15 Best Proteins for Muscle Growth

Some protein shakes are loaded with excess calories due to various sweeteners and flavorings that manufacturers use to improve the taste of their product. This increases the risk of building up not only muscles, but also fat folds, especially when taken regularly. The QNT company managed to find a golden mean: casein protein of this brand has a pleasant taste and low energy value - only 73 kcal in 1 serving. For analogues, this figure often exceeds 100.

Judging by the reviews, drinking "Casein Protein" is easy and pleasant: the powder is quickly diluted in water or milk, forms a homogeneous consistency without lumps, not cloying. One recommended serving is 20 g. Thus, with a single daily intake, a 908 g can will last for 45 days, which is very economical. True, you will have to sacrifice the amount of protein, since in 1 cocktail it will turn out to be only 17.5 g.

Quality protein blend from a well-known manufacturer of sports supplements. The basis is anti-catabolic highly purified micellar casein, which allows you to achieve maximum results and not only increase muscle mass, but also reduce fat. One serving of the supplement contains 24 grams of protein, two-thirds of the daily value of calcium, over 9 grams of BCAAs, naturally occurring glutamine and glutamic acid. At the same time, fats and carbohydrates are at a minimum - only 3-4 grams.

The mixture dissolves perfectly in water and or milk, plus the powder can be used for baking - the composition does not lose its properties even at high temperatures. A big advantage of Casein Gold Standard is the abundance of flavor options. It comes in six different flavors, something that not all casein proteins can boast of. The main problem of the supplement is the price: for not the most optimal composition (protein concentration may be higher), the fee is slightly overpriced.

100% Casein, like any other Level UP product, contains a minimum of flavors so that you can get the purest composition. This is a high-quality nutritional supplement with a maximum protein content - there are 28.7 g of micellar casein per 35 g serving. It is perfectly absorbed by the body for a long time and helps the muscles recover after hard workouts, and also protects them from destruction during long breaks between meals.

The micellar casein protein is complete and 32% of the amino acids in its composition are irreplaceable. Such an amino acid profile is optimal for building muscle and connective tissue, which means the result will not be long in coming. The taste is also pleasing: the cocktails are not too sweet, without lumps, plus the manufacturer offers many options: from classic vanilla and chocolate to more original almonds and blueberries. As such, no deficiencies were found, even the protein is digested with a bang without bloating and other problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Hydrolyzed protein is much faster digested and more effective for building muscle than isolate and concentrate. However, its production technology is complex and more expensive, so some manufacturers are trying to add cheaper components to the hydrolyzate. The American company "Scitec Nutrition" offers its consumers an uncompromising option - "100% Hydrolyzed Whey Protein".

In addition to the high content of protein components (28 g per serving), the composition is notable for the presence of lactase, an enzyme necessary for the breakdown of lactose.Often in adults it is not produced enough, and the use of whey protein leads to intestinal colic, bloating and diarrhea. Practical experience shows that the protein shake with the addition of lactase is very well tolerated. There are no significant shortcomings - only the high price can upset.

Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate from BioTechUSA, which is 92-94% protein (depending on taste). The ideal solution for those who want to build muscle mass and maintain the result for a long time. The composition is so pure that there is no lactose or gluten, so if you have an intolerance to these ingredients, then this is your option. In addition, the mixture is absorbed almost instantly and does not cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

The manufacturer also excluded sugar and reduced the percentage of fats and carbohydrates to a minimum. But there are plenty of amino acids - there is even arginine, which has a beneficial effect on the entire body, speeds up recovery and reduces muscle fatigue. Drinking is also not bad: it is easily stirred, without lumps, the tastes are pleasant, but not for everyone - some complain that the cocktails turn out to be rather cloying.

Optimum Nutrition Platinum HydroWhey Protein Hydrolyzate is one of the most popular products at the level of professional athletes.Contains 30g of ultra-pure protein per serving, derived from hydrolyzed whey protein isolates. It does not contain excess fats, cholesterol and lactose, which could slow down the absorption process. Thanks to this, the nutrition of muscle tissue begins within 15-20 minutes after ingestion.

The product contains almost 9 g of BCAA essential amino acids, which stimulate the formation of new muscle tissue and accelerate recovery. Also in the composition there are digestive enzymes that help the product to be absorbed by 100%, and the body to get the maximum benefit. The cost of such a hydrolyzate is quite high, but the payment for such quality is fair, and is unlikely to cause bewilderment on the part of a potential buyer.

Dymatize ISO-100 is a 100% whey protein isolate. Due to the high degree of purification, there are practically no fats and lactose in the composition, and the proportion of protein is 86-90%, depending on the taste. For gaining muscle mass, this is a great option. In addition, the product boasts a rich set of amino acids that trigger anabolic processes. It is absorbed very quickly and helps muscles recover after training, while giving a feeling of satiety for a long time.

Carbohydrates here are at a minimum - less than 1 g per spoon, so the mixture will be very effective even during "drying" and will help reduce the percentage of subcutaneous fat. Of course, with the condition that you correctly take the supplement and do not exceed the dosage for your weight and age. There are no problems with the use either: protein shakes are homogeneous, without lumps, and have pleasant tastes. Only the high price can upset.

An excellent dietary supplement for those who want to gain muscle mass, get rid of subcutaneous fat and maintain relief for a long time. Contains 91% pure protein, only 0.3 g of fat, 0.8 g of carbohydrates and does not contain cholesterol and lactose at all. It is highly digestible and suitable for those who experience digestive problems after taking other proteins. Each serving contains about 5.5 g of BCAAs, so you do not have to take amino acids separately.

