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Taking a protein powder supplement is an undeniable way to improve your fitness and fitness level. Whether you’re looking to build muscle mass, sports performance, promote physical weight loss, or endurance, studies suggest protein powders can help you achieve your goals[1]Ambulkar P, Hande P, Tambe B et al. Evaluation of the efficacy and protection of protein supplements: micronutrient fortification to promote physical fitness and well-being in healthy adults: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Translation by Clin Pharmacol. 2023 March; 31(1):13-27. . But in today’s market, finding the most productive protein source can come at a cost. Luckily, Forbes Health has you covered with our no-nonsense picks for the cheapest protein powders, founded on recommendations from health and nutrition experts.
To learn about the most productive and affordable protein powders of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of credentialed nutrition experts, who gave us their most sensible recommendations. The editorial team awarded stars based solely on things like cost, amount of protein per serving, and transparency of elements.
The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes integrity in all of our vitamin and supplement rankings. Our ratings are based on the experience and professional recommendations of medical and nutritional experts and contain no conflicts of interest. We thoroughly verify the data presented in our ratings and are committed to generating ratings and additional nutritional supplement content that readers can trust. You can learn more about our editorial rules and supplemental method for ratings below.
“This company allows for private customization of a variety of protein powders,” says Kara Collier, a registered dietitian nutritionist, co-founder of Nutrisense, and a member of the Forbes Health advisory board. “Options come with whey, casein, marine products or porcine or bovine collagen, peas, rice, pumpkin, hemp, and egg protein,” he continues. Collier appreciates that True Nutrition products are third-party tested for purity, safety, and quality. She recommends this product to those who are not allergic to any of the proteins mentioned above and serves to increase protein.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein is a wonderful protein shake, says Taylor Wallace, Ph. D. , food scientist, CEO of Think Healthy Group, and Forbes Health advisory board member. He likes that this product is low in cholesterol, saturated fat, added sugars and carbohydrates. “I think chocolate tastes better than vanilla, but my roommate likes vanilla,” he says. “You can buy a big bag at Costco for not much money. “
“Whey protein powder is optimally absorbed and best used post-workout,” says Toby Amidor, a registered dietitian, nutrition expert, and member of the Forbes Health Advisory Council. “It can be gently added to smoothies, smoothie bowls, or pasta. or even ice cream,” he continues. Amidor appreciates that this product is manufactured in a GMP facility, is ketogenic, and does not contain sucralose, aspartame, or acesulfame-K.
“Ascent Native Whey Vanilla provides 25 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, and 1 gram of fat equivalent to 120 calories,” says Jennifer Fiske, a registered dietitian nutritionist and member of the Forbes Health advisory board. “The vanilla flavor is creamy and light and delicious combined with water or in a smoothie,” she adds. Fiske considers Ascent to be a trusted logo and appreciates the taste and nutritional profile of the product. “Ascent Native Whey Vanilla is a tasty and flexible protein powder that can help busy people. “Adults and athletes meet their protein needs,” he says. This product is ideal for someone who is new to the world of protein powders and is tired of the flavors – this one is delicious!”
“This product works wonderfully in a smoothie,” says Dr. Wallace. “It’s smart (especially if you add part of a banana to your protein shake). He appreciates the digestive enzymes discovered in this product and adds that it would also be suitable for those following a low-carbohydrate diet, thanks to its low cholesterol levels and to the carbohydrate content and lack of loaded sugars.
To determine the cheapest protein powders of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted with 4 credentialed nutrition experts who provided their product recommendations. The star rating was then decided only through the editorial team, taking into account knowledge issues such as cost, protein per serving, and ingredient transparency.
The breakdown of the knowledge point is as follows:
When shopping for inexpensive protein powders, look for products with high-quality protein resources, such as whey and casein, which are whole proteins, meaning they supply the nine essential amino acids that our body can’t stop producing on its own and will need to be fed through external resources. Plant-based characteristics that blend a variety of plant proteins, such as pea or hemp protein, are also whole grains. Adding branched-chain amino acids can provide additional nutritional benefits, along with other common ingredients.
Regardless of your budget for the protein powder you choose, it’s all about tailoring the product to your expressed desires and goals.
“For example, soy protein is a whole protein that provides more protein per serving than pea protein, but could cause digestive problems in some people, making pea protein a better choice for some people,” says Katie Emerson, registered dietitian and sports nutritionist. exconsistent cont.
“Whey concentrate is cheaper than whey isolate, but it has more fat and lactose. On the other hand, whey isolate is great for people with lactose sensitivity because of its higher protein content and lower lactose levels,” Emerson adds, illustrating why some protein powders are better suited for other people.
However, for everyone, “the key is to prioritize protection and quality through third-party control labels, such as NSF Certified Sports, Informed-Sport, and BSCG,” he says.
Look for products that are free of subtle sugars (such as cane or corn syrup), synthetic sweeteners, and over-the-top additives, such as synthetic sweeteners.
Instead, products with minimal herbal ingredients and sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit are recommended, which are produced from plants and are impressive in aspects such as quality and sweetness. Some protein powders also involve large amounts of added sugars or calories, which can detract from the benefits. of protein. Therefore, it is more productive to look for an inexpensive powder with a lower sugar and calorie content.
Affordable protein powders can be effective if they include protein resources and a complete amino acid profile.
Determining affordable protein powders goes beyond price, Emerson says. “Proteins are still proteins,” he says. “The main difference between reasonable and expensive protein powders is processing, manufacturing, third-party testing, and the addition of brand-name ingredients. ”
The next time you’re looking for an affordable protein powder, Emerson provides the following data to compare its potential pros and cons.
True Nutrition Cold Filtered Whey Protein Isolate is on our list of the most economical protein powders due to its high protein content and low serving content. Optimum Nutrition’s One Hundred Percent Consistent Gold Standard Whey (in a doubly rich chocolate) and NOW’s Unflavored Whey Protein Isolate Powder are also among the most sensible on our list.
A good, affordable protein powder delivers high-quality protein without unnecessary additives or fillers. Brands like True Nutrition and Optimum Nutrition, which are in the most sensible positions in our rankings, can offer the nutritional price you’re looking for at a moderate price. .
It’s possibly worth spending money on protein powder if you want a convenient way to achieve your protein intake goals, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. Protein powders can help promote muscle recovery and overall nutrition when combined with balanced nutrition and exercise. routine. However, don’t forget that protein powder supplements should be used as the call suggests, to complement already healthy and balanced nutrition.
Whey protein concentrate is the cheapest protein powder available, Emerson says. Although it may include more fat and carbohydrates than isolates, whey concentrate is still a popular and cost-effective option for those looking for affordable protein powders.
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