Best protein powders for muscle gain?

How is that even legal??? I could just drive across the border to Mexico, buy a car for $20,000, and have them write up an invoice for $8,000. You really think that's above board? 🙂

Has anyone tried Gold Standard Whey?
If anyone happens to have some for sale at a decent price, please feel free to send me a DM!

Does anyone know how much more effective combining whey with Vitargo is compared to using whey with glucose?
I wonder if paying extra for Vitargo is actually worth it.
thanks

Zachary Palmer3 said:Has anyone actually tried Gold Standard Whey?
If anyone’s got some they want to offload for a decent price, hit me up in the DMs!

Does anyone know if mixing whey + Vitargo is actually better than just doing whey + glucose?
Is Vitargo even worth the cash?
thanks

Vitargo claims they speed up glycogen recovery and crank up the insulin response way more than other sports drinks, and apparently, "science" backs them up. Personally, I can't be bothered digging through papers to see if the methodology isn't total garbage, but what should really jump out at you is the fact that they almost certainly funded those studies themselves. You really think that doesn't mess with the results? 😉

And besides that...
if you're just grinding in the gym, glycogen recovery isn't your top priority. Honestly, whatever glucose gives you is plenty—I'd even suggest adding some fructose (glucose + fructose = sucrose, even if the ratio isn't perfect). The insulin spike you get from glucose and amino acids is more than enough to stop muscle breakdown after a workout.

Anyone tried the Ultimate Prostar Platinum Series yet? I might be able to snag some, and I'm looking to switch things up.

Steven Lopez35 said:Has anyone actually used the Ultimate Prostar Platinum Series? I have a chance to pick some up and I'm looking to switch things up for a bit.

I'm drinking it right now.🙂
Grab it if you don't mind it being sweeter than Gold Standard Whey—it’s basically like a double dose of chocolate fudge.
The flavor profile is spot on. The powder texture is a bit grainier than Optimum, but honestly, that’s a fair trade-off. Unlike Optimum’s Double Chocolate, which just tastes like cocoa, Ultimate Nutrition's Prostar Whey actually has that distinct protein scent to it. Either way, they blow Twinlab out of the water—especially their terrible chocolate flavor. Personally, I think the Chocolate Creme is excellent. I haven't ventured into the other flavors yet, so I can't speak to those. If you're looking to move away from the overhyped Optimum brand, Gaspari Hydro and Ultimate Nutrition's Prostar Whey are easily the best value buys on the market right now.

I’m looking into getting some whey protein, though I haven't settled on a specific brand yet since there are so many options out there...

To be honest, my main question is about hunger. Does it actually help curb cravings, or does it just make you hungrier?

I’ve been adding Manitoba Hemp Pro 70 to my routine lately. Honestly, it’s top-tier stuff. You mix it with your dextrose and everything just clicks—you get this real surge of strength and energy, whereas most whey proteins just leave me feeling like I need a nap.
At least it’s natural. Yeah, it’s pricey, but I still use this high-end hydrolyzed whey made right here in the States using premium A-grade milk. It’s all cold-processed and strictly controlled, and you can actually feel it doing something for your body. I’ve tried pretty much everything available on the American market.
The stuff being sold over here for insane prices? It’s basically nothing special abroad. They just slap on massive import duties, customs, and ridiculous markups, and suddenly you’re paying a premium for what is essentially budget-grade whey back home, treating it like it's liquid gold.

Real, quality whey should be clean—no fillers, no artificial sweeteners, no dyes, no fake flavors, none of that junk.
But honestly, it doesn't even compare to hemp protein. The real question is whether your body can even fully digest standard whey or if it just sits there half-processed.
And look, believe me when I say I’ve tried it all, but these chemical concoctions—and I mean things like creatine and even certain wheys—they’re basically just powders that aren't "whole." They’re full of additives just to make them digestible, which isn't exactly a badge of honor. It's the same story with vitamins. I read somewhere that people go crazy loading up on massive doses of Vitamin C, but it turns out that’s completely useless. Even for a cold, those synthetic vitamins don't do anything; there's no difference between someone taking them and someone who isn't. Even mouse studies have proven it. If you want health, stick to natural, effective substances.
Bodybuilders drink green tea in huge amounts because of the antioxidant hype, but there are natural antioxidants out there that are ten times more powerful.
Speaking of bodybuilders, let’s be real: nobody gets that huge without steroids. These kids obsess over which brand of whey or creatine to buy, acting like they're hard workers, while they're secretly pinning gear.
You really think some guy like a heavy-weight MMA fighter isn't using? Please. When he was fifteen, he was just a scrawny kid, and now he’s moved up to the heavyweight division where he clearly struggles, but hey, that’s where the big money is.

