As you begin your MMA training or whatever combat sports you are in, coaches, friends, or some online content creators might have recommended you to take protein powders. In this article, we are going to discuss why it is important and will list the best protein powder for fighters.
Protein powders are definitely a fighter must-have, especially if you are working out and training regularly. These supplements can help you improve your performance, but they are also essential in helping your body to build and recover after long hours of workouts.
With these things in mind, there’s no doubt how important they are in your training. We will be expounding into more information in the following contents below. With that being said, there are so many brands in the market and you might be wondering what the best protein powder for fighters are.
If this is what’s on your mind, then you are reading the right article. I will be reviewing what I think are the 10 best protein powders for fighters that are affordable but MOST importantly are of high quality. Keep on reading to know what these products are!
Why Do Fighters Need Protein Powders?
Protein is an important part of a healthy diet. It is one of the main macronutrients and building blocks of life, which is responsible for growth and development. Whether you’re a fighter working out or just a typical gym-goer, our body undergoes the same processes. Our body uses the amino acids in protein to build and repair muscles and bones.
In relation to the purpose of protein in our body, fighters and gym-goers, protein is the one that is responsible of repairing and growing muscle that has been broken down during training and exercise. If you may not have known, our muscles when subjected to stress especially when heavy lifting, acquire micro tears.
Obviously, fighters need to be in top shape and be in good condition to perform best. Protein aids in this by allowing faster recovery and greater gains from training, particularly in the strength department. This is why having elevated amounts of protein intake is advisable for fighters.
The most natural way to do it is, of course, eating a combination of foods that contains carbohydrates and high levels of proteins. Preferably, it should be made pre-workout and post-workout. But bringing food in the gym seems an inconvenient prospect, right? It is for this reason that protein powders come into the picture.
Benefits of Protein Powders
They are easier to carry and much convenient to consume. In addition, you don’t have to worry about how much calories you have taken because the amount of calories per serving is already calculated for you. With these things in mind, they are also perfect for people under a strict diet because it gives them the assurance that they’ve consumed the proper calories that they needed.
Here are other examples of the health benefits of protein powders:
- It promotes muscle growth
- They are an excellent source of amino acids and proteins in general
- It might help fighters reduce the risk of inflammation due to intense workouts
- Protein powders may help strengthen our body’s antioxidant defenses
- It helps suppress cravings
- They may help you lose weight
As you see, the benefits of protein powders go beyond helping you improve your fighting skills. They are also so excellent for weight management programs. But if you’re planning to use them solely for dieting purposes, I recommend that you talk to a dietician first to provide you guidelines and prevent any health risk from occurring.
By the way if you are a fighter I’ve also reviewed combat fighting brands in the past. You can check them out if you want to. Just a few of them are Best Boxing Gloves for Training, Best Boxing Glove for Big Hands, Best MMA and Boxing Shoes For Women, and Nike Boxing Shoes For Women.
The 10 Best Protein Powders For Fighters
Before everything else, it is worth mentioning the two different types of Protein powders, namely whey concentrate and whey isolate. To make the difference easy to understand, whey isolate undergoes through more processing. This makes why isolate have higher protein content while having lower fat and carbohydrate per serving.
Nonetheless, it does not mean that whey concentrate is inferior. The types of amino acids in both forms are still virtually identical since they are derived from the same protein sources. Therefore, the benefits they give out are much similar too. For a more detailed explanation, you can watch the video below.
With that being said, you may find a lot of brands on the internet claiming that they’re the best, but the list below is some of the top brands I found & tried that I believe can help you in your fighting workouts. Some of these products are whey isolates and whey concentrates. Let's get into it!
1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein
As far as I know, Optimum Nutrition is one of the leading health and wellness companies that sell dietary supplements and protein powders. And it is for this reason that their brand is also the most widely used among gym-goers or for people undergoing intense training like fighting.
In fact, when you search for top protein powders in Amazon, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein is among the brands on that list. But why it is one best of the brands around?
