Whether you're plant-based, carnivore, or keto, your body needs adequate protein to function optimally. Did you know every cell in your body contains protein? The body needs protein daily to repair, recover, regenerate cells, grow, and function effectively. Without it, we could face some serious health setbacks like muscle wastage, anemia, bone fractures, and fatigue… just to name a few.

Let's talk about protein powders. Nowadays, you can find protein powders just about anywhere. From the grocery store to the local service station, you may find ready-made protein drinks, bars, powders, and other protein derivatives, but just because it's readily available does not mean it's from a quality source. When it comes to protein, quality is imperative for absorption, digestion, and performance. The best protein is generally sourced from grass-fed cattle!

So how do you know which protein is best for you? Firstly let's take a closer look into what protein powder actually is.

What is Protein Powder?

One of the most popular go-to nutritional supplements, protein powder, is used as a post-workout recovery tool and a convenient no-fuss way to increase your daily protein intake without consuming those extra calories. In a nutshell, protein powder is sourced from animals and plants, from cow's milk to eggs, peas, peanuts, rice, and soy, to name a few. Naturally occurring elements like carbs, fats, and lactose may be reduced during processing but rarely entirely removed. The more refined the protein is (i.e., Whey Protein Isolate), the less lactose and carbs it contains. Additionally, other ingredients like sweeteners, herbal extracts, and other nutrient-dense features are added to enhance the purpose of the protein powder. 

A common misconception about protein powders is that they are only for bodybuilders or gym junkies... and that couldn't be further from the truth. As we mentioned earlier, protein is an essential part of a healthy diet for everyone throughout life and at all fitness levels! 

So, let's get into WHAT they are for and how to choose the right one for your goals.

Whey Protein Powder

One of the most common kinds of protein, whey protein powder, is generally used by those who do not have any specific dietary requirements for dairy. Whey Protein is sourced from cow's milk and is a healthy way to increase your daily protein intake. From isolate to concentrate and casein, whey protein is rich in amino acids, essential for nutrient recovery and the maintenance of muscle mass. As one of the best-studied supplements globally, whey protein is a combination of proteins isolated from whey that separates during cheese production. So, what makes this protein a go-to for so many? Its taste, texture, and nutrient density are second to none. Abundant in amino acids for nutrient recovery, whey protein is available in different variants for different goals. For, e.g., whey protein isolate (WPI), whey protein concentrate (WPC), and casein - we'll take a further look into these in a minute.

Plant-Based Protein Powder

Plant-based protein powder is an excellent non-dairy alternative for those who prefer a vegan lifestyle. Also rich in amino acids and omega 3 healthy fats, good quality plant-based protein powders are generally fine in texture, smooth and creamy, and offer fast absorption for your digestion. Full-bodied and rich in flavour, peanut protein, in particular, is a favourite for many due to its tasty peanut flavour and fine consistency. Did you know peanuts are actually a legume, not a tree nut? A high protein and healthy fat source, peanuts are also rich in various vitamins and minerals like Biotin, Copper, Vitamin E, Folate, and Manganese.

 

Whether you train regularly or not at all, selecting a suitable protein powder may benefit your health goals more than you know. Let's take a further look into what type of protein powders are most suited to specific goals and our recommendations based on those goals: 

Weight Goals

Our Pick: Lipo Whey
When it comes to weight goals, high-quality protein plays a massive part in your progress and overall wellness, not to mention the benefits of the carefully selected ingredients added to support your body goals. Lipo Whey, in particular, is designed for both men and women working towards achieving specific weight goals. With a quality blend of three different proteins - whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and caseinate, Lipo Whey has been powerfully formulated to be absorbed at different rates in support of your body's recovery while simultaneously keeping you fuller for longer.

Unlike other weight goal supporting protein powders, Lipo Whey also boasts various other highly researched ingredients like L-Carnitine, Green Coffee Extract, and Inositol. High in protein (32g per serve) and low in fats, carbs, and sugars, conveniently add Lipo Whey to your smoothies or simply take on its own with cold water to aid your current weight goals. Smooth, creamy, and available in a variety of flavours, Lipo Whey is a staple protein for many due to its ability to support weight goals while also contributing to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass.

