Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain Reddit

Overview

The phrase best protein powder for muscle gain reddit summarizes what many lifters ask on r/fitness and r/bodybuilding: which powders give the most bang for hypertrophy and recovery. This guide compares seven widely recommended options (whey concentrates and isolates, a mass gainer, and a plant-based pick) and evaluates them on protein per serving, digestibility, ingredient transparency, price per serving, and intended use.

Key decision criteria: protein quality (PDCAAS/BCAA/leucine), speed of digestion (isolate vs casein), calories per serving, additives (artificial sweeteners, fillers), third-party testing, and price per gram of protein. Quick summary of who each option is best for: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey for balanced value; Dymatize ISO100 for fast absorbing isolate and low lactose; Legion Whey+ or Transparent Labs for clean ingredient fans; MyProtein Impact Whey for budget volume; Naked Whey for minimal-ingredient purists; Optimum Serious Mass for hardgainers; Orgain Organic for plant-based lifters. Detailed features, limitations, and pricing follow so you can match choice to training goals and budget.

Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain Reddit

This section summarizes the Reddit consensus trends that shape these picks: whey isolate and high-quality concentrates dominate for pure muscle gain, while dedicated mass gainers are recommended for hardgainers. Plant proteins appear most in threads about dairy intolerance or clean eating. Many Redditors prioritize third-party testing and transparent labeling to avoid proprietary blends and misleading macros.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

Overview and Positioning

Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard Whey is one of the most frequently mentioned powders on Reddit for good reason: it balances taste, mixability, protein quality, and price. It blends whey protein isolate, concentrate, and peptides to deliver a versatile post-workout option.

Key Features and Strengths

• Typical serving: 24 g protein per 30-33 g scoop (varies slightly by flavor)
• BCAA content: ~5-6 g per serving
• Mixability and taste: widely praised, many flavors available
• Third-party testing: Informed-Choice or similar testing on some lots; widely distributed so batch info available
• Versatile: good for post-workout, between-meal protein, and shakes

Limitations and Tradeoffs

• Contains artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, sucralose) in most flavors
• Blend of isolate and concentrate means slightly more lactose than pure isolates
• Some flavors have higher carb/fat macros; read label per flavor

Pricing and Value

• 2 lb (909 g) tub: roughly $30 to $40 (about $0.75 to $1.25 per serving)
• 5 lb (2.27 kg) tub: roughly $55 to $70 (about $0.50 to $0.90 per serving)
• Price per gram of protein: ~ $0.02 to $0.04 depending on size and sale

Best For

• Lifters who want a reliable, tasty, and cost-effective daily whey
• Those who want broad flavor options and mixability
• People without severe lactose sensitivity

Dymatize ISO100

Overview and Positioning

Dymatize ISO100 is a hydrolyzed whey protein isolate and one of the go-to choices on Reddit for fast absorption, low lactose, and strong amino acid profiles. Often recommended for post-workout recovery and for those who are lactose-intolerant.

Key Features and Strengths

• Typical serving: 25 g protein per 29 g scoop
• Hydrolyzed whey isolate: faster digestion and absorption
• Low carbs and fat: usually 1-2 g carbs, 0-1 g fat per serving
• Flavoring and mixability: very good; many users report consistent taste
• Good leucine content per serving for MPS stimulation

Limitations and Tradeoffs

• More expensive per serving vs blends and concentrates
• Uses artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium) in many flavors
• Hydrolyzed isolates can be slightly bitter in some flavors

Pricing and Value

• 1.6-3 lb (0.73-1.36 kg) sizes common: $40 to $70 depending on size and flavor
• Cost per serving: typically $1.20 to $1.80 (higher than standard whey concentrate)
• Price per gram of protein: ~ $0.04 to $0.08

Best For

• Athletes who want rapid absorption and minimal lactose
• Cutting phases or peri-workout use when carbs/fat must be low
• Those willing to pay a premium for isolate/hydrolyzed processing

Legion Whey+ (or Transparent Labs Whey Isolate)

Overview and Positioning

Brands like Legion Whey+ and Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey isolate prioritize ingredient transparency, minimal additives, and third-party testing. Redditors who value clean labels, no artificial sweeteners, and grass-fed sourcing often recommend these.

Key Features and Strengths

• Typical serving: 22-25 g protein per scoop for Legion; Transparent Labs isolate often 25-28 g
• No artificial sweeteners in many flavors (Legion uses stevia + natural flavors; Transparent Labs uses stevia/monk fruit or unflavored)
• Grass-fed whey sources in many SKUs
• Third-party tested for purity and label accuracy

Limitations and Tradeoffs

• More expensive than mainstream blends
• Some natural-flavor formulations have a different taste profile that not everyone likes
• Less flavor variety than mass-market brands

Pricing and Value

• Legion Whey+ 2.28 lb (1.03 kg): around $50 to $60 ($1.40 to $1.80 per serving)
• Transparent Labs 2 lb isolate: around $60 to $75 ($1.60 to $2.20 per serving)
• Price per gram of protein: roughly $0.06 to $0.10

Best For

• Clean-eating athletes who want minimal additives
• People who value third-party testing and grass-fed sourcing
• Those willing to pay more for ingredient integrity

Myprotein Impact Whey

Overview and Positioning

MyProtein Impact Whey is the budget-friendly bulk option frequently recommended on Reddit for lifters who want the most protein for the money. It is widely available in large sizes and often on sale, making it popular for cost-conscious users.

