What protien powder is right for me?
27 NOVEMBER 2024 | BY: SHELLY TYLER FWP
Ever stared at a wall of protein powders and wondered, Which one is actually right for me? You’re not alone. With countless options promising muscle growth, gut health, or energy boosts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if I told you that finding the perfect protein isn’t about flashy claims—it’s about understanding your body’s unique needs?
The Protein Predicament...
Here’s the deal: not all protein powders are created equal. While some are truly transformative, others are little more than sugar-laden, ultra-processed impostors in sleek packaging. The key is knowing what to look for starting with your health goals, dietary needs & quality ingredients.
To save you time and frustration, I’ve compiled my top protein powder recommendations tailored to specific goals. Whether you’re aiming to rebuild your gut, recover after workouts, or power through your day, there’s a protein solution for you.
Not all protein powders are created equal...
What Type of Protein Should You Be Using?
Let’s break it down goal by goal:
Best for Gut Rebuilding
Bone Broth Protein Pure is a nourishing, concentrated bone broth
that makes it easy to get healthy gut, joint and inflammation support.
Supports joint health and reduces joint discomfort
Supports a healthy inflammation response
Supports a healthy immune system
Supports gut health & a healthy gut microbiome
Supports healthy skin
Features collagen types I, II & III, glucosamine, chondroitin,
hyaluronic acid and 18 amino acids
Why It’s Great
- 20g protein, 0g carbs
- Promotes a healthy gut microbiome
- Supports joint comfort and inflammation response
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
Bone Broth Protein Blend: Collagen-rich chicken and beef bone broth concentrates to nourish the gut lining.
Amino Acids: Glycine and proline help repair and restore the intestinal barrier.
Perfect For: Those healing from gut issues or seeking joint support.
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 90
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 163mg
Potassium: 191mg
Bone Broth Protein Blend: 22.3g (Chicken & Beef)
Other Ingredients: None
Free From: Gluten, dairy, soy, grain, nuts.
Best for Muscle Building
PurePaleo™is a novel, great-tasting, dairy-free protein powder, yielding 21 g of protein per serving. It contains HydroBEEFTM, a highly concentrated, bone broth protein isolate, produced through an exclusive proprietary process that allows the protein to be hydrolyzed into more peptides, resulting in easier absorption and assimilation. This product contains beef from animals raised in Sweden without hormones or antibiotics, and is free of any GMO.
Why It’s Great
- 21g protein per serving
- Sourced from hormone- and antibiotic-free Swedish beef
- Highly bioavailable for muscle recovery
Key Ingredients & Benefits
HydroBEEFTM Protein Isolate: Hydrolyzed peptides for optimal absorption and muscle repair.
Perfect For: Fitness enthusiasts or anyone avoiding dairy.
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 110
Protein: 26g
Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: <5mg
Sodium: 180mg
Other Ingredients: Bone broth protein (HydroBEEFTM)
Free From: Dairy, gluten, soy, and GMOs.
Best for Detoxification Support
Thorne’s MediClear-SGS is a powerhouse of daily nutrition – combining two plant-
based proteins fortified with a complete multi-vitamin/multi-mineral complex, antioxidants, broccoli seed extract, and liver-supportive botanicals – to balance living in a toxic world.
Why It’s Great
- Includes broccoli seed extract and a multivitamin complex
- Supports liver detox in a toxic world
- Comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Plant-Based Protein Blend: Pea and rice proteins for clean nourishment.
Curcumin & Milk Thistle Extract: Key botanicals for liver support.
Sulforaphane Glucosinolates: From broccoli, aiding detox pathways.
Perfect For: Anyone aiming to cleanse their system while staying nourished.
Amount Per Serving
Protein Blend: 25g
Calcium: 300mg
Folate (L-5-MTHF): 500mcg DFE
Curcumin Phytosome: 400mg
L-Glutamine: 500mg
Sodium: 360mg
Other Ingredients: Cane juice sugar, monk fruit, cocoa, natural flavors.
Free From: Gluten and dairy.
Best for Low Carb Diets
Collagen Creamer with MCTs Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides: packed with essential amino acids plus glutamine and glycine, this premium collagen is your go-to source for radiant, youthful skin and gut health support.
Why It’s Great
- Enhances coffee, tea, or smoothies
- MCTs provide quick energy for the brain and body
- Supports joint health and skin elasticity
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Collagen Peptides: 7.5g per serving to nourish hair, skin, nails, and joints.
MCT Powder: Highly refined coconut oil to boost energy and fat metabolism.
Perfect For: Keto & Paleo diets or anyone seeking to level up their morning beverages.
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 60
Fat: 3g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 40mg
Collagen Peptides: 7.5g
MCT Powder: 3g
Other Ingredients: Silicon dioxide.
Free From: Gluten, dairy, soy, GMOs.
Best for Post-Workout Recovery
Collagen Plus with Milk Protein Isolate Vital Performance Protein features a powerful
blend of functional ingredients. Each serving delivers a combination of high-quality, lactose-free milk protein isolate and collagen peptides. Ideal for both post-workout recovery and anytime nutrition, each serving contains all 9 essential amino acids, 25g of protein (including 10g of collagen) & 5g of sugar designed to support your active lifestyle and fitness routine. This anytime protein powder supports improved recovery, stimulates muscle protein synthesis and promotes healthy bones, joints and tendons.
