Runners, are you looking for a protein powder that will help you perform at your best?
Protein is an essential nutrient for runners. It provides the energy and nutrients your body needs to maintain muscle mass, repair tissue damage, and support immune function. There are many different types of protein powders on the market, so how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we will discuss the benefits of protein powder for runners and recommend our top eight picks for the best protein powder for running.
We know that finding the right protein powder can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of our top eight picks. These protein powders have been specifically designed to meet the needs of runners and provide all the nutrients your body needs to perform at its best.
Check out our blog below to learn more about the best protein powder for runners!
How We Choose the Best Protein Powder for Runners
Protein is key for runners looking to recover from runs correctly and reach their running goals, but it can be hard to know which protein powder is best suited for you.
Protein powders come in a variety of flavors, potency, specific diet-friendly, and added vitamins and minerals. This can be confusing when deciding which is best suited to your needs.
We have researched thousands of reviews and ratings to compile a list that will give you everything your budget can handle when it comes to deciding which protein powder is best suited for you.
Here at Smart Frog, we take pride in our reviews. We only recommend products that we believe in and use ourselves. We also believe in transparency, so we want you to know that Smart Frog Reviews may receive a commission at no cost to you from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business).
With that said, we would never recommend a product we didn't believe in just to make a quick buck. We stand by our reviews 100%, and we hope you find them helpful. Thanks for supporting us and happy shopping!
What We Like Most About It
Discover good health with Orgain Store’s Protein Plus Superfoods Powder. This powder is loaded with vital organic ingredients including veggies, herbs, greens, grasses, berries, fruits, sprouts, and ancient grains.
Not only does this superfood blend provide an antioxidant boost but it also helps regulate weight management and is an ideal meal replacement for those who lead busy lifestyles. Depending on your health goals and activities of choice, you can use the powder as a pre or post-workout mix as well as part of a breakfast shake or smoothie to fuel your day. The powder has a strong nutritional profile too with its vitamins B6 and C, iron, riboflavin, thiamin, and pantothenic acid content – vitamins that are naturally found in food rather than synthetically made!
What You Need to Know
USA organic certified, vegan friendly, and gluten-free, this protein powder is ideal for those with dietary restrictions. It contains 21 grams of organic plant-based protein from peas, brown rice, and chia seeds. Each serving has 3 grams of organic dietary fiber and only 1 gram of sugar.
In addition, this protein powder is fortified with 50 organic superfoods per scoop. These superfoods include green tea, acai berry, Goji berry, and Spirulina. This protein powder is also dairy-free and lactose-free. As a result, it is easy to digest and does not cause stomach upset.
What We Like Most About It
Garden Life Organic Protein is specifically designed to help runners refuel and repair their muscles quickly and efficiently. This vegan protein powder packs a punch, containing 30g of complete protein plus over 5g of essential BCAA amino acids, glutamine, and glutamic acid.
Not only does it support muscle repair after an intense session, but it has also included a high antioxidant blend of organic ingredients; tart cherries, apples, turmeric, Gogi berries, and blueberries in each scoop. An ideal post-workout solution for an active lifestyle.
What You Need to Know
When it comes to finding a protein powder that meets all of your needs, you can't go wrong with Orgain. It's certified USDA organic, Non-GMO project verified, NSF certified for sport, informed choice for sport certified, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and contains no added sugars.
Plus, it's packed with a 2 billion CFU probiotic blend to keep your immune system strong during training. And if you're looking for a clean protein powder, Orgain is certified clean and free of any banned substances.
What We Like Most About It
Vital Proteins' Lactose-Free Protein Powder is perfect for people with lactose intolerance who want to up their daily protein intake while supporting a fitness routine. This fantastic product combines lactose-free milk protein isolate and collagen peptides to offer 25 grams of complete, high-quality protein that provides nutritional support that helps you feel and look your best in no time.
Preparing the milk protein concentrate and isolate through the lactase enzyme process helps to reduce the lactose content even further, so all you get is an excellent supplement perfect for active lifestyles.
What You Need to Know
Dairy proteins are high-quality proteins that contain all the essential amino acids (EAAs) that the body needs. They are also easily digestible, making them an excellent source of protein for people who are looking to build muscle or recover from exercise.
Their milk protein isolate is a concentrated form of dairy protein that delivers a high ratio of casein to whey (80:20). This provides a robust amino acid profile that supports muscle protein synthesis and improved recovery. In addition, the milk protein isolate contains 10 grams of collagen, which is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide. Collagen is easily digested and absorbed by the body, making it an ideal source of protein for people who want to promote healthy bones, joints, and tendons.
