Once you do decide that you’re ready to invest in a protein powder, it’s important that you first get well informed of the differences between the various protein powder types out there (e.g. whey protein isolate vs whey protein concentrate) , as well as the things to look for and things to avoid when comparing different brands. This helps you get the best protein powder available. By the end of this video, you’ll know exactly how to pick the right protein powder type for you, and how to separate the good from the not-so-good options out there.
First, let’s cover what the best protein powder type may be for you. Now, research has made it clear that Whey protein comes out on top. This is because Whey protein is both higher in leucine, one of the most important amino acids for muscle growth, and more effectively absorbed and used by the body when compared to various other protein powders and other protein sources in general. But Whey protein can be further broken down into: Whey Concentrate, Whey Isolate, and Whey Hydrolysate.
When it comes to whey protein isolate vs whey protein concentrate, the main difference here is that Whey Concentrate can range anywhere from 35-80% protein and typically contain the highest amount of lactose, carbs, and fats. Whereas Whey Isolates, although typically a bit more costly, are required to be at least 90% protein by weight, and therefore have considerably less fat and carbs. Hydrolysates on the other hand are whey concentrates or isolates that have been “pre-digested” to help with its absorption but have not been shown to be any more effective at increasing size or strength, yet is typically the most expensive option. Meaning that for the best bang for your buck, for most people a good quality Whey isolate protein is your best bet.
Plant-based options can be good if you have intolerances or sensitivities to Whey. The problem with plant-based proteins though is that they tend to be deficient in certain Essential Amino Acids and are less effective at promoting protein synthesis than Whey is. But you can partially compensate for this by combining different plant-based sources (e.g. a blend of rice and pea protein). Soy protein, although subject to much controversy, is another good plant-based protein powder.
Now, after you’ve chosen the protein powder (of all the protein powder types available) that best suits your needs, the next step is learning how to separate the good brands from the not-so-good brands. The first thing to avoid is the use of something called proprietary blends. You can do so by looking at the amount of protein you’re actually getting relative to the total scoop size.
The next trap you want to avoid falling for is something called protein spiking. Some companies add cheap nitrogen containing compounds into their formula, such as BCAA’s or creatine. To avoid this, again, just take a closer look at the nutrition label. The last and final thing to look out for is contamination (heavy metals and plastic derivatives). To minimize your risk as a consumer, simply find out what their testing protocols are and specifically what they test for.
Here are the main points to keep in mind when it comes to how to pick the right protein powder:
1. Whey isolate protein is likely the best bang for your buck. If going for a plant-based option, opt for a mixed protein powder (e.g. rice/pea protein).
2. Avoid powders with proprietary blends by looking closely at the nutrition label. There should not be a ton of listed ingredients (e.g. “blends”) nor should there be a big gap between the actual protein you get per serving compared to the total serving size.
3. To potentially avoid harmful levels of contaminants, do some research on the quality-control practices and testing protocols of the manufacturer.
If you’re going to be investing in protein, it’s worth putting in the additional effort to ensure that what you’re getting is a high quality product aligned with your specific goals. And for a step-by-step program that applies this same level of science and detail to your workouts, nutrition, and supplementation so that you can truly transform your body in the most efficient way possible, then simply take the analysis quiz to discover which science-based program would be best for you and where your body is currently at below:
Subscribe to my channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/jeremyethier/?sub_confirmation=1
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – What is the best type of protein powder?
1:23 – The 3 types of Whey protein
2:59 – The best plant-based protein
4:13 – Proprietary blends (avoid these!)
6:47 – Protein spiking
9:39 – Contamination
10:43 – Summary & Application
MUSIC: https://soundcloud.com/iamryanlittle
What protein powder do you use and why? Comment below! Hope you enjoyed this one. Let me know in the comments if there are any other supplements you’d like to see me cover more in depth and I’ll get on it! Cheers!
@Aaron Price Do you know anything about their heavy metal screening? What he said in the video kinda scared me, but this powder you mention looks good.