Well, it contains high levels of quality of proteins such as the Branch Chain Amino Acids, or BCAA. Also, the non-essential amino acid glutamine was added to enhance your overall workout performance.
Another notable ingredient that you may also find is Lactase and Aminogen, which supports better digestion. A serving of ON Gold Standard will give you a boost of 1g of fat, 24g of protein, and only 3g of carbohydrates. Such combination also makes them keto-friendly and excellent for other types of low-carb weight-loss programs like the Atkins diet.
It doesn’t matter if you’re training for MMA or any combat sports or just a gym-goer that would like to improve performance, the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is the perfect choice to help you move up your game to the next level.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein
Pros
- Affordable
- It comes with BCAA's
- Excellent Taste
- One of the most trusted brands
Cons
- Although the overall taste is satisfying, there may be other flavors that may be a little off.
2. Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition is truly a recognizable brand, which is why another brand of ON has made this list. The Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Protein Powder is a little from the previous one because it undergoes a process referred to as Hydrolyzing.
This process breaks down larger chunks of proteins so that it could be absorbed by your body faster and effectively. What makes it beneficial to the fighter is that it allows to body to rebuild muscles quickly and recover faster after intense workouts.
The formulation of Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Protein Powder includes the combination of digestive enzymes, BCAA, and a special mixture they refer to as the ACTITOR peptides. Also, through the hydrolyzing process, excess fats, carbohydrates, cholesterol, and lactose are reduced.
Like the previous, it is also jam-packed with quality proteins. But you have to take note that not all proteins are the same and have specific functions from the other. However, the fighter only has to focus on the most protein in their case, which is the Branched-Chain Amino Acids. And in every scoop of this brand, you are getting about 8,800mg of BCAA.
Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Protein Powder
Pros
- Its Hydrolyzing technology makes it easier for the body to absorb proteins.
- Very affordable
- It is loaded with high-quality proteins
Cons
- Just like previously reviewed, this brand also has flavors that may not be pleasant to some.
3. Muscle Pharm Combat Protein Powder
Muscle Pharm is another sports supplements brand that has cemented their reputation in the global market. As Muscle Pharm claims, their protein powder is engineered for athletes. And this they proved to be true as their Combat Protein Powder whey formula is well tested, and backed up by numerous athletes and fighters.
A serving of Muscle Pharm Combat Protein Powder gives you 25g of proteins, 1.5g fats, and 3g of carbohydrates. It also provides your recommended daily allowance for sodium (3%), calcium (10%), and ion (6%).
This product is low in fats and free of artificial dyes, fillers, gluten, and other undesirable ingredients. However, if you have an allergic reaction to soy, lactose, sucralose, acesulfame, and artificial ingredients, then this brand may not be the right for you. In addition, it also seems to lack digestive enzymes, which are essential in the absorption of proteins into our system.
Nevertheless, although this may be the case. it is a great value for your money because it can indeed help you with your goals. Build lean muscle mass, enhance muscle recovery, and improve your performance with the helpful BCAA and glutamine contents in this protein powder.
Muscle Pharm Combat Protein Powder
Pros
- It is loaded with proteins from 5 different sources
- Affordable
- Delicious taste
Cons
- It contains soy, lactose, sucralose, etc. Such ingredients may trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
4. BSN Syntha-6 Whey Protein
The Percent Daily Values of BSN Syntha-6 Whey Protein is based on the 2,000 calorie diet. A per serving provides about 200 calories. But it may go higher or lower depending on whether you follow the recommended allowance per serving or not. It includes 22g of proteins, 6g of fats, and 15g of carbohydrates.
If you’re curious how much per serving is, that’s about one scoop. From the name of the brand itself, Syntha-6 is actually a formulation specifically designed by BSN. What makes this formulation stand out from the rest is that aside from the typical whey protein and isolate, it also includes Micellar Casein and Calcium Caseinate.
