Protein supplements are used to lose weight, gain muscle, strengthen ligaments and improve agility and overall strength, which is why athletes and those who prioritize their fitness consume higher amounts of proteins. If you’re someone who prioritizes their fitness and health, you must be looking for the best protein powder for weight loss and muscle gain. Proteins are the body’s building blocks and a crucial source of energy. They are essential for healing cells, forming new ones, and strengthening muscles and ligaments. Although several manufacturers offer protein powders, you must take the correct supplements to keep fit and healthy. We’ve compiled a list of the finest protein powders for muscle gain and weight loss. However, consult your doctor or a nutritionist before deciding on one to see if you need protein powders for weight reduction and one that is optimal for your body type.

Does Protein Help You Lose Weight?

Proteins are a crucial macronutrient and need to be taken as part of a balanced diet. Protein powders can accelerate metabolism, control your appetite, and help in losing fat and gain muscle. According to studies, rich protein diets can help bodyweight management compared with lower protein diets (1). One study reports, “Short-term high-protein diet were accompanied by better weight loss and fat content reduction. A protein content difference of more than 5% led to three times more weight being lost (0.9 versus 0.3 kg) in 12 months (2).”

15 Best Protein Powders For Weight Loss and Muscle Gain

1. Best Easy-To-Mix:Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

Optimum Nutrition 100% pure whey blend consists of 24 grams blended proteins, including whey peptides, whey protein isolate, and whey protein concentrate. The whey blend also consists of more than five grams of naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids or BCAA, which help build strong and lean muscles. The instant drink is easy to mix, and the brand claims to adhere to the highest quality control measures for safety. Take a look at this video to learn more about this protein powder. Ingredients

Protein blend (whey protein isolates, whey protein concentrate, whey peptides) Natural and artificial flavors Lecithin Salt Acesulfame potassium

Pros

RBST-free Supports recovery and endurance Contains enzymes that helps digest Contains ingredients that reduce gas

Cons

Contains artificial flavors Hard to maintain it’s form in damp climate

2. Best With Maltodextrin:Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder

Body Fortress super advanced whey protein powder contains creatine and crucial amino acids, which promise maximum results during pre-workout, intra-workout, and post-workout. The whey protein powder also offers maximum energy required by the body during training and builds lean muscles. The high-quality supplement is reasonably priced. This review video helps you know more about the product. Ingredients

Super whey protein blend (whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate) Maltodextrin Soy lecithin Natural and artificial flavors Beet juice color

Pros

Stimulates fast recovery Gluten-free Contains Taurine Absorbs quickly into the body

Cons

May not be suitable for people avoiding carbs May not mix well

3. Best Raw Organic Protein Blend:Garden Of Life Meal Replacement

The chocolate-flavored organic protein powder can be used as a meal replacement. Each serving contains 20 grams of organic plant protein, 44 superfood extracts such as vegetables, fruits, organic grass juices, six grams of fiber, 21 minerals, and vitamins. The protein powder boosts energy, builds muscles, and has 1.5 billion CFU probiotics and enzymes that promote easy digestion. Check out this video to learn more. Ingredients

Raw organic protein blend Organic pea protein Organic sprouted brown rice protein Organic amaranth (sprout) Organic buckwheat (sprout) Hemicellulase, [Lactobacillus Plantarum, lactobacillus bulgaricus] 1.5 Billion CFU

Pros

Gluten-free Vegan-friendly Formulated without soya or dairy ingredients Has no added artificial flavors

Cons

May contain thickeners May have a grainy texture

4. Best Dairy-Free:Orgain Organic Protein

The vanilla-flavored organic superfood is plant-based. The powder aids in weight loss, boosts antioxidants, muscle building, and recovery. The powder can be taken as a meal replacement drink, to make shakes and smoothies, or be had before or after workouts. The product contains 21 grams of plant protein, five grams of dietary fiber, and one gram of sugar, which adds up to about 50 superfoods per serve. The product is vegan, USDA organic-approved, dairy-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and formulated by doctors. Ingredients

Orgain organic protein blend (pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seed) Natural flavor, Orgain organic creamer base (acacia gum, high oleic sunflower oil, rice dextrin, rice bran extract, rosemary extract) Erythritol, Orgain organic 50 superfoods blend (millet, ‘amaranth’ buckwheat, quinoa, chia, kale powder) Apple pulp Cinnamon

Pros

Soy-free Has no artificial preservatives Has a smooth and easy mixable consistency Includes food-based vitamins

Cons

May not be suitable for people allergic to cinnamon Some may find it sweeter than expected

5. Best Fast-Acting:Pure Protein Whey Protein Powder

When we push our body to its limits during workouts, we require a lot of energy to refuel it. Pure Protein powder is ideal for regaining energy as it contains high protein and low carbohydrates and sugar. On average, the drink provides two grams of sugar, nine grams of carbohydrates, 2.5 grams of fats, and approximately 25 grams of proteins per serving. The fast-acting powder provides all the essential amino acids that the body requires. Ingredients