What We Like Most About It
OWYN Vegan Protein Powder is a great option for those who are health-conscious and looking for a plant-based protein powder. This powder is certified vegan and provides superior nutrition, with 100% of its protein coming from plants. It is also gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, peanut and tree nut-free, egg-free, non-GMO project verified, free of all artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and has low sugar content.
OWYN Vegan Protein Powder can easily be incorporated into your lifestyle by adding it to smoothies or baking recipes. However you choose to use it, you’ll be getting a wholesome source of vegan protein that delivers essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals to help build strong muscles without any unhealthy additives or allergens.
What You Need to Know
OWYN is a nutritional shake that is a great source of fiber and vegan omega 3. Just one serving provides a blend of kale, spinach, and broccoli, as well as 10 M CFU probiotics. Additionally, it contains 20 grams of plant protein from organic pumpkin seeds, chia, and pea. This helps deliver all 9 essential amino acids and naturally occurring BCAAs. These help to enhance muscle recovery and promote optimal daily health.
What We Like Most About It
Are you looking for a premium protein recovery drink mix that helps you rebuild, refuel, and rehydrate after intense training or racing? Look no further than GU Energy Roctane Endurance Protein. With 20g of whey protein per serving along with essential amino acids, this complete protein formulation feeds immune system cells and helps athletes with their recovery process.
Replenish vital energy stores after hard runs or rides and start rebuilding immediately with this post-workout nourishment. It takes real dedication to push your limits further, and now you can feed your inner athlete the right way to maximize performance.
What You Need to Know
Each 230-calorie serving contains 30g of fast-acting carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores, and 230mg of sodium to replace electrolytes. A great-tasting formula mixes easily with 8 ounces of water. Available in a box of 10 individual servings, or a 15-serving pouch; Gluten-free and Kosher Certified.
What We Like Most About It
Introducing the TB12 Low Sugar Protein Powder – a clean, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly supplement with all the nutritional benefits you need. With a complete amino acid profile created from a single source of plant-based pea protein, TB12 is designed to help build lean muscle while keeping your nutrition levels in check.
Its low sugar content of 1 net carb makes it perfect for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate or sugar intake. Moreover, its vegan-friendly formulation means that this product can be seamlessly integrated into any diet plan.
What You Need to Know
24g of sustainable pea protein and key nutrients for a post-workout recovery shake. Easy to use, no clump. no chalk. Great flavors and smooth mixing for shakes and meal replacement. Three protein flavors for men and women on the go or mixed into a non-dairy protein shake. With 24g of sustainable pea protein, this powder provides the building blocks that your body needs to repair and build muscle after a workout.
Mix it into a smoothie or shake, or add it to your favorite recipes. It's also a great source of key nutrients like fiber, iron, and potassium. Choose from three delicious flavors: chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry.
What We Like Most About It
Levels Grass Fed 100% Whey Protein is a product that provides you with essential proteins, amino acids, and zero additives. This protein contains no hormones, GMOs, added sugars, soy, gluten, bleaching agents, or fillers. We make our Pure Chocolate Whey with cold-pressed cacao and lightly sweeten it with monk fruit extract for maximum deliciousness without the fake chocolate flavor.
The whey concentrate used to make this product is of high quality and the least processed form possible. The protein is made with grass-fed hormone-free dairy which ensures a smooth taste and natural richness. This whey protein isolate provides your body with the necessary nutrition while ensuring that no harmful additives are part of its intake.
What You Need to Know
Levels Pure Chocolate Whey is a protein powder that contains 24g of protein per scoop, as well as 5.4g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). It is made in the USA and is undenatured to protect bioactivity and naturally occurring growth factors.
Each batch of Levels Whey Protein is cold-process microfiltered and blended with non-GMO sunflower lecithin, resulting in a powder that mixes easily. Levels Pure Chocolate Whey is a trusted product among athletes and fitness enthusiasts and can be used to support muscle growth and recovery.
What We Like Most About It
Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder is the premium plant-based protein you need to fuel and recover from your toughest workouts. Each serving contains 30 grams of protein made from a blend of pea protein powder, pumpkin seed, and organic sunflower seed to help build muscle and support recovery.
Additionally, this vegan supplement includes 5-gram BCAA amino acids and 5-gram Glutamic Acids for maximum fitness support. Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder also provides 9 essential amino acids with each serving, as well as ingredients like tart cherry, turmeric extract, and 2 billion CFU probiotics (bacillus coagulans) to help rebalance post-workout body systems. With Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder, you can confidently fuel your workout knowing that all-natural ingredients are included in every scoop with no sugar added.
