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[Review] The Protein Powder Buyer’s Guide — 150 Popular Protein Powders Shaken Up And Graded

Posted by on Nov 29, 2013 in Featured Article, Protein, Protein Powder, Supp It UP, Supplement Rankings, Supplement Reviews | 48 comments

Lean It UP’s Protein Powder Rankings — Sustained-Release Blends

The Lean It UP Protein Powder Rankings is split into 4 dedicated parts, divvied up by type of powder. Access each through the links at the bottom.

You can also download the full rankings file here (there are 4 tabs at the bottom of the download file; each tab holds a different protein type).

*Click on each image to enlarge.

 



 

Pages: Intro, Whey Blends | Whey Isolate | Sustained Release | Plant-Based Protein
Bryan DiSanto

Bryan DiSanto

Owner & Editor-in-Chief at Lean It UP
Bryan DiSanto is the Owner & Editor-in-Chief of Lean It UP, ACE-CPT & CSN, NYU graduate, ex-fat kid, and all-around fitness/nutrition nutjob.

When he’s not working on his (or somebody else’s) abs, whipping up Eggocados, or running a Tough Mudder, he’s probably off yelling at a Carolina Panthers game somewhere.
Bryan DiSanto

Latest posts by Bryan DiSanto (see all)

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  • Saundraslp

    I’d love to see Visalus in your comparison. http://Www.saundraharris.bodybyvi.com

  • Leigh B

    Great article. Enjoying your sight tremendously:)

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Thanks Leigh! Glad you’re finding it helpful.

  • Wes

    Your thoughts on BioTrust Low
    Carb?

  • Jason

    Hello, how does the earth fare brand of ‘show me the whey’ protein weigh in for this comparison?

  • Kelcey

    Hey Bryan! Have you heard yet about About Time products? I hear there stuff is pretty good, and it’s decently new/not too expensive. Was wondering if maybe you had some opinions on that if you tried it! If not, im sure they could send you free stuff to review on here :)

    Talk soon!

    -Kelcey from IG :) [protein bar review post]

  • Taylor Knott

    I’m very interested in overall body health. Going the route mind, body and spirit. I’m a rock climber I climb on average 4+ days a week, while also running and doing ab workouts/body weight workouts 3 days a week. I want to have an overall more lean and more useful body when it comes to climbing and adventuring. This lifestyle is always on the go that’s why I want to supplement protein powder for PWO as well as sure fire on the go snacks to make sure I’m getting what I need. Would you recommend going with a whey blend since I’m not concerned with bulking up just leaning out my body and muscle?

    PS never have taken protein powder before.

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      What’s up Taylor. A whey blend is definitely your best bet, especially PWO or whenever you need a lean snack. That’s exciting! It’s honestly delicious, try making smoothies/shakes with it, too.

      Give it a shot, and depending on how your stomach holds up, a plant-based blend can also be a solid option.

      Best,
      Bryan

  • craig

    what do you think of the Giant Sports protein?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      It’s fine if you have it, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it. It’s way overpriced for an average product.

      • Craig

        Thanks Bryan, What does the creatine do for you? For general weght loss and toning which protein powder do you recomend as the best? Also when working out is it better to do weights first then cardio or cardio then weights?

        • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

          Creatine helps with strength, power, and energy production.

          Stick with a blend for the best value — I personally like MRM all-natural, unless you’re lactose intolerant or anything like that (http://lnitup.co/1A6DvJ2).

          Definitely weights —> cardio. You’ll save your energy and strength for when it’s the most important, plus you’ll more efficiently burn off fat.

  • Ivan

    Hi Bryan. I was aiming for the isolates, but realized none of the first ranked ones have any BCAA’s. And then the ones that do have BCAA’s also have Creatine which I’d prefer not to take. My preference was the NOW Foods all natural. Do you think I’d be missing on some important aminoacids? Why your first options do not contain any BCAA’s? Thank you very much for this amazing job you’ve done.

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Thanks Ivan, you got it!

      Not at all. All whey and most plant-based protein powders naturally contain BCAA’s (leucine/isoleucine/valine), some brands just add additional BCAA’s to jack up the levels. I view it as a bonus, but by no means necessary. NOW has ~5.5g of total BCAA’s per scoop.

      FYI, I personally use NOW unflavored post-workout and NitroFusion as my all-around powder (plant-based).

      You can always supplement with a BCAA separately.