Protein blend (ultrafiltered whey protein concentrate, microfiltered whey protein isolate) Maltodextrin Natural and artificial flavors Cellulose gum Soy lecithin

Pros

Strengthens muscle growth No soy protein Can be consumed post workout or in between meals Gluten-free

Cons

May not have digestive enzymes Some may feel the taste is bitter

6. Best Strawberry-Flavored:Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder

The chocolate-flavored powder provides 32 grams of protein per serving. It is a combination of various protein forms, helping in muscle growth, recovery, and weight management. The powder is also a good source of vitamins A, C, D, leucine (essential amino acid), and fiber. Certified by the NSF, the powder provides instant energy and can be had for breakfast and pre and post workouts. *NSF International is an American product testing, inspection, and certification organization. If a product gets NSF [Certified for Sport] certification, it means the product meets NSF’s quality and safety standards.  Ingredients

Calcium sodium caseinate (milk) Milk protein isolate Non-dairy creamer (sunflower oil, maltodextrin) Sodium caseinate (a milk derivative) Mono and diglycerides,

Pros

Suitable for people with lactose intolerance Caffeine-free Suitable for on-the-go snacks Offers great mixability

Cons

May not suit everyone May not work for people trying to get lean

7. Best For Sunflower Creamer:Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder

Made with the highest quality ingredients, the super mass gainer contains proteins, calories, vitamins, minerals, and BCAA that assist in muscle gain and building strength. The casein and whey protein present in the powder provides continuous energy to your body. The BCAA activates muscle protein synthesis, while creatine provides endurance and strength. Glutamine, vitamins, and minerals help in speedy muscle recovery. Ingredients

Maltodextrin Protein Blend (whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, Whey protein isolate, whey protein hydrolysate, micellar casein) Sunflower creamer (sunflower oil, sodium caseinate, mono and diglycerides, natural tocopherols, and tricalcium phosphate) Fructose

Pros

Supports muscle tissue Provides balanced nutrition Digestion becomes easy Offers great mixability

Cons

May feel difficult to consume when mixed with water Scoop size may seem big

8. Best Vitamic C:MuscleTech Protein Powder for Weight Loss

MuscleTech protein powder contains key ingredient C. canephora robusta, which is vital in aiding weight loss. Each scoop of MuscleTech protein powder contains 30 grams of hydrolyzed whey protein, whey protein isolate, 170 calories, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 3.5 grams of fat, and 6.6 grams BCAA. The powder does not contain extra carbohydrates and sugars, is easy to mix, and comes in two flavors. Ingredients

Isolate and protein-peptide blend Protein Vitamin C Iron Sodium

Pros

Suitable for men and women Strengthens the muscle Prevents bloating Blends well with water, milk, or skimmed milk

Cons

Has no scoop inside May get foamy

9. Best For Women:Muscle Pharm FitMiss Delight Protein Powder

Made from a unique blend of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals, FitMiss Delight protein powder is ideal for a woman’s body. The powder contains a vegetable-based protein called solathin, which helps you feel full and aids in weight loss. The powder helps maintain digestive enzymes at optimal levels, supports weight loss, muscle gain, and controls the appetite. The powder is gluten-free and low in carbohydrates. Ingredients

Inulin Natural and artificial flavors Cellulose gum Salt Sucralose

Pros

Can help digest better Tastes great Safe for athletes Has no banned substances

Cons

May not mix well Contains soy and milk

10. Best Cocoa-Flavored:Vegansmart Plant-Based Vegan Protein Powder

Two scoops of Vegansmart protein powder contains 20 grams plant-based protein, 6g dietary fiber, whole food complex, vitamins, and minerals, over 200 gms of Omega 3, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes. The ingredients provide the required dosage of essential amino acids, polyphenols, antioxidants, and flavonoids. The whole food complex can be used as a meal replacement shake for breakfast and as a post-workout snack. Ingredients

Organic cane sugar Cocoa powder Sunflower oil Natural flavors Medium chain triglycerides

Pros

Diary-, soy-, and gluten-free Hypoallergenic Can be blended with smoothies Blends conveniently without lumps

Cons

Sugar per serving may be high for some Some may feel a strong ingredient taste

11. Best For Intense Strength:Crazy Muscle Creatine Pills

The creatine pills are a unique blend of three creatines: monohydrate, alpha-ketoglutarate, and pyruvate, which maximize protein absorption. These capsules help accelerate muscle growth and restore worn muscles. Creatine aids in three ways: it boosts the formation of proteins to create new muscles, speeds up the growth of new muscles, and aids an immense strength output. Ingredients

Creatine monohydrate powder Creatine alpha-ketoglutarate Creatine pyruvate Vegetable stearic acid Vegetable magnesium stearate

12. Best GMO-Free:Designer Whey Protein Powder

Made from premium quality whey protein, the powder is rich in calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and electrolytes that are ideal for post-workout recovery. The powder provides a daily requirement of 20 grams of natural proteins, 110 calories, probiotic, and no added sugars per serving. The BCAA-rich protein with L-Leucine, L-Glutamine, Taurine & L-Phenylalanine, and digestive enzymes helps in protein absorption and promotes optimal performance. The powder, made from natural ingredients, is GMO-free and does not contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, and preservatives. It is made in the USA and is gluten-free and Kosher. Ingredients

