Registered Dietitian's Favourite Protein Powders
We Asked RDs What the Best Protein Powders to Build Muscle Are — Here's What They Said
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If you've been meaning to buy protein powder and have no idea where to start, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for a quick post-workout meal or want to make sure you're hitting your daily intake, there are hundreds of protein powder brands — and it can be hard to weed out the quality brands from the more, err, questionable ones.
To find out the best protein powders to help you achieve your goals — like building muscle — POPSUGAR spoke to the pros. Whether you prefer plant-based protein or animal-based protein, we've got an option for you. Check them out ahead!
1 Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
Nikki Jupe, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, the senior sports dietitian at the University of Oregon recommends the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides ($20). It has 18 grams of protein per serving and no sugar. If you're not into protein shakes, mix the collagen peptides into your coffee, tea, or soup.
2 RSP AvoCollagen Peptides
"The RSP Nutrition brand is a go-to of mine for their meticulous attention to nutrition detail," Monica Auslander Moreno, MS, RD, LDN, and founder of Essence Nutrition said.
She likes the RSP AvoCollagen Protein Powder ($35) because "It's a unique blend of healthy fats derived from avocado fused with the connective tissue-supporting actions of collagen."
Each serving has 10 grams of protein. The RSP AvoCollagen Peptides is also available in chocolate and vanilla flavours.
3 Thorne Vegan Chocolate Performance Protein Powder
Nikki also recommends Thorne Vegan Chocolate Performance Protein Powder ($67) for those who are vegan or would prefer to avoid animal-based protein powders. Each serving contains 23 grams of protein. Thorne also offers whey protein options.
4 Muscle Milk Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
"Whey protein is the most researched and proven source of protein for muscle protein synthesis (the building of muscle mass)," Nikki told POPSUGAR in a previous interview. If your goal is to build muscle, give the classic Muscle Milk Whey Vanilla Protein Powder ($50) a try.
Each scoop contains 25 grams of protein, five and a half grams of branched-chained amino acids (BCAAs), and 2.6 grams of leucine, an amino acid that helps you build muscle.
The Muscle Milk protein powders are also available in chocolate, vanilla creme, strawberries and creme, cookies and creme, and mocha latte flavours.
5 Evolve Vanilla Protein Powder
If you want a dairy-free protein, Nikki recommends the plant-based Evolve Vanilla Protein Powder ($25). There are 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of fibre per serving.
6 Evolve Chocolate Protein Powder Packet
If you're constantly on the go, keep an Evolve Chocolate Protein Powder Packet ($15) in your purse or gym bag at all times for a quick meal replacement. Each pack has 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of fibre.
7 Momentous AbsoluteZero Plant-Based Protein Powder
Angie Ashe, MS, RD, CSSD and the owner of Eleat Sports Nutrition recommends the Momentous AbsoluteZero Plant-Based Protein Powder ($60) because it's NSF Certified For Sport. She also likes that Momentous offers plant-based and whey products.
8 Gatorade Cookies and Creme Whey Protein Powder
Gatorade doesn't just make recovery drinks, it also has a collection of protein powders Nikki recommends. If you're looking for something that reminds you of dessert, try the Gatorade Cookies and Creme Whey Protein Powder ($40).
Each serving has 20 grams of protein and includes casein, an essential amino acid the body can't produce on it's own.
The Gatorade powders are also available in chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate caramel flavours.
9 RSP Grass-Fed Natural Whey Protein Powder
Another brand Monica recommends is the RSP Grass-Fed Natural Whey Protein Powder ($55). "It contains a pre and probiotic blend to support gut health and can be seamlessly folded into baked goods for those who tire of shakes," she said.
This protein powder has 25 grams of protein, eight grams of prebiotic fibre and probiotics, five grams of BCAAs, and four grams of glutamine, an amino acid.
10 Garden of Life Raw Organic Unflavoured Protein Powder
If you're vegan, Nikki recommends the Garden of Life Raw Organic Unflavoured Protein Powder ($28). Each serving contains 22 grams of sugar-free pea protein. It also has three billion CFU probiotics and enzymes to help with digestion.
The Garden of Life protein powders are also available in chocolate, vanilla, and vanilla chai flavours.
11 BiPro Elite Whey Isolate Protein Powder
If you like whey protein, Nikki approves of the BiPro Elite Whey Isolate Protein Powder ($40). It has 20 grams of protein per serving, contains all nine essential amino acids, and three BCAAs.
The BiPro protein powder is made without fillers, artificial flavours, added sugars, lactose, and gluten. It's also available in chocolate and vanilla flavours.
12 Klean Athlete Whey Protein Isolate
Both Angie and Nikki recommend Klean Athlete Whey Protein Isolate ($51) if you want to build muscle. If you aren't in to vanilla, they also offer chocolate and unflavoured options.
13 EAS Whey and Casein Strawberry Protein Powder
Another brand Nikki likes is EAS. The EAS Whey and Casein Strawberry Protein Powder ($36) will help you build muscle and recover from your workouts. It has 20 grams of protein and 4.6 grams of BCAAs per serving.
