You may work out as hard you can but the best protein powder could carry you the extra mile to the body you want. With literally thousands of protein powder options lining the shelves and each boasting its benefits, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Here is our guide to the best protein powders that will make a difference when you work out. From whey to plant-based options, we looked at a wide range of protein supplements, considering factors such as protein type, concentration, additional ingredients, and more.
It’s the first step to the body of your dreams.
What protein powder is most effective?
Choosing the right protein powder depends on your fitness goals, dietary preferences, specific health considerations and other factors. Here are the 7 things you should consider when looking for the best protein powder for you.
1. Type of protein
- Whey Protein: Derived from milk, whey protein is a fast-digesting protein that is rich in essential amino acids. It’s an excellent choice for post-workout supplementation.
- Casein Protein: Also derived from milk, casein is a slow-digesting protein. It provides a steady release of amino acids and is often taken before bedtime.
- Pea Protein: Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, pea protein is hypoallergenic and easily digestible. It’s a good source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).
- Soy Protein: Another plant-based option, soy protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids. It’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
2. Protein concentration
Check the protein content per serving. Higher protein concentrations are generally more effective for muscle building and recovery. Look for products with at least 20-25 grams of protein per serving. All the protein powders on this list meet that criteria.
3. Other ingredients
Some protein powders may contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or fillers. It’s advisable to choose products with minimal additives, especially if you have dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
4. Allergens
Consider any allergies or intolerances you may have. If you are diabetic, lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, plant-based protein powders are the way to go.
5. Flavour and texture
Protein powders come in various flavours, so choose one that you enjoy. Also, consider the texture and how well it mixes with your preferred liquids, hot or cold.
6. Intended use
Different protein powders may be more suitable for specific purposes. For example, whey protein is often recommended for post-workout recovery, while casein may be a better choice for sustained protein release.
7. Nutritional profile
Look beyond just protein content. Check the overall nutritional profile, including the vitamins and minerals, and the ratio of macronutrients (carbohydrates and fats).
Talk with your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian, especially if you have any specific health concerns or dietary restrictions before you decide. They can provide personalised recommendations based on your individual needs.
How much protein do I need?
The recommended daily protein intake for the average Singaporean adult aged 18-49 is approximately 0.8g/kg body weight. This means that those aged 18-49 should consume approximately 50g to 60g of protein a day.
Older adults aged 50 and above have a higher daily recommended protein intake at 1.2g/kg bodyweight.
If you work out and want to build muscle, you should consume 1.2g-2.0g of protein per kg of bodyweight. Please note that your protein should come from a combination of protein powder and a balanced nutritious diet. Researchers recommend getting a maximum of 25-50g of protein per day from protein powder.
Best protein powder
Even the best protein powder brands can have vastly different approaches to formulating their products. For example, some brands come in huge 2kg jars while others come in 500g packs. However, the latter could be more concentrated, meaning that it contain the same amount or possibly even more protein per serving.
To make it easier for you to choose, I have included the number of servings in each container of protein powder on our list. The 11 protein powders are listed from lowest cost per serving to the highest*.
Use that to determine how much protein you get for every dollar you spend.
*Please note that this pricing is accurate at time of publication. Prices may change and special offers may affect the value of each product.
1. NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate
0% saturated fat and less than 1% total fat makes this soy protein powder the best option for weight loss combined with muscle gain. However, it also has the lowest protein content per serving – 20g – of all the protein powder options on our list. That said, the $1.18/serving cost makes it our best buy by a long shot.
- Protein type: Soy
- Servings per container: 38
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Saturated fat per serving: 0g
Buy 0.91kg from S$44 at iHerb (Cost per serving: S$1.16)
2. BPI Sports ISO HD 100% Pure Isolate Protein
A massive 70 servings of maltodextrin-free whey protein powder makes this BPI product ideal for diabetics and anyone suffering from celiac disease. It also has 0g of saturated fat per serving.
