Runner looking for tasty (whey) protein powder - ideas?

[asianbettycrocker]

I'm looking to introduce protein shakes into my diet and am looking for some pointers on powders that don't taste of bones or make me feel like I'm choking on chalk. I'd mostly be mixing with frozen fruit and maybe some lactose-free milk....Any ideas on what brand, flavour and where to buy in the downtown core (of Toronto)? Thanks in advance!

[pastina]

At one time I used a lot of protein powder and I used to stick to the Vanilla - usually Whey Gourmet. That way I didn't have to fill up my pantry with those huge containers and I could vary the flavours easily using different fruits...berries, but also pineapple, tangerines, etc. My sister is into throwing a banana and a spoon of peanut butter in (don't eat banana myself). If you're not trying to keep the carbs low, you can use juices in addition to the fruit and a spoon of yogurt instead of milk.

I always found that drinkking it just on it's own was gross. And the flavoured ones never really tasted that great to me.

[asianbettycrocker]

Thanks, everyone! As much as I hate the thought of supporting Walmart, I may have to check out their single-serving packets so that I don't have to commit to a tub of powder. And I'll be sure to check out the TrueProtein.com site recommended by "meatnveg". So far, I've given Vegan Proteins+ (unflavoured) a whirl - not bad.....I have a jar of Ultimate that was recommended by "sumashi" and was given a bag of Vega Shake n Go Smoothie powder in Vanilla Almond. Thanks again! :)

[jamesm]

I like the Greens Plus chocolate powder. Doesn't taste awful. It's on sale at some grocery stores now.

[Hondapendragon]

Whey Gourmet has a variety of different flavours. I know that Walmart carries single-serve Whey Gourmet packets that you can try. My favourite flavour is the Orange Dreamsicle. I can only find that one at GNC, though.

[dannyboy]

I buy Progressive brand protein, it's the cleanest on the market with new zealand whey which is the cleanest on the market.
I buy my stuff in bloor west near high park, they have some of the best vitamin prices in the city - right beside and across from the liquor store

[meatnveg]

save some cash and buy it online from True Protein .com . You can select your own flavoring and they have a forum where you can see flavor reviews from other buyers. You can also select your own additions (vitamins, anti oxidants, fibre and the rest)

[asianbettycrocker]

Hey dannyboy - just out of curiosity, what do you mean by "the cleanest on the market"?

[dannyboy]

That protein comes from New Zealand - which has from what i gather the highest standards of cleanliness ie/ no hormones, steroids, grass fed etc. animals around - so the idea is you're getting a purer untouched superior protein - also digestion wise it's better and it won't get you bloated/gassy like the cheaper stuff.
And i'm right into the supps, and can say without question that the two health food stores on the east end of the BWV strip have the absolute best prices in the city.

[sumashi]

The bloating that people experience with cheaper protein powders may or may not be due to not having a 'cleaner' product, but it can be linked to the fact that whey protein isolate, which has the lactose removed and has a higher protein %, is what you will typically find in more expensive products, in my experience..

[rippedrick]

I always use Dynawhey. I've seen it at Lobaw, but its cheaper and more convenient to just purchase at iwindirect.com. I liked the Strawberry / Kiwi but love the chocolate peanut butter. Unflavoured would be a good bet for your use. I believe they even give you your first sample for free.

[itsvince]

Last time I got whey powder, I went for the Kaizen brand, chocolate flavor, which I found at Costco. Very good taste, whether you mix it in milk or water, and it dissolves fairly well. I use a hand blender to mix it, it's easy and fast.

[5andman]

Have you tried Whey Gourmet brand?

Or, FYI, there are "cooler" type of proteins (GNC brand, Whey Cooler, etc.) powders that taste like fruity crystal light/jello (hey, mix it with jello/gelatin too).

Personally, I tend to make smoothies (fruit, yogurt, juice, protein etc)

[sumashi]

I've used Cytosport, AllMax and Ultimate Nutrition and they all mix pretty well on their own, although if you're gonna use a blender to make a shake, it should be alright. I'd stay away from the flavoured ones and just stick with vanilla if you're planning to make fruit shakes. I find that I get really tired of the flavoured ones after a while, even if they tasted good at the beginning!

I usually go to Popeye's.

[dachopstix]

Optimum Nutrition - Cookies & Cream or Mint Chocolate Chip

Either at Popeye's Health, or SND Canada