Protein is an important food group. It plays a crucial role in muscle growth and repair and is also helpful during fat loss diets. Most people should eat between 1-2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on their fitness and weight loss goals.
However, eating enough protein is not always easy. High protein foods almost always need cooking, and they can be expensive too. Protein supplements make getting enough protein a whole lot easier.
In this article, we’re going to review and reveal the 10 best casein protein supplements!
Casein is an interesting protein that compares favorably to whey – another popular protein supplement. Casein digests slowly, so it provides your body with a sustained stream of muscle-building amino acids. For this reason, casein is often called the nighttime protein. There are casein protein supplements to suit all needs and budgets, but it’s hard to know which one to buy with so many to choose from.
To save you from lots of mind-numbing research, we’ve tried and tested ten of the best. Whatever you need from a casein protein supplement, we’ve got the best product for you!
10-Best Casein Proteins
Bulksupplements specialize in producing simple but effective products that won’t break the bank. This unflavored casein protein powder is very budget-friendly and is about as pure and simple as a protein supplement can be.
Key Features
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- 106 calories
- Less than one gram of carbohydrates and fat
- Unflavored
- No added ingredients
This unflavored protein powder contains nothing but calcium casein. It’s very low in calories and is all-but carb and fat-free. This is one of the cleanest, purest, and most cost-effective protein powders on review.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Very low in calories, carbs, and fat
- An excellent source of amino acids
- No artificial ingredients
Cons
- Very bland flavor
Because it’s unflavored, this isn’t the most enjoyable protein powder to drink. Mixed with water, it’s all-but tasteless – just like diluted milk. That’s not an issue if you’re going to use it to make smoothies, but not so good if you want a tasty shake without adding other ingredients. However, it is one of the purest, cleanest casein protein powders on review.
2. Optimum Nutrition
Optimum Nutrition
Features
- Packaging May Vary – New look, with the same trusted quality
- NATURAL FORMULA – no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors
- SLOW DIGESTING – a great option between meals or at bed-time when fasting for long periods and helps support the recovery process of lean muscle mass
- MICELLAR CASEIN – 24g of a high-quality, slow-digesting, anti-catabolic protein to help achieve your health and fitness goals
- NIGHT-TIME FORMULA – help rebuild torn down muscle fibers and remain anabolic while you sleep with this specifically formulated night-time protein source
Optimum Nutrition is one of the best-selling supplement companies in the world. This casein protein powder is well-priced, tastes good, and mixes easily. The large tub means you won’t run out anytime soon.
Key Features
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- 130 calories
- Contains 7 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fat
- Available in three flavors
- Free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors
- Low in sugar
- High in branched-chain amino acids
Optimum Nutrition lives up to its name. It digests slowly, so it’s ideal for feeding your muscles while you sleep. It’s also satiating, so you shouldn’t have so many nighttime hunger pangs or cravings.
Pros
- Mixes easily
- Tastes great
- Free from artificial additives
- Well-priced
- Low in carbs and fat
Cons
- Only available in a limited number of flavors
While this casein protein powder does taste good, it’s only available in three flavors – vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. That small drawback aside, this casein protein powder represents good value for money and should help you reach your muscle-building and fat loss goals faster.
3. NAKED
Features
- ONLY ONE INGREDIENT: 100% Micellar Casein Protein Powder with no rBGH and no rBST. No additives mean your casein shakes, smoothies and recipes will provide clean muscle gains and maximum recovery.
- US FARMS ONLY: Naked Casein is brought to you only from US farms to ensure that our unflavored casein protein powder is packed full of essential amino acids, clean protein and BCAAs.
- COLD PROCESSED: Naked Casein is cold processed, which means there is no contamination from chemical detergents (no acid or bleach) or synthetic additives.
- UNMATCHED NUTRITION: 26g of Protein, 2g of Sugar, 0g of Carbs, 110 Calories, and 5.9g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) per serving of casein powder.
