What Goes in the Shaker Bottle
The supplement aisle is loud, and most of it is noise. Our crew sticks to the basics: a protein you'll actually drink, creatine, and electrolytes for the days you sweat through your shirt. These are the brands we've tried and the staples we point guys to. This list is part of The duuude Gym Bag Series, our crew's guide to everything you carry into the gym and everything that helps you walk out of it. Look for the next part at the bottom of the page.
The quick picks:
Best whey protein: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Best plant protein: Vega
Best creatine: Optimum Nutrition Creatine
Best electrolyte sticks: Hydralyte
Best zero-sugar electrolytes: LMNT
Best hydration mix: No Days Wasted Hydration Replenisher
1. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Fast-digesting whey for after the workout.
Kaged makes protein, pre-workout, creatine and hydration mixes. Our crew went through the lineup in our Kaged review. Heads up: their Pre-Kaged Elite pre-workout packs 388 mg of caffeine a serving, about four cups of coffee.
Best for: a clean post-workout shake
2. Vega Protein Powders
Plant protein that doesn't taste like chalk.
Vega makes plant-based protein shakes for before and after a workout. Our crew called it the best-tasting protein powder we tried that year in our Vega review.
Best for: guys skipping dairy
3. Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine
One of the most-studied supplements out there.
Plain, unflavored creatine monohydrate that mixes into your shake or your water. 120 servings in a tub.
Best for: adding one proven supplement
4. Hydralyte Electrolytes
Rehydrate fast after a sweaty session.
Hydralyte's electrolyte sticks dissolve fast in water. Each of our crew grabbed a different flavor for our Hydralyte review.
Best for: post-workout and long days in the sun
5. LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes
Salt, potassium and magnesium, no sugar.
A zero-sugar electrolyte mix with a lot of sodium for heavy sweaters. One stick in a bottle of water.
Best for: guys who sweat a lot
6. No Days Wasted Hydration Replenisher
Electrolytes plus vitamins.
An electrolyte drink mix with sodium, potassium and vitamins C, D and B. Our crew tried the whole lineup in our No Days Wasted review.
Best for: recovery after a big day (or a big night)
The Final Duuude Take!
Keep it simple: one protein you like the taste of, like Kaged or Vega, creatine, and an electrolyte for the sweaty days. Check with your doctor before starting a new supplement. Next in the series: the recovery gear for the day after.
Our crew's picks:
Kaged for protein and Hydralyte for electrolytes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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