Are you struggling to decide whether or not you need a Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Casein Protein, Vegan or Beef? Well...a little known secret is some companies are awesome and give you blends that benefit you on so many levels!
A protein blend can be awesome in that it combines various types of protein that can help with multi-stage digestion and absorption. Depending on how much protein you consume and when, can determine what kind of protein you want.
For example, if you consumer 50g protein post-workout, your body may not be able to break down the proteins into amino acids in a timely manner to absorb them all and make use of them - thus wasting some of this essential protein.
In these cases, a protein blend can be beneficial. You can get a protein that is fast digesting to take care of the quick void you need to fill, but then also combine it with a slower digesting protein that will feed you throughout the day.
As the author of this ranking guide, I actually prefer a quality blend over a straight protein source. These are the five best protein blends on the market today!
The following products on our best protein powder blends rankings list were used by the author of this article.
He used each of these top rated protein powders through the duration of a full container. Sample packs were not used in determining the rankings.
Stop relying on faulty information that is influenced by outside writers and money. This protein powder list is the real deal. Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong.
Be Informed. Live Fit.
A Comparison of The Top 5 Protein Blends
OUR #1 RATED |
|---|
 Olympus Labs Superior Protein Our Top Pick For:
9.0 out of 10 in the Protein Blends Category |
OUR #2 RATED |
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 Sparta Nutrition Spartan Whey Our Top Pick For:
8.9 out of 10 in the Protein Blends Category |
OUR #3 RATED |
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 NutraKey TRU PRE Our Top Pick For:
8.8 out of 10 in the Protein Blends Category |
OUR #4 RATED |
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 MTS Nutrition Machine Whey Our Top Pick For:
8.7 out of 10 in the Protein Blends Category |
OUR #5 RATED |
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 NutraKey Whey Optima Our Top Pick For:
8.0 out of 10 in the Protein Blends Category |
PRODUCT | DETAILS | OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Olympus Labs Superior Protein Save 10% with code INFORMANT | Our Top Pick For:
Highlights:
|  Our #1 Rated 9.0 out of 10 in the Protein Blends Category |
Sparta Nutrition | Our Top Pick For:
Highlights:
| Our #2 Rated 8.9 out of 10 in the Protein Blends Category |
RedCon1 MRE Lite Save 10% with code INFORMANT | Our Top Pick For:
Highlights:
| Our #3 Rated 8.8 out of 10 in the Protein Blends Category |
MTS Nutrition Machine Whey | Our Top Pick For:
Highlights:
| Our #4 Rated 8.7 out of 10 in the Protein Blends Category |
NutraKey Whey Optima | Our Top Pick For:
Highlights:
| Our #5 Rated 8.0 out of 10 in the Protein Blends Category |
Protein Powder Blends: Our Rankings
Now the moment you’ve all been waiting for, here’s who topped our list of our top rated protein powder blends:
#1 Olympus Labs Superior Protein
9.0 out of 10
Save 10% using code INFORMANT
The Highlights:
Sometimes when there is a lot of hype around a new product it is all fluff. There is no fluff with Olympus Labs Superior Protein. This stuff is legit awesome.
Superior Protein uses two protein sources. It has Casein Protein which is the slowest digestion protein from dairy. This is typically what we would take before bed. This serves a great purpose post-workout and even throughout the day as it feeds our body over time. It also uses Whey Protein Concentrate. This protein is ideal post-workout as it is absorbed much quicker and put to use. This is my preferred protein blend.
Olympus Labs also includes Velisitol and DigeZyme. DigeZyme works to break down the proteins into their simpler form of amino acids and Velisitol comes in to help our body absorb it and put it to us speeding up muscle protein synthesis. A solid formula!
Lastly, these proteins taste amazing! They use actual cereal pieces, which we can debate about, but it adds to the consumer experience. These are some of the best tasting protein powders on the market today that also happen to kick ass in quality.
Who Makes It?
Olympus Labs might be one of the most innovative companies in this space. If you look at their line they don't shy away from unique ingredients. Even with this protein line, they are adding in ingredients that we've seen, but typically not together. OL is making a charge in the sports nutrition space and I fully expect them to keep growing.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 13.7g Casein Protein – slow digesting protein - feeds body over time
- 13.7g Whey Protein Concentrate – 80% quality, the highest WPC on the market for faster digestion and absorption
- 2g Velisitol – speeds up muscle protein synthesis by absorbing amino acids quicker
- 100mg DigeZyme - digestive enzyme complex to breakdown the protein quicker
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for an effective whey protein blend, you won't find any better than this. The use of casein with whey, and the add of DigeZyme and Velisitol makes it top notch. The actual pieces of cereal could be a bigger deal if it really impacted this - but it adds to the experience and makes this our #1 rated protein blend.
Save 10% using code INFORMANT
#2 Sparta Nutrition Spartan Whey
8.9 out of 10
The Highlights:
Sparta Nutrition Spartan Whey was one of the first proteins to feature a tri-blend that was fully disclosed. They didn't want to hide anything so they gave us three high quality protein sources to make it one of the best proteins available today.
We get 25g of total protein from Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate and Casein protein. This is a multi-stage digestion story. We get the fast absorption of WPI, then a big slower with WPC and then finally the longstanding feed from Casein. On top of that, they give us AstraGin to help with absorption.
The flavors are great too! Their Loopy Fruits flavor is one of my all-time favorite. The only thing keeping it from #1 is the nod on taste overall across the line was given to the #1 rated - but Spartan Whey is right there.
Who Makes It?
