There are no two ways about it – building up and toning your body muscles requires plenty of protein. But finding a good one out of so many options can be tricky…

If you were to choose one purely on the basis that, for example, they happen to have it in stock at your gym, then you are simply not doing your body justice.

Protein powders are not all created equal. Imagine if you were to spend a significant portion of your hourly wage on a particular protein powder, only to find that there’s a much better one available with a better formula, flavor, or price tag.

Coming Up

That’s exactly the problem that this article is here to solve. Coming up shortly, we’ll present our reviews of the protein powders most typically available in Costco and stores like it.

Our reviews are 100% honest, and they include our personal experiences with it. We’ll give you the links to find out more (and buy if you wish) on online retail sites such as Amazon.

Then we’re giving you a handy buying guide that will walk you through all the different points to consider when shopping for protein powder.

And of course, we’ll also throw in a section where we answer your most frequently asked questions on the subject.

And without further ado, let’s get straight to it!

Best Costco Protein Powder Supplements Reviews

(The following protein powders aren’t listed in any particular order. They each have something different to offer, as you will soon see.)

Orgain Organic Protein

This is one of the more popular protein powders around, and this is one of the most popular flavors – creamy chocolate fudge, no less!

It’s made with a blend of a staggering 50 superfoods, including veggies, herbs, sprouts, fruit, and grains, including the likes of kale turmeric, chia seeds, beets, flax seeds, and more. And all of these ingredients are 100% organic and non GMO.

It has an excellent amount of protein, coming in at a generous 21 grams per 2-scoop serving.

And it also features 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving, as well as nutrients iron, thiamine, riboflavin, antioxidants, and vitamins B6 and C.

Another great thing about this protein powder is that it is dairy-free, which means that it’s suitable for anyone who is lactose intolerant, or is vegan.

Incidentally, it also happens to be gluten-free, soy-free and non-GMO. And the brand is climate pledge friendly.

The downside of this protein powder is that it has naturally occurring sugars (not added sugar), and this means that it has calories, more specifically it has 170 calories per 2-scoop serving.

And this is perfectly fine if you want to use it as a meal replacement for weight loss, but if you were using it as a pre- or post-workout formula, you may have already taken the calories you need in your breakfast.

Our Experience With It: We love the taste of this one. It’s not too chalky or grainy, and it mixes really well with other ingredients to make smoothies. And it’s great baked into cookies as well!

Pros

• Yummy creamy chocolate fudge flavor
• 100% plant based and vegan-friendly
• Excellent proportion/amount of protein
• Packed with healthy nutrients
• Free of various hidden nasties
• Climate pledge friendly brand

Cons

• Contains sugar and therefore calories
• Flying off the shelves so quickly that retailers occasionally run out of stock

Also Available To Buy At

• Target
• Walmart

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder

This is the world’s most best-selling sports protein powder brand. And for good reason, too!

This is the brand’s gold standard of protein powder, since 100% of the protein is whey protein, which is the best form of protein for anyone whose fitness goal is to tone up and/or build muscle.

And it has a staggering proportion of protein per serving, coming in at 24 grams per serving.

And in line with its function in muscle building and working out, each serving provides a large proportion of naturally occurring BCAAs and EEAs. (More on this in our buying guide shortly.)

It also contains 3 minerals, namely calcium, iron and potassium.

You can take it at any time of day, whether before or after exercise, with a meal, or as a boost between meals.

When you check the price of this one, you will notice that it’s more expensive per bag than most other protein powder jars or cans.

But what you can’t tell from the photo is that it’s 10 pounds in weight, which is enough for a staggering 149 servings.

And this is great if you like to buy your supplements in bulk, or if you want to use it both before and after your workouts, especially if you work out most days of the week.

But please, realize, this protein powder is not intended for weight loss – it is intended to help weight gain and has 120 calories per serving.

Our Experience With It: This has the most amazing double rich chocolate flavor, it becomes something to look forward to, and even look forward to more than the workout itself, especially when you mix it with your favorite ingredients in a shake. And it produces great results, too.

Pros

• Yummy double rich chocolate flavor!
• 100% whey protein – best for muscles
• Excellent amount of protein per serving
• Large proportion of BCAAs and EEAs
• Each pack holds 149 individual servings
• It also happens to be gluten-free

Cons

• Premium product at a premium price (not kidding!)
• Not intended for weight loss – likely to cause weight gain
• Contains the allergens milk and soy
• Does not contain collagen

Also Available To Buy At

• Walmart
• Optimum Nutrition

Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder

This is a particularly prominent bestseller with the leading online retailers in the category of sports nutrition whey protein powders.

