{"id":189442,"date":"2025-12-18T04:37:19","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T04:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/189442\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T04:37:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T04:37:19","slug":"16-best-protein-powder-for-muscle-gain-2025-according-to-gq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/189442\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain 2025, According to GQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

While I\u2019m personally all for bro science and trickle-down gains, the best protein powder has come a long way since we were all freshmen in high school sucking down mass gainer shakes and asking seniors to swipe us the latest snake oil Max Power Test Boosters from GNC. That being said, your swole gym bro\u2019s<\/a> protein powder will probably get the job done\u2014but with so many options on the market, finding the best protein powder for your specific needs can be a tall order. That\u2019s why your gym buddies<\/a> here at GQ Recommends did the heavy lifting for you and tested a grip of different protein powders to put together this list of our favorite ones, for your viewing pleasure.<\/p>\n

The Best Protein Powders, According to GQ:<\/p>\n

Featured in this article\"Gold<\/a>Best Overall<\/p>\n

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder<\/p>\n

Read More<\/a>\"Isolate<\/a>Most Versatile Protein Powder<\/p>\n

RAW Nutrition Isolate Protein<\/p>\n

Read More<\/a>\"Image<\/a>Best On-the-Go Protein Powder<\/p>\n

Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein 10-Travel Packs<\/p>\n

Read More<\/a>\"Whey<\/a>Best Value\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nutricost Whey Protein Powder<\/p>\n

Read More<\/a>\"Nutter<\/a>Best Tasting Protein Powder<\/p>\n

Ghost Nutter Butter Protein Powder<\/p>\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

In This Guide<\/p>\n

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The Best Overall: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder<\/p>\n

\"Gold<\/a><\/p>\n

Optimum Nutrition<\/p>\n

Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

Decent price pointGood range of flavorsTried and tested<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

A little plain and boring<\/p>\n

Look, is this the most exciting choice for the top spot? Definitely not. You\u2019ve almost certainly seen this tub of protein on shelves at gyms<\/a> and nutrition stores, and it\u2019s probably that brand the jacked person you know first recommended to you back in the early aughts. However, there are a few reasons it\u2019s our number one: It\u2019s dependable, it\u2019s affordable, it mixes well, it comes in a grip of solid flavors, and it\u2019s got a decent amount of protein per serving. It also has a preposterous amount of positive reviews and anecdotal evidence supporting its efficacy. \u201cI used [other protein powders] back in the day and loved them,\u201d Austin Day\u2014ACE<\/a>-certified personal trainer, marathon runner, and former college wrestler\u2014says. \u201cBut I always come back to Optimum.\u201d I\u2019ve personally gone through countless tubs of this stuff, and while it\u2019s not my all-time favorite protein powder, it\u2019s got a respectable 24 grams of protein per scoop and it\u2019s the brand I feel most comfortable recommending to just about anyone looking for a no-frills, trusty whey concentrate.<\/p>\n

The Most Versatile Protein Powder: RAW Nutrition Isolate Protein\"Isolate<\/a><\/p>\n

RAW Nutrition<\/p>\n

Isolate Protein<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

Tastes great, mixes well, easier on stomach for many users<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

If you’re ready to graduate from a basic, supermarket protein powder, the next place I’d send you is over to RAW Nutrition. It’s Chris Bumstead’s<\/a> brand, and its whey isolate mix is as high-quality as it gets: With an Informed Sport certification<\/a>, this grass-fed, micro-filtered formula has just half a gram of fat and a single gram of carbs. It also mixes extremely well, which lends itself to a variety of consumption methods\u2014a.k.a. it’s good in shakes, smoothies, baked goods, hot cereal, oatmeal, and pretty much any other recipe you’d want to add in one of the six sweet flavors. (And if it’s good enough for six-time classic physique Mr. Olympia Chris Bumstead, it’s probably good enough for you too, bro.)<\/p>\n

The Best On-the-Go Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein Travel Packs\"Image<\/a><\/p>\n

Momentous<\/p>\n

Grass-Fed Whey Protein 10-Travel Packs<\/p>\n

It’s easy to hit your macros when you’re at home, but getting enough protein in can be a challenge if you’re traveling, at work, or on vacation. The solution? These handy Grass-Fed Whey Protein Travel Packs from Momentous. Tossing a pack or two of these protein supplements into my work bag has been a game-changer for adding in some extra protein while I’m in the office. Plus, since it’s whey isolate, it mixes really easily, which means I don’t have to whip out the shaker bottle and make a scene in the GQ office. (Though sometimes I still do to mog the desk-clump.)<\/p>\n