- BEST NIGHT-TIME RECOVERY: Casein protein powder is slow digesting, unlike whey which digests fast. Make a casein shake before bed to absorb protein and get a sustained release of amino acids while you sleep.
A lot of protein powders contain things like flavors and sweeteners. While this does make them taste good, it can sometimes add to their carb and calorie content. Often, these added ingredients are artificial. NAKED Casein Protein Powder is 100% pure and free from added ingredients.
Key Features
- 26 grams of protein per serving
- 110 calories
- Free from fat and carbs
- Unflavored
- No added ingredients
- Made from milk from US farms
- High in branched-chain amino acids
This pure, unflavored protein powder digests slowly and is ideal for nighttime use. It will supply your muscles with what they need to repair and grow while you sleep. Low in calories but filling, it can also help you lose weight and burn fat.
Pros
- Mixes easily
- High protein content per serving
- Low in calories, carbs, and fat
- Made from 100% pure casein protein
Cons
- Tastes very bland
Unflavored casein protein is an acquired taste. It’s not that it tastes bad; it’s just bland. If you are used to more flavorsome protein powders, this lack of flavor may come as a shock. But, once you get used to it, this supplement will help speed up recovery so you can get back in the gym sooner.
4. Dymatize Elite
Dymatize Elite
Features
- 25 grams of protein from 100% micellar casein, a sustained-absorbing protein for prolonged muscle support
- 5 grams of BCAAs, including 2.3 grams of L-Leucine per serving for muscle support and recovery
- Ideal for overnight sustained muscle growth and repair, or other extended periods of time between meals
- Provides a sustained release of muscle building amino acids to support muscle growth and recovery
- 4 lbs of Dymatize Elite 100% Micellar Casein Rich Chocolate Protein Powder (50 Servings)
Dymatize has a reputation for making great-tasting protein powders. This 100% micellar casein protein powder continues the trend. It not only tastes great, but it also mixes easily and digests slowly too.
Key Features
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- 130 calories
- 3 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fat
- Naturally flavored
- Available in four flavors
- Large 50-serving/four-pound canister
This rich, filling casein protein powder is ideal for nighttime use. It will ward off hunger and sweet cravings without masses of calories. It mixes easily using just a shaker cup, making it easy and convenient to use. No blender required!
Pros
- Mixes easily
- Good choice of flavors
- Tastes great
- Well-priced
- High in amino acids
- Lots of servings per container
Cons
- Contains several artificial ingredients
The main drawback of flavored casein protein powders is that they often contain more than just pure casein protein. This product has artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives in it, albeit in minimal amounts. Some users may prefer a purer protein powder.
5. Ascent Native
Features
- Recover while you sleep: help prevent muscle loss overnight with this slow-digesting protein
- Zero artificial ingredients
- 25g protein per scoop, 11g of naturally occurring BCAAs, and a clean, minimal ingredient panel
- Certified Gluten Free & Informed Choice Certified
- Usage: Mix with 10-12 oz liquid or make into a pudding (see below for recipe)
Most flavored protein powders contain at least a few artificial flavors or sweeteners. That’s how supplement companies make things like birthday cake or fudge brownie flavors without high-calorie ingredients like sugar. Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein Protein Powder tastes great and, yet, contains no artificial nastiness.
Key Features
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- 130 calories
- Five grams of carbs and one gram of fat
- Naturally flavored
- Sweetened with monk fruit and stevia
- Available in three flavors
- Sold in two and four-pound bags
Ascent Native Fuel Micellar Casein Protein Powder is free from artificial additives. It’s not quite as pure as an unflavored casein protein powder, but it’s still a very clean product. This powder is a good option for anyone who doesn’t want an unflavored protein shake but still wants to avoid lots of artificial ingredients.
Pros
- Great favors
- Smooth texture
- Mixes easily
- No artificial ingredients
- Fat-free
Cons
- Five grams of carbs per serving
Five grams of carbs might not sound like a lot, but if you are following a low-carb diet like keto, it could be a problem. But, for anyone else, this is not a significant amount and will not make this product less effective.