The star feature of this protein powder has to be its huge range of yummy flavors…

There’s vanilla, birthday cake, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, cocoa pebbles, cookies & cream, Dunkin’ cappuccino flavor, Dunkin’ mocha latte flavor, fruity pebbles, fudge brownie, and strawberry.

It also has an incredibly high proportion of protein per serving, coming in at an impressive 25 grams a serving. Similarly, there’s also a large proportion of BCCAs in every serving as well, including leucine.

At the same time, it has zero grams of fat and less than 1 gram of sugar in every individual serving, which results in just 110 calories per serving.

This is thanks to its cross-flow micro-filtration and multistep purification process, which serves to remove excess unwanted elements such as bad cholesterol.

And it means there’s minimal fat and carbs to get in the way of your goal of becoming lean.

And the other great thing about it is that it contains 100% whey protein isolate, which can be absorbed rapidly into the digestive system, and in turn the muscles.

And this makes it an excellent pre- or post-workout formula.

Although it’s a whey protein, and derived from the cheese making process, it has less than one gram of lactose per serving.

So, if you have a bad reaction to lactose, we advise using it with caution, depending on the severity of your reaction.

Our Experience With It: A great protein powder, we all made gains while using it. We particularly love the Dunkin’ mocha latte flavor and the birthday cake one.

Pros

• Amazing range of wonderful flavors
• A prominent bestseller with rave reviews
• Designed for rapid absorption in the body
• Zero grams of fat and less than 1g of sugar
• It has less than one gram of lactose
• It also happens to be gluten-free

Cons

• There are only 20 servings per pack
• It’s not suitable for vegans

Also Available To Buy At

• Walmart
• Target

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder

This particular Costco collagen protein powder is also available at Amazon, where it has been awarded the title of Amazon’s Choice in the category of collagen powder.

Such a title is only given to products that are both of excellent quality and are also available at a very good, reasonable price.

It’s also a prominent bestseller with over a hundred thousand 5-star customer ratings.

One serving of this protein powder provides 20 grams of collagen.

As discussed in our buying guide a little later, collagen is a specific type of protein that’s best known for its benefits for skin elasticity and hydration, hair thickness, and strong nails.

But it’s also beneficial for reducing certain forms of arthritis, and to a lesser extent, increasing muscle mass.

The collagen peptides are sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine to ensure high quality, and collagen peptides are the only ingredient.

It is made entirely without gluten, dairy, or sugar, and is a mere 70 calories per serving. And as such, it’s also Whole30 approved and paleo friendly.

It’s available in a choice of 5 different flavor options, including unflavored, unflavored with vitamin C, vanilla, chocolate, and lemon.

Our Experience With It: We had a great experience with this supplement. After many weeks of use, one of us got both stronger nails and less joint pain.

And the lemon flavor is really refreshing. The unflavored versions are quite plain, but they’re great for throwing into a cup of hot green tea.

Pros

• It was awarded the title of Amazon’s Choice
• One serving provides 20 grams of collagen
• Benefits the skin’s elasticity & hydration, and also hair & nails
• Available in a choice of 5 different flavor options
• Sourced from grass-fed bovine to ensure high quality
• Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly and low in calories

Cons

• Not classed as allergen-free
• It’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
• It’s not intended as a supplement for building muscle mass

Also Available To Buy At

• Vital Proteins
• Target

Orgain Simple Organic Vegan Protein Powder

Just as with the other Orgain product we reviewed for you earlier, this one is also 100% organic, plant-based, dairy-free, and suitable for vegans.

That said, it does have a different nutrient profile than the Orgain Organic Protein powder…

Whereas the Orgain Organic Protein powder is derived from 50 different proteins, Orgain Simple is made from fewer ingredients, and importantly for those who are into clean eating, they are all ingredients whose names you can all recognize and pronounce, namely almonds, peanuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, golden pea and coconut sugar.

And they’re all organic.

Orgain Simple has only slightly less protein mass per serving, coming in at 20 grams, compared with Orgain Organic Protein powder’s 21 grams.

In terms of other nutrients, it also has vitamin D, and it contains 3 minerals, namely calcium, iron and potassium. Yet each serving is only 150 calories.

It also happens to be non-GMO, and kosher, and contains no artificial sweetener. And the brand it comes from is climate pledge friendly.

It’s available in a choice of 3 different flavors, namely vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter.

Incidentally, Orgain Simple is no less prominent a bestseller than Orgain Organic Protein, and receives just as high an average customer rating from those who’ve tried it.

Our Experience With It: The peanut butter flavor tastes really good for a vegan, plant-based protein powder.

And for our vegan followers, we can confirm that the vanilla and chocolate flavors blend really well with both almond milk and oat milk.