Jonathan James7 said:j
Just remember that I’ve tried just about everything under the sun, but those synthetic supplements—and I'm talking about things like creatine and even whey protein
. Since we're discussing bodybuilders, isn't it true that nobody reaches that level without steroids? People go on about certain brands of whey or creatine, and you see these younger guys following those trends while they're actually using steroids.
Do people really think someone like a heavy-weight MMA fighter from the UFC isn't using steroids? Honestly, when he was fifteen, he was just a skinny kid with decent genetics, but now he's moved up to the heavyweight division where he clearly struggles, yet that's where all the big money is made.

I'm sorry, but I can't agree with you, and I don't think it makes sense to tell guys that nothing can be achieved without steroids because that simply isn't the truth. There are plenty of regular people out there who look incredible without ever touching a single performance enhancer. Of course, there is always a shortcut available through steroids, but that doesn't mean it's the only way. As for saying creatine and whey protein are "chemicals," isn't that also a bit of an exaggeration, considering our bodies produce these substances naturally and these are merely dietary supplements?

Look, the body has its own built-in limits when it comes to growth. There’s no way you’re going to turn into some absolute freak of nature just by slamming protein shakes, obviously. But you can definitely build an athletic, fit physique, which is really what most of us are actually aiming for anyway. Supplements are one thing, but drugs? That's a whole different animal. You don't strictly need protein powder to get looking good—I mean, I could probably hit my macros with just chicken and eggs if I had the patience—but let's be real, powders are just easier to grab on the go and they're cheaper than buying a steak every three hours.

Joshua Adams said:Look, I have to disagree. Telling guys there’s nothing to be achieved without steroids is just plain false. There is a massive community of natural lifters out there looking incredible without ever touching a needle. Sure, steroids offer a shortcut, but let's not pretend they're the only way. And calling creatine or whey protein "chemicals"? That's a stretch. These are just dietary supplements—stuff our own bodies produce or need to function. They aren't some magic potion; they're just tools to help hit nutritional targets.

Of course he’s on them. He wouldn't be in that position if he wasn't. Everyone else at that level is using.😉

I honestly don't get how anyone can look at creatine, glutamine, or protein and think they’re some kind of dangerous chemicals. They're just basic dietary supplements, nothing more. Think of them as tools to slightly speed up your muscle growth, but that's about it. At the end of the day, your diet is everything; without solid nutrition, you aren't getting any muscle, progress, or strength. And as for the whole "steroid" conversation—well, every single pro athlete uses them. Seriously, everyone. So, if someone actually wants to make it in serious sports without using performance enhancers, I guess they shouldn't even bother trying.

Look, let's call a spade a spade: it's chemistry. We're talking about substances created through chemical processes... like creatine or amino acids.
Depending on how they process it, whey can end up more or less denatured.
Beyond that, does anyone actually know if your whey is even digesting properly? Like, how much of it actually hits your stomach and makes it to the muscles where you want it? Is there even a single scientific study out there that tracks exactly how much protein from a single shake actually builds muscle tissue? Or does it all just end up as fat or, you know, heading straight for the toilet? It's the same deal with casein—which, by the way, is usually used as an adhesive and tastes absolutely revolting without sweeteners. And don't even get me started on those sweeteners themselves; sucralose, aspartame... they're garbage.
The real question is: what percentage of muscle growth is actually coming from whey versus actual, real food? Because we honestly don't know. Everyone preaches "eat right," but then nobody can tell you how much credit goes to overpriced, overhyped marketing whey versus your actual diet.
On one hand, you have whole foods. They aren't just protein; they come packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, enzymes, and trace elements that help your body actually process everything efficiently.
I'm not saying whey doesn't help to some degree, but look at the steroid users—they don't care. They could eat literal rocks and it would still turn into muscle because of what they're pumping.
Bottom line, I think you should stick to natural sources that offer more than just isolated protein. That’s exactly why I started adding hemp to my routine.

65% of the proteins in hemp foods are in the form of globulin edistin (the word edistin comes from the Greek word “edestos,” which means edible). Edistin is considered by many to be the most easily digestible protein. The other 35% of the protein in hemp is Albumin, another of the most easily digestible proteins. Soy commonly has more protein than hemp, at 35%, but soy protein contains tripsid inhibitors that block proteins absorption, and oligosaccharides, which cause upset stomach and gas. Hemp protein is the most easily digested protein, and has all 10 EAAs, making it the best source for protein on the planet.

slydriver52 said:I’m drinking it right now.🙂
Grab it if you don't mind it being sweeter than Optimum (it's basically double chocolate).
Mixability is identical, though the powder texture is a bit coarser than Optimum. But honestly, Ultimate Nutrition Prostar Whey actually smells like protein, unlike Optimum's double chocolate which just smells like cocoa. Either way, they beat Twinlab, especially their trash chocolate flavor. Personally, I think these are great (the chocolate creme is solid). Haven't tried the other flavors so I can't speak to those. If you're looking to ditch the overhyped Optimum, Gaspari Hydro and Ultimate Nutrition Prostar Whey are currently the best buys you'll find on Marketplace.

Thanks for the killer post! I went to pick some up, but the guy was already sold out, so I grabbed the Universal strawberry instead.

