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Looking to bulk up and add lean muscle mass? Check out our list of the 21 best protein powders for lean muscle in 2022! These powders will help you reach your fitness goals, and they are all backed by scientific research. So whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's sure to be a protein powder on this list that is perfect for you!
Peak Performance Grain Free Complete Plant Protein - Chocolate
MomentousEssential
Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder
Vital Proteins
Orgain Organic
Legion Plant+ Vegan
TRU Plant
Vega Sport
Isagenix IsaPro
Muscle Milk
Naked Whey
Amazing Grass Protein
Rule One
Dymatize ISO 100
Ascent Native Fuel
Natural Force Grass Fed
When it comes to working out and trying to achieve that perfect body many of us give 110%. We try different workout regimens, we cut out certain foods from our diets and we even try supplements. Some work and some don't; it just depends on the person.
However, one supplement that has been known to help people achieve their fitness goals is protein powder. Protein powder can be very beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight. Protein powder can also help you build lean muscle mass.
What is protein powder?
Protein powder is a dietary supplement that contains high levels of protein. It is available in several forms, including whey, casein, and plant-based. Protein powder can be used to help build muscle mass, improve athletic performance, and promote weight loss.
Protein powder is often used by bodybuilders and athletes to help increase muscle mass. However, it can also be beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight. Protein powder can help you feel fuller after eating, so you may be less likely to overeat. It can also help preserve muscle mass during weight loss.
What is lean muscle?
Lean muscle is muscle tissue that has a low fat content. It is often referred to as "clean" or "pure" muscle. Lean muscle mass is essential for good health and athletic performance.
Protein powder can be an effective tool for building lean muscle mass. If you are looking to add protein powder to your diet, we're sharing our favorite tips now the 21 best protein powders for lean muscle this year below.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is one of the most popular types of protein powder. It is made from milk and contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs. Whey protein is a quick and efficient way to increase your protein intake. It can also help you lose weight and build lean muscle mass.
Casein Protein
Casein protein is another type of protein powder made from milk. It is slower to digest than whey protein and can be beneficial for people who are looking to build muscle mass. Casein protein can also help you lose weight by keeping you feeling fuller for longer periods of time.
Plant-Based Protein
Plant-based protein powders are made from a variety of sources, including peas, rice, soy, and hemp. They are a good option for people who are looking for a vegan or vegetarian source of protein. Plant-based proteins are often lower in calories and fat than other types of protein powder.
Which type of protein will help me build the most muscle fast?
If you are looking to build muscle mass quickly, whey protein is a good option. It is easy for your body to digest and absorb, so it can be used by your muscles immediately. Casein protein is also a good choice if you are looking to build muscle mass, but it may take longer for your body to use it.
What are the best protein powders for lean muscle?
If you are looking for the best protein powder for lean muscle, we recommend whey protein, casein protein, and plant-based protein. These types of proteins are high in quality and can help you build muscle mass quickly.
How much protein should I consume to build lean muscle?
The amount of protein you need to consume to build lean muscle will vary depending on your weight, age, and activity level. The recommended daily intake for protein is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should consume 54 grams of protein per day.
What are the side effects of taking protein powder?
Protein powder is generally safe to consume. However, some people may experience side effects, such as bloating, gas, and constipation. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Protein powder can be a helpful supplement for people who are looking to build lean muscle mass. If you are considering taking protein powder, be sure to choose a high-quality product and consume it in moderation. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about taking protein powder.
Now that you know more about protein and hoe you can use protein powders for lean muscle, it’s time to elaborate on the top 21 options for protein powder to build lean muscle in 2022:
1. Elm & Rye Protein Supplement
Image courtesy Elm & Rye
By using the highest quality ingredients, Elm & Rye are able to manufacture protein that tastes better and is more effective. Protein is made with grass-fed organic beef from ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats. These animals live on farms in the United States or Canada where they have access to healthy food year-round.
They only use high-quality components in all of their products. There are no extra additions, fillers, or fluffiness present here. These elements collaborate to produce a high-quality product and approach to your daily life.
Ashwagandha is a plant that has been used for hundreds of years. The shrub is tiny and contains yellow floweres that are native to India and Southeast Asia. One research revealed that Ashwagandha users had significantly greater muscle strength and size gains than those who took a placebo.
Tumeric contains curcuminoids, which are medicinal components. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects that may help to speed up recovery, according to research.
Mushrooms are the most adaptable organism known to man, and have been used for nearly everything from medicine to nutrition. This extract is a powerful, potent, and effective mushroom extract supplement produced entirely from whole fruiting bodies that has been fully extracted for bioactive components. It's the ultimate combination of mushrooms to provide all of their wonderful properties.
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a class of three essential amino acids called leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They're required - that is, they can't be manufactured by the body and must be eaten - and they're known to stimulate muscle growth, decrease muscular tiredness, and relieve muscle soreness.
Not all supplements are created equal. They regularly send products to third-party laboratories for testing and analysis.