Pros

• 100% plant based and vegan-friendly
• It’s made from just 6 recognizable organic ingredients
• Supplies 20 g of protein & is only 150 calories per serving
• Has vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium
• It’s available in a choice of 3 great flavors

Cons

• It includes added sugars to enhance the flavor
• It’s not suitable for individuals with nut allergies

Also Available To Buy At

• Costco
• Walmart

Ancient Nutrition Collagen Peptides Powder

As mentioned elsewhere in this article, collagen is a specific form of protein that the body can use to improve health and aesthetic, including that of the skin, and hair, and joint pain.

Collagen is also believed to help with muscle building, albeit to a lesser extent.

The Ancient Nutrition brand uses ancient health recipes as our foundation for their supplements, and combines them with unique blends of herbs and spices to assist with better absorption in the body.

What’s more, this protein powder is expertly formulated by Dr. Josh Axe, who is the author of the book Keto Diet.

It is backed by science to produce several benefits, namely the support of hair growth, the improving of the appearance of crow’s feet, and the reduction of joint discomfort. (That said, these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.)

This protein powder features not one, not two, but 5 types of collagen, which is probably to what it owes its dramatic beneficial effects. You get 20 grams of collagen per serving.

This collagen is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians. It is non-GMO and is free of several allergens, including gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy.

It has no sugar content, so it’s approved on both the keto and the paleo diets, and it’s very low in calories, coming in at just 70 calories per serving.

It’s available in three different flavor options, namely unflavored, orange and vanilla.

Our Experience With It: We don’t recommend the orange flavor, but the other two flavors are fine. The vanilla one is great for adding to pancakes!

We did see reduced joint discomfort with sustained use, but not within the space of just one day like the brand advertises.

Pros

• Science-backed and expertly formulated by Dr. Josh Axe
• No added sugar, keto-friendly, and just 70 calories per serving
• It features not one, not two, but 5 types of collagen
• Free of the allergens gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy
• The brand is climate pledge friendly

Cons

• Not suitable for vegetarians
• Not marketed as helpful for muscle building
• It’s such a popular product that even large retailers occasionally run out of stock

Also Available To Buy At

• Costco
• Target

Codeage Multi Collagen Protein Powder

As mentioned elsewhere in this article, collagen is a specific form of protein that the body can use to improve health and aesthetic, including that of the skin, and hair, and joint pain.

Collagen is also believed to help with muscle building, albeit to a lesser extent.

The star feature of this particular collagen protein powder supplement is all the additional nutrients provided in the supplement. It features biotin, vitamin C, keratin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins B6 & D3.

The collagen and multivitamins are believed to support collagen synthesis and the immune system. The biotin and keratin are there for hair, nails and skin support.

And the hyaluronic and pantothenic acids support joints and bones, and overall wellness. (These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.)

With regard to the collagen content itself, there are 10 grams of collagen content per serving.

But while this may sound relatively low, you should also take into account that there are not one, not two, but 5 types of collagen…

Some of the collagen is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine collagen, some is marine collagen from white fish, some from organic bone broth, some from eggshell membrane and some from free-range chicken.

This combination of different collagen types results in a powder with a staggering 18 amino acids per serving.

Several of the included nutrients in the supplement are hydrolyzed, including the collagen itself and also the keratin.

What this means is that the proteins, collagen and keratin in this case, have gone through a process that results in the protein being broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids.

And this makes these nutrients much easier to be absorbed in the body. (More on peptides and amino acids in our buying guide later.)

There are zero carbs per serving, which makes it suitable for anyone who’s following a keto or paleo diet.

It is unflavored, which means that you can add it to all kinds of drinks and foods without having to worry about it affecting the taste.

It’s manufactured right here in the USA, in a cGMP facility, and the supplement is third party tested.

Our Experience With It: We loved the fact that it didn’t have a flavor so we could add it to anything we wanted. That certainly made it easier to drink down! We didn’t see any major results in our performance, but we did feel more energized and ready to go.

Pros

• Made with 5 types of collagen from different sources, to deliver a total of 18 amino acids
• Also features biotin, vitamin C, keratin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins B6 & D3, for multiple health and beauty benefits
• It’s non-GMO, dairy, soy and gluten-free, and does not contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Made in the USA, in a cGMP facility, and third party tested
• It’s unflavored, so you can comfortably add it to any food or beverage

Cons

• Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Also Available To Buy At

• Costco
• Target

Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Peptides Powder

As mentioned elsewhere in this article, collagen is a specific form of protein that the body can use to improve health and aesthetic, including that of the skin, and hair, and joint pain.

Collagen is also believed to help with muscle building, albeit to a lesser extent.