Gain Goals

Our Pick: Incredible Mass
Consistent strength training for body composition goals is only one part of the equation for actually achieving results. Nutrition, recovery, and fuelling your body with the correct supplements to support your body composition goals are the others. High in whey protein concentrate and energy-rich carbohydrates (from sweet potato), Evolve's Incredible Mass is a creatine-enhanced quality protein powder designed to support your gaining goals, nutrient recovery, and energy. A valuable post-workout protein powder specifically for those with fast metabolisms or athletes who endure intense strength and cardio sessions and require a concentrated sustained energy supplement. Support your body goals with a protein powder with ingredients known to support the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and encourage tissue building and repair.

 

Recovery - All in one post-workout recovery

Our Pick: Reload
Adequate sleep and quality nutrition are critical for recovery, we've all heard this, but there's more to it than that. Fueling your body between training sessions with an all-in-one nutrient-rich post-workout recovery formula like Evolve's Reload is the ultimate way to help your body replenish and maximise your recovery window. Enriched with a list of powerful ingredients like WPI, Creatine, BCAAs, fast-absorbing carbs, and L-Glutamine, Reload has been formulated with premium elements all designed to work synergistically together to optimise your recovery and performance. Whether you like to work out casually or train at an elite athlete level, Reload is ideal for those who are just as serious about their results as they are when it comes to putting in those hard yards at the gym. Unlike other whey protein powders, reload offers a juice-like texture and refreshing taste due to its selection of delicious flavours: lemonade icy pole, watermelon, pine orange, red frog raspberry, and milk chocolate!

 

Repair - Quick absorbing post-workout protein

Our Pick: WPI
Whether you like to train hard in the gym or prefer something a little more low-key like early morning yoga, muscle replenishment and recovery are still just as important. Evolve WPI is the way to go if you prefer something high in protein and low in carbs and fat. With a fine consistency, low-lactose level, and quick absorption rate, Evolve WPI is an ideal premium quality protein powder to consume post-workout to aid with your nutrient recovery...and a great way to support your daily protein requirements! Rich in aminos, low in sugar, with a smooth, creamy texture, WPI is a favourite amongst the Evolve community. With flavours like caramel swirl - which tastes like caramilk just quietly, choc honeycomb, and lolly banana, to name a few. Give it a try, and you'll find out why this quick-absorbing, nutrient recovery protein is a no-brainer for many!

 

Meeting Protein RDI

Our Pick: Incredible Whey
Are you looking for a premium all-around protein powder? Support your recovery and daily protein requirements with Evolve's own Incredible Whey. Gluten-free and filler-free with 23.3g of slow-releasing whey protein concentrate per serving to keep you fuller for longer, Incredible Whey is the go-to for many when it comes to creating healthy protein shakes, protein oat combos, and creative, wholesome cooking. Naturally high in amino acids, Incredible Whey is also a nutrient-rich post-workout protein shake to aid with the repair and maintenance of muscle mass, imperative for body goal results and overall health and wellness.

 

Plant-Based Protein Powder

Our Pick: Evolve Vegan Protein
Whether due to dietary requirements or personal preference, vegan protein is a substantial alternative to whey protein without compromising on those key health benefits. Fuelled with essential aminos to support protein synthesis, Evolve's own Vegan Protein is ideal for those wanting to get the most out of their training and results while remaining plant-based with their protein. Formulated from 24g of peanut protein and a generous dose of healthy MCT fats, the Evolve Vegan Protein is a smooth and creamy protein powder designed to refuel your body post-workout so you can keep working towards those hard-earned body goals.

 

If you still feel unsure about which protein is best for your goals, reach out to our friendly team for a more personalised chat about your needs. At Evolve, it's important to know we have something available for everyone, so let us know if you need a little more help selecting the right products for your body goals!