The Best Value: Nutricost Whey Protein Powder<\/p>\n

\"Whey<\/a><\/p>\n

Nutricost<\/p>\n

Whey Protein Powder<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

Great value pickLarge tub will last you for a while<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re into supplements<\/a>, but don\u2019t want to break the bank, you can\u2019t go wrong with Nutricost. The products are some of the best bang-for-your-buck items on the market, and I\u2019ve been using the brand\u2019s supplements for years, from protein and vitamin D to creatine, magnesium, and more. As far as their protein goes, you\u2019re getting a solid 25 grams of protein per serving\u2014and for a $60 5-pound tub, that\u2019s hard to top. The range of flavors leaves a little to be desired, but if you\u2019re looking for value, this is our top pick.<\/p>\n

The Best Tasting Protein Powder: Ghost Nutter Butter Protein Powder<\/p>\n

\"Nutter<\/a><\/p>\n

Ghost<\/p>\n

Nutter Butter Protein Powder<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

DeliciousHas crunchy bits of Nutter Butter<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

A little expensive for the amount of protein per serving<\/p>\n

Okay, onto my personal favorite and go-to protein powder: Ghost. For years, I was an unflavored protein powder guy (I know, I know, gross), but this is the brand that changed my mind. With a range of flavors including Chips Ahoy!<\/a>, Cinnabon<\/a>, and (my top pick) Nutter Butter, this is without a doubt the best-tasting protein powder in the game. Their secret? They partner with snack brands and use the same ingredients you\u2019d find in the snacks. (Like, there are literally bits and pieces of Nutter Butters in the protein powder\u2014God bless America.) In addition to being undeniably delicious, it\u2019s got a strong 26g of protein powder per serving, mixes well, and sits well in my stomach.<\/p>\n

The Best Mass Gainer: Dymatize Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder<\/p>\n

\"Image<\/a><\/p>\n

Dymatize<\/p>\n

Super Mass Gainer Protein Powder<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

Great for putting on weightAlso contains carbs<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Not ideal for those not looking to bulk up<\/p>\n

Are you bulking<\/a>, bro? If so, mass gainers are an easy way to pack on the calories\u2014especially if you don’t have a massive appetite all the time. Also known as \u201cmeal replacement\u201d shakes (though we prefer the much cooler and more jacked-sounding title of \u201cmass gainer\u201d), these have a ton of easily digestible carbohydrates and protein, which makes them great for gaining weight. This one from Dymatize is a relatively affordable, extremely effective, and decent-tasting option.<\/p>\n

The Best Ready-to-Drink Protein Shake: Fairlife Core Power Elite High Protein Shake<\/p>\n

\"Image<\/a><\/p>\n

Core Power<\/p>\n

Elite High Protein Shake<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

Great for on-the-go protein intakePre-made and easy to chug<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Expensive for a daily driver<\/p>\n

First things first: We here at GQ Recommends think making a protein shake at your desk while staring directly at your boss is an excellent way to get a promotion. (Second only to rocking a sweet dress shirt<\/a>, perhaps.) But if looking for something to bring to school or the office that doesn’t draw attention (or, sadly, assert workplace dominance), Fairlife Core Power Elite High Protein Shakes are the move. They have a whopping 42 grams of protein in a mystifyingly tiny package, and they taste great, too.<\/p>\n

The Best Plant-Based Protein Powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Protein<\/p>\n

\"Gold<\/a><\/p>\n

Optimum Nutrition<\/p>\n

Gold Standard 100% Plant Based Protein Powder<\/p>\n

We didn’t forget about you, our plant-protein-loving friends! Here, the plant-based version of our top pick from Optimum Nutrition.<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

Suitable for plant-based diets<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Doesn\u2019t taste as good as whey protein, IMO<\/p>\n

We didn’t forget about you, our plant-protein-loving friends! Here, the plant-based version of our top pick from Optimum Nutrition. It packs the same protein punch with equally (ish) great flavor. Plenty of people\u2014my girlfriend included\u2014don’t digest whey protein powder very well, so she sticks to plant-based options like this one, which uses pea protein, brown rice protein, and fava bean protein to help you hit your macros.<\/p>\n

The Best Whey Concentrate: Huge Supplements Whey Protein Powder\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Huge Supplements<\/p>\n

Huge Whey<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

Tastes awesome, comes in fun flavors<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Expensive for concentrate<\/p>\n

