The Best Brands of Whey Protein
The 5 Best High Calorie Protein Powders for Weight Gain
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Protein powder supplements are concentrated sources of protein.
They are usually derived from milk in the form of whey or casein, but they may also come from other animal-based or plant-based sources.
Because most of the calories in protein powder supplements come from protein, they are generally low in calories, with most containing around 150 calories per serving.
So while they’re still a source of calories, they’re not always the best choice for gaining weight, especially compared with weight gainer supplements, which contain a significant amount of calories from protein and carbs.
However, there are higher-calorie protein powders that can still be good for weight gain.
This article lists the top five high calorie protein powders for weight gain, with each containing at least 200 calories per serving.
1. Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder
Muscle Milk Genuine is Muscle Milk’s flagship protein powder.
Each serving provides 280 calories and 32 grams of protein from milk protein, as the Muscle Milk brand name would suggest.
Muscle Milk Genuine contains the most calories of all the products on this list, making it a great choice for weight gain.
Each serving also provides more than 20% of the daily value (DV) for vitamins A, D, and C, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
It’s available in a variety of familiar flavors, including Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry, and in a 2.5- or 5-pound tub size.
Each batch of Muscle Milk Genuine is third-party tested to ensure it contains the ingredients in the amounts listed on the label without impurities.
Nutrition breakdown:
Calories: 280
280 Protein: 32 grams
32 grams Carbs: 21 grams
21 grams Fat: 9 grams
2. Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein
Body Fortress is a brand known for its affordable sports nutrition products, a popular one being its Super Advanced Whey Protein formula.
Each serving provides 200 calories and 30 grams of whey protein.
It also provides ingredients that support exercise performance and recovery, including creatine, taurine, and glutamine.
Body Fortress Super Advanced comes in a variety of flavors, including Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Banana, and Cinnamon Swirl, and comes in a 2- or 5-pound tub size.
It’s also third-party tested to ensure potency, purity, and quality.
Nutrition breakdown:
Calories: 200
200 Protein: 30 grams
30 grams Carbs: 8 grams
8 grams Fat: 4 grams
3. BSN Syntha-6 Protein Powder
BSN is a brand of sports nutrition products known for its use of translucent red packaging.
Syntha-6 is their premier protein product that provides 200 calories per serving and 22 grams of protein from six types, including milk and egg.
The self-proclaimed “best-tasting protein on the market” is available in seven different flavors and three sizes containing 28, 48, or 97 servings.
Although BSN has been a trusted name in sports nutrition since its inception in 2001, it’s unclear whether BSN Syntha-6 is third-party tested.
Nutrition breakdown:
Calories: 200
200 Protein: 22 grams
22 grams Carbs: 15 grams
15 grams Fat: 6 grams
4. MET-Rx Metamyosyn Protein Plus
MET-Rx is a sports nutrition company known for its tasty high-calorie bars, which are also great for weight gain.
MET-Rx also makes a protein powder called Metamyosyn Protein Plus, which like BSN Syntha-6, contains a blend of milk and egg protein.
Each 2-scoop serving provides 210 calories and 43 grams of protein, more protein than the other protein powders on this list.
With just two flavors — chocolate and vanilla — and one 2-pound size option, MET-Rx Metamyosyn has fewer flavor and size offerings compared with the other protein powders on this list.
It’s unknown whether MET-Rx Metamyosyn is third-party tested.
Nutrition breakdown:
Calories: 210
210 Protein: 43 grams
43 grams Carbs: 3 grams
3 grams Fat: 1 gram
5. Orgain Sport Plant-Based Protein
Orgain Sport Plant-Based Protein is a vegan alternative to animal-based protein powders.
Each serving provides 200 calories and 30 grams of protein from peas, rice, and chia seeds.
It’s also hypoallergenic, containing no soy or gluten. It is also an excellent source of iron, providing 50% of the DV.
Orgain Sport Plant-Based Protein contains a blend of extracts from organic fruits and vegetables such as spinach, raspberries, bananas, and berries.
It comes in chocolate or vanilla and 1.3- or 2-pound tubs.
There isn’t any evidence to suggest that Orgain Sports Plant-Based Protein is third-party tested for quality assurance.
Nutrition breakdown:
Calories: 200
200 Protein: 30 grams
30 grams Carbs: 15 grams
15 grams Fat: 6 grams
Find Orgain Sport Plant-Based Protein on Amazon.
Protein powder nutrition comparison
Here’s a calorie and nutrition comparison of the five best high calorie protein powders for weight gain:
Protein powders, including the ones on this list, generally last two years, and potentially longer, if stored properly.
