Best Protein Powders for Men of 2024, Tested and Approved by Sports Nutrition Experts

We tried everything from whey protein isolate to plant protein to find the best men's protein powders for reaching your fitness and wellness goals.

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When it comes to building lean muscle mass, improving your physique and enhancing athletic performance, protein powders are the go-to supplement choice for many men. Packed with the essential amino acids guys need to grow high-quality muscle, protein powders are a convenient way to help men achieve their health and fitness goals. However, with so many different protein powders on the market, choosing the right protein supplement can feel overwhelming.

We've tried and evaluated a variety of the top protein powder supplements available that are designed to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete, bodybuilder or simply seeking to increase your intake of dietary protein, this guide will help you navigate the daunting world of protein powder supplements and help you to find the perfect product to fuel your success.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for the Best Protein Powder for Men in 2024:

• Best Whey Protein Powder for Men: XWerks Grow
• Best Tasting Protein Powder for Men: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Men: Legion Athletics Plant+ Plant Protein Powder
• Best Budget Protein Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
• Best Protein Powder for Men with Digestive Enzymes: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Protein Powder for Men Over 50: XWerks Grow
• Best Meal Replacement Protein Powder for Men: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer
• Best Customizable Protein Powder for Men: Gainful

Best Whey Protein Powder for Men: XWerks Grow

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Key features and specs:

• Protein per serving: 25 grams
• Nutrition facts: 110 calories, 1 gram carbohydrates, 0 grams sugar, 0 grams fat
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Peanut Butter
• Certifications: Soy-free, gluten-free
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, 5% savings
• Key ingredients: Whey protein isolate
• Sweeteners: Stevia
• Price per serving: $1.97 (one-time), $1.86 (subscription)

If your goal is muscle growth and to enhance recovery, then XWerks Grow is a great protein powder to help boost your intake of dietary protein. With 25 grams of protein per serving, this protein powder contains the perfect amount of muscle-building macronutrients to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis. 

Marcus Filly, a multiple-time CrossFit games competitor and owner of Functional Bodybuilding says, “If you divide your daily protein requirement into four equally sized meals, you have a great chance to max out muscle protein synthesis.” Consuming a protein powder such as XWerks Grow is a great way to hit that four protein-rich meal mark to maximize anabolism and muscle growth.

Related Post: The 13 Best Protein Powders for Major Muscle Gain

What we like:

• High protein content per serving
• 100 percent whey protein isolate made from grass-fed cows
• Money back guarantee
• No artificial sweeteners or colors

What to consider:

• Premium supplement that comes with a premium price point
• Strawberry flavor does use artificial flavoring

Best Tasting Protein Powder for Men: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

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Key features and specs:

• Protein per serving: 28 grams
• Nutrition facts: 120 calories, 2 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams sugar, 0 grams fat
• Flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Strawberry, Mocha, Cinnamon French Toast, Unflavored
• Certifications: Non-GMO, gluten-free, no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors or preservatives
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, 10% savings
• Key ingredients: Whey protein isolate
• Sweeteners: Stevia
• Price per serving: $2.00 (one-time), $1.80 (subscription)

Transparent Labs is a supplement company that’s committed to providing consumers with a wide range of science-backed products made with 100 percent natural ingredients. Its 100 percent grass-fed whey protein isolate, sourced from grass-fed, grass-finished American dairy cattle, makes it one of the most nutritious protein supplements available. The reason we’ve selected this specific protein powder is that it is artificial ingredient-free, contains 28 grams of protein per serving, comes in a wide range of delicious flavors and mixes effortlessly in a standard shaker bottle. 

This supplement would be a great choice for men looking to bolster their daily protein intake to build high-quality muscle, enhance recovery or even promote weight loss. My personal favorite flavor is the Chocolate Peanut Butter, and I would rank it as one of the most delicious protein powders I have ever tried.

