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One of the most popular proteins next to whey is casein protein. Like whey, casein is also derived from milk. Even though they both are made from milk, they are both very different. Casein protein is slower acting than whey and is digested more slowly. It is a complete protein source and contains all the essential amino acids that your muscles use for growth.
Some people consider casein protein to be a “time-release” protein because of how it absorbs slowly. This means that it can provide your cells with amino acids for a longer period of time. Many people like to take casein protein before bed so that the casein can continue to provide protein and amino acids to your cells while you sleep.
Casein has been called “anti-catabolic” because it helps reduce muscle breakdown. It does this because of the slow digestion rate. While it is digesting, it can feed your muscle cells especially during times your body may break down its own muscle tissue to feed itself. This prevents catabolism which is the breakdown of proteins to provide energy.
So, what is the best casein protein? Let’s take a look:`
1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein Protein
Optimum Nutrition has been in the supplement game for over 30 years. With that much experience, they know how to make a quality product. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein Protein contains micellar casein which is a slow-digesting protein. It contains 24 grams of casein protein per serving as well as 4 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of total fat. It also contains 120 Calories per serving.
It comes in a variety of flavors including: Chocolate Supreme, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Banana Cream, Cookies and Cream, Creamy Vanilla, and Strawberry Cream. The Chocolate Supreme is a great chocolate flavor. It is easy to mix and does not leave a chalky or gritty taste in your mouth. Optimum Nutrition recommends taking this supplement between meals or before bed. Click here to read our full review on this product.
| Optimum Nutrition God Standard Casein |   |
2. Naked Casein
Naked is one of my favorite supplement companies because they only put the bare minimum in their products and don’t load them up with unnecessary fillers. With Naked Casein Unflavored, the only ingredient is literally, “micellar casein”. It has no synthetic additives, and is soy free, gluten free, and preservative free. And this product is cold processed, which means that there is no contamination from chemical detergents and no heavy metals.
Naked Casein Unflavored contains 26 grams of protein per serving as well as 0 grams of carbohydrates and 0 grams of total fat. It also contains 110 calories. This protein powder is offered in three different flavors: Chocolate, Unflavored, and Vanilla. It does tend to clump up when mixed with a spoon and liquid so using s shaker cup or blender is recommended. Click here to read our full review of this product.
| Naked Casein |   |
3. Dymatize Elite Casein Protein
Dymatize has a wide variety of body building and fitness supplements. Their protein supplements are known to be premium, high quality products. Their casein protein powder is no different. The rich chocolate flavor contains 25 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of total fat per serving. It also contains 130 calories per serving. Dymatize Casein Protein has 5.3 grams of branched chain amino acids (BCAA’s) and 5.9 grams of essential amino acids (EAA’s). It also has 2.3 grams of Leucine. Leucine is a BCAA that is directly involved in the protein synthesis process. It also contains 5.1 grams of glutamine.
Dymatize Elite Casein Protein comes in the following four flavors: Cinnamon Bun, Cookies and Cream, Rich Chocolate, and Smooth Vanilla. The Rich Chocolate tastes good and is not too sweet. It has a bit of a chalky aftertaste to it but it is nothing that turns me off from the product. It mixes easily and leaves minimal chunks when stirring with a spoon and liquid.
| Dymatize Elite Casein Protein |   |
4. Six Star Elite Series Casein Protein
Six Star Pro Nutrition has hit the supplement scene strong with big name endorsements from people like baseball star Giancarlo Stanton and football Star Rob Gronkowski. They make a variey of supplements for any type of athlete. After all, to be a top athlete, you need to be on top of your nutrition. Six Star provides a great casein protein powder to keep your nutrition in top shape.
Six Star Elite Series Casein protein contains 24 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbs, and 0.5 grams of total fat per serving. It also contains 140 calories per serving. This casein protein supplement also has 4.9 grams of BCAA’s. There seems to be only 1 flavor for this product and that flavor is Triple Chocolate. This flavor taste great. It’s not the easiest to mix and does clump up a bit. I recommend a shaker cup or a blender for this one.
| Six Star Elite Series Casein Protein |   |
Finally, let’s compare all of the products in our list. (Note: Chocolate flavor was used for ever product in the table)
| Calories | Protein(g) | Carbs(g) | Fat(g) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ON Gold Standard Casein | 120 | 24 | 4 | 1 |
| Naked Casein | 150 | 27 | 6 | 2 |
| Dymaztize Elite Casein | 130 | 25 | 3 | 2 |
| Six Stars Elite Series Casein | 140 | 24 | 9 | 0.5 |
Overall, casein protein is a great choice if you are looking for something that is slow digesting that will help you build muscle. Casein is a great option for someone wanting to get some protein in between meals or before they go to sleep. If you’re in the market for a casein protein, use this guide to pick the best casein protein for you.
