1st Phorm vs. Optimum Nutrition vs. Shakeology vs. PEScience Protein Powder: Which is Best for You?

Note: while protein powders are convenient protein sources, these products are not meant to replace healthy protein-rich foods completely. Instead, they can be used to supplement your intake to help you meet your needs and goals.

1st Phorm vs. Optimum Nutrition vs. Shakeology vs. PEScience Protein Powder

In this article, we will compare the brand quality of 1st Phorm, Optimum Nutrition, Shakeology, and PEScience. And we will list the type of protein powder of each brand, and the protein content of each product.

1st Phorm Reviews

1st Phorm was founded in 2008 by entrepreneur, Andy Frisella, and his business partner, Chris Klein. What started out as a simple, stand-alone supplement store has turned into the premier supplement brand in the industry. 

Headquartered in Missouri, 1st Phorm is an all-American brand that takes extreme pride in manufacturing all of its products right here in the US inside its world-class facilities. All 1st Phorm products are produced only in facilities that are FDA inspected, SQF Level-3 certified, & cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) compliant. This is the highest level of accreditation and quality that you’ll find in the industry.

1st Phorm is committed to the best quality in supplements, there’s no question about that. 

About 1st Phorm Protein Powders

Protein is the most essential nutrient for healthy muscle gain, recovery, muscle repair, and weight loss. Protein is the building block of most of our muscles and body mass. Whether your body is recovering from a workout or an injury, you need protein in order to recover quickly.

1st Phorm Level-1, and Phormula-1 are all made from low-temperature processed proteins. This method of processing makes the protein more bio-available. It also helps prevent bloating, gas, and the upset-stomach feeling you'll get with other protein powders. 1st Phorm even has their Vegan Power Pro, a high-quality, plant-based pea protein powder for those who need it.

At 1st Phorm, they can help you with all of your protein needs whether that be through protein powder, bars, or any other protein supplements. Here we focus on protein powders.

1st Phorm Protein Powders: LEVEL-1 vs PHORMULA-1 vs VEGAN POWER PRO

 1. 1st Phorm LEVEL-1 Meal Replacement Protein Powder (30 Servings)

Price: one-time purchase for $59.99; subscribe for $54.99.

11 Flavors: Blueberry Muffin, Caramel Latte, Chocolate Banana, Cinnamon Cookie Batter, German Chocolate Cake, Ice Cream Sandwich, Milk Chocolate, Red Velvet Cake, Strawberry Milkshake, Chocolate Marshmallow, Vanilla Ice Cream.

Level-1 is comprised of the Level-1 Matrix which is a bioavailable, sustained assimilation protein formula consisting of Low Temperature Processed Cross-Flow Micro Filtrated Whey Protein Isolate, Low Temperature Processed Micro-Filtrated Whey Protein Concentrate and Low Temperature Processed Milk Protein Concentrate. The Level-1 Matrix is specifically formulated to deliver premium proteins in a sustained release which mimics the protein assimilation rates of whole food. Level-1 uses only proteins that have been Low Temperature Processed to take extra precaution to not denature or damage delicate protein fractions. This helps with bioavailability and the preservation of the unique functional properties of the native proteins, which may help support your fitness goals.

• Level-1 also contains 5g of naturally occurring Branch Chain Amino Acids, the amino acids that help support muscle tissue repair and growth. 

• Level-1 also contains glutamine and glutamine peptides (at 2 grams per scoop) which makes up roughly 61% of the amino acid pool in muscle tissue.

How to Use

2. 1st Phorm PHORMULA-1 Post-Workout Recovery Protein (32 Servings)

Price: one-time purchase for $64.99; subscribe for $59.99.

12 Flavors: Cherry Lime, Chocolate Milkshake, Chocolate Mint Cookie, CTC, Fruit Punch, Juicy Watermelon, Loop D Fruit, Magical Charms, Root Beer Float, Vanilla Milkshake, Orange Dreamsicle, Key Lime Pie.

