How in the world do I pick a protein powder??

erinelizabeth882
erinelizabeth882 Posts: 102 Member
edited November 15 in Food and Nutrition
Hemp, whey, casein, soy, my head is starting to spin with all the option available for protein powder! I think I would benefit from incorporating a protein powder in my diet, I tend to struggle to hit my daily protein goals even with chicken, low fat cheese, beans, quinoa, greek yogurt, tuna, etc.

I think I've narrowed my personal options down to hemp or whey products. I'm looking to use them in my morning smoothie and/or after workouts with almond milk. My understanding is that whey generally has more protein per gram than hemp, but that hemp tends to have more fiber and possibly other benefits? I tend to have trouble reaching my fiber goals as well, so hemp is appealing as well. Tell me about what you prefer and why! What are your top choices? I am a college student on a tight budget, so that will factor into what I can purchase. I was interested in some of the Vega products because of all the different nutrients included until I read the price tag :# so if there's anything similar to that and less expensive that anyone has used, feel free to throw that out as well!

Another protein powder question: would it be bad to use protein powder in my morning smoothie and again later in the day after a workout to help meet my protein goals? I'm guessing it's obviously better to reach those goals via regular food sources, but would it be harmful?

Thanks!
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Replies

  • vfit10
    vfit10 Posts: 228 Member
    Whole foods > protein powders
    Yes protein powders will give you that extra protein for your overall intake.
    I would suggest a whey protein is the most common and Also good price , just make sure to research a good brand.
  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    I prefer protein on a stick. :D

    chicken-drumstick.jpg
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  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    i buy the one on sale
  • geeky_mama
    geeky_mama Posts: 1
    I went to Whole Foods and found a Chocolate Whey that I liked.. I got a little instant coffee (powdered form) there, too.
    In the blender I added ice, the recommended scoop of protein powder and some 1% milk and it tasted like a Starbucks treat. (For a treat sometimes I throw in some chocolate chips.)

    When I don't have time (or don't want to clean the blender) I eat Luna protein bars. It has 12 grams of soy/whey protein and 3 grams of fiber and isn't too heavy - but also keeps me from feeling hungry for a while. My favorite are the Lemon ones - they're 180 calories I think.
  • sing809
    sing809 Posts: 54 Member
    If you tolerate dairy ok, whey protein is probably better than hemp. I have used MetRX, Body Fortress, Raley's Full Circle Whey, and Trutein. My favorite by far for flavor is Trutein, which also has casein and egg white protein. Body Fortress is the cheapest and tastes ok, but I feel like the MetRX and Trutein are higher quality.
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  • berz82
    berz82 Posts: 100 Member
    edited March 2015
    myprotein is really good and good value and one of the best quality, lots of flavors great to throw into a shake and tastes/mixes well. theres lots out there but stick to the ones that are good protein and not blends which alot of brands do and claim its protein when its had a lot of crap added to it. Try 'Impact whey protein' by Myprotein.
  • williams969
    williams969 Posts: 2,528 Member
    Capt_Apollo wrote: »
    i buy the one on sale

    ^^This. Mine comes from Walmart (EAS Complete Protein--contains milk and soy proteins--$20 for 2lbs). Tastes all right to me, easily available, and inexpensive. I tried the Body Fortress (whey protein) from Walmart ($17 for 2lb jug), but I didn't like the taste or texture as much as the EAS. I'm cheap, but the $3 difference is worth it to me.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    edited March 2015
    I strongly suspect most protein powders are all coming out the same two factories anyway, no matter what they're marketed/branded as. I'm using whatever "whey isolate" I happen to find on sale, for no reason other than whey isolate was the first tub I bought and I haven't found a compelling reason to look for anything else. :smile:
  • kikichewie
    kikichewie Posts: 276 Member
    I generally pick whey protein. But most of the time for my shakes I just use egg whites from a carton. Not as much protein, but much cheaper and I like the consistency a lot better than any of the powders. You can also get dried egg whites, but I haven't tried them.
  • feisty_bucket
    feisty_bucket Posts: 1,047 Member
    edited March 2015
    Stick with whey or casein. The plant-based stuff is for vegans and has lower bioavailability.

