If you’re an athlete, finding the right fuel to meet the ever-growing demand of your body isn’t easy. Many athletes opt to integrate protein powder into their diet as a convenient source of protein.
However, it’s important for athletes, especially drug-tested athletes, to be mindful of what they’re consuming. That’s why we’ve highlighted the best protein powders for athletes here.
Every protein powder on this list go through rigorous third-party testing to ensure that they don’t contain any banned substances and that the product meets ingredient label claims.
The overall best protein powder for athletes is 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs. Transparent Labs has a great track record of transparent third party testing, don’t include any artificial ingredients, and use delicious flavors. It’s all killer, no filler.
If you're looking for a high quality, clean protein powder, Transparent Labs' 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate is an excellent choice.
With a slew of delicious flavors and a totally transparent, clean label, this is a premium product.
Discount code:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
But maybe this option isn’t exactly what you’re looking for. That’s why we thought we’d make your search easier by rounding up some of the best protein powders for athletes. Let’s dive in!
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- Best Creatine for Athletes
- Best Cheap Protein Powder
- Best Protein Powder for Beginners
Table of Contents
The Best Protein Powders For Athletes
- 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
- Essential Protein Powder – Ritual
- Whey Protein Concentrate – Naked Nutrition
- Pea Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
- Mass Gainer – Transparent Labs
- Whey Protein Isolate – Kaged
100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Transparent Labs
Certified Banned Substance Free by Informed Choice
If you're looking for a high quality, clean protein powder, Transparent Labs' 100% Grass Fed Whey Isolate is an excellent choice.
With a slew of delicious flavors and a totally transparent, clean label, this is a premium product.
Discount code:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs is by far the best protein powder for athletes and is always mentioned among the top whey protein isolate powders. This highly purified whey protein powder is sourced from grass-fed cows and provides an impressive 28 grams of protein per serving. It’s also available in eight different flavors, so you’re bound to find one that you like.
Transparent Labs ensures that it has minimal fats and carbs content, as well as fully disclosed labeling, making it a trustworthy choice for athletes. Yes, it is a little bit more expensive than other protein powders, but the quality and transparency of its ingredients justify the cost.
They claim that this is one of the best grass-fed protein powders as it can speed up protein synthesis after exercise, supplying an ideal ratio of the nine essential amino acids. This makes it a reliable choice for both building muscle and losing weight. Also, the fast-digesting nature of whey protein isolate makes this powder an ideal choice for post-workout recovery.
Transparent Labs prides itself on offering one of the cleanest protein powders on the market, free from artificial flavors and sweeteners. This commitment to purity further shows why it’s the best overall protein powder for athletes.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Milk protein isolate
- Sweetener: Stevia leaf extract
Essential Protein Powder – Ritual
Certified Banned Substance Free by Informed Sport
Never forget to stock up on protein powder again with Essential Protein from Ritual! After subscribing, you'll receive your monthly supply of protein powder so you're always hitting your nutrition goals. Recognized as one of the best protein powders without artificial sweeteners.
When you’re an athlete, convenience is key, and that’s where Essential Protein Powder by Ritual shines as the best protein powder subscription for athletes. Ritual’s protein powders are plant-based, sugar-free, and made without GMOs, which is why it’s a great choice for health-conscious athletes.
The main protein source is organic pea protein, specifically from yellow peas. This aligns with Ritual’s “Made Traceable” trademark, giving you transparency about all product ingredients, like their source, supplier, and manufacturing process.
In addition to organic pea protein, Ritual’s protein powders have natural vanilla, sugarcane, and monk fruit for flavoring, along with salt, sunflower lecithin, and organic coconut oil. So, it’s a pretty clean product. They also add in some L-Methionine, an essential amino acid that is needed for growth and tissue repair, and choline, which supports the nervous system, liver function, and brain health.
Each serving of Ritual protein powder provides a decent 20 grams of protein, along with a complete amino acid profile, including 8 grams of essential amino acids and 4 grams of branched-chain amino acids. This extensive nutritional profile makes it an excellent choice for athletes wanting a convenient, high-quality protein source.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Organic pea protein
- Sweetener: Organic Monk fruit extract, Reb-M
Whey Protein Concentrate – Naked Nutrition
Certified Banned Substance Free by Informed Choice
Whey protein concentrate is simply a less-processed form of whey. The concentrate retains the nutrients that are typically taken out during the whey isolation process. Those nutrients can be very useful to some, especially athletes. So, if this sounds good to you, then we’d highly Naked Nutrition as the best whey concentrate protein powder for athletes.