      • Ivan

        Wow you are awesome. Thanks, I just bought the NOW and got same-day delivery by Amazon. Which means I just tried it. Dutch Chocolate flavor tastes pretty amazing and doesn’t leave that ugly texture that some other ones do. Again thank you so much for such a website. Doing research on some specific things is sometimes complicated, but specifically about protein powder was just a nightmare to compare and decide, they all looked the same. (Y)!!!

        • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

          You’re so welcome — thanks for stopping by!!! I actually use the unflavored and have never had the chocolate, good to know.

          If you ever have any questions or requests, let me know (twitter: @leanitup or instagram: @brydisanto)

  • Alen

    Great overall guide on protein powders. My personal favorite is the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Chocolate Mint Flavor! It’s so unique and refreshing and it’s a really lean protein. If you want a more in depth description of it you can read it here!

    http://keytofit.com/2014/09/optimum-nurtition-whey-gold-standard-chocolate-mint-review/

  • ThiefOfHearts

    thoughts on Vega Sports performance?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      It’s a HQ powder, but WAY overpriced.

      There are definitely better options — it’s included in the plant-based rankings: https://www.leanit-up.com/review-protein-powder-buyers-guide-150-popular-protein-powders-shaken-graded/4/

      • ThiefOfHearts

        Thanks, I used to buy the vega sport packets cos of the additional BCAAs. But you’re right. It’s expensive. for whey isolate, Im looking at the Dymatize 100. will I have to get additional bcaa for that? if so which bcaa product would be best as a supplement. I want the tone look, not to the point of having V shaped abs as I like looking very feminine so Im trying to avoid anything with creatine. anyway thanks for everything

        • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

          Vega (and most plant blends) has added BCAAs to create an amino acid pool that’s similar to dairy-based protein — the Dymatize naturally has more. They’re not necessary, but definitely very helpful and recommended if you’re training regularly.

          We’re actually about to publish a full BCAA buyer’s guide. Stay tuned.

  • Roy

    Would you still recommend Musclepharm Combat Powder as a good post-workout choice? (i.e., would you believe that there is enough faster digested proteins in there?)

    (It’s what I currently have a use, since it had a good value and I’m on a budget, so I’m not sure if I should switch it up or not)

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Hey Roy,

      It’s not ideal, but it’s not going to make a monumental difference short-term. I’d finish up your jug of Combat and then restock with an isolate or whey blend — they’re both ideal post-workout (especially over time).

      Combat tends to function better for snacks, breakfast, before bed, etc.

  • Roy

    Hi Bryan, another question about the rankings.

    I understand that the ones in 5 black stars are the highest rated ones, but is there any particular ranking between even proteins of the same star ranking in each category? (i.e. Are the 5 stars proteins in blue ranked best from left to right, top to bottom, or are all the 5 stars just ranked 5 stars with no particular order?) Thanks once again.

    I’m thinking of picking up a tub of ON Gold 100% if the price shoots down during American Thanksgiving, but even though its 5 stars, I wasn’t sure if it was the best 5 star-ed protein considering it is down the list of all 5 star proteins.

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Hey Roy — Read it from left to right (e.g. I like MRM better than SportPharma, but both are top-tier values).

      ON Gold is 4 stars, mainly because of the price. It’s a quality powder though, so if you can get it on discount, grab a few jubs.

      Go for it. I like the natural line.

      • Roy

        Thanks for clarifying and the advice!

        Have you heard of MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate or MyProtein Impact Whey Protein? It seems like they’re having a nice sale at the moment.and I might pull the trigger on this one. Any verdict on this brand?

        • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

          I’ve used MyProtein in the past. Go for it — I’m a fan of the quality, especially the unflavored version (which is purely for smoothies).

  • Dylan Didiano

    I’d say check out our top best whey protein list! http://supplementbodybuilding.com/the-best-whey-protein-powders/

  • Nicole

    This new one looks promising… pure whey protein isolate - All natural, no fillers and 6g BCAAs! http://www.eidopro.com

  • matt

    this is a really helpful article.. thanks! I wanted to point out that your “key differentiators” row title, and “Lean it Up review” row titles got swapped after your first few reviews by accident in case you want to correct this typo..

  • Janandrin Moodley

    This article really was an eye opener. Thank you. However, please can you explain the rationale behind why a product like BSN Syntha-6 has such a low rating (2 stars) compared to a product like MusclePharm Combat (5 Stars). In fact, Syntha-6 seems to have more than Combat, and is cheaper too. The difference in rating (5 vs 2 stars) seems a bit extreme

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      One word: purity. You’re only getting 22 grams of protein for a 200 calorie scoop of protein, which is only ~44% (MP Combat = 25g for 130 calories). That percentage is one of the lowest of all powders we analyzed.

