Looking to bulk up and get ripped? You’ll need to ensure you’re getting enough protein in your diet, or else you won’t be making significant gains anytime soon.
That’s where whey protein isolate comes in to help you build muscle fast and get the most from your workouts.
If you’re looking for a brand that won't leave a hole in your budget, we’ve teamed up with experts and personal trainers to give you a rundown of the 7 best whey protein powder supplements that offer fantastic value.
7 Cheapest Whey Protein Powders (September 2023)
1 - Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate (Editor's Choice)
The top choice when it comes to the best protein powder that’s also affordable is hands-down Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate.
With one of the highest protein-per-serving ratios in the market, this organic whey isolate provides the most bang for your buck while also being completely natural.
As this nutritional supplementation is made from 100% naturally fed and hormone-free cows, this whey protein isolate is excellent for individuals who are mindful of their health and well-being.
This means there’s no worry about any negative repercussions of harmful toxins or preservatives going into your body, allowing you to get into shape healthily.
I witnessed the effect of more focused workouts after taking this supplement. Additionally, it aided my post-training recovery and was gentle on the stomach, a contrast to many other products.
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs:1g
- Fat: 0.5g
- No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or coloring per serving
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- 100% grass-fed hormone-free whey protein isolate
- Highest protein per serving ratios
- None
Get 10% off using coupon code: TOTALSHAPE
2 - Ladder Whey Protein
Ladder Whey Protein is another top-quality option.
Founded in 2018 by legends Arnold Schwarzenegger and LeBron James, Ladder Whey Protein was created specifically to provide the supplementation necessary to support their active lifestyles.
One of the notable changes that Ladder Whey Protein Powder has undergone involves elevating its quality standards, evident through its achievement of NSF-Certification.
It means that the protein per serving is free from banned substances or contaminants, providing consumers with peace of mind, knowing that their health is being prioritized.
I opted for the chocolate flavor and incorporated it as a post-workout recovery option or a healthier substitute for evening desserts when sweet cravings hit. This helped me get noticeable recovery improvements.
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 1g
- Free shipping with a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Probiotics per serving make it easy to digest
- NSF Sport-Certified for guaranteed safety and quality
- Taste and texture can be off-putting
In terms of flavor and overall taste quality per serving, there’s some room for improvement for this protein concentrate.
3 - Optimum Nutrition
Made from 100% whey protein, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard protein powder is known for being the world’s #1 best-selling protein powder brand. It's a favorite among athletes worldwide.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard provides 24 grams of protein and over 5 grams of branched-chain amino acids per serving (BCAAs), crucial for muscle recovery [1].
With a blend of flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, cappuccino, and coffee, Gold Standard is one of the best protein powder brands out there that tastes great without having to worry about artificial sweetener additives. This product has also provided me with clear advantages, such as increased energy levels and faster recovery times.
Other nutritional supplementation powders available from the company include creatine and casein protein, which nicely complement their protein powder blend.
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 1.5g
- A large variety of great tasting flavors to choose from per serving
- No clumping when mixing
- Third-party tested for banned substances
- Product may lack quality control such as outer and inner seals
If you’re particular about the integrity of your product, be aware that some packages have been noticed to be missing seals.
4 - Bulk Powders
With no artificial sweeteners or colors, Bulk Powders whey protein concentrate provides 22g of protein per serving and is a perfect addition to any balanced diet. It's a clean, effective protein source.
Compared to most cheap protein powder brands in plastic packaging, Bulk Powders is 100% compostable and especially popular amongst environmentally-conscious individuals.
Additionally, Bulk Powders is an organic whey protein concentrate product which means it contains less than 1% lactose per serving; this explains why I didn’t experience any bloating issues or sensitive stomach while trying this product.
- Calories: 114
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 3.6g
- Fat: 1.2g
- An eco-friendly packaging
- Whey protein concentrate mixes well per serving
- Great for sensitive stomachs
- A smell can be quite strong
Individuals that are sensitive to scents may want to look for other whey protein concentrate options.
5 - Syntha-6
Syntha-6 whey protein powder contains a whopping 10 grams of essential amino acids, making it one of the best protein brands to choose from for muscle growth and recovery [2].
