Read up on micellar casein protein (vs whey). It’s slower digesting so it can help quite a bit while in a calorie deficit. I like one near bed time. I feel noticeably better in the morning with it compared to drinking whey. It can be chalkier than whey and is best in a blender (vs shaker ball).
There was a study of overweight police officers trying to build mass in a calorie deficit. Those using casein protein supplement (75 grams) significantly outperformed those taking whey supplement (75 grams) and those that did not supplement protein. Supposedly the slow digestion feature provides more support for folks in a calorie deficit. Whey powder is commonly referenced as the “best”, but often that’s in the context of when strength training while in a calorie surplus.
I bought unflavored Nutricost on Amazon and add sugar free chocolate syrup and PB2 for a Reese’s like flavored shake.
Your best bet will be to pick out an UNFLAVORED protein powder and flavor/sweeten according to your specifications. Nutricost is widely reviewed favorably and on the less expensive end. I also like Isopure, but it costs a bit more. Most flavored powders will have sweaters in them, often sucralose.
Just look for anything unflavored. I’ve been using Nutricost unflavored whey isolate and casein powders for years, and they’ve been absolutely clutch around workout times (casein is also a great base for a keto pudding).
Yes, they’re literally tasteless (but soft mushy things are always an indulgence for me, which is why I use very little unsweetened almond milk to mix it up), though you can add something like a little allulose or your sweetener of choice if you wish to add a little flavor.
Otherwise, no, I don’t even look twice at the additive bloat of any other powders, even good ol’ ON’s Gold Standard whey, as they use sucralose.
I've been buying Nutricost and BulkSupplements unflavored whey and casein for years, and have preferred unflavored for as long as I've been using protein powder. The flavors are mostly disgusting and unflavored milk protein is not unpleasant, I wouldn't spend an afternoon sipping on a mug full but it's fine, I either use it in smoothies where berries provide sweetness and flavor or just mix and chug it in which case bland beats nasty hands down.
International_Ear994