What You Need to Know
Vega Sport Protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein powder that has been certified by NSF International for Sport. The powder is also Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Vegan. It is a keto-friendly protein powder that is lactose and dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. It has a smooth taste and texture, and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. It is a great protein powder for women and men who are looking for a healthy, plant-based alternative to whey protein powders.
Protein Powder FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions asked about protein and protein powder:
Is protein powder good for a runner?
Yes, protein powder is a great way for runners to get the nutrients they need. Protein powder provides an easy and convenient way to get protein into your diet, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. In addition, protein powder also contains other important nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus that runners need for optimal health.
Should you drink protein before or after a run?
It depends on what your goals are. If you're looking to build muscle, then you should drink protein after a run. If you're looking to lose weight or maintain your current weight, then you should drink protein before a run.
Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. After a run, your muscles are depleted of glycogen and need protein to rebuild and become stronger. Consuming protein before a run will help to prevent muscle breakdown and will help keep you feeling fuller longer so that you're less likely to overeat later on.
Will protein help me run faster?
There is some evidence that protein can help you run faster. Protein provides energy and helps to build and repair muscle. Muscles are essential for running, so having a good source of protein is important for runners.
There are different types of protein, so it's important to choose a protein that is best suited for runners. Whey protein is a good choice because it is quickly absorbed by the body and provides energy fast. Soy protein is also a good choice because it contains all the essential amino acids needed to build muscle. Plant-based proteins like hemp or pea protein are not as complete as whey or soy, but they can still be a good source of protein for runners.
When should I eat protein when running?
It's important to include protein in your diet when you're running, especially if you're doing long-distance runs. Protein helps to rebuild muscle tissue that's been broken down as a result of running, and it also helps to fuel your body so you can continue running for an extended period.
Ideally, you should try to eat protein within 30 minutes after finishing a run. This will help your body to start repairing the damage that was done during your workout, and it will also help to refuel your muscles so they can continue functioning properly. There are many different types of protein that you can eat after a run, so choose something that sounds good to you and that will fit into your overall dietary plan.
Should runners eat carbs or protein?
There are benefits to both carbs and protein for runners, but the amount and type of each that runners should eat depends on their individual goals and needs.
Carbs are important for providing energy for running, while protein is necessary for repairing muscles after a run. Runners who are looking to increase their muscle mass may want to focus more on protein consumption, while those who are trying to lose weight or maintain their weight may benefit from consuming more carbs. Ultimately, runners need to experiment with different amounts of both carbs and protein to see what works best for them.
How much protein does a runner need daily?
It is recommended that runners get about .36 grams of protein per pound of their body weight. This means that a 130-pound runner would need about 47 grams of protein daily.
However, there are a lot of variables to consider when determining how much protein someone needs, including activity level, muscle mass, and age. For example, endurance athletes may need more than .36 grams per pound because they are breaking down muscle tissue during exercise. And older adults may need less than .36 grams per pound because they tend to lose muscle mass as they age.
Should I take protein after running?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people believe that you should take protein after running to help your muscles recover, while others believe that it's not necessary. Ultimately, the best way to know if protein post-workout works for you is to experiment and see what gives you the best results.
Is protein good the night before a run?
It depends on what you mean by "protein." If you're referring to whole foods like chicken or fish, then the answer is yes, protein is a good choice for dinner before a run. However, the answer is less clear if you're talking about protein powders or supplements.
Some people believe that taking in protein before a workout can help your body burn more fat and build muscle. However, there isn't much scientific evidence to support this claim. Some research suggests that consuming protein before a workout may have the opposite effect and slow down your metabolism.
At the end of the day, it's best to listen to your own body and experiment a bit to see what works best
What protein powder do athletes use?
Athletes typically use protein powders that are high in quality and low in carbohydrates.
Whey protein is a common type of protein powder that is derived from milk. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids needed to build muscle. Whey protein is also high in leucine, which is an important amino acid for muscle growth.
Another popular type of protein powder is casein. Casein is a slow-digesting protein, which means it provides a steady stream of amino acids to the muscles for several hours after ingestion. This makes it a good choice for athletes who are looking to maintain or increase their muscle mass.
What happens if a runner doesn't get enough protein?
If a runner doesn't get enough protein, they may experience muscle soreness and fatigue. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, so without it, the body can't rebuild tired muscles. Additionally, runners who don't consume enough protein may be more susceptible to injuries since their muscles won't be as strong.
What’s The Best Protein Powder for You?
Conclusion paragraph: All in all, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which protein supplement is best. It depends on your individual needs and preferences.
However, we hope that this article has provided you with enough information to make an informed decision about which protein is right for you.
Thanks for reading!
