We are always on the lookout for new ways to either bulk up or lose weight. One thing a lot of folks are unaware of is how the two are connected. Muscle is metabolically more active than fat, so when you are gaining weight, you are automatically losing fat.
Then some people dedicate their exercise life to aerobics, which is good and all for weight loss. Still, when you go extreme, which a lot of people do, you risk the chance of entering what we fitness enthusiasts call the ‘starvation mode,’ aka metabolic damage. You should also look for natural protein sources if you want to see best results.
It’s basically a state your body enters when it’s been under long term calorie restriction. It stops taking energy from your reserved fat and starts breaking down your muscles and bones. It takes a toll on your mind as well.
So, when your main goal is to both- gain muscle and lose weight, you should fuel your workouts with protein supplements with the highest protein content. So you can cross-check all the relevant info below and pick whichever you think will be the best protein powder for weight loss and muscle gain for you. If you are looking for protein shakes, then check our protein shake review.
5 Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain
| Product Name | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Milk Pro Series Protein Shake BEST FOR: Workout | 4.6 | Check Price |
| Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate BEST FOR: Maintaining a Calorie Deficit | 4.3 | Check Price |
| Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein BEST FOR: Bedtime protein intake | 4.2 | Check Price |
| Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Protein Powder BEST FOR: R | 4.6 | Check Price |
| Designer Protein Organic PRO 30 BEST FOR: Vegans | 3.4 | Check Price |
1. MET- Rx Original Whey Protein Powder
Nutritional Info Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 72g
- Servings/Container: 40
- Protein Source: Milk Protein Concentrate, Calcium Sodium Caseinate, L- Glutamine, Whey Protein Concentrate, Egg White.
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 36g
- Total Carbohydrate: 18g
- Sugar: 2g
- Total Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
MET- Rx is a brand known for its broad offering of supplementary products. MET- Rx earned a place on this list solely for its high protein content. Most powders pack less protein, so whatever your goal may be, you can definitely use this to fuel your strength training for them gains or avoid muscle loss for intensive cardio sessions for weight loss.
The brand’s original whey protein comes in a pack of 40 single-serve packs, which is excellent because it lets you carry it around whenever and make it instantly.
However, the original whey protein powder comes only in Vanilla and Chocolate flavors.
PROs:
- Comes in 40 single-serve packs.
- Very own blend of protein- Metamyosyn.
- Low Fat.
- Over 6g BCAAs.
- No aspartame.
CONs:
- Basic 2 Flavors
- Some reviewers had issues with taste and consistency.
- High Sodium Content.
2. Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
Nutritional Info Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 34.91g
- Servings/Container: 26
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 30g
- Total Carbohydrate: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Total Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
Nutricost whey isolate is a great protein source for you if you don’t want to thin out your wallet. The macro content is decent as well, with 0 grams of fat, and 1 gram of carbohydrate, you can enrich your muscles with a concentrated dosage of protein.
There are 6 different flavors to choose from, so whatever your taste is, you can have it. This particular protein shake is kosher ad halal certified. Anyone suffering from lactose intolerance can ingest it.
PROs:
- High-Quality Isolate.
- Comes in 6 different flavors.
- Made in a GMP Compliant, an FDA registered Facility.
- Good Miscibility,
- Affordable.
CONs:
- A few complaints about finding gritty and doughy like pieces in the container.
- No Fiber.
3. Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein
Nutritional Info Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 1 scoop/ 32 g
- Protein Source: Micellar Protein Casein Protein
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrate: 2 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
Ascent protein powder comes in 2 sizes- 32 ounces and 64 ounces. You can expect this particular protein powder to be completely free of any artificial ingredients.
It is slow digesting, as it’s whey and casein-based protein powder. It’s been artificially sweetened to meet the demands of your tastebuds.
The brand offers 3 different flavors to choose from- Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.
Pros:
- Slow Digesting Protein
- Curbs hunger
- Monk fruit
Cons:
- Uses Xanthan Gum.
- A Bit Expensive.
4. Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Protein Powder
Nutritional Info Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 1 scoop/ 39g
- Servings/Container: 40
- Protein Source: Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 30g
- Total Carbohydrate: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Total Fat: 1g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sodium: 180mg
To understand how this hydrolyzed form of whey protein is special, you will have to know what it is.
It’s the most advanced form of protein made by ON. Hydrolyzed protein is made by breaking larger proteins down into smaller proteins. This way, the isolates get delivered into your system at a faster pace.
As for the taste and mixability, it’s not the best pick if the taste is your prime concern. But one perk is you have 6 different flavors to pick from, and 2 different sizes 1.75/2.5 pounds.
PROs:
- Good miscibility.
- Fast delivery of hydrolyzed whey protein isolate.
- 15.5g of EAAS to support muscle recovery and growth.
- Low sugar and carb content
- No digestive side effects like bloating and gas.
CONs:
- Price relatively high, but not the highest.
- Not the best tasting protein powder.
5. Designer Protein Organic PRO 30
Nutritional Info Per Serving:
- Serving Size: 1 scoop/ 46g
- Servings/Container: 13
- Protein Source: Organic sprouted, pea protein
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 30g
- Total Carbohydrate: 9g
- Sugar: 3g
- Total Fat: 2.5g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
Organic Pro 30 protein powder comes in recyclable containers, in 2 different flavors- Vanilla and Chocolate.
The protein blend in this protein powder nourishes our system to fight free radicals, and support immune health, curbs hunger, and boosts digestive health.
The protein powder is low in fat, high in fiber, and moderate in carbs, so it would make an excellent recovery drink.
PROs:
- Certified USDA organic, vegan, gluten-free, and Kosher.
- 9 Essential Minerals and Vitamins, including Iron and Vitamin C.
- Multi-strain probiotics to aid in digestion.
- Soy, egg, dairy, lactose, and cholesterol-free.
- No artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, preservatives.
- Made in the USA.
CONs:
- Contains ingredients known to cause cancer.
The Verdict
The above information is intended to guide you to pick the right protein powder depending on your specific needs, may you be a vegan, or you want to kickstart your muscle synthesis. At the same time, you sleep, or even for post-workout recovery.
If you are into aerobic exercises, then you will need to opt for the highest content carb, if muscle gain is your goal, then go with the highest protein content. If your stomach is vulnerable to gassing up after protein shakes, then go for the hydrolyzed whey isolate.
At the end of the day, you need to look past the protein content, because we consume protein powders for the protein, but there are other ingredients involved, so customize your choice in accordance with your needs. For shake lovers, Core Power Protein Shake is a good option.