6. MUSCLE FEAST
Features
- GRASS-FED AND HORMONE-FREE: Micellar casein has been sourced from dairy happy cows that graze freely on grass and have not been given added hormones. They are pasture raised, given continuous access to pasture during the growing season (75 servings)
- ALL NATURAL: Our protein powders are are all natural and non GMO; we do not use any fillers or artificial ingredients
- PURE INGREDIENTS: Natural whey isolate is gluten-free, keto-friendly and it comes from pasture raised happy cows. Our protein is Orthodox Union Kosher Certified for Dairy and sourced from a country that has banned the use of artificial hormones for bovines; contains no fillers or artificial flavors.
- THE DATE YOU SEE ON THE BOTTLE: To be compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, we have changed the date on the top of our product’s lid from “Expiration date” to “Date Of Manufacturing (DOM)”
- LABELS MAY VARY: All-natural casein protein powder was recently certified by the American Vegetarian Association to be vegetarian; we are updating our labels to reflect this information; you may receive a label without the badge; however, the ingredients have been approved by the American Vegetarian Association
Milk from grass-fed cows is invariably better quality than the milk you get from cows fed with grains. The better the milk, the better the casein protein will be. This protein supplement is made from American grass-fed, hormone-free milk and is also kosher and keto-friendly.
Key Features
- 20 grams of protein per serving
- 133 calories
- Five grams of fat and 1.2 grams of carbs
- Natural flavors and sweeteners
- Made from milk from American farms
- Available in three flavors
This is a premium protein product made from premium milk! It’s 100% natural and contains no artificial additives of any kind. If you are looking for a pure, smooth, creamy, tasty casein protein supplement, this product from Muscle Feast is a good option.
Pros
- Made from best-quality grass-fed American milk
- No artificial ingredients
- Made in a GMP FDA-approved facility
- Great taste and texture
Cons
- Not the cheapest casein protein
When it comes to casein protein supplements, you have to pay for quality. This isn’t the most expensive product on review, but it’s not the cheapest either. However, if you want a supplement made from grass-fed American milk and certified free from hormones and artificial additives, Muscle Feast Grass-fed casein protein powder is an excellent choice.
7. NOW Sports
Features
- NOW Sports products are comprehensively tested so you can trust that our products are pure and effective for every level of athletics.
- SLOW RELEASE PROTEIN POWDER: NOW Sports Micellar Casein mixes easily in your favorite beverage or smoothie and is an ideal choice for sustained protein support.
- NON-GMO, UNFLAVORED, NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS: Provides 19 g of protein per serving.
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing process has been examined, including our laboratory/testing methods (for stability, potency, and product formulation).
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968.
Sports supplements can be expensive. That means that some users won’t be able to use their chosen product as often as they’d like. This is a very budget-friendly casein protein, so it’s ideal for regular and long-term use.
Key Features
- 19 grams of protein per serving
- 90 calories
- Less than one gram of carbs and fat
- Unflavored
- Slow-release formula
- GMP-quality assured and made in an FDA-approved USA facility
This casein protein powder contains one added ingredient – sunflower lecithin. This naturally occurring substance helps make a smoother, lump-free shake. That one small additive aside, this is a very clean, pure casein protein supplement.
Pros
- Well-priced
- No artificial additives
- Mixes easily
- Smooth, creamy texture
Cons
- Bland flavor
Mixed just with water, this casein shake is far from exciting to drink. But, with no added flavors or sweeteners, it’s also a very pure product. Tasting not unlike diluted milk, it’s not unpleasant to drink, but if you want a more flavorsome shake, you should seek out a different protein powder supplement.
8. Kaged Muscle
Features
- GROW AS YOU SLEEP: Get those gains round the clock with Kasein! With 25g of slow-release protein in every serving, our micellar casein protein powder protects your hard-earned muscle from catabolism as you catch some Z’s. But this isn’t just any casein powder. Most products use a harsh process using chemicals and heat to extract their casein in an effort to save on costs. Not us. We use an innovative microfiltration process that preserves the integrity of the protein for optimal results.
