The gold standard for muscle building. It’s absorbed quickly, making it ideal for post-workout. Look for Isolate if you’re lactose sensitive (it’s more filtered) or Concentrate if you want the best value and a creamier taste.
Some brands use cheap amino acids (like taurine or glycine) to trick lab tests into showing a higher protein count than what's actually there. Scan the ingredient list; if you see individual amino acids listed alongside the protein blend, it might be spiked. Stick to reputable brands with seals (like NSF or Informed-Choice) to ensure you're getting what you paid for. 4. Flavor and Mixability how to buy protein powder
No matter how healthy it is, you won't drink it if it tastes like chalk. The gold standard for muscle building
The "slow" protein. It digests over several hours, so most people take it before bed to keep muscles fueled overnight. Some brands use cheap amino acids (like taurine
Aim for roughly 20–25g of protein per 120–130 calories . If the calories are much higher, you're buying a "meal replacement" or a "mass gainer," not a pure protein supplement. 3. Watch Out for "Amino Spiking"
If a scoop is 150 calories but only has 20g of protein, there’s a lot of filler (fats, carbs, or thickeners) in there.