Casein Protein Powder

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.

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.

My protein or Amazon nutricost Always plain vanilla so I can blend with banana or pb

Just got my Creami for Christmas but I’ve been eating Nutricost Vanilla for a couple years now. Love the taste, even in water. And it’s cheaper.

Definitely.  Study up on the different kinds, i.e. whey isolate is fast absorbed, casein is slowly absorbed. I guess you don't need to study since I just told you lol I like nutricost unflavored - I just use my flavored water.

Lol, I was going to recommend Nutricost too, as it meets all the requirements that you mentioned. The ingredients and gramage are all very consistent with the staying in lean goal. I did see that you ended up buying the unflavoured one. Maybe for your next run, you can try out the [strawberry one](https://dk5cnflyn7mcb.cloudfront.net/?q=GMKAO1257), it tastes much better.

I get unflavored nutricost protein powder which I add to stuff, pancakes, coffee, etc. I also get the Fairlife shakes from Sam's club. That plus nescafe coffee concentrate is my morning drink.