Protein powder has hit the market in a big way in recent years. With muscle gain, fat loss and appetite control falling firmly under protein’s long list of health benefits, it comes as no surprise why more and more healthy lifestyle and gym enthusiasts implement it in their daily routines.
If you’re thinking of taking protein powder, let us tell you that it’s not as simple as grabbing the first one on the supplement aisle. From whey to hemp and isolate to concentrate-protein powders, the choices are limitless. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve narrowed down everything you should look for in a protein powder.
Places to Shop
Finding the best protein supplementation shouldn’t feel like mission impossible as long as you shop from reliable protein shops that tick all the boxes for quality and safety. New supplement stores are popping up constantly, so picking a good one can be overwhelming. Novices should start their search by visiting the many protein retailers in your area.
Look for previous customer reviews and a list of products available on each company’s website. To ensure that you’re getting the best deal, learn about the brands they sell, the authorisation certificate, the quality of their food, and a legitimate food licencing number. You should also compare rates.
Whether in-store or online buying, do not hesitate to contact the supplement store with enquiries, either in person or by phone. This is your opportunity to learn more about their product offerings or relevant topics. Buying products from a protein store isn’t the only thing you can do; you should also expect a tailored shopping experience. Inform the staff if you are looking for anything specific or unique, and they may be able to assist you in finding it.
After determining the ones that best meet your requirements, the next thing you should do is look into their online presence. To get a sense of their environment, food quality, and customer service, check out their Google scores and read online reviews. This can help you choose whether or not it is worthwhile for your purchase. Furthermore, using social media profiles can provide you with information on the types of goods offered at each location as well as any ongoing promotions they may run.
On certain days, especially during slower periods, a lot of protein shops feature different special offers. Additionally, businesses could offer bulk discounts if you purchase enough of a particular product. All in all, you may turn your ordinary protein store into a cheap delight and save a substantial sum of money by doing extensive research to locate these deals.
Types and Their Benefits
Protein powders from different brands can vary significantly in terms of flavour, cost, amount of protein per serving, and additives. Therefore, when choosing, stay away from those that contain additional ingredients like sugar or artificial sweeteners and flavourings to improve flavour, as well as preservatives, fillers, and solubility-boosting additives.
Animal Sourced Alternatives
As the name implies, the eggwhite powders are made from egg whites. They have about 70% more protein than an egg, no cholesterol, and fewer vitamins. Eggwhite powder is useful for regular baking and for adding to smoothies. It is particularly helpful for substituting raw egg whites for meringues and frostings.
Whey is the liquid milk that is left over after cheese is made. All nine of the essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own are present in whey, a water-soluble protein that is simple to incorporate into smoothies. Whey is a complete protein, to put it another way. Protein hydrolysate, protein isolate, and protein concentration are the three main forms of whey protein that are readily available.
Vegan Sourced Options
The most common vegan-sourced protein powder is the one made of hemp. Although hemp is derived from the ground seeds of the cannabis plant, it does not contain THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. Even though hemp is a complete protein, researchers are still contrasting it with other complete proteins like whey and soy. Nut is one of the most popular flavours of hemp powder.
Furthermore, any high-protein grain, rice, nut, fruit, or nutritious green—such as quinoa and cranberries—can be used to make protein powders. Soy and pea powders are also excellent vegan options.
Use and Dosing
Protein is most frequently taken as a supplement to aid with muscle growth and recovery following exercise. If you want to improve your protein consumption or are attempting to lose weight, you may also use it as a snack or meal substitute. To make a shake, mix protein powder with milk, water, or any other beverage you like. Simply place it inside the protein shaker and shake it. For an additional protein boost, it can also be added to smoothies, baked goods, and porridge.
The FDA recommends that people take in 50 grams of protein each day. But it’s always better to eat healthy and obtain your protein from actual sources. Dieticians generally concur that most people may easily obtain adequate calories from a conventional diet in this regard.
