WikiCompare live prices on protein across Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, AliExpress, and curated Awin partner merchants. Whey isolate (Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, Dymatize ISO100) has the highest protein per scoop with minimal carbs/fat — best for post-workout. Whey concentrate is cheaper but has more lactose. Casein digests slowly — good before bed. Plant protein: pea + rice blends (Vega, Garden of Life) match whey's amino profile. Most people need 0.7-1g protein per pound of bodyweight if lifting; powders fill the gap when food is hard. Avoid meal-replacement shakes with kitchen-sink ingredient lists — simpler is usually higher quality. Click any card to open the seller's product page; we earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions about protein
Whey vs plant protein — which is better?
Whey isolate: highest protein per scoop, fastest digesting, complete amino acid profile, best for post-workout. Whey concentrate: cheaper, slightly less protein per scoop. Plant blends (pea + rice — Vega, Garden of Life): match whey's amino profile, work for lactose-intolerant or vegan. Casein: slow-digesting, good before bed. For most people, whey isolate is the default best choice.
How much protein do I need daily?
Sedentary adults: 0.6-0.8g per pound bodyweight. Active people: 0.8-1.0g/lb. Strength training: 1.0-1.2g/lb. Cutting/weight loss: 1.0-1.4g/lb to preserve muscle. Spread across 3-5 meals (~30-50g per meal). Most adults can hit their target through food alone; powders fill the gap when food is hard to access.
Should I take creatine?
Yes if you lift weights — creatine monohydrate is the most-studied performance supplement, increases strength 5-10% and lean mass 2-4% over 3 months. Dose: 5g daily, anytime, with or without food. Loading phase is unnecessary. Buy plain creatine monohydrate (Optimum Nutrition, NOW Sports) — flavored variants are overpriced. Safe for long-term use.
What's the best pre-workout?
Caffeine (200-300mg) is the only ingredient with consistent evidence. Beta-alanine (3-5g) helps with endurance but causes tingling. Citrulline (6-8g) helps muscle pump. Skip 'proprietary blends' — they hide underdosing. Cheap option: black coffee. Branded picks: Legion Pulse (clinically dosed), Transparent Labs Bulk.
When should I drink protein shakes?
The 'anabolic window' is wider than once thought (2-3 hours post-workout). Convenient times: morning (high overnight protein deficit), post-workout (muscle protein synthesis), between meals (snack replacement). Drinking 4 shakes a day is unnecessary if you're hitting protein from food — supplements work best as gap-fillers, not meal replacements.
Are mass gainers worth buying?
Only if you genuinely can't eat enough calories for weight gain (hard-gainer ectomorphs, athletes with extreme caloric needs). Most mass gainers are just protein powder + maltodextrin + cheap fats — easier and cheaper to make at home (add oats, peanut butter, banana to a protein shake). Avoid for general muscle gain — most people don't need them.