Best protein powders for muscle gain?

Jonathan James7 said:I order my whey and casein straight from the US and none of that crap works for me.

Ever actually tried unflavored casein without all the sweeteners? Probably not, since you can't find it anywhere in RI.

😂😂😂

Oh, look at you... big shot from the USA...

Sam Roberts said:😂😂😂

Look at you, acting all high and mighty just because you're from the USA.

High and mighty? Please. It’s just that over there, the opportunities actually exist, unlike here where you're lucky if you even get what you're looking for.
That's the whole truth right there.

Jonathan James7 said:Twice a day... that adds up to 60 doses a month... which means 720 doses over the course of a year...

I completely forgot to add the acesulfame potassium...

They have a stevia-sweetened version of that whey, but you just can't find it anywhere in the States...

They add some potash and baking soda to help thin things out... otherwise, it would be such a nightmare to mix...
It’s exactly the same thing... you end up just pouring water everywhere and everything...

I order my whey and casein right here in the States, and honestly... nothing comes of it. It’s all useless...

Have you ever actually tasted pure casein without all that artificial sweetener and flavoring? I mean, really tasted it... You haven't. Because you can't even find it for sale here in the States...

I order everything from Amazon, and I always hunt specifically for those products that include certain additives... honestly, I just love those artificial little extras... aspartame tastes so good to me, I could probably eat it by itself... maybe just two spoonfuls right before bed...

It’s honestly kind of funny... you see these people acting like total experts on high-end art accessories, yet they're usually just sitting there with a cigar in one hand and a beer in the other, never actually doing anything active or even touching a hobby...

Richard Fox7 said:I order everything from the States via Amazon, and I specifically hunt for products loaded with those artificial additives. I live for those synthetic flavors... honestly, I find aspartame so delicious I could probably take it straight, two spoonfuls right before bed...

It’s a funny contradiction, though. Most people who lecture you about artificial ingredients usually have a cigarette in one hand and a Budweiser in the other, and they wouldn't know a gym from a gutter.

And what's wrong with beer?
Top-tier athletes are often advised to have a single beer or a small glass of wine a day.

Jonathan James7 said:2 scoops a day = 60 scoops a month = 720 scoops a year.

I forgot about the acesulfame potassium..

He’s got a stevia-sweetened whey version, but you can't find that in our local stores..

+ they throw in potassium and baking soda just to help it dissolve better because otherwise, it's a nightmare to mix.
that's why you end up having to drown it in water and stuff..

I order my whey and casein straight from the US, and none of that crap is in there.

Have you guys ever actually tasted unflavored casein without all those sweeteners? No, you haven't, because you can't buy it here in America.

I'm not sure if you're familiar with EU regulations, but manufacturers in the US have to change their formulas when exporting to the EU. Products you buy in the EU—aside from those coming from England—are safer than what you find in the US. When you're buying online from Canada and see an "export item" label, you know it's because that product contains contaminants banned in most EU member states. It might be shipped to Canada from an English warehouse where it's legal to sell online, even if it's banned from retail shelves.

@Richard Fox7/">@@Richard Fox7

Look, when you shake up some whey after a workout, you’re basically dumping a massive dose of grape-flavored sugar into your system—and that stuff is sweet enough on its own...

And don't even get me started on Casein. None of these big-name brands produce a pure version without additives, and God knows why. I guess they pretend to care about your health... though if you ask me, it just tastes like milk.

So on one hand, you’ve got whey, which is supposedly great for you, but then you’ve got sucralose and aspartame mixed in, causing all the issues they cause.