- CLEAN AND PROVEN INGREDIENTS: At Kaged Muscle, we never hide behind proprietary blends. We don’t use inflated studies or borrowed science in an attempt to try to uphold cheap, generic ingredients. Our isolate casein protein powder contains scientifically tested ingredients including 25g protein, 4.75g total BCAAs, 5g glutamine and glutamic acid, and 10.5g total essential amino acids. No artificial colors. No artificial flavors. No amino spiking. No acesulfame potassium.
- A TASTE YOU’LL RELISH: With a milkshake-esque taste and indulgently creamy texture, Kasein is more than just a protein powder, it’s a daydream-fueling treat! No more gritty and sandy textured casein powders. Our R&D team spent over 6 months just working on the flavor alone. And we nailed the scrumptiousness while steering clear of artificial flavors; the deliciousness is all-natural. Pick between chocolate and vanilla, make your shake or pudding, and savor the enticing goodness.
- NO BANNED SUBSTANCES: When we say we keep it clean, we mean just that. Our protein powder is 3rd party tested and screened for all banned substances. And we’re proud to partner with the industry’s leading patented ingredient manufacturers; trusted names that develop dietary components through rigorous research and numerous clinical trials to evaluate and confirm their effectiveness. No wonder Kasein is the go-to supplement for professional athletes at the top of their game.
- QUALITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Our mission is simple: deliver scientifically backed, superior, but affordable supplements that contain top-notch ingredients and utilize the most innovative technologies. We strongly believe every supplement should be rooted in real science, and above all, safe. We source the purest, most potent raw materials, perform extensive laboratory and real-world testing, and have an unwavering commitment to quality. Go ahead, sample the finest micellar casein protein isolate!
Kaged Muscle is one of the few casein protein powders with a thick, creamy texture and rich flavors. It contains several additives, so it’s not the cleanest protein powder on the market, but this product is tough to beat for flavor and texture.
Key Features
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- 130 calories
- 4 grams of carbs and less than one gram of fat
- Natural flavors
- Sweetened with stevia
- Available in two flavors – chocolate and vanilla
- Microfiltered for easier blending
This slow-digesting protein is ideal for speeding up recovery while you sleep. Just mix a serving with water and chug it down. Not only will it boost muscle repair and growth, but it will also help ward off nighttime hunger and cravings too.
Pros
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Sugar-free formula
- Natural flavors
- Great taste
Cons
- Only available in two flavors
- Not suitable for people with nut allergies
Providing you like chocolate or vanilla, you’ll probably love how this casein protein powder tastes. With added coconut creamer and sunflower lecithin, it’s smooth and creamy too. However, if you have a nut allergy, the coconut could be a problematic ingredient, and you may need to seek out a cleaner product.
9. Legion Casein+
Features
- 100% MICELLAR CASEIN PROTEIN POWDER. Casein+ is a naturally sweetened and flavored micellar casein protein powder with 26 grams of protein per serving and little carbohydrate and fat.
- COMES FROM WORLD-FAMOUS IRISH DAIRY FARMS. Casein+ is grass fed casein isolate made with exceptionally high-quality milk from small, sustainable dairy farms in Ireland, which produce some of the healthiest, cleanest milk in the world
- DOWNRIGHT DECADENT & DELICIOUS. Seriously. Casein+ is unlike any other casen powder you've tried. Get ready to enjoy mouth-watering, high-protein, low-calorie casein protein drinks that help you reach your fitness goals faster.
- GUARANTEED RESULTS OR YOUR MONEY BACK. If you're not 100% satisfied with this low carb protein powder for women and men, just notify us and we’ll give you a prompt and courteous refund on the spot. No complicated forms and no return necessary.
