Whey proteins are widely used by athletes, bodybuilders and even by people looking to reduce the fat content in the body. However, picking the right whey protein can be confusing with the plethora of choices available on the market, catering to various different needs. Let us learn why whey protein is useful and what are some of the best supplements available today.
Whey Protein: An important dietary supplement
Whey protein is regarded as a “complete protein” since it is the richest source of various essential amino acids that we know of. Whey protein is a by-product of cheese production and is obtained by removing fats and carbohydrates present in the milk.
The protein that is left behind is quickly absorbed by the body and hence is beneficial for anyone looking to increase protein intake significantly.
What whey protein brand should you buy?
Since it contains all nine essential amino acids, whey protein can be incredibly beneficial to gym-goers to increase their muscle mass. However, buying a whey protein supplement is no easy task and there are dozens of options to choose from. It can be especially puzzling for a person who has taken up bodybuilding recently. Here are some of the best brand in terms of sales and quality
Top ten best whey protein supplements in India
1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard (Double Rich Chocolate)
This whey protein powder from Optimum Nutrition is aptly named the “Gold Standard” as it is one of the best and most popular brands available. The supplement uses whey protein isolates as the primary ingredient since it is believed to be the purest form of whey protein that exists today.
It is also rich in premium whey protein concentrates that have ultra-filtered for better absorption. The mixture can be easily dissolved in water using a spoon without any need for a shaker because the powder has been instantized and shows the detail and attention paid to mixability.
Optimum Nutrition has been producing nutrition supplements since 1986 and is one of the biggest names in the industry. The Gold Standard protein powder has been rated the best protein for ten years in a row now and is widely used by athletes too.
Pros
It is available in over 20 different delicious flavors and is universally recognized as one of the best products on the market as far as whey protein supplements are concerned.
Product Specifications
- Contains no trans fat
- Flavor: Double Rich Chocolate
- Quantity: 2.2kg
- Shelf Life: 24 months
Composition
Protein 24g
Total Fat 1 g
Saturated Fat 0.5g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 30mg
Sodium 130 Mg
Total Carbohydrate 3g
Sugars 1g,
2.Dymatize Elite Whey Protein Isolate (Rich Chocolate)
Dymatize is a well-known protein supplement brand and a typical serving contains about 69.44% protein content. The powder has the right balance of non-essential and essential amino acids that can be assimilated quickly in the body.
This 2-pound pack is packed with whey protein concentrates, whey protein isolates and whey peptides. Dymatize has long been synonymous with great-tasting protein supplements at an affordable price and noticeable results.
Dymatize Elite Whey Protein also contains a blend of a proprietary digestive enzyme called Zytrix which can help with any digestion problems users may experience.
Zytrix ensures the protein supplement is properly digested by the body and it can also help lactose-intolerant individuals to a certain extent. This protein powder supplement is best consumed either before or after a workout. The rich chocolate flavour is an added bonus and the price to quantity ratio offered by Dymatize is another positive.
Pros
The product contains no added fructose, sugar, carbohydrates or salt. This makes it ideal for bodybuilders trying to avoid intake of any excess calories.
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 2.3 kg
- Flavor: Rich Chocolate
- Self-Life: 24 months
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian
Composition
- Carbohydrate 4 g
- Fat 2 g
- Protein 25 g
3. AS-IT-IS Nutrition Whey Protein Concentrate (Unflavoured)
AS-IT-IS Nutrition is a newer brand on the market but they are quickly gathering a loyal base through their excellent products. The focus from this brand has always been to provide natural ingredients and protein from the source, as it is. Instead of adding preservatives and other ingredients, the protein supplement is 100% pure whey protein.
The raw whey protein that is present in AS-IT-IS Nutrition Whey Protein Concentrate is excellent after an intense workout and can help you gain lean muscles by boosting recovery. A typical serving of 30g contains about 24g of protein and 5.4g of BCAAs, which shows it has a high protein concentrate and ideal for muscle synthesis.
Since this is a totally unflavoured protein concentrate, users have total flexibility in how they want to use it. It can be added to any drink, smoothie, juice or even solid items without affecting the taste. The product is completely gluten-free and contains no GMO ingredients.
Pros
The product has been processed minimally and you can get the proteins and nutrients in their original form without any added preservatives or flavors.
Another positive is that their protein powder is available in smaller packages and hence at less expensive prices.
