So, what really is the best protein powder to buy to build muscle in 2024?
Ok, so you’ve already decided that you need a protein powder, that’s why you’re here. Maybe you’re looking to gain more muscle, help recover faster, increase your daily protein intake or even drop a few kilos. What’s clear is that using protein powder has many benefits depending on your fitness and health goals. Research tells us that having protein before and after workouts has a significant effect on increasing muscle growth (1). Further, clinical trials concluded that consuming 56 grams of whey protein a day resulted in body weight and fat loss of up to 2.3kg (2).
Now, so we’re clear, protein powder can be derived from many natural sources. Some of these include whey, soy, pea, rice and egg. But in the interest of results and actual studies, our review compares whey protein, which is by far the most popular, most consumed and most researched around the world. However, if you are interested in learning more about these protein we have listed them at the bottom of the list article.
I hear what you’re saying, how on earth, with so many whey protein powder formulas available, how do you sort the good from the bad.. Well, you ask experts.
The results of this protein powder review reveals how these popular whey protein powders measured up against each other and which whey protein powder has the muscle building nutritionals to deliver you the best results this in 2024.
For the record we compared 100% whey protein only formulas, and did not include mass gainer protein, or basic whey concentrate only formulas.
Want the results? Want to know what we looked for? Our top 7 best protein powder review considered overall nutritional information, formulation, type and specification of active ingredients, clinical studies, price and the manufacturer’s company of origin. Our Protein Review Insider experts found that each formula has distinct advantages and disadvantages when comparing the optimum balance of protein powder with the goal of this review to help Australians make an informed and reasonable opinion on what is the best protein powder.
So, lets get to it. We rank and expert review 7 of the best protein powders for the best muscle gains and recovery in Australia in 2024. Read on to uncover the best, latest and most popular whey protein powders to buy.
Top 7 Best Protein Powders in Australia in 2024
THE ROAD TEST RESULTS
1. UPROTEIN 100% WHEY Hydro with Enzymes Review
Is Uprotein 100% Whey Protein Hydro with Enzymes the best protein powder whey supplement to build muscle review?
✔ PROS : A clear standout formula that is powerful and exceptionally great value. Using three premium whey protein sources (hydrolysed, isolate and concentrate), plus two plant based digestive enzymes are a welcome bonus particularly for those with digestive issues and sensitivity to whey protein. The flavour taste are quite exceptional and set a high standard in taste compared to other proteins listed, especially with balanced sweetness levels.
✖ CONS: Can only buy online at www.uprotein.com.au which won’t be for those who like traditional supplements stores or retail shopping. The secure payment is easy on a mobile with Visa and Mastercard but no Paypal option.
Protein: 80% | Carbs: 5.4% | Fat: 3.8%
BCAA: 6.8g | L-Leucine: 3.4g | L-Glutamine: 5.3g
Serving size: 40g | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: A top 100% Whey Protein powder and awarded ProductReview.com.au Protein Retailer of the year 4 years in row (2024-2021)
You will be hard pressed to find a better value premium formula from any retailer or online store in Australia. If you want a top whey protein powder, that tastes great and at a bargain online price, give this one a try.
Expert Tip: Make sure you check their sale page www.uprotein.com.au/sale/ as they often have good deals.
COMPANY ORIGIN: AUSTRALIA
2. Optimum Nutrition Whey Gold Standard Review
Is Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Whey the best protein powder whey supplement to build review?
✔ PROS : A best seller for a reason. Packed with desirable whey isolate proteins and available in a massive range of flavours, this classic high protein 100% whey is still holding on to its popularity, although double chocolate seems to be the most popular.
✖ CONS: This formula is starting to get tired and a bit underpowered by comparison. Could do with some hydrolyzed whey isolates, more focus on digestive nutritive uptake as well as much sharper pricing due to import, distribution and large retailer markups.
Protein: 77% | Carbs: 12.9% | Fat: 4.8%
BCAA: 5.5g | L-Leucine: 2.5g | L-Glutamine: 3.9g
Serving size: 30g | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: Still one of the best everyday whey protein powders available. However, with significant advances in whey protein powder science in recent years, this formula is dated with competitors offering significantly better formulas at significantly better prices.
Expert Tip: Be sure to call your favourite store first as some retailers have limited flavour options.