- THE MAN BEHIND THE BRAND. Tired of the exaggeration and lies of the supplement industry? So was Mike Mathews, international bestselling fitness author with over a million books sold, and that's why he created Legion Athletics.
Casein protein powders are made from milk. In many cases, that milk is pretty standard stuff. Legion Casein+ Vanilla Pure Micellar Casein Protein Powder is made from milk from American grass-fed cows. The healthier the cow, the better the milk, and the higher the quality of the protein.
Key Features
- 26 grams of protein per serving
- 120 calories
- Two grams of carbs and no fat
- Made with milk grass-fed, free-ranging cows
- Naturally flavored and sweetened
- Made in the USA
- Available in four flavors
Legion Casein+ contains no artificial additives. Even the flavors are 100% natural. This is a very clean, casein protein supplement that is also creamy and flavorsome.
Pros
- Very pleasant texture and taste
- All-natural ingredients
- High in branched-chain amino acids
- Good range of flavors
Cons
- Only 30 servings per container
- Not the cheapest product on review
Needless to say, milk from grass-fed cows costs more than milk from regular cows. This is reflected in the price of this product. That said, if you care about quality and don’t mind paying a little more for your supplements, this protein powder will not disappoint.
10. Promax
Features
- Slow and Sustained Recovery: Promix Casein Protein Powder is a cold-processed and acid-free bioactive native casein made from milk of grass-fed cows. This unsweetened, smooth and creamy powder contains highly branched alpha/beta/kappa-proteins for a sustained release of amino acids for bedtime use, as well as sunflower lecithin for improved absorption and blending. Unflavored. 78 servings per container, 2 scoops per serving.
- What’s Inside: Our Casein Protein Powder is packed with 25g of protein and 5.3g of branched-chain amino acids. Micro-filtered to remove lactose for easy digestion.
- Whole Food-Based Ingredients: Made of grass-fed micellar casein and sunflower lecithin (naturally high in phosphatidylcholine). That’s it.
- Seriously Clean: Casein Protein Powder is keto-friendly. All Promix products are free of gluten, soy, GMOs, hormones, antibiotics, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, stevia, gums, fillers, and bleach. 94% of ingredients sourced from North America. Partner of 1% for the Planet. Produced in facilities using GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.
- No Artificial Anything: Promix is a science-based nutrition company making products to the standards specified by professional athletes for performance, ingredient quality, and safety. We deliver seriously clean supplements and snacks to people who want to feel and perform their best.
If you look at the ingredients list on many protein powders, you’d be forgiven for not knowing what many of the items listed are. In contrast, Promax contains just one ingredient. With nothing else added, this is a very clean and pure casein protein supplement.
Key Features
- 25 grams of protein per serving
- 105 calories
- Fat and carbohydrate-free
- No added ingredients
- Unflavored
- Made from milk from American pasture-fed cows
- Microfiltered for easy blending
This unflavored casein protein powder mixes easily and makes a smooth shake. It’s not exactly tasty, but it’s not unpleasant, either! It’s ideal for nighttime use as it will digest slowly and provide your muscles with a constant supply of the nutrients they need to repair and grow.
Pros
- A very pure product
- Made from premium-quality milk
- No added ingredients
- Very low in carbs and calories
Cons
- Bland (but not unpleasant) taste
This plain and simple casein protein powder mixes easily to make a smooth if not especially tasty protein shake. Blend with a little soft fruit to liven it up, or mix it with water if you don’t mind the lack of flavor. Either way, this protein powder is good value for money and provides plenty of protein with very few calories.
Key Information
Consider the following before buying or using casein protein powder:
What is casein protein?
Casein protein is made from milk. In fact, milk contains 80% casein protein. Like whey protein, casein is a by-product of cheese production. It’s made when enzymes are added to milk, making the casein turn from a liquid into a solid. Those solids are then collected, dried, and turned into a powder. Another word for casein is curds, as in curds and whey.
Casein is a very concentrated source of protein, and as well as being made into protein supplements, it’s also added to dairy products such as cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of casein protein. Casein contains all of the essential amino acids, which means, like meat and eggs, it is a complete protein.
