Protein Supplements that are Dr Clay Approved
I know picking a protein supplement (or any supplement for that matter) can be overwhelming to say the least.
You want to get one that has high quality ingredients yet is affordable. Of course you want one that tastes good, but doesn’t have much, if any, sugar or fat. And if that’s not challenging enough, you have to make sure that it actually has in it what the label says it has in it. (Sadly, some unscrupulous manufacturers lie about what’s in their product.)
In order to help you sort through the confusion, I’m going to give you a list of protein supplements that I feel comfortable putting my seal of approval on. In other words, these are products that I use myself and/or recommend to my clients and friends.
I’m also going to provide you with a convenient link to a website where you can purchase that product. (I will only link to sites that have good prices and even better service… at least in my experience. And I personally buy stuff from the places that I recommend.)
Whey Protein Supplements
AST VP2 – This is a great quality whey protein for a great price. One thing I really like about it is that it has Aminogen in it, which is a patented enzyme that helps digest protein. VP2 comes in vanilla and chocolate, and last time I tried it (admittedly a few years ago) it tasted pretty good.
Champion Pure Whey – the predominant protein in Champion Nutrition’s Pure 
Whey is whey concentrate, which is a good quality product for the money. But if you’re lactose intolerant or a pre-contest physique competitor, then you should probably opt for the more pure form of whey – whey isolate protein. But if you’re on a budget yet still want a good product, then it’s hard to beat 5 lbs of protein for $37.95! Though I had a sample of this a while back, I honestly forget what it tastes like, but with seven flavors to choose from, you should be able to find one you like.
ISS Research Complete Whey – ISS Research is a great, honest, reputable 
company, one of the few I completely trust. Their Complete Whey is a no-nonsense whey protein supplement that tastes clean and smooth and mixes super easy. About the only slightly negative thing I have to say about the product is that it is predominantly a whey concentrate. Although the lactose in the product is a fairly small amount (as they use only the highest quality whey concentrate), those with lactose intolerance should choose another product. But for those who have no problem with a little lactose, you’ll find it hard to find a better whey for the money.
ISS Research Whey Matrix – this is essentially the 5lb version of ISS’ Complete Whey (above). The only potential drawback is that is has a little added maltodextrin (carbs). This helps it taste great, but if you’re counting every gram of carbs, then the six grams in one serving of Whey Matrix may be too much. If not, then this is a great, affordable protein option – 5lbs for $39.99.
Whey / Casein “Blended” Proteins
Biotest’s Metabolic Drive is undoubtedly one of the best brands of "blended" protein around. It’s made with top quality ingredients and tastes pretty darn good, too!
To help keep costs down, Biotest only sells this protein (and many of their supplements) directly from their online store. This helps you get a great product at a very reasonable price.
More to follow…
I was wondering Dr. Clay, what do you think about the protein called Nitrean? …hmm… let me double check that spelling. Yes, its Nitrean. Its what I currently use and was wondering if its good or not?
Also, I think there are pills you can take iwth some amino acids to help digest protien if your protien supplemenet doesn’t come with that already built in. Is that correct? Would it be useful to get some Aminogen pills?
I added the website of the company who makes it to the url field if you want to check it out? Also, please feel free to email me directly if you want/need to.
One question, besides protein, what ONE suppliment do you recommend taking? Times area a little tough with the cash flow so I cant afford tons of suppliments.
Probably a good multi-vitamin/mineral.
I don’t know much at all about the company that makes Nitrean, but assuming the label is accurate, it looks to be a pretty good product.
Aminogen (protease enzyme) is a good addition to your protein shakes. Studies show it helps break down and utilize the amino acids in protein, resulting in a bit more protein synthesis (muscle building/growth).
how are you? how do you rate supplements by “reflex nutrition?” if youve heard of them that is! also great vids on youtube keep up the good work!
regards
laurence
What is your opnion on muscle gauge protein powder….specifically the isolate? Currently have the Met Drive but want to try something diff for flavor purposes. Thoughts?
For starters, I don’t know anything about the company Muscle Gauge. They are brand-new company and, therefore, have no track record. That’s not to say that they’re bad, but their quality is just unknown as of yet. For that reason I could not give them my seal of approval so to speak.
I did take the time to look up some information about their whey isolate. There are only 2 real negatives that I can see. 1) the price of their product is too cheap to be a really high-quality whey isolate 2) they add a filler/thickener to their product called guar gum. Although that’s not a huge deal, to an extent it defeats the purpose of having a really high-quality, fast digesting whey protein; because the guar gum slows the gastric emptying and digestion a bit.
Although I’m nitpicking a bit, you wanted my opinion.
In summary, I’m sure this is a decent protein that probably be perfectly fine for most people. But I would personally not use it or recommend to others.
Best,
Dr Clay
PS as you can tell I do NOT give my seal of approval to very many products. I do this for you so that if/when I do recommend something, you can be confident that it’s good stuff.
Laurence, I see that they are located in the UK. That explains why never heard of them. So I really couldn’t say if their products suck or that they’re great.
Hey Clay,
Have you ever heard of Horley’s protein powders? I’m currently using their “crossfire” brand which is a whey isolate/concentrate and casein mix. They are pretty common here in New Zealand and Australia. They seem pretty good to me, although I’m no nutritionist! What’s your take on this…. http://www.punchsupplements.co.nz/supplements/horleys-crossfire-protein.html.
Would love to hear your opinion!