    Of those, whey is the most common and easier to find. Buy the smallest containers and try a bunch out because they all taste different.
    but would it be harmful?

    No, it's fine. It's "compressed milk." From what I've seen, most everyone into fitness eats this stuff.

  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    The only advice I can give you and what helped me was choose a protein powder with casein in it. Casein helps to keep you fuller for longer. A lot of protein powders have fast release/digesting whey proteins. Which is great for before or after a workout. But if you want the fullness factor go for slower release casein.
    This has been my experience, I can definitely tell the difference between a regular protein powder and the slow release kind.
  • foursirius
    foursirius Posts: 321 Member
    edited March 2015
    Optimum Gold standard 100 whey. It is the most generic higher quality stuff out there.
  • Building_Bulk
    Building_Bulk Posts: 20,596 Member
    As suggested just try a few different ones until you find one you like. My personal choice is ON Standard Gold French Vanilla whey protein.
  • ukaryote
    ukaryote Posts: 874 Member
    If it helps, you will not make a wrong choice. The protein supplement sounds like a good idea if you are already have difficulties hitting your goals with high protein whole foods. And the protein powders are food. Whey, soy, and hemp are foods.
    erinelizabeth882 wrote: »
    my head is starting to spin with all the option available for protein powder! I think I would benefit from incorporating a protein powder in my diet, I tend to struggle to hit my daily protein goals even with chicken, low fat cheese, beans, quinoa, greek yogurt, tuna, etc.

    Cost - No point going with something so expensive you cannot afford to reach your macros

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  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    My favourite is: Gen-Tech pro lean, it has 28g protein and also has casein. 160 calories, plus it can be used as a meal replacement.
  • lindsayh87
    lindsayh87 Posts: 167 Member
    geeky_mama wrote: »
    When I don't have time (or don't want to clean the blender) I eat Luna protein bars. It has 12 grams of soy/whey protein and 3 grams of fiber and isn't too heavy - but also keeps me from feeling hungry for a while. My favorite are the Lemon ones - they're 180 calories I think.

    Those Luna bars seem great, 12g protien - non GMO and decently priced but they are packed with sugar (and a fair amount of carbs if that matters to you) look beyond just the protien with those bars :)
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    If you're going to go for a protein bar. IMO you can't beat Quest bars. If I need a sweet fix I'll have a chocolate brownie quest bar, microwaved for 9 seconds.
  • ScorpioJack_91
    ScorpioJack_91 Posts: 5,241 Member
    edited March 2015
    If you want quick protein...go with either Cellucor or MTS Whey. Really good especially MTS. But I do agree you can get alot of your protein from the foods you eat....you just have to buy alot of chicken, fish, shrimp, eggs and so on. Just got MTS myself and it tastes amazing.
  • Wen_Mitchell
    Wen_Mitchell Posts: 72 Member
    I use EAS AdvantEdge, ready to drink, chocolate fudge...tastes really good. Has 17g protein, 100 calories, 0 sugar.
    Cost $4.97 per 4-pack at Wal-Mart.
  • griffinca2
    griffinca2 Posts: 672 Member
    I was going to suggest either the EAS Whey Protein (19.98) or the Soy Protein (9.98)--both @ Wal-Mart. Main thing you want to watch is the sugar content. Mostly it is how the stuff tastes; you may have to experiment. I made some of Jamie Eason's Chocolate Protein Bars using whey pro powder (plan on trying soy next time); (you can find them on Bodybuilding.com--taste pretty good (my husband even liked them).
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    christinev297 wrote: »
    The only advice I can give you and what helped me was choose a protein powder with casein in it.