Why It’s Great
- Combines collagen peptides and milk protein isolate
- Supports joint comfort, skin hydration, and muscle repair
- Lightly sweetened with natural flavors
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Collagen Peptides: Boosts skin elasticity and joint integrity.
Milk Protein Isolate: Rich in essential amino acids for muscle synthesis.
Perfect For: Anyone needing a dairy free option or needing daily skin and joint support.
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 130
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 6g (Sugars: 5g)
Sodium: 230mg
Other Ingredients: Tapioca dextrose, natural flavors, stevia, monk fruit extract.
Contains: Milk, coconut (tree nut).
Free From: Gluten, wheat, soy, peanuts.
Best for Pure Whey Protein
Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate is a great-tasting, high protein, low carbohydrate, functional food powder. It is made with an exceptional quality whey protein made from the milk of cows that graze on pesticide-free, non-GMO grass pastures in New Zealand, which is known to have one of the least polluted environments in the world. The milking cows are never fed grain and are not subjected to hormone or antibiotic treatments. This whey is instantized with sunflower lecithin (non-GMO), which helps it dissolve more easily in water and prevents foaming during blending.
Why It’s Great
- Sourced from grass-fed cows for purity
- Supports muscle recovery and satiety
- Rich in bioavailable amino acids
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Whey Protein Concentrate: Naturally high in BCAAs for muscle synthesis.
Perfect For: Active individuals and those seeking a clean, grass-fed protein option. (Not for Those with Dairy Sensitivities.)
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 120
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 3g (Sugars: 2g)
Fat: 2g (Saturated Fat: 0.5g)
Calcium: 150mg
Other Ingredients: Whey protein concentrate.
Contains: Milk.
Free From: Gluten, soy, GMOs.
Best for Inflammation
Plant-Based Superfood Protein Blend is a medical food formulated to provide strategic macro- and micronutrient support for patients with Compromised gut function resulting from inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Provided in a proprietary, vegan pea/rice protein base, this formula addresses increased nutrient needs and potential deficiencies in these patients. This formula features CurQfen®, a clinically studied, patented curcumin blend designed for greater bioavailability and more reliable clinical outcomes. It has been demonstrated to result in up to 45.5 times more free curcuminoids in human plasma compared to standard curcumin extract. UltraInflamX Plus 360° also features XNT ProMatrix®– a proprietary protein matrix technology designed to enhance the delivery of a high quality xanthohumol compound for increased bioavailability and stability.
Why It’s Great
- Includes vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Provides 13g of plant protein per serving
- Designed for optimal wellness and immune support
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Rice & Pea Protein Blend: Clean, plant-based protein.
Curcumin & Quercetin: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support.
Vitamins & Minerals: Comprehensive nutritional support.
Perfect For: Those struggling with inflammation. perfect for meal replacements & busy mornings.
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 170
Protein: 13g
Total Carbs: 14g (Sugars: 3g)
Vitamin D: 10mcg
Calcium: 500mg
Magnesium: 260mg
Proprietary Plant Mix: 250mg (curcumin, quercetin, rice protein matrix).
Other Ingredients: Cocoa, rice bran, natural flavors, monk fruit extract.
Free From: Gluten, artificial flavors, and colors.
Best of Pure Plant Protien
Plant Protein+ from Ancient Nutrition combines specially selected proteins from Seven Organic Ancient Seeds + a wellness boost from Seven Organic Ancient Botanicals to fuel you in the modern world.
Why It’s Great
- Packed with organic protein sources
- Includes adaptogens like ashwagandha and cordyceps
- Perfect for vegans and vegetarians
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Organic Protein Blend: Pumpkin, hemp, chia, sunflower, and more.
Adaptogenic Blend: Mushrooms and herbs to support stress resilience.
Perfect For: Vegans and those seeking sustainable protein, to help with balanced energy and stress management.
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 90
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 4g (Fiber: 1g)
Iron: 9.3mg
Other Ingredients: Organic flavors, guar gum, coconut MCT.
Free From: Gluten, dairy, GMOs.
Best for Energy Output
MitoCORE Protein Blend is a scientifically formulated blend of nutrients and protein, specifically designed to support cellular energy production, antioxidant protection, detoxification capacity, and immune function.
Recharges Cellular Energy Production
Supports Immune Function
Supports Antioxidant Protection
Supports Detoxification Capacity
Why It’s Great
- Combines rice protein with antioxidants
- Includes a comprehensive vitamin and mineral profile
- Ideal for detoxification and energy metabolism
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Rice Protein & MCTs: Clean energy and sustained protein release.
Broccoli Seed Extract & Green Tea: Detoxifying and antioxidant-rich.
Perfect For: Nutritional detox or immune system support.
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 120
Protein: 15g
Vitamin C: 250mg
Vitamin D3: 25mcg
Rice Protein: 18.8g
Other Ingredients: Beetroot, guar gum, green tea extract, silicon dioxide.
Free From: Gluten, artificial colors, and yeast.