The Discerning
Man’s Protein

Best protein powder for men in 2021

The Discerning Man’s Protein

The best options to boost your health and fuel your workouts

Whether you’re a serious athlete, a weekend warrior or just a dedicated gym goer looking to tone-up, it's a good idea to have some powdered protein on hand. Protein builds muscle, boosts your performance and makes the most out of all your hard work in the gym. And thanks to the high protein content of powdered supplements, having a scoop or two in a shake, smoothie or bowl of oatmeal not only helps build and preserve lean muscle mass effectively, it also aids weight loss efforts by boosting calorie burn and increasing satiety. But when there are so many options on the market, from industrial-sized tubs to indie vegan brands, how is a guy supposed to choose the best protein powder for his needs? After all, not all protein powders are created equal. When looking for protein, the most important factors to consider are the amount of protein per serving, the presence of all essential amino acids, and the digestibility of the protein source, which indicates how well your body can absorb the nutrients; essentially, look for a protein with a good balance of essential amino acids and high digestibility. We sifted through the good, the bad and the ugliest tubs to unearth the ones worth your time.

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The Best
Protein Powders
for Men

For Post-Workout

While any protein is good for after a workout, this “performance” blend is specially formulated to support recovery while boosting your body's muscle-building capability. The vegan blend of organic pea protein with brown rice and hemp delivers 30 grams of protein, plus a complete amino acid profile with five grams of BCAAs per serving and natural digestive enzymes that will help it work faster. Plus, it's one of the best-tasting options on the market.

Performance protein,
$39 by Form

For Your Gut

This formula offers 20 grams of protein, along with a shot of fiber and over a billion CFU probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health. Your body's gut microbiome is an important part of you overall health and dairy-based protein has been proven to support the production of glutathione, a key player in your body's natural immunity. So while this grows and repairs muscles, it also strengthens your whole body.

Protein + Probiotic powder,
$25.95 by Celebrate Rebuild

Most Unique

This innovative nutrition brand uses only natural ingredients and no added sugar to deliver 20 grams of high-quality protein plus four digestive enzymes and coconut oil—all in convenient single-serve packs (that coincidentally uses less plastic than a tub). As an added bonus, it's got a creamy consistency that's easy to blend into coffee or smoothies.

Protein packets,
$34.99 (for 10-pack) by Clean Simple

Crunchiest

If you're looking for simple ways to boost your protein intake, this crispy cinnamon-dusted cereal will remind you of that cinnamon toast cereal you grew up with. Only this one has zero sugar and offers 11 grams of pea protein per serving along with a hearty dose of fiber. Sprinkle a handful on top of yogurt, have a bowl for breakfast or pack a baggie to snack throughout the day. And if you want more options, it comes in other delicious flavors, from Maple Waffle to Honey Graham and Apple Cider Donut.

Protein cereal,
from $8.99 by Catalina Crunch

Customize It

Everyone's workout is a little different, right? So why not tailor your post-workout protein shake to your specific needs and goals? This well-rated subscription service offers up an easy questionnaire that they will then run through their system to create the perfect personal formula—either whey or plant-based—along with flavor packets to change up the taste. Your membership even comes with complimentary access to a registered dietitian to answer any nutrition questions you might have.

Personalized protein,
from $35.97 at Gainful

Most Peanut Buttery

This creamy organic protein is made entirely from roasted Spanish variety peanuts, grown in Texas. It's not only silky smooth and easy to mix into oatmeal and smoothies alike, but the natural taste is a welcome change from “flavored” options that can often leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Since there's no added protein, it provides around 11 grams per serving along with 21% of your daily value of magnesium and 14% daily value of fiber.

Organic protein,
$39.99 by NorCal Organic

Clear Protein

If a thick, milky shake isn't what you're looking for, Myprotein makes clear protein that's more refreshing and still delivers 10 grams of whey protein. This orange-flavored electrolyte mix—infused with electrolytes, B vitamins and vitamin C—is more like fruit juice, so it's the perfect way to quench your thirst and hit your protein goals after a workout.

Clear whey electrolyte mix,
$44.99 by Myprotein

ShakeSphere Capsule Mixing Bottle

Capsule mixing bottle,
$19.99 by ShakeSphere

Better Blender Bottles

Not only are these bottles better looking that your standard shaker version, but they do a better job continually mixing the ingredients without the messy, noisy whisk balls.

Helimix Vortex Shaker Bottle

Vortex shaker bottle,
$24.99 / $18.13 by Helimix

FYI

The National Academy of Medicine recommends that adults get a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day. So for a 180-pound man, that means about 65 grams of protein every 24 hours.

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