This protein powder brand is tailored towards post-workout muscle repair, which helps athletes alleviate pains and sore muscles to get back into the game quickly.
With a blend of flavors such as strawberry, chocolate, cappuccino, and coffee, Gold Standard is one of the best protein powder brands out there that tastes great without having to worry about artificial sweetener additives.
This product has also provided me with clear advantages, such as increased energy levels and faster recovery times.
Other nutritional supplementation powders available from the company include creatine and casein protein, which nicely complement their protein powder blend.
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 6g
- Best cheap protein powder on the market
- Differing variety of products for muscle performance, energy, and focus
- Whey isolate protein per serving provides essential amino acids for recovery
- Contains some artificial ingredients and flavorings per serving
If you prioritize consuming only natural foods in your diet, note that the product contains some artificial ingredients per serving.
6 - Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein
Those with sensitive stomachs or prone to bloating absolutely love Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder for its easy-to-digest hydrolyzed formula. It's a gentle yet effective protein solution.
Compared to ordinary protein powder, which contains minuscule amounts of lactose and fats, hydrolyzed whey protein powder completely eliminates all lactose and fat traces, which individuals with hypersensitivity love.
The hydrolyzation process also further breaks down the whey protein, which means your body absorbs Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein’s nutrients almost instantly the minute it’s ingested.
This whey protein isolate is gluten-free and comes in a chocolate flavor.
This product has helped me in feeling satiated and sustaining my energy levels. I've observed enhanced muscle firmness and notable strength improvements. Unlike some users who mentioned digestive problems, I personally haven't encountered any issues.
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Gluten-free with no lactose per serving
- Hydrolyzed whey speeds up absorption and digestion
- The certified best-tasting gourmet chocolate flavor
- Contains milk, soy, and rice protein
Individuals that are allergic to soy or milk should look towards other options.
7 - Naked Whey Vanilla Protein
Naked Whey Vanilla Protein is made from just three ingredients - grass-fed whey, organic coconut sugar, and raw organic cacao, making it well suited to individuals with certain allergy triggers.
The protein is made from naturally pasture-fed cows treated in human conditions, which is a bonus for individuals concerned about animal welfare.
Run by family-owned dairy farms, Naked Whey Vanilla Protein prides themselves on authenticity and honesty compared to bigger corporations and brands.
Additionally, Naked Whey Vanilla Protein claims to be cold-processed, eliminating the possibility of chemicals, additives, and heavy metals added during the manufacturing process.
This product has helped me in aiding muscle recovery, particularly when pushing myself to the limits during workouts. It also assists in curbing hunger and promoting a sense of fullness.
Additionally, Naked Whey Vanilla Protein claims to be cold-processed, eliminating the possibility of chemicals, additives, and heavy metals added during the manufacturing process.
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 3g
- GMO, soy, and gluten-free, with enough protein per serving
- Minimal ingredients (only three)
- Cows roam on open pastures 300 days a year
- Clumps appear even after mixing
The protein powder’s texture can become clumpy even after mixing or blending well.
How to Choose the Best Budget Whey Protein Powder?
To choose the best budget whey protein powder, you’ll want to pay attention to the fat, sugar, and carbohydrate content if weight loss is your goal. If you're focusing on muscle growth, ensure the supplement has a high amount of protein.
When looking for a complete protein powder brand that’ll meet your needs, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. As always, price is not the only determinant for your choice since the following factors could determine whether the protein supplement does more harm than good. It's especially the case when you want something for muscle building or Olympic weightlifting.
Weight Loss
When it comes to losing weight, look for protein powder brands low in fat, sugars, and carbohydrates per serving. It applies even when you're searching for vegetarian supplements.
If you want to shed fat and build stronger muscles through exercise, picking whey protein low in carbohydrates after your workout is a smart choice [3].
Muscle Mass Gains
To maximize your muscle-building efforts, look for a protein powder that contains enough protein per serving. Research has shown that high protein intake enhances fat loss while preserving fat-free mass [4].
Whey protein concentrate is especially favored, as it contains an abundance of BCAAs, which play a crucial role in muscle repair following muscle-damaging training [5].