Whey concentrate is your standard \u201cwhey protein powder,\u201d which is what you’ll find everywhere from the virtual shelves of Amazon to the IRL shelves of the supermarket. It’s the tried-and-true formula for most people, and has some extra fats and carbs in the mix. The only drawbacks are that its lactose content can make it tough to digest for some people, and it can be a little trickier to mix without a shaker cup or blender. As a heavily lactose-dependent individual, though, I love concentrate, and this tub from Huge Supplements is one of my daily drivers when I want to mix it up with flavors like Sugar Cinnamon Churros and Salted Caramel Peanut Butter.<\/p>\n

The Best Whey Isolate: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate Protein Powder<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Transparent Labs<\/p>\n

Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

Tastes really good, mixes well, third-party tested<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Hold on, whey isolate? What\u2019s that? Well, whey protein powder usually comes in two forms: whey isolate and whey concentrate\u2014the latter of which we covered above. The difference is<\/a> that whey isolate undergoes more processing, which makes isolate contain fewer fats and carbs per serving than concentrate (a.k.a. it \u201cisolates\u201d the whey). Does it make a huge, notable difference in your gains? Probably not. However, a few of our testers with sensitive stomachs report that isolate is easier to digest, compared to concentrate. The tradeoff is that it tends to be more expensive than concentrate. Price be damned, though\u2014this 100% Grass-Fed Isolate powder from supplement powerhouse Transparent Labs is a great choice for athletes, meatheads, casual gymgoers, and everyone in-between. It’s all third-party tested, and has no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or fillers. Plus, sourcing your whey from humanely raised cattle makes the gains feel that much sweeter.<\/p>\n

The Best Unflavored Protein Powder: Levels Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder<\/p>\n

\"Grass<\/a><\/p>\n

Levels<\/p>\n

Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

Great for anyone who hates sweet protein shakesGreat for smoothies\/cooking<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Most people want a flavored protein<\/p>\n

I was a Levels man myself for about a year, and if I\u2019m honest, I picked it because of the cow on the tub\u2014and I\u2019m glad I did because this grass-fed protein is some of the best I\u2019ve tried. Coming in at a dollar an ounce, it\u2019s not the cheapest option, but it\u2019s 25 grams per scoop, made in the USA, and has [deep breath] no hormones, no GMOs, no added sugars, no soy, no gluten, no bleach, no fillers, and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. My favorite part, though? The unflavored\u2026 flavor (?) blends seamlessly into whatever you put it in. One of my biggest gripes with protein powder is that I can always tell when that chalky whey flavor cuts through an otherwise delicious bowl of oatmeal<\/a>, smoothie<\/a>, or shake. This stuff? Undetectable. To really put it to the test (gird your loins), I mixed a scoop of it with straight water\u2014yes, really\u2014and could hardly tell the difference, besides the slightly, uh, thicker texture.<\/p>\n

The Best Clear Whey Isolate: Isopure Clear Whey Isolate Protein Powder<\/p>\n

\"Clear<\/a><\/p>\n

Isopure<\/p>\n

Clear Whey Isolate Protein Powder<\/p>\n

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Pros<\/p>\n

Easy to drinkFun new protein shake format<\/p>\n

Cons<\/p>\n

Only 20g of protein per serving<\/p>\n

Clear whey isolate is a relatively new item you might have seen gracing the online shelves of your favorite online supplement retailers. Basically, it\u2019s whey protein that\u2019s been \u201cultra hydrolyzed\u201d to mix clear and be far less thick than the whey concentrate you might be used to. I was pretty skeptical at first, but after trying this out, I\u2019ve gotta say, it\u2019s a cool idea, and it actually works. All you do is mix it in water, give it a good shake in a blender bottle, and wait a few minutes for the foam to settle. The end result is like a slightly thicker Gatorade, and while it\u2019s definitely not my go-to way of consuming protein powder, it\u2019s a great option for those who want to use protein powder, say, intra-workout or outside on a hot day, when the idea of sucking down thick chocolate sludge might not be so appealing. (Two things to note: It\u2019s only got 20 grams per scoop, and it\u2019s pricey.)<\/p>\n

More Protein Powders We Love<\/p>\n

BSN<\/p>\n

SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Powder<\/p>\n

There was a time back in high school when every gym bro had a massive tub of this stuff in their lockers. While its popularity may have waned as the market saturated, this stuff is still GOATed.<\/p>\n

Naked Whey<\/p>\n

5LB 100% Grass Fed Unflavored Whey Protein Powder<\/p>\n

Naked sent over a colossal tub of their unflavored whey, and though I definitely get some weird looks walking around the GQ office with a shaker cup full of milk and a few scoops of this stuff, it’s top-tier protein.<\/p>\n

