Best protein powders for muscle gain?

Jonathan James7 said:The moment you start looking for "cheap," your options basically vanish.

You could grab some concentrate from MyProtein on their site.
A 5 kg bag $167is probably the most cost-effective protein option out there, and the quality holds up fine enough.
That is, if the guy isn't too busy placing an order for a friend in Canada and having it shipped over to the US. Myprotein.com won't ship to the US. Those foolish Brits can thrive without our business for all I care.

If you're going to advertise this blatantly, do it through a private message instead of posting it here. Admin, please delete this thread.

William Roberts56 said:I'm going with the isolate. Thanks for the tip on where to pick it up. 👍

Once you've tried it, please report back here with your thoughts, but keep it objective—no blatant advertising. Pay close attention to the powder consistency, how well it dissolves in milk, and the flavor profile (if it’s cloyingly sweet, it likely has an excessive amount of sucrose or dextrose, which is a red flag). Most importantly, watch out for any bloating after you drink it.

Paul Baker29 said:Technically, soy does have a complete amino acid profile, but you should still steer clear of it because of all the heavy processing and GMO stuff going on.

Don't give me that. It doesn't even have a complete profile of all 20 amino acids.

slydriver52 said:Once you give it a shot, please bring your thoughts back to this forum, but hey, just don't turn this thread into a direct advertisement. Pay close attention to how fine the powder is, how well it dissolves in milk, the flavor profile (if it’s sickly sweet, it probably means they dumped in way too much sucrose or dextrose, which isn't great), and whether or not you end up feeling bloated after drinking it.

What do you mean "flavor"? It's basically neutral. And honestly, what's this talk about black dextrose or sucrose? In most whey powders, they just load up on artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame-K, or sucralose. Not exactly the healthiest way to go.
You can't get bloated from actual whey. The only way that happens is if you're buying absolute garbage from Scietec.
If you really think you're getting bloated, try doing what I do: take two scoops of pure MVP Iso Muscle 100 hydrolysate with water, knock it back, and then let me know if you feel anything. There's zero chance. That's because it's nothing but pure whey peptides. But look, quality comes at a price.
And besides, most people mix their whey with water, not milk.

Jonathan James7 said:It’s just not cutting it; it doesn't provide a full profile of 20 amino acids.

I suppose you have a point there, but since it does contain all the essential amino acids, it could theoretically serve as a meat substitute. However, I guess the whole issue with genetic modification and the way they process everything—not to mention the fact that it contains phytoestrogens—really makes me doubt it would be a suitable replacement.

...please enjoy this little clash between the Internet Warriors🙄

Jonathan James7 said:What flavor are we even talking about? It’s neutral. And you're bringing up black dextrose and sucrose? Most whey products rely on sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame-K, or sucralose. That stuff isn't exactly ideal.
You don't get bloated from whey. Not unless you're buying absolute garbage from Scietec.
If you're dealing with bloating, try this: take two scoops of pure MVP ISO Muscle 100 Hydrolyzed with water, drink it, and let me know if you still feel bloated. You won't. That's because these are pure whey peptides. But high quality comes with a price tag.
Also, whey is typically mixed with water, not milk.

Where exactly does it say that this whey is neutral?😕
There are all sorts of different whey proteins out there. Some brands toss in dextrose or maltodextrin (a polysaccharide that doesn't actually taste sweet).
And please, explain why whey is "typically" mixed with water instead of milk?
Everything you wrote regarding those sweeteners stands.

slydriver52 said:Wait, hold on a second—where on earth does it actually say that this whey is neutral? I've been looking everywhere.😕
Look, not all whey protein is created equal. You’ve got all these different varieties out there, and honestly, it can get pretty confusing if you aren't paying attention. Some brands like to cut corners by tossing in dextrose or maltodextrin—which is basically just a polysaccharide that doesn't even add any sweetness, so what's even the point? It's just extra filler.
Look, I get why people ask this. It feels like you're missing out on something if you aren't making your shake creamy, right? But there’s actually a method to the madness here. The short answer? It mostly comes down to how much of that expensive powder you're actually getting into your system versus how much you're just drinking for the sake of flavor. If you mix your whey with milk, you're adding a ton of extra calories, fats, and carbs—mostly lactose and milk sugars—into a drink that’s supposed to be a lean protein hit. If you're trying to cut or just keeping an eye on your macros, adding milk is basically like adding uninvited guests to a private party. You want the protein, not the extra baggage. Then there's the texture issue. Most high-quality stuff, like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey, is designed to dissolve smoothly. When you hit it with water, you get a clean, quick hit of protein. Add milk, and suddenly it’s a thick, heavy sludge that sits in your stomach like a brick. For some people, that’s a cozy treat, but for most of us just trying to get through a workout or a busy workday, we don't want to feel like we swallowed a milkshake halfway through our sets. Plus, let's be real about digestion. A lot of people find that mixing whey with milk makes them feel bloated or even a little nauseous. It's that classic "heavy stomach" feeling that ruins a good session. Water keeps things light and fast-acting. So, yeah, if you want it to taste like a dessert, go ahead and grab some milk from Walmart. But if you're looking for efficiency and staying on track with your goals without the unnecessary bloat, water is usually the way to go. Just my two cents.
Look, I’m sticking by what I said about the sweeteners. Period.

