The best protein

What is the best protein powder? And pre workout
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  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    edited February 2015
    Pre workouts are mostly worthless. A cup of coffee will do about the same.

    As for protein, it will vary from person to person since it's mostly about taste. I like Optimum Nutrition Strawberry Casein, and get my whey from the Protein Factory (Monster V).

  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    Agree that it's personal preference. I've tried a lot, and there's a lot of variation even within a single company.

    I love Trutein cinnabun and peanut butter marshmallow cookie, which both mix really well with just water and almost end up kind of thick. I'm very meh about their mocha caramel which doesn't mix as well and has an odd flavor (it's better with milk).

    Not a fan of the combat cinnamon bun, but it's more doughy flavored and less cinnamon than trutein, and since I'm a cinnamon addict, it's a high bar to surpass. Also decent with milk.

    Optimum Nutrition, I hate the graham cracker flavor. I can kind of choke it down with milk but it's awful. The chocolate mint flavor is a lot better, but doesn't mix real well (apparently I have high mixing standards as I have friends who love both flavors). It's decent with water but better with milk.

    I would not be opposed to trying other combat flavors (I noticed costco carries the cookies and creme) and I may still experiment at some point. But, I have five huge containers of protein on my counter.

    Learn from my mistakes, buy samples if you can or buy as small as you can to try flavors. If you like it, buy the larger containers. It's expensive in the short run, but it sucks having a ton of protein you don't like.
  • drepublic
    drepublic Posts: 180 Member
    I take IsoPure (when strict dieting), Gold Standard Natural Whey most of the time, and recently Carnivore. Not a huge fan of the taste of Carnivore but I like it as part of my post workout meal.
  • elfman5150
    elfman5150 Posts: 116 Member
    Ok, I know that this is a completely subjective topic, but I'll give my two cents anyway. Best tasting protein (IMO) is trutein by body nutrition. Oh my gosh it's ridiculous how fantastically delicious and ambrosial it is. I highly recommend their cinnamon bun, lemon meringue, chocolate peanut butter, red velvet, and orange creamsicle. I promise you won't be disappointed. It's also a blend of three proteins - egg, casein, and whey, which is nice - I guess....

    I do actually find pre-workouts to be great, but again that's just my own preference. On days I take them I do tend to have significantly more energy (I use ENGN by EVL currently). Yea, some people are gonna hate on them, but hey if it helps it helps.

    Ok, my two cents have done their job.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    edited February 2015
    elfman5150 wrote: »
    Ok, I know that this is a completely subjective topic, but I'll give my two cents anyway. Best tasting protein (IMO) is trutein by body nutrition. Oh my gosh it's ridiculous how fantastically delicious and ambrosial it is. I highly recommend their cinnamon bun, lemon meringue, chocolate peanut butter, red velvet, and orange creamsicle. I promise you won't be disappointed. It's also a blend of three proteins - egg, casein, and whey, which is nice - I guess....

    I do actually find pre-workouts to be great, but again that's just my own preference. On days I take them I do tend to have significantly more energy (I use ENGN by EVL currently). Yea, some people are gonna hate on them, but hey if it helps it helps.

    Ok, my two cents have done their job.

    I saw they just released a smores flavor. If only I didn't have over 15lbs of protein on the counter...
  • xcalygrl
    xcalygrl Posts: 1,897 Member
    edited February 2015
    I like Amplify XL Vanilla from GNC.

    I have a couple of friends who love the Quest protein powder (peanut butter specifically).

    ETA: I don't use a pre-workout. I've tried a few and all of them make my skin tingle, which I didn't quite enjoy. I also didn't notice much of a difference between workouts where I took the pre-workout and workouts where I didn't take any.
  • Azexas
    Azexas Posts: 4,334 Member
    I use the Cellucor Molten chocolate Protein powder. I like the taste. It's 120 calories and 25G of protein. The Mint chocolate chip and red velvet are very good also.

    I do take a preworkout, but only because my stomach gets sour if I have coffee very early in the morning. (I'm at the gym at 5am.) I use Cellucor C4 watermelon. Tastes like a jollyrancher
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    i prefer to eat my protein and then use the shakes as needed to fill in my day …I go for GNC amp chocolate protein powder….but as others have said it is a matter of personal preference...
  • Coffee for pre workout. (At the office I use instant.)

    As far as protein, what protein delivers the most grams per servings and the best price per serving per unit. All the other claims about the protein is just marketing.

