Protein shakes are the easiest way to add more protein to your muscle building diet without adding extra time spent cooking, cleaning, or eating. However, not all protein shake mixes are created equal. Some are great, but others can be overpriced, horrible tasting, or clumpy.
This article will explain the3 most important things to consider when buying a protein shake mix. Learn these tips well, and you will avoid wasting your hard earned money on shoddy products. At the end of the article, discover the best system for building muscle fast and effectively.
Protein Blend
1. Taste
You might tell yourself now that you're tough enough to stomach any nasty protein shake mix, but you need to find something palatable. It doesn't have to taste fantastic, but it needs to be decent enough that you can consume one, two or even three shakes per day for months on end.
The best way to find out what tastes you like is to buy 1-pound sample packages of protein. You will have to spend a little money to do this, but you avoid wasting a lot on a huge container of nasty protein shake mix. Also, look at online reviews of different protein brands and products.
2. Mixing Ability
While not as important as taste, mixability is extremely important for a protein shake mix. It needs to be able to mix well, without clumping, and with a relatively small amount of vigorous shaking.
Luckily, most powders don't have a problem with this aspect. It is really only a big deal for you if you plan on drinking lots of dense shakes. Personally, I often drink 4-scoop, 100-protein-gram shakes in one shaker full of water, so I need a protein that mixes very well.
3. Cost
Chances are that you, like most people, are on a tight budget when it comes to your muscle building expenses. You already have to pay for tons of food and a gym membership, so don't blow tons more money a protein shake mix.
You should aim for a price that is in the middle of the road. Too low in price (i.e. super-cheap store brand protein powders), and you will get a protein shake mix that tastes rancid and mixes horribly. Too high, and you'll get a protein that tastes great but is ultimately a waste of a lot of money.