2. Penguin Protein
Made from the best pasture-raised, free-range, and grass-fed cows we can find, our Whey Protein is a full-body restorative blend. It comes in five different flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana Peanut Butter, Cookies & Cream, and Snickerdoodle. Each serving contains 25 grams of protein, and 10 grams of Collagen. 30 servings per bag, 1040 grams total. Our formula includes a customized mushroom complex, Turmeric, Collagen and Ashwagandha. Formulated with love, by Penguin.
3. Mass Gainer
Mass Gainer, by CrazyNutrition, is the ideal meal replacement product for people who want to bulk up fast, increase gym gains, and speed up muscle recovery times. It’s also formulated in delicious chocolate and vanilla flavors so you won’t have to suffer through chalky, gross powders to meet your mass-gaining goals.
Each serving contains an impressive 100 grams of low glycemic carbs, 695 calories, 50 grams of protein, and added DIGEZYME® to help you avoid bloating. The formula also contains zero maltodextrin and is low in natural sugars making it a healthier option than some of those ‘super sweet’ protein powders that you see on the store shelves.
4. Ritual Essential Protein
Essential Protein by Ritual is soy-free, gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and it’s formulated without GMOs, stevia, sugar or sugar alcohols, and artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. They test every lot of Essential Protein for heavy metals, microbes, and over 250 banned substances in partnership with Informed Sport. It tastes great with layers of sweet vanilla, subtle nuances of caramel and hints of spice make Essential Protein fit to shake up your every day. It’s the first protein of its kind sweetened with a combination of fermented sugarcane (Reb-M) and monk fruit. Their high-quality, plant-based pea protein is derived from organic, non-GMO peas grown in the USA using regenerative farming practices.
This a fantastic choice that tastes great and is super clean. We love Ritual! They even have different formulas for folks over 50, and pregnant/postpartum woman. No matter who you are and what you need, they have you covered.
5. Instant Knockout Complete
When building lean muscle, you want a shake that is very high in protein, and one that uses a variety of protein sources. Instant Knockout Complete is ideal for building lean muscle as it uses a plant protein blend. You have soy isolate, pea protein, organic brown rice protein, and oat flour, all of which provide 35 grams of protein per serving.
Instant Knockout Complete also contains healthy fats, low GI carbohydrates, and a decent amount of fibre. Making it entirely possible to lose weight safely while preserving and even increasing your lean muscle mass.
6. Peak Performance Grain Free Complete Plant Protein - Chocolate
Many plant protein supplements on the market are rice based or heavy on grains and therefore insufficient in their amino acid profile to build lean muscle. With Peak Performance Complete Organic Plant Protein you get a diverse blend of plant protein amino acids that are rich in antioxidants, fibers and omega 3’s to promote lean muscle tissue and help maintain a healthy immune system. The Peak Performance Grain Free Plant Protein mixes well, tastes great and is very digestible.
7. Momentous Essential
Image courtesy Momentous
Momentous Essential Red is a protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Momentous Essential Red contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Momentous Essential Red is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
8. Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder
Image courtesy Garden of Life
Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
9. Vital Proteins
Image courtesy Vital Proteins
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
10. Orgain Organic
Image courtesy Orgain
Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
11. Legion Plant+ Vegan
Image courtesy Legion
Legion Plant+ Vegan Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Legion Plant+ Vegan Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Legion Plant+ Vegan Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
12. TRU Plant
Image courtesy TRU
TRU Plant Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
TRU Plant Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. TRU Plant Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
13. Vega Sport
Image courtesy Vega Sport
Vega Sport Protein Powder is a plant-based protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Vega Sport Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Vega Sport Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
14. Isagenix IsaPro
Image courtesy Isagenix
Isagenix IsaPro Protein Powder is a whey protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Isagenix IsaPro Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Isagenix IsaPro Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
15. Muscle Milk
Image courtesy Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk Protein Powder is a whey protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Muscle Milk Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Muscle Milk Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
16. Naked Whey
Image courtesy Naked
Naked Whey Protein Powder is a whey protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Naked Whey Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Naked Whey Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
17. Amazing Grass Protein
Image courtesy Amazing Grass
Amazing Grass Protein Superfood is a plant-based protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Amazing Grass Protein Superfood contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Amazing Grass Protein Superfood is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
18. Rule One
Image courtesy Rule 1
Rule One Protein Powder is a whey protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Rule One Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Rule One Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
19. Dymatize ISO 100
Image courtesy Dymatize
Dymatize ISO 100 Protein Powder is a whey protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Dymatize ISO 100 Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Dymatize ISO 100 Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.
20. Ascent Native Fuel
Image courtesy Ascent
Ascent Native Fuel Protein Powder is a whey protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Ascent Native Fuel Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat.
21. Natural Force Grass Fed Organic
Image courtesy Natural Force
Natural Force Grass Fed Protein Powder is a whey protein powder that is designed for athletes. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is backed by science.
Natural Force Grass Fed Protein Powder contains 25 grams of protein per serving, as well as glutamine and BCAAs. It is also low in carbs and fat. Natural Force Grass Fed Protein Powder is a great choice for athletes who are looking to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their overall health.