COMPANY ORIGIN: UNITED STATES
3. MuscleTech NitroTech Whey Gold Protein Powder Review
Is MuscleTech Nitro-Tech 100% Whey Gold the best protein powder whey supplement to build muscle review?
✔ PROS : A higher end formula from a global superstar brand. Added peptides, plus microfiltration process means a higher quality protein than the cheap WPC products.
✖ CONS: Protein levels are on the lower side of ideal (72%) and the formula contains no extras to enhance digestion. Higher fat wont be for everyone and the price is on the higher end of the scale.
Protein: 72% | Carbs: 6.1% | Fat: 6.1%
BCAA: 5.5g | L-Leucine: 2.0g | L-Glutamine: 4g
Serving size: 33g | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: A great looking product, with mid level nutritional credentials. If you are a muscletech loyalist then you will enjoy this formula, but if you are looking for the best whey protein formula … keep looking, there are better ones out there.
COMPANY ORIGIN: UNITED STATES
4. BPI Sports Best Protein Whey HD Review
Is BPI Whey HD the best protein powder whey supplement to build muscle review?
✔ PROS : A trusted brand that is making a lot of noise around quality manufacturing and taste with their ChromaDex verification system. A questionable formula due to the choice of proteins used but the super low sugar is nice.
✖ CONS: At 68% protein, clearly the focus was more on delicious flavours and less on protein formulation. The inclusion of Milk Protein (considered lower grade protein source) is likely to upset those thinking this is a 100% Whey protein powder.
Protein: 68% | Carbs: 11% | Fat: 9%
BCAA: 5g | Leucine: Not disclosed | Glutamine: Not disclosed
Serving size: 37g | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: Whey HD by name but not by nature. A great tasting semi-whey protein powder, but at the end of the day, it’s the nutritionals that matter and this formula could do with a step up. For the price, you can buy a better value, better tasting 100% whey protein.
COMPANY ORIGIN: UNITED STATES
5. Dymatise Nutrition Elite Whey Protein Powder
Is Dymatize Nutrition Elite Whey the best protein powder whey supplement to build muscle review?
✔ PROS : An OK formula utilising both whey isolates and concentrate proteins along with added digestive enzymes. No added sugar or fructose is great and with large selection of flavours you wont get bored.
✖ CONS: For a 100% whey sourced protein, protein levels are quite low at only 69%. No added digestive enzyme and while the use of stevia works well, its contradicted by artificial flavor.
Protein: 69% | Carbs: 8% | Fat: 7%
BCAA: 5.5g | Leucine: 2.7g | Glutamine: 4g
Serving size: 36g | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: An older style formula using some classic ingredients. The inclusion of some Hydrolyzed whey protein would help step it up a level. Aim for a formula with closer to 80% protein to get maximum bang for your buck.
COMPANY ORIGIN: UNITED STATES
6. Maxs Pro Series Super Whey Protein Powder
Is Maxs Super Whey the best protein powder whey supplement to build muscle review?
✔ PROS : A great combination of three premium whey sources including hydrolyzed. Also uses enzymatically treatment, considered an ideal refinement method. The added glutamine boost the quality of this protein even further and is a solid formula.
✖ CONS: While carbs are not always the enemy, at 15% its starting to get a little high. While the formula has been updated to remove cost it misses the mark with no digestive enzymes and lower protein level at 72%.
Protein: 72% | Carbs: 15% | Fat: 3.1%
BCAA: 5.0g | Leucine: 2.1g | Glutamine: 4.2g
Serving size: 30g | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: A solid formula packed with everything you would want from a whey protein powder, but unfortunately you’re paying a higher price for carbohydrates. Glutamine levels are impressive but there feature packed formulas like this at much better value prices.
COMPANY ORIGIN: AUSTRALIA
7. Musashi 100% Whey Protein Powder Review
Is Musashi Recover Whey the best protein powder whey supplement to build muscle review?
✔ PROS : After many repeated attempts at a true whey formulation, Musashi have squeezed every last gram of protein and delivered a somewhat moderate and improved formula. The added digestive enzymes are a good idea to boost the credentials and the taste is average when compared to other brands.