Phormula-1 is a premium-sourced whey protein isolate, and is by far the best tasting, best mixing isolated protein on the market. Not only will you taste the difference, you will actually feel the difference immediately when you use it!

The key to Phormula-1 is its purity: The Phormula-1 Matrix utilizes only the highest quality whey protein fractions, and it is a Low Temperature Processed Cross-Flow Micro-Filtrated Whey Protein Isolate to help promote assimilation speed and amino acid retention. Because of the select protein source used in Phormula-1, it is easily digested. It is virtually void of carbohydrates making it an ideal protein if you are on a low-carb diet or preparing for your next event. Phormula-1 provides a bioavailable, rapid assimilation protein source that is ideal for proper pre & post-workout supplementation.

Phormula-1 makes an especially strong impact when used pre & post-workout! The materials you provide your body with pre & post-workout determine the quality of muscle built, and the rate at which repair and growth occur. Phormula-1 was formulated specifically for ideal recovery and muscle tissue repair after periods of moderate or intense training and can be paired with 1st Phorm’s Ignition in a post workout setting. Phormula-1’s rapid assimilation qualities are also ideal to use first thing in the morning to jump out of the natural catabolic state overnight fasting creates by giving your body a quick hit of essential amino acids to help promote muscle anabolism.

How to Use

3. 1st Phorm VEGAN POWER PRO Plant-Based Protein Powder (30 Servings)

Price: $54.99.

6 Flavors: French Toast, Key Lime Pie, Iced Oatmeal Cookie, Chocolate Mint Cookie, Chocolate Frost, Vanilla Creme.

Vegan Power Pro is the industry’s leading vegan protein powder. In addition to the pure premium pea protein isolate and rice protein sources used, Vegan Power Pro also contains a rich Green Superfood Complex, a Phytonutrient Blend, and a Digestive Enzyme Blend to further enhance the overall health benefits you will receive.

1st Phorm all-natural vegan protein is made with organic, pure ingredients, is 100% Non-GMO and contains...

- No Artificial flavors†

- No Gluten

- No Artificial sweeteners

- No Animal products

- No Artificial colors or dyes

- No Dairy or Soy

The key to Vegan Power Pro is its purity: Vegan Power Pro utilizes only the highest quality vegan, organic protein sources, like rice and peas, to provide a superior amino acid profile packed into an easy-to-mix powder.

The all-natural ingredients and vegan protein sources used in Vegan Power Pro make it an ideal choice for anyone on a plant-based diet. But even those who aren’t working to eat plant-based can benefit from Vegan Power Pro; it can be a great choice if you are lactose intolerant or have difficulty digesting animal sources of protein. Their protein powder is also virtually void of carbohydrates making it an ideal protein choice if you are on a low-carb diet or trying to increase your protein intake without additional fats being added to your diet. Vegan Power Pro is easy to mix with water or to add to protein shakes, and is perfect anytime throughout the day or even before bed to promote muscle repair and lean muscle growth. It can also be paired with 1st Phorm’s Ignition immediately post-workout to fuel muscle recovery.

Beyond the incredible benefits you will get from increasing your protein intake with a pure organic source like Vegan Power Pro. Vegan Power Pro also provides a Green Superfood Complex containing 9 antioxidant-packed superfoods to help combat free radicals in your body and balance your pH levels to help you recover more efficiently. The Phytonutrient Blend in Vegan Power Pro contains 10 natural ingredients that are key in removing tissue damaging free radicals.

How to Use

Where to Buy Protein Powders?

You can buy protein powders at brands' official website (like 1stphorm.com. 

You can also go iHerb.com, GNC, Walmart.com, or Amazon.com to purchase protein powders. 

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Optimum Nutrition Reviews

Optimum Nutrition, Inc. (ON) is part of the Glanbia global nutrition group and has been setting the Gold Standard in sports nutrition for more than 30 years - helping performance focused athletes achieve their goals.

