Protein powders can be an effective method of nourishing your body with more protein, whether you’re looking to build muscle or control protein intake. Not all protein powders on the market are treated the same as there are many different options to choose from. You want to find the best protein powder for you and your needs, so read on to learn what you need to look out for to choose the best product.
1. Protein Powder Type
The two most common protein powder types are whey protein and soy protein. Whey protein is a good everyday option that is easy to digest and can help to boost your energy and reduce stress. Soy protein is a plant-based powder that can be effective at reducing high cholesterol and building muscle mass. Two other common types of protein powders are egg protein and milk protein.
If you’re looking for a plant-based protein powder, you will want hemp, brown rice, or pea protein. Hemp protein is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Brown rice protein is a good option for vegetarians or those with milk allergies. This option is also gluten-free. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic option, pea protein powder is an economical and easily digestible choice.
2. Your Protein Powder Needs
You have a goal you’re looking to achieve by adding protein powder to your diet so it’s important to you find a product that will help you reach that goal. Or, if you have dietary restrictions, you need to know how to find the best option for you.
One of the common reasons people add protein powder to their diet is to help build muscle mass. If you are actively training and want to add muscle mass, whey protein is a good option for you. Whey protein is the most digestible protein and could help you bulk up. If you’re on a journey to lose weight or are diabetic, you want to be vigilant in checking the ingredients and avoid added sugars or sweeteners.
If you follow or consume a vegetarian or vegan diet, opt for a protein powder that is 100% plant-based. You have a solid amount of options here and can choose from soy, hemp, brown rice, or pea proteins.
3. Ingredients in the Protein Powder
Since protein powders are packaged foods, they can contain additives in the ingredients. These filler ingredients are added for a variety of reasons, most commonly to be cost-effective, for flavor, and to ensure longer shelf life. To find the best powder, look for these three things when checking the ingredients: a powder primarily made with protein, ingredients you can pronounce, and a product that is free of added sugar or artificial sweetener.
4. Protein Powder Taste and Flavor
You will be consuming your protein powder rather frequently, so you want to ensure you find something with a taste that you enjoy. Otherwise, you’ll end up dreading consuming it and end up wasting money, and not meeting your goals. So, look for a protein powder that offers a flavor you like. You still want to be wary of how the protein includes these flavors, particularly if there is a ton of added sweetener.
If you want to avoid flavored protein powder altogether, you do have the option of enhancing the powder when you mix it. For example, adding fresh berries or peanut butter can improve the flavor. If this is the route you want to take, make sure you find a protein powder that can be mixed with other ingredients.
5. Price of the Protein Powder
Protein powder can get rather expensive and can come in large quantity containers. Don’t feel forced to go outside of your budget if you can’t afford an expensive protein powder. Look for options within your price range that can help you achieve your desired result, especially if you’re new to consuming protein powder. You want to make sure you are going to use all the protein powder you buy, so avoid buying it in large quantities by checking expiration dates and have a solid grasp on how much you will realistically consume.
Conclusion
Shopping for protein powder can feel overwhelming, especially for first-timers. If you narrow down your search using these criteria, you can more quickly find the best product to suit your needs. With any new product, it can take some trial and error to find the one that works for you, so take your time if you need it and be open to trying things out to find your best option.
