Casein is the most predominant type of protein in milk. In fact, it represents about 80% of milks total protein content (1).

Its widely used as a pre-sleep protein supplement because its a more slowly digested protein source, allowing increases in overnight muscle protein synthesis and preventing muscle degradation while you sleep (2, 3).

Casein supplements provide it either in micellar form milks natural casein form or as sodium, potassium, or calcium caseinates, which are more rapidly digested.

Aside from being a more natural form of casein, micellar casein is usually preferred over caseinates because of its slower digestion rate, which sustains blood amino acid concentrations overnight (4).

This article examines casein protein powders based on the following criteria:

Here are the 12 best casein protein powders of 2020.

General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.

Generally, prices range from $0.70$1.72 per serving, or $29.96$79.99 per tub, though this may vary depending on where you shop and which tub size you buy.

Pricing guide

Price: $$

As one of the most reputable, high quality supplement brands, Optimum Nutritions casein powder is one of the most recommended casein supplements.

This casein powder provides 24 grams of protein per serving, along with 4.7 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) three amino acids that help increase the rate of muscle protein synthesis (5).

Additionally, ONs facilities comply with the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations.

Its products are also Certified for Sport by NSF International, a third-party testing organization that guarantees the absence of substances banned by many major athletic organizations.

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Shop for ON Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Naturally Flavored 100% Casein online.

Price: $

Dymatize Elite Casein protein powder is produced using cross-flow microfiltration processing, which helps preserve caseins natural properties and quality.

This powder provides 24 grams of protein, with 5.3 grams of BCAAs per serving.

Its also manufactured in GMP- and sport-certified facilities, further demonstrating its high quality standards.

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Shop for Dymatize Elite Casein online.

Price: $$

Kaged Muscle Kasein Isolate Powder is also produced with microfiltration processing, this time using a cold-pressed filtration method that preserves caseins integrity.

It provides 24 grams of protein and 4.75 grams of BCAAs per serving.

The brands products are third-party tested for purity and potency, as well as banned-substance-free.

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Shop for Kaged Muscle Kasein Isolate Powder Casein online.

Price: $$

Legion takes pride in producing a casein protein powder Casein+ thats made from high quality milk from small, sustainable Irish milk farms.

The brand works with farms that are certified by Irelands Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS). Thus, its casein comes from farms that follow the best animal welfare, traceability, and soil and grass management practices.

Its casein powder provides 26 grams of protein per serving without added amino acids to avoid amino spiking.

Its also manufactured in an FDA-approved GMP-certified facility.

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Shop for Legion Casein+ online.

Price: $$

Ascent supplements are known for being the benchmark of product purity, and theyre Informed-Sport-certified a global sports supplement testing program.

Ascent micellar casein powder provides 25 grams of protein per serving and 5 grams of BCAAs.

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Shop for Ascent Micellar Casein Powder online.

Price: $

Unflavored casein powders allow you to enjoy the proteins benefits without the usual sweet taste, which is also great if you want to mix it with a savory meal or drink.

This casein powder provides 25 grams of protein per serving and less than 1 gram of carbs and fat.

Its manufactured following cGMP standards in an FDA-inspected facility.

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Shop for BulkSupplements Pure Casein Powder online.

Price: $$

Promix offers another unflavored casein protein option thats easy to blend with about anything you like.

Promix Casein Protein Powder provides 25 grams of protein and 5.3 grams BCAAs per serving. Users report less bloating and stomach aches, compared with other brands although it may have a grainier texture.

The brand also uses third-party testing to ensure the quality of its products.

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Shop for Promix Unflavored Casein Protein Powder online.

Price: $

MuscleTech is another reputable and internationally recognized brand consumed by both elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Its NitroTech Casein Gold Protein Powder provides only 110 calories per serving and 24 grams of protein from a casein blend comprised of both micellar and calcium caseinate.

Furthermore, the protein is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility.

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Shop for MuscleTech NitroTech Casein Gold online.

Price: $

Nutricost Casein Protein Powder is another 110-calorie alternative for those looking for a lower calorie option.

Each serving provides 24 grams of protein, and the supplement is manufactured in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility.

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Shop for Nutricost Casein Protein Powder online.

Price: $$

Hardbodys Amazing Micellar Casein Protein Powder is one of the few protein supplements that contain a probiotic and blend of digestive enzymes.

Each serving packs 26 grams of protein, including all 3 BCAAs and 9 essential amino acids.

Hardbodys products are third-party quality tested and manufactured in an FDA-registered facility.

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Shop for Hardbody Amazing Micellar Casein Protein Powder online.

Price: $

SYNTHA-6 Ultra-Premium Protein Matrix offers a protein blend comprised of whey protein, casein, and egg protein. Its whey and casein are in calcium caseinate and micellar form.

It provides 22 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbs, and 6 grams of fat per serving, making it the highest calorie option on this list with a whopping 200 calories per serving.

Additionally, the protein contains papain and bromelain two fruit-derived enzymes that aid digestion.

The protein is also manufactured in a cGMP facility.

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Shop for SYNTHA-6 Ultra-Premium Protein Matrix online.

Price: $$

Pro JYM Ultra-Premium Protein Blend is another higher calorie alternative that contains multiple types of protein.

It provides 22 grams of protein per serving, comprising 7.5 grams of whey protein isolate, 7 grams of micellar casein, 7 grams of milk protein isolate, and 2.5 grams of egg white protein.

However, its carb and fat contents are significantly lower than Synthas protein blend, with only 4 grams of carbs and 2.5 grams of fat per serving.

Lastly, all of JYMs supplements are manufactured in a cGMP-compliant facility.

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Shop for Pro JYM online.

When shopping for a casein protein powder, make sure to opt for a brand that uses third-party testing to make sure youre getting the best protein quality and quantity per scoop.

Additionally, be sure to go for one with a high micellar casein content, as this is the purest form of casein available.

You could also try to stick to brands that use the fewest number of ingredients in their products. This way youll know youre buying a clean protein thats not full of fillers and additives.

Lastly, check the grams of protein provided per serving, which should range from 2428 grams.

If youre looking to bulk up, you may want to go for a protein powder with a higher protein and calorie content even if it has a higher carb and fat content.

Read the rest here:

The 12 Best Casein Protein Powders of 2020 - Healthline