Close
Departments
Brand
  • 6AM RUN (12)
  • AboutTime® (5)
  • Alani Nu (33)
  • Alpha Lion (24)
  • Alpha Prime® (7)
  • Amazing Grass® (2)
  • Amazing Nutrition® (8)
  • Angry Supplements™ (20)
  • Arms Race Nutrition (2)
  • Axe & Sledge Supplements™ (35)
  • Bang® (4)
  • Barebells (5)
  • Basic Supplements (11)
  • Be Amazing (2)
  • Bella2Bello (22)
  • Beyond Raw® (48)
  • BlenderBottle® (28)
  • Blessed (4)
  • Bloom (2)
  • BSN® (24)
  • Bucked Up® (45)
  • Bullfit (6)
  • Bum Energy (7)
  • Caliwater (2)
  • Cellucor® (33)
  • Celsius® (3)
  • Codeage (12)
  • CON-CRET® (5)
  • Create Wellness (9)
  • CTRL® (3)
  • Drinco® (8)
  • DripDrop (3)
  • Dymatize® (26)
  • EFX Sports® (3)
  • Fifty Foods (2)
  • Final Boss Performance (5)
  • FocusFuel (1)
  • Force Factor® (1)
  • G6 Sports (13)
  • GAT Sport (3)
  • GHOST® (74)
  • GLAXON™ (6)
  • GNC (31)
  • GNC AMP (72)
  • GNC Mega Men® (2)
  • GNC Men's (1)
  • GNC Pro Performance® (56)
  • GNC Total Lean® (49)
  • Gorilla Mind® (21)
  • GR8 Lifestyle (8)
  • Green Regimen (2)
  • GRIZZLY (7)
  • Gym Molly® (11)
  • Gymreapers (11)
  • Hi-Tech Pharm (16)
  • Huel® (13)
  • Hydra Pops (2)
  • Hydrojug (2)
  • Ice Shaker (1)
  • Isopure® (29)
  • JAWKU (5)
  • Jocko Fuel (3)
  • Jst Wrk (4)
  • Junp® (9)
  • Jym® (17)
  • KAGED® (5)
  • Keto Zone (4)
  • Klout (3)
  • Komplex Nutrition (6)
  • LaceUp Fitness (2)
  • Legendary Foods™ (17)
  • Liquid I.V.® (8)
  • Maji Sports (31)
  • Mavi Bandz (34)
  • Metis Nutrition™ (2)
  • Mission® (4)
  • MRI® Performance (17)
  • Muscle Foods (3)
  • MuscleSport (17)
  • MuscleTech™ (12)
  • Mutant (20)
  • My Cookie Dealer (2)
  • My Cookie Dealer Protein (2)
  • myLAB Box (20)
  • Myprotein (15)
  • Natrol® (1)
  • Nature's Best® by Isopure® (1)
  • Nature's Lab® (1)
  • NDS Nutrition™ (21)
  • Nirvana (2)
  • NOCCO No Carbs Company (3)
  • Novex Biotech® (2)
  • NOW® (2)
  • Nugenix® (8)
  • NutraBio® (27)
  • Nutrology (10)
  • Oak and Reed (81)
  • Optimum Nutrition (67)
  • Performa™ (6)
  • Performix® (3)
  • Planta (3)
  • Plink! (2)
  • PMD® (45)
  • PODIUM® (14)
  • Portions Master® (22)
  • POSHnFIT (1)
  • PRCTZ (27)
  • Primal Bakery (2)
  • PRIME (13)
  • Prince of Peace® (2)
  • Project 1 (10)
  • Prolab® (16)
  • Promixx Inc. (1)
  • Pro Supps® (4)
  • Pure Food (3)
  • Purity Products® (3)
  • Purus Labs® (3)
  • Quest® (33)
  • Raw Nutrition (74)
  • REDCON1 (44)
  • Redefine Foods (5)
  • Reign (3)
  • Ronnie Coleman Signature Series (16)
  • RYSE (32)
  • SDC Nutrition (3)
  • SirenLabs® (8)
  • SmartShake™ (4)
  • SNAP® Supplements (15)
  • Sports Research™ (2)
  • Sprayology® (1)
  • STI (4)
  • Sunwarrior® (2)
  • supergut® (2)
  • Swolverine® (23)
  • The Only Bean (7)
  • The Scoopie® (5)
  • Trace® Minerals (1)
  • Training Mask (2)
  • Universal Nutrition (5)
  • Vega® (13)
  • Vegetarian Traveler (3)
  • Vitamin Energy® (7)
  • Vitauthority (1)
  • Wicked Cutz (3)
  • XTEND® (8)
  • Youtheory® (1)
  • ZAHLER® (5)
  • ZOA™ (3)
