Top 7 Animal Based Protein Powders [Updated 2023]
7
Protein Powders Reviewed
73
Hours of Research
120+
Reviews Examined
3
Experts Interviewed
Published by David Williams
As an engineer, David loves technical product comparison and analyzing the data to assess top products.
Table of Contents
Based on many hours of research, here are our Top 7 animal-based protein powders. And the best protein source is the one that matches your preferences, because different people have different needs. Each protein source offers unique nutritional benefits, from finding an animal protein source to varying your intake depending on your goals.
Animal based protein powders are a great source of complete proteins. These protein powders cater to many needs depending on your preferences, diet restrictions, and personal goals.
While plant-based protein powders are becoming more popular, animal-based protein powders are still the gold standard in terms of muscle-building benefits and nutritional profile. In addition, animal-based protein powders have better flavors and mixability profiles than their plant-based counterparts. You’ll clearly enjoy a better tasting and creamier shake with animal-based.
This article compares our Top 7 animal-based protein powders to help you choose the best based on what you see as most important.
But first, let’s look at the types of animal-based proteins.
Types of Animal-Based Proteins
There are different types of animal-based proteins. These include the following:
Whey Protein
What exactly is whey protein? Affordable and with a great taste, the benefits of whey protein make it one of the most popular protein options for athletes. It’s derived from the water part of milk and contains all nine essential amino acids.
It digests quickly to support muscle recovery and growth, while enhancing glutathione production, a natural antioxidant supporting the immune system.
Whey is available in three common forms: blends (formulated to offer unique nutritional benefits), isolates (more purified with a focus on reducing fats and carbs), and concentrates (with other nutrients, including fat and carbs).
Casein Protein
Casein is another protein found in dairy milk. When manufacturers curdle milk, they remove the whey, leaving behind casein.
Casein is a complete protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. And even though casein is a dairy product, it has very minimal quantities of lactose, making it less likely to cause intolerance.
A key difference between casein and whey protein is its absorption rate. Casein absorbs much slower, while the absorption of whey takes place much faster. Because of this, casein is seen as a “slow-release” protein, making it ideal to be taken between meals and overnight.
Egg Protein
Egg protein is a complete protein (found in the yolk and egg white), and the body utilizes almost 100% of it.
Egg protein is an excellent alternative if you’re allergic to dairy, or don’t appreciate the taste of whey or casein. Furthermore, depending on your brand choice, a scoop of egg white protein contains 25g of protein.
Leucine, the amino acid found in egg white protein powder, is responsible for muscle building after your workout. Plus, it helps manage your blood sugar levels. So there are some clear benefits to egg protein.
Collagen Protein
Collagen is helpful with tendons, skin, hair, cartilage, joints, and connective tissue. Also, it plays a critical role in boosting your immune function and cellular repair. While collagen occurs naturally in the human body, you can consume it through supplements and whole foods.
Collagen peptides comprise a high concentration of three amino acids – hydroxyproline, proline, and glycine. If you’re looking for a protein supplement for muscle building, collagen isn’t the best option. However, it’s great for its anti-aging properties, and as you hit middle age and beyond, you’ll likely move this higher on your list.
Beef Protein
With less cholesterol and fat than beef, beef protein powders are an excellent option for supporting your performance goals. That’s why bodybuilders sometimes count on meat-based protein powders as their source of muscle building.
Now that you know the different options of animal-based protein powders available on the market, it’s time to see the other brands available.
Best Animal-Based Protein Powders in 2023
Crazy Nutrition
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
Optimum Nutrition
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
My Protein
Ingredient Quality
Price
Overall Score
1. Crazy Nutrition 100% Tri-Protein
100% Tri-Protein is a post-workout protein powder supplement that supports muscle recovery, fat burning, performance, and growth.
It combines six high-powered proteins:
- Whey protein hydrolysate
- Calcium caseinate
- Milk protein concentrate
- Micellar casein
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
The body digests these proteins in three intervals, allowing you more complete and thorough absorption.
Product Specification
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 2.03g
- Fat: 0.79g
Product Features and Benefits
If you desire a protein powder that enhances muscle building without upsetting your stomach, this blend has a delicious formula that doesn’t disappoint. It’s an excellent choice for gym enthusiasts and hard gainers alike.
Price
A single purchase costs $69.99, and when you subscribe, you get a 30% discount depending on your workout routine; you get a shipment every two months, so you’ll never run out of the protein when you need it.