What it does is it slows the digestive process. And it’s beneficial to the fighter because it allows a sustained distribution of amino acids in the blood. Also, you may find them useful if you’re trying to manage your weight. Since it stimulates the slowing down of the digestion process, then you may feel less hungry for long periods.
However, I’m not sure if a person under a ketogenic diet can consume it because 15g is still a little high for me. Therefore, I’m not recommending this brand if you’re undergoing keto as well.
BSN Syntha-6 Whey Protein
Pros
- Affordable
- It is great for people under a specific diet
- Added with 10g of essential amino acids
Cons
- It might cause stomach discomfort in some cases for people with certain allergies.
5. Dymatize ISO 100 Protein Powder
The Dymatize brand is well popular in the gym industry. This brand is one of the go-to's when it comes to gym supplements, as well as nutrition related products like whey protein, protein bars, mass gainers, and mostly everything. In terms of trust and reputation, Dymatize is well-tested by third party testing sites like Labdoor.
Their flagship product is their ISO 100 protein powder. This powder is a hydrolyzed whey, which means that this form contains the lowest fat and calories compared to the usual protein isolate or concentrate. Due to this, the protein digests more quickly into your system, which is an important aspect for muscle growth and development of your body.
For fighters and athletes who are keen on even the smallest details of their diet, the Dymatize ISO 100 hydrolyzed protein powder would give you better benefits. The couple more grams of protein and the nature of hydrolyzed processes will be a big difference if you are invested in really building the best shape of your life.
Dymatize ISO 100 Protein Powder
Pros
- Fast absorbing hydrolyzed protein
- Low calorie and gluten free
- High-quality protein
Cons
- Can be a little frothy for people's liking.
6. Naked Whey Protein Powder
Naked Whey Protein is one of the hottest whey protein products in the market right now. It is highly rated and has been Amazon's choice for a while. Why? Well it is because the Naked Whey protein is 100% pure whey protein supplement derived from 100% grass-fed cows. It offers the purest and cleanest whey protein supplement, which everyone loves because they get the best nutritional benefits.
The protein powder is made with no preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or synthetic or GMO ingredients. If you're asking about its shelf life, don't worry because it is manufactured via cold process, which prevents contamination. Naked Whey Protein is one of the best protein powders for fighters in the market and guarantees muscle building and overall body recovery.
Naked Whey protein powder contains 25 grams of protein, 5.9 grams of BCAA's, essential amino acids, and has been tested to have no heavy metal contaminants. The powder is also soy-free and hormone-free which is important for those with food allergens or reactions.
The powder can be bough either in chocolate or vanilla flavor. There is also an unflavored option, for those who want their protein drink mixed with fruits and other ingredients. Overall, Naked Whey protein powder is a very good buy!
Naked Whey Protein Powder
Pros
- Grass Fed Pure Whey Protein
- No artificial sweeteners
- GMO-Free, No rBGH or rBST, Soy Free and Gluten-Free.
Cons
- Flavor is not that appealing compared to the others on this list
7. BULKSUPPLEMENTS Whey Isolate Protein Powder
If you’re looking for plain, unflavored whey with as few carbs and fat as possible, BulkSupplements Whey Protein could be a great choice. This protein powder is also very cheap compared to competing brands.
When it comes to a product this straightforward, there's not a lot to say. Even for a whey protein isolate, it's important to emphasize that this is a very low-carb, low-fat product. Whey concentrate is made more cheaply but has far more fat and carbohydrates than isolates, which are highly processed.
The only problem I have with this protein powder is the fact that they do not include scoops in these bags. So, you'll do the work of measuring out your own serving of 0 grams to ensure that you'll consume 115 calories: 27 grams of protein and less than one gram each of carbohydrates and fat.
The soy content might put some people off, as will the fact that it has no flavorings, but if that doesn’t bother you then this price is pretty darn hard to beat.
