How to Choose Protein Powder That Works (From a Dietitian)

One thing that surprises me is how few people pay close enough attention to the labels on protein powders. Choosing a protein product involves more than picking one that is appealing to the eye and or cheaper.

So, how exactly am I supposed to choose protein powder? Well, there are a few things you must put into consideration before making up your decision.  As we all know, there are different sources of protein. You need to identify the source of protein you want to consume.

At the end of this piece, you will be better informed on how to make a prudent decision based on the right protein powder for you.

There are 5 key factors that I recommend to all my clients before they make a final choice.

Sources Of Protein

When you look at the shelves in sports nutrition stores or your local gym, you'll see protein powders with all sorts of different ingredients. This is where a lot of the confusion starts, so let's help you learn some nutritional facts.

Animal-Based Protein

Whey - This is, by far, one of the most popular protein powder products you'll find. Whey is extracted from milk, and one of the reasons it's so popular is that the body quickly absorbs it. It can be available to your muscles within 30 minutes, which makes it ideal for post-workout recovery.

Casein - This is another milk-based protein, but it is less common as a fitness supplement. Because it takes a lot longer to digest, it's not as suitable for muscle building, but can help with weight loss [1]. See the list of recommended casein protein powders.

Collagen - For high-performance athletes and bodybuilders, collagen is vital as it supports the repair of connective tissue. Tendons and joints undergo a lot of strain when training. Collagen is often lacking in people's diets, so proper supplementation may be necessary.

One of the excellent sources of collagen is in protein powder form.

Egg - Eggs are rich in protein, so you'll often see them in bodybuilding meal plans. One bonus advantage with eggs is that they're low in carbohydrates, which can support your diet and weight loss efforts.

Plant-Based Protein

Not only vegan athletes opt for plant-based proteins. If you're lactose intolerant, then some of the better choices you can make are based on plant foods.

Soy - One of the more common ingredients in plant protein powders, soy is an excellent option as it contains very little saturated fat. Studies have also shown that choosing a soy protein supplement can have a positive effect on your cholesterol levels [2].

Pea - Pea is one of the most sustainable protein sources. However, you will often see it in a blend of rice and soy. Pea alone doesn't provide the complete range of amino acids needed for muscle growth. These pea protein powders are my top brand recommendations.

Rice - For anyone with gluten, soy, and other food allergies, rice protein powder is possibly one of the best choices. It's considered hypoallergenic, which means it causes very few known reactions [3].

Hemp - Hemp protein demand has grown largely in the last couple of years. When it comes to plant-based products, I generally recommend this as the healthiest option.

From an essential amino acid content point of view, it's the only plant that provides the full range. It doesn't need to be blended with other sources. Click here for a list of my favorite hemp protein powders [4].

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The two primary forms of proteins are referred to in terms of isolate and concentrate. The main difference is that isolate has been processed more extensively, making its carb and fat content less.

While it is more expensive, it can be worth its value from a health and digestion perspective.

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a set of essential amino acids that your body does not naturally produce. They are vital fitness and muscle growth goals, and choosing a supplement with these added is always a good idea.

Sugar, corn syrup, and all the artificial sweeteners have become so common in supplements it's gone beyond a joke. Sugar free protein powders help you dodge this issue entirely.

If you need to make something taste good, then you probably have something to hide, so avoid such empty nutrition at all costs.

If you're a professional athlete, then this is an absolute must, but even health conscious amateurs should consider these. One of the main ones to look out for is a seal by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) International.

An NSF seal means that the product has been tested for banned substances and contaminants, and the production facility is audited annually for food quality.

Now for the interesting part.

From a health, fitness, and nutrition perspective, three main goals will influence what type of protein powder mix you choose and how you use the powder correctly.

BCAAs can be helpful as an energy booster. They can also work for muscle recovery. Some athletes will take them about 15 minutes before they start a workout, while others will wait until about half-way through it.

There really is no right or wrong approach to it, but if you're beginner with protein powders and just getting started with BCAAs, then I would suggest taking them before you head to the gym.

The absolute best time to take protein after your workout is immediately after your cooldown phase and before you head for the sauna or steam room.

It will take your body about 30 minutes to start absorbing the protein. This coincides with the repair and recovery processes in your muscles.

If you're trying to support a diet to lose some flabby stuff, then there are two ways to approach it. You can add some protein powder to your recipes. One good idea is a healthy morning protein shake to help with that extra fat.

Or, you can take a simple casein shake first thing in the morning to help you fast until the afternoon.

I tried to keep this post to the essential facts and avoid all the nerdy physiology that I often end up spending hours learning about with my dietitian.

But these basic facts are more than enough to help you figure out which type of supplement can give you the best results.

Definitely check out our extensive product recommendations that cover many different supplements for a wide range of goals. And if you have any questions, then feel free to reach out to us on social media.

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