Sparta Nutrition is a brand that you will hear and see a lot of into the future. They have a beautiful re-brand as of 2018 with quality products to go with it. They are one of our favorites in terms of brands in this space.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 13.2g Whey Protein Isolate – highest quality, fastest absorbing protein
- 13.1g Whey Protein Concentrate – high quality 80% WPC that breaks down slightly slower than WPI
- 3g Casein – the slowest digesting protein to prolong our body feed
- 25mg AstraGin – helps with absorption
Bottom Line:
Spartan Whey could easily be #1 on many people's list - in fact it was on ours until it got bumped by flavors from the #1 company. In terms of quality, this is going to be topnotch no matter what. They cared about the consumer and put in three great protein sources making this a must-have for protein lovers.
#3 RedCon1 MRE Lite
8.8 out of 10
Save 10% using code INFORMANT
The Highlights:
Looking for a non-whey protein that is super awesome?! MRE Lite from RedCon1 uses protein sources not seen very often. There is 24g of protein from beef, chicken, salmon, egg, pea and brown rice protein - along with the addition of MCT Oil. This is still technically a blend since it is using all these different sources.
RedCon1 MRE series has been one of the most popular lines released in this space in a very long time due to the uniqueness of it. Many people have issues with whey, or grow tired of it, and even though studies say it is superior, sometimes it is nice to change it up with other animal and non-animal based protein.
Yes, this still tastes good. If you've had their #1 rated MRE Bar you know that they can make this protein taste good. The same can be said with this powder. The flavors are solid and well done.
Who Makes It?
RedCon1 has just blown up in this industry with great branding, pricing and quality products. Their MRE line is part of the reason for their success. You can expect to get good products and solid prices with RedCon1. Aaron Singerman and team understand how to build a brand, and quality products that go with it.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 24g Protein - from beef, salmon, chicken, egg, pea and brown rice
- MCT Oil - added fats to help with calories since this is technically a meal replacement/protein shake
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a non-whey protein, even if you don't care about blends, MRE Lite fro RedCon1 won't be too calorie rich so you can use it as your protein powder. The flavors are great, it mixes well and keeps you fuller longer. On the fence? Don't be, give it a try.
Save 10% using code INFORMANT
#4 MTS Nutrition Machine Whey
8.7 out of 10
The Highlights:
Machine Whey from MTS Nutrition is one of the longest standing protein brands that has withstood the test of time by expanding flavors and just being a solid-ass protein powder featuring whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. WPI is the fastest absorbing protein and WPC is a big slower making this ideal post-workout.
By having 15 different flavors, MTS Nutrition Machine Whey is the one protein blend that you are sure to find a flavor you like and they are all spectacular! Marc Lobliner and his team might have the best flavoring house in the world to be able to keep producing high quality proteins that taste great.
Who Makes It?
MTS Nutrition is owned by the outspoken Marc Lobliner (friend of FI). Marc has been around the block in this business. He started SciVation and is the CMO at TigerFitness.com. He understands product quality and what the consumer wants. MTS Nutrition has some of the best products on the planet.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 25g Protein - from whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate
- 3-4g Fat - depends on the flavor
- 3-5g Carbs - depends on the flavor
Bottom Line:
I really love MTS Nutrition Machine Whey, especially when I want to try a flavor that doesn't exist elsewhere (Mint Cookies & Cream anyone?!) MTS creates amazing tasting flavors and high quality protein powders that are a staple for many of those who use a protein blend. If you have never had Machine Whey - change that right now!
#5 NutraKey Whey Optima
8.0 out of 10
The Highlights:
It seems like every list we make here at FI, NutraKey finds itself on there with one of their products. NutraKey Whey Optima is a great protein blend featuring three high quality protein sources. It has 23g protein from Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Hydrolysate. Together these make for an ultimate post-workout shake.
NutraKey has a name for quality, but they also have some really outstanding flavors. They have four awesome flavors that taste great and all feature the high quality protein.
Who Makes It?
NutraKey has been and will always be one of our favorite brands. They have commitment to quality that is ideal for a consumer. They have branched out into the hardcore market under a new brand name, but their NutraKey brand still makes dependable supplements you can count on.
What's In It?
One serving contains:
- 23g Protein – from Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Hydrolysate
- 2g Fat - very limited fat
- 3g Carbs - macro friendly
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for the "safe" bet, you can put your money into NutraKey and Whey Optima. They have solid flavors that are attractive to anyone and the quality to back it up.
Does Protein Source Matter in a Blend?
Protein sources included in a blend really matter! It is also great to see the ratio of the blend as well. Many companies will start their blends with Whey Protein Concentrate (which can be as low as 34% protein). Then they may follow it up with Whey Protein Isolate. On paper that looks good, but really they may be using cheap protein to fill the majority of the serving size, with very little high quality protein.
When you look at the label, you want to look for call outs like WPC80 – this means that this whey protein concentrate is 80%. This is a quality WPC. If the label starts with Whey Protein Isolate then you know it is using the 90% quality protein first followed by others.
So yes, the type of protein matters in a blend because if low quality protein is used first, it can be an ineffective blend that is a big waste of money.
Ideally, you want your blend to start with Whey Protein Isolate or Whey Protein Concentrate 80 (Hydrolysate is great too). Make sure you hold your brands accountable and only put your money toward quality protein blends, like the ones you will find on this list.
This completes our top rated protein powder blends. The products listed above earned the right to be in the top 5 category.
Stay tuned to Fitness Informant throughout the year for updates as new products are tested and reviewed. Thoughts? Comment below!
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