With state-of-the-art production facilities in Middlesbrough, UK, Optimum Nutrition is one of the few sports nutrition companies to manufacture in every product category. From the very beginning in 1986, Optimum Nutrition has always taken a hands-on approach to maintaining the very highest standards of quality.

Before a single machine is turned on in their manufacturing facilities, Optimum Nutrition procurement professionals carefully select the most premium raw materials. A Certificate of Analysis is required for every ingredient, which is then tested and retested for compliance. Quality assurance performs daily inspections of our current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) compliant facilities, which are GMP registered. The Plant is also Informed Sport and Informed Choice registered and retains a Grade A BRC food Certificate. Optimum Nutrition is a Preferred Supplier to the English Institute of Sport (EIS).

Optimum Nutrition’s strict ingredients selection, quality control, lab testing and manufacturing processes are all done for one reason: to provide you with the highest quality sports nutrition products available. Their company was founded with a mission to bring consistent quality to the marketplace, and they are constantly working on setting even higher standards.

About Optimum Nutrition Protein Powders

In addition to making Gold Standard 100% Whey the world’s best-selling whey protein powder, Optimum Nutrition created the slowly digesting protein category with Gold Standard 100% Casein.

1. OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% WHEY PROTEIN (18 Flavors)

• Price from $39.99

• Post-Workout Muscle Support & Recovery

• 24 Grams of Protein per Serving to Help Build and Maintain Muscle

• 5.5 Grams of Naturally Occurring BCAAs per Serving to Support Endurance and Recovery

• The World's Best-Selling Whey Protein Powder

• Gluten Free

• Banned Substance Tested

Mix about one scoop of the powder into 6 to 8 fluid ounces of cold water, milk or other beverage. Stir, shake or blend until dissolved. For best results, mix up your shake 30 to 60 minutes after your workout or use as an anytime snack in your balanced diet.

2. OPTIMUM NUTRITION NATURALLY FLAVORED GOLD STANDARD 100% WHEY (3 Flavors)

• Price from $44.99 

• No Artificial Flavors, Sweeteners or Colors

• 24 Grams of Protein Per Serving

• 5.5 Grams of Naturally Occurring BCAAs per Serving

• Banned Substance Tested

• Gluten Free

Mix about one scoop of the powder into 6 to 8 fluid ounces of cold water or milk and stir, shake or blend for 30 seconds until dissolved. For best results, mix up your shake 30 to 60 minutes after your workout or use as an anytime snack in your balanced diet.

3. OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% PLANT (2 Flavors)

• Price from $29.99

• Tastes great

• 9 essential amino acids/BCAAs

• Gluten-free & vegan

• 24 grams of plant protein per serving

• Expertly crafted to provide premium muscle support

• Great-tasting blend of pea, rice, and fava bean protein

• Made with 9 essential amino acids / BCAAs and 0g sugar

• Gluten-free, vegan formula

• Two delicious flavors available

Mix about one scoop of powder with 10 to 12 fluid ounces of cold water or almond milk in a shaker or blender. For best results, mix up your shake 30 to 60 minutes after your workout or use as an anytime snack in your balanced, high-protein diet. For healthy adults, consume enough protein to meet your daily protein requirements with a combination of high protein foods and protein supplements throughout the day as part of a balanced diet and exercise program.

4. OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% CASEIN (4 Flavors)

• Price from $53.99

• Slow-Digesting Protein for Overnight Muscle Recovery 

• Ideal for Use Between Meals and Before Bed

• 24 Grams of Protein per Serving to Help Build and Maintain Muscle

• Nearly 5 Grams of Naturally Occurring BCAAs per Serving to Support Endurance and Recovery

• Ideal for Use Between Meals and Before Bed

• 40% of the Daily Value for Calcium per Serving

• 110-120 Calories per Serving

• 0.5-1 Gram of Fat per Serving

• 1 Gram of Sugar per Serving

Mix a scoop of the powder into 8 to 14 fluid ounces of cold water or milk using a shaker cup. For best results, mix up your shake 30 to 60 minutes after your workout, before bed, or use as an anytime snack.

