by Kelsey Butler
We all know someone who never seems to be without a protein shake in hand (hey, maybe you are that someone!). Protein supplements may have gotten their start with gym rats, but getting your fill of the macronutrient is important for everyone. In fact, all sorts of people with all sorts of health goals can benefit from a diet rich in protein.

Why Protein Matters
Protein is key for the growth and repair of many tissues and structures in our bodies, which is why most experts recommend it make up 15 to 25 percent of our daily calories. “Our muscles, bones, tendons, hair, skin, and nails all need protein for both maintenance and growth,” says Linzy Ziegelbaum, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

Plus, protein boosts our satiety, supports balanced blood sugar, and can help us maintain a healthy weight.

The Perks Of Protein Powders
Downing protein supplements won’t achieve all your health and fitness goals for you, but it can be a major game-changer.

“Whether you’re in a hurry, on the road, don’t eat meat, or just don’t want to buy, eat, cook, and consume a couple of pounds of animal protein a day, a protein supplement can be massively beneficial,” says Coleman Collins, C.S.C.S, running coach and author of The Road Warrior: A Practical Guide to Maintaining Your Health, Productivity, and Sanity While Traveling for Work.

Depending on whether you want to manage your appetite, build muscle, or show your skin some love, there’s a specific protein supplement out there that’s best for you. Consider this your complete guide.

Want To Build Muscle?


Looking for a boost in the gym? Your number-one protein is whey.

Whey protein, which is made from milk, is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) our bodies can’t make on their own. Whey contains the highest amount of leucine, an amino acid that helps trigger the muscle protein synthesis process, and is especially important for building muscle, explains Becky Kerkenbush, M.S., R.D.-A.P., C.S.G., C.D.

Whey also digests and enters your blood stream faster than any other protein, so it’s a rock star at fueling your muscles during exercise and helping them repair afterwards.

Chocolate lovers will dig Optimum Nutrition Double Rich Chocolate Gold Standard 100% Whey while vanilla heads will savor BodyTech French Vanilla Whey Protein.

If you want to build muscle the meat-free way, try a plant-based protein powder.

Related: 5 Plant-Based Protein Bars That’ll Make You A Believer

Many new and innovative plant protein supplements combine a number of protein sources—like brown rice, pea, and hemp—so that every scoop packs more of the amino acids your body needs. Plant proteins digest slower than whey, but are still a great option—especially for those with milk issues or who follow a plant-centric diet, Kerkenbush says.

Try plnt brand Chocolate Plant Protein or Orgain Sweet Vanilla Organic Plant-Based Protein.

Have A Sensitive Stomach?


If most proteins don’t sit well, Kerkenbush recommends trying pea protein, which is derived from the yellow pea and is the most easily digested of the plant proteins.

“It’s a good alternative for anyone with a sensitive stomach or doesn’t want to do dairy or soy,” she says.

Just keep in mind that it’s not a complete protein. Pea protein is low in some amino acids, like cysteine (which has antioxidant properties and supports digestion) that you’ll need to get from other foods (like soybeans, beef, lamb, eggs, or legumes) throughout the day.

plnt brand Vanilla Pea Protein is our go-to.

Want To Manage Your Appetite?

If your goal is to feel full and satisfied—and not ready to sprint to the vending machine when three o’clock strikes—try casein protein, which is made from the other protein in cow’s milk: the ‘curds.’

While casein may not provide the quick rush of amino acids you want after a tough workout, research shows it’s more satiating than whey over a period of six hours, which can help keep you from reaching for extra calories or less-than-healthy snacks between meals, says Kerkenbush.

Plus, a study published in Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism found that overweight people following a diet and exercise program lost more body fat when they supplemented with casein than they did with whey.

Dymatize Rich Chocolate Elite Casein is delicious in shakes, oatmeal, and mixed with water.

For a shake that really feels like a meal, try a meal replacement powder, which contains protein, some healthy fat, and fiber to keep you satisfied and craving-free for longer. These mixable meals—like Garden of Life Raw Meal Organic Shake & Meal Replacement—are especially helpful if you’re on a tight schedule or watching your calories.

Want To Nourish Your Skin And Joints?

Collagen, a protein found in our connective tissues (think muscles, ligaments, and bones), has been one of the buzziest protein supplements in the game recently.

And rightly so, considering research has shown it can bolster the appearance and healthy aging of skin, and help those with joint issues.

Collagen has a very specific amino acid profile, with 45 percent of its total amino acids coming from proline and glycine, two non-essential aminos that provide its hair, skin, nail, and joint benefits. (Only about a quarter of collagen’s amino acids are essential aminos, while more than 60 percent of whey protein’s aminos are—which is why you’d still choose whey over collagen as your primary, all-purpose protein supplement.)

You can take collagen in capsule form or add collagen powder (like Vital Proteins’ eternally hot Collagen Peptides) to your favorite foods and drinks.

Rules For The Road
Nailing down the protein that best fits into your goals and lifestyle is key—but only if you’ll actually take the stuff! “Choosing something that you like and will use is more important than taking the ‘perfect’ protein supplement for your situation,” Collins says. So if building muscle is high-priority but you just love the creamy flavor of casein, don’t sweat it.

From there, just make sure the type of protein you want is the first ingredient listed on the package and look for a short ingredients list (five or less is a good benchmark) and natural sweeteners, suggests Kerkenbush.

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