I know Optimum Nutrition uses stevia, but the companies over here in the US don't bother importing it. Plus, there's way too much sodium in these mixes, which they only add because otherwise, the powder would be a nightmare to mix with water. Nobody’s going to manufacture whey without additives because it wouldn't dissolve; it would just clump up into a mess.
(A diet that is high in sodium can result in considerable health risks, including an elevated risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, which can lead to further complications, including kidney damage. Because proper kidney function is required to eliminate salt from the body, a decrease in productivity can have dire consequences. When the body is unable to control the amount of sodium that is being released, swelling can occur in the face and appendages. Shortness of breath can occur, as well as weakening of the heart muscle. This vicious cycle of events can be avoided by monitoring sodium intake.)
The whole industry just prioritizes convenience and flavor, and that's why we end up with what we get...

@slydriver52/">@@slydriver52

Well, the US government approved those nasty sweeteners too. At the end of the day, the only thing that actually matters to me is what's listed on the label.

What do you guys think? Which of these whey isolates is actually the "best" one:

MuscleTech Nitro-Tech - sounds pretty hardcore 😁
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard - long history with this stuff, plus no aspartame
Gold Standard Whey - everyone says this is top-tier, but it's kind of pricey... not sure if it's worth the splurge?

Or should I just look for something else entirely? 🤣

I've also got this one nagging doubt about dosing whey (specifically when mixing it with glucose for a post-workout meal). Some people swear by a 1:2 ratio, while others say 1:1 is more than enough. Who can I actually trust here? 😁 And how much whey are we talking about for an optimal dose—is 30g plenty?

Thanks in advance!

George Collins80 said:What do you guys think—which of these whey isolates is actually the "best":

MuscleTech Nitro-Tech - sounds pretty hardcore 😁
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard - long history, no aspartame included
Gold Standard Whey - people say this one is top-tier but it's pretty pricey, so I'm wondering if it's actually worth the money?
Or should I just look for something else entirely? 🤣
Thanks in advance!

MuscleTech was a pretty respected brand about 10 years back; since they manufactured over in Germany, everything was held to those strict German standards—though who knows how things have changed lately. Weider is technically a US Company, but most of the stuff hitting our shelves is usually made and quality-checked over in Germany anyway. Honestly, you can't really go wrong with either of them. There are plenty of other solid candidates for high-quality whey out there too, so once you narrow it down, let me know and we can dive deeper.
😉

George Collins80 said:What do you guys think—which of these whey isolates is actually "the best":

MuscleTech Nitro-Tech - sounds powerful 😁
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard - long history, no aspartame
Gold Standard Whey - supposedly top-tier, but it's pretty pricey, so I'm not sure if it's worth the hit to my wallet?

Or should I just look for something else entirely? 🤣

I also have a question regarding dosing whey (mixed with glucose for post-workout) — some people swear by a 1:2 ratio, while others say 1:1 is more than enough. Who am I supposed to trust? 😁 And what’s an optimal amount? Is 30g sufficient?

Thanks in advance!

Let me school you on this. Always read the actual label on the packaging or check the official manufacturer's website for the ingredient list. Don't rely on what local retailers write online; most of them omit the critical details. Regarding MuscleTech Nitro-Tech, I'm not sure about their specific claims here, but our local shops claim it's CFM, whereas German sites list it as a blend of isolate and concentrate.
Weider is also a blend of isolate and concentrate, much like Optimum, which barely has any isolate in it.
Optimum Gold Standard Whey is overrated, but out of these three, it’s the most cost-effective.
Go with chocolate; it's better than the cappuccino flavor.

Honestly, you're better off grabbing MusclePharm from Gaspari Nutrition. It's pure whey isolate with zero concentrate, and you can get it in a 5lb tub. The taste is excellent, and the price is reasonable.

I just finished my first 1kg tub of Dymatize Elite Whey in Caffe Mocha🙂 and I am absolutely thrilled with it. The powder dissolves incredibly smoothly, and honestly, the flavor profile is so good that I have zero intention of mixing it with milk—water works perfectly fine for me...

