Y ou don’t have to be The Rock to understand why someone looking to build muscle would want to find a good, affordable whey protein powder.
Whey protein has become a staple in the fitness world, offering tons of health benefits from muscle growth to weight loss, along with being a convenient alternative to whole food protein sources.
[Image: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock]
But like anything that garners mainstream popularity, the market today is saturated with options, making finding the perfect blend of quality and affordability more challenging than your last set of squats.
Well, I may not be able to spot you in the gym, but I do have more than a decade of experience as a fitness editor and clean-eating fanatic.
As the former Editor-in-Chief of STRONG Fitness Magazine, when it comes to sifting out the best cheap protein powders that don’t sacrifice quality, I’ve got your (appropriately muscular and well sculpted) back.
Because a good cheap protein powder doesn’t just have a low price tag — it should also have a high amount of protein per serving, contain quality, safe ingredients, mix well, and of course, taste good.
With this in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the best whey protein powder supplements on the market that not only deliver the muscle-building benefits you need to make gains, but also cost less than $1.20 per serving.
So, are you looking to bulk up? Do you want to recover better? Or are you just trying to hit your daily protein intake without eating another chicken breast?
This list of the best budget whey protein powders will help you make an informed decision and hit your fitness goals.
At a Glance↓
- Overall Best Budget Whey Protein Powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein
- Runner Up: Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein
- Best Cheap “Clean” Whey Protein Powder: Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
- Cheapest Whey Protein Concentrate: Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
- Cheapest Whey Protein Isolate: Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Powder
- Worth the Extra Pennies: Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Cheap Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder: MuscleTech Grass Fed Whey Protein
- Cheapest Premium Protein Powder: Myprotein Impact Whey Protein
- Best Cheap Unflavored Protein Powder: Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Concentrate
- Best Bulk Whey Isolate: Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate
The Best Cheap Whey Powders (that Don’t Skimp on Quality)
Breaking Down the Best Budget-Friendly Whey Protein Powders on the Market
- At a Glance↓
- What is Whey Protein?
- Breaking Down the Types of Whey Protein
- The Top 10 Cheapest Protein Powders
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein Powder
- Now Sports Whey Protein Isolate
- Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
- Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Powder
- Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- MuscleTech Grass Fed Whey Protein
- Myprotein Impact Whey Protein
- Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Concentrate
- Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate
- The Best of the Rest
- Factors to Consider When Buying Cheap Whey Protein
First up, a (super quick!) primer…
What is Whey Protein?
Whey protein powder is a supplement derived from milk that contains a high concentration of protein, and is especially useful in supporting muscle building and repair.
You’ve likely heard whey referred to as a “complete protein” — this means it contains a complete amino acid profile that includes all nine essential amino acids (the kind you can only get from food), which your body uses to grow and repair muscle tissue.
Compared to other types of protein powder (ie: casein protein, soy protein, pea protein, etc), whey protein has a higher absorption rate, making it ideal for consuming pre and post workout when your muscles are primed for protein synthesis.
Breaking Down the Types of Whey Protein
There are three main types of whey protein available in the market: whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolysate.
You can buy each of these forms of protein individually, or find them combined in a protein blend.
Let’s take a look at each type:
Whey Protein Concentrate is the most common and least processed form of whey protein. It contains a protein concentration of 70-80%, with the remaining composition being lactose, fats, and minerals. It also tends to be the best tasting and most affordable form of whey protein, but may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Whey Protein Isolate is a purer form of whey protein. It undergoes further processing to remove most of the lactose and fat, leaving a protein concentration of over 90% that is quickly digested and absorbed. For this reason, whey isolate is often more expensive than whey protein concentrate, but it’s a good option for those with lactose intolerance or who want a protein source with minimal carbohydrate and fat content.
Whey Protein Hydrolysate (aka hydrolyzed whey) is the most processed form of whey protein. During the hydrolyzation process, protein chains are broken down into smaller peptides, which can be absorbed more quickly by the body. This type of whey protein usually comes with a higher price tag than other types.
The Top 10 Cheapest Protein Powders
Overall Best Budget Whey Protein Powder ↓
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $1.05 (for a 5 lb container)
✅ Protein per serving: 24g
✅ Mixes easily for a smooth texture and great taste
Why it’s the Best Cheap Protein Powder:
Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard is touted as the “best selling whey protein powder on the planet,” and it’s with good reason.
The formula is an easily digestible blend of whey isolate, whey concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein, that quickly delivers 24 grams of muscle-building protein per serving.