Judging by the reviews, the mixture quickly and completely dissolves in water or milk, without the formation of lumps or sediment. Protein shakes are also praised for their taste - it is optimally rich and sweet, in addition, the manufacturer offers as many as 10 options. The product is produced in Europe, so it is quite expensive. However, many athletes prefer QNT Metapure Zero Carb due to its high quality, excellent digestibility and effectiveness.

"ISO Sensation 93" is a real complex supplement that has incorporated not only a highly concentrated protein, but also a group of additional trace elements, glutamine, a mixture of high-quality digestive enzymes and lactase for high-quality and efficient absorption of nutrients. The isolate is obtained as a result of complex microfiltration processes at low temperatures, retaining all kinds of nutrients. Compared to other products, the pure protein content is simply huge - as much as 93%.

Judging by the reviews, the effect will not be long in coming, and with regular training, the muscles will quickly acquire the desired relief. In one serving - only 2 mg of cholesterol and 1 g of carbohydrates, and there are no fats at all. It is absorbed perfectly, without problems from the gastrointestinal tract. Given the high quality, the price is quite reasonable. If we talk about the shortcomings, then, judging by the reviews, not all tastes are equally successful, some have a synthetic aftertaste.

The American protein supplement "Scitec Nutrition 100% Whey Protein" can rightly be considered one of the best in its class.During manufacture, the protein goes through three stages of testing and quality control, aimed at measuring the compliance of the content of amino acids, trace elements, fats and carbohydrates, as well as the presence of the declared amount of protein in the composition. Of course, the level of the last element, equal to 23 grams per serving, is not a reference, but it is quite sufficient to ensure stable anabolic processes in muscle tissues.

The content of useful substances, including BCAA amino acids and active microelements, which help muscles recover after serious exertion, is also pleasing. This gives a noticeable increase in muscle mass after three to four weeks of use. One can (2.35 kilograms) is enough to prepare 78 servings of a protein shake, so it will last a long time. Judging by the reviews, the product is working, but for the money, the percentage of protein could be more.

Whey protein with a great range of flavors. The main feature is an absolutely pure composition: protein - 24.5 g, carbohydrates - 2 g, sugar - 0.5 g. At the same time, sugar is not added, but the one that remains after filtration. The concentration of pure protein is more than 80%. Contains at least 5 g of BCAAs, which helps muscles recover faster. It is quickly digested and instantly saturates the muscles with useful amino acids. The tastes are pleasant, without a chemical aftertaste, do not bother, not cloying, the powder mixes well.

"Whey 100" is universal: suitable for both "drying" and weight gain, it is recommended even for older people to make up for protein deficiency. At the same time, the price is relatively low for such a quality product.The mixture is perfectly absorbed and does not cause problems with the digestive system. Although, of course, everything is individual here - there is lactose in the composition, therefore, with lactase deficiency, intolerance may occur.

Whey protein with the highest degree of digestibility due to the presence of lactase and aminogen in the composition. Representative of the third generation of protein supplements "Optimum Nutrition". Among its components are fats and carbohydrates, the total content of which does not exceed one and three grams per serving, respectively, as well as 24 grams of proteins and amino acid supplements. The protein matrix is ​​not only ultra-filtered concentrate, it also contains isolate and milk peptides, which makes the mixture more effective and nutritious.

Due to the accelerated absorption, the supplement is recommended to be consumed between main meals. Protein has gained recognition not only among amateurs, but also among professional bodybuilders who compete in elite world competitions. This is one of the most popular supplements in all sports nutrition stores and the price fully justifies the quality of the product. As such, no deficiencies were found.

The multicomponent nature of this protein "set" is obvious already at the stage of reading the composition. This red jar combines 6 types of fast- and slow-digesting proteins, so one serving is able to "nourish" the muscles for most of the day. But you should be careful: along with proteins, the supplement contains impressive doses of carbohydrates and fats, which increase calorie content several times. If your goal is to build muscle and burn fat, then this protein is not for you.

The composition is ideal for highly active athletes, in the training cycle of which intensive cardio loads are prescribed. The complex of trace elements and peptides affects the rate of absorption of amino acids into the blood, and then into the muscles, so that the body will quickly receive nutrients. The product also contains fiber, which improves digestion and promotes better absorption of protein shakes. There are no serious complaints about the additive, however, some tastes are too “exotic”: “cookie” has a bitter aftertaste, and “chocolate mint” is too frosty.

Multi-component protein from Dymatize with a long lasting protein matrix. Contains components of milk and egg protein with the addition of BCAAs and glutamine.The rate of assimilation of various components is selected in such a way that after taking it for several hours, useful amino acids enter the muscles and nourish them. Such a prolonged action allows you to recover faster after exertion and build muscle mass.

The powder is well stirred, does not stray into lumps, does not stick to the walls. Many are annoyed by the foam that forms after whipping in a shaker, and so here it is practically absent. The supplement is well absorbed and gives a feeling of satiety for a long time. However, there are lactose enzymes in the composition, so people with intolerance should refrain from this protein. In general, the product is not bad and gives real results, but the price is still too high.

Weider Quad Protein Shake. Due to the different speed of assimilation, the proteins in the composition contribute to a constant and uniform supply of amino acids into the blood for more than five hours. One serving contains a very high protein - 34.6 g. Therefore, Protein 80 Plus outperforms other multi-component mixtures in the ranking. However, it is worth considering that this is also the most high-calorie supplement and there are relatively many fats and carbohydrates.

The powder is easily diluted in water and milk. Does not form lumps, not too sweet. However, if your goal is to build muscle and lose extra pounds, then it is better to dilute it in water so as not to increase the already impressive calorie content. But, judging by the reviews, drinking in this case will not be as pleasant as with milk. There are questions about the taste in general - many note that this is not the most delicious protein and it is quite difficult to drink it.