The 10 Best Protein Powders for Men of 2024, Researched and Tested

Best Overall

NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Powder

View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $25 View On Vitacost

Our Ratings

• Flavor
  4.5/5
• Texture
  4.5/5

Now Foods is a trusted brand in protein powders, as they are Informed Sport certified—a third party organization that tests every batch for prohibited substances and ensures products are manufactured to high-quality standards. This is our best overall pick because it is a trusted brand with a simple product containing only whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin. 

This pick is unflavored, making it easy to add to a variety of sweet or savory ways. We also chose this as our best overall pick because protein used is whey protein isolate. Whey protein is a high quality source of protein with high bioavailability and an impressive amino acid profile, including high amounts of Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), which play an important role in muscle repair and synthesis.

This protein powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving and 10% Daily Value of calcium. It is made with non-GMO ingredients and free from many common allergens. The isolated whey protein means the lactose content is minimal, so it may be tolerated by those with lactose intolerance. 

^{Key Specs:
Protein source: whey protein isolate | Serving size: 1/3 cup | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Other ingredients: sunflower lecithin}

Best Budget

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder

View On Amazon $36 View On Walmart $39 View On Dick's $45

Our Ratings

• Flavor
  4/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Nutrition
  4/5
• Third-Party Testing
  5/5

If you’re looking for an affordable, trustworthy, flavored protein powder, we recommend Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein. This powder is made with a whey protein blend with whey protein isolate, concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein. Each serving of this protein powder has 24 grams of protein and provides 10% Daily Value of calcium.

A blended whey protein can be a more affordable whey option without sacrificing any quality. A whey blend will have small amounts of fat and carbohydrate that will be higher than those of a powder that is made just from whey isolate. Because it is not solely whey protein isolate, it does contain some lactose (an amount comparable to an ounce of cheddar cheese). If you are very sensitive to lactose, this might not be the best choice. It is also not suitable for a milk or soy allergy. 

We like that this powder is Informed Choice certified, meaning it is regularly tested for banned substances. We also like that this product dissolves easily in water, with no grainy texture. However, it does not thicken the liquid at all, so if you want a creamier result, try mixing it with a milk base of your choice or blended into a smoothie. It has a mild chocolate flavor, and no unpleasant aftertaste, and also comes in a variety of flavors including banana cream, chocolate coconut, cookies and cream, strawberry, vanilla, and more.

The chocolate flavor in this product comes from cocoa powder, artificial, and natural flavors, and it is sweetened with acesulfame potassium, an FDA-approved artificial sweetener. Some may appreciate that it does not have added sugar, but some may also not want the artificial sweeteners and flavors in this protein powder. 

^{Key Specs:
Protein source: whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed whey protein | Serving size: 1 scoop | Protein per serving: 24 grams | Other ingredients: cocoa powder, sunflower and/or soy lecithin, natural and artificial flavor, acesulfame potassium}

Best For Weight Gain

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Weight Gainer Supplement

View On Transparentlabs.com $80

Our Ratings

• Flavor
  4.5/5
• Texture
  4.5/5
• Nutrition
  4.5/5
• Third-Party Testing
  5/5

Transparent Labs Mass Gainer Supplement, is formulated to support muscle building and weight gain, with 750 calories, 14 grams of fat, 110 grams of carbohydrates, and 53 grams of protein per 2 scoop serving. It also contains creatine, which can help to support muscle growth and weight gain. We like that Transparent Labs does third-party testing on all of their products, with Certificates of Analysis (COAs) available for each batch of product.

The protein source is grass-fed whey protein concentrate, with all essential amino acids including high amounts of BCAAs. The fat source is coconut milk powder and MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride) Oil, which is an easily digestible and absorbable fat source. It does include a high amount of saturated fat with 12 grams for serving, as well as almost 600 milligrams of sodium, which may not be suitable for those on a heart healthy diet.

The carbohydrates are primarily from organic tapioca maltodextrin, which is rapidly absorbed and digested by the body and converted to glucose, the body's main source of energy. Because this powder contains 110 grams quick releasing carbohydrates, it may cause blood sugar spikes, so it may not be suitable for those with impaired blood glucose, such as those with diabetes. It does contain some carbohydrates as soluble fiber (6 grams per serving), which, combined with the protein and fat content, may help to reduce a blood sugar spike. However, we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional before taking this supplement if blood glucose levels are a concern.