It’s also “instantized,” meaning sunflower or soy lecithin is added to make it dissolve and mix well in liquid, so there’s no clumping (ew).
Plus, this product famously tastes delicious — which is largely due to a combination of natural and artificial flavoring in most of their 20 flavor options — so you’ll actually look forward to your post-workout protein shake.
(No more plugging your nose and chugging.)
Lastly, unlike some cheap supplements out there, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is tested for banned substances, so it’s safe for competitive athletes.
Promising Review:
Can’t think of a negative thing to say about this product. Affordable, mixes well, tastes good, whey. You get so much for your money.
You may find a super pricey powder that tastes a little bit better, but you’ll find no better combination of the things listed above. Buy your own for some sickkkkk gainz.
– Tyler S.
Runner Up ↓
Dymatize Elite 100% Whey Protein Powder
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $0.90 (for a 5 lb container)
✅ Protein per serving: 25g
✅ 5.5g of BCAAs per serving
Why it’s the (Second) Best Cheap Whey Protein Powder:
If this were a race between Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard and Dymatize Elite for the best affordable protein on the market, it would be a photo finish.
Both formulas are made with a blend of high-quality whey proteins and deliver nearly the same amount of protein, carbs, and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) per serving.
(Note that Dymatize is actually slightly higher in calories and protein, but the serving size is also bigger.)
Also like Optimum Nutrition, Dymatize’s whey protein has a smooth texture that blends easily with milk or water, and tastes amazing — especially the rich chocolate flavor, my personal fave.
One downside is that the flavor options are limited to three, so if you like mixing it up with unique and different flavors, you’re out of luck.
Promising Review:
This shake is not only nutritious and low in sugar, but it tastes great mixed with water. No extra calories using milk or milk substitutes. It’s the best shake I’ve come across and very affordable as a protein supplement to a healthy diet.
– C & N
Best Cheap “Clean” Whey Protein Powder ↓
Now Sports Whey Protein Isolate
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $1.04 (for a 5 lb container)
✅ Protein per serving: 25g
✅ No artificial flavors or sweeteners
Why it’s a Great Option:
As I mentioned earlier, whey protein isolate is a purer form of protein than whey concentrate, which is why it’s almost always more expensive.
It also tends to be the preferred choice by bodybuilders post-workout, because it’s absorbed more quickly into the body and extremely effective for building muscle and recovery.
So when I found this high-quality whey protein isolate from Now Sports at just over $1.00 per serving, I thought I’d hit the jackpot.
For starters, it’s made with clean and natural ingredients — their unflavored version only contains two simple ingredients, whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin (that’s the intsantizing ingredient we talked about earlier).
It’s totally soy-free, plus they only use natural sweeteners in their chocolate and vanilla flavors, which is good news if you’re avoiding aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.
And while the absence of lactose and fats typically make isolates less creamy and delicious as concentrates, this one blends up smoothly and tastes pretty darn good.
Promising Review:
If you use protein super often this is great. Very cost effective compared to buying smaller tubs from fancy companies. Not too sweet and rich chocolate flavor. Pretty clean ingredients I love everything from Now Sports!
Cheapest Whey Protein Concentrate ↓
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $0.74 (for a 5 lb container)
✅ Protein per serving: 25g
✅ One of the most affordable protein powders available
Why it’s a Great Option:
It may be the cheapest protein powder on our list, but don’t let the low price tag fool you…
This company has made a name for itself by specializing in high-quality supplements at affordable prices, so you’re getting a surprisingly good product for the cost.
Their products are third party tested and made in a GMP-compliant (good manufacturing practices) facility to ensure the highest quality and conditions.
While this is just a straight whey protein concentrate and not a blend with isolate or hydrolysate (partly why it’s so cheap), you’re still getting a similar nutrient profile that includes 25g of protein per serving and a ton of amino acids.
That said, it does contain a bit more lactose, fat, and cholesterol, but if you want a lactose-free version, this brand also offers an isolate (see below) that’s just as high quality and competitively priced.
Promising Review:
Buy this. This stuff is the GOAT. Best tasting vanilla protein. It’s not sickly sweet or overbearing. Zero grit. It’s just perfection. And it’s cheap. It does foam more than other brands, but clumps less so winner to me.
Cheapest Whey Protein Isolate ↓
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Powder
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $1.00 (for a 5 lb container)
✅ Protein per serving: 30g
✅ Cheaper than most whey protein isolates
Why it’s a Great Option:
For being the cheapest isolate protein powder on our list, Nutricost is made with surprisingly high-quality ingredients and contains high concentrations of protein per serving.