Whole casein protein is vegetarian-friendly, but it is not suitable for vegans.
Casein vs. Whey Protein – what is the difference?
Whey and casein are two of the most popular proteins around. They’re both made from milk, and they contain similar amounts of protein, but they are digested and absorbed at different rates.
Whey protein is digested very quickly, so think of it as a fast-acting protein. It’s ideal for use immediately after exercise when a quick hit of protein is useful for kick-starting the recovery process. To keep your muscles supplied with protein, you need to consume whey protein several times per day. That’s no problem during your waking hours, but not really practical at night.
Casein is a slower digesting protein. Because it’s slower acting, it provides your muscles with steady stream of amino acids rather than a big burst. Because of this, casein protein is perfect for nighttime use.
It delivers its amino acid payload gradually to ensure your muscles get a constant supply of nutritional building blocks. If you used whey at night, it would be over and done while your body was still trying to repair the day’s muscle damage.
To summarize, whey protein is fast-acting, ideal for daytime use, and especially useful after exercise. Casein is much slower acting and better for nighttime use.
What are the benefits of taking casein?
Your body needs protein for both structure and function. Structural proteins include things like your hair, skin, muscles, and bones, whereas functional proteins include enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
Beyond these essential nutritional functions, dietary proteins, and especially casein, have several additional benefits:
Muscle growth and repair – exercise is catabolic, which means it causes muscle breakdown. To get stronger or build muscle, this damage needs to be repaired, a process called anabolism. Your body uses the amino acids in protein like a builder uses bricks. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Satiety – protein is very filling. Just a small serving can have a significant impact on your appetite. Hunger can derail almost any diet, leading to unplanned snacks and bigger meals. Consuming more protein can help ward off hunger, and taking casein before going to bed will prevent nighttime cravings.
Increased fat burning – protein has a high thermogenic effect. This means it boosts your metabolism, so you burn more calories, even at rest and while you sleep. Consuming casein protein before bed could help you lose fat faster.
Side effects
Casein protein is a very natural product. It’s made from milk in a process that involves no harmful chemicals. Providing it’s made from good quality milk, casein should be free from toxic substances like trace metals, hormones, and antibiotics. Remember, humans have been consuming casein for hundreds of years, albeit in the form of cheese curds.
That said, because it’s a dairy product, casein does contain lactose, which is a form of sugar. Some people are intolerant or allergic to lactose.
Lactose sensitivity can cause:
Bloating
Digestive upsets
Rashes
Hives
Excess mucus production
Casein, and whey for that matter, contain less lactose than pure milk, so people who are only mildly lactose intolerant may not experience any unwanted side effects. But, if using casein protein makes you feel unwell, you should seek out a lactose-free alternative, such as rice, soy, hemp, or pea protein.
Bottom Line
Whether you are dieting for fat loss or trying to build muscle and gain strength, you need to consume adequate amounts of dietary protein. If you don’t, your progress will soon grind to a halt. Protein contains the building blocks your body needs for muscle repair and growth and also plays a crucial role in fat burning.
But, how do you make sure you get enough protein each and every day? After all, there is only so much chicken and so many eggs you can eat in a day!
Protein supplements like whey and casein are the easiest way to make sure you hit your daily protein quota. Quick and easy to prepare, just a shake or two a day is all you need. Use whey when you need a fast-acting protein and slow-digesting casein at night when a sustained supply of protein and amino acids are more useful.
Not sure which is the best casein protein? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. You’ll find the best product for your needs tested and reviewed in this article. From pure, unflavored products to protein powders that taste like your favorite milkshake, we’ve tried them all so that you can buy with confidence.
When to Take Creatine
Patrick
Patrick Dale is an ex-British Royal Marine and owner and lecturer for a fitness qualifications company. In addition to training prospective personal trainers, Patrick has also authored three fitness and exercise books, dozens of e-books, thousands of articles, and several fitness videos.