5. OPTIMUM NUTRITION NATURALLY FLAVORED GOLD STANDARD 100% CASEIN (2 Flavors)

• Price from $53.99

• Slow-Digesting Protein for Overnight Muscle Recovery

• 24 Grams of Protein Per Serving Helps Build & Maintain Muscle

• 4.9 Grams of Naturally Occurring BCAAs to Support Recovery

• 4.8 Grams of Naturally Occurring Glutamic Acid

• Ideal for Use Between Meals or Before Bed

• No Artificial Flavors, Sweeteners or Colors

• Banned Substance Tested

• 40% of the Daily Value for Calcium

• 130 Calories per Serving

• 0.5 - 1 Gram of Fat Per Serving

Mix a scoop of the powder into 8 to 14 fluid ounces of cold water or milk using a shaker cup. For best results, mix up your shake 30 to 60 minutes after your workout, before bed, or use as an anytime snack.

6. OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD 100% ISOLATE (2 Flavors)

• Price from $46.99

• High Quality Hydrolyzed & Ultra-Filtered Whey Protein Isolate

• 25 Grams of Protein Per Serving

• 5.5 Grams of Naturally Occurring BCAAs per Serving

• 1 Gram of Carbohydrates Per Serving

• 11.4 Grams of Naturally Occurring Essential Amino Acids per Serving

• 4.3 Grams of Naturally Occurring Glutamine & Glutamic Acid per Serving

• Approximately 80% Pure Protein per Serving

• Delicious Taste in 6 to 8 Fluid Ounces of Cold Water

• Gluten Free

• Banned Substance Tested

Mix about one scoop of the powder into 6 to 8 fluid ounces of cold water or milk and stir, shake or blend for 30 second until dissolved. For best results, mix your shake 30 to 60 minutes after your workout or use as an anytime snack. For healthy adults, consume enough protein to meet your daily protein requirements with a combination of high protein foods and protein supplementation throughout the day as part of a balanced, diet and exercise program.

Note: Go Optimum Nutrition official website to buy Optimum Nutrition protein powders through Extrabux, then you can get 8% super cashback.  

Shakeology Reviews

Shakeology is a nutrition shake that was developed by a team of wellness enthusiasts in 2009, including Darin Olien, the CEO and co-founder of Beachbody. 

Shakeology shakes contain a blend of proteins, including whey and pea protein, along with vitamins, herbs, antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Super-Fruit and Super Green blends include fruit and vegetable powders, like kale, chlorella, goji berry, and pomegranate. Some products also contain adaptogens, like adaptogenic mushrooms, which are compounds intended to improve the body’s response to stress.

About Shakeology Protein Powders

Shakeology contains a blend of proteins, and comes in a variety of flavors. Shakeology offers plant-based vegan protein powders and whey protein powders.

1. Shakeology Plant-Based Vegan Protein Powders

• 5 Flavors: Cookies & Creamy, Chocolate, Vanilla, Café Latte, and Tropical Strawberry

• Price for $129.95

• Clinically studied to help reduce cravings and support healthy weight loss

• 16g of protein for lean muscle support

• 250mg of omega-3 from ALA, plus it has supergreens, superfruits, and adaptogens

• 6g of fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to help support a healthy gut and digestion

Plant-Based Vegan Shakeology is a superfood shake, meticulously crafted with powerful, nutrient-dense ingredients to help you eat better, feel better and live better.

2. Shakeology Whey Protein Powders

• 4 Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Café Latte, Strawberry

• Price for $129.95

• Clinically studied to help reduce cravings and support healthy weight loss

• 17g of protein for lean muscle support

• 250mg of omega-3 from ALA, plus it has supergreens, superfruits, and adaptogens

• 6g of fiber, probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to help support a healthy gut and digestion

PEScience Reviews

PEScience was founded over 10 years ago by athletes that wanted better supplements – those based on trusted science that solved problems athletes faced when managing intense training regiments.