      It’s filled with sunflower oil, corn syrup, artificial colors, and other fillers that I wouldn’t recommend ingesting on a regular basis.

      It’s also fairly pricey on a per serving basis.

      • Janandrin Moodley

        Thank you very much. It’s got such great reviews on other sites, but i suppose you need to break it down to the base ingredients to get the true value. LeanItUp.com is probably the best site I’ve ever come across.

      • Mitch Deschambault

        Having low calorie protein powders with little to no carbs and fat with it is just irrational. Are you trying to build muscle or not? I’d rather not have to have a separate carbohydrate with my shake. The high calories and lower protein % is exactly what makes that product superior. Evidence based sports medicine suggest the ideal macro nutrients for muscle gains is still 2/3 carb 1/3 protein with at least 20 grams of protein so if anything its still too low calorie. The only scenario where this isn’t true is if you are wanting weight loss or are more of a casual lifter. If that is the case then you have no reason to consume protein powder in the first place. Your criticism of the other ingredients as being bad would require some proof of their harmful effects to be legitimate and such proof does not exist that I have seen. Even the sunflower oil is only a small fraction of our recommended daily fat intake and not at all a “bad” fat source, better than the animal fat sources we consume without criticism of their safety (please do not think I’m saying don’t eat meat, meat is wonderful).

  • http://www.protein-up.com/ Angeli Yuson

    I generally like to go for protein powders which are not proprietary blends so you know exactly how much protein is in each product.

    I also go for the “Naturals Range” which is generally sweetened with stevia and natural flavours, rather than protein powders that use artificial sweeteners. That is just my personal choice.

    Very comprehensive write up! Well done

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Thanks Angeli! I completely agree. What’s the point of a prop blend, other than hiding ingredients? It’s so shady.

  • http://food.silkenhut.com/ Allen Michael Gurrea

    Thank you for this. It has helped me in choosing my next protein tub :) WIll you be updating this in the future? :)

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Hey Allen — We’ll do a revamped version early this year. It’ll mainly cover any new products, and outside of any minor price fluctuations, everything here should still hold the same weight.

      • http://food.silkenhut.com/ Allen Michael Gurrea

        Thank you very much! I’m looking forward to that and hopefully other lists such as multivitamins and other supplements :)

  • Chuck

    Bryan, thanks. Just found your site; really informative write-up! I’ve used DaVinci Right Whey (non-GMO, New Zealand etc) but don’t know if it’s an isolate or sustained release. Any idea and any thoughts in general how you’d rate it?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Hey Chuck — it’s a basic whey concentrate. It’s a quality product, and I love that it’s natural & non-GMO, but it’s also extremely expensive for what you’re getting.

      You’re paying close to $2/serving for 21g of protein. That’s outrageous — go with the Jarrow or MRM.

  • Janine

    Hello Bryan

    i am competing this year in a body fitness competition and use a protein shake after my leg day 2 times a week, could you recommend the best one that will assist me but not have massive effects on my weight, the purest one possible. :)

    thanks
    Janine

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Hey Janine — I’d go with NOW Isolate for post-workout. Unflavored if you’re making smoothies, chocolate if you’re shaking it up.

      The link’s above.

      It’s what I use and personally love, can’t beat the purity.

      -Bryan

  • http://www.qualitysportssupplements.co.uk/9_fitness-authority Fitness Authority

    “The cheapest way to get protein without adding any extra calories from carbs or fat” is always my goal. So i usually use cheap protein powder, such as an alternative protein source.

  • Derrick M

    Hi I’m currently using EAS 100% Whey protein. I’m looking for more results far as muscle mass any suggestions on a better product but not so pricey?

  • http://thatfix.com/ frizurd

    It doesn’t matter really, as long as it fits your macros.

    But, I like your recommendation Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein, It’s probably my favorite brand/type and the taste is amazing.

    I would also recommend people to check out Cheapest Protein Powder supplements if you’re looking for protein powder supplements on a budget.

  • jim

    How do you feel about gnc’s product line? mainly their amplified whey isolate. i don’t see them on your rating scale so i was just curious.
    Also i have heard that Hydro isolate is not worth the money because it is not as good as regular whey isolate. it is absorbed faster but because whey is already absorbed so fast it doesn’t matter?

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