I mean, come on, it says right there in the ad.

Look, when you start digging into this stuff, you'll realize there isn't just one "protein." It’s not like buying a gallon of milk and calling it a day. You’ve got your concentrates, your isolates, and then there’s the hydrolyzed stuff. Honestly, it can feel like you need a PhD just to pick something off the shelf at Walmart.
Look, you've got two ways to go here: either grab the unflavored stuff if you want zero nonsense, or go with one that has sweeteners if you actually want it to taste like something. Honestly, it's your call.
Why on earth would they bother throwing maltodextrin in there as a sweetener? It doesn't even taste sweet. If you're looking for that, you might as well just buy a mass gainer and call it a day. Seriously, what's the point?
Where the hell is that whey protein you were talking about? The one that uses maltodextrin as a sweetener? I need to see the label on that thing. 🤣

That's exactly what some old-school bodybuilder told me once.😁 Some people swear that milk is absolute garbage—like, total junk that’ll just leave you feeling gross and coated in sludge. And honestly? They aren't entirely wrong about the digestion part. Most grown adults have a hell of a time processing it. If you're dealing with constant bloating, don't go blaming the whey; blame that crappy milk you've been drinking. It's the dairy doing the heavy lifting on your gut issues, not the supplement.
Look, if you actually want to see results, just stick to hydrolyzed protein and water. It’s simple. Ditch the milk entirely—it’s honestly not worth the hassle. Do this, and you might actually find some happiness in your progress.
Well, that’s because it absorbs way faster when you mix it with water. Simple as that.

I finally kicked oats out of my diet entirely. Honestly, they’re absolute garbage—all they do is leave you bloated, gassy, and constantly running to the bathroom. Not worth the hassle.
Look, there’s actually a killer alternative out there for that. I just pulled the trigger on an order from the States for this one product that is seriously unlike anything else on the market. It’s a total game-changer, and honestly, it’s so niche that only one single company in the entire USA even manufactures it—it's this incredibly complex UH setup.
Look, if you want actual sustained energy, you need to be looking at long-chain polysaccharides that actually take about two hours to digest. You know what I mean—not that cheap, low-grade maltodextrin crap that hits your system like a freight train and burns out the second you swallow it. We’re talking about specialized, long-chain polymers here. Real fuel, not just a quick spike and a crash.

Honestly, if I just took this twice a day, I wouldn't even have to touch those damn oats. I could skip the whole routine and stop wasting my time going to the bathroom every single morning just to pass useless crap that's basically just 100 grams of complex carbs passing right through me. It’s a joke.

Jonathan James7 said:so you're just gonna head West every single day and post useless crap just for the sake of 100 grams of complex carbs.

And what, are you gonna tell me now that taking a dump every day is bad for my body too? Because as far as I know, having regular digestion and hitting the toilet daily is actually considered healthy. Personally, those oats don't do anything to my system at all. Maybe you just have some weird allergy or intolerance to oats...

Jonathan James7 said:and cut out the milk

Don't you dare bring milk into this🙂

Over the next five years, I bet people in gyms will be absolutely drowning themselves in milk mixed with whey and casein blends—stuff that was considered heresy just a little while ago. 😬

People love to push this narrative that whey is some kind of magic potion, the one and only thing that actually "builds muscle," without ever using their brains to actually look into the science or learn anything new. That’s why we end up with a sea of clones who are totally lost; they grab whey when they want to lose weight, when they want to bulk, when they're running, when they're going to bed... they honestly have no clue what they're doing anymore.
The wildest part is this whole "slowing down the whey" trend using milk. You see people mixing milk with their protein before bed because they think it'll slow down absorption and act just like casein. 🤦

I’m honestly living for the day when people realize that whey isn't what makes you big and that milk isn't the enemy. It used to be about albumin, now it's all about whey... maybe in the future, we'll finally see some common sense and an understanding that you just need to hit your protein targets throughout the day, without all the nonsense and the mandatory glucose-heavy junk from Walmart. 🤦

Jonathan James7 said:Well, it’s right there in the ad.