It’s sourced from small dairy farms and made from the milk of grass-fed cows raised without growth hormones. Each serving packs a punch with 25 grams of protein and 5.9 grams of BCAAs, so you’ll get good muscle recovery and growth.
What sets Naked Whey apart from others is its commitment to creating pure products. It’s completely free of additives and artificial sweeteners, showing the brand’s dedication to providing clean, high-quality protein. They also believe in shortening the steps between their farms and you, ensuring you get a product that’s as close to natural as it gets.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Protein source: Whey protein concentrate
- Sweetener: Organic coconut sugar
Pea Protein Powder – Naked Nutrition
Certified Banned Substance Free by Informed Choice
Top-shelf, ultra-pure pea protein isolate with one ingredient: peas.
No added sugar, no artificial anything.
Just high-quality protein powder.
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the vegans and lactose intolerant. If you fall under either of those groups, then look no further than Pea Protein Powder by Naked Nutrition. Apart from being the best plant-based protein powder for athletes, it’s also one of the best lactose-free protein powders.
Made solely from 100% yellow peas, Naked Pea contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. It’s free of soy, gluten, and GMOs, so it caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs. It’s also sourced from environmentally friendly farms in the USA and Canada. Each serving delivers maximum nutrition with 27 grams of protein, 2 grams of sugar, and 5.7 grams of BCAAs.
What we love about Naked Nutrition’s Pea Protein Powder is that it’s versatile and can be used for creating pure pea protein shakes, vegan smoothies, and even adding to baked goods.
Whether you’re using it in pre or post-workout shakes, smoothies, or recipes, Naked Pea is a great option for supporting clean muscle gains and maximum recovery, which is why so many athletes use it.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Protein source: Yellow pea
- Sweetener: Coconut sugar (Flavored)
Mass Gainer – Transparent Labs
Certified Banned Substance Free by Informed Choice
Mass Gainer from Transparent Labs is a great choice for those looking for a clean source of extra calories. This weight gainer powder combines grass-fed whey concentrate with organic carbohydrate sources and natural sweeteners to help you pack on mass.
Discount codes:
LV10 = 10% off at Transparent Labs
For athletes looking to gain weight and muscle mass, Mass Gainer by Transparent Labs is the top choice. Unlike your typical whey protein powders, this product is specifically designed to help you make a healthy weight gain, providing a hefty 750 calories per serving, which includes 53 grams of protein and 109 grams of complex carbohydrates.
This Transparent Labs product is free from artificial sweeteners and harmful additives, which is something you don’t get with many mass gainers on the market these days. It’s made with high-quality ingredients, including grass-fed whey protein concentrate, giving a clean and effective source of protein to help you recover and get stronger after intense workouts.
The Mass Gainer also includes healthy fats from coconut milk powder and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide quick energy and help boost your calorie intake.
With its high-calorie content, quality protein source, and clean ingredients, Transparent Labs’ Mass Gainer is an amazing tool for athletes looking to increase their weight and muscle mass in a healthy way.
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 750
- Protein: 53 g
- Carbohydrates: 110 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Protein source: Grass-fed whey protein concentrate
- Sweeteners: Stevia leaf extract, monk fruit
Whey Protein Isolate – Kaged
Certified Banned Substance Free by Informed Sport
High quality, delicious whey protein isolate at a reasonable price. 'nuff said.
100% whey protein isolate, 3rd-party tested for purity and absence of banned substances.
Whey Protein Isolate by Kaged deserves an honorable mention, simply because it’s an often overlooked product for athletes looking for quality protein. Whether you’re a casually active individual or into competitive sports, whey protein isolate can be a huge help with supporting muscle growth and recovery, and the reviews for this product align perfectly with this function.
Each serving will give you 25 grams of protein and comes with a complete amino acid profile. The product is also low in carbs and fat, making it an excellent choice for athletes who are looking to stay lean.