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 1 kg
- Shelf-life: 24 months
- Flavor: Unflavoured
- Soy-free
- Gluten-free
Composition
L- Leucine
L-Isoleucine
L-Valine
L-Lysine
L-Threonine
L-Methionine
L-Phenylalanine
L-Tryptophan
L-Histidine
4. MuscleBlaze Raw Whey Protein (Unflavoured)
This is an unflavoured protein supplement that can be used in different ways with other foods. It has a high protein content with a typical 30g serving containing 24g of protein and 5.2g of BCAAs. The whey protein present in MuscleBlaze powder is excellent for muscle synthesis and prevents muscle loss.
MuscleBlaze is one of the most well-known sports nutrition brands in India and has been a trusted name in a market where a large portion of the sports supplements being sold are counterfeit. Using only the purest ingredients, MuscleBlaze has created Raw Whey Protein that is a completely authentic and pure form of protein.
This FSSAI regulated company uses the strictest tests in accordance with international standards to produce high-quality protein supplements without the slightest bit of adulteration.
MuscleBlaze Whey Protein also contains a special blend of digestive enzymes known as DigeZyme that helps the body to quickly digest and then metabolize the protein present in the powder. It ensures more amino acids are absorbed quicker and more efficiently from your diet.
Pros
Unlike most items on this list, MuscleBlaze is a domestically produced whey protein supplement and is not an imported product. Thus, the price is significantly lower thanks to the absence of customs duties and trade tariffs.
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 1 kg
- Shelf-life:18 months
- Flavor: Unflavoured
- Sugar-Free
- No added artificial flavors
Composition
Energy 406.50g
Protein 80g
Carbohydrates 7g
Added Sugar 0g
Total Fat 6.5g
5. Ultimate Nutrition Prostar Whey Protein (Chocolate crème)
This is another reputable protein supplement brand that has been in business since 1979 and was one of the first companies to bring out whey protein powder. This supplement consists of whey protein concentrate and isolate and has a high protein content at 83.33% protein content in the mixture.
Prostar Whey Protein has been designed to aid muscle building and can be taken by professionals who do intense workouts as well as normal users. It also includes some added ingredients that boost the body’s immune systems and act as antioxidants.
Exercise can often take a toll on the body and a strong immune system is crucial to good health. Thus, this protein supplement is ideal for those that have an active lifestyle and want to gain muscle mass.
Pros
This protein supplement powder has a very high protein content and the chocolate crème flavour is really popular too. It is also effective in improving recovery times of micro-injuries to the muscle tissue in our body.
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 2.39kg
- Flavor: Chocolate crème
- Shelf Life: 36 months
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
6. MuscleTechNitrotech Performance Series (Milk Chocolate)
MuscleTech started in 1995 as a direct to consumer mail-order business with just three protein supplement formulas but the success of their products meant their company started growing exponentially. This whey protein formula from MuscleTech is part of their famous NItrotech Performance Series that has won several awards for health innovation and sports nutrition.
This product is known for being excellent researched and MuscleTech is known for being one of the few pioneers that are advancing studies into the science of bodybuilding. According to MuscleTech, the creatine present in the Nitrotech Performance Series supplement is superior to regular whey protein.
This protein supplement not only helps users gain more lean muscle mass but also improves the strength of muscles as results showed participants that had this supplement could lift heavier weights in comparison to a control group.
Another unique aspect of this protein powder is the manufacturing process which uses multi-phase filtration technology to separate fat, lactose and carbs from the protein. Other brands usually apply complex chemical processes or heat to separate the protein, which is a less efficient method.
Pros
This is one of the few whey protein formulas on the market that have the protein creatine added. In recent studies, it has been shown that creatine helps the body to develop and maintain lean muscle tissue which is metabolically active.
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 1.81 kg
- Shelf-life: 36 months
- Flavor: Milk Chocolate
- No trans fats
Composition
Total Fat 1.5g
Saturated Fat 1g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 30mg
Total Carbohydrate 2g
Dietary Fibre 1g
Sugar 1g
Protein 30g
Calcium 100mg
Sodium 140mg
7. IsopureZero Carb Whey Protein Isolate Powder (Cookies & Cream)
This is a totally vegetarian product and contains no protein from egg, meat or fish. It is totally free of any gluten, aspartame, and lactose. Hence, all individuals should be able to digest this protein supplement without any difficulty.
Isopure, as the name suggests, is a brand known for producing 100% pure whey protein isolates. They provide supplements that are completely lactose-free and has little to no fat or carbs. This is one reason that the 30-year old brand is quite popular among lactose-intolerant individuals who want to increase their body mass.
