When it comes to health and fitness, one of the most popular supplements on the market is protein powder. It’s no wonder why, as protein is an essential nutrient for building and repairing muscles, as well as aiding in weight loss and maintaining overall health.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an athlete, or simply looking to supplement your diet with extra protein, choosing the right protein powder can make all the difference.
To maintain a healthy body, it is recommended to consume a certain amount of protein daily. The recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for protein is 0.75 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. However, if you have a limited intake of animal-based protein sources in your diet, it may be challenging to meet this target. Fortunately, protein powders can serve as a convenient and effective solution to help you meet your protein needs.
From whey protein powder to vegan protein powder, the choices can be overwhelming. But fear not, we have researched and analyzed the top protein powders in NZ to help you make an informed decision. We’ll take a look at the ingredients, nutritional value, taste, and effectiveness of each protein powder to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
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Who should take protein powders?
Protein powders can be beneficial for individuals who struggle to meet their daily protein needs through their regular diet, particularly those who don’t consume animal-based sources of protein. This includes vegetarians, vegans, and individuals who have specific dietary restrictions. Protein powders can also be useful for individuals who exercise regularly and need to supplement their protein intake to support muscle growth and recovery. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding protein powders to your diet.
How to Choose the Best Protein Powder for You
Choosing the best protein powder for you depends on several factors, including your dietary needs and personal preferences. Here are some tips to help you select the right protein powder:
Identify your dietary restrictions: If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, make sure to select a plant-based protein powder. Additionally, if you have any food allergies or intolerances, read the label carefully to ensure the protein powder is free from any potential allergens.
Consider your fitness goals: If you’re looking to build muscle, select a protein powder that is high in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine. If you’re primarily looking to support muscle recovery, consider a protein powder with a lower concentration of BCAAs.
Evaluate the quality: Look for protein powders that are third-party tested for quality and purity. This ensures that the product contains the amount of protein listed on the label and doesn’t contain any harmful contaminants.
Choose a flavour and texture you enjoy: Protein powders come in a variety of flavours and textures, including chocolate, vanilla, and fruity flavours. Experiment with different options to find one that you enjoy and can incorporate into your daily routine.
Check the ingredients list: Avoid protein powders that contain added sugars, artificial flavours, or other unnecessary additives. Look for products with minimal ingredients and no added fillers.
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The Best Protein Powder NZ
1. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Powder
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Powder in Rich Chocolate flavour is a vegan protein that helps you look, feel, and perform at your best. Made from 100% natural, allergen-free European Golden Pea Protein, it aids in energy, recovery, repair, and weight management. This environmentally friendly choice is complete with all nine essential amino acids and is a natural source of iron. It’s tasty and easy to digest, with no chemicals, additives, or preservatives. Suitable for all diets and ages, it supports healthy weight management and muscle repair, growth, and recovery. It’s also gluten-free and GMO-free.
2. Horleys MASS Protein Powder
Horleys MASS Protein Powder in Vanilla Deluxe flavour is the ultimate combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to support muscle gain, strength improvements, and enhanced recovery. This protein powder contains an optimal mix of whey protein concentrate (WPC), milk protein isolate, and whole milk powder for hard gainers.
It also has high nutrient content, including magnesium which is essential for normal energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and muscle function. Additionally, this protein powder contains MCTs to boost calorie density and is boosted with creatine for serious performance and strength. The complex carbohydrates in Mass deliver a steady source of energy, making it perfect for post-workout use.
3. BSC HydroxyBurn Lean5 Protein Powder
BSC HydroxyBurn Lean5 Protein Powder is a whey protein blend that offers a highly bioavailable protein source with a high dose of Branched Chain Amino Acids to maximize protein synthesis and muscle growth. The 3-stage whey protein blend offers variable digestive speeds to ensure maximal protein synthesis is achieved.
It also contains a super complex of 17 vitamins and minerals for optimal nutrient intake and DigeZyme, a patented multi-enzyme complex that enhances the breakdown and assimilation of all macronutrients. With no added sugars, no artificial colours, and a 5-star health rating, Hydroxy Burn Lean 5 is a premium protein source designed to promote muscle growth, support workout recovery, and boost your metabolism.