Product Type
  • Amino Acids (190)
  • Appetite Suppressants (2)
  • Arm Band (1)
  • At Home Test (20)
  • Bags (24)
  • Blood Sugar Supplements (2)
  • Brain Supplements (5)
  • Carbohydrate Powder (7)
  • Collagen (4)
  • Creatine (87)
  • Digestion Supplements (3)
  • Energy & Stress Support (5)
  • Energy Drink (84)
  • Equipment (24)
  • Gaming Powder (4)
  • Hat (5)
  • Headband (39)
  • Hydration (81)
  • Immunity Supplements (1)
  • Jump Rope (5)
  • Leggings (12)
  • Letter Vitamins (1)
  • Libido Booster (4)
  • Lifting Gloves (7)
  • Mask (1)
  • Massage (30)
  • Mass Gainer (45)
  • MCT Oil (2)
  • Meal Replacement Bars (5)
  • Meal Replacement Powder (32)
  • Meal Replacement Shake (29)
  • Minerals (2)
  • Mood Support (1)
  • Muscle Builder (45)
  • Neck Gaiter (4)
  • Non-Stim Pre Workout (46)
  • Non-Stimulant (1)
  • Nuts (3)
  • Powder Funnel (9)
  • Pre Workout (325)
  • Probiotics (2)
  • Protein Bars (40)
  • Protein Chips (11)
  • Protein Crackers (2)
  • Protein Pastry (14)
  • Protein Powder (438)
  • Protein Shake (49)
  • Protein Snacks (50)
  • Resistance Bands (11)
  • Scentsticks (1)
  • Sexual Health (35)
  • Shaker Cups (60)
  • Shilajit (4)
  • Skin Care (1)
  • Snacks (6)
  • Socks (9)
  • Superfoods (1)
  • Sweetener (1)
  • Testosterone Booster (36)
  • Thermogenics (14)
  • Towels (3)
  • Vitamin B (2)
  • Vitamin C (1)
  • Waist Trimmer (1)
  • Water (2)
  • Water Bottles (11)
  • Weight Management Supplements (17)
  • Weights (4)
  • Yoga Block (5)
  • Yoga Mats (23)
  • Zinc (1)
Price
  • Less than $25 (393)
  • $25-$50 (953)
  • $50-$75 (345)
  • $75-$100 (113)
  • More than $100 (71)
By Goal
  • Build Muscle, Exercise & Workout Support (1,315)
  • Training Support (346)
  • Energy Support (216)
  • Weight Management (166)
  • Weight Gain (162)
  • Endurance Support (148)
  • Healthy Eating (131)
  • Men's Health (64)
  • Stress Management (52)
  • Immune Support (45)
  • Hair Skin & Nails (42)
  • Joint & Muscle Support (20)
  • Mental Focus (19)
  • Gut & Digestive Health (16)
  • Healthy Aging (11)
  • Intimate Well-being (8)
  • Mood Support (5)
  • Sleep Aid (5)
  • Women's Health (5)
  • Blood & Sugar Support (3)
  • Brain & Memory Support (3)
  • Heart Health (3)
  • Cleanse & Detox (2)
  • Menopause Support (2)
  • Bone Support (1)
  • Eye Health (1)
  • Prostate Health (1)
  • Stress & Relaxation (1)
Customer Ratings
Flavor
  • 'Merica Pop (1)
  • Air Heads® Xtremes Rainbow Berry (1)
  • Apple (23)
  • Banana (16)
  • Banana Maple Pecan Toast (1)
  • Berry (180)
  • Birthday Cake (7)
  • Black/Red (1)
  • Black/Tan (1)
  • Blueberry (26)
  • Blue Marshmallow (1)
  • Blue Raspberry (83)
  • Bold Variety (1)
  • Breakfast (40)
  • Butter Pecan Ice Cream (1)
  • Candied Sugar Plum (2)
  • Candy (71)
  • Candy Burst (1)
  • Caramel (23)
  • Caramel Sticky Bun (1)
  • Cereal (33)
  • Cheese (3)
  • Cherry (72)
  • Cherry Crumble (1)
  • Cherry Vanilla Slush (1)
  • Chicken (1)
  • Chocolate (197)
  • Chocolate Caramel Candy Bar (1)