I just placed another order for Rich Chocolate and Berry Blast, since they’re both fantastic for stirring into morning oatmeal or even whipping up some dairy-free homemade ice cream. 😍

Honestly, the whey isn't even the main thing here—it's just about getting those amino acids in. I usually stick to my grapes in the morning and then hit it with some protein right after training.
The real heavy hitters, though? They’re all about Casein paired with a mountain of chicken breasts.😁

Anyway, has anyone else stumbled upon that documentary on YouTube about steroids? It makes it look like everyone is just constantly juicing up...
I mean, even those guys you see on fitness magazine covers looking all pretty and perfectly shredded.
Some fitness trainers actually admitted they started using them when they were only 15.
Even Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted he used them.
Pro athletes? They're doing it too.

Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVXZzLoFehE

Jonathan James7 said:Honestly, whey isn't even that crucial, unless you're hitting it in the morning or right after a workout with some fruit...
Casein is what the real bodybuilders swear by, usually paired with tons of chicken breast...😁

Anyway, have you guys seen that documentary on YouTube about steroids? It turns out everyone is juicing...
Even those guys you see on magazine covers looking all pretty and ripped.
Some fitness trainers even admitted they started at fifteen.
Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted he used it too.
Pro athletes use it.

Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVXZzLoFehE

🤦
Come on, Jonathan James7, just face reality and get out of this thread...

Richard Fox7 said:🤦
Come on, Jonathan James7, just take the hint and get lost from this thread already...

That’s how a real conversation works...
I mean, something must have seriously wounded your ego for you to react like this...
Now you probably feel all high and mighty because you managed to throw an insult, I’m practically shaking over here...
This thread isn't yours, you idiot.

slydriver52 said:The Cookies & Cream flavor is honestly one of the weaker options when it comes to Optimum Gold. If you ask me, I know what I'm talking about. 😉
The standout flavors are definitely anything chocolate-based—think Choco Mint, Double Chocolate, Choco Malt, or Milk Chocolate—as well as Mocha Cappuccino and Strawberry Banana.
The mediocre ones fall right around French Vanilla, Tropical Punch, and Banana Cream.
Everything else is just subpar.

Oh, give me a break... I just finished my entire 10lb tub of Vanilla Ice Cream, and frankly, the taste is fantastic. When you mix it with cold milk, it tastes exactly like those classic Nestlé ice cream cones they used to make back in the day—the kind that really hit the spot if you grew up around here. Now, I’m actually thinking about picking up the Cookies & Cream just to switch things up, and I'm hoping it might actually be decent. To be perfectly honest, all those chocolate varieties everyone raves about? They are absolutely revolting to me.

George Collins80 said:I am trying to determine which of these whey isolates is actually the "best" option here:

MuscleTech Nitro-Tech - sounds quite powerful, 😁
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard - long history, and it doesn't contain aspartame.
Gold Standard Whey - people claim this one is top-tier, but it's fairly expensive, so I am unsure if the value proposition truly holds up.

Or should I just look for something else entirely? 🤣

I also have a lingering doubt regarding dosage when mixing whey with glucose for a post-workout meal; some folks swear by a 1:2 ratio, while others insist a 1:1 ratio is more than enough, and frankly, I do not know who to trust. 😁 Additionally, what would be the optimal amount of whey—is 30g sufficient?

Thanks in advance!

If we are discussing anything from Optimum Nutrition, I would say any of their products come highly recommended... and honestly, that isn't even the most expensive one; the Hydro Whey is obscenely pricey. I recall reading somewhere that there isn't actually a massive enough difference in quality to justify such a steep price hike over the Gold Standard, though I suppose if you are a professional athlete where every single gram counts toward your performance, then it might be the right call for you...

http://www.optimumnutrition.com/prod...hey-p-271.html

George Collins80, if you actually know your daily protein requirements and how much you’re already getting from whole foods, calculating your scoops becomes easy. It's simple math. As for glucose, you really need to think about your specific goals and what your diet looks like. Adding extra sugar on top of a poor diet? You aren't going to build muscle; you're just going to end up with belly fat. So many people don't understand how any of this works in the body. They just drink whey because they think they have to, but that's honestly just throwing money down the drain if you aren't seeing results.