This collagen powder supplement is made with marine collagen, which, as we discuss in our buying guide a little later, is sourced from the skin of fish and is better than bovine derived collagen supplements because it has more amino acids and glycine, which are essential for skin health.

This particular collagen powder is derived from wild-caught white fish off the coast of Alaska. This means that it can be suitable for vegetarians and pescatarians, but not for vegans.

This supplement is believed to help improve the health of your hair, skin, nails, joints and ligaments, and tendons.

It features a generous 12 grams of collagen per serving, and has no added sugar, so it’s dietary compliant for both the Whole30 diet and the paleo diet.

It’s also very low in calories, at a mere 45 calories per serving. It is non-GMO and also allergen free, with no gluten or dairy.

It’s unflavored, and it can be used in both hot drinks like coffee or cold drinks like smoothies, and it comes with a handy measuring scoop provided in every pack.

Our Experience With It: Since this is marine collagen powder, we were concerned that there would be a fishy taste and aroma, but most of us found it tasteless, and those who could taste something said that it was only slightly fishy like an omega-3 capsule.

Pros

• It’s made with marine collagen which has more amino acids and glycine, so it’s better for skin health
• It features a generous 12 grams of collagen in every serving
• It’s non-GMO and has no added sugar, or gluten or dairy
• It’s soluble in cold drinks, so you don’t have to wait for the kettle to boil
• It’s a mere 45 calories per serving and is Whole30 and paleo diet approved

Cons

• Not suitable for vegans (contains fish)
• Some customers have had allergic reactions to this product

Also Available To Buy At

• Costco
• Target

Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder

This is a protein powder that’s designed for people who work out by doing strength training. More specifically, it’s a post workout formula that’s intended to aid both muscle growth and repair.

It features whey protein rather than casein or collagen protein, and this means it’s the best form of protein powder for anyone who wants to build muscle or tone up. (More on that in our buying guide later.)

It provides a generous amount of protein per serving, coming in at 25 grams per serving.

And it also features a generous amount of naturally occurring BCAAs, which are fast to digest and are believed to increase muscle growth, reduce soreness and fatigue, prevent muscle wasting, and more. (More on BCAAs in our buying guide later.)

One of the things that the brand takes great pride in is that this whey protein powder is THE least-processed vanilla whey protein on the market today. It’s very clean and pure.

This means two things. One, it’s naturally higher in leucine, which is naturally higher in leucine for muscle synthesis. And two, there’s no artificial ingredients added.

Yes, it does have a sweetness to it, but this is not because of added sugar, but is lightly sweetened with stevia leaf extract.

It also features the nutrients vitamin D, calcium, and potassium, and is a mere 120 calories per serving.

It’s available in several different flavors, including unflavored, vanilla bean, lemon sorbet, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, and cookies and cream.

You can buy it in packs of different sizes, which is perfect for those who like to buy their supplements in bulk. And it comes with a handy measuring scoop provided in every pack.

And the other handy thing about this one is that it comes in a collapsible bag, which makes it easier to stow away in your gym locker.

It comes from a family-owned company with decades of experience.

Our Experience With It: This is one of our favorites when it comes to flavor. The vanilla bean flavor delivers a silky, smooth texture that’s perfect for adding to your post-workout coffee.

It’s also great for making protein power balls with. More to the point, however, we made gains using this protein powder.

Pros

• It’s specifically designed as a post workout formula for muscle growth and repair
• There’s a generous 25 grams of protein per serving, and 5.7 grams of BCAAs
• It’s THE least-processed vanilla whey protein on the market today
• It’s available in a range of different great flavors
• It comes with a handy measuring scoop inside

Cons

• There’s no collagen content
• It contains dairy and therefore is not suitable for anyone who is vegan or lactose intolerant

Also Available To Buy At

• Costco
• Target

Further Food Collagen Peptides Powder

As mentioned elsewhere in this article, collagen is a specific form of protein that the body can use to improve health and aesthetic, including that of the skin, and hair, and joint pain.

Collagen is also believed to help with muscle building, albeit to a lesser extent.

Further Food is a brand you can trust. All Further Food products, this one included, are third-party tested, and are made right here in the US, in an NSF cGMP facility.

It’s also a woman-owned business that donates to chronic illness non-profit organizations.

It’s sourced from the highest quality grass-fed, pasture-raised hydrolyzed bovine. And it provides hydrolyzed proteins, which are more rapidly absorbed in the gut than regular proteins.

There are only 7 grams of collagen protein in total per serving, but that’s all you really need if you’re using it for skin hydration, hair and nails, gut health and bones and joints.

(This one isn’t really intended for use in muscle building as such.)

That said, the amino acid profile lists 18 amino acids that help promote muscle and ligament repair, flexibility, and recovery.