Pros
- It contains 21g of six different proteins ideal for muscle building
- Curbs hunger
- It keeps you going strong
- It helps you burn stubborn fat
Cons
- Not suitable if you’re lactose intolerant
2. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate
This Optimum Nutrition protein powder is a premium-quality hydrolyzed, ultra-filtered option. It contains 25g of proteins per serving and 5.5g of naturally occurring BCAAs. And ON is a leading brand for protein powders, and has been for many years.
The manufacturer selects high-quality protein and then takes it through sophisticated filtration to isolate sugar, cholesterol, and excess fat. The manufacturer breaks down whey into smaller amino acid chains (hydrolyzed). The final product is more than 80% pure protein per serving, that’s also fast digesting.
Product Specification
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fats: 0.5g
Product Features and Benefits
Gold Standard is highly filtered for maximum purity, and a complete protein source. It’s gluten-free and has a delicious taste when mixed with water. It comes in these flavors: chocolate bliss, rich vanilla, caramel ice cream, and mint brownie, with 4.3g of glutamine and glutamic acid per serving. You’ll also benefit from the 11.4g of essential amino acids per serving.
Price
The different flavors have different prices. The rich vanilla, for example, costs $46.99 for a tab, enough for 24 servings, and $72.99 for 44 servings.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- It has 25g of protein per serving
- Contains 1g of carbs per serving
- It’s fast-digesting
- Highly filtered for purity
Cons
- It contains artificial sweeteners and has no digestive enzymes
3. My Protein Clear Whey Isolate
The Clear Whey Isolate is an excellent hydrolyzed protein powder. It’s a refreshing, light alternative tasting like juice and not the usual milky shake.
It offers some refreshing flavors like candy rainbow, mojito, peach tea, orange mango, and bitter lemon. Again, it’s not your typical protein powder taste, so it depends on your personal preference.
Product Specification
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 0.2g
- Fats: 0.1g
Product Features and Benefits
Ask anybody to describe home-mixed protein powders, and they’re likely to say statements along the lines of “lumpy,” “milky,” or “thick.” MyProtein’s Clear Whey Isolate doesn’t match any of the descriptions.
As its name suggests, it mixes well, making a relatively smooth, clear drink that’s fruity and light. If you have a challenge drinking whey protein shakes, this MyProtein’s fruity Clear Whey powder is a remarkably palatable option.
Price
A tub of 20 servings costs £28.17, and if you subscribe, you enjoy 40% off and free delivery on recurring orders. Other subscription perks are swapping your flavor anytime, you can cancel your subscription anytime, and you control the delivery frequency.
Pros
- Low in carbs and fat
- Mixes well
- It has a light, fruity flavor
Cons
- Contains milk allergens.
4. Kaged Casein
Kaged Casein is a 100% micellar casein powder that supports recovery and heals muscle breakdown. It’s a premium-quality, tasty protein powder ideal when you need a satiating protein to keep you going throughout the day, or a slow-release protein to take you through the night.
Plus, it offers superior taste, texture, and mixability.
Product Specification
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fats: 1g
Product Features and Benefits
While most casein protein powders mix isolate and concentrate and are filled with more impurities like fats and sugars, Kaged Casein contains 100% isolate, ultra-filtered to enhance its purity.
Kaged Casein undergoes a cold-processed, gold-standard microfiltration process to preserve its nutrients. The manufacturer ensures you get more of what you desire to help you achieve your goals. This is why Kaged has been become a highly respected brand in the supplements market.
The manufacturer offers the following flavors:
- Chocolate peanut butter
- Vanilla shake
- Chocolate shake
Price
A 2lbs tub costs $39.99; you save 10% of the original cost if you subscribe.
Pros
- It’s slow-release, which lets you stay anabolic for longer
- It contains 14g of EAAs, which activates muscle protein synthesizing
- It’s banned-substance free
- It has a smooth texture that mixes easily.
Cons
- It has a very thick texture that may not be appealing to some people
- Has artificial sweeteners
5. Kaged Re-Kaged Post Workout Protein
This MicroPure whey protein isolate is a gold standard excellence for its efficacy and quality. It contains 6g of BCAAs (valine, isoleucine, and leucine) and 12g of highly anabolic amino acids that accelerate growth and recovery.
