Top 5 Things to Look For in a Protein Powder

Protein powder is an incredibly convenient way to get the protein you need in a pinch. It's also the most popular supplement taken by men and women alike.
If you want to take your protein powder game to the next level and eat more protein, the best way to do it is with a protein powder that doesn't taste like sawdust and chalk.

The best tasting protein powders are made from whey and soy, but they do have some drawbacks. Whey protein is derived from milk, and can cause digestive issues for people who have lactose intolerance or allergies to dairy products. Soy protein is also derived from a plant source (soybeans), but it's often processed with chemicals that may not be safe for consumption.

Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy vegan and keto-friendly protein powders that taste good enough to drink straight from a glass without any added flavorings or sweeteners. They're also free of additives like artificial colors or preservatives, so they're perfect if you're looking for a quality product that goes beyond basic nutrition facts and offers something extra in terms of taste and texture.

But there are so many different brands, types, and flavors out there that it can be tough to tell which one is worth your money.

Here are eight things to look for when choosing a protein powder:

1. Protein Content - This is obviously the most important factor when considering a protein powder. If you're looking for something plant-based, opt for hemp or pea protein as these contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. Check out the nutrition label before purchasing a product so you know exactly what you're getting with each serving size and how many calories and fat grams are in each serving size (typically one scoop).You want at least 20 grams of protein per serving, with 40 grams being ideal. Protein content will vary between brands, so make sure you're comparing apples to apples when comparing different protein powders.

2. Carbs - The lower the better, as you're not trying to bulk up here; you just want enough carbs to help with recovery after workouts. That said, if you're going for a specific flavor (like chocolate) then higher carb counts may be acceptable because they tend to taste better than those with lower carb counts.

3. Fiber - Fiber is good for digestion and can help keep you full longer after your workout meal or snack if your diet isn't already high in fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try looking for powders with at least 1 gram of fiber per serving or more if possible!

4. Simple ingredients list - No artificial flavors or colors! Make sure there aren't any added sweeteners or fillers in your favorite brand of protein powder either — just pure high-quality whey or plant-based protein sources and natural flavors if desired (which is fine!). You don't want to feel like you're eating candy every time you use it!

5. Calories - Some people prefer more calories in their shakes while others want fewer calories so they can still lose weight while gaining muscle mass and strength. If you want fewer calories, choose from a whey isolate or hydrolyzed whey protein powder that has been broken down into even smaller particles for easier digestion but still has plenty of amino acids after it's been broken down into smaller pieces. Hydrolyzed whey is also easier on your stomach than regular whey protein powder since it's already broken down into small particles so there's no need for your body to break them down further before absorbing them.