  • Chocolate Chip (9)
  • Chocolate Explosion (1)
  • Christopher's Secret Stuff (1)
  • Christopher's Secret Whey (1)
  • Cinnamon (22)
  • Citrus (91)
  • Citrus Yuzu (1)
  • Coastal (1)
  • Cobalt (1)
  • Coconut (19)
  • Coffee (15)
  • Cookie (21)
  • Cookies and Cream (49)
  • Dessert (113)
  • Dragon Fruit Limeade (1)
  • Flexin' Strawberry Watermelon (1)
  • Fluff n' Butter (1)
  • French Toast Sticks (1)
  • Fruit Pump (1)
  • Fruit Punch (45)
  • Grape (23)
  • Grape Cotton Candy (1)
  • Ham Egg & Cheese (1)
  • Iced Coffee (1)
  • Juicy Orange (1)
  • Juicy Variety (1)
  • Kool-Aid Tropical Punch (1)
  • Lemon (26)
  • Lemonade (66)
  • Mango (29)
  • Mango Veiniac (1)
  • Mint (13)
  • Mint Chip Ice Cream (1)
  • Nightshade (4)
  • Nut (3)
  • Orange (60)
  • Other (224)
  • Other Fruit (42)
  • Passion Fruit Punch (1)
  • Passion Peach (1)
  • Peach (25)
  • Peaches (1)
  • Peanut Butter (53)
  • Peanut Butter Banana (1)
  • Pineapple (33)
  • Pineapple Burst (1)
  • Pink Spash (1)
  • Popsicle® Firecracker (1)
  • Pump Surgin' Cherry Slush (1)
  • Raspberry (30)
  • Red/Black (1)
  • S'mores (5)
  • Salsa Verde (1)
  • Sausage Egg & Cheese (1)
  • Sea Salt (12)
  • Sherbet Swirl (2)
  • Slaughtermelon (1)
  • Sour Electric Lime (1)
  • Sour Punch Green Apple (1)
  • Spicy (9)
  • Spicy Pineapple Marg (2)
  • Strawberry (122)
  • Strawberry Creme Toaster Pastry (1)
  • Strawberry Mylk (1)
  • Strawberry Slush (1)
  • Strawberry Sunrise (1)
  • Sundae Funday (1)
  • Sunny D® Tangy Original (1)
  • Sunrise Punch (1)
  • Sweet/Savory (11)
  • Tea (4)
  • Tropical Dragon Fruit (1)
  • Tropical Lime (1)
  • Unflavored (55)
  • Vanilla (137)
  • Vanilla Cinnamon Swirl (1)
  • Vanilla Swirl (1)
  • Viridian (1)
  • Watermelon (56)
  • White/Red (1)
  • White Chocolate (2)
  • Winter Wonderland (1)
Product Form
  • Bag (10)
  • Bar (43)
  • Box (16)
  • Caplet (13)
  • Capsule (90)
  • Chew (4)
  • Chips (12)
  • Gummy (10)
  • Liquid (20)
  • Other (291)
  • Other Snacks (32)
  • Packet (38)
  • Powder (1,068)
  • Ready to Drink (166)
  • Softgel (4)
  • Spray (1)
  • Tablet (29)
Specialty Diet
  • Corn Free (20)
  • Dairy Free (71)
  • Egg Free (15)
  • Gluten Free (633)
  • Keto Diet Friendly (34)
  • Kosher (58)
  • Lactose Free (78)
  • No Artificial Flavors/Colors (62)
  • No Artificial Sweeteners (26)
  • No Fish (10)
  • Non-GMO (124)
  • No Preservatives (48)
  • Organic (17)
  • Paleo Diet Friendly (2)
  • Peanut/Tree Nut Free (5)
  • Shellfish Free (10)
  • Sodium Free (11)
  • Soy Free (175)
  • Sugar Free (201)
  • Vegan (214)
  • Vegetarian (61)
  • Zero Calories (14)
Protein Per Serving
  • 0g - 10g (8)
  • 10g - 20g (110)
  • 20g - 30g (313)
  • 30g & Up (79)
  • All (18)
More Ways to Shop
  • Banned Substance Tested (53)
  • Flavor Collaboration (46)
  • GNC Exclusive (45)
  • issaletrue (305)
  • New (395)
  • New Price Drops (26)
  • Online Exclusive (586)
  • On Sale (272)
  • Subscription to Save (804)
Clear All

