Men, Meet Your Protein Goals With Our Favorite Protein Powders

One serving of BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides provides 18 grams of protein in a flavorless powder that mixes well into liquid, smoothies, and baked goods. Collagen peptides are not complete proteins, and this product only provides eight of the nine essential amino acids — although this is not necessarily an issue, as long as you are consuming other sources of protein throughout the day.

Collagen is a key protein that helps maintain the structure and strength of our bones, skin, joints, and other connective tissues. Many people take supplemental collagen to support healthy joints, but it can also be used as a protein source that has very little taste. To improve absorption, collagen is often processed into peptides — shorter chains of amino acids that are easier for the body to digest and utilize.

We love that BUBS is NSF Certified for Sport, too. That means it’s been third party–tested for quality and banned substances. It’s also free from gluten, nuts, soy, and dairy.

Generally, protein powders on their own shouldn’t take the place of a meal or even a snack. It’s best to think of conventional protein powders as something that you add to your diet to increase protein. However, some protein powders can function as (small) meal replacements, and Ka’Chava is one of them.

One serving is 240 calories, which may not be enough to replace an entire meal (especially if you want to bulk up), but it could stand in as a snack or a way to add calories to a lighter meal. In addition to a super greens and vegetable blend, Ka’Chava includes a blend of adaptogenic ingredients (herbs that can help you better adapt to stress), prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes to support digestion. We love that it’s third-party tested by ConsumerLab.com, an independent testing company that evaluates the quality of consumer products. Ka’Chava is the most expensive protein powder on our list, but you could stretch the amount of servings per bag by cutting the serving size in half.

For a high-quality protein powder that won’t break the bank, NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate delivers. Each serving packs 25 g of fast-absorbing whey protein isolate with minimal ingredients — no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. It’s also Informed Sport certified, meaning it’s been tested for banned substances, making it a trustworthy pick for anyone who wants a simple, reliable protein powder on a budget.

To ensure its quality and safety, Thorne Whey Protein Isolate is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it’s free of more than 200 substances banned by major athletic organizations. It comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors. One thing to note for individuals with sensitive digestive tracts is that this protein powder does contain gums, “flavors,” and rebaudioside A (a noncaloric sweetener from the stevia plant), which might cause digestive upset in some individuals.

Additionally, the flavored options are made with “natural flavors,” and though these are recognized as safe, natural flavors is a general term for processed additives, making it hard to know exactly what’s included. The Nuzest website says that every batch of Clean Lean Protein is tested for levels of yeast and mold, and that its products are tested for pesticides and heavy metals.

When people think of hemp, they don’t usually think of protein powder, but hemp protein is a complete protein option that’s vegan-friendly and full of nutrients. One serving of Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein contains 15 grams of protein sourced from cold-pressed organic hemp seeds. For men following a vegan diet, it can be challenging to find a protein powder that only has one ingredient and provides all of the essential amino acids — Nutiva fits the bill.

Four Sigmatic is known for its mushroom and adaptogen blends designed to support a healthier lifestyle.

Unlike other protein powders that rely on natural flavors, Four Sigmatic uses real ingredients, such as vanilla powder, cacao powder, and peanuts, to create its different flavor options. Using both coconut sugar and monk fruit, one serving only contains 2 grams of added sugar. We find that it blends well in smoothies and oatmeal, but it can be a bit thick when simply mixed with water.

The Four Sigmatic website states that its products are third-party tested for heavy metals, mycotoxins, mold, yeast, and pesticides.

Best enjoyed in a smoothie or mixed with water or milk, this protein powder can also be added to baked goods to boost the protein content of your favorite muffin or pancake recipe. Although this particular protein powder isn’t lactose-free, Simply Tera’s also has a lactose-free protein powder line for those who prefer whey protein but need a lactose-free option.

Flavored protein powders may be tastier than their unflavored counterparts, but too often they are full of artificial sweeteners and natural flavors, which can cause annoying digestive symptoms. This chocolate-flavored protein powder offers a high-quality option for men looking for a delicious, effective post-workout nutrition. Raw cacao and organic coconut sugar provide a lightly sweet flavor without artificial additives.

Each serving delivers 25 grams of protein and 6 grams of BCAAs to help support muscle growth and recovery. ProMix emphasizes ingredient transparency and purity, and it manufactures its protein powder in certified gluten-free and peanut-free facilities. ProMix also lists its third-party lab testing results on its website. Though this protein powder can be consumed any time of day, the rich chocolate flavor makes it a great option for guys who enjoy something sweet after a meal. Mix it with your favorite milk or stir it into plain yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed treat.

Of note, one serving does contain 4 g of added sugar, which is equivalent to roughly one packet of sugar. This is by no means a lot of sugar, but if you don’t like added sugars in your supplements, this powder is not for you.

If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills protein powder, Klean Athlete Klean Isolate is a standout. With 20 grams of high-quality whey protein isolate per serving and no artificial flavors or sweeteners, this unflavored powder is all about simplicity and performance. It’s NSF Certified for Sport, something competitive athletes and everyday lifters alike can appreciate.