We love the rich chocolate taste of the chocolate glaze donut flavor, but it also comes in sweet vanilla. This product did not dissolve completely when mixed with water in a shaker bottle, but it is pleasant to drink and does not have any chalkiness or aftertaste. It would also be a good choice to blend into a smoothie.

^{Key Specs:
Protein source: whey protein concentrate | Serving size: 2 scoops | Protein per serving: 53 grams | Other ingredients: Maltodextrin, cocoa powder, coconut milk powder, MCT oil, creatine, soluble tapioca fiber, natural flavors, salt, oat flour, sweet potato flour, stevia extract}  

Best Organic

Nutiva Organic Plant Protein Powder

View On Amazon $33 View On Walmart $30

Nutiva’s Organic Plant Protein Powder can make for a good protein powder for men looking for an organic, plant-based option with an added nutrient boost. This protein powder contains a wide range of micronutrients, thanks to Nutiva’s powdered fruit and vegetable blend. In addition to 23 grams of protein per serving, it provides at least 25% Daily Value of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, and many B vitamins. It also provides 15% Daily Value of iron.

The protein is from a blend of organic peas, sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp seeds, which combined, make this a complete protein source. However, it contains lower amounts of essential amino acids, including BCAAs, compared to whey protein varieties. Additionally, is that this product does not have third-party testing, and some might not want or need the added probiotic and digestive enzymes, which lack scientific backing.

This protein powder can fit most diets, as it is vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free. However, it does have coconut milk, so it is not recommended if you have a coconut allergy. It has no added sugar or stevia and is instead sweetened with monk fruit extract.

^{Key Specs:
Protein source: pea, sunflower, pumpkin, hemp seed | Serving size: 1 scoop (31 grams) | Protein per serving: 23 grams | Other ingredients: organic creamer base, organic natural flavors, fruit and vegetable blend, himalayan sea salt, organic cinnamon, d-alpha tocopherol, bifidobacterium longum, digestive enzyme blend}

Best Vegan

Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+

View On Amazon $45 View On Ritual.com $40

Our Ratings

• Flavor
  5/5
• Texture
  4.3/5
• Aftertaste
  4.5/5
• Smell
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake is a vanilla-flavored, plant-based protein powder that has 20 grams of protein per serving. It uses pea protein and also has methionine added to provide a complete protein with all essential amino acids. We love that this product is Informed Sport certified, meaning that each batch is tested for banned substances. It is also Informed Protein certified, meaning that it is tested for protein amount, heavy metals, and pesticide levels. We also like that Ritual uses transparent sourcing practicing, providing sourcing information for each ingredient.

This protein powder uses monk fruit and stevia extracts for sweetness, keeping the added sugar amount to zero grams per serving. Other ingredients include natural vanilla flavor, organic medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, xanthan gum, salt, sunflower lecithin, and mixed tocopherols to preserve freshness. While it does have a higher sodium level than other protein powders—13% daily value—this amount could be helpful for replacing lost electrolytes after long workouts.

This vegan protein is free from common allergens, making it suitable for various dietary needs. It is also a good source of fiber, with three grams per serving. Getting enough fiber in the diet is important for men, as it can promote digestive health, cholesterol management, and blood sugar stability.

Ritual offers a subscription service with some perks like free shipping, but you also have the option to purchase products without a subscription. 

^{Key Specs:
Protein source: pea protein | Serving size: 1 scoop (30 grams) | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Other ingredients: organic coconut medium-chain triglyceride oil, xanthan gum, salt, sunflower lecithin, Reb-M, mixed tocopherols, organic monk fruit extract}

Best Flavor

Naked Whey Chocolate Protein Powder

View On Amazon $95 View On Walmart $39 View On Nakednutrition.com

Our Ratings

• Flavor
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Nutrition
  5/5
• Third-Party Testing
  5/5

If you’re looking for a delicious flavored protein powder without artificial or filler ingredients, we recommend Naked Whey Chocolate Protein Powder. It contains 25 grams of protein per serving from grass-fed, whey protein concentrate. It is Informed Choice certified, so you can feel secure that this product is tested for contamination with banned substances.