Protein & Fitness

(1,881 Results)
Filter Results
Filter Results
  • Wheybolic™ - Classic Vanilla (25 Servings) Classic Vanilla | GNC
    11 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    11 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    GNC AMP
    GNC AMP Wheybolic™ - Classic Vanilla (25 Servings)
    25 servings
    1,194
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $69.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Beyond Raw Lit
    GNC’S #1 SELLING PRE-WORKOUT.
    Push your workout to another level with intense energy, focus, and pumps*.
    SHOP NOW
  • LIT™ Pre-Workout - Gummy Worm (30 Servings) Gummy Worm | GNC
    6 Flavors
    Beyond Raw®
    Beyond Raw® LIT™ Pre-Workout - Gummy Worm (30 Servings)
    30 servings
    1,488
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $39.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • 100% Whey 2.0 - Chocolate Supreme (25 Servings) | GNC
    GNC Pro Performance®
    GNC Pro Performance® 100% Whey 2.0 - Chocolate Supreme (25 Servings)
    25 servings
    35
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $41.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller
    Bulk 1340 - Vanilla Ice Cream (15 Servings) Vanilla Ice Cream | GNC
    4 Flavors Available
    4 Flavors Available
    GNC Pro Performance®
    GNC Pro Performance® Bulk 1340 - Vanilla Ice Cream (15 Servings)
    15 servings
    824
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $81.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • New Only at GNC
    Rejuven8 Collagen + Cellular Health - Sunrise Punch (28 Servings) | GNC
    GR8 Lifestyle
    GR8 Lifestyle Rejuven8 Collagen + Cellular Health - Sunrise Punch (28 Servings)
    28 servings
    $49.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • New Only at GNC
    Ultim8 Protein + Colostrum Complex - Chocolate Truffle (28 Servings) | GNC
    GR8 Lifestyle
    GR8 Lifestyle Ultim8 Protein + Colostrum Complex - Chocolate Truffle (28 Servings)
    28 servings
    $59.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • New Only at GNC
    Acceler8 Pre-Workout - Berry Blast (28 Servings) | GNC
    GR8 Lifestyle
    GR8 Lifestyle Acceler8 Pre-Workout - Berry Blast (28 Servings)
    28 servings
    $39.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • New Only at GNC
    Activ8 Immunity + Gut Health - Crisp Green Apple (28 Servings) | GNC
    GR8 Lifestyle
    GR8 Lifestyle Activ8 Immunity + Gut Health - Crisp Green Apple (28 Servings)
    28 servings
    $39.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller New Flavor
    Energy Drink - Sherbet Swirl - 12oz. (12 Cans) Sherbet Swirl | GNC
    12 Flavors Available
    12 Flavors Available
    Alani Nu
    Alani Nu Energy Drink - Sherbet Swirl - 12oz. (12 Cans)
    12 servings
    840
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $29.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller New Look
    Creatine Monohydrate (100 Servings) | GNC
    GNC Pro Performance®
    GNC Pro Performance® Creatine Monohydrate (100 Servings)
    100 servings
    40
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $44.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller New Look
    Creatine Monohydrate (50 Servings) | GNC
    GNC Pro Performance®
    GNC Pro Performance® Creatine Monohydrate (50 Servings)
    50 servings
    40
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $24.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller
    Lean Shake™ 25 - Swiss Chocolate - 14oz. (12 Bottles) Swiss Chocolate | GNC
    7 Flavors Available
    7 Flavors Available
    GNC Total Lean®
    GNC Total Lean® Lean Shake™ 25 - Swiss Chocolate - 14oz. (12 Bottles)
    12 servings
    436
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $34.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller
    Nugenix Total T Ultimate Front
    Nugenix®
    Nugenix® Total-T Ultimate - 120 Tablets (30 Servings)
    30 servings
    241
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $89.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller
    Lean Shake 25 - Vanilla Bean - 14oz. (12 Bottles) Vanilla Bean | GNC
    7 Flavors Available
    7 Flavors Available
    GNC Total Lean®
    GNC Total Lean® Lean Shake 25 - Vanilla Bean - 14oz. (12 Bottles)
    12 servings
    436
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $34.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller Best Seller
    Chemistry Labs™ Creatine HCl (120 Servings) | GNC
    More Sizes Available
    More Sizes Available
    Beyond Raw®
    Beyond Raw® Chemistry Labs™ Creatine HCl (120 Servings)
    120 servings
    442
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $49.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller
    Energy Drink - Pink Slush - 12oz. (12 Cans) Pink Slush | GNC
    12 Flavors Available
    12 Flavors Available
    Alani Nu
    Alani Nu Energy Drink - Pink Slush - 12oz. (12 Cans)
    840
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $29.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Protein Bar - Creamy Crisp (12 Bars) Creamy Crisp | GNC