It’s easy to see Kaged’s commitment to quality in their Whey Protein Isolate. But, don’t just take our word for it, try it out yourself!
Key Ingredients:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein source: Whey protein isolate
- Sweeteners: Sucralose, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf Extract
What Should Athletes Look For In A Protein Powder?
There are a number of third-party organizations that regularly test supplements to ensure that they don’t contain any banned ingredients and that ingredient label claims are met.
All of the products in this article are certified by at least one of the following:
- Informed Sport
- Informed Choice
- NSF Certified for Sport
Informed Sport Certification
When it comes to choosing the best supplements, athletes should mainly look at products with an Informed Sport Certification.
Informed Sport basically requires more frequent testing than the Informed Choice Certification, as a way of ensuring that every batch of the product is of the highest standard. This involves rigorous testing which provides an extra layer of assurance, verifying that the protein powder is safe, high-quality, and free of any substances that could potentially harm an athlete’s performance or health.
NSF Certified Sport
Another certification to look out for is the NSF Certified Sport. This certification acts as confirmation that the product doesn’t contain any banned substances, ensuring athletes’ safety and eligibility. Also, it verifies that the product’s content is legitimate and free from unsafe levels of contaminants.
Lastly, the NSF Certified Sport certification guarantees that the product is manufactured in line with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and in a certified facility. This pretty much means that the protein powder has been produced under strict quality control standards, which further ensures that it’s safe for consumption.
Informed Choice Certification
And the last indicator to look out for is the Informed Choice Certification. It’s another reliable way of verifying the quality of a protein powder. It follows the same strict guidelines as Informed Sport, ensuring that the product is free from banned substances and meets high-quality standards.
But, unlike Informed Sport, Informed Choice doesn’t test every batch of the product. This may seem like a bit of a drawback, but it’s still a reliable certification that guarantees that the product will be safe and actually work. Athletes can comfortably use products with the Informed Choice certification.
What Are The Benefits Of Protein Powder For Athletes?
Muscle Repair and Growth
Protein powders play a key role in helping muscle repair and growth, especially for athletes. Training and physical activity cause muscle proteins to break down. Consuming ample protein helps repair the damaged fibers while promoting the growth of new ones, this process is known as protein synthesis.
This is where protein powders come in handy. They’re a concentrated source of high-quality protein that can support muscle repair and growth, so athletes can build stronger, more resilient muscles. Protein powders are especially beneficial after hard workouts when the body needs protein to kickstart the recovery process.
Recovery
Most pro athletes will constantly stress the importance of recovery in any training regimen. Protein powders can make the recovery process much smoother. Having enough protein after a workout can reduce muscle soreness, improve strength, and speed up recovery. This is because protein gives you the essential amino acids needed to repair and rebuild the muscle tissues damaged during exercise.
If you add a protein shake to your post-workout routine, you’ll be giving your body the nutrients it needs to recover effectively. This can lead to improved performance in your next workouts and a lower risk of injury.
Performance
Whatever your discipline, having a regular protein intake is important for supporting athletic performance. Protein helps with improving muscle strength and body composition, both of which are important for athletes. Consuming enough protein can help maintain muscle mass during periods of intense training or when your calorie intake is restricted.
It can also support muscle growth when you’re doing strength training. This is why many athletes go for protein powders that are made from whey protein, as they provide a quick source of amino acids that can stimulate muscle protein synthesis and promote performance.
Convenience
In the fast-paced life of an athlete, convenience is key. Protein powders give a quick and easy way to increase your protein intake, especially when you don’t have immediate access to whole-food protein sources or when they’re not practical.
Whether you’re rushing off to work after a morning workout or need a quick recovery shake after training, protein powders can be easily mixed with water or milk for a high-protein drink that tastes nice and gets the job done. They’re also portable, easy to prepare, and can be consumed pretty much anywhere, making them a convenient solution for athletes trying to meet their protein needs.
Meeting Increased Protein Needs
Athletes typically need more protein than inactive people to support their higher levels of physical activity.
Protein powders can help athletes meet these increased needs in a convenient and measurable way. They’re a concentrated source of protein that can be easily added to an athlete’s diet in many different ways. This ensures they get the necessary amount to support their training and recovery.