The only other ingredients are organic coconut sugar and organic cacao powder, giving it a slightly sweet, rich chocolate flavor, with only 5 grams of sugar per serving. Many flavored protein powders contain artificial sweeteners or other non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, which can sometimes have an intense sweet flavor and unpleasant aftertaste. We like that this product provides a more mild sweetness and natural alternative. Also, consuming carbohydrates, including in the form of sugar, can help to replenish glycogen stores post-workout. We also like that this product is finely milled and dissolves well in liquids, with not gritty texture.

^{Key Specs:
Protein source: whey protein concentrate | Serving size: 2 scoops (7.2 tablespoons) | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Other ingredients: organic coconut sugar, organic natural flavor}

Best Casein

Dymatize Dymatize Casein Protein Powder

View On Amazon $70 View On Dymatize.com View On Muscleandstrength.com

Our Ratings

• Flavor
  5/5
• Texture
  5/5
• Nutrition
  4/5
• Third-Party Testing
  5/5

Casein is another dairy-based protein source containing all nine essential amino acids, and it contains more calcium than whey protein. It is digested and absorbed more slowly than whey, potentially helping to promote muscle recovery overnight if consumed after exercise and 30 minutes before sleep.

We recommend Dymatize’s Elite Casein Protein Powder, containing 45% Daily Value of calcium and 25 grams of protein per serving. It also contains 8% Daily Value of iron and potassium. We like that it is Informed Choice certified, so it is a good choice for athletes. Of note, it does contain artificial sweeteners, which may not be everybody’s preference.

We like that this product has a smooth texture, and dissolves quickly and completely in water, with no gritty texture. The vanilla flavor has a mild, pleasant taste, with no aftertaste, and it also comes in chocolate, cinnamon bun, and cookies and cream.

^{Key Specs:
Protein source: micellar casein | Serving size: 2 scoops (36 grams) | Protein per serving: 25 grams | Other ingredients: sunflower creamer, cocoa powder, natural flavors, salt, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, potassium chloride, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, sunflower lecithin}

Best Pea

NOW Foods Organic Pea Protein

View On Amazon $23 View On Swansonvitamins.com

Pea protein is a vegan-friendly protein powder choice that contains all nine essential amino acids. We recommend NOW Sports Organic Pea Protein, as it is budget-friendly, Informed Sport Certified, certified organic, and non-GMO verified. It is also suitable for those looking for a vegan protein powder that is soy-free. NOW Sports also has extensive in-house testing for ingredient accuracy and for contaminants.

Note the protein content is slightly lower than other options at 15 grams per serving, but it provides an impressive 30% Daily Value of iron. We like that you can add this protein powder to a variety of options, since it is unflavored and free from sweeteners.

^{Key Specs:
Protein source: organic yellow pea protein isolate | Serving size: 2 scoops (20 grams) | Protein per serving: 15 grams | Other ingredients: N/A}

Best Combination

PlantFusion Complete Protein

View On Amazon $42 View On Walmart $47 View On Swansonvitamins.com

PlantFusion’s amino-acid infused protein blend offers 21 grams of plant-based protein per serving and is free of common food allergens. This combination of vegetables, legumes, and grains acts as complementary proteins, offering a vegan protein powder with all nine essential amino acids. It also contains 22% Daily Value of iron. We like that this protein powder is third-party tested for heavy metals, certified vegan, non-GMO, and free from common allergens.  

It is relatively high in sodium with almost 400 milligrams per serving, so be mindful if you have a condition that warrants limited sodium consumption. It also contains a proprietary digestive enzyme blend that lacks scientific backing for general use and may not be suitable for all.

This protein powder comes in vanilla, rich chocolate, red velvet cake, and cookies and cream flavors, sweetened with stevia and monk fruit extract, with no added sugar. We tested the vanilla flavor and found it to have a strong, artificially sweet vanilla taste and slightly unpleasant aftertaste, but it does dissolve well in water. We recommend trying this powder blended into a smoothie instead of just plain water for a more balanced flavor.

^{Key Specs:
Protein source: pea protein isolate, artichoke powder, organic sprouted amaranth and quinoa powders, whole algae protein, added amino acids | Serving size: 1 scoop (30 grams) | Protein per serving: 21 grams | Other ingredients: enzyme blend, natural flavor, stevia extract powder, organic tapioca powder, silica, guar gum powder, lucuma powder, monk fruit extract powder, yacon powder}