Many of the protein powders on the list are also EBT-eligible.
Tips for increasing your calories
Along with incorporating protein powders into your diet, here are some other tips for increasing your calories to promote weight gain:
Make high-calorie shakes. Blend protein powder with ingredients like whole-fat milk, Greek yogurt, fruit, oats, and peanut butter to make a high-calorie shake.
Blend protein powder with ingredients like whole-fat milk, Greek yogurt, fruit, oats, and peanut butter to make a high-calorie shake. Snack more. Separate your high-calorie meals with high-calorie snacks like full-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, high-protein trail mix, and protein bars.
Separate your high-calorie meals with high-calorie snacks like full-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, high-protein trail mix, and protein bars. Eat more fat. Increase the fat in your diet by choosing fattier cuts of meats and whole-fat dairy products instead of their leaner counterparts and eating more healthy sources of fat such as avocado, eggs, nuts, and olive oil.
Increase the fat in your diet by choosing fattier cuts of meats and whole-fat dairy products instead of their leaner counterparts and eating more healthy sources of fat such as avocado, eggs, nuts, and olive oil. Fortify your diet. Where appropriate, add high-calorie foods to foods you already enjoy eating. For example, mix peanut butter in your oatmeal, add cheese to sandwiches, soups, and pasta, or melt butter over potatoes and rice or add it to soups and casseroles.
Where appropriate, add high-calorie foods to foods you already enjoy eating. For example, mix peanut butter in your oatmeal, add cheese to sandwiches, soups, and pasta, or melt butter over potatoes and rice or add it to soups and casseroles. Drink your calories. If you struggle with a poor appetite, try drinking more of your calories since calories in liquid form tend to be less filling than calories from solid foods. Pre-mixed nutrition shakes like Ensure can be a convenient way to increase your calories and promote weight gain (1).
While not everyone may be able to due to physical limitations or a health condition, aim to incorporate some resistance training so that most of your weight gain comes from gains in muscle rather than fat.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend performing muscle-strengthening exercises for 60 minutes at least twice per week (2).
Choose exercises that work all the major muscle groups, including the arms, shoulders, chest, back, core, and legs.
The bottom line
The protein powders on this list contain more calories per serving than most other protein powders, making them a good choice if you’re trying to gain weight.
They each provide at least 200 calories and 20 grams of protein per serving.
Some other ways to increase your calories and promote weight gain include, making high-calorie shakes, snacking more, eating more fat, fortifying your diet, and drinking more of your calories.
If you want more variety, take a look at these other weight gain supplements.
Best Whey Protein Powder For Athletes (Nutritionist Recommended)
The benefits of whey protein are substantial and will improve your strength, recovery time, and overall performance. So what is the best whey protein powder for athletes?
The list down below will help you answer that question and find the perfect whey protein powder for your sport specific needs. It’s time for you to start packing on the muscle and dominating your competition.
8 Best Whey Protein Powders With Athletes in Mind
If you are serious about becoming a better athlete you need to add whey protein powder to your daily diet. We have provided some nutritional facts along with the review so you can make a better informed decision.
Disclaimer: We have personally bought, used, and reviewed all of the products below so you can get an accurate representation. Some affiliate links are included.
1. OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100%
This protein is made with 100 percent whey protein and has 24 grams of protein per serving. Optimum Nutrition is great for building muscle, strength, and explosiveness in conjunction with a regular lifting schedule. It’s the ideal whey protein for student-athletes.
There are a variety of different flavors to choose from but the final conclusion is that vanilla is the flavor to go with. This high quality protein is reasonably priced and gets the job done for any type of athlete.
It might not have some of the enticing features other protein powders have, but you know what you are getting with it and can be confident in the results it will bring.
Price: $29.99
Get Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100 % Whey Protein Here:
2. Naked Whey 100 % Grass Fed Protein Powder
If your not afraid to spend a little bit of money, then this is the protein powder for you. It carries a slightly expensive price tag, but it is by far the best quality whey protein on the market.
Everything about it screams best seller and instant results. We felt the taste was too bland to be rated number one overall. However, we felt great about the protein going in to our bodies.
If you’re all about getting results and staying with the highest quality product then don’t think twice when buying this.
Price: $89.99
Naked Whey 100 % Grass Fed Protein Powder can be found here:
3. Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate 90%
The reviews for this product are absolutely fantastic so we’re not the only ones who are in love with this whey protein.
This powder is ideal for building muscle as it contains 90 % protein and 10 % of other nutrients and amino acids.
