What type of protein powder is best?

I read something online a long time ago about how not all protein powders are created equally. It said something about how some protein powders are .. uh... was it fermented? Or rotted? Or something along those lines? I could Google it if I remembered what I was talking about. :) But since I don't, can someone here read my mind and educate me please? :happy:

I need a protein powder that will not cause an insulin surge (low carb) because i have to keep my blood sugar down due to pregnancy. I have a hard time eating in the morning, but am supposed to start off my day with protein, so thought a protein shake might be the ticket. Sugar cravings while not being allowed to have sugar sucks, just in case anyone was wondering. :) I sure would love a nice bowl of Lucky Charms!
«1

Replies

  • DistantJ
    DistantJ Posts: 155 Member
    Okay...I just picked up something from Walmart. :) Here's hoping it's nummy!!
  • bajoyba
    bajoyba Posts: 1,153 Member
    I don't know a ton about protein supplements, but I do know that not all protein powders are created equally, and some kinds of protein are more complete than others. If you're just looking for a powder to supplement your daily protein intake, it might not matter as much which one you choose (although I have noticed that a lot of heavier whey proteins come with a warning for pregnant women to consult their doctors first). If you want your shake to be your breakfast (or any other meal), look for something that also has vitamins and minerals so that you're not missing anything nutritionally. There are a lot of options on the market, including plenty that are low in sugar.
    I'm currently in love with Total Soy protein powder. It only has 8 grams of sugar and 23 vitamins and minerals, and although it's not super heavy on protein (13 grams), it suits my needs. And it's delicious! A lot of websites also offer ideas and recipes for nontraditional ways to use protein powder. I've heard a few times that people sometimes mix it in with pancake batter, and you can also bake with it. Definitely something worth googling.
  • 2aycocks
    2aycocks Posts: 415 Member
    There is a new Ensure High Protein drink out and it only has 5g of sugar, but 25g of protein. it's also low fat. the vanilla is great.
  • Ddietzz
    Ddietzz Posts: 25 Member
    Its true that they are not all equal. Some say they are 100% and some are not, some use whey (best type), some are soy, egg white, or casein. There are also different grades, which come from different regions around the world, from what I've been told - try to stay with USA products. Some have fillers - which can cause bloating. some different amounts of protein, some add different amino acids, the list goes on.

    I usually use the powder post workout, and for adding more overall protein into my diet. I make a shake or smoothie type drink. I use milk, yogurt, frozen fruit, and the whey powder. I also make one with milk, peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and the whey. I usually only buy a vanilla type flavor, as it usually goes with anything.

    My preferred brand is Optimum Nutrition, also labeled Gold Standard (I do not work for them... Just my preference), after trying some different ones and asking store personal, and muscle bound types, its now my only choice.

    I was at Sam's club the other day, and saw Premier Nutrition protein shake, I think it was about 25 - 30g. Or go to your local health food store, most have refrigerated cases and sell individual bottles, I've even asked for sample packages of powders.

    Hope this helps... Good luck, and happy tasting
  • highervibes
    highervibes Posts: 2,219 Member
    I don't know a WHOLE LOT about it either but based on the feedback from some folks here I bought the ON Gold Standard and I like it just fine.
  • Dozer561
    Dozer561 Posts: 50 Member
    this is gonna save you ALOT of trouble and trial and error, just go to vitaminshoppe, and get ON double chocolate whey or rocky road.. hands down the BEST protein powder on the market. i throw some ice water and 2 scoops in a shaker cup and im good to go.. tastes like a chocalate milkshake if you mix with milk, still tastes great in water, i use a little less water to give it a thicker more chocolatly taste so its not so watered down.. blends easy, no added junk... just do it..
  • 13donna1
    13donna1 Posts: 12
    The best protein powder I have found is Bodylogix vanilla ice cream from Meijer. It is a whey protein isolate which is better "absorbed" in your body. I make a smoothie of light no fat yogurt, 1 scoop protein powder and a little fat free milk=yummy. I mix it in a shaker bottle.All the best~
  • christianteach
    christianteach Posts: 595 Member
    How many calories are in the Gold Standard?
  • Dozer561
    Dozer561 Posts: 50 Member
    How many calories are in the Gold Standard?

    on whey 120calories per scoop, 24g prot per scoop 1g fat 3g crarb
  • ajstaudt
    ajstaudt Posts: 28 Member
    ON whey double rich chocolate, I swear by the stuff. Delicious and effective, very low carb aswell. Trust me you will never go back.
  • christianteach
    christianteach Posts: 595 Member
    How many calories are in the Gold Standard?

