Struggling to gain muscle mass even though you’re putting in the effort to exercise? Incorporating a disciplined workout routine is just one part of the equation. A protein-rich diet is also crucial as you’ll need the necessary macronutrients to help your muscle fibres recover. If you’re too busy to keep up with meal prep and counting your macros, we recommend trying protein powders. Besides being loaded with protein, protein shakes are hassle-free and easy to prepare!
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What is whey protein?
We all know the popular nursery rhyme where Little Miss Muffet had her curds and whey, but what exactly is whey protein? Simply put, whey is the liquid part of curdled milk (the solids form the curds used to make cheese), and whey protein is pasteurised whey turned into powder form. Whey protein has a wide range of essential amino acids that catalyses the process of gaining muscles, making it a popular purchase among fitness junkies. However, whey protein in itself usually doesn’t taste very good, which is why it comes in many different flavours. Many people add them to shakes, protein bars or eat them as replacement meals. Read on for our picks of the best whey protein powders suitable for both genders.
Best whey protein powders for muscle growth
1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
No best protein powders list would be complete without mentioning Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey (available on Optimum Nutrition). As one of the most prominent sports nutrition brands, Optimum Nutrition has been dishing out quality protein powder and satisfying fitness enthusiasts for years. Besides each scoop offering 24g of protein, Gold Standard Whey also contains low levels of fat and cholesterol. This can be helpful for athletes who want to build muscle while keeping their calorie intake low!
Bonus tip: If you aren’t used to its taste in plain water, try dissolving the powder in milk for a creamier flavour!
2. Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey
Trying to find the perfect supplement to use for your weight gain exercise program? Then the Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey (available on Optimum Nutrition) is one of the best protein powders you should try. Made with 100% hydrolyzed whey protein isolate and natural branch chain amino acids, it helps decrease muscle fatigue after high intensity workouts regardless of whether you’re a beginner or long-time fitness enthusiast. Furthermore, hydrolyzed whey has very low lactose content which makes it less likely to cause any stomach upsets or gut issues.
3. Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Gainer
If you want to build lean muscle mass quickly, then we recommend the Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Gainer (available on Optimum Nutrition). With an optimised weight gain formula of 1,250 calories per two-scoop serving and 50 grams of protein included in the package, you’re sure to be flexing your new guns soon! This protein powder, which is available in chocolate or vanilla flavour, also aids in muscle recovery and serves as an ideal post-workout munch. You can choose to mix it with fruits, peanut butter and other calorie-contributing foods.
4. Optimum Nutrition Plant Organic
Nutrients are an important substance for providing us with energy, which is why it is vital to choose the best protein powders with organic nutrients. Specifically, the Optimum Nutrition Plant Organic (available on Optimum Nutrition) would be a worthy purchase because of its natural combination of organic pea, brown rice and sacha inchi proteins. Each serving of 24g of protein also contains vitamin C and vitamin B12, which keep your cells healthy. Additionally, it is free of artificial flavours sweeteners and colours– making it the true healthier option for many!
5. MuscleTech NitroTech
If you’re looking for the best whey protein powders in Singapore in terms of protein content, look no further than MuscleTech. With protein content at 30g per scoop, MuscleTech NitroTech (available on Nutrition Pro) also ensures you get the gains you need with its superior mix of additional supplements! These include creatine, branch chain amino acids and glutamine which can boost your rate of muscle recovery. Additionally, MuscleTech backs up its claims of having a superior protein mix with scientific research, further assuring buyers that they’re getting the best deal!
6. Dymatize ISO100
When it comes to hydrolysed whey protein blends in Singapore, Dymatize ISO100 (available on Nutrition Pro) is one of the best protein powders! Hydrolysed whey is more easily absorbed than traditional whey isolates, which allows for faster muscle recovery — helpful for athletes and sports players alike. Additionally, those who are lactose-intolerant or allergic to regular whey and dairy compounds will be pleased to know that ISO100 excludes such problematic compounds! This lets you enjoy Dymatize protein without dealing with skin outbreaks and allergy reactions.
7. Cellucor Cor Performance Whey
Cellucor’s Cor Performance Whey (available on Woah Group) is definitely another frontrunner in our list of best whey protein powders in Singapore. With each serving promising low fat (1.5g) content, it is the perfect supplement for those who want to increase fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass. Cellucor Whey does not compromise on its overall flavour either. With an assortment of flavours from peanut butter marshmallow to molten chocolate, Cellucor Whey is perfect for those who want great-tasting protein without a bitter aftertaste that’s common among some of the best whey protein powders.