It delivers a whopping 30g of protein per scoop along with just 1g of carbs and sugar (keep in mind, their serving size is 37 grams, which is larger than other brands).
And since it’s an isolate, it’s lactose free, as well as being gluten-free and non-GMO, making it an ideal choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Promising Review:
Best protein powder for the price. I am by no means an expert on protein powders, but of the ones I’ve tried, this one is by far the best bang for your buck.
Worth the Extra Pennies ↓
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $1.20 (for a 5 lb container)
✅ Protein per serving: 25g
✅ Ultra-fast absorption for effective muscle recovery and growth
Why it’s a Great Option:
This one is noticeably more expensive than the rest of the top picks, but hear me out:
One of the best protein supplements on the market, Dymatize ISO100 is a blend of hydrolyzed whey protein and isolate, so you’re getting ultra-fast absorption and digestibility.
In other words, the amino acids get delivered to your muscles quickly when consumed post workout, which is prime time for muscle protein synthesis (the process by which your cells make protein for muscle building and repair).
It also delivers the same nutrient profile as most premium blends, delivering 25 grams of protein, 5.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and less than 1 gram of sugar and fat per serving.
Additionally, it comes in a variety of amazing flavors, including Fruity Pebbles, chocolate peanut butter, and strawberry.
Promising Review:
Dymatize just knows what’s up. The ingredient list is impeccable, all you need is in there with minimal fat. Helps sustain muscle mass. Will keep buying.
– Harry
Best Cheap Grass Fed Whey Protein ↓
MuscleTech Grass Fed Whey Protein
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $0.83 (for a 1.8 lb container)
✅ Protein per serving: 20g
✅ Made from dairy sourced primarily from grass-fed cows
Why it’s a Great Option:
For those looking for a clean, animal-friendly option, MuscleTech Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder is your best option.
It’s made from dairy sourced from pasture-raised cows that aren’t treated with hormones or antibiotics, which is said to be healthier (and in some ways, more sustainable) compared to dairy from conventionally raised cows.
Plus, it’s made with natural flavors and zero added sugars (although there is a small amount of sucralose).
Like any grass-fed product, protein powders from pasture-raised cattle tend to be expensive, so at $0.83 per serving, this one is a steal.
Promising Review:
After searching around for an affordable protein powder (I’m a relatively new lifter), I stumbled across this brand and decided to give the vanilla flavor a go. Everything is naturally flavored, you can tell the moment you try the powder, it just tastes less processed than other brands I’ve tried.
Couple the natural and smooth vanilla flavor, with an extremely competitive price per serving, this brand is my new go to for protein powder.
Cheapest Premium Protein Powder ↓
Myprotein Impact Whey Protein
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $0.79 (for a 5 lb bag)
✅ Protein per serving: 18g
✅ Premium quality at an affordable price
Why it’s a Great Option:
Just look at the number of reviews and you get an idea of how popular this product is.
An award-winning company, Myprotein’s whey protein powders are well regarded for their superior quality, delicious taste, and affordable pricing.
Compared to the typical plastic tub, the minimalist packaging helps keep costs down while being better for the environment (a popular hack is to dump it into an old protein container for easier access).
And at less than $.80 per serving, it happens to be one of the cheapest options on our list.
There is one glaringly obvious downside:
The protein content is an unprecedented 18g per serving, which for many users means they have to double up to meet their macronutrient needs (and is why it doesn’t rank higher on this list).
However, if you’re using it between meals or avoiding getting too much protein, it’s an excellent choice.
Promising Review:
After searching online for the best tasting protein, this product came up. I was pleasantly surprised at how affordable it is. It tastes great and gets the job done.
Best Cheap Unflavored Whey Protein ↓
Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Concentrate
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $0.91(for a 2 lb bag)
✅ Protein per serving: 23g
✅ Zero additives or artificial flavors
Why it’s a Great Option:
Before you balk at the word “bulk,” consider this…
Bulk powders don’t always equate to low-quality or sketchy ingredients, particularly when they come from a reputable brand like BulkSupplements.
Their products are made in a regularly inspected, FDA-registered facility (in Henderson, Nevada) and are third-party tested to ensure the highest quality and safety.
Plus, their unflavored formulas are made with pure ingredients, with no additives, flavors, or fillers.