Nicholas Chavez70 said:Don't give me that... I just burned through my 10lb stash of Vanilla Ice Cream and the flavor is top-tier. If you mix it with cold milk, it tastes exactly like those classic Nestlé ice cream cones from back in the day (anyone who grew up here knows the vibe)... Now I’m looking to grab the cookies&cream just to switch things up, hoping it hits just as hard. Personally, I can't stand any chocolate flavors...

Cut the attitude. According to most customer ratings, the chocolate varieties are actually the best flavors in the Gold Standard lineup, alongside cappuccino. That isn't just my take—it's what customers all over the US are saying.

Nicholas Chavez70 said:If we’re talking about Optimum Nutrition, you can't go wrong, man... And it’s not even the priciest option; the Hydro Whey is insanely expensive... I read somewhere that there isn't actually enough of a difference to justify that massive price gap compared to Gold Standard, but if you're a pro and every single gram matters to you, then that's clearly the move...

http://www.optimumnutrition.com/prod...hey-p-271.html

A professional at what?
We are strictly discussing an isolate here, not some blended concoction.

slydriver52 said:I would appreciate it if you could refrain from such condescending remarks. If you look at the feedback from consumers globally, it is abundantly clear that the chocolate varieties are widely considered the premier flavors within the Gold Standard lineup when paired with a cappuccino. This isn't merely my own subjective preference; it is the consensus held by customers all over the country.

What kind of reckless comments are those? Can't you see that everything is being completely screwed over? 😁 I find myself constantly badgering my friend because he insists on drinking that strawberry blend, claiming he needs to consume exactly what Ciganovic drinks—it’s nothing more than a glorified pink cocktail, really. 😁 I have had the opportunity to sample protein powders from various manufacturers over the years, and frankly, most of the chocolate flavors are quite underwhelming. It is a recurring disappointment for me. In my experience, vanilla is the absolute gold standard; it possesses an elegant aroma and provides a universally palatable profile that is difficult to ruin. With vanilla, I have never found myself stuck with a subpar shake. Chocolate, however, is a gamble that I have lost far too many times—even when the protein concentrate itself is of high quality, the chocolate flavoring can be quite bitter or artificial. And don't even get me started on those experimental combinations like forest berry with strawberry; they are almost always a disaster. Stick to vanilla if you want to avoid the headache. 🤮 I am certainly not the only one who feels this way...

slydriver52 said:Professional at what, exactly?
Let's be perfectly clear on this point, because I feel the need to clarify it before any further misunderstanding takes root: we are discussing nothing but pure isolate here, not some diluted blend.

This stuff is ideal for any athlete out there looking to pack on quality muscle mass without the unwanted fat gain that usually comes with it. I took a closer look at the label, and since everything listed here is categorized as an isolate, it’s clearly leaning into that specific niche. What I really wanted to point out is that the pricing for Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is actually quite reasonable when you consider just how solid the product is. If someone is determined to overspend just for the sake of it, they could always opt for the Platinum version, though I honestly haven't heard of anyone actually buying it. It seems like the only people interested in that premium tier are either hardcore bodybuilders competing on stage or those obsessive types who spend more time nitpicking the tiny details than actually training.

So, I finally picked up some Nitro-Tech from that big supplement shop over in Vienna—the chocolate coconut flavor is seriously to die for! I’ve been tossing it back right after my workouts, and honestly, I don't think there's any dessert on earth I'd rather have instead. It actually makes me super pumped to hit the gym every single day because I know there's this delicious little reward waiting for me at the finish line! 🙂I mean, I know tons of people who shop there too, mostly because the price gap for fitness supplements and powders here in the States compared to the rest of the world is just wild. I guess I don't really get why it's such a huge difference, who knows? :ne znam: