So you want to try a new protein powder? Or maybe you want to dabble in adding a scoop or two to your morning smoothie for the first time? Perhaps you’re looking to bulk up a bit? Whatever the reason, there’s no shortage of protein powders geared towards a male audience and specific fitness objectives men may have. Why should men use protein powder? "Men can use protein powder for any nutrition goal," explains Jim White, RD, ACSM HFS, Owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. Supplemental nutrition: Certain protein powders can contribute to overall nutrition by helping men get certain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they may otherwise be missing out on. Protein powders can also help men increase their fiber intake, boost overall protein consumption for vegans and vegetarians, and load up on BCAAs or branched-chain amino acids, which aid in muscle growth. Do you need more protein?

Before you order a tub of protein powder, it’s worth noting that evidence indicates that most men are actually consuming more protein than they need. This excess protein consumption is because of all the meat, poultry, and eggs consumed in the Standard American Diet (SAD). A shift to more nutrient-dense protein sources (think nuts, quinoa, oats) even if you consume less protein overall is a better move for your health, wallet, and the planet. To determine how much protein you should be consuming, you can use the USDA’s Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) calculator. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for both women and men is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight or 0.36 grams per pound. While many easily hit their daily protein quota, increase testosterone for those who currently aren’t or for those leading an active lifestyle and looking to increase muscle mass, supplementing your diet with a high-quality protein powder is an excellent option. How much protein powder should men consume at a time?

"Men should look for a protein powder that hits the ‘sweet spot’ of at least 20 grams of protein per serving," shares Monica Auslander Moreno, MS, RD, LD/N, founder of Essence Nutrition. "That amount has been studied to best contribute to MPS (muscle protein synthesis) after exercise," she adds. What are the best protein powders for men? You may be itching to grab a tub of powdered protein, but you should know that not all protein powders are created equal. Opt for brands that have no added sugars or use natural non-nutritive sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit instead of aspartame or sucralose if artificial sweeteners may cause you bloating," advises White. The following 10 best protein powders for men are recommended by nutrition and health experts to Twins say. Bonus: It’s gluten-free, vegan, and a good source of Omega-3s, a nutrient linked to heart health. Looking to put on muscle? BiPro is an excellent choice. While you’ll see many vegetarian and vegan options on this list, when you’re looking for one of the best whey protein powders for men, look no further than this pick. "BiPro has all the BCAAs you need," offers White, referring to the branched-chain amino acids that are found in protein-rich foods.