What we like:

• High protein content per serving
• Artificial ingredient free
• Multiple flavor options available
• 100 percent grass-fed whey protein isolate formula

What to consider:

• Premium supplement that comes with a premium price point
• Animal-based protein powder not suitable for vegans

Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Men: Legion Athletics Plant+ Plant Protein Powder

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Key features and specs:

• Protein per serving: 25 grams
• Nutrition facts: 140 calories, 5 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram sugar, 3 grams fat
• Flavors: Dutch Chocolate, Mocha Cappuccino, French Vanilla, Apple Pie, Cinnamon Cereal, Salted Caramel
• Certifications: Third-party tested, Labdoor certified company, made in NSF-certified and FDA-inspected and cGMP-compliant facilities
• Subscription: Monthly, every 60 days or every 90 days, 10% savings
• Key ingredients: Pea and rice protein blend
• Sweeteners: Stevia, monk fruit
• Price per serving: $2.50 (one-time), $2.25 (subscription)

If you prefer a plant-based protein powder over one that uses whey, we recommend Legion Athletics Plant+ Plant Protein Powder. It’s our pick for the best plant-based protein powder because each serving provides a blend of 25 grams of rice and pea protein isolate. This is important because pea protein has been shown to rival whey in its ability to promote muscle growth and recovery.

Our tester, Brandon Lunsford, tried the Apple Pie flavor mixed with oat milk. “I thought it was close to replicating the taste of apple pie. I could really taste the cinnamon, but this protein powder is very sweet,” says Lunsford.

Lunsford said when it came to taste, he prefers Orgain’s Plant-Based Protein Powder but thought Legion’s plant-based protein powder is a good choice for someone with a sweet tooth. “I don’t think many people would want to make this their main source of protein each day. However, it would satisfy a craving for sweets while still getting protein intake,” Lunsford says. 

Legion Athletics utilizes third-party testing from an accredited lab to test the purity and potency of all the ingredients, and each ingredient and dose is carefully selected based on peer-reviewed scientific studies. If you are unsatisfied, the brand offers a “No Return Necessary” money-back guarantee.

What we like:

• Animal-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, no artificial sweeteners or food dyes
• Made using clinically effective doses of ingredients, meaning the amount you need to produce a biological response
• Money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the product
• Third-party tested

What to consider:

• Higher in calories with 140 per serving, while most others on our list have 120 calories or less per serving
• Contains tree nuts, so not suitable for people with nut allergies

Best Budget Protein Powder for Men: Jacked Factory Authentic Whey

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Key features and specs:

• Protein per serving: 24 grams
• Nutrition facts: 120 calories, 1 gram carbohydrates, 1 gram sugar, 2 grams fat
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Salted Chocolate Caramel, Fruity Cereal Splash
• Certifications: None
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, 15% savings
• Key ingredients: Whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate
• Sweeteners: Sucralose, Stevia extract
• Price per serving: $1.33 (one-time), $1.13 (subscription)

Jacked Factory Authentic Whey is one of the most budget-friendly protein powders available, but there’s really not much that’s “budget” about the formulation. Authentic Whey contains a protein blend of whey protein concentrate, and whey protein isolate and has a total of 24 grams of protein per serving. Jacked Factory is likely able to keep costs lower through the use of artificial flavors and sweeteners. While these ingredients are considered safe for most individuals, some people may prefer to avoid them in their diets. 

Another benefit that Jacked Factory offers consumers is the option to join the brand's rewards program, which provides one point for every dollar spent on supplements and products. This is another great way to earn discounted pricing on all of Jacked Factory’s products.

Check out our Jacked Factory Authentic ISO Whey Protein review for more information. 

What we like:

• Budget-friendly protein powder
• Combination of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate
• Manufactured in the USA in a cGMP and FDA-registered facility
• 100 percent hassle-free money-back guarantee

What to consider:

• Contains natural and artificial flavors
• Contains artificial sweetener sucralose

Best Protein Powder for Men with Digestive Enzymes: KOS Organic Plant Protein

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Key features and specs:

• Protein per serving: 20 grams
• Nutrition facts: 160 calories, 7 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams sugar, 9 grams fat
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel Coffee, Unflavored
• Certifications: USDA Certified Organic
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, 20% savings
• Key ingredients: KOS Organic Protein Blend (pea protein, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed protein, chia seed)
• Sweeteners: Stevia, monk fruit
• Price per serving: $1.99 (one-time), $1.59 (subscription)

KOS Organic Plant Protein comes in five different flavors and contains 20 grams of protein per serving. What’s unique about this protein powder is its 10 milligrams of a digestive enzyme blend of proteases, amylase, cellulase, lactase and lipase. These enzymes may help maximize the absorption rate of protein powder by increasing the conversion of protein into digestible amino acids, but more research is needed on the efficacy. If you are someone who has encountered digestive issues when consuming a protein powder, then you may find this Organic Plant Protein from KOS easier on the stomach. 