Bulk Supplements is perfect for any athlete looking to bulk up no matter your age, gender, or sport. The only reason it is not ranked number one is because the packaging and prices aren’t as straightforward.
If you are serious about putting on muscle and becoming a better athlete then go with this protein.
Price: $19.96
See Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate 90 % Here:
4. BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Matrix
If you are looking for a high quality protein mix that combines whey and fiber perfectly then this is for you. It is a great powder for anyone looking to put on muscle weight.
Football players should especially take a look at this protein as it can help you get faster, stronger, and quicker while putting on healthy weight.
BSN provides several good flavors and also has protein bars that taste pretty good.
Many athletes struggle to put on weight because of the amount of activities they have, but this protein powder can solve that issue. Peanut butter is probably the best flavor.
Price: $41.99
Best deal on BSN Syntha-6 Protein Matrix Here:
5. About Time Whey Protein Isolate
We had to try out this protein as the flavor was birthday cake. It wasn’t as good as real cake, but definitely tasted way better than most other whey proteins.
This is a solid option that has all natural ingredients and can help you build muscle. We were surprised by this product and think it’s one of the best on the market. The birthday cake flavor was solid, but maybe go with something more conservative.
Try this protein out if you like all natural ingredients, good flavors, want to add muscle, and a serious about becoming a better athlete.
Price: $34.99
Check out About Time Whey Protein Isolate Here:
6. Six Star Whey Protein Isolate For Athletes
We bought this product for two reasons. It claimed the strawberry smoothie was the best flavor ever and it has all-star athletes on the packaging.
The strawberry flavor was better than the typical chocolate or vanilla that most proteins powders come in. It also seemed to do a very good job putting on lean muscle mass and promoting fat loss.
Maybe Russell Westbrook, Rob Gronkowski, and Giancarlo Stanton really do use this product.
We would highly recommend this product for any athlete looking to improve their performance, get stronger, faster, and quicker. The price is also very reasonable as the company knows many athletes (especially collegiate ones) are on a budget.
Price: $21.45
Browse the Six Star Whey Protein Isolate For Athletes Here:
Six Star also offers a unique blend specifically for women athletes that contains less calories and promotes muscle tone. If you are a woman athlete this might be the best whey protein powder on the market specifically designed with you in mind.
Check out the Six Star Whey Protein For Her Powder Here ($13.95):
7. MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder
We found this protein powder to be very satisfying. It was one of the best tasting ones, which seemed surprising for some reason.
This product is perfect for athletes looking to get in their protein fix while still racking up key nutrients and BCAA’s. Last time we checked there was a huge sale, but even without the promotion the price is still very reasonable.
A solid protein option you might look further in to if you want BCAA’s in your whey protein powder.
Price: $44.05
Buy MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder Here:
8. Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder 100 % Whey
As the name infers this protein is very clean. It is made with the best natural ingredients and 100 % pure whey isolate. It contains no carbs which is ideal for many women athletes or those looking to stay on the leaner side.
This is a trustworthy product that will bring the results that you want, but also leads to a slightly higher price tag per ounce. The flavor is not that bad, which is surprising because very few extra ingredients are added.
Definitely a great choice for those of you who prefer an all-natural protein. Female athletes should definitely take a hard look at this one.
Price: $35.39
Get Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder 100% Whey Protein Isolate Here:
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Inside the guidebook you’ll have access to:
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access to an array of bonuses you won’t find anywhere else
Parents will pay $20 just for admission in to their kids game. You can get this guidebook for the same price.
The college recruiting guidebook could literally change your families future!
Download the Guidebook
Conclusion: Best Whey Protein Powder for Athletes
Whey protein is an essential item in every athletes diet. Reaching your full potential requires a good training program combined with a strong diet that includes a whey protein shake post-workout.
To improve your speed, agility, and athleticism in less than 2 weeks check this out “The Best Speed Training Products for Athletes: Recommended by Trainers“.
To get an edge on the competition mentally and physically “7 Must-Read Books for Athletes (With a bonus recommendation)”
We hope you enjoyed this review and can now make a well informed decision. Please feel free to message us any questions you might have.
The Best Brands of Whey Protein
Whey protein is one of the best sources of protein you can get. It provides all 9 essential amino acids, which is why it’s known as a complete protein.
Whey protein has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to improve workout performance and aid in weight loss. Learn how whey protein can benefit athletes and weight loss enthusiasts alike.
Whey protein is one of the best sources of protein you can get. It provides all 9 essential amino acids, which is why it’s known as a complete protein. Whey also has a high biological value (BV), meaning that your body will absorb and use more than 90% of it.
