If your diet and training routine are already on point and you are looking for an effective way of getting more out of your training, supplementation can be a great help. In this best workout supplements for men guide, we have put together a list of the top quality selling brands for each supplement category. That way you can effectively decide which supplement is best for you.
Some people may have trouble getting all their dietary needs satisfied with regular food. And even if that is the best method to do it, and should always be your main focus before going on to supplementation, there are some nutrients that simply cannot be obtained, at least in sufficient quantities, from your diet.
The supplements in this guide include everything you need to promote protein synthesis and therefore, muscle growth, enhance your focus and pumps, as well as rise your energy levels for your workouts. Your recovery will improve, and so will your muscle and strength gains. For more information on just how effective supplements really are, and how they work, check out the studies here.
Best protein powder for lean muscle gains
Table of Contents
Protein powder promotes muscle growth and recovery. It’s usually easy enough to get from a balanced diet, but can be difficult to take in consistent quantities on a daily basis, especially if you sometimes lack the time to cook. Protein powder works well with weight gainer shakes and other liquid drinks that are easy to drink, to reach your daily macros.
OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARDÂ Whey Protein Powder
A classic best seller, the Gold Standard whey from ON has been a go to for thousands of athletes for a couple of years now. The quantity is there, and so is the quality of the ingredients and powder. Although the primary ingredient is whey, it has also been enriched with Glutamine, and BCAAs, making this supplement a three in one.
The company has however recently changed the formula for some of the flavors, adding new ingredients such as sucralose. Many people said that it changes the taste and is an unnecessary addition to what was otherwise a perfect formula.[one_half_first]
[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Best seller
- Three different flavors
- Good price to quality ratio
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- The formula for certain flavors has changed, recently adding sucralose to the mix
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Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Organic Plant Based Vegan Protein Powder
GOLD STANDARD 100% Plant Protein was made for active adults who care about what they eat and where their nutrients come from. By combining organic pea, brown rice and sacha inchi proteins, you benefit from a complete profile of essential amino acids to support muscle recovery.
Along with 24 grams of protein, each serving delivers 100% of the Daily Value of vitamin C, provides an excellent source of vitamin B12 and includes a gluten-free complex of ancient grains and pomegranate powder.
Help keep your goals and your diet on track with this USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO formula that’s free of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. The taste is on point, and if you are lactose intolerant, this is a great alternative to whey protein.[one_half_first]
[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Organic & Non-GMO, Vegan, No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners
- 24 grams of complete, organic, plant-based protein sourced from a blend of Organic Pea, Organic Rice, and Organic Sacha Inchi proteins
- Complete Amino Acid Profile to support muscle recovery
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- The vanilla flavor may taste a little bit too sweet for some people
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BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Powder
The Syntha-6 whey premium protein powder offers 22g of protein per serving and the flavors are some of the best tasting ones out there. In this container you’ll have all essential amino acids, as well as the essential fatty acids, and a decent amount of fiber – making this a rather multi-functional supplement.
You can use this to supplement a variety of exercise and nutrition regimens. If you are hesitant when it comes to which flavor to pick, give the chocolate cake batter a go. [one_half_first]
[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Promotes muscle protein synthesis and recovery support
- Produces rich, creamy milkshake taste and texture
- 22g protein per serving
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Recent formula change sometimes gives off a “chemical” aftertaste on some of the flavors.
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Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder Whey Protein Isolate
For every scoop you will get 25 g of protein, also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients, and zero grams of sugar. They have also ditched the gluten, lactose, and any other impurities to make the powder as clean as possible.
It has been made with a micro-filtration process to be a completely clear milk protein when dissolved in water. There are a variety of different flavors to pick from, most of them actually being rather tasty. Use pre/post workout, as well as any time during the day, either in recipes or as a protein shake.[one_half_first]
[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- 25g Protein per 1 scoop serving
- Gluten & Lactose Free
- Added Vitamin & Mineral Blend
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- None to note
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Best pre workout snack and supplements
Pre-workouts are designed to heighten your energy levels, enhance your focus, and just able you to push harder and for longer during your workouts. This is the supplement that will get you warmed up and feeling good before you training. For a more in depth guide on the best pre workouts look here.
VINTAGE BLAST Pre Workout
Quality product and decently sized, too. This one provides a great boost of energy and focus, without a big crash afterwards. No ill side effects such a sudden total body itch, or having your face feeling like it’s on fire. The Vintage Blast pre-workout contains 0 calories, and has been sweetened with stevia.
The Blueberry lemonade taste is rather pleasant and sufficiently sweet; not too strong to the point of it being bitter tasting.
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[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Will deliver a steady amount of energy to power you through your workouts
- No temporary rush followed by a big crash – the transition is smooth.
- Clean ingredients
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Those who have a high tolerance to pre workouts may need bigger dosages
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Legion Pulse Pre Workout
One of the current best sellers, the Legion Pulse pre-workout has a slightly steeper price than most of the other products, and for a good reason. Many of the other pre-workouts you will try contain a large quantity of caffeine, this will make it hit hard and fast, but will also cause you to crash afterwards, as the effects wear out suddenly. With this one the transition is smoother, and doesn’t leave you almost feeling depressed after your workout.
The quantity of powder in the container is also a great deal for your money, as well as the taste (you can choose between seven different tastes) . Even if it tasted like crap, it would probably still be one of the better pre-workouts out there.