For men looking to build strength and size, this is a great supplement choice because the primary source of protein is pea protein, which has all the essential amino acids your body needs, and the digestive enzyme blend is a huge bonus for athletes who train multiple times each day.

What we like:

• Blend of pea protein, flax seed protein, quinoa protein, pumpkin seed protein and chia seed protein
• Has additional vitamins and minerals
• Contains digestive enzymes
• Great for athletes

What to consider:

• Only 20 grams of protein per serving
• Higher content of fat and carbs may not be suitable for everyone

Best Protein Powder for Men Over 50: XWerks Grow

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Key features and specs:

• Protein per serving: 25 grams
• Nutrition facts: 110 calories, 1 gram carbohydrates, 0 grams sugar, 0 grams fat
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Peanut Butter
• Certifications: Soy-free, gluten-free
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, 5% savings
• Key ingredients: Whey protein isolate
• Sweeteners: Stevia
• Price per serving: $1.97 (one-time), $1.86 (subscription)

XWerks Grow is a fantastic whey protein powder for men who are over 50 years old. What differentiates XWerks from the competition is that the 25 grams of protein per serving is 100 percent whey protein isolate made in small batches using a microfiltration system. This is important for older men because our bodies actually digest proteins more slowly as we age. The additional vitamins and minerals, as well as the digestive enzymes, help to ensure that regardless of your age, you will still be able to efficiently and effectively digest and absorb the protein. There are also over 6 grams of BCAAs per serving, which has been shown to trigger muscle protein synthesis in older individuals.

In addition, this supplement is soy-free, gluten-free and does not contain any artificial sweeteners, coloring or flavors, which makes it suitable for men with a wide range of different dietary preferences. From the consumer reviews on the XWerks website, several users say this is one of the best-tasting protein powders available. Grow is flavored with cocoa bean, vanilla bean and peanut butter powder and is naturally sweetened with Stevia.

What we like:

• Low-carb formula made with natural ingredients
• Free shipping and money-back guarantee
• 25 grams of high-quality whey isolate protein per serving

What to consider:

• Only four flavor options
• Expensive

Best Meal Replacement Protein Powder for Men: Transparent Labs Mass Gainer

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Key features and specs:

• Protein per serving: 53 grams for the Chocolate Glaze Donut flavor and 51 grams for the Sweet Vanilla flavor
• Nutrition facts: Chocolate glaze donut: 750 calories, 110 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams sugar, 14 grams fat, Sweet Vanilla: 730 calories, 106 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams sugar, 13 grams fat
• Flavors: Chocolate Glaze Donut, Sweet Vanilla
• Certifications: Non-GMO, gluten-free, no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors or preservatives
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, 10% savings
• Key ingredients: Organic tapioca maltodextrin, grass-fed whey protein concentrate
• Sweeteners: Stevia extract
• Price per serving: $5.33 (one-time), $4.80 (subscription)

If you’re looking for a protein powder that can act as a meal replacement shake, choose nothing less than Transparent Labs Mass Gainer. Regardless of the flavor you choose, Chocolate Glaze Donut or Sweet Vanilla, this mass gainer supplement will contain more than 700 calories per serving and a macronutrient profile you would expect from a well-balanced meal. This amount of nutrition is definitely enough to replace a meal, making it a great option for men who lead busy lives and need a convenient meal replacement option when in a pinch. This supplement is also helpful for men who are looking to pack on some muscle but have trouble adding excess calories to their diet through food. Consuming a delicious, calorie-dense shake is often much easier than adding another serving of chicken, rice and broccoli to your daily diet. 