Isopure Whey Protein Isolate Powder can be consumed after workouts and it does a good job of keeping you full between meals too. It is also helpful in supporting muscle health which deteriorates as we age.
Pros
Isopure whey protein can be liberally used by bodybuilders without worrying about weight gain as it contains minimum carbohydrates. Unlike some other protein supplements, Isopure whey protein does not work for weight gain and only increases muscle mass.
Product Specifications
Shelf life: 24 months
Gluten-Free
Quantity: 1.3kg
Flavor: Cookies & Cream
Composition
Protein 50 g
Carbohydrate 0 g
Dietary Fibre 0 g
Sugar 0 g
8. BSN Syntha 6 Protein Powder (Chocolate Milkshake)
Syntha 6 Protein Powder is a multifunctional protein supplement as it has fiber too, which is known to aid digestion and smooth bowel movement. Thus, this product is a complete nutritional supplement and can be beneficial to many people following different lifestyles and diet plans.
It must be kept in mind that if you are strictly monitoring your calorie intake, this product will have more carbs and fats in comparison to other 100% pure whey protein supplements.
The formula in Syntha 6 Protein Powder contains six unique sources of protein with some being quick-absorbing and some being of the slow absorbing type. This ensures the body has plenty of essential amino acids during a workout and also during meals or between workouts. This aids in quicker muscle synthesis as there is a regular supply of protein to the body.
Pros
Most whey protein supplements on the market only have protein but Syntha 6 Protein Powder not only contains protein in the form of essential amino acids but also fiber.
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 2.27kg
- Shelf-life: 24 months
- Flavor: Chocolate Milkshake
- No trans fat
Composition
Calories 200g
Calories from fat 50g
Total Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 55 mg
Sodium 220 mg
Potassium 300 mg
Total Carbohydrate 15 g
Dietary Fibre 5 g
Sugars 2 g
Protein 22 g
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 15%
Iron 8%
Phosphorus 15%
Magnesium 6%
9.Healthkart My First Protein with Whey and Casein (For Beginners)
Healthkart’s My First Protein is less of a protein supplement powder and more of a protein drink. The product is not a pure protein powder and contains 27 added vitamins and minerals to make it a comprehensive nutrition supplement product.
Aimed primarily at the beginner level consumer, it contains protein from three different sources – whey, casein, and soy. It can be used for gaining muscle mass and prevents protein deficiency. The protein content is average with only 10g of protein being present in every typical 30g serving.
Pros
This protein supplement powder is available in smaller packages and at really affordable prices. This is ideal for beginners who are trying out protein supplement products for the first time.
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 1kg
- Shelf-life: 18 months
- Flavor: Chocolate
- Zero added sugar
Composition
Total Carbohydrate54.5 %
Protein32 %
Dietary Fibre 5.5 %
Fat2 %
10. Himalaya Quista Pro Whey Protein
All in all, the Quista Pro Whey Protein from Himalaya is a decent protein supplement powder that is enriched with BCAAs which are quickly absorbed by the body and can significantly improve exercise performances. The formula also contains calcium and some vitamins which help in keeping the bones healthy.
The protein present in the powder is a blend from three sources – whey protein concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate. What makes this protein supplement from Himalaya so unique is the added botanical compounds or power herbs such as ashwagandha, dadima, and asthisamhara that are beneficial for general body health.
The high protein content makes it useful to competitive athletes or general fitness-savvy individuals looking to increase their muscle mass. The powder also contains B-complex vitamins besides Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which aid proper muscle functioning and health.
Pros
The Himalaya Quista Pro Whey Protein has added peptides and taurine which is known to be helpful for quick recoveries after injuries to muscle tissue. This can be helpful in minimizing injuries after a tiring workout.
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 1kg
- Shelf-life: 18 months
- Flavor: Chocolate
Composition
Energy - 130 kcal
Protein - 22 g
Carbohydrate - 8.50 g
Sugar - 0 g
Fat - 0.85 g
Saturated Fatty Acid - 0.73 g
Trans Fatty Acid - 0 g
Calcium - 150 mg
Taurine - 17 mg
Vitamin C - 10.2 mg
Vitamin E - 1.80 mg
Vitamin B5 - 0.58 mg
Vitamin B6 - 0.26 mg
Vitamin B1- 0.20 mg
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the right whey protein supplement
This buyer’s guide can help readers properly understand why whey protein is necessary for their diet and also enable them to make an informed choice when picking out a whey protein supplement.
Why buy whey protein?
