Fitness Enthusiasts Tell Us Their Top 6 Protein Brands

Before we jump into what's the best protein powder brand and what our recommendations are, there are some fundamental things to cover. Proteins are usually consumed to cover up for a deficit in a person's nutritional diet; they help build muscle —this doesn't mean if you have protein supplements, you'll automatically become a muscular person. Instead, it means when your muscles recover after a workout, they require protein to heal better.

There are three major types or forms of protein: 

Whey Protein: Derived from milk, Whey is considered a complete protein because it contains all 9 essential amino acids the body needs. Compared to Casein protein, it's a faster-digesting and absorbing protein supplement and one of the most popular. 

Casein Protein: Casein protein is also derived from cow's milk. You can find this in everyday foods like cheese and yogurt as well. It takes more time to digest, so it also reduces one's appetite.

Plant-Based Protein: Vegans, it's not like you don't have any choice. Plant-based proteins, as the name suggests, are derived from plants. Usually, this means from soya, pulses (e.g. chickpeas), tofu, etc.

Established in 1935, GNC is an international brand that not only sells different types of proteins — Whey, Casein and plant-based but also has a wide variety of products that help in the overall health of the body. We're talking supplements for weight gain, beauty and skin care, performance (pre-workouts) and so much more. They're a super trusted brand and all the people we talked to recommended this one.

Price: Starting at INR 150 (35gms) and INR 3,499 (3Kgs)

Optimum Nutrition website is amazing, for something as complicated as protein supplements and it's many many key factors to consider before buying one, they've made it pretty simple. They offer protein powders, weight gain supplements, and products for advanced fitness and energy levels. If you don’t know what to get, just head to their shop by goal section where you get products segregated in categories like before training, during training, recovery and even advice. 

Price: Starting at INR 1,949 (500gms)

MuscleTech promises uncompromised quality of all their products. Apart from pre, intra and post-workout proteins you'll also find a range of other products that help in muscle building, weight loss, mass gain, and to regulate testosterone production. From the usual division of products on their website they also have a product quiz that helps you decide which of their products is best for you.

Price: Starting at INR 2,199 (500gms)

Protein powders have a bad reputation in the market for the reason that there are a lot of duplicates, and poor quality protein is obviously going to do more harm than good. This is why we trust MyProtein, since this brand doesn’t sell anywhere except their website so there is no chance of duplicity. They have protein powders, vitamins, vegan options, protein-rich snacks and peanut butters, training accessories, and more.

Price: Starting at INR 699 (250gms) 

Gain, shred, build, strengthen — whatever your fitness goal is, there is a product to help you reach that goal here. They've been in the industry for over 25 years and claim to get the best of the best on the market. As stated on their website, "That means no banned substances. No unnecessary ingredients. And no mislabeling." You'll also find a section dedicated to recipes that include protein cookies and caramel mocha protein doughnuts, yum.

Price: INR 10,999 for 2.5 Kgs

Given the importance of good quality protein, you can quickly authenticate MuscleBalze protein on their website if there's any doubt. While on most websites products are categorically differentiated by a goal, here you can find a guide according to the level of fitness (beginner, intermediate and advanced) which is always helpful and makes things crystal clear. Apart from protein powders, you can find fit foods such as peanut butter, bars, muesli, and more.

Price: Starting at INR 1,669 (498gms)