4. Horley Ripped Thermogenic Protein Powder
Horleys Ripped Ultra Lean Thermogenic Protein Powder is an all-in-one nutritional solution that offers a thermogenic complex to assist with fat metabolism. With top shredding ingredients like caffeine, guarana, green tea, and green coffee, it boosts metabolic rate and increases athletic performance. The product also contains glutamine, a powerful amino acid that promotes muscle growth and prevents breakdown. Horleys Ripped is low in fat, carbs, and sugar, making it an ideal protein mix for those on a fat-loss diet. The added vitamins and minerals ensure you don’t miss out on vital nutrients while cutting calories.
5. USN Premium Whey+ Protein Powder
USN Premium 100% Whey+ Protein Powder is a premium formulation that provides optimal muscle support and recovery. With 25g of high-quality whey protein per serving, it is perfect for building and strengthening the lean muscle. The product also boasts optimal nitrogen retention and amino acid conversion, ensuring that your body receives the nutrients it needs for optimal muscle growth. The whey protein concentrate and hydrolyzate are easy to digest, making it a convenient option for those on the go.
6. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is a premium whey protein powder that is known for its superior quality and value. By using whey protein isolates as the primary protein source, the product contains 24 grams of pure, muscle-building protein per serving, with minimal amounts of fat, cholesterol, and lactose. This makes it an excellent choice for muscle growth, recovery, and increased performance. The product sets the standard for other whey proteins and is the perfect choice for those looking for the best quality and value in their protein supplement.
7. BePure Perfect Protein Powder
BePure Perfect Protein Powder is a plant-based complete protein blend that offers a range of benefits for muscle health, post-workout recovery, exercise performance, gut health, digestion, and healthy skin. With 25g of pea protein isolate per serving, it is highly bioavailable, low in fat and carbs, and easily digested. It is also allergy-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. The product is enhanced with L-glycine, L-leucine, L-methionine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine, providing essential amino acids for optimal muscle health and recovery.
8. Happy Whey Protein Powder
Happy Whey Protein Powder by Happy Way is a premium chocolate protein powder that is 100% natural, gluten-free and made using New Zealand pasture-fed whey protein. It also includes an organic superfood blend consisting of coconut flour, maca, chia seeds, and psyllium husk to provide natural antioxidants, minerals, phytonutrients and vitamins.
With added organic cacao, this protein powder has a delicious chocolate taste that satisfies cravings without guilt. Sweetened with organic stevia and free from preservatives, artificial sweeteners or flavours, this non-GMO, and gluten-free protein powder is packed with nutritional goodness for optimal health and well-being.
9. Rejuvin8tion Plant Based Protein Powder
Rejuvin8tion Plant-Based Protein Powder Blend is a product designed by TV nutritionist, author, and lecturer Rick Hay to support sustainable weight management when combined with a healthy meal and snack choices. It contains a blend of organic, sprouted, and fermented hemp, pea, and rice proteins, along with a superfood blend of pumpkin seed, shiitake mushroom, astragalus, and passionflower.
This protein powder also includes guar gum and coconut MCTs to provide support to the nervous and digestive systems. It is naturally sweetened with thaumatin from the katemfe fruit and contains over 70% organic ingredients. Rejuvin8tion is easy to prepare and makes a creamy smoothie when blended with milk and fruits, making it a healthy snack or meal option.
10. Nature’s Way Instant Natural Protein
Nature’s Way Instant Natural Protein is a perfect protein supplement for various health needs. It’s ideal for muscle recovery, weight loss, providing energy, bodybuilding/sports, and even as a healthy snack. As a long-lasting energy source, protein gives your cells the necessary nutrients to stay active all day. With low carbohydrates and fat but high protein content, it helps in weight loss by keeping you full and suppressing your appetite. It’s also an excellent source of protein for vegetarians who want to meet their daily protein needs and maintain a balanced diet.
FAQ’s
Why is New Zealand whey protein better?
New Zealand whey protein is considered superior due to the country’s strict regulations on dairy farming, resulting in cleaner, healthier cows and higher-quality milk. The protein is minimally processed, preserving its natural nutrients and amino acids.
Which protein powder is best for daily use?
The best protein powder for daily use depends on individual dietary needs and preferences. However, whey protein isolates and casein protein are popular choices due to their high protein content and ability to promote muscle growth and recovery. Plant-based protein powders such as pea protein and soy protein are also good options for vegetarians and vegans.
Is New Zealand protein worth it?
New Zealand whey protein is worth the investment due to its superior quality and bioavailability. The protein is processed in a way that preserves its natural nutrients and amino acids, resulting in a higher-quality finished product.