Protein supplements have become an indispensable item in the nutritional regimens of gym-goers and
athletes. In fact, they have become synonymous with post-workout gains.

However, if muscle building process is strictly hinged upon intake of protein, most of us would be just
having fun consuming a spoonful of protein supplements and never hit the gym. But we all know, that’s
not the case.

To better your athletic performance, one requires a good stimulus, a complete strength and nurturing
program along with a diet high in protein. To make your physique exceptional, protein supplements are a
must.

These supplements serve as an appropriate and high-quality source of protein. Yet, with apparently
infinite options to pick from, you may think about which one is the best for your athletic needs.

How to pick the best Protein Supplement?

Consider the below factors when choosing a protein supplement.

Protein source

Protein supplements have either plant-based or animal-based protein sources.
Plant-based protein powders usually contain rice, pea or hemp protein. Few vegan blends may
contain seeds, nuts and whole grains.

Animal-based proteins include collagen, whey, casein, and egg.

Superior testing

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t evaluate the safety,
equality, or effectiveness of protein powders, it’s best to choose products that are third-party tested
to ensure purity and potency.

Safe for sport

Athletes must select a protein supplement that has been tested for banned substances
by an organization such as Informed sport or NSF International.

Extra ingredients

Try to select the protein powder that contains as few ingredients as possible.
Make sure you check the labels and avoid purchasing products that include colours, flavours and
artificial sweeteners. ​

Protein Form – Concentrate Vs Hydrolysate Vs Isolate

It is important to consider the form of protein while selecting your option.
Whey protein is available in concentrate, hydrolysate or isolate form. Although, many supplements
include a combination of the three.

While whey concentrate and isolate provide similar benefits, whey protein isolate endures processing
methods that lead to a higher concentration of protein and lower amounts of lactose, carbs and fat.
Thus, whey isolate protein may be a better option for those who wish to limit their intake of lactose, carbs and fat.

In the meantime, whey hydrolysate has been partially broken down to make the digestion and absorption
process easier and faster.

10 Best Protein Supplements for Athletes

Check out the best protein supplements you can utilize to get your muscle building process going.

Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein

Momentous claims to contain some of the most transparent and cleanest supplements. You can check out their website to know where each ingredient is sourced from. Its flavour is unparalleled.

The presence of any unnecessary additives or preservatives in its grass-fed whey protein is highly
unlikely. Everything is certified and checked for banned contaminants such as lead.

If you are looking for a plant-based option, the Momentous line boasts some of the finest quality plant
protein, combining ideal ratios of pea protein isolate with rice protein concentrate to make the best
use of the amino acids.

Legion Whey Plus

Legion Whey Plus is a whey isolate protein made from milk. This product comes in 11 flavours, plus
an unflavoured option.

Whey isolate is over 90% protein by weight and comparatively low in lactose. On the other hand,
whey concentrate includes 25–89% protein and more lactose.

Legion Whey Plus is also reputed for listing all the ingredients on the label and not using fillers.
Moreover, it’s third-party tested by cGMP-certified and Labdoor, guaranteeing that it’s free of banned
contaminants.

Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein

It is a high-quality protein powder that boasts using only natural ingredients.

Casein includes 80% of the protein in milk, whereas whey makes up around 20%. Your body digests
casein more slowly than whey because of its protein composition.

As a result, many people tend to consume it before bed for sustained protein digestion throughout
the night.

Especially, Ascent processes grade A milk to convert it into protein powder. On the other hand, most
manufacturers purchase pre-processed protein.

SFH Pure Whey Protein

SFH Pure Whey Protein is renowned for its ingredient content, splendid taste and ease of absorption.
Sourced from grass-fed and free-range cows, this marginally processed whey concentrate doesn’t
comprise gluten, soy or any other artificial ingredients.

Since it’s free of added sugar and low in carbs, it’s a brilliant pick for those who are on a low carb or
ketogenic diet and are searching for an easy way to enhance their protein intake.

PlantFusion Complete Plant-Based Protein Powder

Meeting your daily protein needs may seem challenging if you are a vegan. One way to get enough
protein is to add a plant-based protein powder to your diet.

Though vegan protein powders have been initially criticised as flavourless, their tastiness has gotten
better significantly in recent years.

This plant-based protein powder is highly rated for taste and quality. It combines vegan proteins,
such as algae, pea, and quinoa with branched-chain amino acids to form a complete protein.

Garden of Life Sport Grass-Fed Organic Whey Protein

This product is sourced from animal welfare-friendly, complete grass-fed and 95% grass-fed dairy
farms in Ireland.

Grass-fed dairy has shown to contain higher certain beneficial nutrients, like conjugated linoleic acid
(CLA) and omega-3 fatty acids than conventional dairy.

Garden of Life Sport Grass-Fed Whey is free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), certified
organic, and carries two third-party verifications that make it free of banned substances.

Naked Whey Protein Powder

This option is low in cards and especially meant for those who wish to enhance muscle tone and lose
weight.

The unflavoured version is free of added sugar and includes just one ingredient – whey protein
concentrate.

The formulation of this protein powder has been much appreciated. It’s easy to mix and has a mild
flavour that works well when blended with other ingredients.

It’s also certified by Informed Choice, indicating that it’s free of contaminants and safe for athletes.​

Ladder Whey Protein Powder

Ladder Whey Protein Powder is sourced from high-quality whey protein isolate. It is a great option
for athletes looking to enhance protein consumption and in turn, performance.

Plus, it’s NSF Certified, ensuring that it does not contain any banned substances.

It mixes very easily and doesn’t have a chalky aftertaste like other protein powders available on the
market.

Ghost Whey Protein

Ghost combines whey isolate and whey concentrate, supplying amino acids your body needs. It also
contains a blend of digestive enzymes to help digestion.

To develop unique flavours, Ghost works with third-party ventures to include cookie pieces in some
of their protein powders.

This product is produced in a cGMP-certified facility and tested by NSF International to ensure
ingredient safety.

Isopure Low Carb Whey Isolate

Isopure Low Carb Whey Isolate provides high-quality whey protein isolate without the added carbs,
lactose and gluten.

This product is best for those who wish to limit their carb consumption based on their macronutrient
goals and workout schedule.

In addition, it’s produced in a cGMP-certified facility. It also comes in several flavours.

Final words

Protein supplements provide a high-quality source of protein that one can consume during workouts or
between meals to boost muscle gain.

Make sure you focus on the quality and manufacturing standards when shopping for a protein
supplement. For the best ones, consider one of the products mentioned in this article.

At last, consume plenty of fresh and whole foods, including natural sources of protein and fibre.​