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[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Efficient, and tastes good
- Complete transparency and quality ingredients
- smooth transition, no jitters or itches
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- None to note
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OPTIMUM NUTRITION ESSENTIAL AMINO ENERGY, Fruit Fusion Pre workoutÂ
You can use this to effectively replace your coffee routine, with great results. If it were not for a couple of artificial flavors, this would surely be one of the best pre workouts out there. Find your ideal scoop size by testing your tolerance slowly, adding a bit more everyday until you reach the required effect.
This is an overall excellent pre workout, tastes pretty decent, and will definitely give you that enhanced focus, pump, and higher level of energy that you are looking for.
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[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- 21 calories per serving; 1g of carbs, and no sugar
- 10 different flavors
- Enhanced muscle recovery
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- artificial flavors and dyes
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OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD Pre-Workout
A pre workout that packs a great punch and will get you moving when you need to, without all the jitters, itches, and feeling like your face will burn off from taking too much of it. The caffeine content will get you focused and prepared for your workout session.
Dose according to your tolerance, and mix with some water. You can drink this 20 to 30 minutes before you training session, for maximum effect. The flavor is sweet, but not too sweet to the point that it becomes a problem.
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[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Complete formula with added creatine
- 6 different flavors
- No jittering and itches
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- If you like the strong tingles some pre workouts give you, you won’t get any from this one
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Best BCAA pre workout
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are composed of three essential amino acids: isoleucine, leucine and valine. They are commonly used as supplements to enhance muscle growth, as well as your performance during your workout.
As the three amino acids Isoleucine, Leucine & Valine cannot be synthesized by the body, they must be obtained through a regular diet, or with supplementation. Two of the main components BCAAs promote are muscle maintenance via an Anti-Catabolic effect, and enhanced protein synthesis.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard BCAA
These will do three things for you; enhance protein synthesis and therefore, muscle gain, allow you to retain muscle mass more effectively–ideal for when you are on a cut, and provide your strength performance with a noticeable boost.
The powder is made from quality ingredients, that you can use for a total of 20 servings. There are four different flavors to choose from.
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[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Premium quality
- 4 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar
- Easy assembly
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- None to note
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MuscleTech Amino Build Next Gen BCAA
Amino Build Next Gen Energized is a clinically dosed muscle- and performance-enhancing BCAA formula that features a massive dose of BCAAs and clinically researched dose of betaine, along with naturally sourced caffeine for that extra kick. If you’re looking to boost your energy, get stronger and recover faster–Amino Build Next Gen Energized has you covered.
Amino Build Next Gen Energized is flavored by experts in one of the world’s top flavoring houses, in order to taste better than any other amino acid powder on the market. [one_half_first]
[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Effective
- Great taste
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Powder doesn’t mix completely with water
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MuscleTech MyoBuild 4X Amino BCAA
A 4:1:1 ratio of BCAA featuring a scientifically studied dose of leucine, plus isoleucine, valine, betaine, taurine and tart cherry work to build muscle, increase strength, improve recovery and decrease catabolic activity. Precise doses of electrolytes were added MyoBuild 4X Amino BCAA to help replenish electrolyte stores that are depleted during your workout.
Test subjects who supplemented with the exact 2.5g dose of betaine in 2 scoops of MyoBuild 4X built 3.75 lbs. of lean muscle in 6 weeks compared to 0.66 lbs. by the placebo group. That’s over 4 times more muscle (vs. the placebo). Betaine has also been shown in a separate study to enhance muscle endurance. Cholewa et al., 2013. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 10:39. Hoffman et al., 2009. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 6:7.
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[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- 4:1:1 ratio of BCAA
- Increase strength, support recovery and endurance
- Anti-catabolic
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Doesn’t mix super well
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Best creatine powder
Creatine is a key fuel source for high intensity activities like sprints, weightlifting, explosive jumping movements like plyometrics. It will however not help you with anything endurance related such as swimming, running, or rowing.
Your body naturally stores creatine and other natural fuel sources in your muscles in very small amounts. Using creatine as a supplement will give you the extra power needed for those last few reps.
Creatine Monohydrate Powder Micronized by BulkSupplements
Bulk supplements offers a great value to price ratio with their micronized creatine monohydrate powder. The product is vegan friendly and rated at a percentage of 99.9% purity. The packaging is certainly far from fancy — it’s just a 1 kg sealed and resealable bag of creatine.
The packaging may be minimalist, but the quality of it’s content, certainly aren’t.
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[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Simple packaging
- Quality ingredients
- great price to quality ratio
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Packaging is sometimes hard to seal closed — if you have a dry container to store it in, go ahead
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OPTIMUM NUTRITION Micronized Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Optimum’s Micronized Creatine Monohydrate is available in sizes ranging from 150 to 2,000 Grams. There’s one to fit your needs and budget.
One standard teaspoon provides a full 5-gram daily maintenance dose of Creapure Creatine Monohydrate, enough for a notable increase in muscle strength and power, as well as overall all around performance and recovery rate.
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[box title=”Pros” bg_color=”#4faf00″ icon=”thumbs-o-up” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- Great price
- Clean ingredients
- Effective
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[box title=”Cons” bg_color=”#dd3333″ icon=”thumbs-o-down” icon_style=”border” icon_shape=”circle” align=”center” text_color=”#ffffff” height=”350″]
- The creatine is a bit awkward to get out of the bottle when it gets to the end
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best workout supplements for men – Conclusion
We have gone over the best protein for lean muscle gains, as well as the best of each of the following categories of supplements; Creatine, pre-workouts, and BCAAs. Mix them with a diet that is balanced and in line with your objectives, and you will see an acceleration in your progress. Keep in mind however that supplements are an aid that comes in very useful when you have already optimized your diet and training. Supplements will not do the work for you, but will help you to make more out of what you are already doing.