Ive been using ISO 100 for over a year, great for post workout and it looks like it has some good ingredients. Jeremy (or chat gang) can you share any opinions on ISO 100? Is it clean? Good for weight loss?
Optimum nutrition
@Joseph Niblock same here.
@Ali I found them using a website that does third-party testing of supplements, Labdoor.com. Legion Whey+ scored highly. And for what it’s worth, I found Labdoor though Jeff Nippard.
Jeremy the best fitness youtuber
@megaman2016 He looks good as a female perspective. He is not trying to compete or anything. I personally don’t like too much muscles on guys
@Ian Gentry Yup he’s completely natural. Today 80% of buff dudes take steroids and i has become soo mainstream “natural”. That people who are actually natural get neglected. Great strategy by steroid companies kudos to them.
Jeff nippard hella good too. Love the scientific background with these guys
no
I like that he doesn’t yell and ask stupid questions: Are you tired of…?!?!? Have you tried…!?!?
Always struggled with this!!! In the end the most important thing is to be consistent and to work hard!!
It’s interesting to see how many fitness articles on the internet are designed to sell supplements. Great to see Jeremy sharing solid information
I expected the video to end with a segue to an ad from a protein sponsor. Big respect to Jeremy for not doing that.
@Shaik Shamir It’s very true to the “built with science” philosophy. Even still, I’d definitely like to see which brand Jeremy uses so that I can hop on board lmao
6:46 most important part. I have seen research that a lot of companies use urea and melamine to spike the protein. Unfortunately there is ZERO information which company does that… and the lab tests are very expansive. Does someone have any information about any tests for urea and melamine of protein supplements? Apparently this is also a problem for all dairy products.
Any brand that also make steroids is a good brand to buy protein from, you get a little extra kick at times
Labdoor.com has purity tests for a lot of supplements. I buy based off that
It is based “on,” not based “off.” Basic English.
@Gordon McKendry ok genius
@Gordon McKendry based off your reply, you’re no fun at parties.
This video is like 100% whey protein isolate, less junk and full of nutrients
@Yan Mai yeah me too, though its blend its good. If i want isolate then check out “my protein impact whey” or Dymatize whey protein
@king gaming s I have Dymatize CASIN protein with vanilla flavor hehe. but it’s too sweet. I will only pick chocolate flavor form now on
@king gaming s gold standard is over rated has less than 80% protein and contains concentrate protein..all u know about is ON…lol theres much better protein out there such as rule 1 isolate, isoflex all max and nutrabio…
@Yan Mai no need for casein protein isolate protein is good enough… dont waste your money for casein protein lol
Now Gymshark is entering the supplement industry with their Brussel sprout flavored protein^^
serious? oh wow. didn’t know that.
That chicken thigh, chicken breast, ground chicken breast analogy was brilliant. Such a simple and effective way to communicate an idea. That’s why Jeremy is the best fitness youtuber, not only is he honest but also has a gift for teaching. And… he’s Canadian!!! (posting from Coquitlam, BC)
My protein maybe have only in chicken eggs
meanwhile me having a 5$ protein powder
I use Naked Whey because it has no fillers / extra junk just whey.
Excellent information here, Jeremy. Also, to sum up, I’d highly recommend to anyone wanting to streamline and cut down on their research time, to frequent these websites:
Labdoor (for detailed ratings of specific supplement BRANDS).
Examine (for detailed information on TYPES of supplements and their ACTUAL effectiveness).
CleanLabelProject (for information on testing safety).
These sites have saved me endless hours of time, energy, and money.
“Fewer” – Stannis Baratheon
Jeremy looks like he’s 19; acts like he’s 35
I love him
Jeremy is holding a “built with science” protein tub! JEREMY IS GOING TO SELL HIS OWN PROTEIN!!!
Jeremy is holding a “built with science” protein tub! Jeremy is making/hopefully selling his own protein brand!
“Now” foods whey protein isolate. Also Jarrows formulas are quite good too.