Here are the best brands of whey protein out there:
8. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Optimum Nutrition is one of the most popular brands of whey protein supplements out there. Their products are known for their exceptional quality and taste, which is why they’re a preferred brand among bodybuilders. The Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard line contains several great products that are ideal for any type of athlete.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey contains 24g protein per serving, which is pretty standard for most whey-based products. What sets this product apart from the rest is its patented digestive enzyme blend and ultra-filtered microfiltration process that results in a low lactose product. It’s available in a variety of flavors, such as chocolate peanut butter and cookies and cream.
7. BSN Syntha-6 Edge Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder
BSN Syntha-6 is one of the best brands when it comes to gaining lean muscle mass. It has a high protein content of 24g per serving, which is more than enough to help you build muscle. It’s also rich in BCAAs and glutamine peptides that can aid in recovery after intense workouts.
BSN Syntha-6 Edge Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder contains whey protein isolate, which is one of the purest forms of whey protein out there. It doesn’t contain any carbohydrates or lactose and has an excellent amino acid profile that’s perfect for serious athletes. Just like most BSN products, it contains a variety of flavors such as chocolate peanut butter and cookie dough.
6. Dymatize Elite Whey Protein
Dymatize is another top-rated brand when it comes to whey protein products. It has a high protein content of 25g per serving, which makes it an ideal product for those who are looking to gain lean muscle mass. This product also contains essential amino acids, which is why it’s often recommended to athletes.
Dymatize Elite Whey Protein contains a rich blend of proteins that are digested quickly and easily absorbed by the body. This protein product does not contain any lactose or cholesterol, making it suitable for persons who have allergies.
5. Bulk Pure Whey Isolate 90% Protein Powder
Bulk Pure Whey Isolate 90% Protein Powder is one of the purest whey protein products out there. It contains around 90% whey isolate and 10% milk-based proteins, making it ideal for those who are lactose intolerant. It’s also very affordable compared to other whey protein products out there.
Bulk Pure Whey Isolate 90% Protein Powder is lactose-free, cholesterol-free, and gluten-free, making it one of the best options for those who are sensitive to these ingredients. It’s also packed with essential amino acids such as leucine and BCAAs, which can help you gain lean muscle mass.
4. Jarrow Formulas Whey Protein Isolate Powder
Jarrow Formulas is a popular brand that’s known for producing high-quality whey protein products at an affordable price. Their whey protein isolate powder contains 17g of protein per serving, which is more than enough to assist with muscle growth. It also contains essential amino acids that can help you build lean muscle mass as well as BCAAs and glutamine peptides for recovery after intense workouts.
Jarrow Formulas Whey Protein Isolate Powder is packed with vitamins and minerals such as zinc, copper, and selenium. It also contains digestive enzymes that can help with digestion.
3. Muscle Pharm Combat Protein Powder – Vanilla Ice Cream Flavor
Muscle Pharm is a highly-regarded brand when it comes to whey protein supplements. Their Combat Whey Protein Powder has a high protein content per serving, making it great for anyone who’s looking to gain lean muscle. This whey protein product can also help you lose weight, as it contains zero cholesterol and fat.
Muscle Pharm Combat Protein Powder – Vanilla Ice Cream Flavor is packed with essential amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine. It also contains digestive enzymes that can help with digestion and promotes lean muscle mass growth.
2. Garden of Life Organic Whey Protein Powder
Garden of Life is another top-rated brand when it comes to high-quality and affordable protein supplements. Their Organic Whey Protein Powder contains 21g of whey protein per scoop, which is more than enough for those who are looking to gain lean muscle mass or lose weight. It’s also packed with essential amino acids such as leucine and BCAAs, which can help with muscle growth.
Garden of Life Organic Whey Protein Powder is derived from grass-fed cows that are not treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.
1. Naked Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
Naked Nutrition Whey Protein Powder is a great option for serious athletes who are looking to gain lean muscle mass or lose weight. It contains 25g of whey protein per serving, which should be enough to help you build and maintain your muscles. The product also contains essential amino acids such as leucine and BCAAs, which can help you build lean muscle mass.
Naked Nutrition Whey Protein Powder is free of artificial flavors or sweeteners. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium that are essential for muscle growth. The product contains no cholesterol or sugar as well.
Whey protein is one of the best sources of protein out there. It’s very easy to digest and contains a high level of essential amino acids, such as leucine and BCAAs that can help you build muscle mass or lose weight. There are several whey-based products out there, but the ones mentioned above are among the best you can find.
