If you’re trying to gain lean muscle and need a boost, protein powder might be the answer, but choose wisely. Not all protein powders are as clean and healthy as they seem. Many are touted as nutritional but have artificial sweeteners that add calories. With that in mind, there are options that help meet fitness goals, but without the added calories. According to health experts, here are seven protein powders that help build muscle and are good for you.
Optimum’s 100% Gold Standard Casein Protein Powder
Nutrition: per serving 1 scoop
Calories: 120
Fat: .5g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 230mg
Carbs: 1g (Fiber: 1g , Sugar: 1g)
Protein: 24g
Optimum’s 100% Gold Standard Casein Protein Powder is dietitian approved! This protein powder delivers a steady release of amino acids to your muscles over several hours, making it a great option for building lean muscle without unnecessary calories.
Thorne Whey Protein Isolate
Nutrition: per serving 1 scoop
Calories: 100
Fat: .5g (Saturated fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 75mg
Carbs: 321g (Fiber: 1g , Sugar: 3g)
Protein: g
Thorne Whey Protein Isolate is a lean protein powder that is rapidly absorbed by the body, providing the necessary amino acids for muscle repair and growth almost immediately after a workout.
KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder
Nutrition: per serving 38 grams
Calories: 160
Fat: 7g (Saturated fat: 4.5g)
Sodium: 330mg
Carbs: 8g (Fiber: 3g , Sugar: 2g)
Protein: 20g
KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder delivers 20 grams of protein from organic plant sources, making it a great choice for building muscle without dairy or soy.
Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
Nutrition: per serving 1 scoop
Calories: 110
Fat: 1g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 190mg
Carbs: 2g (Fiber: 0g , Sugar: 1g)
Protein: 25g
Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder is low in fat, carbs, and lactose, making it ideal for those sensitive to lactose and looking for clean protein and low calories.
Designer Lite Low‑Calorie Protein Powder
Nutrition: per serving 1 scoop
Calories: 60
Fat: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 90mg
Carbs: 5g (Fiber: 4g , Sugar: .5g)
Protein: 10g
Designer Lite Low‑Calorie Protein Powder is a unique blend of soy and whey proteins with just 60 calories and 10 grams of protein, making it an excellent option for a low-protein pre or post-workout snack.
Here are some key points about this protein powder:
- High in protein and clean ingredients
- Quick absorption for maximum protein synthesis
- Complete protein with essential amino acids
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment, and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications.