Best protein powder for shakes

I need to increase my intake of protein, and one thing I'm looking to do is buy a protein powder to go into my smoothies. I make fruit smoothies probably every other day that currently consist of bananas, blueberries, plain greek yogurt, ice, and a little bit of lemonade. So it's critical that if I add protein powder to this mixture, it's taste blends well.

SO.. MFP-ers... I need your help. After doing a bit of research, I see that there are tons of different types of protein powders out there. WHICH DO I GET?
- whey vs. casein?
- any reco's for in-store powders? Can I buy this at a Trader Joes or Whole Foods?
- what brand??? I need something in which their is minimal taste and texture interference. Ideally... i don't even want to know that I added anything. If it's necessary... i'd prefer something vanilla tasting (but subtle)

I *really* need your guys' help. I know there are some brands that have worked well for you out there... lemme know!!

Replies

  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
    I haven't bought any from Trader Joes... however, I hear they have a great return policy, so if you try it and don't like it, you can easily return it. :)

    I use Muscle Milk, but only because it is the only brand I can stand the taste, so not much help there.
  • horseplaypen
    horseplaypen Posts: 442 Member
    I like the Promasil powder, it blends really well and the flavours are good. You can get it at GNC.
  • agentphantom
    agentphantom Posts: 30 Member
    OP, I highly recommend going with a blend of fast, medium, and slow digesting proteins. That way you can "feed" your muscles over a longer period of time. I personally use Musclepharm's Combat Orange Creamsicle and Vanilla. Both taste really good. I also use Trutein Cinnubun which tastes absolutely awesome. PM me and I can give you the places where I buy mine. I would not shop at GNC, too damn pricey compared to online shops. Good luck!
  • paijing
    paijing Posts: 184 Member
    Optimum Nutrition makes some of the best protein powders out there. They get fantastic reviews on Amazon, and the online prices are really reasonable. I typically buy 2lb. jars for $25 on Amazon. At the nearby GNC, the same jars cost $45.

    I use vanilla whey or delicious strawberry whey in my post-workout shakes. I usually put vanilla soy milk, half a banana, a few strawberries, half a scoop of protein powder, and a few ice cubes into my shake. (Reviews also say that the banana creme flavor is good, and I imagine the chocolate ones are fine too.)

    I also use chocolate casein powder in my post-dinner shakes. These chocolate shakes are great for my sweet tooth, and casein is best to take at night because it's slow-digesting. I put chocolate soy milk, peanut butter (or PB2), half a scoop of protein powder, and a few ice cubes into my shake.

    I believe that ON has some sample packs that you can buy, too. That way you can try out a number of different flavors.