The Best Protein Powders for Bigger Muscles and Better Performance

If you take your training seriously, you're going to need protein. A lot of it.

Protein is one of the three macronutrients—the other two are carbohydrates and fats—that make up the food we consume and give us energy to move, breathe, and, well, live.

Studies have proven that protein is essential to building lean mass and muscle. That's because our cells need protein to kickstart protein synthesis, which is needed for hypertrophy, the process cells use to heal and grow bigger muscles after being broken down through exercise. Protein powder can be an excellent way to add more protein to your diet and load up on extra nutrients—ranging from chlorella and spirulina to collagen and antioxidants from leafy greens— included in the blends, too.

You probably get plenty of protein in your diet, especially if you eat meat. Still, you probably need more. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) general recommendation for athletes is 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg of body weight per day, with people training specifically for muscle growth needing even more—which means you'll probably need to turn to supplements to get enough for your gains.

This isn't just bro science, either. Peer-reviewed studies have shown that supplements can give your muscle mass and performance a boost when you put in the work, so those big tubs filled with the powder aren't just for show—there's a lot of good stuff in there. For people with lactose intolerance, other food allergies, or those who don't consume animal byproducts, there are plenty of great options, too.

Check out these 15 varieties of protein powder that you can toss in recipes, smoothies, or just your trusty shaker bottle. Want a little more guidance to understand exactly what you're chugging? Check out this helpful guide.