Introduction
If you’re considering adding whey protein powder to your health and fitness routine, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available in the market. Whey protein, derived from cow’s milk and dried into a powder, is a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts for post-workout recovery, muscle growth, and maintenance.
With so many products to choose from, selecting the best whey protein powder can be challenging. Factors like protein content per serving and cost need to be considered. To simplify your search, we’ve consulted a panel of experts from the Forbes Health editorial team who have shared their top picks for the best whey protein powders of 2023.
The Best Whey Protein Powders of 2023
Here are the top-rated whey protein powders recommended by our panel of experts:
1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Rating: 5.0
- Cost: $1.13 per serving
- Protein per serving: 24 grams
- Sugar per serving: 1 gram
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2. Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder
- Rating: 4.8
- Cost: $1.55 per serving
- Protein per serving: 32 grams
- Sugar per serving: 2 to 4 grams
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3. Orgain Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
- Rating: 4.3
- Cost: $1.51 per serving
- Protein per serving: 21 grams
- Sugar per serving: 1 gram
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4. Bloom Whey Isolate Protein
- Rating: 3.5
- Cost: $1.49 per serving
- Protein per serving: 22 grams
- Sugar per serving: Less than 1 gram
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5. Thorne Whey Protein Isolate
- Rating: 3.3
- Cost: $1.93 per serving
- Protein per serving: 21 grams
- Sugar per serving: 3 grams
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6. Garden of Life Organic Whey Protein Grass Fed
- Rating: 3.0
- Cost: $2.50 per serving
- Protein per serving: 21 grams
- Sugar per serving: 2 grams
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Please note that all product pricing is sourced from Amazon and accurate as of the publication date.
Understanding Whey Protein Powder
Whey protein powder is derived from milk and contains all nine essential amino acids crucial for muscle synthesis. It is a high-quality protein source that fuels muscles and aids in muscle growth, making it an ideal post-workout supplement.
Whey Isolate vs. Whey Concentrate
Whey isolate protein powder is a further processed form of whey protein, with sugars and fats removed. It typically contains more protein and fewer carbohydrates and fats per scoop compared to regular whey protein powder.
Whey concentrate, on the other hand, is whey protein with non-protein properties removed, resulting in a product that contains at least 25% protein.
Benefits of Whey Protein Powder
Whey protein powder offers various benefits:
Quality Protein Source
Whey protein powder is low in carbohydrates and fats, making it an excellent source of high-quality protein that’s easy to consume on the go.
Muscle Growth
Consuming whey protein after resistance training can enhance muscle protein synthesis, supporting muscle growth and hypertrophy.
Strong Bones
Whey protein is made from milk, which contains proteins that positively impact bone health, helping to maintain strong bones.
Increases Satiety
As a satiating macronutrient, whey protein keeps you fuller for longer, potentially reducing overeating and aiding in weight loss.
Potential Side Effects of Whey Protein Powder
For individuals with dairy intolerance, consuming whey protein may lead to stomach upset and other adverse reactions.
Long-term overuse of whey protein has been associated with kidney and liver issues.
How to Use Whey Protein Powder
Typically, one or two scoops of whey protein powder make a serving. However, the actual serving size may vary depending on the brand and product type. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for accurate measurements.
Best Time to Take Whey Protein Powder
The post-exercise anabolic window, when protein maximizes muscle response, may extend several hours after working out, depending on your last meal. However, the exact timing for protein consumption remains a topic of debate.
Recommended Daily Protein Intake
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. However, individuals with specific goals, like muscle growth, may need to consume more protein.
Choosing the Best Whey Protein Powder
When selecting a whey protein powder, consider factors like flavor, price, allergens, added sugars, and third-party certification. Protein content is also essential, especially if you aim to increase muscle mass.
Conclusion
In 2023, the best whey protein powders offer high-quality protein sources that aid in muscle growth and recovery. When choosing a product, consider your specific fitness goals and dietary needs to find the perfect fit for your health and fitness journey.
Our panel of experts: Mascha Davis, M.P.H., R.D.N. (Nutrition), Taylor Wallace, Ph.D., C.F.S., F.A.C.N. (Nutrition)
Forbes Health Methodology: Our experts’ recommendations are based on cost per serving, Amazon rating, and grams of protein per serving.
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