    9 Flavors Available
    9 Flavors Available
    Barebells
    Barebells Protein Bar - Creamy Crisp (12 Bars)
    12 servings
    309
    $28.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller
    Lean Shake™ 25 - Strawberries and Cream - 14oz. (12 Bottles) Strawberries and Cream | GNC
    7 Flavors Available
    7 Flavors Available
    GNC Total Lean®
    GNC Total Lean® Lean Shake™ 25 - Strawberries and Cream - 14oz. (12 Bottles)
    12 servings
    436
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $34.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Wheybolic™ - Chocolate Fudge (33 Servings) Chocolate Fudge | GNC
    11 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    11 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    GNC AMP
    GNC AMP Wheybolic™ - Chocolate Fudge (33 Servings)
    33 servings
    1,194
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $89.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • LIT™ Pre-Workout - Orange Mango (30 Servings) Orange Mango | GNC
    6 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    6 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    Beyond Raw®
    Beyond Raw® LIT™ Pre-Workout - Orange Mango (30 Servings)
    30 servings
    1,488
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $39.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller
    Pure Isolate - Chocolate Frosting (70 Servings) Chocolate Frosting | GNC
    6 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    6 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    GNC AMP
    GNC AMP Pure Isolate - Chocolate Frosting (70 Servings)
    70 servings
    728
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $104.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Seller New Look
    Energy Drink - Blue Slush™ - 12oz. (12 Cans) Blue Slush™ | GNC
    12 Flavors Available
    12 Flavors Available
    Alani Nu
    Alani Nu Energy Drink - Blue Slush™ - 12oz. (12 Cans)
    12 servings
    840
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $29.99
  • Best Seller
    Mega Men® Ultra Testosterone Booster - 120 Capsules (30 Servings) | GNC
    GNC Mega Men®
    GNC Mega Men® Mega Men® Ultra Testosterone Booster - 120 Capsules (30 Servings)
    30 servings
    62
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $89.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • LIT™ Pre-Workout - Strawberry Lemonade (30 Servings) Strawberry Lemonade | GNC
    6 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    6 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    Beyond Raw®
    Beyond Raw® LIT™ Pre-Workout - Strawberry Lemonade (30 Servings)
    30 servings
    1,488
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $39.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • 100% Whey 2.0 - Chocolate Supreme (64 Servings) | GNC
    GNC Pro Performance®
    GNC Pro Performance® 100% Whey 2.0 - Chocolate Supreme (64 Servings)
    64 servings
    35
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $71.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Best Protein Powders of 2024
    GNC's Mary Milstead MS, RD, LDN breaks down the best protein powders of 2024. Read Mary's picks for best new protein.
    READ MORE
  • Best Seller
    Lean Shake™ 25 - Banana Cream - 14oz. (12 Bottles) Banana Cream | GNC
    7 Flavors Available
    7 Flavors Available
    GNC Total Lean®
    GNC Total Lean® Lean Shake™ 25 - Banana Cream - 14oz. (12 Bottles)
    12 servings
    436
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $34.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • LIT™ Pre-Workout - Blue Raspberry (30 Servings) Blue Raspberry | GNC
    6 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    6 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    Beyond Raw®
    Beyond Raw® LIT™ Pre-Workout - Blue Raspberry (30 Servings)
    30 servings
    1,488
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $39.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Double Rich Chocolate Flavored 5 lbs.
    16 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    16 Flavors + More Sizes Available
    Optimum Nutrition
    Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey™ - Double Rich Chocolate (74 Servings)
    74 servings
    2,073
    $79.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • 100% Whey 2.0 - Vanilla Cream (64 Servings) | GNC
    GNC Pro Performance®
    GNC Pro Performance® 100% Whey 2.0 - Vanilla Cream (64 Servings)
    64 servings
    35
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $71.99
    Subscribe to Save
  • LIT™ Pre-Workout - Fruit Punch (30 Servings) Fruit Punch | GNC
    6 Flavors
    Beyond Raw®
    Beyond Raw® LIT™ Pre-Workout - Fruit Punch (30 Servings)
    30 servings
    1,488
    BOGO 50% Off Mix-and-Match
    $39.99
    Subscribe to Save
30 of 1881
Departments
Brand
Product Type
Price
By Goal
Customer Ratings
Flavor
Product Form
Specialty Diet
Protein Per Serving
More Ways to Shop