Designer whey full spectrum peptides (GMO-free & rBGH-free) Whey protein concentrate GMO-free & rBGH-free whey protein isolate L-glutamine L-leucine

Pros

Supports gut health No antibiotics Has great blending power Can be consumed any time of the day

Cons

May have a medicinal taste May have a granule-like texture

13. Best For Advanced Recovery:Six Star Elite Whey Protein Powder

Specially engineered for athletes, the Six Star protein powder is a combination of premium creatine monohydrate and creatine HCl, which helps gain lean muscles. Each serving delivers an 8,000mg dose of creatine monohydrate and creatine HCl, 2,500mg of free-form BCAAs, and Taurine to boost nitrogen levels. The powder is proven to increase the strength capacity by 18.6% while training. Ingredients

Ultra-premium whey protein blend (whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate) Maltodextrin Advanced recovery and performance blend (creatine monohydrate, taurine, L-lysine HCL, L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-glutamine) Glycine Natural and artificial flavors

Pros

Easily digestible Provides immune support Can be used pre- or post-workout Ideal for bodybuilders, strength trainers, athletes, and more

Cons

May contain preservatives May not blend well

14. Best For Fat Burning:BSN Isoburn Lean Whey Protein Powder

The whey protein powder helps in burning fat while building lean muscle. Each scoop provides 20 grams of whey protein isolate that helps you build and maintain lean muscles, and 250mg of L-Carnitine enhances fat burning. BSN Isoburn also contains 300mg Lepticore and 300mg Green Coffee Extract. The protein powder provides 120 calories per serving, six grams of carbohydrates, two grams of sugar, and two grams of fat to support your weight management goals. Ingredients

Whey protein isolate Sunflower powder (sunflower oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate, mono and diglycerides, dipotassium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, soy lecithin, and tocopherols) Natural and artificial flavors Cellulose gum MCT powder (medium-chain triglycerides, nonfat dry milk, disodium phosphate, and silicon dioxide)

Pros

Non-caffeinated formula Can be consumed anytime Delicious taste Available in different flavors

Cons

May not be suitable for people with lactose intolerance Granule-like texture may take time to dissolve

15. Best Natural Flavors:Her Natural Whey Protein Powder

Her natural whey protein powder for women is a unique and effective combination of pure whey protein isolate, pure undenatured whey protein concentrate, whey peptides, and skim milk powder. The natural product also contains superior quality proteins obtained from grass-fed cows and free of recombinant bovine growth hormone or rBGH. The natural and wholesome ingredients do not have artificial sweeteners. Each serving comprises 20 grams of protein, three grams of carbohydrate, two grams of fat, and 110 calories that help build lean muscle tissues, fat burning. Ingredients

Microfiltered whey protein concentrate Whey protein isolate Whey peptides Skim milk Natural flavors

Pros

Gluten-free GMP-certified Ideal as pre- and post-workout powder No chalky texture Helps uplift mood

Cons

May leave residue at the bottom of the cup May feel clumpy when mixed with water

Disclaimer: The information given in the section has been taken from manufacturers’ sources. MomJunction is not responsible for any of the claims made here. We recommend readers’ discretion.

How To Choose The Right Protein Powders For Weight Loss And Muscle Gain?

Our body requires proteins, which act as an energy source. Proteins boost metabolism, reduce the calories you consume, and help you lose weight. When digested, proteins are broken down into amino acids (AA) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), which help repair and maintain your body tissues, burn fat and maintain lean muscles. As it is difficult to get the daily dosage of required proteins from only natural derivatives, we may need to take in proteins in various other forms. While taking protein supplements, you must consider several factors like serving calories, fat, and carbohydrate content. Before you choose a protein supplement: Different protein supplements give different results. Some powders are low on calories and help us lose weight, while products help you build muscle mass by providing high protein and calories. Protein powders come in different flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, etc. Jenni Hackworth, a nutritionist and RYT200, states, “You should consider your dietary preferences and ensure it is gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, sugar-free, or free of flavors or artificial sweeteners when buying a protein supplement.” She adds, “Pick a supplement as per your doctor’s advice and consume it as directed in the recommended quantities. Excess consumption of protein supplements may have long-term side-effects and could lead to weight gain.”

Why Trust MomJunction?

Vibha Navarathna, our in-house writer and reviewer of health and nutrition products, has compiled this list of the best protein powders for weight loss and muscle gain after going through numerous product listings and user reviews. She has also added a detailed buying guide, a section on how protein is essential to our diet, and some pointers regarding choosing the right product. These protein powders are safe for consumption and will help you meet your fitness goals.

References:

Best Protein Powders For Teens Best Healthy Protein Bars With Low Sugar Best Protein Powders For Pregnancy Best Pre-Made Meal Replacement Protein Shakes For Weight Loss