What’s more, it also happens to be naturally high in glycine, which is great for promoting healthy digestion.

it’s very low in sugar – so much so that it’s paleo and keto diet approved. And it comes in at just 30 calories per serving.

The other thing we love about this one is that it’s unflavored. And this means that you can use it in a wide range of delicious shakes, fruit smoothies, caffeinated beverages, or even into oatmeal, soups, or baked goods.

Moreover, there are a staggering 113 servings per pack, so one pack goes quite a long way, making it a great option for people who like to buy their supplements in bulk.

And if for any reason you’re not 100% satisfied with it, you’re covered by a 90-Day money-back guarantee.

Our Experience With It: We were very pleased with this one in terms of the health benefits and the flavor, but we sometimes found that it could get clumpy.

However, we found that we could solve this issue with a little shaking and/or a frother.

Pros

• It’s made with hydrolyzed proteins for better absorption
• It’s very low in sugar – so much so that it’s paleo and keto diet approved
• It has 7 grams of collagen for skin hydration, hair and nails, gut health, and bones and joints
• There are 18 amino acids that help promote muscle and ligament repair, flexibility, and recovery
• It’s unflavored, which makes it a versatile addition to food and drink
• There are a staggering 113 servings per pack

Cons

• It can get clumpy
• It’s not suitable for vegetarians (sourced from bovine)

Also Available To Buy At

• Costco
• Further Food

Further Food Vanilla Collagen Peptides Powder Plus Mushroom

As mentioned elsewhere in this article, collagen is a specific form of protein that the body can use to improve health and aesthetic, including that of the skin, and hair, and bone and joint issues.

Collagen is also believed to help with muscle building, albeit to a lesser extent.

Another great offering from top brand Further Food, this collagen protein powder is sourced from high quality, grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine.

And it provides hydrolyzed proteins, which are more rapidly absorbed in the gut than regular proteins.

It contains 8 grams of collagen per serving, and features 18 amino acids, including 8 EEAs. (More on that in our buying guide coming shortly.)

And it’s naturally high in glycine as well, so it’s packed with valuable health benefits. (To avoid repeating ourselves here, please refer to our buying guide for more information on this.)

But the star feature of this particular collagen protein powder is that it also contains tremella mushroom which is known to promote flawless, radiant skin, keep your skin hydrated and increase your skin’s elasticity to help make it smooth and supple.

But don’t worry, it doesn’t actually taste like mushroom, and in fact, it has a really nice vanilla flavor!

What’s more, it’s so low in sugar that you can even enjoy it on both the paleo and the keto diets. And it’s also low in calories in turn, coming in at a mere 35 calories per serving.

It’s a very clean supplement made with just 4 ingredients. Each pack contains 56 servings in total, which is enough to last nearly 2 months.

And as we mentioned earlier, all Further Food products are third-party tested, and are made right here in the US, in an NSF cGMP facility.

Our Experience With It: You can rarely go wrong with a flavor like vanilla, and this one is just dreamy! It’s an excellent addition to coffee lattes and banana smoothies. And we do believe that we’ve seen some excellent results from it in terms of keeping the skin feeling hydrated.

Pros

• It has 8 grams of collagen for skin hydration, hair and nails, gut health, and bones and joints
• There are 18 amino acids that help promote muscle and ligament repair, flexibility, and recovery
• It also features tremella mushroom, which is known to promote flawless, radiant skin, keep your skin hydrated and increase your skin’s elasticity to help make it smooth and supple
• It’s very low in sugar – so much so that it’s paleo and keto diet approved
• It’s made with hydrolyzed proteins for better absorption

Cons

• It’s not suitable for vegetarians (sourced from bovine)

Also Available To Buy At

• Costco
• Further Food

Further Food Premium Marine Collagen Peptides Powder

As mentioned elsewhere in this article, collagen is a specific form of protein that the body can use to improve health and aesthetic, including that of the skin, and hair, and joint pain.

Collagen is also believed to help with muscle building, albeit to a lesser extent.

This collagen powder supplement is made with marine collagen, which, as we discuss in our buying guide a little later, is usually considered to be superior to other collagen supplements.

This particular supplement is sourced from wild-caught North Atlantic codfish. So this makes it suitable for vegetarians and pescatarians, but it’s not suitable for vegans.

Further Food claims that marine collagen protein is 40% more satiating than whey, soy, or casein protein, and can help you feel fuller for longer and prevent food cravings.

And if this is the case, this would make it an interesting supplement to use for meal replacement for weight loss.

Further Food also maintains that this product may also smooth wrinkles, hide cellulite and stretch marks, promote stronger teeth, help reduce gut inflammation, aid in digestion, and help repair the intestinal lining.