    Oh and taste. Chocolate can't go wrong.
  • richln
    richln Posts: 809 Member
    I like Now Sports Whey Isolate (unflavored). Pros: Inexpensive, pure protein, nothing added, no carbs or fat or artificial sweeteners. Cons: Tastes like pure protein with nothing added. Preworkout: banana or yogurt and sometimes a caffeine pill.
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    richln wrote: »
    I like Now Sports Whey Isolate (unflavored). Pros: Inexpensive, pure protein, nothing added, no carbs or fat or artificial sweeteners. Cons: Tastes like pure protein with nothing added. Preworkout: banana or yogurt and sometimes a caffeine pill.

    Hahaha. I'll take the little bit of artificial stuff to not have to choke down protein...
  • nellyett
    nellyett Posts: 436 Member
    I only have coffee with a bit of cream and coconut oil before my workout. Seems to hold me over.... my favorite protein powder to date has been the Body Fortress Whey Isolate. Chocolate and Vanilla are both good.

    I get the microfiltered one so it blends in completely. I mix it into my oats/quinoa. I like to "eat" my calories. lol
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    edited February 2015
    If you are talkign supliments then check the label and watch for amino spiking. A protein powder with creatine and extra aminos (other than BCAA especially leucine) is going to be filling up the protein listed with cheap aminos that aren't the best for building muscle. Also, stick to whey, casein, egg or meat proteins since they are high in leucine.

    For whole foods go with fish, meat and dairy as they are high in protein with plenty of leucine for muscle synthesis.

    ETA for bars avoid those with gelatin and collagen listed as they are cheaper protein fillers and not great for building muscle.
  • scorrea2
    scorrea2 Posts: 72 Member
    I use mostly cellucor molten chocolate and use their c4 watermelon on my leg days
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  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    "Best" is going to be a personal preference. I personally like Optimum Nutrition Whey Isolate...I get it at Costco for way cheaper than you can get it in the nutrition stores.

    You might pay one of those nutrition stores a visit though and see if you can do some sampling before you fork out $50 for a tub of protein. Also realize that protein powders are just a supplement to help you hit your protein goals...if you can do that without supplementing, then there's no need. I only mention it because there seems to be this wave of people who believe there is some magical properties to whey protein or something.

    Also for pre-workout I always just have an apple or banana.

  • richln
    richln Posts: 809 Member
    MrM27 wrote: »
    richln wrote: »
    I like Now Sports Whey Isolate (unflavored). Pros: Inexpensive, pure protein, nothing added, no carbs or fat or artificial sweeteners. Cons: Tastes like pure protein with nothing added. Preworkout: banana or yogurt and sometimes a caffeine pill.
    What exactly does pure protein taste like? Chalk?

    Yeah pretty much. Quite an acquired taste.
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    MrM27 wrote: »
    richln wrote: »
    I like Now Sports Whey Isolate (unflavored). Pros: Inexpensive, pure protein, nothing added, no carbs or fat or artificial sweeteners. Cons: Tastes like pure protein with nothing added. Preworkout: banana or yogurt and sometimes a caffeine pill.
    What exactly does pure protein taste like? Chalk?

    Chalk would be preferable. I had bcaa powder back before they realized that you could actually add flavor. :grimacing:
  • AKDonF
    AKDonF Posts: 235 Member
    MrM27 wrote: »
    richln wrote: »
    I like Now Sports Whey Isolate (unflavored). Pros: Inexpensive, pure protein, nothing added, no carbs or fat or artificial sweeteners. Cons: Tastes like pure protein with nothing added. Preworkout: banana or yogurt and sometimes a caffeine pill.
    What exactly does pure protein taste like? Chalk?

    Chalk would be preferable. I had bcaa powder back before they realized that you could actually add flavor. :grimacing:

    I still have 'plain' BCAA powder and you don't want to know what it tastes like, believe me!
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  • Brimixed
    Brimixed Posts: 186 Member
    I've always loved Vega! It's plant based so a little different from the other types of protein that's out there. I am hooked on the vanilla chai right now! :)
  • jdhcm2006
    jdhcm2006 Posts: 2,254 Member
    I like Eidopro's Unflavored Protein Powder (I get it off of Amazon). I put it in my tea and peanut butter, so I can boost my protein numbers.