Protein supplements are a convenient way to help people meet their daily protein needs. GNC offers a variety of protein supplements in the form of protein powders, protein bars, or protein shakes. With so many options, you’re sure to find the best protein supplement to meet your health goals and dietary needs!

No matter your age, lifestyle, or health and fitness goals, protein is a building block in your diet. It fuels your workouts, maintains your energy, and helps you recover. In short: protein is imperative. Whether you enjoy a protein shake, a protein bar, or even a protein cookie, including more protein in your diet is a great way to give your day an extra boost.

Our nutrition has three primary macros. “Macros” is short for macronutrients, and most foods have multiple macronutrients in them. The three macros are carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Each of these building blocks plays an important part in our health and diet, with some diets building off specific macro breakdowns. The keto diet, for example, calls for strict carb and protein limits, while paleo doesn’t have a specific breakdown as much as a consideration for a natural balance of all three. Even lifestyles and diets without specific macros need protein. Vegans often consider supplementing their diet with a vegan protein powder or other protein products to meet their needs.

Read more

What exactly is protein? It consists of long chains of amino acids, which combine in different ways. Your body needs many different amino acids to perform the functions of life. It makes many of them on its own, but you must get others from food. The ones you can only get from food are called essential amino acids. When foods contain all the essential amino acids, they’re called complete proteins. Foods that contain some but not all the essential amino acids are called incomplete proteins; these foods include nuts, seeds, and other plants.

Including protein in your diet is important no matter who you are, whether you get it from animal products, a combination of different plant foods, or both. But many people need help meeting their protein needs, which is when protein supplements can be beneficial. Protein products have come a long way since their humble beginnings.

Whey protein, which is a milk-based protein option, is a popular option. It’s a byproduct of the cheese-making process. Some types of whey protein are processed in ways that makes them easier for people with dairy intolerances to digest. However, people with dairy restrictions or allergies can also opt for whey-free, vegetarian, or vegan protein products.

Athletes who compete in figure or physique competitions have strict requirements for their protein products, while someone who just wants to improve their muscle tone is looking for the tastiest, easiest protein powder and snacks to complement their workouts.

Furthermore, protein products are available as powders, pre-made shakes, protein bars, and other snacking options. You may opt to put a scoop of your favorite protein powder in your shaker bottle with water, milk, or a milk substitute: Simply shake and enjoy. Or you can add protein powder to a breakfast shake, pancakes, cookies, or other baked goods.

People on the go, including someone getting a quick workout in during their lunch break, a teacher who needs energy between classes, or a parent picking their child up from school, can grab a pre-made, bottled protein shake. Protein bars, cookies, and other treats can also help satisfy snack cravings in between meals without compromising your nutrition. (And who would’ve thought an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, with 20g of protein per serving, could help you reach your health and fitness goals?) If you need more protein in your diet, try a few different protein products to see what serves your needs best. With the sheer number of choices available, you’re sure to find a protein option that suits your lifestyle. Your body will thank you.

Read less