I have spent hours over the last couple of years, researching the best protein powder for the price; one that mixes well and has a decent taste, without being too sweet and artificial tasting.
These protein powder brands love to make this task time consuming by adding misleading information to their product labels. Have a look at Body Fortresses labelling below:
Wow look at that, 60g of protein per serving, must be great value. Wrong. They are counting 1 serving as 2 whole scoops, when most other brands use 1 scoop per serving as a recommendation. Body Fortress also hide the total number of scoops per container, so you have no idea how long it will last you, unless your spend an hour doing the researcher. Total jokers…sorry rant over /.
So, I researched all the major protein brands, poured over the labels with by calculator to find the best value based on price per serving and price per 1g of protein.
Note 1: I calculated the prices based on the average price per pound
Note 2: I based these all on whey protein as you get the most protein per gram for your money. Typical vegan proteins are around 20g per serving opposed to whey at 25g (average). If you want a value vegan protein, read this post.
Buying Tip: If you are on a budget, stay away from the big brands – you are paying for the name. Below you will see some protein brands are x2 the price per serving.
Body Fortress Protein Powder
The Body Fortress contains 100 percent Whey enriched with Amino Acids such as Creatine and sells at $0.75 per serving which contains 30 grams of protein. These amino acids are highly branched and therefore are quickly absorbed to give your muscles a perfect tone.
These highly Branched-chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are the primary amino acids responsible for losing fats and building strong muscles.
This protein powder can be consumed immediately after workout sessions or at any time of the day to make up daily protein requirements. The Body Fortress together with an intense body exercise can help achieve weight loss.
This product has been proven to have various positive effects on the general health of an individual. However, it is not to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease and is also not suitable for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Pros
- Decent brand
- It mixes easily with water
- It smells nice and tastes even better
Cons
- It contains a large number of Calories
- It’s new and improved formula doesn’t taste as good and it leaves an unpleasant aftertaste.
Isopure Whey Protein Powder
Best value whey protein for the money
Isopure is a natural WPI powder produced without any artificial sweeteners or flavors. The product is low in carbs (perfect for keto diet), fats, fillers and can be served cold or hot. Each serving contains 5.67 grams of natural Branched-chain Amino Acids and 2.57 grams of organic L-Glutamine.
During processing, this protein powder undergoes microfiltration to arrive at the finished product. This process is carefully and thoroughly carried out to create a lucid milk Protein when suspended in water. It is likely the only protein powder that has this feature.
This product presents an easy way of meeting up with your daily protein requirements. You’ll be spending $0.51 per serving which has 25 grams of protein. It is however not suitable for children. It contains iron and excessive intake of iron can lead to poisoning especially in kids. The Isopure Protein powder can be taken before or after exercise, in between meals, or as a substitute for meals.
Pros
- It is very affordable
- It contains very little calories and can be used as a thickener
- It blends perfectly with any beverage.
- It Can be used as a batter.
Cons
- It is messy and can be difficult to Clean up
- It gets too foamy when added to drinks
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
Optimum Nutrition is known for its quality. It has been in existence for more than 30 years, in over 90 countries. This powder is produced with only the purest and highest quality ingredients and is combined with concentrated whey protein.
This whey protein contains highly Branched-chain Amino Acids which are very necessary for bodybuilding amongst athletes. Costs around $0.66 per serving of 24g protein.
The product comes in a variety of flavors and can be taken before or after workout sessions. It can also be taken anytime the body is in need of energy, can be in-between meals, or even before bedtime.
Pros
- It is easy to mix without clumps and lumps. All you need is just a cup and a spoon to stir
- It comes in various flavors
- It enhances muscle recovery, especially after workout sessions.
Cons
- It contains sucralose, and this causes indigestion.
- In comparison to other protein powders, it is a bit more expensive.
MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder
Good value for the price
The MusclePharm is another cost-effective protein powder. It contains 100% whey powder, specially formulated for sportsmen for building strong muscles and replenishing lost nutrients. It also enhances performance during competitions.
MusclePharm supplies consumers with a high-quality protein powder that is totally safe and healthy. It contains branched-chain Amino Acids, digestive enzymes, and glutamine. Every constituent of this product has undergone rigorous tests and approved by Informed-choice. This is to ensure that consumers’ health isn’t jeopardized in any way.
This organic product is low on calories and free from artificial dye and sweeteners. Each serving spoon sells at $1.03 per serving and contains 25 grams of easily digestible whey protein. This protein powder blends perfectly with just about anything; smoothies, coffee, almond milk, veggies, fruits, and even water.
Pros
- It is quite affordable
- The company offers a 30-day money-back warranty.
- It blends perfectly in water and in any other beverage.
Cons
- It is a bit too sweet and therefore not suitable for diabetic patients
- Carcinogens which are sometimes used as a sweetener is bad for health.
FAQs- Best Protein Powder for Price
Which is the best protein for your money?
From our research Isopure’s whey protein provides the best value for money. This product is half the price per serving as some of the major brands.
Why are the labels so misleading?
The brands will argue people take different amounts of servings – we still think they should be much clearer.
Is whey protein better value than Vegan Protein?
You will get more protein for your money with Whey, if your stomach can tolerate it.
Can I just get my protein naturally from food?
Yes of course, but if you are training hard and need 100g+ protein per day (based on 0.75 per lb body weight) – this is quite hard to do. Whey protein helps hit those triple figures. Check out our liquid egg whites v Whey protein post. You might want to also want to consider protein water if you are working away from home and struggle with meal prep.
Are the expensive protein powder brands better?
We don’t think so, they probably get all ingredients in bulk from the same wholesalers.
Conclusion
Keeping up with the daily protein requirement can be a very difficult job. More especially for those who are on a weight reduction program. This is why protein powders are very important for every individual and family.
However, if you are on a low-cost budget, these best protein powder for price picks will suffice.