One word to the wise:
“Unflavored” doesn’t mean flavorless (it means nothing has been added to the protein to make it taste like something else), so while it’s great for baking and cooking, it may not be the best for mixing with plain water.
Promising Review:
THE BEST whey protein powder! Love that it doesn’t have ANY added sugar. Blends great into my smoothie every morning! Definitely recommend!
Best Bulk Whey Isolate ↓
Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $1.05 (for a 5 lb container)
✅ Protein per serving: 22g
✅ Premium quality at a low cost
Why it’s a Great Option:
Another great bulk protein powder, Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate delivers a high-quality protein powder, and at an insanely low cost.
Deemed one of the best protein supplements for quality and value by Labdoor (the independent supplement testing company), this product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it’s made of the purest ingredients, free of heavy metals.
Additionally, the nutritional value is stellar, with 22 grams of protein, zero sugars, and only 90 calories per 25 g serving, making it ideal for building muscle and sustaining energy levels.
Promising Review:
Good flavor, not filled with a bunch of ‘crap,’ and has one of the best ratings for the price on LabDoor. I recommend this product if you’re wanting a cheap whey protein that still has great quality.
– TB
The Best of the Rest
The above 10 products are our picks for the best budget protein powder options on the market; but the good stuff doesn’t end there.
Here are five more affordable whey protein powders that deserve honorable mentions.
Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $1.12 (for a 2.2 lb bag)
✅ Protein per serving: 26g
Promising Review:
I try to avoid protein powders packed with a bunch of garbage. This is a quality product and super affordable. So if you’re looking for a protein without a bunch of extra stuff, but don’t want to spend an arm and leg, this is your stuff.
Rival Whey Protein
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $0.77 (for a 5 LB container)
✅ Protein per serving: 24g
Promising Review:
I think I’ll stick to this brand. Affordable Tasty and I gained some muscles from it. Recommended.
Now Sports Nutrition Whey Protein Concentrate (Unflavored)
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $0.80 (for a 5 lb container)
✅ Protein preserving: 24g
Promising Review:
A super easy way to get extra protein. You can’t taste the whey much at all, especially in a smoothie. Recommended!
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $0.85 (for a 3.9 lb container)
✅ Protein per serving: 30g
Promising Review:
Very affordable compared to most brands, and still has good macros. I was shocked by how good it tastes (chocolate peanut butter cup flavor).
I’ve tried much fancier and more expensive brands that taste horrible, even with higher sugar content. This has low sugar, blends perfectly without gritty texture, and is almost creamy, like a chocolate milk consistency.
– Bay M.
Six Star 100% Whey Protein Powder
Rating:
Features:
✅ Cost per serving: $1.05 (for a 1.8 lb container)
✅ Protein preserving: 30g
✅
Promising Review:
This brand is perfect for people who want protein powder but want to save money. I would definitely recommend this product for It’s great macros and excellent taste
Factors to Consider When Buying Cheap Whey Protein
When looking for affordable protein powders, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you get the best value for your money.
Here’s what to look for in affordable protein powder supplements:
Quality
Quality should not be compromised, even when looking for cheap whey protein. Look for products that contain high concentrations of protein per serving (20-25 grams is standard).
Also, consider whether the product is free of artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives, as these can affect the overall quality of the protein powder.
Price
When comparing whey protein products, it’s essential to look at the cost per serving instead of solely focusing on the overall price of the product — this will give you a better understanding of the value you are getting for your money.
It’s worth noting, however, that the cheapest options may not always be the best, so it’s essential to balance price with the other factors mentioned here.
Nutrient Profile
The nutrient profile of the whey protein powder is another significant factor to consider — this includes the protein content per serving, as well as any additional nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, or amino acids.
Look for a product with a high protein content, and a low carbohydrate and fat content to ensure you’re getting the most protein for your money without unnecessary added calories.
Brand Reputation
Lastly, consider the reputation of the brand producing the whey protein powder.
Researching customer reviews, industry recognition, and any third-party certifications the product may have is the best way to make sure the product has been tested for quality, purity, and potency.
The Recap
Summary
The formula is an easily digestible blend of whey isolate, whey concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey protein, that quickly delivers 24 grams of muscle-building protein per serving.
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Kirstyn describes herself as a “coffee lover and cat lady,” but don’t let her humility fool you:
As the co-creator and former Editor-in-Chief of Strong Fitness Magazine, she’s one of the most respected fitness and health journalists in the industry, whose work has appeared in top publications ranging from Strong and Oxygen to Clean Eating, Girls Gone Strong and more.