Whether it’s whey protein, casein protein, or plant-based protein powders, athletes can choose the one that best fits their dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
Weight Management
Protein is known for giving people feelings of fullness, which can help manage appetite and support weight management or weight loss. This is particularly important for many athletes in sports with weight categories or sports that emphasize having a certain body composition.
By incorporating protein powders into your diet, you can control your calorie intake while ensuring you get enough protein to maintain muscle mass and support recovery. They can be a valuable tool in achieving the desired body without compromising performance or health.
Protein Consumption Tips For Athletes
Timing
There’s a common belief that protein has to be consumed within an hour before or after working out, but don’t stress too much about this. Studies have found no significant impact on strength or hypertrophy between groups that consumed protein within this timeframe and those that didn’t.
Ignore everything, just focus on consuming enough protein throughout the day. This will effectively support muscle repair, growth, and overall athletic performance.
Use a macro tracker
Using a macro tracker can be a game-changer for athletes. It allows you to track your calorie intake and weight, helping you dial in your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).
By having a clear idea of your energy intake and expenditure, you can make better decisions about your diet and ensure you’re meeting your protein needs.
Calculate your TDEE
If you want to manage your diet effectively, then knowing your TDEE is an important step. Once you’ve calculated your TDEE, aim to eat above it by about 300 and 500 calories per day, if you’re looking to gain weight at a steady rate. This will give your body the extra energy it needs to build muscle and recover from workouts, without resulting in excessive fat gain.
Aim for about 0.7 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass
When it comes to getting in enough protein, a good rule of thumb is to aim for about 0.7 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass. This means your body weight minus fat.
For example, a person who weighs 100 pounds and has 15% body fat has 85 pounds of lean body mass. This approach ensures you’re getting enough protein to support muscle growth and recovery, without overdoing it.
Extra bulking tip
If you’re looking to bulk up, there are some simple ways to add extra calories to your protein shake. Try adding ingredients like coconut oil, raw honey, or nut butter (peanut or almond butter).
Besides boosting the caloric content of your shake they can also enhance its flavor. But, if you’re mainly focused on building lean muscle without weight gain, just skip these additions.
Be sure to check our review of the best bulking supplements on the market.
Use whole milk
Here’s another simple yet effective bulking tip: consider mixing your protein powder with 16 oz of whole milk. This simple switch can add an extra 300 calories and 16 grams of protein per serving to your shake, supporting your weight gain goals while giving your shake a nice, creamy texture.
Use skim milk
Increasing your protein intake without adding a ton of extra calories isn’t rocket science. We’d recommend skim milk, as it’s a great choice for a protein powder mixer. It provides additional protein and nutrients without the extra fat and calories found in whole milk, making it a perfect option for those aiming for lean muscle gain or weight management.
FAQs
Yes, protein powder is completely safe for most teenage athletes. It’s an easy way to ensure they’re getting enough protein to support their growth, development, and athletic performance. But, it’s important to remember that protein powders should supplement a balanced diet and not replace whole foods. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a dietitian before starting any new supplement regimen.
Check out our review of the best protein powders for teens for a look at some well-trusted supplements.
Although protein powders rarely contain substances banned in sports, it’s vital for athletes to be cautious about which protein powder they choose. Some pre-workout supplements, for example, may contain stimulants prohibited in athletic competitions, particularly if they have a “proprietary blend” of sorts.
To avoid any risks of accidentally consuming banned substances, we’d recommend athletes go for protein powders that are certified by Informed Sport, Informed Choice, or NSF Certified Sport. These certifications ensure the products have been tested and are free of banned substances.
Protein powder offers athletes several benefits. They aid muscle repair and growth, which is very important after long workouts. They also support overall recovery by replenishing the body’s protein stores, so athletes can bounce back faster. Lastly, they can improve performance by providing you with the essential amino acids which play a big role in muscle protein synthesis.
Conclusion
Look, all the protein powders we’ve mentioned have their benefits, but we can’t deny that 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate by Transparent Labs is a top choice. It gives you everything you need and more in terms of a protein blend while serving as a clean and trusted product.
Essential Protein Powder by Ritual and Whey Protein Concentrate by Naked Nutrition shouldn’t be ignored though. They’re close contenders and both offer their own unique value.
Always remember, the best whey protein powder is the one that suits your lifestyle and your objectives.
