Protein powder is one of the most popular supplements on the market right now, and for good reason! Many of us don’t get in enough protein each day, and having a protein smoothie, or even a protein-packed muffin can be helpful for our body.
While there are a variety of protein powders to choose from, you might be overwhelmed at all the choices. We understand we’ve been there. There are dozens and dozens of crazy flavors on the market, but what if you aren’t into that?
Today we want to help you narrow down some awesome protein powder brands, and talk about one protein family in general, the unflavored protein powder group. These protein powders are easy to add to just about anything, leave out gums and additives many flavor-filled protein powders include, and are added-sugar free!
To begin we will answer the question, what are unflavored protein powder supplements, and how do they help you? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know before making your protein powder choice, including our top picks for the best unflavored protein powder. Let’s get started!
What Is Unflavored Protein Powder?
While there are hundreds of protein powders on the market, it is pretty rare to come across an unflavored protein powder. Some things are better in life when the flavor is enhanced, like ice cream, gum, and even personalities, but when it comes to protein powder, unflavored is arguably the way to go.
When you choose to supplement with unflavored protein powder, you can add it to more foods, as opposed to regular, flavored protein powder, which limits that.
Unflavored protein powder is a convenient way to spice up your meals, soups, or even drinks. This instantly increases your protein count for the day, in an easy and attainable way.
This type of protein powder is also beneficial because it means there are no added flavors or sweeteners. That is often the downside to many protein powders, and what unfortunately makes them “unhealthy.”
It’s important to remember that while it is “unflavored” it does not mean the powder is taste-free. Often times the powders do have a slight taste to them, either nutty or slightly grainy in texture.
Common Ingredients In Unflavored Protein Powder
There are a variety of ingredients that are oftentimes included in unflavored protein powder. Today we are going to explore the top five ingredients that are found in the most popular unflavored protein powders.
Some of the most common ingredients that are included in unflavored protein powder include Whey Protein Isolate, Pea Protein, Probiotics, Amino acids, and Chia seeds.
Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein isolate is considered one of the best sources of protein on the market because it not only provides your body with a large dose of protein, but it also includes all nine essential amino acids. These nine amino acids are considered the building blocks of protein because when connected, they create protein.
Whey protein totes a variety of benefits, including muscle gain, a decrease in blood pressure, regulating type 2 diabetes, and more. It is also typically something that is easy to digest unless you have a tolerance to dairy.
Pea Protein
Pea protein powder is an awesome alternative to whey protein if you cannot digest the whey protein. It’s easy to digest, and high-quality, making it a great source of protein for anyone. Not only is it rich in protein but it is also rich in iron, arginine, and branch chain amino acids.
This type of protein can help you out with muscle growth, an increased feeling of fullness, as well as boosting heart health.
Probiotics
Many protein powders also include a small dose of probiotics which are to help aid in digestion. These probiotics are considered the “good bacteria” in your body and help maintain and establish a healthy gut biome. Probiotics have a range of benefits, but in regards to protein, they help your body digest the protein efficiently and properly.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are a group of 20 compounds that are found in the human body that share specific traits. Nine of these amino acids are what makeup protein, hence the name “the building blocks of protein.”
While amino acids are not directly found in protein powder, they make up other ingredients like whey.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are called natures superfoods for a reason. They deliver so many nutrients in just a tiny little ball. Many vegan protein powders choose to add chia seeds to their powders because of the health benefits they tote, along with the fact that they are a good source of high-quality protein. Not only are they high in protein, but they are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, along with fiber. They also pack a heavy punch of antioxidants, making them an all-around good option.
Protein Powder Benefits
There are many benefits to supplementing with protein powder. While many people take protein to build muscle, it also supportive of many body functions and maintaining general well-being.
Promotes Muscle Growth
The main and most talked about the benefit of protein powder is the ability to boost muscle growth. Whether you are looking to simply get leaner, or looking to engage in muscle-related competitions, adding protein to your diet is the way to go.
Adding more protein to your diet is also especially more important as you grow older, specifically because of the natural lack of muscle growth and density. An increase in age can lead to a decrease in muscle which can lead to things like fat gain. When someone gains weight, it also raises the risk of many chronic diseases, which can have a detrimental impact on the long-term.