Key Features and Strengths

• Typical serving: 21 g protein per 25 g scoop (for Impact Whey)
• Large SKU sizes (2.2 kg / 4.8 lb) that reduce per-serving cost
• Many flavor choices and frequent promotions/discounts
• Decent mixability and performance for the price

Limitations and Tradeoffs

• Some flavors contain artificial sweeteners or fillers
• Quality control and taste can be inconsistent between batches
• Not as “clean” as dedicated isolates or minimal-ingredient brands

Pricing and Value

• 2.2 kg (4.8 lb) bag: commonly $30 to $45 on sale (roughly $0.30 to $0.60 per serving)
• 1 kg options: $15 to $25
• Price per gram of protein: ~ $0.01 to $0.03 (very cost-effective)

Best For

• Lifters on a tight budget or buying in bulk
• Those who prioritize cost per gram of protein over premium processing
• People who use shakes multiple times daily and want low cost

Naked Whey

Overview and Positioning

Naked Whey is marketed on Reddit as the “minimalist” choice: single-ingredient grass-fed whey concentrate (or isolate, depending on SKU) with no sweeteners, flavors, or additives. It appeals to purists and those who want to control their own flavoring.

Key Features and Strengths

• Ingredients: typically 100% whey (grass-fed), no sweeteners, no flavors
• Good protein per serving: ~25 g per 30-34 g scoop (varies by SKU)
• Transparency and minimal processing
• Suitable for stacking in recipes or for those sensitive to sweeteners

Limitations and Tradeoffs

• Taste is neutral or “milky” - many users add fruit or cocoa
• More expensive per serving than generic concentrates
• As a concentrate, it contains some lactose

Pricing and Value

• 2 lb tub: roughly $60 to $80 (about $1.50 to $2.50 per serving)
• 5 lb options (when available) can be cheaper per serving
• Price per gram of protein: ~ $0.06 to $0.10

Best For

• Users who want a single-ingredient, minimally processed protein
• People avoiding sweeteners or extra additives
• Those adding protein to foods or baking

Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass (Mass Gainer Option)

Overview and Positioning

For lifters who struggle to hit calorie surpluses, a mass gainer like Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass is a Reddit pick for easy calories and protein in one scoop. It is not a pure muscle-building protein but a high-calorie tool to help increase daily intake.

Key Features and Strengths

• Typical serving (2 scoops): 1,250 calories, 50 g protein, 250 g carbs (values vary by serving size)
• Includes vitamins and minerals and added creatine in some versions
• Good for extreme hardgainers or those needing quick calorie boosts

Limitations and Tradeoffs

• High sugar and carb content in standard versions; not appropriate for lean bulking without careful planning
• Not a high-quality protein per calorie ratio compared with whey isolates
• Taste and digestibility can be heavy for some users

Pricing and Value

• 6 lb tub: roughly $40 to $60
• 12 lb tub: roughly $65 to $90
• Cost per calorie: relatively low; cost per gram of protein higher than pure whey isolates

Best For

• Lifters who cannot eat enough calories from whole foods
• Short-term bulking phases where rapid weight gain is desired
• Users who want convenience and calorie density

Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein

Overview and Positioning

Plant-based proteins gain traction on Reddit for vegans or those with dairy intolerance. Orgain Organic Protein is a common recommendation for its affordability, taste, and use of blended plant proteins (pea, brown rice, chia) with added fiber.

Key Features and Strengths

• Typical serving: 20 g protein per 46 g scoop
• Organic ingredients, no artificial sweeteners in many SKUs
• Added fiber and minimal heavy metals in third-party testing for some batches
• Good flavor profiles and mixability for a plant blend

Limitations and Tradeoffs

• Lower leucine and lower DIAAS/PDCAAS scores vs whey; may require larger doses to match anabolic response
• Higher carbs and fiber per serving than whey
• Not ideal as the sole protein source if maximizing MPS per serving; combine meals to reach leucine threshold

Pricing and Value

• 2.03 lb tub: $25 to $35
• Cost per serving: roughly $0.75 to $1.50 depending on size and sale
• Price per gram of protein: ~ $0.03 to $0.06

Best For

• Vegans and dairy-intolerant athletes
• Those prioritizing organic ingredients and added fiber
• People combining plant protein with complementary amino-acid strategies across meals

How to Choose

Checklist for selecting the best protein powder for muscle gain:

1. Define your primary goal: daily protein and cost efficiency, rapid post-workout absorption, or calorie surplus for bulking.
2. Evaluate protein quality: choose whey isolate/hydrolyzed isolate if you need quick leucine-rich protein; opt for blends or concentrates for value.
3. Check ingredient transparency: avoid proprietary blends, look for third-party testing, and note sweetener types if you have sensitivities.
4. Calculate cost per gram of protein and per serving against your planned daily scoops to assess long-term budget impact.
5. Consider digestion and allergies: lactose intolerance, plant-based needs, or sensitivities to artificial sweeteners will narrow choices.