    on whey 120calories per scoop, 24g prot per scoop 1g fat 3g crarb

    Sounds good. It has a lot more protein than what I'm currently using, more calories too but not that bad. I usually have a hard time getting all my protein in. Where can I find this besides Sams? We aren't members there. Does Costco have it?
  • christianteach
    christianteach Posts: 595 Member
    I just looked online. I see GNC has it.
  • coreyreichle
    coreyreichle Posts: 1,031 Member
    Well, I know for a fact protein does not ferment. Sugar ferments into alcohol. If protein fermented, I'd be making hamburger wine as well as Apple wine :)
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,122 Member
    I've tried a buttload of protein powders. My Fellow MFP'ers that recommend Optimum nutrition Double Choclate are right on the money. This stuff has the least calories, and most protein per scoop.....and...it tastes the best..almost...almost...like not even a protein powder. I just had a two scoop shake. A big *kitten* tub is $54 shipped from Amazon...and the tub is relatively full, not half empty like a lot of other protein powders. BUY SOME!!!! I don't work for them either, but I was TIRED of throwing my money away on crap protein powders.:love:
  • Docpremie
    Docpremie Posts: 228 Member
    Syntrax Nectar protein powder. 100 calories, give 24 grams of protein. Tons of flavors from fruits, which mix well in water, plus chocolate & vanilla. It's the protein powder most recommended by bariatric surgeons/doctors & nutritionists. You can buy it at The Vitamin Shoppe, but even cheaper on line at: My Bariatric Pantry
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    ON whey
    /thread
  • greenmonstergirl
    greenmonstergirl Posts: 619 Member
    Tomorrow I'm going to GNC and buying "It's about time" in chocolate. Look it up online for cals/carbs/sugar, etc... I drink shakeology in the morning but I want something for in the evening. I eat actual food throughout the day but I have no time in the evening. I want something quick! I was not eating after 4 but this is going to be my go to dinner when I am hungry for dinner.
  • mararabb
    mararabb Posts: 37 Member
    I love the Syntrax Fuzzy Navel and Chocolate Truffle. I've tried the Body Fortress and the GNC brand and determined that I can't stand any of them with that whey smell. The Syntrax taste good straight out of the jar and have almost no odor.
  • hofdog
    hofdog Posts: 269 Member
    ON Gold Standard Whey.
  • lorriemb
    lorriemb Posts: 39 Member
    Gold Standard Natural Protein Powder--we like the Vanilla flavor. This uses stevia for sweetness--not artificial sweeteners.
  • DistantJ
    DistantJ Posts: 155 Member
    Thanks for all the great advice! I bought whatever was cheapest at Walmart. My problem with a low-carb, no refined food, higher-protein diet is that it is making me sick sick sick! The morning sickness that has blessedly been gone for the last 10 weeks or so is back with a vengeance eating like this, even though it's better for baby and I.

    I had a shake tonight for dinner with some veggies on the side and I feel FINE now! I guess knowing that, I can buy a better quality powder without worrying that it will be a waste of money.

    Thanks again!
  • Dozer561
    Dozer561 Posts: 50 Member
    not sure what you bought from walmart, but the bodyfortress and six star stuff is not very good, and didnt agree with alot of ppl's gastro intestinal system.. IE made you doodoo alot... something in it, i think the creatine in the bodyfortress it was crystalized and gritty..

    anyway, dont buy anything from GNC, overpriced. if you dont have a vitaminshoppe around, just hit amazon, the price point on ON gold whey has always been shown retail 80-90 but its been on "sale" for years at the 53ish$ price range from amazon (free shipping)and the vitaminshoppe
  • MollieA912
    MollieA912 Posts: 40 Member
    I agree with the ON people. I get mine from bodybuilding.com. They have the best prices on 2 pound tubs. Haven't tried the double chocolate but the milk chocolate and the chocolate malt ones are really good. Vanilla is good too for adding fruit too. Cookies and cream is nice as well but I would avoid the caramel fudge chocolate kind of has a chemical-y taste to it.
  • rekite2000
    rekite2000 Posts: 218 Member
    There is a new Ensure High Protein drink out and it only has 5g of sugar, but 25g of protein. it's also low fat. the vanilla is great.

    I drank these during first/second trimester. My OB suggested them.
  • This is nice post about protein powder. The obvious benefit of protein powder is that it helps in recovery process. Besides helping the muscles recover after the workout, protein powder will help you to strengthen your immune system, thus helping you recover from disease attacks and sickness.
  • jmcreynolds91
    jmcreynolds91 Posts: 777 Member
    i got Muscletech brand thats deluxe vanilla flavor. I am a huge vanilla person and i love it. Its sooo good! i usually try to get something with 20 or more grams of protein per serving.
  • choochoobell
    choochoobell Posts: 147 Member
    bump
  • fatboy235
    fatboy235 Posts: 147 Member
    I use Dymatize whey protein Isolate chocolate mint from bodybuilding.com It's got a good taste mixed with frozen blueberries and a tablespoon of ground peanut butter from earthfare. Very low sugar and keeps me satisfied.
  • Samenamenewlook
    Samenamenewlook Posts: 296 Member
    Gnc Pro Performance® Amp Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60™ - Extremely lean, I use one scoop but you can use up to three. Tastes great too!
  • mel3491
    mel3491 Posts: 31
    If you are still checking your posts about protein powder I'd like to 'weigh in'. I am doing Adkins and working out, mostly cardio, 5+ times per week. I wanted a protein shake low in sugar and carbs, and high in amino acids. Not wanting to replace meals but to get some extra protein in with hopes of keepign my hunger in check. I have tried 3 so far here and are the stats:
    MRM protein with whey. 2 lb container, lasted over a month. Vanilla and tasted great. Bought at local vitamin supplement store. you mixed with water so no extra calories.
    I then got 'Metabolic Reset' weight loss product with similar stats but it was not tasty, the jar was tiny for the same price and I wasn't overly impressed at the end of the month. Same- you could mix with water but it had to be really cold and I could barely choke it down.
    Most recently I am doing Dr. Sheele's 'Factor 4 weight control with amino acids. I read this in a book called the Obesity Cure. Great info, dry reading. downside to the powder you have to order it on-line and it's a little pricey. Good taste, can be mixed with water or milk. I've had a good loss this month but not totally convinced it is to credit.