Also, ProHydrolase®, a digestive enzyme, supports efficient digestion and absorption while preventing gastrointestinal discomfort. (1)
Product Specification
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fats: 0.5g
Product Features and Benefits
Why Re-Kaged? Its ultra-filtered whey protein isolate, betaine anhydrous, creatine HCL, and amino acids help you build muscle. It has unique flavors with zero dyes and artificial colors, making it ideal for keto and other diets. Also, its low lactose and digestive enzyme ensure the powder is easily digestible.
Price
A tub of 20 servings costs $44.99, and you save 10% of the original cost if you subscribe.
Pros
- It has a digestive enzyme for easy digestion and absorption of the powder
- It contains no artificial ingredients
- It has 28g of protein per scoop
- It includes a complete amino acids profile
Cons
- Some users find it to be too sweet
6. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
This protein isolate is 100% grass-fed and contains one of the industry’s highest protein-by-weight ratios at 28g of protein per 34g serving. It’s manufactured without artificial sweeteners, gluten, food dyes, or preservatives.
The hormone-free whey is a perfect option for those who wish to promote muscle growth, support recovery, and promote longevity and overall health.
Product Specification
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 2.5g
Product Features and Benefits
Enjoy the 100% grass-fed whey protein that doesn’t go through isolation as whey isolates do. The formula comes relatively lean with only 2g of carbs, 2.5g of fat, and no sugar. Plus, it offers additional micronutrients like iron, potassium, and calcium. It comes in nine different flavors to pick one that fits your taste buds.
Price
It costs approximately $59.99 per 30 servings tab, and if you subscribe, you’ll enjoy 10% off and free shipping. You can pause or cancel your subscription anytime, get information on exclusive promos and discounts, and choose your shipping frequency.
Pros
- It contains no artificial preservatives
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- It has no artificial additives
- It’s hormone-free
Cons
- It has no digestive enzymes
7. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
From advanced pre-workouts, creatine, protein, and multivitamins, Kaged has the tools to achieve all fitness goals. Kaged is proud to be a protein powder supplement line with deeper integrity. The manufacturer aims to deliver science-backed, superior, affordable powders with high-quality ingredients using the most innovative technologies.
Product Specification
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fats: 0g
Product Features and Benefits
The Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is a gold standard in protein quality and efficacy excellence. It has 12g of high anabolic essential amino acids and 6g of BCAAs (valine, isoleucine, and leucine) that accelerate growth and recovery. (2)
Leucine functions as an anabolic trigger, metabolized straight into muscle tissue to ensure a muscle-building stimulus. Also, the whey protein isolate contains the highest levels of leucine. (3)
Price
A one-time purchase costs $59.99 for a 3lbs tub. You can subscribe and save 10% of the original cost.
Pros
- Fast-digesting protein
- Contains 25g of pure whey protein isolate
- Perfect for any workout
- It’s naturally flavored
Cons
- It contains milk allergens.
Are Animal-Based Protein Powders Worth It?
Determining your goals before shopping for an animal-based protein powder is critical. While the list above contains excellent choices, collagen, egg, whey, casein, and beef proteins offer their key benefits.
Thus, understanding the difference makes deciding what you’re consuming easier. Sometimes performing your research may leave you more confused than knowledgeable.
If that’s the case, we can help you navigate what’s available in the market, and help you make the right choice. And make no mistake, all of the brands above are respected and premium brands, so you really can’t go wrong.
Most importantly, always check with your personal, medical professional before any changes to your diet, or adding supplements to your diet.
David Williams
A diet and fitness enthusiast, David is an ex-Army Airborne Ranger and Infantry soldier with decades of fitness and wellness experience. A West Point graduate with a degree in engineering, he focuses on technical research related to fitness, nutrition, and wellness. He loves the beach, and spending time with his wife and daughters.
References
- Townsend, J. R., Morimune, J. E., Jones, M. D., Beuning, C. N., Haase, A. A., Boot, C. M., Heffington, S. H., Littlefield, L. A., Henry, R. N., Marshall, A. C., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Feito, Y., & Mangine, G. T. (2020, January 22). The effect of Prohydrolase® on the amino acid and intramuscular anabolic signaling response to resistance exercise in trained males. Sports (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7077235/#:~:text=Prohydrolase%C2%AE%20(Deerland%20Enzymes%2C%20Kennesaw,powders%20and%20other%20food%20products.
- Petre, A. (2021, July 29). BCAA benefits: A review of branched-chain amino acids. Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bcaa - Leucine. Leucine – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Leucine#:~:text=Leucine%20is%20one%20of%20the,fish%2C%20eggs%2C%20and%20milk.