What’s more, the collagen has gone through the hydrolyzation process, which means that the protein molecules have been broken down for easier absorption by the body.

The only ingredient listed is the hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides, which consist of 18 amino acids, and 8 of which are classed as EAAs (More on that in our buying guide later.)

It’s unflavored, which makes it a great addition for use in a wide range of shakes, smoothies, and other recipes.

Furthermore, it’s incredibly low in calories at just 25 calories per serving, and it’s also approved for consumption on both the paleo and keto diets.

And as we mentioned earlier, all Further Food products are third-party tested, and are made right here in the US, in an NSF cGMP facility.

Each pack contains 64 servings in total, so if you have one a day, it should be enough to last just over 2 months.

Our Experience With It: This tasted ok and mixes well, but with all the health and beauty claims, it’s kinda hard to believe that just one serving a day could be such a miracle product. We didn’t notice any smoothing of wrinkles, for example.

Pros

• Marine collagen protein is more satiating than whey, soy, or casein protein, and can help you feel fuller for longer and prevent cravings, making it helpful for weight loss
• It’s said to have multiple health and beauty benefits, for skin, hair, teeth, digestion and more
• It features a staggering 18 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids
• It’s made with hydrolyzed collagen for better absorption
• It’s unflavored, which makes it a very versatile addition to foods and drinks
• One pack will last just over two months

Cons

• Not suitable for vegans due to being derived from fish

Also Available To Buy At

• Costco
• Further Food

Shore Magic Premium Marine Collagen

As mentioned elsewhere in this article, collagen is a specific form of protein that the body can use to improve health and aesthetic, including that of the skin, and hair, and joint pain.

Collagen is also believed to help with muscle building, albeit to a lesser extent.

This collagen powder supplement is made with marine collagen, which, as we discuss in our buying guide a little later, is usually considered to be superior to other collagen supplements in terms of its health and beauty benefits.

The star feature of Shore Magic’s hydrolyzed collagen is that it’s 95% bioavailable, which basically means that it’s broken up into significantly smaller peptides than the average collagen supplement, which means that it’s 19 times more absorbable than other sources of collagen, making Shore Magic the gold standard in this regard.

It is both unflavored and superfine, making it a perfect ingredient for drinks and smoothies. But you can also add it into foods if you so wish.

It only has one ingredient and that’s the hydrolyzed collagen, specifically 4 types of collagen, and it is all sustainably sourced. It’s free of additives, fillers, preservatives, or any sort of artificial ingredient.

It’s also kosher, halal, and third party tested for purity.

Incidentally, Shore Magic Marine Collagen is proud to be woman owned and operated.

Our Experience With It: We we’re too excited about the fact that this protein powder was derived from fish, but we can’t deny the results we saw from it! Our skin was glowing and our energy levels were higher. We experienced no aftertaste when mixing with our favorite drinks.

Pros

• It’s made with marine collagen which has more amino acids and glycine, so it’s better for skin health
• It’s made with 3 types of hydrolyzed collagen for better absorption
• It’s unflavored, which makes it a very versatile addition to foods and drinks
• It’s 95% bioavailable, making it 19 times more absorbable than other sources of collagen
• It has been certified hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about getting an allergic reaction

Cons

• Not suitable for vegans due to being derived from fish

Also Available To Buy At

• Costco
• Shore Magic

Further Food Collagen Peptides Protein Powder On-The-Go Stick Packets

This is the perfect collagen protein powder for people who are always on the go, because one pack contains 35 stick packets, each containing one serving of the supplement.

This means that if you’re in a rush or running late, you can simply drop a packet into your bag as you leave, without having to mix your drink before leaving your home.

It is sourced from the highest quality grass-fed, pasture-raised hydrolyzed bovine.

And it provides hydrolyzed proteins which are more rapidly absorbed in the gut, which means that it gets put to use more quickly than non-hydrolyzed protein.

And it’s also easier to digest by those with more sensitive stomachs.

As a collagen protein powder supplement, it’s intended to be used as a supplement for skin hydration, hair and nails, gut health and bones and joints. It’s not intended for use in muscle building.

There’s only 7 grams of collagen protein per serving, but if you intend to use it for more elasticity in the skin etc, then you don’t need as much protein than you would if you were using it for muscle building and repair.

That said, the amino acid profile mentions that it contains 18 amino acids that help with promoting muscle and ligament repair, flexibility, and recovery.

Moreover, it’s also naturally high in glycine, which is great for promoting healthy digestion.

What’s more, it’s so low in sugar that you can even enjoy it on both the paleo and the keto diets. And it’s also low in calories in turn, coming in at a mere 30 calories per serving.