There are different varieties: concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate.
You've got neutral versions—plain—and ones with sweeteners.
Why on earth would anyone add maltodextrin as a sweetener to whey if it doesn't actually provide sweetness? That's what gainers are for.
Show me this specific whey that uses maltodextrin as a sweetener. I'd love to see it. 🤣
That's what some old-school bodybuilder told me.😁 And some people claim milk is total garbage that just makes you fat. Besides, it's notoriously hard for adults to digest. Basically, it's not the whey bloating you; it's the crappy milk.
If you want to be happy, just drink hydrolysate with water and cut out the milk entirely.
The reason is simple: it absorbs much faster when mixed with water.

I even cut oats out of my diet because they're absolute trash—they leave you bloated, gassy, and constantly running to the bathroom.
There is a perfect substitute for that, though. I just ordered a unique product from the US that is unlike anything else on the market; only one company in the States produces it. It's complex carbohydrates.
We're talking long-chain polysaccharides that digest over the course of two hours, providing steady energy. This isn't like that "cheap" maltodextrin that hits your system the second you swallow it; these are specialized long-chain polymers.

I take that twice a day, and I don't even have to touch those oats or deal with the constant need to rush to the restroom just to flush out 100 grams of useless complex carbs.

Where did I ever state that maltodextrin is used as a sweetener?🤦

Jonathan James7 said:Well, it’s right there in the ad.

There are different varieties out there: concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate.
You can get it plain or sweetened. That’s the choice.
Why bother adding maltodextrin as a sweetener in whey? It doesn't even provide much flavor, and at that point, you might as well just be drinking a gainer.
Where’s that whey you were talking about? The one using maltodextrin as a sweetener? Show me the label. 🤣

That’s exactly what my old bodybuilding mentor told me.😁 Some people claim milk is pure garbage that’ll just leave you feeling greasy. They argue it's nearly impossible for adults to digest properly. Essentially, they're saying the bloating isn't caused by your whey—it's caused by shitty milk.
Stick to hydrolyzed protein and water if you actually want results. Ditch the milk entirely.
That's exactly why—it absorbs much faster when you mix it with water.

I’ve completely cut oats from my diet. They're absolute garbage—all they do is cause bloating and leave you feeling like a walking biohazard. Not worth the digestive mess.
There is an excellent alternative for that. I just placed an order from the US for a product that is truly one-of-a-kind; it’s the only one of its kind on the market, manufactured by a single specialized firm right here in America. It features a complex UH formula.
We’re talking about long-chain polysaccharides here. These things digest over a solid two-hour window, providing a steady, sustained stream of energy. This isn't that cheap maltodextrin garbage that spikes your system and leaves you crashing the second it hits your stomach; we're dealing with specialized, long-chain polymers designed for endurance.

Take this twice a day and you can skip those damn oats entirely. Why bother eating through 100 grams of complex carbs just to spend half your morning sitting on the toilet processing useless filler?

Cutting oats out of your diet just to make room for some supplements from the USA is incredibly shortsighted. And calling oats "trash"? Please. That’s just plain ignorant.
Have you considered that the oats might be the reason you're hitting the restroom so often? They’re packed with fiber.
You’re probably one of those people who fails to grasp that supplements are just that—supplements. For your information, consuming maltodextrin over a sustained period provides actual energy. It’s a polysaccharide with low osmolality, which stands in stark contrast to something like the highly processed glucose used around here—a monosaccharide with high osmolality.
Because of its low osmolarity, it absorbs faster and gets stored directly in the muscles as glycogen.

wiredpilot30 said:Don't you dare touch my milk.🙂

Over the next five years, The Crew in gyms everywhere is going to be obsessing over milk and mixing it with whey and casein blends—something that was considered heresy until very recently.😬

People love to peddle these myths about whey, acting like it’s some magical substance and the only thing that actually "builds muscle," all without using a single brain cell to actually research or learn anything new. That’s why we’re stuck with a sea of clones who are completely lost; they just grab whey whenever they want to lose weight, get stronger, go for a run, or head to bed... they have no clue what they're doing anymore.
The most ridiculous trend is the "slow-release whey" hack using milk. You see people constantly mixing milk with their whey before bed, thinking they've somehow engineered a slow-digesting substitute for casein.🤦

I am living for the day when people finally realize that whey isn't a magic pill for size and that milk isn't the enemy. It used to be albumin, now it's whey... hopefully, in the future, it'll just be common sense and the realization that you simply need to consume various proteins throughout the day, without all the nonsense and mandatory glucose-heavy junk from Walmart.🤦

👍

Some people will never get it.

Kevin Bishop5 said:So, what's next? Are you going to claim that hitting the restroom every single day is somehow toxic? As far as I'm concerned, regular digestion is a sign of health, not a disease. Personally, I eat oats and it doesn't affect me at all. Maybe you just have some kind of oat allergy or intolerance.

It’s not an allergy or an intolerance; it’s a garbage diet. The guy clearly polished off half a pound of oats and now he’s acting shocked that he’s bloated and glued to the toilet.
I’ve gone even harder on the oats myself, but only because it’s the easiest thing to whip up when my nutrition is slipping. At least I don't complain about the gas or the frequent bathroom trips, because I actually know exactly why it's happening.

Jonathan James7 said:Well, it’s clearly stated in the ad.

There are different varieties out there: concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate.
You have options that are neutral and those loaded with sweeteners.
Why on earth would anyone add maltodextrin as a sweetener to whey? It doesn't even taste sweet; this isn't a mass gainer.
Show me this "whey" you're talking about that uses maltodextrin as a sweetener. I'd love to see it.🤣
That’s what some old-school bodybuilder told me.😁 And honestly, some people claim milk is pure garbage that just makes you fat. Beyond that, it's notoriously hard for adults to digest. Basically, it’s not the whey causing the bloating—it's the damn milk.
If you want to be happy, just drink hydrolysate with water and cut out the milk entirely.
The reason is simple: it absorbs much faster when mixed with water.

I even cut oats out of my diet because they're total trash—they leave you bloated, gassy, and constantly running to the bathroom.
But there is a perfect substitute for that. I just ordered a unique product from the US that's unlike anything else on the market; only one company in the States even produces it. It’s a complex carbohydrate.
We're talking long-chain polysaccharides that digest over a two-hour window to provide sustained energy. This isn't like that "cheap" maltodextrin that hits your system the second you swallow it; these are specialized long-chain polymers.

I take this twice a day, and I don't even need to touch oats. I don't have to deal with the bathroom situation every single day just to waste 100 grams of useless complex carbs.

For instance, Gaspari Nutrition Intra Pro
MuscleTech Nitro-Tech
And so on...
But it's never used as a sweetener, and I never claimed maltodextrin was being used as one!
Even at Twinlab, they actually use fructose.

I mean, I’m really not on the same page as slydriver52 when it comes to using maltodextrin as a sweetener. I guess I just don't see it that way!

-Steve

wiredpilot30 said:I wouldn't touch dairy if I were you 🙂

Honestly, that might actually be a step in the right direction!
I mean, if you just cut out all the meat, ditch the milk, get rid of the oats, and just stick to those healthy Herbalife shakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner...

-Steve

These discussions are getting a little bizarre. I honestly don't get how anyone can summarize all these cheap supplements as a legitimate substitute for actual healthy eating. How does that even make sense? They’re fine as an addition, sure, but I’ve been sitting here stressing out for months just looking at the sheer amount of additives packed into them. Is the real issue just laziness? Is it the time it takes to prep one decent, nutritious meal? It feels totally paradoxical. You have people spending half their lives hitting the gym and pumping themselves up while they're essentially falling apart on the inside. When it comes to sweeteners, I highly recommend using Stevia. Here is a helpful link if you want to look into it.🙂

Anyone else picking up their protein powder over in Canada? I heard there’s this shop in Columbus with insanely low prices, and apparently, they even ship by mail to the States, but I just can't seem to track down the link. 👎

Jonathan James7 said:Look, this whole "no pain, no gain" thing is pure garbage...
I have zero interest in correcting a pile of nonsense like this...

Kid, your communication skills are stuck at an elementary school level.
If you don't have actual arguments, then shut up and stop posting.