Best protein powders for muscle gain?

Ashley Fowler87 said:Hey everyone, I could really use some advice. I've just started working out, and while I'm naturally very thin, I have this stubborn little belly that just won't budge. A few months back, I picked up some supplement liquid, and I'm wondering if anyone actually knows what it is or if it's even safe for me to take. The label says CARNITINE LIQUID (100% USP L-Carnitine Supplement). Any thoughts? Thanks!

Don't bother buying that stuff; L-Carnitine is pretty much useless. It's just throwing money down the drain.

Rachel Parker38 said:Like what, for example?
I usually try to stick to things like eggs, cottage cheese, or tuna when I need protein.

That works. You could also toss in a few carbs to help replenish your muscle glycogen after you finish your workout. 😉

Ashley Fowler87 said:Hey guys, I could really use some advice. I just started working out, and even though I’m super skinny, I’ve got this little belly sticking out that’s driving me crazy. A few months back, I picked up some liquid supplement, and I’m wondering what exactly it is and if it’s actually safe to drink. The label says "CARNITINE LIQUID (100% USP L-Carnitine Supplement)." Any ideas? Thanks!

As usual, Tvuk is spot on—that stuff is basically throwing money down the drain. Plus, why even stress your system out with random supplements you don't need?
My two cents: since you mentioned you're thin, you might just have weak core muscles. You should probably focus on full-body workouts and definitely make sure you're hitting those abs. Also, if you're skinny but still seeing belly fat, what's your diet looking like? Usually, that little pouch comes from eating too many simple carbs, so maybe try bumping up your protein intake daily.
And honestly, are you even sure you have a belly? Sometimes we just get stuck in our own heads about it.

Steven Lopez35 is my buddy—just look up the info online. Put in a little effort, man; there are endless charts and tables all over the web. But my real question for you is: how often are you eating fried food? That stuff is a total calorie bomb and offers zero nutritional value.

Steven Lopez35 said:Any students here eating at the SC dining hall in Washington, D.C.? I love hitting up that cafeteria because I can just grab those chicken fillets without any sides. It makes tracking calories easy, and I get more than enough protein.

Anyone have a rough idea of how many calories or proteins are in a breaded chicken fillet, a stuffed chicken breast, or maybe a side of fries... etc.

Can't give you an exact number, but fries and fried meat aren't exactly diet food. Especially if that chicken is stuffed with cheese...

Sam Roberts said:I can't give you an exact number, but fries and fried meat are definitely not low-calorie foods. Especially if it's chicken stuffed with cheese.

It wasn't stuffed with anything—just skinless, boneless white meat, breaded. And I didn't even get fries; I just had three tenders and tartar sauce. That ended up being about 800 calories for those three pieces.

@Rachel Parker38/">@@Rachel Parker38 - telling me that 100g of chicken is 110 calories is useless when I'm not carrying a scale around campus to weigh my chicken and somehow account for the breading and the oil soak. I don't eat there often, just whenever it fits my class schedule or when I feel like treating myself.

Fun fact: some guy on another forum was frying potatoes and realized that for 270g of fries, they added about 200 calories worth of oil alone. Insane.

Looking for anyone who wants to jump in on an order with me and my buddy at GNC in Washington, D.C. to grab some on whey while it's on sale:



Here’s the plan: we want to hit the target price of over $333 (My buddy and I are already grabbing a tub, so we just need one more person to trigger the 10% discount. If I layer on my 10% off coupon, we’re looking at 20% total savings. That puts the GW 2.3kg at $125, which is way cheaper than whatever you see in the ads)

If enough people join up, we can probably even push it to a 25% or 30% discount.

Steven Lopez35 said:I'm looking for anyone interested in teaming up with me and a buddy at a local supplement shop here in Washington, D.C. to grab some ON whey while it's on sale:



Here’s the math: our goal is to hit a bulk discount. $333 (A friend and I are already in for one tub each, so we just need one more person to trigger the 10% discount. If I tack on my own 10% coupon, we effectively hit a 20% discount. That makes the 2.3kg GW container—at 20% off—cost $125, which beats the advertised price)

If we can round up a few more people, we might even be able to squeeze out a 25% or 30% discount.

This is an interesting promotion, and it's a clear indicator of how high their margins actually are.
They're likely clearing out inventory, possibly due to approaching expiration dates (trying to move active stock). It will be interesting to see how much they hike prices in our local stores once they restock with new shipments at higher wholesale costs.🙂

Grabbed some Cookies and Cream, but honestly? It was just mid. Not terrible, but definitely not great.

Also, those Optimum tubs usually have this reflective "ORIGINAL PRODUCT" sticker on them along with a serial number printed right on the container next to it. The tub I got from this listing doesn't have any of that.

Anyone know what's up with this?

Steven Lopez35 said:I picked up the cookies and cream flavor, and frankly, it was mediocre. It’s not terrible, but it’s certainly nothing to write home about.

Also, these Optimum Nutrition tubs usually have a reflective "ORIGINAL PRODUCT" sticker and a serial number printed right on the container next to it. This tub from the ad doesn't have either.

Does anyone actually know what's going on here?

Does that protective seal under the lid peel off easily, or do you have to rip it right off the threading?
That holographic sticker is likely there because that specific product is heavily counterfeited in Asia. I know they use security markings similar to what you'd see on a stadium ticket for their local market. I'm just wondering why an Optimum whey meant for the US market would have it. It’s possible this stock is intended for markets outside the US, since the stuff sold domestically usually lacks those specific security markers.

@ Steven Lopez35

That fried "chicken" at the campus dining hall isn't even chicken...
It’s just greasy trash—pretty much the same stuff you'd find at McDonald's.
Better to hit the slow-cooker station instead—pick out a decent cut of beef, pork, or chicken, grab some sides and veggies...
The grab-and-go stations are garbage 😉

As for the protein powder, you can grab 5kg bags for around $15...$173.
Stick to the reputable sellers with massive track records and happy customers.
Honestly, I doubt you're training hard enough yet to actually notice a difference in your whey brands. (Not that I'm any better, just so we're clear 😁 )

Steven Lopez35 said:I picked up the cookies and cream flavor, and honestly, it was just mediocre. It wasn't terrible, but it certainly wasn't great.

Also, my usual tubs from Optimum Nutrition have this reflective "ORIGINAL PRODUCT" sticker on them, along with a serial number printed right on the container next to it. This tub from the listing doesn't have either of those things.

Does anyone have more insight on this?

Cookies&cream is definitely one of the weaker flavors in the Optimum Gold Whey lineup. Take it from me, I know how these things taste.😉
The heavy hitters are all the chocolate variations (choco mint, double chocolate, choco malt, and milk chocolate), plus mocha cappuccino and Strawberry banana.
The middle-of-the-road options are: French Vanilla Creme, tropical Punch, and Banana Cream.
Anything else is basically a gamble you'll probably lose.

Alexander Walker56 said:@ Steven Lopez35

The "chicken" you get at a fast-food joint like McDonald's isn't actually chicken.
That’s rushed garbage—just like the stuff you get at McDonald's.
Skip the slow cafeteria line. Just pick a better cut of meat—beef, pork, or chicken—and pair it with a solid side and some veggies. It's simple.
Fast food is garbage. 😉

Regarding the whey, you can pick up 5kg bags for around $50.$173.
Verified sellers with a massive track record of successful transactions and happy customers.
I doubt you’re at a training level where you’d actually notice any difference in the whey protein. (And honestly, neither am I, just so we’re clear.) 😁 )

Oh, please. Not that MusclePharm stuff again.🤦
The stuff you see being peddled through those local online ads is sketchy at best. It comes in cheap plastic bags with zero nutritional info printed on them; you’re forced to rely on some tiny little sample packet just to figure out what you're actually swallowing. They do offer bottled versions where the ingredients are clearly labeled on the container, but here’s the kicker: the price is identical to the premium, big-name brands. If you take a second to actually use your head, it’s obvious something is wrong. You don't get top-tier quality at bargain-bin prices without a catch.😉

Hey everyone... for those who can't or simply don't want to deal with whey protein, this might be a solid alternative for your post-workout shake at PWM.

2 raw egg whites, 2 tablespoons of fat-free cottage cheese, 1 banana, 2 teaspoons of agave nectar, 1.5 cups of water
Throw everything in a blender, pulse it, then add the water and give it one last quick whirl.
Tastes great. It gets my energy back up quickly.

Let me know what you think. THANKS 🙂 🙂

swifthawk13 said:Hey everyone... if you can't find or don't want to deal with whey protein, this might be a solid option to shake up at Microsoft.

2 raw egg whites, 2 tablespoons of fat-free cottage cheese, 1 banana, 2 teaspoons of grape sugar, 3.5-4 oz water
Just blitz everything with a blender, add the water, and give it one quick whirl.
Tastes great and gives you a fast energy boost.

Let me know what you think! THANKS 🙂 🙂

This works fine as a post-workout meal, but it's nothing like whey. Whey has basically zero carbs or fats and way more protein.😉

@no pain - even with these ones from the ad and the poll, the labels were practically peeling themselves off and getting stuck under the cap.

slydriver52 said:Ugh, please—not that GNC stuff again🤦
The stuff you see being hawked through local classified ads is sketchy at best... they come in bags without any actual ingredient lists, just some little sample packet they hand you. They do have bottled versions where the label actually tells you what's inside, but the price is identical to the big-name brands, so if you use even a shred of logic, you'll realize something is off.😉

http://www.myprotein.com/uk/products...t_whey_protein

or this

http://www.supplementcentre.com/Prod...ic-Protein.asp

($173 -> 5kg, also imported, brand new, sealed)

How is this "sketchy" if it's factory sealed and hasn't been opened?
I drive over to Austria to pick this up and it ends up being dirt cheap.
If you're too lazy to make the trip to Austria, you can just buy a full, sealed bag from a guy and I don't see the issue...😉 (and I'm not talking about random classified ads or loose bags, but people from the fitness forums who have a massive list of happy customers)
The only thing you and all the other geniuses are actually paying for is the brand name. 😉

P.S. Speaking of prices, I guess you probably buy your chicken at Walmart for like $20 a pound? 🙂

I haven't seen any posts from gorki29 yet. If you have something they wrote that needs a complete overhaul, just toss it my way. I'll get to work turning it into something that sounds like it actually belongs on an American forum—fresh, snappy, and totally natural. kaže:
Hey everyone... listen, if you're struggling to get down some whey protein or just don't have the chance to grab any, this could be a solid alternative to sip on while you're hanging out at Microsoft.

2 I don't have any content to work with yet! Send over the posts you want me to tackle, and I'll get to work rewriting them into that laid-back, American style we talked about. Just drop the text here and I'll handle the rest. Alright, here’s the breakdown for a quick little snack or light meal: grab about two tablespoons of some fat-free cottage cheese, toss in a banana, add two small teaspoons of grape sugar, and mix it all up with a little over a cup of water. Simple enough.
Just grab an immersion blender to whip all those ingredients together until they're smooth. Once that's done, pour in some water and give it one last quick pulse to get everything perfectly combined.
The flavor is spot on, and honestly, it gives you an instant energy boost.

I'd love to hear what you guys think! Let me know your thoughts. Thanks! 🙂 🙂

Man, I bet Rock was glued to the screen for that one. 🤣
Nah, I'm gonna have to go with no on that one.

Alexander Walker56 said:http://www.myprotein.com/uk/products...t_whey_protein

or this

http://www.supplementcentre.com/Prod...ic-Protein.asp

($173 -> 5kg, also imported by individuals, brand new, sealed)

How can you claim this is questionable quality if it's factory-sealed and unopened?
I can just drive over to Austria and pick some up there for a steal.
If you’re too lazy to make the trip to Austria, you can just buy a full sealed bag from a guy here—I don't see the issue. 😉 (And I'm not talking about random classified ads or sketchy bags; I mean buying from people on this fitness forum who have a massive track record of satisfied customers)
The only thing you and all the other "experts" are actually paying for is the brand name. 😉

P.S. Speaking of prices, I bet you buy your chicken at a local grocery store for about $20 a pound? 🙂

Honestly, I feel sorry for you.
The guys on this forum sell it to you because it's cheap. Now, tell me: where on that bulk bag does it list the actual nutritional breakdown of what's inside?
Are you even aware that in England, they can sell practically any junk because their regulations allow it (somewhat similar to how things work in the USA)? Products sold in other EU countries have to meet specific standards, which is why goods from the USA are specially repackaged for the EU—except for the UK, where the laws are more aligned with the USA. Why then does MyProtein sell products in plastic tubs with labels clearly stating the powder's composition at significantly higher prices? Matrix? You can search online and see that it isn't even popular there, and from what I hear, the taste is terrible. If you know anything about protein, you know flavor is everything because that's what drives sales.😉
Go ahead, ask those guys if they can order you 2.3kg of MyProtein whey in official plastic packaging with a clear label and ingredient list, and see what price they quote you.
Why do you think none of our domestic distributors bother bringing Matrix or MyProtein into our market when it's supposedly so cheap?
Do you realize that in this case, the goods have to pass strict quality inspections at customs first? Here, the laws regarding dietary supplements are incredibly rigorous and strictly enforced. Go ask that guy from San Francisco who legally imports Polish Olympian; he'll explain it to you. He sells Matrix too, but ask him if that Matrix ever passed an inspection by the Department of Health and ask to see the paper certification.