It’s unflavored, which means that you can pair it with a wide range of flavors to make a delicious shake or smoothie, or even into baked goods or soups.

All Further Food products, including this one, are third-party tested, and are made right here in the US, in an NSF cGMP facility.

It’s also a woman-owned business that donates to chronic illness non-profit organizations.

And if for any reason you’re not 100% satisfied with it, you’re covered by a 90-Day money-back guarantee.

Our Experience With It: We can certainly see this has had such great ratings for flavor – we couldn’t taste a thing. Perfect for experimenting with different smoothie ingredients, or in a simple black filter coffee.

Pros

• Sourced from top quality, grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine & non GMO
• Low calorie, sugar-free and kosher (and even Paleo and keto diet friendly)
• Made right here in the USA & backed with a 90-Day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Not intended for muscle building purposes
• Not always available on Amazon

Also Available To Buy At

• Costco
• Walmart

Buying Guide

As promised, here’s your buying guide for Costco protein powders. Let us walk you through the different points to consider.

Start With Your Goal In Mind

What effect you wish to achieve should determine which type of protein you buy…

Building Muscle

Most people who buy protein powder do so with a view to building muscle and toning up, and predominantly take it as a pre- or post-workout formula.

And if this is your goal, then we would recommend using whey protein powder (unless you avoid dairy products) and use as clean and pure a protein powder as possible.

If toning up and building muscle is your end goal, we would recommend going with either Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder, or Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder.

Weight Loss

If your goal is to lose weight, however, and you wish to use protein powder to make a meal replacement shake, then casein protein would be a better option, complete with as many additional nutrients as possible, with the exception of bad fats and sugar.

If you are using it as a meal replacement drink, then you will need it to have at least some calories in it to provide you with the energy you need.

Unfortunately, when this article was written, Costco wasn’t selling any casein based protein powders.

If weight loss is your goal, we would recommend going with Further Food Premium Marine Collagen Peptides Powder.

Beauty Reasons

If, however, your goal is to improve from a beauty perspective, then collagen protein powder would be your best option, since collagen protein can improve skin elasticity and hydration, thicker hair, healthier nails, and more.

Antioxidants and vitamins are also great for skin health and such.

If skin or joint health is your end goal, then we would recommend going for the collagen protein powder, and ideally marine collagen powder for maximum benefit.

Type Of Protein

What follows is a brief run-through of the main forms of protein powder available at Costco.

Whey Protein

Whey protein is derived from the cheese making process, which means that it has dairy and lactose, so it’s not suitable for vegans or anyone who is lactose intolerant.

However, it contains all nine of the essential amino acids for building protein, which is why it’s considered a complete protein, and is great for muscle building.

Whey protein also contains 3 BCAAs, namely leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are also important for muscle building.

Collagen

Collagen is a specific type of protein. And collagen supplements are typically derived from pig and cow skins.

And although collagen is already present in the body, your body’s supply can diminish over time, especially for women, which is why collagen protein supplements are a thing.

It’s best known for its benefits for skin elasticity and hydration, hair thickness, and strong nails.

But it’s also beneficial for reducing certain forms of arthritis and joint pain, and to a lesser extent, increasing muscle mass.

Marine Collagen

Marine collagen is basically collagen that’s been obtained from the skin of fish, so you’ll have to avoid it if you are vegan.

What’s more, marine collagen is better for us humans than bovine derived collagen supplements for a number of reasons.

It typically has more amino acids and glycine (which are essential for skin health) compared with its bovine derived counterparts.

Hydrolyzed Protein

Hydrolyzed protein is basically a protein that has gone through a process of hydrolysis, which results in the breaking of the bonds that link together the amino acids that make up the protein.

This makes the protein much easier for the body to absorb.

Amount Of Protein Per 100 Grams

Protein powders can differ in terms of how much protein is available per serving. You will see the amount of protein per serving emblazoned somewhere on the packaging of the protein powder.

We recommend that you look for protein powders that have at least 20 grams of protein per serving if you are using it for muscle building. And if you can get more than that, that’s amazing.

If, however, you’re just using collagen protein powder for skin health and such, then you won’t need quite as much protein per serving, and 7 grams will be all you really need.

Additional Nutrients Included

When your protein powder also has additional nutrients, this can usually be seen as a nice bonus. But that isn’t necessarily the case across the board…

If you are using the protein powder for muscle building or weight loss, for example, then you wouldn’t want it to have added sugar if this could be avoided.

Peptides

Like proteins, peptides are also made up of strings of amino acids. The only difference between peptides and proteins is the length of the amino acid chain, with peptides being smaller.

Peptides benefit the body in similar ways to proteins, but they are smaller than proteins, so they are even easier for the body to absorb and use.