Use this checklist to prioritize features. For example, if you want the cheapest protein per gram and plan multiple shakes per day, MyProtein Impact Whey is often best. If you want a cleaner label and grass-fed source, choose Legion Whey+ or Transparent Labs.

For lactose sensitivity or peri-workout low-carb needs, choose Dymatize ISO100.

Quick Comparison

Feature | Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard | Dymatize ISO100 | Legion Whey+ | MyProtein Impact Whey | Naked Whey | Serious Mass (ON) | Orgain Plant Protein — | —: | —: | —: | —: | —: | —: | —: Protein per serving (typical) | 24 g | 25 g | 22-25 g | 21 g | 25 g | 50 g (mass gainer) | 20 g Typical price (common size) | $55 for 5 lb | $50-$70 for 2 lb | $50-$60 for 2.28 lb | $30-$45 for 4.8 lb | $60-$80 for 2 lb | $65-$90 for 12 lb | $25-$35 for 2 lb Price per serving (typical) | $0.50-$0.90 | $1.20-$1.80 | $1.40-$2.20 | $0.30-$0.60 | $1.50-$2.50 | $0.60-$1.00 | $0.75-$1.50 Best for | Balanced value and taste | Fast absorbing, low lactose | Clean label, grass-fed | Budget bulk buying | Minimal ingredients | Hardgainers needing calories | Vegans and dairy-free athletes

Pricing Breakdowns and Example Monthly Costs

• Moderate user (2 scoops/day ~ 48 g protein from powder):

• Optimum Gold 5 lb (about 74 servings): $60 -> ~ $0.81 per day -> $24.30/month

• Dymatize ISO100 2 lb (about 31 servings): $60 -> ~ $1.94 per day -> $58.20/month

• MyProtein 4.8 lb (about 80 servings): $40 -> ~ $0.50 per day -> $15.00/month

• Legion Whey+ 2.28 lb (about 32 servings): $55 -> ~ $1.72 per day -> $51.60/month

• Hardgainer example (1-2 scoops of Serious Mass daily):

• Serious Mass 12 lb (about 40 two-scoop servings): $75 -> $1.88 per two-scoop serving -> $56.40/month if using one two-scoop serving/day

Note: servings/day and servings per container depend on scoop size and user choices; these are example calculations to illustrate monthly budget impacts.

FAQ

How Much Protein Powder Should I Take per Day for Muscle Gain?

Aim for a total daily protein intake of 1.6 to 2.2 g per kg bodyweight (0.7 to 1.0 g per lb) from all sources. Use protein powder to fill gaps - typically 1 to 3 scoops per day depending on dietary intake and training load.

Is Whey Isolate Better than Concentrate for Building Muscle?

Whey isolate is slightly purer and lower in carbs and fat, which helps if you are lactose-intolerant or need low extra calories. For most people, concentrate and isolate are both effective for muscle growth as they provide high-quality amino acid profiles; isolate is a premium choice, not a requirement.

Can Plant-Based Proteins Build as Much Muscle as Whey?

Yes, plant proteins can build muscle when total daily protein and essential amino acid (especially leucine) targets are met. You may need slightly higher doses or complementary blends (pea + rice) to match whey’s anabolic stimulus per serving.

Are Artificial Sweeteners or Fillers Harmful for Muscle Gain?

No direct negative effect on muscle synthesis. The main concern is personal tolerance and overall diet quality. Artificial sweeteners do not reduce protein effectiveness, but some users prefer to avoid them for GI sensitivity or long-term health preferences.

Should I Pick a Mass Gainer or Add Calories From Whole Food?

Prefer whole foods for most calories due to satiety and micronutrients. Choose a mass gainer if you struggle to eat enough or need convenient high-calorie shakes. Monitor fat gain rate and adjust whole-food intake accordingly.

How Important is Third-Party Testing and Ingredient Transparency?

Very important if you compete in tested sports or want to avoid contaminants. Third-party testing (NSF, Informed-Sport/Choice) and transparent labels reduce the risk of undisclosed ingredients and mislabeled macros.

Final Decision Checklist

• If you want the best value and flavor variety: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey.
• If you need fast digesting, low-lactose protein peri-workout: Dymatize ISO100.
• If you prioritize clean labels and grass-fed sourcing: Legion Whey+ or Transparent Labs.
• If you need the cheapest cost per gram: MyProtein Impact Whey.
• If you want the simplest ingredient list: Naked Whey.
• If you are an extreme hardgainer needing calories: Optimum Serious Mass.
• If you are vegan or dairy-free: Orgain Organic Plant Protein.

Use this guide to match training goals, budget, digestion, and ingredient preferences.

Further Reading

• Best Protein Muscle Gain Powder Guide
• Muscle Gain Whey Protein Powder Guide for Strength Athletes
• Muscle Building Protein Drinks Guide
• High Protein Muscle Gain Diet Plan