8. LushProtein Soy Protein Isolate
Getting enough protein into a vegan diet can be challenging at times, which is why the MyVegan Soy Protein Isolate (available on GymGourmet) definitely stands out as one of the best protein powders in Singapore for its unique plant-based formula. While some still consider whey protein superior, soy protein is 90% protein and gets its nutrients from organic soybeans which lowers the risk of cancer and heart diseases. MyVegan’s protein isolate comes in an extensive range of refreshing flavours such as Iced Latte and Salted Caramel — perfect after a great workout!
9. BSN Syntha-6
While most of the best whey protein powders in Singapore pride themselves on their lean content, BSN’s Syntha-6 (available on The Nutri X) includes more carbohydrates and fats, which better helps moderate one’s blood sugar levels. For those seeking a continuous supply of proteins, you’ll certainly appreciate BSN protein’s inclusion of six slow and fast digesting proteins. This prevents rapid digestion and offers a continuous flow of whey isolates to your body, preventing post-workout crashes.
10. MuscleMeds Carnivor
If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual whey protein, MuscleMeds protein powder has you covered. Boasting a higher concentration of protein (23g) than your average beef steak, MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass (available on MALAYSIA SUPPLEMENTS) is one of the best protein powders for all the beef lovers out there! Each scoop contains zero fat and cholesterol, as well as a sizable portion of muscle recovery supplements like branch chain amino acids and creatine.
11. MyProtein Impact Whey
When it comes to the best whey protein powders in Singapore with unique flavour profiles, you won’t find a better choice than MyProtein Impact Whey (available on Woah Group). From Milk Tea to Blueberry Cheesecake, there are over 40 eclectic flavours to choose from! MyProtein’s products also ensure that each serving is loaded with additional supplements like branch chain amino acids and glutamine to help boost muscle recovery rates. We recommend having this after workouts to minimise overall downtime and get you back in the gym quicker!
12. NOW Foods Sports Pea Protein Powder
One might not necessarily associate peas with protein powders but pea protein powder is definitely starting to become a trend. NOW Foods Sports Pea Protein Powder (available on MuscleUp) is made up of peas, which is a source of highly bioavailable protein that is easier to digest and absorb than other protein sources. This makes it an ideal source of post-workout nutrition for all. As peas are not a major dietary allergen, another benefit is that it serves as the perfect alternative for those who may have difficulty supplementing with other types of protein.
13. Heal Salted Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder
If you’re a fan of milkshakes, then the Heal Salted Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder (available on Heal Nutrition) is one of the best protein powders that should be right up your alley. Using only natural ingredients, the Heal Nutrition protein powder is also dairy-free and lactose-free. You can also incorporate some of this powder into your favourite baking treats like chocolate mousses to give them a protein boost!
Overview of the best protein powders in Singapore
| Protein powder | Price | Why we love it |
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey | $80.00 | Beginner-friendly and most mainstream brand |
| Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey | $83.00 | Made with hydrolyzed whey protein isolate |
| Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Protein Gainer | $74.00 | A great supplement for muscle growth |
| Optimum Nutrition Plan Organic | $50.00 | Made from organic nutrients |
| MuscleTech NitroTech | $69.00 | Highest protein content (30g) per serving |
| Dymatize ISO100 | $109.90 | Fast-acting protein absorption so you’ll experience less muscle aches |
| Cellucor Cor Performance Whey | $72.00 | Yummy tasting protein shakes |
| MyVegan Soy Protein Isolate | $22.49 – $54.99 | Vegan-friendly protein powder |
| BSN Syntha-6 | $61.90 | Slow and fast acting protein sources to prevent post-workout crashes |
| MuscleMeds Carnivor Mass | $123.55 | Beef-based protein powder |
| MyProtein Impact Whey | $78.00 | More than 40 flavours to choose from |
| NOW Foods Sports Pea Protein Powder | $29.95 | Source of highly bioavailable protein |
| Heal Salted Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder | $39.90 | Can be easily used in any baking recipe |
Pack on huge muscle gains with these best protein powders
Looking to try other types of protein powder, bars or chips? Don’t forget to check out the amazing offers at the 10.10 Shopee Brands Festival! Aside from your protein intake, it is also important to have consistent exercise. Break a sweat with these trainer-recommended workouts or head down to these 24-hour gyms in Singapore to exercise around the clock. Alternatively, if you’re attempting to start your own home gym, make sure to go through our guide to the different home gym equipment you’ll need!
This article was updated on 22-09-2021. Additional research done by Gabriel Choo.
