Published by ShredLab on April 22, 2025

Welcome to ShredLab—your go-to spot for fitness gear, supplements, and everything you need to fuel your journey. Today, we’re diving into something every lifter, shredder, and weekend warrior needs to understand: protein powders.

Whether you’re building muscle, cutting fat, or just trying to recover faster, protein plays a major role. But with so many options—whey, casein, plant-based, isolates—it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Let’s break it down.

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The 5 Main Types of Protein Powder (In-Depth)

🥇 1. Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)

What it is:
Whey concentrate is the most common and affordable form of whey protein. It’s produced during the cheese-making process and contains around 70–80% protein, with the rest being fats, carbs, and lactose.

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• High in BCAAs (especially leucine)
• Great for muscle growth and recovery
• Usually tastes creamier due to higher fat content

Cons:

• Contains lactose (may cause bloating or discomfort)
• Not as lean as whey isolate

Best for:
Beginners, general fitness, and those not worried about a few extra calories or lactose.

👉 Recommended Product: ANS Performance Whey Protein
🛒 Get 20% off automatically through this link (applied at checkout)

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🧊 2. Whey Protein Isolate (ISO)

What it is:
Whey isolate goes through further processing to remove most of the fat and lactose, leaving you with 90%+ protein by weight. It’s quickly absorbed by the body, making it ideal for post-workout recovery.

Pros:

• Very high protein content per scoop
• Virtually zero fats or carbs
• Minimal to no lactose
• Mixes easily and digests quickly

Cons:

• More expensive than concentrate
• Slightly less creamy texture

Best for:
Fat loss, lean muscle gain, or anyone who’s lactose intolerant or watching macros closely.

👉 ShredLab Recommends: ANS Performance N-ISO Whey Isolate
🛒 Get 20% off automatically through this link (Applied at checkout)

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💤 3. Casein Protein

What it is:
Casein is the slow-digesting cousin of whey, also derived from milk. It forms a gel in the stomach, releasing amino acids slowly over 6–8 hours.

Pros:

• Great for overnight muscle repair
• Keeps you feeling full longer
• Anti-catabolic (prevents muscle breakdown)

Cons:

• Slow absorption = not ideal for post-workout
• Can be thick and gritty depending on the brand

Best for:
Night-time recovery, intermittent fasters, and anyone looking to maintain muscle mass during calorie restriction.

👉 Recommended Product: Naked Casein – 100% Micellar Casein Protein

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🌱 4. Plant-Based Protein

What it is:
Derived from sources like pea, rice, hemp, soy, or a blend. These are popular with vegans and those avoiding dairy.

Pros:

• Easy to digest (no dairy, no lactose)
• Sustainable, allergen-friendly
• Can be surprisingly high in protein with the right blend

Cons:

• May lack a full amino acid profile unless blended
• Often grainier in texture
• Some have earthy aftertastes

Best for:
Vegans, vegetarians, people with dairy sensitivities, or anyone looking for a plant-based lifestyle.

👉 Recommended Product: Thrive Plant-Based Protein – Cookies & Cream

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🧱 5. Mass Gainers

What it is:
Mass gainers are a mix of protein, carbs, and fats designed to pack in serious calories—sometimes over 1,000 per serving.

Pros:

• High-calorie, convenient for bulking
• Often includes creatine, vitamins, and extra nutrients
• Ideal for people with high metabolisms

Cons:

• Can be loaded with sugar and fillers
• Not ideal for fat loss
• May cause bloating or GI discomfort

Best for:
Hard gainers, teen athletes, or anyone who struggles to eat enough calories daily.

👉 Recommended Product: Optimum Nutrition Pro Grainer – Chocolate

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🔥 ShredLab’s Top Pick: ANS Performance N-ISO Whey Protein Isolate

I’ve tried a ton of protein powders over the years, and ANS N-ISO stands out for a few key reasons:

• 27g of pure whey isolate per serving
• Zero sugar, zero fat
• Mixes incredibly well—no clumps
• Tastes 🔥 (especially the Cookies & Cream)

It’s perfect for anyone trying to lean out while still supporting muscle growth and recovery.

👉 Click here to grab ANS Performance N-ISO
🛒 You’ll automatically get 20% off at checkout (applied at checkout)

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Not all protein powders are created equal. Pick one based on your goals, digestion, and lifestyle—and always check the label. Whether you’re bulking, cutting, or just trying to hit your daily protein target, getting the right supplement in your stack is key.

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