- Protein type: Whey
- Servings per container: 70
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Saturated fat per serving: 0g
Buy 2.2kg from S$121 at iHerb (Cost per serving: S$1.72)
3. MuscleTech Platinum 8-Hour Protein
With an impressive 26g dose of protein in every serving, accompanied by 5.6 g of BCAAs, this is the sustained-release protein powder you need when at rest. Unlike our top two that contain 0g of saturated fat, you will get 1g of saturated fat per serving here.
- Protein type: Whey
- Servings per container: 50
- Protein per serving: 26g
- Saturated fat per serving: 1g
Buy 2.1kg from S$91 at iHerb (Cost per serving: S$1.82)
4. Myprotein Soy Protein Isolate
90% protein content in this all-natural protein powder for vegetarians and vegans, and anyone wanting to reduce the amount of dairy in their diet. It still delivers a commendable 23g of protein per serving and just 0.2g of saturated fat.
- Protein type: Soy
- Servings per container: 33
- Protein per serving: 23g
- Saturated fat per serving: 0.2g
Buy 1kg from S$79 at Robinson’s (Cost per serving: S$2.09)
5. MuscleTech Nitro Tech Whey Protein
30g of why protein per serving explains why this long-time bestseller has been around for over a decade. The only downside is that it also comes with 2.5g of saturated fat per serving.
- Protein type: Whey
- Servings per container: 41
- Protein per serving: 30g
- Saturated fat per serving: 1.5g
Buy 1.8kg from S$92 at iHerb (Cost per serving: S$2.24)
6. BSN Syntha-6 Ultra Premium Protein Matrix
BSN’s Ultra Premium range gives you the best protein powder as well as 10 g of essential amino acids and naturally occurring EAAS.
- Protein type: Whey
- Servings per container: 48
- Protein per serving: 22g
- Saturated fat per serving: 2g
Buy 2.3kg from S$124 at iHerb (Cost per serving: S$2.56)
7. California Gold Nutrition SPORT Whey Protein Isolate
No fillers, gluten, GMOs, rbST, soy, artificial colours, flavours, or sweeteners and a hefty 27g of protein in each serving. That’s a very impressive ingredient list and makes this a good choice if you have sensitivities or just prefer natural options.
- Protein type: Whey
- Servings per container: 15
- Protein per serving: 27g
- Saturated fat per serving: 0g
Buy 0.45kg from S$44 at iHerb (Cost per serving: S$2.93)
8. Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein, Plant-Based
This vegetarian, vegan, Kosher, gluten-free and non-GMO verified protein powder is one of the cleanest and most planet-friendly options available anywhere.
- Protein type: Plant (organic peas, organic sprouted grains, seeds and legumes)
- Servings per container: 20
- Protein per serving: 22g
- Saturated fat per serving: 0g
Buy 0.56kg from S$60 at iHerb (Cost per serving: S$3)
9. Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed 100% Whey Protein Isolate
One of the best protein powders for professionals as it’s certified Banned Substance Tested while still delivering 25g of protein and 2.6g of leucine per serving.
- Protein type: Whey
- Servings per container: 20
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Saturated fat per serving: 0g
Buy 0.64kg from S$68 at iHerb (Cost per serving: S$3.40)
10. MuscleTech Plant Protein
25g of plant protein as well as over 9 g essential amino acids per serving is excellent cruelty-free nutrition for vegans and vegetarians.
- Protein type: Plant (fava bean, pea protein, mung bean, brown rice and pumpkin seed)
- Servings per container: 20
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Saturated fat per serving: 1g
Buy 0.84kg from S$69 at iHerb (Cost per serving: S$3.45)
11. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Laden with a staggering 50g of protein in each serving as well as 3 grams of creatine monohydrate, Optimum Nutrition’s mass gainer is a massive infusion of muscle-building goodness. At S$12 per serving, though, it’s the protein powder for the serious fitness enthusiast.
- Protein type: Whey
- Servings per container: 8
- Protein per serving: 50g
- Saturated fat per serving: 2.5g
Buy 2.3kg from S$96 at iHerb (Cost per serving: S$12)