Also read: Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain
Digestion
Plant-based protein powder is more easily digested compared to other protein blend brands. Plant-based protein powder products are typically made from vegan protein sources, such as brown rice, soy, hemp, or pea protein.
If you struggle with bloating or digestion issues, prioritize a plant-based protein source. Look for ones with Vanilla Stevia and avoid sucralose sweeteners for the best results.
Lactose Intolerance
If you’re lactose intolerant, make sure to check that the protein powder contains whey protein isolate.
While protein powder does contain dairy per serving, whey protein isolate is a special type of whey protein that typically contains less than 1% lactose, making it relatively safe for those who suffer from lactose allergies.
We also have an article on the best protein powders for lactose-intolerant people.
FAQs
What Are the Risks Associated with Taking Protein Powder?
The risks associated with taking protein powder are heavy metal contamination, digestion issues, and whether or not manufacturers are honest in their claims.
Do Cheap Whey Protein Powder Products Work?
Yes, cheap whey protein powders work if they have a good formula. However, beware of low-quality ingredients, artificial flavors or colors, sweeteners, and thickeners. It's a critical concern if you have medical conditions such as diabetes. Consider browsing reputable websites or visiting reputable stores.
#1 Best Cheap Protein Powder
As a whey isolate protein powder that’s grass-fed and offers 28g of protein per serving, Transparent Labs Whey Isolate is without a doubt the best budget option when it comes to quality protein supplements.
It provides a huge amount of protein per serving and comes from humanely treated grass-fed cows, providing you with all the components you’ll need to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Order yours today, and see for yourself if it really is the best budget-friendly protein blend.
Our #1 Recommendation
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
- No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or coloring per serving
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- 100% grass-fed hormone-free whey protein isolate
- Highest protein per serving ratios
- Get 10% off using code: TOTALSHAPE
- None
About The Author
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What is the cheapest protein powder here?
I love whey protein powders and am always on the lookout for the best budget ones. I’ve tried a lot of them and ISO 100 is hands down my favorite. The powder tastes great, mixes well, and you get a ton more servings than with other brands. I can’t recommend it enough!
There are so many protein powders out there, its hard to know which one is the best. I’ve tried different ones and they either taste bad, don’t mix well, or have a whole bunch of fillers not found in Syntha-6. The protein is as pure as you can get and it has a great taste too. I feel so much stronger now
I’m a firm believer in the old saying “you get what you pay for”. When I first saw the price tag on this product, I thought it was going to be a low-quality whey protein with a flashy label. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and consistency of this product. Ladder Whey Protein has all of the qualities that you want
I’ve never tried grass-fed whey, but I do eat grass-fed beef all the time. Transparent labs has some interesting products. If it’s the best affordable protein powder, then I have to try it!
I have tried a lot of protein powders and none of them have been as good as this. It’s a terrific product and you get so much for your money. I even use it in my shakes when I’m in a hurry because it’s so fast-acting. The taste is not bad either! Transparent Labs 100% is the best budget whey protein powder
Optimum Nutrition is the best budget whey protein powders I have tried. I’m a bodybuilder and I do a lot of research to find quality supplements that work for me. The great thing about ON is that it’s almost half the price of other brands, but still has a great impact on my performance in the gym.
After trying more than a dozen protein powders, I’ve found the one. Transparent Labs 100% is the best budget whey protein powders on the market. The price is unbeatable and it tastes so good, which is something I haven’t found in any other product on the market.
I’ve been using Bulk Powders for over two years and couldn’t be happier with their products. I am very aware that there are many brands in this industry that offer similar products, but Bulk Powders stands out to me because they always delivery the results you want without breaking the bank.
Transparent Labs 100% is the best budget whey protein powders that I have tried to date. It’s affordable and delivers a great taste at a low cost! The best part is, it doesn’t have all those artificial ingredients that other powders have. It’s great for those on a budget who want to start working out but don’t want to spend a lot
I am a big fan of protein powders and I’ve tried them all. I’ve been using Naked Whey Vanilla Protein for the past six months and it’s by far the best budget whey protein powder. It blends well, tastes great and has a good amount of protein per serving.