    I can't handle the taste of traditional protein powders. The artificial sugary taste makes me gag.
  • allenbrowning
    allenbrowning Posts: 34 Member
    For me it comes down to quality vs $. Most of the commercialized protein powders u find on the shelves in retail stores have relatively low protein content per serving size. It says "25g per serving!!!" But the serving size may be 30g to even 40g. Then they fill the rest with things you don't need, more fat, more carbs/sugar to make it taste better. Most of them equal less than 60% protein for top $. Waste of money. I use MYPROTEIN it had a much higher protein content at 75% +. And the unflavored has even more 95% (20g protein per 25g scoop) 1.5g fat, 0 carb 100 cal). 5 lb bag is $60. Then I add my flavoring a like berries, cocoa, peanut butter whatever. It comes down to personal preference. If u don't mind spending your hard earned $ on low quality protein just for it to taste better then by all means... Find something that agrees with your stomach and your wallet. Good luck
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    edited February 2015
    For me it comes down to quality vs $. Most of the commercialized protein powders u find on the shelves in retail stores have relatively low protein content per serving size. It says "25g per serving!!!" But the serving size may be 30g to even 40g. Then they fill the rest with things you don't need, more fat, more carbs/sugar to make it taste better. Most of them equal less than 60% protein for top $. Waste of money. I use MYPROTEIN it had a much higher protein content at 75% +. And the unflavored has even more 95% (20g protein per 25g scoop) 1.5g fat, 0 carb 100 cal). 5 lb bag is $60. Then I add my flavoring a like berries, cocoa, peanut butter whatever. It comes down to personal preference. If u don't mind spending your hard earned $ on low quality protein just for it to taste better then by all means... Find something that agrees with your stomach and your wallet. Good luck

    Or more to the point just don't waste your money period. I only tend to drink a shake in the morning bevause I don't have time to fix breakfast and I'm not a big breakfast eater either. Most people get more than enough so it just goes to carbs anyway. If I had my choice I wouldn't buy any protien powder but I do it out of convenience.
  • allenbrowning
    allenbrowning Posts: 34 Member
    edited February 2015
    For me it comes down to quality vs $. Most of the commercialized protein powders u find on the shelves in retail stores have relatively low protein content per serving size. It says "25g per serving!!!" But the serving size may be 30g to even 40g. Then they fill the rest with things you don't need, more fat, more carbs/sugar to make it taste better. Most of them equal less than 60% protein for top $. Waste of money. I use MYPROTEIN it had a much higher protein content at 75% +. And the unflavored has even more 95% (20g protein per 25g scoop) 1.5g fat, 0 carb 100 cal). 5 lb bag is $60. Then I add my flavoring a like berries, cocoa, peanut butter whatever. It comes down to personal preference. If u don't mind spending your hard earned $ on low quality protein just for it to taste better then by all means... Find something that agrees with your stomach and your wallet. Good luck

    Or more to the point just don't waste your money period. I only tend to drink a shake in the morning bevause I don't have time to fix breakfast and I'm not a big breakfast eater either. Most people get more than enough so it just goes to carbs anyway. If I had my choice I wouldn't buy any protien powder but I do it out of convenience.

    I agree. Protein powder is over commercialized. I do however use it in recipes to make great snacks and breakfast foods. Like you said typically everyone get enough protein daily. 1-1.5g per body weight is easily achieved, unless you're Kia Greene, haha. For some it's easier to down a shake with a busy schedule there's no harm in that. I do that occasionally just to fill the macros if I'm deficient.
  • jdhcm2006
    jdhcm2006 Posts: 2,254 Member
    For me it comes down to quality vs $. Most of the commercialized protein powders u find on the shelves in retail stores have relatively low protein content per serving size. It says "25g per serving!!!" But the serving size may be 30g to even 40g. Then they fill the rest with things you don't need, more fat, more carbs/sugar to make it taste better. Most of them equal less than 60% protein for top $. Waste of money. I use MYPROTEIN it had a much higher protein content at 75% +. And the unflavored has even more 95% (20g protein per 25g scoop) 1.5g fat, 0 carb 100 cal). 5 lb bag is $60. Then I add my flavoring a like berries, cocoa, peanut butter whatever. It comes down to personal preference. If u don't mind spending your hard earned $ on low quality protein just for it to taste better then by all means... Find something that agrees with your stomach and your wallet. Good luck

    @allenbrowning‌ do you have any issues with bloating with the MyProtein? I looked at it and it would be more economical for me to purchase this protein. But the protein powder I use is unflavored and doesn't give me any stomach issues.
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  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    MrM27 wrote: »
    Best protein for me, chicken. Mmmmmmmm chicken.

    AND steak!

    Seriously though, it's personal preference. I like ON 100% casein and PHD whey but all the big sites do sample packs, they're about £1 here so maybe 1 or 2 $, so you could try some before shelling out.
  • craigjmorton
    craigjmorton Posts: 24 Member
    Try Musclemilk. The flavours are good, it mixes well (doesn't clump) and you can drink it with either water or skimmed milk.
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