Best protein powders for muscle gain?

Arthur Sanchez79 said:You didn't specify which whey you're using. I highly doubt we're looking at an absorption issue with concentrates—we aren't talking about isolates or hydrolysates here. Regardless, this is a dead end; I’m pro-whey, and clearly, you are too. 🙂

I'm talking about whey blends, obviously. It's rare to find a manufacturer offering nothing but pure concentrate these days. You might stumble upon one, but the giveaway is usually a lower price tag.🙂
Make no mistake: you won't notice any difference in your physique whether you're sipping a basic whey, a complex blend, or just eating chicken and white bread after your workout.

slydriver52 said:I'm talking about protein blends, obviously. It’s actually pretty rare to find a manufacturer that offers pure whey concentrate these days. You might stumble upon one, but you can usually spot them easily because they're significantly cheaper.🙂
Look, let's be realistic: you aren't going to notice any damn difference in your physique whether you use basic whey, a blended formula, or just stick to the classic post-workout chicken and white bread.

True, but it’s just more convenient, faster, and easier on the wallet...

Sam Roberts said:whey life is the only way 😁 😁

Honestly, I wouldn't be thrilled about having loose seals. I haven't run into that issue with Optimum Nutrition yet, so maybe you should just switch suppliers.

This is my second supplier. I've picked up ON 2.27lb tubs twice now—same story with the first guy, same story with this one.

🙂

It doesn't make sense to me. If they're opening the whey to process it, and they're advanced enough to use that black tape to make the cap look factory-sealed, why don't they just glue the paper seal down? It's not even foil, just paper... I'm lost.

mine that black one... even after 40 openings, it hasn't been touched once

So you're telling me you could actually reseal that cap so it looks factory-sealed again?

It stays stuck right on top when I open it (and it’s a real pain when I try to close it 😁)

Hey experts, quick question: can you actually gain fat from protein? That’s the last thing I want. I’m 6'0" and about 190 lbs, but I've definitely got a gut. I've been working out at home because I really want to build up my arms and shoulders. If I pick up some whey powder, am I just going to end up with a bigger belly? Pretty sure I've got about 20 pounds of extra fat to lose.

Christian Evans24 said:Hey experts, I’ve got a question—can you actually gain fat from protein? That is definitely not what I’m looking for because I'm 5'11" and about 190 lbs, and I've definitely got a bit of a gut going... I've been working out at home since I want to build up my arms and shoulders. If I buy some whey powder and start drinking it, am I just gonna end up with a bigger belly??? I probably have about 20 pounds of extra fat to lose for sure...

I think you might be looking at this from the wrong angle.
The reason you developed that belly isn't because of protein.

-Steve

Steven Lopez35 said:This is my second supplier. I’ve picked up ON 2.27 twice from them, and I’ve done the exact same thing with my first guy. Results are identical both times.

🙂

I don't get it. If they’re supposedly advanced enough to seal that cap with a black shrink band so perfectly it looks factory-sealed, why on earth wouldn't they just glue down that paper seal? It isn't even foil; it's just basic paper. Why leave it like that if they want to prevent tampering? It makes zero sense.

Don't let this get under your skin too much. It’s likely just a minor issue caused by humidity in the warehouse, maybe some dust settling on the seal after the tub was moved, or a simple lapse in the sealing process during production. The Optimum tubs available here are filled in Europe since the brand owner is based in Ireland. Because they source their packaging in Europe, it differs from the American Optimum lineup. The European containers are shorter and have a matte finish, whereas the US versions are glossier and slightly larger. If you truly suspect the product isn't legitimate, I suggest we start a collection right here on the forum. We can take a sample to a lab like the FDA or a local public health institute for professional testing.

slydriver52 said:Don't sweat it too much. It could just be some humidity in the warehouse, someone flipping a tub around, and powder settling on the seal, which then doesn't get glued down right during production. The Optimum tubs available over here are filled in Europe since the owner is from Ireland. The packaging is sourced in Europe, so it’s different from the American Optimum stuff. The European tubs are shorter and matte, while the US ones are shiny and slightly larger. If you actually think the product is fake, I suggest we start a fundraiser on this forum so we can send a sample to a lab for testing.

Thanks, that's good to know.

But I'm done with Optimum. It's way too mainstream now, and if there's any shady underground market for fake whey, I'd bet my life Optimum is the first target. I'm switching to something less hyped. At the end of the day, whey is just whey.

@Christian Evans24/">@@Christian Evans24 - He's telling you a scoop is about 113kcal (30g of whey), so do the math yourself if you're worried about gaining weight. 🙂

Hey everyone, does anyone here have much experience with fat burners? I’m wondering how 'healthy' it actually is to use them, or if they even offer any real benefit—assuming, of course, that I'm staying active with gym sessions and running. I’ve got about 20 to 30 pounds I’m looking to drop. Thanks!

Nicholas Gomez84 said:Hey everyone, does anyone have experience using fat burners? How "healthy" is it to take them—and is there actually any benefit if you're already hitting the gym regularly and running? I'm looking to drop about 20-30 pounds. Thanks!

Honestly, they're mostly just expensive placebos. Your best bet is to just stick to your workouts and watch what you eat.

Steven Reed54 said:It’s just a total placebo. Just hit the gym and watch what you eat.

How sure are you that it's nothing but a placebo? Where is this coming from?
Do you actually have proof for such a bold claim?😍
Just asking...🤷

wiredmarlin29 said:How sure are you that it’s just a pure placebo? Where are you getting
these absolute certainties from—do you actually have proof or what?😍
Just asking...🤷

Very, very sure.
It's kind of like those "weight loss sneakers"—you aren't actually losing fat because of the shoes, you're just running in them.

Nicholas Gomez84 said:Hey everyone, does anyone have experience using fat burners? How much is considered "safe" to take, and honestly, are they even worth it if I'm already hitting the gym hard and running regularly? I’m looking to drop about 20–30 pounds. Thanks!

I went through two bottles myself while working out every single day, and I saw absolutely zero results. They just don't work.
Now I actually have a question of my own... since I'm on a budget, I can't afford the premium "name brand" proteins. I noticed some options at Target and Walmart. I've been training for a year now, cut out bread and all the junk food, and I've definitely reshaped my body and built some muscle, but my stomach is still bulging. I feel hungry all the time, so I was thinking about adding protein shakes after my workouts. Is that a smart move? Does it actually help?

Those guys from your DMs? They aren't any cheaper, just worse quality. Just get these instead...

Does anyone know if the Fitness Point in North Jersey carries the Inkospor line, or am I going to have to make the trip out to Gladiator on Fifth Avenue?

Looking for some advice from the veterans on this forum.
What’s currently the best value for bulk 100% whey protein in NYC?
Also, does anyone here have experience with the soy/whey blends from Herbalife?
What can I rely on to hit my macros without messing with my health? I'm looking at US or German brands, but are there any solid domestic producers?
Thanks in advance!

Ronald Cox96 said:Does anyone know if the Fitness Point over in North Jersey carries the full Inkospor lineup, or am I gonna have to trek all the way out to Gladiator on Fifth Avenue?

I'm not really sure, honestly! Maybe the fastest way would just be to give them a quick call to check.

-Steve

Alright, thanks for the input, everyone!

I'm pretty sure Inkospor carries their stuff at Helix and that shop over on Fifth Avenue near Selska...