Proteins are used by the body to rebuild and repair broken muscle tissue and food items like meat, eggs, milk and fish are packed with it. Plant sources like nuts and soya beans have a lot of protein but lack many essential proteins and their bio-availability, that is, the ease with which the body can absorb it is pretty low.
Now, to gain muscle mass one has to intake a lot of protein daily. The problem inexperienced bodybuilders often face is the lack of protein in their diet. Even a lot of hours spent at the gym won’t be helpful if proper nutrition is lacking.
However, having egg whites from a dozen eggs or eating eight pieces of chicken every day is not often practical. The alternative for those who want to consume a lot of protein is to use protein shakes with protein supplements like whey protein powder.
Ingredients to look for in the whey protein
Proper sources of protein are crucial when you are looking to build up more muscle mass. Just using whey protein is not enough and you need to choose a brand that has the right ingredients to help you. Just a simple protein source is not enough and close attention needs to be paid to the added compounds. Here are a few ingredients to look for when buying whey protein:
- Whey: The concentration of amino acids in protein supplements is a pretty good indicator of how good it is. Whey is naturally packed with leucine, an amino acid that is very quickly digested and absorbed by the body, making it an ideal source of protein. The amino acids present in whey are efficient at quickly performing muscle protein synthesis - the process by which damaged muscles are repaired to become stronger and bigger.
- Casein: This is the most commonly found amino acid in milk and is a slow-release protein. This means unlike some amino acids which get quickly absorbed and used by the body, casein remains in the bloodstream for a long time and repairs very minor traumas to the muscles. Casein is very effective when used along with whey and the blend is really good for muscle growth and recovery.
- Soy Protein: This is a plant-based protein that is fast release like whey and is widely used by people who are lactose intolerant and can’t digest milk proteins. Soy protein is very useful since it is the only plant-based protein that contains all amino acids that are essential to our body. Soy can act as a good substitute to whey and is believed to be superior to casein as far as muscle synthesis is concerned.
- BCAAs: There are nine essential amino acids but branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) – leucine, valine, and isoleucine – are especially important due to their superior muscle tissue repairing abilities. Leucine acts as a trigger, promoting the synthesis of muscles throughout the body. Usually, milk proteins contain these amino acids but plant proteins can lack it. So, if you are choosing a plant protein supplement, make sure to choose a formula that has BCAAs.
- Plant-based blends: Although plant-based protein blends are incomplete since they are often missing some key amino acids, we don’t know for sure if they are less or more effective at muscle synthesis in comparison to animal protein. Various studies have shown contradictory results and the jury is still out on this one. However, solely relying on plant-based proteins is not advisable unless there are added ingredients to make complete.
- Omega-3 and 6 Fatty Acids: Some recent studies have shown omega-3 supplements can reduce the soreness that athletes often experience after strenuous exercise. This could be because of the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- HMB: This is a metabolite or product of leucine amino acid when it is broken down into simpler forms. HMB can boost recovery of muscle mass, reduce fat content and increase blood markers that are related to poor muscle growth. That is, HMB can help in the reduction of muscle damage or loss due to dieting or too much exercise.
Few tips for picking the right protein supplement
Once you know what ingredients to look for in protein supplements, it is important to understand the different types of products available on the market. You must consider your needs and metabolism patterns before buying a protein supplement. Below few pointers will help you concluding which whey protein is best in India.
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Mass gainer or protein powder?
There are two major types of protein supplements – mass gainers and just pure protein powder. Mass gainers also contain carbohydrates and fats besides protein. These three essential macronutrients are crucial for gaining weight and building up more body mass. Protein supplements with just protein are better suited for people who want to build up muscle mass and do not want to increase general body weight.
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Natural vs Pure powders
The quality of the protein you are consuming is as important as the quantity of it you are taking in. Try to pick brands that have more natural ingredients and normally these supplements shouldn’t contain more than eight to ten ingredients.
Be wary of flashy commercial labels that advertise certain added ingredients for quicker muscle growth. You should check if such ingredients are actually effective and if enough quantity is present in the supplement to make a difference.
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Reputation
It is a good idea to always check the brand reputation and their history before deciding on a product. You should check how long the protein supplement brand has been on the market and what kind of feedback they have from consumers. Normally, if you see the protein supplement powder is selling well even a few years after it was launched, it is because people are continuing to find it effective.
Keeping these few tips in mind can help you pick the right protein for your workout regime. A good source of protein is a crucial part of every bodybuilder’s diet and although there are still arguments regarding exactly which type of protein is more efficient, its importance is universally accepted.