula that’s easily mixed and absorbed by the body.

It comes in 17 different flavors, including chocolate mint, lucky marshmallow and mocha cappuccino, and it can be taken anytime during the day. Customers like the taste of this powder and say they have seen good results like increased endurance and lean muscle and reduced recovery time. Some don’t like the fact that it contains an artificial sweetener, but 1,350-plus reviewers on Amazon gave it five stars.

If you’re looking for a low-carb whey protein powder, you can’t get much lower than the zero grams of carbohydrates in this protein powder from Isopure. Gluten-free and lactose-free, it contains 25 grams of protein per 100-calorie serving (one scoop). It comes in several flavors, including creamy vanilla, cookies and cream and strawberries and cream, as well as an unflavored version. It's designed to be consumed post workout, first thing in the morning, or between meals.

Customers say it’s one of the highest quality whey powders on the market, and they like the taste and consistency of it. Many say the unflavored version is great to blend with everything from smoothies to pancakes. 8,500-plus reviewers on Amazon gave this whey powder five stars.

For guys who like to keep things as pure as possible, there’s this organic whey powder from Natural Force. The vanilla flavor contains just three ingredients—organic whey protein concentrate (sourced from grass-fed cows from family-owned farms in California), organic vanilla flavor, and organic Stevia leaf powder. Each serving (one scoop) contains 110 calories, 3 grams of carbs and 20 grams of protein. It also comes in cacao bean and coffee bean flavors. You can mix it with water or milk or even add it to baked goods. Gluten-free and kosher, this whey powder also comes with a 30-day, money-back guarantee if you don’t see results.

Customer like the clean formula, and while it’s more expensive than some other whey powders on the market, many say it’s worth it.

If you’d rather chomp down your protein than drink it, these whey protein bars from Gatorade may be the way to go for you. Each 340-calorie bar contains 20 grams of protein along with 42 grams of carbohydrates to help you recover from your workout and get ready for the next one. They come in a variety of flavors and they’re convenient to throw in your gym bag for on-the-go nutrition.

Used by the NFL, NBA and other professional sports teams, they have a solid reputation. Customers say they taste great, are filling and make a great, energy-boosting snack.

For those who can’t tolerate lactose, there’s this lactose-free whey protein powder from Legion. Sweetened with stevia, it’s also sugar-free and non-GMO. Each serving (one scoop) contains 100 calories, 22 grams of protein, and 3 grams of carbohydrates.

It comes in six flavors, including chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream and an unflavored version. If you don’t like it, they’ll give you your money back. Customers say it’s one of the highest-quality whey protein powders on the market. They say it tastes great, mixes well and doesn’t come with some of the unpleasant side effects like gas and other stomach issues that other whey powders do. Over 1,600 reviewers on Amazon gave it a five-star review.

When you don’t have time to mess with mixes, these ready-to-drink whey protein shakes from Labrada are a great option. Each 17-ounce shake contains a whopping 40 grams of protein, 0 grams of sugar and 280 calories. If you’re trying to lose weight, they can be used as meal replacement and make eating on the go easy. Just twist the top and drink. They only need to be refrigerated after you’ve opened them.

Customers love the taste and convenience and say these shakes are satisfying.