8 Best Protein Powders Australia in 2024 – Recovery Nutrition Essentials

Some critics will say you don’t require a good protein powder for recovery and can get all of your nutrition needs from wholefoods alone. Sure, this can be true but it is often difficult to logistically achieve in terms of time and budget. Like ice baths and saunas, using protein powder has been well studied as an effective approach to recovery.

Using a quality protein powder has a number of benefits, regardless of if you are an athlete or not, but it is important to get the ingredients right. There’s a confusing amount of protein powders Australia, so we’ve dumbed it down in the article, after gulping down countless protein powders over the years, to show you just a handful that are worth trying and adding to your daily routine.

Best Protein Powder Australia – Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein (Use code GURU15 for 15% off)

Best Runner Up: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey

Best Paleo: Primal Collective Grass Fed Collagen Peptides

Best Travel: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide Sachets

Best Recovery: Momentous Recovery Formula

Best for Muscle Growth: XWerks Grow Whey Protein Isolate

Best for Weight Loss: 180 Nutrition Whey Protein Superfoods

Best Vegan: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Powder

Why Use a Protein Powder?

Is protein powder worth it? This is a very common question asked when looking for a protein powder to add into your routine, as they can definitely be an expensive nutritional habit. Protein is no doubt an essential macronutrient for overall health and especially for muscle growth.

Generally speaking, most people can get enough protein from whole foods and animal based diets, but it can still be useful for you to use a protein powder to supplement your diet for a few different reasons.  

Read Also: 10 Science Based Benefits of Whey Protein Powder

Why use protein powder? Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a foundational role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It is a macronutrient comprised of amino acids, the building blocks of various bodily tissues, including muscles, bones, skin, and even enzymes. While obtaining protein from whole food sources like meat, poultry, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts is ideal, there are situations where using protein powder as a dietary supplement can offer distinct advantages. These include:

1. Convenience and Accessibility: One of the primary reasons to use protein powder is the convenience it offers. Preparing and consuming whole food sources of protein can be time-consuming and may require refrigeration or cooking. In contrast, protein powder is incredibly convenient. It can be quickly mixed with water, milk, or added to smoothies, making it an efficient option for individuals with busy lifestyles, on-the-go routines, or limited access to kitchen facilities.

2. Ease of Digestion and Absorption: Certain whole food protein sources may contain fats, fibers, or other components that slow down digestion and absorption. Protein powder, on the other hand, is often formulated to be easily digestible, allowing the body to rapidly absorb amino acids. This quick absorption can be particularly beneficial during the post-workout “anabolic window,” when the body is primed to utilize protein for muscle repair and growth.

3. Precision and Portion Control: Using protein powder enables precise control over protein intake. This is especially valuable for individuals who are tracking their macronutrient intake for specific goals such as muscle gain, weight loss, or athletic performance. Protein powders typically come with clear serving size recommendations, allowing users to tailor their protein intake to their unique needs.

4. Muscle Growth and Repair: Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, making it a staple for individuals engaging in regular physical activity, particularly strength training or endurance exercise. Protein powder, often rich in essential amino acids, provides a concentrated source of protein that supports the body’s recovery and adaptation to exercise-induced stress. This can aid in maximizing muscle gains and minimizing muscle breakdown.

5. Weight Management and Appetite Control: Protein is known for its satiating effect, meaning it helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Including protein powder in your diet can assist in managing hunger and cravings, which is beneficial for those aiming to control calorie intake and lose weight. By curbing appetite and prolonging feelings of fullness, protein powder can contribute to reduced overall calorie consumption.

6. Dietary Restriction and Preferences: Individuals following specific dietary patterns, such as vegetarian, vegan, or lactose-free diets, may find it challenging to meet their protein needs solely through whole food sources. Protein powders offer an alternative source of protein that aligns with dietary restrictions and preferences, helping ensure adequate protein intake. 

7. Aging and Muscle Preservation: As people age, there is a natural decline in muscle mass, known as sarcopenia. Adequate protein intake becomes even more critical to maintain muscle mass and overall functionality. Protein powder can be an effective strategy for older adults to supplement their protein intake and mitigate age-related muscle loss.

8. Medical Conditions and Recovery: Certain medical conditions, such as malabsorption disorders or surgery recovery, may necessitate higher protein requirements. In such cases, protein powder can serve as a valuable tool to help meet these increased needs and support the body’s healing and recovery processes. 

9. Enhanced Nutrient Timing: Protein intake timing can impact its effectiveness in muscle repair and growth. Consuming protein powder before or after a workout can provide a convenient and strategic way to optimize nutrient timing, ensuring the body receives the necessary amino acids at the right time for maximum benefit.