Tried it with water and the taste is pretty mid—standard whey-and-water stuff—but the mixability is excellent. Trying it with milk tomorrow; I'm certain it'll be god-tier. 😁

Jonathan James7 said:Well, they are chemicals; they’re produced through chemical processes (like creatine or amino acids).
Whey also undergoes varying degrees of denaturation depending on how it's processed.
Besides that, does anyone actually know if your whey even digests properly? Like, how much of it stays in your stomach versus actually reaching your muscles where you want it to go... I mean, is there even a scientific study showing how much whey from a single serving actually builds muscle? Or does it all just end up as fat or, you know, heading straight to the restroom? It's the same question with casein (which is usually used as a thickener anyway, and honestly, you wouldn't touch it without sweeteners because it tastes terrible—and those sweeteners themselves, like sucralose or aspartame, aren't exactly great for you).
The real question is what percentage of whey actually builds muscle compared to regular food. Since we don't really know, everyone claims they eat well, so we can't tell how much credit goes to overhyped (both in price and marketing) whey versus actual meals.
On one hand, you have whole foods, which provide proteins along with natural things like vitamins, minerals, fiber, enzymes, and trace elements that help the body digest everything more efficiently.
I'm not saying whey doesn't help to some extent, but look at steroid users—it doesn't matter for them, because whatever they eat, I guess, just ends up as muscle regardless.
So, personally, I think it's better to stick to natural sources that contain extra nutrients besides just pure protein, which is why I started using hemp.

65% of the proteins in hemp foods are in the form of globulin edistin (the word edistin comes from the Greek word “edestos,” which means edible). Edistin is considered by many to be the most easily digestible protein. The other 35% of the protein in hemp is Albumin, another of the most easily digestible proteins. Soy commonly has more protein than hemp, at 35%, but soy protein contains trypsin inhibitors that block protein absorption, and oligosaccharides, which cause upset stomach and gas. Hemp protein is the most easily digested protein, and has all 10 EAAs, making it the best source for protein on the planet.

And how exactly do you expect someone who has been training for years and reached a high level of fitness to keep progressing using only regular food?
Someone like that has massive requirements for protein, carbs, vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, and so on... If that person tried to get all of that just through standard meals, they'd probably have major digestion issues, and honestly, they likely couldn't even stomach that much volume. Even if someone managed to eat that much, they definitely wouldn't be able to digest it all, so supplements seem pretty necessary.
Just look at a nutrition table to see how much protein and carbs are in different foods. A well-trained person needs about 3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, not to mention the carbs and everything else... It’s simply impossible to hit those numbers through regular food alone. That’s why people use supplements—to fill those gaps that diet alone just can't cover.

bok,

Skimmed the first 20 pages and didn't see an answer, so I'm just asking here directly.

165lbs, 5'11"

Hitting the gym 3 times a week (1h15 per session, full body) plus 5 days of HIIT for 30 mins, fasted in the morning.

I'm cutting right now. Eating between 1600-2300kcal daily, including protein supplements. That's roughly 200g protein, 200g carbs, and 85g fat on gym days, dropping to 170g protein, 145g carbs, and 65g fat on HIIT-only days.

No workouts on weekends, eating like my non-gym days. I also take a quick hour walk every single day (5-3.7 miles)

The deficit seems fine—losing about 2-3 lbs a week (started this cut 2 weeks ago). Net intake is about 1300 kcal on gym days and the same on HIIT days.

Not losing muscle since I'm keeping the intensity high at the gym.

Two questions: am I losing weight too fast? And is two apples after whey enough, or do I actually need that glucose? If I start adding glucose, my deficit turns into a surplus...

Any advice is appreciated.

Where in San Diego can I pick up a tub of whey protein? I don't go through it very often, so a single kilogram should be enough to last me about two months.

Thanks 🙂

Gary Hayes98 said:Hey there,

So, I went through the first 20 pages of this thread, but I couldn't find a straight answer to my question, so I figured I'd just jump right in here.

I'm about 165 lbs and 5'11".

My routine is hitting the gym three times a week (about an hour and fifteen minutes, full body sessions) and doing HIIT five times a week for 30 minutes, usually first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

Man, doing HIIT five times a week—especially on top of lifting weights—is probably way too much.
I wouldn't recommend doing it on an empty stomach either.

And honestly, why are you even trying to drop weight when you're already pretty lean to begin with?

-Stipe

briskjackal5 said:Doing HIIT five times a week, especially on top of lifting, is overkill.
Don't do it on an empty stomach.

And why even bother trying to lose weight when you're already thin?

-Stipe

I've got an inch of fat on my gut and maybe an inch and a half on my hips/sides...

Let's just say I'm actively prepping for my 40th birthday.

You're gonna end up in the hospital if you're hitting HIIT five times a week (especially if you're pushing toward 40 😁 )

Sam Roberts said:you're gonna end up in the ER doing HIIT five times a week (especially if you're pushing 40 😁 )

Look, I've been doing this for 8 months straight, just dropped my calories lately..