    That's useful to hear, thank you. Not surprisingly, casein-based powders are a rare sighting at typical grocery stores, at least around here.

    Sigh....it's never easy, is it....
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    I can tell you what I look for in protein powder.

    1.) It must actually taste good and have a nice texture.
    2.) It must have a decent protein to calorie ratio.
    3.)It must not be VERY expensive.
    4.)It must be easily accessible.
    5.) It must be tested by a third party for efficacy.

    Because of the above, i choose to use Optimum Nutrition or Dymatize (whey). They have great flavors, they taste good, and the texture is not gritty. They are all 130-150 calories for 23-25 grams of protein. They are a good price (about midrange). You can buy them online, at bodybuilding.com, at vitamin shop, and they are the most common brands at any local store i've been to. They are both tested by a third party to ensure that the calorie and protein count they advertise is accurate. There have been scandals in the past where some protein powders were being advertised as "25g protein!" but they actually contained less than 10. Because this is a supplement they are not evaluated by the FDA and therefore being tested is important.

    Hemp protein has a lower BVI than whey. Therefore the "x gram of protein" of hemp you are consuming are going to be less helpful overall than whey protein.
  • harmar21
    harmar21 Posts: 215 Member
    I have tried many different brands of Protein Powder. ON Gold Standard is ok, but I don't find the taste that great, just average. also I find it doesn't mix the greatest in water.
    My favourite brand right now is Dymatize ISO. Mixes extremely well with water, tastes fantastic. Another brand I want to try and is getting awesome reviews is Animal Whey.
    All 3 of these brands are almost pure protein.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    I can tell you what I look for in protein powder.

    1.) It must actually taste good and have a nice texture.
    2.) It must have a decent protein to calorie ratio.
    3.)It must not be VERY expensive.
    4.)It must be easily accessible.
    5.) It must be tested by a third party for efficacy.

    Because of the above, i choose to use Optimum Nutrition or Dymatize (whey). They have great flavors, they taste good, and the texture is not gritty. They are all 130-150 calories for 23-25 grams of protein. They are a good price (about midrange). You can buy them online, at bodybuilding.com, at vitamin shop, and they are the most common brands at any local store i've been to. They are both tested by a third party to ensure that the calorie and protein count they advertise is accurate. There have been scandals in the past where some protein powders were being advertised as "25g protein!" but they actually contained less than 10. Because this is a supplement they are not evaluated by the FDA and therefore being tested is important.

    Hemp protein has a lower BVI than whey. Therefore the "x gram of protein" of hemp you are consuming are going to be less helpful overall than whey protein.

    The third party thing is really interesting. How do you go about finding this out?

  • justsayinisall
    justsayinisall Posts: 162 Member
    Optimum Nutrition for me. I bought the big 5 pound bag of something else from Sam's Club because reviews said it tasted great (which it did) and it was cheap. I'm embarrassed to say that it took me almost a month to realize that my extreme stomach cramps/aches were because of that protein. Found Optimum Nutrition and no pains.

    No one else get any type of stomach issues with certain protein powders?? I'm afraid to try anything else because of that experience.
  • chesves
    chesves Posts: 224 Member
    I wish I'd found and read this thread about an hour ago .... I just ordered Myotein XPI (chocolate) off Amazon -- anyone care to give their input on that? Thanks!

    I ordered it b/c I have a hard time eating breakfast in the morning .... I know breakfast is key though ... I thought a quick protein shake in the morning would be helpful because I know it's better than skipping this key meal in the day. I had a friend give me a couple of her "shakeology" shakes-- (I know what people here think about BB)-- but they did help me in the morning in lieu of skipping breakfast altogether.

    That was my thinking for protein powder anyway, and to ensure I'm getting my daily protein intake ....
  • GreenIceFloes
    GreenIceFloes Posts: 1,491 Member
    I'd say go with whey. Try Optimum Nutrition, maybe.
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