10. Variety and Flavour Options: Protein powders come in a wide array of flavours, from vanilla and chocolate to more unique options like cookies and cream. This variety can add excitement to your diet and make it more enjoyable to consume protein-rich foods, especially for individuals who may find certain whole food sources less appealing.

Choosing the Best Type of Protein Powder

Determining the optimal protein powder for your individual needs is a crucial consideration. As previously discussed, protein powder can be sourced from a variety of natural foods commonly found in our diets. However, it’s essential to broaden your decision-making process by considering alternative options in case whey protein does not align with your preferences or requirements.

Animal Whey Protein

This is our preferred and most recommended type of protein to use as it has the most complete nutritional profile, however some may dispute this. Derived from high-quality sources such as cow’s milk, this protein variant has long held its position as a cornerstone of fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders alike. Its rich amino acid profile, coupled with a superior biological value, cements its status as a go-to option for those seeking robust muscle support and growth. We always look for Grass-fed whey protein as the best and most healthy source of whey protein powder.

Animal whey protein boasts a comprehensive blend of essential amino acids, making it an exceptional choice for promoting muscle recovery and repair. Its rapid absorption rate further amplifies its efficacy, delivering a quick infusion of amino acids to muscle fibres in the post-workout window, aiding in the replenishment and rejuvenation process.

Unlike some plant-based alternatives, animal whey protein stands as a complete protein source, encompassing all nine essential amino acids crucial for bodily functions. This attribute renders it particularly effective in fostering lean muscle development and overall physiological well-being.

Additionally, animal whey protein exhibits a favourable taste and texture profile, often considered more palatable and smoother when mixed compared to certain plant-derived counterparts. This sensory appeal can significantly enhance the consumption experience, making it easier to incorporate into daily dietary routines.

However, it’s important to note that animal whey protein may not be suitable for individuals adhering to a vegan or lactose-intolerant lifestyle. Its derivation from cow’s milk could present challenges for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

Soy Protein

For individuals grappling with lactose intolerance or adhering to a vegan lifestyle, attaining adequate levels of high-quality protein can prove to be a challenge. Enter soy protein, derived from soybeans, which emerges as a viable alternative. 

This protein source encompasses all the essential amino acids vital for the body’s functioning, including the elusive vitamin B12, thus contributing to enhanced overall diet and well-being across multiple facets.

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that certain studies suggest soy protein might not exhibit the same efficacy as whey protein in certain objectives. However, if your goals diverge from those benchmarks, soy protein can be a valuable contender. It’s worth mentioning that the texture of soy protein can occasionally verge on chalky, and its blend-ability may not rival that of other powder varieties.

Pea Protein

A burgeoning star within the realm of plant-based proteins, pea protein garners attention for its ascendant popularity. An optimal choice for those struggling with dairy protein digestion or grappling with fodmap-rich foods.

Procured from peas and meticulously ground into a fine powder, this complete protein might not resonate with every palate. Recent investigations unveil the prowess of the unassuming pea, showcasing muscle growth gains comparable to whey protein.

Rice Protein

Another entrant in the plant-based protein arena, rice protein, is primarily carbohydrate-focused. However, it falls short of being a complete protein, lacking all nine essential amino acids present in whey.  

Consequently, rice protein necessitates blending with other plant-based proteins to achieve a more balanced nutritional profile. Preliminary research underscores rice protein’s potential in promoting weight loss and augmenting lean muscle mass, aligning favourably with whey protein. It emerges as an enticing alternative for individuals harbouring FODMAP sensitivity or contending with soy or dairy allergies.

Egg Protein

Egg protein powder emerges as a robust protein reservoir characterised by a lofty biological value. Prevalent among bodybuilders during the 80s and 90s, egg protein powder earned its acclaim due to its proficiency in nurturing muscle growth. 

With its lactose-free composition and minimal carbohydrate content, it offers a streamlined source of protein. Ensuring your egg-protein comes from a free-range, organic or biodynamic source is ideal for best quality.

A word of caution: Egg protein possesses a distinctive taste that demands acquired appreciation. Besides its propensity for substantial frothing upon mixing, its aroma and flavour can be somewhat off-putting.

Best Protein Powders Australia in 2024

There is most definitely a place for protein powders as part of a healthy nutritional protocol for overall dietary health and especially for performance based nutrition. With so many protein powders available to buy online, we have condensed this overwhelming market down to a few of our favourite protein powders, with a selection for best overall, highly reviewed, something for the vegans, protein powder for growth, paleo friendly protein and best for travel.

Best Overall: Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein