Best Protein Powder for Men – The Manly Review
If you are a man looking to build muscle, boost athletic performance, or even get toned, protein powder is one of the key components for this. In order to reach these goals I’m going to answer, what’s the best protein powder for men.
There are thousands of protein powders supplements or “post workouts” out there. How they work is such a simple process, but choosing the right one is not.
We will discuss the different protein requirements that men need. Then talk about how much to take and the benefits that you can get from a quality protein powder.
What To Look For In The Best Protein Powder for Men
Men need to have a protein powder with the largest amount of amino acid proteins. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein, and run every function in your body including muscle growth. Protein powders are full of these.
High in Protein
Men should be looking for a product that has at least 20 grams of protein per serving if your goal is putting on more muscle mass.
If it has less protein per serving such a single source plant proteins, you will just need to double up on the portions. For example, many Hemp based protein powders tend to have only 10 to 15 grams of protein per serving.
Calories and Carbs Don’t Matter So Much
The amount of calories in a post workout for men doesn’t matter as much since you will be burning anywhere between 300 and 1000 calories during your workouts. Any Carbohydrates, your body will burn off for energy.
Calories and carbs are an important factor in gaining muscle mass and strength. These calories won’t even stick around because your body continues to burn calories for up to 24 hours after you finish.
Organic Protein Powder Option
If you want to keep any pesticides, fertilizers, or artificial ingredients out of your diet, I would recommend an Organic Protein Powder.
Lactose Intolerance
Animal protein sources, especially from whey (dairy) are thought to be the best type of protein for optimum muscle gain. However, dairy protein sources do contain small amounts of lactose. It could be just enough to give you bloating or gas.
If this is the case, I recommend a plant based protein powder. These powders are just as good and perhaps even healthier. Be sure to choose a “mixed plant” protein since they provide all of the essential amino acids.
⇒ If you have any questions or comments about which protein powder is right for you, please leave a message at the bottom and I will respond.
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How Much Protein Do We Need
This is a difficult question that ignites a lot of debate. Some say that your body can only process up to 30-40 grams of protein post workout. Other studies show that you can take as much as you want and none will go to waste.
It is difficult to decide on this, but I recommend sticking with an amount that you’re comfortable with and not overdoing it.
The best timing is between 1 to 3 hours after exercise because after consuming, it will still take several hours for the Aminos to get into your muscles. There is mixed research on this, so if you can’t get your protein right after exercise, just be sure to get it later.
Most protein powders contain around 20-25 grams per serving. Manufactures are basing this on the needs of an average size man. I’m a little heavier than average and push myself pretty hard in the gym, so I usually take around two servings.
There has been a rule of thumb in the fitness industry if you are attempting to gain muscle mass and strength. This is 1 gram of protein for every pound of your body weight per day. I’m 200lbs, therefore 200 grams per day would accomplish this.
The calculation seems simple, but it’s not always that easy. You will also need to know how much protein is in everything else you eat throughout the day.
Basically, if you are in it to gain muscle mass, try to get as much protein as possible. This is perfectly fine since protein is a healthy nutrient, just don’t get all of your protein from powders.
Protein Powder For Men’s Muscle Gain
Protein is where muscle recovery and growth begin. When your body breaks down proteins for energy and tissue repair they are left with a usable form called organic amino acids.
The amount of amino acids that will be synthesized from protein depends on your body’s needs at that time.
More amino acid synthesis is trigger by exercise. They are distributed throughout the bloodstream to whichever part of your body needs it the most. This includes muscle tissue, the liver, stomach, and even the brain.
The remaining proteins are converted to glucose and burned as energy, or are converted to glycogen or fat storage.
Exercise causes your muscle tissue to be more receptive to the aminos, resulting in a more efficient uptake. This is one reason to take a protein supplement after exercise. It’s an important “window of opportunity” resulting in more efficient muscle growth and recovery.
During intense exercise, muscle tissue is broken down. Rebuilding this tissue breakdown is what enables the muscles to grow back stronger and bigger. Muscles require more protein at this time than any other so they can jump start muscle repair.
**Keep in mind that drinking a protein supplement is never as healthy as eating a well balanced, high protein meal. Unfortunately, most of us do not always have time for this.
Protein Powder for Men’s Weight Loss
There still is no “Magic Bullet” for weight loss except eating healthy, consuming fewer calories, and being physically active. However, taking protein powder can be a great strategy for weight loss.
Protein powder for weight loss works by making you feel fuller while at the same time consuming a low calorie food. Your body also continues to burn calories for hours after an exercise session is over.
Because protein is the most filling nutrient that you can eat, there will also be much less of a chance of ruining your hard earned workout results by snacking. Protein also helps to increase metabolism to burn more calories.
Protein is such a heavy nutrient that your body burns more calories by digesting than any other food.
Exercise and a healthy diet is really the only proven long term weight loss strategy. Include a filling, high protein, low calorie supplement for maximizing your goals to get toned and lean.
⇒ If you have any questions or comments about protein powder and weight loss, please leave a message at the bottom.
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What’s the Best Protein Powder for Men
Product: MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder
Price Range: $ (.76 per serving)
Container size: 54 servings (4 pounds)
Quantity of Protein: 25 grams per serving
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: MusclePharm at musclepharm.com
Guarantee: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
MP Combat Positives
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- 5 protein sources include fast releasing whey and casein for slow release.