All of the facilities in which PEScience products are manufactured are audited by their selected professional or third party firm, and then qualified further before they discuss production. Below are just a handful of important steps that are taken in their quality program:

• Staff are formally trained on proper GMP procedures

• Manufacturers are audited and qualified

• Products are made in a true GMP facility in which they have approved

• Products stored in, packed in, and distributed from a GMP facility

• Raw material suppliers are enrolled in a vendor qualification program to ensure consistent quality

• Raw materials undergo testing for pesticides, microbials, identity, purity/assay, and heavy metals before going into the product

• Finished products are re-tested for microbials, heavy metals, identity, purity/assay, and label claims

• Flavored products are carefully flavored and tested by their panel of diverse individuals to make the most universally approved flavors

About PEScience Protein Powders

PEScience offers whey + casein protein powders & plant based protein powders.

• High-quality protein

• Low carb

• Gluten free

• Third-party tested

1. PEScience SELECT PROTEIN (27 Servings & 55 Servings)

• Price from $39.99

• 10 Flavors: Cake Pop, Snickerdoodle, Frosted Chocolate Cupcake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Cookies N Cream, Peanut Butter Cookie, Gourmet Vanilla, Chocolate Mint Cookie, and Strawberry Cheesecake

• 24G protein per serving | Low carb | Low fat

• More than just whey - Select Protein combines both casein and whey, which is proven superior to whey only

• Over 5 grams of BCAA per serving with added leucine peptides

• Premium high quality taste and mixability | Available in many gourmet flavors

• Third party tested for label accuracy | No cheap fillers or adulterants

2. PEScience SELECT VEGAN PROTEIN (27 Servings)

Select Vegan Protein is a plant-based, naturally sweetened, premium protein blend designed to closely match the amino acid profile of dairy. 

• Price for $39.99

• Available in 10 flavors
  

• Soy free, lactose free, gluten free, and non-GMO. 

• Unparalleled taste and texture from high quality ingredients. 

• 20g Protein from Brown Rice and Pea Protein.

3. PEScience SELECT MULTI-PURPOSE BLEND (27 Servings)

This unflavored, unsweetened multipurpose protein blend uses the same perfected whey/casein ratio as our famous Select Protein. This gives the ultimate texture and taste profile for recipes. Savory recipes are finally possible with this blend, and go wild with your ideas by utilizing it as a partial flour replacement. 

• Price for $39.99

• 24G protein per serving 

• Low carb

• Low fat

• Unflavored

• Unsweetened

• Gluten Free

4. PEScience SELECT CAFÉ PROTEIN (20 Servings)

Ditch Your Coffee and Select The Best. Select Cafe brings 20g protein in a delicious carb friendly format. Low in fat and packing 100mg caffeine per serving, these decadent coffee flavors leave no reason to spend $5 on a calorie packed latte again. 

• Price for $32.99

• Available in 3 flavors: Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Sweet Cream, and Iced Mocha
  

5. PEScience PROTEIN4OATS (12 Servings)

• Price for $14.99

Protein for Your Oatmeal! The Easiest Way to Make PROATS. 20g Protein When Added to Oatmeal. Only 2g Sugar. This is the fastest and easiest way to get a protein-packed breakfast, without sacrificing on taste. Made with the amazing Select Protein whey + casein blend. Oats never tasted so good!

6. PEScience VEGAN PROTEIN4OATS (12 Servings)

• Price for $14.99

Vegan Protein for Your Oatmeal! The Easiest Way to Make PROATS. 15g Protein When Added to Oatmeal. 

Verdict: Which is Best for You?

Each brand of protein powder has its own advantages, mainly depending on what your needs are. For example, if you want more proteins, you can choose1st Phorm, Optimum Nutrition, or PEScience. But if your budget is on the low side, choose between Optimum Nutrition and PEScience. Shakeology is the most expensive of the four brands, because it contains comprehensive nutrition, and also contains probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes to help support a healthy gut and digestion.

What I need to remind everyone is that when buying protein powder, compare their ingredient lists. If you have all the ingredients you need, then choose a brand with a lower price.

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