Steven Lopez35 said:Look, this is fine for a post-workout meal, but don't compare it to whey. Whey has negligible carbs and fats and carries a much higher protein concentration.😉

@slydriver52/">@@slydriver52 - even with the ones from the ads and the poll, the labels were practically peeling themselves off and getting stuck under the cap.

Yeah, that’s all I was wondering.
I assume the one without the seal is intended for the USA market, while they use that specific label for other regions. Am I right in thinking both versions have the exact same flavor, texture, and solubility?

slydriver52 said:I actually feel bad for you...
The people on this forum are selling you that stuff just because it’s cheap. Now tell me—please—where on the bag does it even list the actual ingredients?
Do you realize you can sell basically any junk in England because their laws allow it? It's pretty much the same as in the USA. Goods sold in other EU countries have to meet specific standards, so products from the USA get specially packaged for the EU—except for the UK, where the laws are more like what we have here in the States. So why on earth does MyProtein sell its stuff in plastic tubs with clear labels showing the powder composition at much higher prices? Matrix? You can just search online and see that it isn't even popular over there—and from what I hear, the taste is garbage. If you know anything about protein, you know flavor is everything... that's how you actually move product.😉
Go ahead, ask those guys if they can order you MyProtein whey in plastic packaging with a clear label and ingredient list—the 5lb tub version—and see what kind of price they'll quote you.
Why do you think none of our local suppliers bother bringing in that Matrix or MyProtein for our market when it's supposedly so cheap?
Are you aware that in these cases, the goods have to go through strict quality control at customs first? Our dietary supplement laws are incredibly tight—they actually enforce them. Ask that guy from San Francisco who legally imports Polish Olympian and he'll explain it to you. He sells that Matrix too, sure, but ask him if that Matrix ever passed a quality control check at the public health institute... ask him to show you the paperwork.

And then you'll probably tell me it's better to drink SciTech whey for maybe $250 10lbs just because it's from a local store.
Look, if taste matters that much to you, you're clearly looking at this the wrong way...
Send me that guy's number in a DM if you don't mind—I'm dying to see the quality control reports for Matrix.
Thanks in advance.

Alexander Walker56 said:Next you’ll be telling me it’s better to drink Microsoft whey just because it’s sitting on a shelf at a local grocery store.$250 5kg worth of nonsense.
Man, you’ve clearly got your priorities skewed if flavor is your main metric for quality.
If you don't mind, shoot me that guy's number in a DM. I’m genuinely curious about his "quality control" process for The Matrix.
Thanks in advance.

Nobody said you had to buy it in Washington, D.C.
I’m not some amateur; I’ve tried everything under the sun over 15 years of training.😉
You know damn well who sells The Matrix out of Newark. It’s Pungartnik.
You haven't actually addressed a single one of my points with a real argument.
Get this straight: people buy based on taste first, then solubility. Sure, there are quality differences between brands, but I would absolutely never touch anything with packaging that doesn't even list the ingredients or pass a basic quality check.
Everything available on the market here is legitimate, that much is certain. If you're so worried, go buy your brands in Austria. Why do you think MuscleTech Nitrotech Hardcore Pro Series protein (that black bottle—new formula) was banned here? There’s a strong suspicion they were spiking it with HGH.

slydriver52 said:Yeah, that's all I needed to know.
The one without the label is probably meant for the USA market, while they likely have the specific label for the Eastern markets. I'm guessing both versions have the exact same flavor, texture, and how well they mix?

The stuff from that ad had great solubility and taste, though the texture felt slightly off—maybe just because the flavor profile was different, at least to me...

I'm honestly done buying Optimum from those ads anyway; too risky. I'm sticking to Universal or Ultimate now. (Currently crushing some Universal strawberry—it's solid.)