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Best Protein Powder for Basketball Players

Best Protein Powder for Basketball Players

An integral part of basketball, and basketball training, occurs off the court and in the gym.  As a basketball player, you will be expected to not only be able to properly shoot, pass, and defend against the ball but will also need to properly box out, grab a rebound, and increase your vertical to shoot over an opposing player.

And while these skills can be refined on the hardwood court, they must first be developed in the gym.  And if you are looking to increase the results of your gym routine, then protein powder may be the perfect solution.  That is why, below, we are going to discuss and review the best protein powders for basketball players.

These protein powders will not only help you to increase your overall strength and muscular definition but will also ensure that you are accommodating your body’s need for protein immediately after a workout.  By adding a protein powder regimen to your post-gym routine, you’re likely to see faster, greater results, which will help you immensely on the court.

Difference Between Whey Protein and Protein Powder

As an athlete and a student of the game, you’ve likely heard about both whey protein and protein powders.  And while the majority of athletes assume that the two are similar and simple substitutes for one-another, they each have their own distinct properties, formulas, and benefits.

Whey protein is typically derived of animal-based byproducts and is isolated from whey, a milky liquid byproduct that is extracted from cheese making.  Once the liquid has been collected, the additional carbohydrates, fat, and water are removed, leaving the remaining protein from which the powder is formed.

Protein powders, however, are typically derived from plant-based proteins.  These plants are commonly from brown rice, pea, soy, and hemp.  And depending on the formula and manufacturer, one or more of these plants may be used in the manufacturing process.

For our review on the best protein powders for basketball players, we will be looking at plant-based protein specifically.  For whey and animal-based proteins, please refer to our guide on the best supplements to take for better basketball performance.

Are Plant-Based Proteins Safe?

Plant-based proteins, overall, are safe for use and consumption.  However, as with nearly all things, moderation is key and plant-based protein should be used in moderation and should not be relied on as a meal replacement strategy.

One major benefit provided by plant-based proteins is the fact that you are able to scale back and reduce your overall intake of animal protein.  Whether you are looking to add more plants into your diet, are vegan, or are simply lactose intolerant, plant-based proteins are a great option.

Similarly, some research has shown that a diet heavy in plant derived sources could play a role in cancer prevention and can be useful for weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes.  In addition, plant-based proteins typically contain higher volumes of fiber, which can promote good gut bacteria, smoother digestion, and overall better heart health.

And lastly, from an environmental perspective, plant-based sources typically utilize less land use, freshwater consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.  If you are looking to scale back your greenhouse gas footprint, then plant-based proteins are an easy way to do so.

Contents of a Plant-Based Protein

Overall, both traditional whey protein and plant-based protein powders typically contain the same number of proteins, averaging between 20-30 grams per serving.  However, whey protein is considered a complete protein as it contains all nine essential amino acids.

And with plant-based proteins, the contents of the powder largely depend on which plant it is made from.  Overall, most plant-based protein powders contain fewer BCAAs than whey powders and only soy protein powder is considered complete, providing all nine essential amino acids.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to read through the contents of the plant-based protein and ensure that the brand and manufacturer chosen meets your needs.  And if you are simply looking to increase your protein consumption, particularly after a workout, then plant-based protein powder can be a great option.

Digestibility and Food Sensitivities

Overall, in our own testing, plant-based protein powders have caused less food sensitivities and were easier to digest.  The main reason for this is due to the lactose found in whey protein, which is a common food sensitivity.  And although whey protein isolate contains less lactose per serving, it can still cause an upset stomach, bloating, and gas.

However, plant-based protein powder is not immune to criticism and issues.  If you are allergic to soy or gluten, plant-based protein powders may not be the right fit for you.  In addition, some plant-based protein powders, particularly those containing pea protein, can cause bloating and cramping.

Cost Differences Between Whey and Plant-Based Proteins

While manufacturers strive to provide little price differentials between whey protein and plant-based ones, there are a few cost differences between the two.  Typically, plant-based protein powder is more expensive than their whey counterparts.

This is due, in large part, to their organic, keto, and paleo qualities, which often come at a higher cost of production.  However, many manufacturers, to keep costs similar between the two protein types, will simply reduce the overall size of the packaging.

However, if you are keen to stick to a plant-based protein powder, the overall cost differential is typically minimal and accounts for a few dollars. 

Best Plant-Based Protein Powders

  • KOS Vegan Protein Powder –  our overall recommendation for the best plant-based protein powder for basketball players is KOS Vegan Protein Powder.  Firstly, this protein powder tastes amazing.  Infused with organic Peruvian cacao, Himalayan salt, organic coconut milk, and just a dash of stevia and monk fruit, you’ll quickly fall in love with the taste.  And with 20 grams of protein per serving, you’ll still be able to get the recommended amount of protein to power through your workout.  Lastly, KOS Vegan Protein Powder contains DigeSEB, a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes, which is meant to aid in digestion and help the body to absorb the protein contents quickly.
  • TB12 Plant Based Protein Powder – from the legendary quarterback Tom Brady, TB12’s Plant Based Protein Powder is another great option for the best protein powder for basketball players.  Coming in three different flavors, we obviously preferred their chocolate based one.  With 24 grams of protein per serving, you’ll only be adding an additional 130 calories and just 1 additional gram of net carbohydrates to your diet.  And with a complete amino acid profile, this protein powder will give you all the necessary protein you need to help you bulk and add muscular growth.
  • Naked Pea – we’ve always been fans of the Naked Whey line of protein powders, and they have recently introduced Naked Pea to their lineup.  With only one ingredient, yellow pea protein, and zero additives, this is one of the cleanest plant-based protein powders on the market.  In addition, Naked Pea contains a whopping 27 grams of protein per serving and just 2 additional grams of sugar and carbohydrates.  However, if you have a pea allergy, we recommend considering their line of Naked Rice, which is made from organic sprouted brown rice protein or Naked PB, which is made from 100% non-GMO roasted peanuts.
  • Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant-Based Protein Powder –  we’ve long been fans of the Optimum Nutrition brand, having been introduced to their line of whey proteins nearly a decade ago.  And in keeping with the times, they have recently introduced their own line of plant-based protein powder, so called Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant-Based Protein Powder.  While not most attractive tasting plant-based protein powder, Optimum Nutrition gets the job done with 24 grams of protein per serving and added vitamin C to help provide additional immune support.