BULKSUPPLEMENTS Whey Isolate
Pros
- Flavorless protein powder for you to mix this with smoothies or shakes
- 26g of Protein per serving
- Packed wit BCAA's
- Relatively cheap compared to competing brands
Cons
- They sell per 1kg only and no bigger package options and there's no scoop included
8. NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate
NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate provides 25 grams of protein in each 32gram serve, with 0.5 grams of fat and 0.5 grams of net carbs. The powder is a Whey Protein Isolate and for the macros it provides, it is very impressive when you consider its budget friendly price.
In terms of the taste, they use an organic stevia leaf extract and xylitol as sweeteners. Now, here is what makes this protein powder unique. NOW Sports used Xanthan Gum as a thickening agent. This provides a slightly creamy texture in the absence of any fat content. If you have tried other protein powders, this one's texture might catch you off guard.
However, for a product this cheap, having safe artificial ingredients is expected. In continuation, there's added BCAAs to boost the already nutritionally-robust whey protein isolate powders. This protein isolate will help you meet your protein goals while keeping the calories low and the nutrients high.
NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Isolate
Pros
- High quality bio-available protein for easy digestion
- Relatively cheap compared to competing brands
- Unflavored Protein Powder
Cons
- Reviews say the powder may have somewhat of a plastic taste
9. Myprotein Impact Whey Protein
Myprotein Impact Whey is a delicious and simple supplement which contains 17-22 grams of protein per serving. It is made with whey concentrate, that contains 6g of glutamine and all the essential amino acids, including 4.5g of BCAAs.
This whey protein offers a diverse lineup of 16 flavors. Myprotein Impact Whey Protein is particularly famous for those people who mixes their protein supplements for things like baking, smoothies, and other healthy food or drinks to take. This can be a helpful way to boost your protein intake and still be satisfying your cravings for sweets, a big challenge for fighters.
The only drawback of this protein powder is that it contains artificial flavors and sucralose as a sweetener, while this isn't entirely bad, these are added calories to your diet.
NOW Sports Nutrition Whey Isolate
Pros
- High concentration of bound protein, fat-free, low in sodium
- All natural ingredients
- Many flavors to choose from
Cons
- Contains artificial sweeteners
10. Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder
Cellucor is a stapled supplement brand in the gym industry. Here, you can find almost every fitness section related products like amino acids, creatine, purported testosterone boosters, and fat burners. If the brand name sounds familiar, well it's because they are best known for their pre-workout supplement called C4.
This whey protein powder is a blend of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. In result, the protein is low in carbs, fat, and sugar content. The only drawback that I can see with this product is its 150mg sodium and 35mg cholesterol content. It's not that high but surely it eats a huge chunk of your recommended daily intake.
In addition, take note that it contains allergens like lactose, milk, peanut, soy, eggs, and wheat. Aside from these, Cellucor COR performance Whey protein is cheap, tasty, and reasonably low in fat and calories. It has 24g of protein and 5.25g of BCAA's. It's a good choice if you ask me.
Cellucor COR-Performance Whey Protein Powder
Pros
- Delicious flavor great for mixing in baking
- Fast digesting and gluten free
- Packed with essential BCAA's and Amino Acids
Cons
- Sodium content higher than competing brands
Final Thoughts: Editor's Choice
Well, there you have it. An extensive and keen review regarding the best protein powders for fighters. I hope that the review provided you sufficient information and knowledge to help you determine which type of whey protein and what brand you'll be buying to support you in your training.
Whey Protein is a supplement that can be a huge difference to your training. The benefits that protein powders will offer to you certainly elevate your performances. Not only does it aid growth of your body, it boosts your body's ability to recover too. If you've got the luxury, adding protein powders to your diet is very recommended.
All of these products are top-rated in the current market so rest assured, you're only being suggested the best in this review. The only thing left that you have to be keen on is the ingredients and other contents of the protein powder. This is to assure that you will not be having reactions that may be bad for your health.
In terms of quality, all of these Whey Protein Powders have passed the tests of health standards. You can never go wrong which you'll choose. Well, I guess that’s just about it! Thank you for taking time off and reading my review of the best protein powder for fighters! If you have any questions don't be shy to drop comments below!