EAAs

EAA stands for essential amino acids. Amino acids are basically the building blocks of proteins. Your body needs 20 different amino acids to maintain good physical health.

They are important for a wide range of bodily functions, including, but not limited to, building muscle.

Essential amino acids are the amino acids that cannot be made from scratch in the body quickly enough in order to thoroughly supply the body’s demand for it.

And what this means is that the body must therefore acquire these amino acids through the diet. So you should aim to get these nutrients whenever you can.

BCAAs

BCAA stands for branched-chain amino acids. BCAAs are basically a group of three essential amino acids (EEAs) that are joined together, namely leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

Many scientific studies indicate that BCAAs may increase muscle growth, reduce soreness and fatigue, prevent muscle wasting, and support liver health.

So, if you intend to use a protein powder to build muscle growth, or to repair muscle after working out, then it’s worth looking for a protein powder that has a good proportion of BCAAs.

Other Nutrients

If you intend to use a protein powder based drink as a meal replacement for weight loss, then we strongly recommend that you use one with as many additional nutrients as possible, such as vitamins and minerals.

Flavor / Versatility

Few things we eat or drink are totally without flavor, so it’s important to find one you like the taste of.

Protein powders are generally very versatile, they can be stirred into your usual drinks, whether it’s water, tea, coffee, or smoothies. And some can even be added to soups and baked goods.

Some protein powder flavors are better than others when it comes to adding it to food or drink…

Unflavored protein powder will go with absolutely anything, while the next most versatile is vanilla which tends to go with a lot of different drinks and baked goods, Chocolate is the next most popular flavor, and then you’ve got runners-up such as peanut butter flavor, cookie dough flavor etc.

Dietary Requirements / Organic / Lack Of Unnecessary Additives

Many people have specific dietary requirements and preferences. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, then you can’t have any dairy products, which means that you can’t have whey protein.

And if your protein powder was derived from animal protein, would that bother you? If so, there are vegan options available.

And if it didn’t bother you, would you still like to hear that the protein was entirely organic with no GMO, and that the animals concerned were purely grass-fed?

And if you simply generally like to eat clean, you may be interested in a protein powder that has no artificial additives, flavors or preservatives.

Brand Reputation And Customer Ratings And Reviews

There are no two ways about it – some protein powder brands are much more well known than others.

And these brands have a reputation to maintain, they are competing to be the best ones out there, and they work on perfecting their formula constantly.

It’s also worth looking to note which brands are endorsed by people who have used the protein powder to help them get to their current physique, especially if they have done so by following a similar workout regime to your own.

Shopping online also means you get to be a little nosy and see what other people think of the products you’re looking at. Take advantage of it.

We wouldn’t settle for anything less than an average customer rating of 4 and a half stars. And all of the protein powders we’ve reviewed here are at least 4.5-star rated.

Some online retailers also show you where a product lands on their bestseller ranking.

Value For Money

A pack of protein powder can vary quite considerably in price, from as little as $20 to as much as $150.

Which is why we always recommend checking prices as you go along, so you can see what your money can buy you and work out what your budget should be.

We don’t include prices on our reviews in case the prices change, but we do recommend checking the prices as you go along, so you know what to expect.

Price Per Serving

Rather than looking at the cost of your protein powder per packet, what’s really worth looking into when it comes to evaluating its cost, is the cost per serving.

This doesn’t tend to be something that’s displayed on the product page, so you’ll have to work it out.

Available To Buy In Bulk / On Subscription

If you like to shop at Costco, it’s safe to say that you’re often happy to buy in bulk if it means that you can save money, and get more bang for your buck.

As a general rule, the more servings you can get per container, the less money you’ll have to pay per serving.

If you shop on sites such as Amazon, you’ll find that many protein powders are available in containers of different sizes.

And some are available on “subscribe and save” schemes, where you can get repeat deliveries at a discounted price.

And this is something that’s worth looking out for, once you know what flavors you like.

SNAP EBT Eligible

Some protein powders are SNAP EBT eligible, which is a good thing to know if you qualify for it.

Other Things To You May Wish To Consider

You may also wish to consider whether the brand you buy your protein powder from does so ethically.

For example, if you are environmentally conscious, you may wish to consider whether it’s climate pledge friendly.

Final Thoughts

So to summarize:

• If toning up and building muscle is your end goal, we would recommend going with either Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder, or Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder.
• If weight loss is your goal, we would recommend going with Further Food Premium Marine Collagen Peptides Powder.
• If skin or joint health is your end goal, then we would recommend going for the collagen protein powder, and ideally marine collagen powder for maximum benefit.

Here’s to happy health!

Answers To Your Most Frequently Asked Questions