Some Types Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
One of the most popular protein powders, whey, has actually been seen to help decrease blood pressure. Numerous studies have shown how dairy products can decrease blood pressure naturally. This is important because high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is our body’s normal response to trauma, but chronic inflammation is detrimental to our overall health and well-being. Chronic inflammation can lead to many diseases and can worsen various health conditions like hormonal imbalance.
Many studies have been done that show how beneficial protein supplementation can be in fighting things like inflammation. If you have an issue with chronic inflammation this might be worth looking into or talking to your doctor about.
Increases The Body’s Antioxidant Defenses
One of the most beneficial things protein supplementation can do for you is to boost the levels of the amino acid cysteine in your body. This in turn increases your body’s natural antioxidant defenses.
Some foods, or protein powders, in this case, whey, can help naturally increase the cysteine in your body.
Forms Of Unflavored Protein Powder
As mentioned earlier, unflavored protein powders are a great alternative to normal, flavor-packed protein powders. They include the only ingredient you are truly looking for: protein, and make adding it to your food very easy.
While there are many different brands that offer unflavored protein powder, it really only comes in one specific form, in powder form! While many other supplements also come in capsules or gummies, protein powder typically only comes in powder form.
Does Unflavored Protein Powder Really Work?
One of the greatest benefits to unflavored protein powder is the fact that it works really well. Unlike many other supplements with subjective benefits, protein powder delivers a major dose of protein to your body, helping you either supplement if you don’t get in enough from other sources, or if you need an extra boost.
This is also a great addition to any diet if you are trying to build muscle. Protein helps your muscles grow after they break down following an intense workout, which in the end helps the appearance of your muscles grow. This is why bodybuilders eat diets high in protein.
Is Unflavored Protein Powder Right For You?
Since these protein powders are safe to take, its typically a safe supplementation choice for most people. They are also low in ingredients, making the main source a type of protein like whey powder or pea protein powder. Just be sure to follow proper dosages to avoid getting too much protein.
If you are pregnant or you’re currently undergoing a certain medical condition, consult your doctor first to ensure that the supplement will not interfere or cause any unexpected side effects.
Best Unflavored Protein Powder
Grassfed Protein Powder from Naked Whey Protein
Naked Whey Grass Fed Whey Protein comes from dairy cows that have a 100% grass-fed diet. The milk from the cows is non-GMO, with no rBGH or rBST, and non-denatured. The resulting whey protein is soy-free. Grass-Fed Protein is used to build lean muscle and aid recovery. They also boast that they are additive-free.
GET 10% OFF NAKED WHEYIsopure Unflavored Zero Carb Protein
This protein powder provides 25 grams of protein per serving stripped of fat, carbs, fillers, sugars, and lactose. Add the unflavored protein powder into soups, sauces, and flavored beverages, tasting occasionally to maintain a good balance of flavor and protein fortification. This powder is also a more affordable choice compared to most other options on the market.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON ISOPURE UNFLAVORED ZERO CARB PROTEINGainful Protein Powder
Gainful Protein Powder is customized to fit a wide range of dietary restrictions, allergies, and fitness goals. Take the quiz to tailor a protein powder to your body type and fitness goals. You can either consume this as is or you can add the different flavors the company offers to it.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON GAINFUL PROTEIN POWDERSprout Living Unflavored Protein Powder
This protein powder is a thoughtful blend of organic plant protein, prebiotics, and nutrient-dense superfoods. With absolutely no additives, it is the purest protein powder you can find. The protein powder includes Yellow Pea, Sunflower Seed, Pumpkin Seed, Sacha Inchi, and Cranberry Seed.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON SPROUT LIVING UNFLAVORED PROTEIN POWDERAlternatives To Unflavored Protein Powder
Like many supplements, the main alternative to unflavored protein powders is consuming vitamins and minerals that also add the benefits that the above ingredients provide for the body. As we mentioned above, some common ingredients in workout unflavored protein powders are pea protein, whey protein, amino acids, and probiotics. The best-unflavored protein powders use minimally-processed and well-sourced ingredients.
If you prefer not to take a supplement marketed as an overall “unflavored protein powder,” then your best bet is to eat protein-rich foods like eggs, almonds, chicken, oats, cottage cheese, yogurt, and more.
Conclusion: Unflavored Protein Powder
If you are thinking about adding unflavored protein powder to your diet, now is a great time to try it out. Unflavored protein powders are secure and safe supplements to test that carry a variety of benefits with it. If you start taking unflavored protein powders and experience any adverse symptoms, contact a medical professional for help.