What I really like about this supplement in particular is that the brand uses complex carbs in its formula that will break down slowly for sustained energy rather than cheap simple sugars that will spike your blood sugar levels. This supplement also contains 3 grams of creatine, which we know is helpful for building lean muscle mass, strength gains and improved exercise capacity. Just remember not to overdo these meal-replacement protein shakes; these types of supplements should really only be used once per day. This is because they don’t contain the same amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals you can get from whole foods.

Related Post: 7 Best Mass Gainer Supplements

What we like:

• More than 50 grams of protein per serving
• Contains creatine monohydrate
• Contains complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugars

What to consider:

• Only 15 servings per container
• Expensive price point

Best Customizable Protein Powder for Men: Gainful

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Key features and specs:

• Protein per serving: 19 to 27 grams
• Nutrition facts: Varies based on the formulation
• Flavors: Madagascar Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Matcha Green Tea, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Toast, Sea Salt Caramel, Strawberry Cream, Caffe Mocha, Cookies and Cream
• Certifications: None
• Subscription: Monthly subscription-based service
• Key ingredients: Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate
• Sweeteners: Stevia leaf extract, organic monk fruit
• Price per serving: $3.21 (one-time)

Gainful is different from every other protein powder on our list because it is a subscription-based and completely customizable protein powder that’s designed to meet your specific health and fitness needs. You can start your journey by heading to the Gainful website and filling out the brand's comprehensive questionnaire. From there, its team of registered dietitians and nutritionists will design the perfect protein powder to help you achieve your goals. The supplement will contain anywhere from 19 to 27 grams of protein per serving and is available in both whey and plant-based options. 

Gainful’s protein powders are also always gluten-free, soy-free, artificial ingredient-free and free from any fillers, preservatives or added sugars. This makes this supplement a great option for men with different dietary restrictions who want a custom-made protein powder. 

Another benefit to using the Gainful service is the variety of different flavor options available. The protein powder actually comes unflavored and you can select from a wide variety of different flavor boost packets to change the flavor of your daily shake. My personal favorite flavor boosts were the chocolate peanut butter and caffe mocha and I was surprised at how well the small packet was able to flavor the shake. While Gainful is definitely not the cheapest protein powder available, it provides unparalleled customizability that few other supplement companies can deliver.

Related Post: Gainful Protein Powder Review

What we like:

• Multiple flavor packets to choose from
• Subscription includes one-on-one access to a registered dietitian
• Personalized protein powder that’s tailored to your specific needs

What to consider:

• Subscription-only based service

Benefits of Protein Powder for Men

While it is possible to meet your dietary protein requirements through whole food sources alone, protein powder is both a convenient and effective way to supplement your daily protein intake. For men who engage in regular physical activity such as strength training or endurance sports, consuming an adequate amount of protein is necessary to promote muscle growth, muscle recovery and support athletic performance. Protein supplementation has also been shown to improve strength, and power output and even help with weight loss. Regardless of your health and fitness goals, supplementation with protein powder is a fantastic way to meet your dietary needs.

Precautions

Protein powder is a supplement that’s generally safe to consume for healthy individuals and unlikely to cause any negative side effects. That being said, most protein powders do come with a warning to consult with your primary healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, under 18 years of age or have any preexisting medical conditions. It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t rely on a protein powder supplement to be your primary source of dietary protein. As a supplement, it should be used to complement a well-balanced diet consisting of whole-food protein sources.

How to Choose the Best Protein Powder for You

There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing the best protein powder to meet your needs. Here is a list of some key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Determine your goals

Before selecting a protein powder supplement, you should first determine whether your health and fitness goals include building muscle, losing weight or general maintenance. This will help you determine how much protein you need to consume on a daily basis. Different types of protein powder supplements will therefore be more suitable for your specific goals based on the type of protein, the amount of protein and the total number of calories in the supplement. If you’re an athlete you will also want to find a protein powder that is free from banned substances. Look for supplements with the NSF Certified For Sport or Informed Choice labeling to ensure your supplements are safe for competition.

Protein type

Protein powder supplements can be derived from many sources, such as whey, casein and plant-based proteins like soy, pea, rice, nuts and seeds. Each source of protein has its unique characteristics and may be suitable for individuals with different dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, whey protein is a popular choice due to its high-quality amino acid profile, while plant-based options are suitable for vegans, vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance.

