Best Protein Powder for Men: The Best Protein Powder for Gaining Weight, Building Muscle, and Recovery

By Jessie Atkinson and Esat Dedezade

The best protein powder for men is the one that allows you to focus on your workouts (and the gym clothes you wear while doing them) without worrying that you aren't reaching your fullest physical potential. Eighty per cent of gains are made in the kitchen, and while it's absolutely imperative to get fresh fruit, vegetables, proteins, carbohydrates and all of that good stuff in your diet, it can seriously aid your progress to find a protein powder that works for you as well.

For those exercising on a moderate to heavy schedule should count this classic supplement as an imperative part of their recovery routine. Sports massages, salt baths, meaningful rest and rehydration will all help fast track you to your fitness goals, but the best protein powders can improve muscle growth, repair tissue and even help to manage weight. All of that, and these suggestions taste pretty nice too.

So while we won't discourage you from weighing out chicken, tuna and eggs to get the right amount of protein in your diet, we also advise supplementing your home-delivered healthy meals with whey or vegan protein powders. All of the hard work you're putting in with your home gym's best kettlebells and dumbbells could be going to waste if you skip it.

While it isn't a hard and fast rule, it's true that most classics earn the honour for a reason. Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard remains a firm favourite thanks to its availability, affordability and effectiveness. There are over 20 different flavours to mix (including our favourites: chocolate coconut and cookies and cream) and with 24 grams of protein and 5.5g of recovery-encouraging branched-chain amino acids in each scoop, it's an all-rounder, a no-brainer and, yes: a classic.

Delve into classic milkshake flavours such as chocolate, banana, vanilla and strawberry, or else experiment with such a concoction as white chocolate, iced latte and cereal milk. With over 50 flavours to pick from, there's plenty of scope for you to experiment and find a favourite. Us? we're partial to a mocha or salted caramel helping.

High-quality vegan protein powder may have once been a thing of mere daydreams, but Form has made that all a reality with its cruelty and animal product-free offerings. Making gains extra kind, Form's performance protein powder also comes in 100 per cent plastic-free packaging.

"Nasties" are a thing of fiction for Wyldsson's vegan protein powder, which is free of sucralose, added sugar and gums as well as any and all animal products. There are 20g of protein per serving as well as a whole host of extras such as vitamins D, B6, B12 and iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium.

Although it's borderline illegally delicious with milk or oat milk, BSN's premium protein powder still retains rave reviews from people who mix it with plain water too. Maintaining its milkshake-like creaminess even with only H2O in play, it's an ideal choice for those looking for maximum protein intake, minus the extra sugar and calories.

With a great taste, a smooth mix, and 25g of protein per serving, there's plenty to love about this meal replacement powder. With only 2g of fat per shake and 25 vitamins and minerals, it's got everything you need — with the added bonus of glutamine. creatine, and MCT thrown in too. All that for only 200 calories per serving? Count us in.

Whey protein often gets all the fanfare, but casein protein has its own special benefits. While both come from cow's milk, casein is absorbed by the body at a slower rate than whey and contains bioactive peptides that help boost both your immune and digestive systems. If you’re a fan of the afternoon protein shake as a snack between meals, or you’re looking for a better alternative to ice cream before bed, Optimum Nutrition's casein protein powder is the perfect option.

Peak Supps' packaging will easily blend into your kitchen surroundings without any eye-searing graphics or big, bold XTREME MUSCLE BLAST-esque garish fonts. Simple, pared back, and effective, you won't have to hide these bags away in a cupboard for fear of ruining your carefully curated feng shui.