- 130 calories
- 4 carbohydrates
- Egg albumin for additional BCAA’s
- 2 grams of sugar
- low fat
Potential Negatives
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Contains lactose
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Product: BSN Syntha 6-Whey Protein Powder
Price Range: $ (.79 per serving)
Container size: 48 servings (5 pounds)
Quantity of Protein: 22 grams per serving
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: BSN at bsn-supplements.com
Guarantee: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Syntha 6 Positives
- 22 grams of protein per serving
- 7 types of whey proteins including micellar casein for slow release
- 200 calories per serving
- 15 grams of carbs for energy
- Added minerals
- 2 grams of sugar
- 6 highly reviewed flavors
Potential Negatives
- High carb and calories, but this is great for gaining muscle mass
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Contains lactose
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Product: Ancient Nutrition Organic Bone Broth
Price: $$$$ (3.70 per serving)
Container size: 15 servings (1.5 pounds)
Quantity of Protein: 20 grams per serving
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Ancient Nutrition at ancientnutrition.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Ancient Nutrition Positives
- 20 grams of protein per serving
- 7 grams of fiber
- Whole food shake and meal replacement
- Contains 21 vitamins and minerals
- 100% Organic
- All natural flavors and coloring
- Includes an antioxidant blend
- Has a powerful probiotic enzyme blend
- Only 150 calories per serving
Potential Negatives
- Priciest protein in this review
- Contains more fat and cholesterol
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Product: Gold Standard 100% Whey
Price Range: $ (.81 per serving)
Container size: 29 servings (2 pounds)
Quantity of Protein: 24 grams per serving
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: ON at optimumnutrition.com
Guarantee: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
See My Gold Standard Protein Powder Review
Gold Standard Positives
- Whey isolate and whey concentrate
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- 4 grams of Glutamine(builds muscle)
- Over 5 grams of BCAA’s
- 120 calories per serving
- Low carbs and sugars
Potential Negatives
- Contains lactose
- Limited flavors
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Product: Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
Price Range: $$ (1.50 per serving)
Container Size: 20 servings (2 pounds)
Quantity of Protein: 21 grams per serving
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Orgain, Inc at orgain.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
See my Orgain Organic Protein Review.
Orgain Positives
- 100% vegan mixed plant protein
- 21 grams of protein from organic pea, brown rice, and chia seed
- 6 grams of fiber
- 100% Organic
- Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Lactose-free
- Low carbs and no added sugar
Potential Negatives
- Plant fiber takes a couple of times to get used to
- All natural flavoring tastes more bland
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Product: Muscle Milk Protein Powder
Price Range: $ (.78 per serving)
Container size: 64 servings (5 pounds)
Quantity of Protein: 32 grams per serving
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Muscle Milk at musclemilk.com
Guarantee: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Muscle Milk Positives
- 32 grams of protein per serving is among the highest
- High carbs with low sugar
- Added vitamins and minerals
- 280 grams of calories for bulking up
- 2 grams of sugars
- Comes in 9 flavors
Potential Negatives
- Higher fat content and carbs, but good for building muscle mass
- No whey isolates, contains higher amounts of lactose
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Product: Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
Price Range: $ (1.00 per serving)
Container size: 45 servings (3 pounds)
Grams of Protein: 25 grams per serving
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Dymatize at dymatize.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
ISO 100 Positives
- 100% whey isolate minute amount of lactase
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- 5.5 grams of BCAA’s
- 2.6 grams of Leucine
- Only 110 calories
- Zero sugar
- great value for whey isolate
Potential Negatives
- Natural and artificial flavors
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Product: Garden of Life Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
Price: $$$ (2.00 per serving)
Container size: 20 servings (1.14 pounds)
Quantity of Protein: 30 grams per serving
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: Garden of Life at gardenoflife.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
See my Garden Of Life Protein Powder Review
- 30 grams of organic plant-based protein
- 5.5 grams of BCAAs
- 5 grams of glutamine & glutamic acid
- 100% Organic
- No added hormones, no antibiotics, non-GMO, gluten-free
- Includes probiotics to support immunity
- High antioxidant blend
- Packed with minerals
- 180 calories per serving
Potential Negatives
- 2 scoops equal 1 serving
- All natural flavors can come with a chalky taste
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Men Have Different Needs Than Women
In general, men and women’s bodies process proteins almost the same except for a few differences. Men tend to metabolize nutrients at a faster rate than women.
This means that pound for pound, men need more protein to get the same effects.
Therefore, we will need to consume a lot more quality food to get the right amount of essential proteins. This is where a protein supplement comes in.
Women will tend to gain weight more quickly from food, including from calories in protein powders. They also tend to have a smaller frame and are lighter. Therefore, it works out best for them to go with protein powders that have fewer calories and carbs per serving.
One of the biggest factors is that men generally want to gain more muscle and build muscle mass, while most women prefer to have better muscle tone from exercise. Women don’t usually want to “Bulk Up” as men do.
For us, we need a powder that contains the most of everything. When searching for the right protein powder for men, we shouldn’t be concerned with fat, calories, carbs, or sugars nearly as much.
We need a powder that contains the most protein because, for growing muscle, more calories can be in our favor. Depending on body weight, some will need more than one serving at a time to reach our protein consumption goals.
The Best Protein Powder for Men Conclusion
Men tend to have more intense workouts, breaking down muscle tissue in the process. Protein is what rebuilds and regenerates the muscle fibers to grow bigger and stronger than before.
We should be more concerned with the quantity of protein per serving than the amount of carbs and fats.
Because most of our goals are for becoming stronger and leaner, we need as many essential amino acid proteins as possible.
A good protein powder is critical for the process of repair and maximum muscle growth.
My two favorites powders in this review are Muscle Milk because it has the highest protein content and ISO 100 because it’s a 100% whey isolate, containing the least amount of lactase.
Keep in mind that protein powder can also work as part of a weight loss program. Most of us are always looking to get more toned and lean.
⇒ If you have any questions or comments on what’s the best protein powder for men, please leave a message below and I will respond.
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