Looking for another plant-based option? Check out the KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Review

Ingredient quality

When choosing a protein powder supplement, it’s important to consider the other ingredients in the supplement aside from the protein. Always read the entire ingredient list before taking supplements since they may contain additional vitamins, minerals, fiber or sugars. They also may contain artificial ingredients such as filler, preservatives, sweeteners, flavors and colors. Assess whether these additional ingredients align with your personal preferences or dietary needs.

Taste, flavor and mixability

Protein powders can vary in terms of taste, flavor profiles and mixability, so be sure to consider your personal preferences and find a protein powder that tastes great. Some brands offer sample packs or single-serving sizes, which allow you to taste test different flavors and supplements before purchasing a larger quantity.

Consumer reviews

When selecting a protein powder supplement, it’s important to look for reputable brands with positive customer reviews. These reviews can help you determine which protein supplements may meet your needs and the best flavor options to try. You can also seek out recommendations from friends, fitness professionals or nutrition experts to help you make your selection.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Protein Powder for Men

We chose our list of the best protein powder supplements for men by taking into account a number of different factors including the protein quality, brand reputation, third-party testing results, consumer reviews and our personal testing notes on taste, flavor and mixability. We do our best to ensure we are researching and recommending high-quality supplements that will provide value to and benefit consumers.

Best Protein Powder for Men FAQs

Does protein powder affect male hormones?

Consuming protein powder will affect certain hormones in the body such as insulin and cortisol. However, protein powder supplementation will have little to no impact on male sex hormones such as testosterone. While consuming an adequate amount of protein is important for healthy hormone levels, excessive protein intake will not result in significantly increased testosterone production.

This is also a great time to address a common myth surrounding soy protein powders and the belief that they lower testosterone levels in men. This is simply untrue and multiple studies have found that supplementation with soy protein does not decrease total testosterone or inhibit muscle growth in men who participated in resistance training programs.

What kind of protein powder is best for bulking?

When you are attempting to “bulk” or build a significant amount of muscle mass and size, it may be helpful to consume a calorie-rich protein supplement such as a mass gainer. These mass gainer protein powders typically consist of a whey protein concentrate and complex carbohydrate source and are designed to provide a convenient and concentrated source of nutrients and excess calories. These supplements are especially helpful for men who struggle to consume the calories necessary for weight gain through their diet alone.

Can protein powder help men lose weight?

Protein powder can definitely be a helpful tool for men who are looking to lose weight, but it’s important to understand its role and limitations in a weight loss protocol. To effectively lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than you burn. However, if you aren’t consuming enough protein during the deficit, the body may break down both muscle tissue and fat for energy. Protein powder can be a convenient and low-calorie way to supplement your diet with additional protein to help preserve lean muscle mass and promote fat loss instead. Protein also has a high satiety factor, meaning it can help men feel full for a longer period of time. This can reduce the chances of overeating or snacking on calorie-dense foods, which can also help promote weight loss. Just be sure to remember that protein powder is not a magic solution for fat loss, but it can be used as part of a well-rounded weight loss plan that includes a well-balanced diet and regular exercise to achieve success.

What is the best type of protein powder for men to take?

The best type of protein powder is the one that works for you. Although this statement seems cliche, given how many protein powders are available, it is very accurate. That being said, here are a few things to consider when choosing the right type of protein powder for your specific protein needs. Start by assessing your goals and what’s important to you in a protein powder supplement. If your goal is weight loss, then a high-quality, low-calorie whey-protein isolate might make the most sense. However, if your goals are to build muscle mass and size, then a high-calorie mass gainer supplement might be the way to go. From there, it’s important to take into account your personal dietary preferences. Would you prefer an animal-based whey or casein protein powder, or a plant-based protein supplement to complement your diet? You also should consider the taste, mixability and flavor options available, because let’s face it, if it doesn’t taste good, then you aren’t going to use it.

Protein Powder: Does It Make Sense for Men?

Regardless of your specific goals, consuming enough protein is essential for overall health. Protein promotes muscle growth, tissue repair, optimal hormone production and proper immune function. Protein powder supplements offer a convenient, portable and often delicious way for men to supplement their diet with additional protein and ensure they meet their dietary needs. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.