I love Legion and Ascent protein powders. Legion is more expensive but has lots of great flavors and doesn’t give me gas. Ascent is sold at Costco - I get both vanilla and chocolate.
Not my favorite in terms of taste. Recently did my own taste test and this is the order I ranked Vanilla.
Dymatize ISO 100 9/10
ON 8/10
Ascent 6/10
Levels 5/10
Muscle Milk 4/10
That said, the macros are good and the price is good. I mix it with peanut powder and I like it much better that way.
Ascent or the Naked line are good.
ON has tested profile for heavy metals frequently and is just not a good brand if you’re concerned about quality.
*“A 2026 Consumer Reports investigation found that Optimum Nutrition (ON) Serious Mass whey protein powder contained 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per serving, exceeding their suggested daily safety limit.”*
I just don’t like the taste of optimum, suffered through a Costco bag. The one that is solid and cheap is the Kirkland brand one they sell. If you want vanilla I haven’t found one I love, but both ascent and isopure at Costco are fine.
1. You won’t bulk from protein. Bulking comes from heavy lifting plus very high protein and calorie intake, it doesn’t come easy to most body types.
2. Protein shake alone isn’t a meal replacement. Some people prefer plant based but I prefer whey based. My go to brand currently is Ascent. I’m also dabbling in meal replacement like Huel Black and Kachava, and notice they keep me fuller far longer. Oats overnight occasionally too. There are probably better options others can recommend. Fiber is your friend. Good luck to you.
Top Protein Powder on Reddit
1
Optimum Nutrition
Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
76% positive of 992 users
Trusted all-rounder, but price hikes and quality decline concern.
AstroLaurie
