Protein powders are the talk of the town, especially if you love to exercise. But do you need them? Let’s explore.
First things first, protein is essential for our body to function correctly. It supports healthy muscle function, growth, bone density, blood sugar stability, and digestion. The average person needs around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, but recent research suggests that having more (around 1.3 to 1.6 grams per kilogram) can be beneficial.
Most Americans have no trouble meeting their daily protein needs. A three-ounce portion of meat contains about 21 grams of protein, which is more than half of the daily needs of an average person. Plus, plenty of non-meat foods pack protein.
That being said, protein powders and shakes are convenient sources of protein. They are shelf-stable, meaning they last longer and can be easier to incorporate into your diet. But, we always recommend a food-first approach.
As editors at Eating Well, we took on the challenge of blind taste-testing 24 different protein powders and shakes. We split them into categories based on flavor and type and tasted them blindly to avoid bias. All the products we tried met our nutritional requirements, meaning they were low in calories, sodium, and had at least 15 grams of protein without any added sugar.
After the blind taste test, the Fairlife Core Power protein shakes were the clear winner. They had excellent consistency and tasted like milk and chocolate milk, respectively. The Quest Nutrition vanilla-flavored protein shakes were a close second, with their thick and creamy texture that reminded some of us of a melted vanilla milkshake.
For chocolate lovers, the Premier Protein chocolate shake was the winner. It tasted like chocolate milk but with over three times the same amount of protein.
If you prefer a vanilla flavor, the Dymatize iso 100 Gourmet vanilla dairy-based protein powder was a hit. Essential Elements Very Vanilla protein powder, which derives its protein from plant-based whole food sources like peas, brown rice, and pumpkin seeds, was the winner for plant-based options. It dissolves quickly and has a pleasant taste.
In conclusion, protein powders and shakes aren’t necessary, but they can be a convenient way to supplement your diet with protein, especially if you’re active. Remember to prioritize whole foods first, and if you choose to use protein powders or shakes, our blind taste test favorites are an excellent place to start.
Now, for a short story. I once decided to try a new protein powder recommended by a friend. I made a smoothie, took a big gulp, and immediately regretted it. The powder clumped at the bottom, and the taste was almost unbearable. From then on, I learned the importance of not just relying on recommendations and instead trying out different brands before sticking with one. And thankfully, our Eating Well blind taste test has done just that for you.
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Summary of Transcript:
The video explains what protein powder is and its purpose in meeting daily protein needs. It also discusses the recommended daily protein intake and how it can be obtained from different sources. While it’s recommended to have a food-first approach, protein powders can be convenient and last a long time. A blind taste test of 24 protein powders and shakes was conducted, and the video provides the top five favorites based on taste and nutrition. The products were categorized based on flavor and whether they were pre-made shakes or powders. Most products included artificial sweeteners, but the recommended ones had a relatively subtle sweetness. The top five products included Fairlife’s Core Power protein shakes, Quest Nutrition vanilla flavored protein shakes, Premier Protein chocolate shakes, Dymatize iso 100 Gourmet vanilla protein powder, and Essential Elements very vanilla plant-based protein powder.
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Summary of Description:
The article discusses the importance of protein as an essential macronutrient, its role in various body functions, and using protein powder to fulfill the protein requirement. The article also includes information on the amount of protein needed daily and whether to use protein powder. An EatingWell registered dietitian suggests several protein supplements, including Fairlife Core Power, Quest, Premier Protein, ISO100, and Plant-Based Essential Elements Protein Powder.
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Source Description
Protein is an essential macronutrient that we all need for a healthy body. It plays a role in many body functions, like supporting bone health, balancing blood sugars, and helping with muscle growth, to name a few. Many people turn to protein powder to get what they need, so we turned to a dietitian to find the best protein supplements.
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Read the article at: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7964007/best-protein-shakes-protein-powders/
00:23 How Much Protein Do You Need In a Day
1:30 Should You Use Protein Powder
2:28 Fairlife Core Power
2:55 Quest
3:16 Premier Protein
3:29 ISO100
3:49 Plant-Based Essential Elements Protein Powder
An EatingWell registered dietitian answers the internet’s burning questions about the hottest topics in nutrition, diet, and health.
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The Best Protein Shakes and Protein Powders | Dietitian Q&A | EatingWell