✖ CONS: Relying on a basic Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Isolate only formula could mean missing out on some advanced ingredients including hydrolysed protein and higher amino acid levels. Considering it uses WPC & WPI this formula is pretty pricey for what you actually get.
Protein: 74% | Carbs: 7.3% | Fat: 6.4%
BCAA: 5.3g | Leucine: 2.5g | Glutamine: 4.1g
Serving size: 33g | Price: $$$$
Value: ⭐⭐⭐
▶ VERDICT: This formula is a fair way off the leaders in the best whey protein powder review category. A fairly basic and simple formulation with mixibility and clumping issues. Spend your money elsewhere.
COMPANY ORIGIN: NEW ZEALAND
Now you are armed with key information on our selection for the best protein powders to buy in Australia. When considering which product is right for you, keep in mind different training goals, budgets, dietary restrictions and priorities. This review is intended to help you make an informed decision on what might be the best whey protein powder in Australia so you can shop online or in-store with confidence. If you are looking to increase you protein intake further checkout our top 20 high protein food article, with some great ideas to keep your metabolism firing and muscles growing.
Top 7 Best Protein Powders in Australia 2024
| Product | Price | Protein % | Carbs % | Fats | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPROTEIN 100% WHEY Hydro with Enzymes | $ | 80% | 5.4% | 3.8% | 3 Whey Sources, inc Hydrolysed + Enzymes, Best Value |
| Dymatise Elite 100% Whey Protein Powder | $$ | 69% | 8% | 7% | Digestive Enzymes, Classic Formula, Artificial Flavours |
| MuscleTech NitroTech Gold Whey Protein Powder | $$$ | 72% | 6% | 6% | Added Peptides, Micro filtration, Low Protein, Expensive |
| BPI Sport Whey HD | $$$ | 68% | 11% | 9% | Low Fat, Only Semi-Whey, Good Taste, Higher Carb & Fat |
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey | $$$ | 77% | 7.7% | 3% | 2 Whey Sources, Classic Formula, Pricey |
| Max's Pro Series Super Whey Protein Powder | $$ | 72% | 15% | 3% | 3 Whey Sources, inc Hydrolysed, High Carbs |
| Musashi 100% Whey Protein Powder | $$ | 74% | 7% | 6% | WPC & WPI Only, no Hydrolysed Whey, Expensive |
Which protein powder is best for for you?
As already mentioned protein powder can be made from many natural foods we already consume. However we think its important with your decision making process to be aware of alternative options if whey protein is not suitable for you.
Soy Protein
For those who are lactose intolerant or even vegan, getting higher levels of quality protein can be a challenge. Soy protein (made from soybeans) could be worthy alternative as it contains all the necessary essential amino acids required by the body including vitamin B12 and can lead to improved diet and health in several areas (3). However, some studies have shown it’s not as effective as whey, but if this is not your goal it could be a worthy contender. It’s also worth noting soy protein can be quite chalky and mix-ability is not as smooth as other types of powders.
Pea Protein
A popular plant based protein on the rise. Pea Protein is an ideal choice for those who struggle to digest dairy proteins or struggle with fodmap based foods. Extracted from peas and milled into a fine powder this complete protein may not be to everyone’s taste. Recent studies (4) are now showing the power of the pea with comparable gains in muscle growth when compared to whey.
Rice Protein
Another plant based protein that is mainly carbohydrates. However, rice protein it is not a complete protein and doesn’t include all 9 essential amino acids like whey does, so it has to be blended other plant proteins for a more balanced nutritional profile. Preliminary studies (6) have shown rice protein can help with weight loss and increase lean muscle mass comparable to whey and is great alternative for anyone with a fodmap sensitivity or who is allergic to soy or dairy.
Egg Protein
Egg protein powder is a strong source of protein with a high biological value. Most bodybuilders used egg protein powder in the 80’s and 90’s because of it’s ability to support muscle growth (5). Being lactose-free and containing low amounts of carbohydrates it’s also a lean source of protein. Ensure your buy products derived from free-range hens. Warning: Egg protein is definitely an acquired taste and not for the weak hearted. Aside from foaming considerable when mixed the smell and taste is quite off-putting.
* The following best protein powder review has been compiled from information on pack and manufacturer/retail websites. No responsibility is taken for errors, omissions, changes or inaccuracies.