Onnit<\/p>\n

Onnit Whey Isolate Vanilla<\/p>\n

This isolate protein powder from Onnit is as classic as it gets, and is perfect if you’re looking for a no-frills option that tends to be a little easier on the stomach than whey concentrate.<\/p>\n

Reebok<\/p>\n

Whey Protein Powder + Collagen Peptides<\/p>\n

Reebok? Like the shoes? Indeed. This protein is surprisingly good, and though it’s not an isolate, it mixes like one, and has an infusion of collagen, to boot.<\/p>\n

What to Look for in a Protein Powder<\/p>\n

With so many health claims floating around social media, it can be tough to spot the supplement scams. For example, those \u201cdetox teas\u201d probably didn\u2019t give your favorite influencer a six-pack, and there\u2019s a small chance that the protein powder your jacked gym buddy<\/a> has a promo code for in his Instagram bio isn\u2019t the sole cause of his jacked-ness. However, protein is decidedly not a scam and can help you build muscle\u2014so long as you\u2019re also eating a balanced diet, training hard, and focusing on your sleep and recovery. Protein powder shouldn\u2019t be your only source of protein (you should try to get most of your protein from complete protein sources like whole foods) but it’s a great way to sneak in some extra protein throughout the day, and are hard to beat if you\u2019re on a time crunch or on the go. In general, eating a gram of protein per pound of lean body weight<\/p>\n

\u201cProtein powder is a convenient tool you can use to meet your daily protein needs, but it should be used to complement, not replace, a balanced diet,\u201d Jennifer Conway, MPH, Registered Dietitian, LDN, and Director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at Waim\u0101nalo Health Center<\/a>, explains. \u201cBefore supplementing, I recommend you identify your exact daily protein needs based on your weight, age, fitness level, and nutrition goals. The quality of protein powder matters, so look for brands that contain all nine essential amino acids and are third-party tested for quality and safety. For optimal results\u2014and taste!\u2014pair it with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like nuts or nut milk, and supplement around your activity levels\u2014like after workouts<\/a> to support muscle recovery or for on-the-go nutrition to sustain your energy during the day. Remember that moderation is key for a balanced lifestyle and excessive reliance on supplements can leave gaps with other essential nutrients.\u201d<\/p>\n

When you’re trying to add a high-quality protein powder to your diet, you’re going to want to keep a few things in mind. First off, aside from the health benefits, don’t let the protein haters<\/a> dissuade you from getting jacked and stacked. Second, the kind of protein you’re choosing\u2014whey concentrate, whey isolate, hydrolyzed whey, casein protein, plant protein\u2014is gonna be important, especially if you’re working with any dietary restrictions or don’t tolerate certain fillers or additives. Next, flavor: You’re not going to hit your protein intake goal if the thought of slamming your shake makes your stomach churn. Lastly, there’s value. Super high-end protein powder is definitely nice if you have a shake every so often, but if you plan on knocking back several scoops a day year-round, price is going to be a big factor. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options on our list above.<\/p>\n

How We Tested<\/p>\n

In my 15 years of strength training, I\u2019ve tried pretty much every major protein powder out there, from no-name Walmart brands to high-end, probably-too-expensive blends from the newest, most hyped-up DTC brands in the game. Plus, I also consulted with my network of meatheads testers, which includes my fellow gym rats office, former NCAA athletes, NASM<\/a>– and ACE<\/a>-certified trainers, and competitive BJJ grapplers.<\/p>\n

Protein Powder FAQ<\/p>\n

What is the best protein powder?<\/p>\n

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What is the best protein powder for weight loss?<\/p>\n

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The only way to lose weight is by being in a caloric deficit, so there\u2019s really no \u201cbest protein powder for weight loss\u201d\u2014but if you\u2019re looking for a lower-calorie option, we suggest going with a whey protein isolate for post-workout nutrition like the Isopure Whey Isolate Protein Powder<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is the best tasting protein powder?<\/p>\n

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What type of protein powder is best?<\/p>\n

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The best type of protein powder for muscle growth is the one that\u2019s best for your specific wants and needs, whether that\u2019s gaining muscle, losing weight, plant-based ingredient list, easy-digesting options, higher protein content, etc.<\/p>\n

What is the best protein powder for muscle gain\u200b?<\/p>\n

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Don’t listen to the wellness gurus who tell you they alone have the protein powder secrets that’ll get you jacked the fastest: The best protein powder for muscle gain\u200b is the one you\u2019ll actually eat on a consistent basis.<\/p>\n

What is the best weight gainer protein powder\u200b?<\/p>\n

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