In partnership with GNC. Editor’s Note: All opinions are our own. We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
I drink a smoothie on any day that ends in “Y.” As a PE teacher who bike-commutes to work, my days are packed with movement, and I rely on smoothies to fuel up and keep me feeling full even as I churn through calories. In addition to the usual suspects – frozen fruits, veggies, Greek yogurt, oat milk – I need a protein powder that actually packs a punch. Something easy to digest, with enough muscle-building power to match my 20,000-step days.
In an admittedly crowded market, distinguishing between protein powder brands and formulations can be a tall task. That’s why I like to look at what the industry leaders are doing – and with nearly a century of experience, GNC is a brand that’s earned its reputation. What started as a family-run health food store in Pittsburgh in 1935 has grown into a global force in performance nutrition.
The letters GNC have become synonymous with health and nutrition, which made GNC’s AMP Wheybolic Whey Protein Powder a natural starting point for me. As it turns out, this is the only protein formula proven in multiple studies to increase strength and muscle size.* It’s also GNC’s #1 selling protein and America’s #1 protein powder brand for building strength† – third-party tested for over 285 banned substances, and gluten-free to boot.
We like
- Packed with ingredients that support an active lifestyle
- Comes in a wide variety of flavors
- Smart scoop connects to the top of the container so it doesn’t get swallowed up in the powder
- Digests easily
We don't like
- No unflavored option for days when a neutral flavor is preferred
- Full serving requires a lot of powder, so it must be blended well for a smoother finish
The Inside…Scoop
After a few weeks of regular use, I can confidently say that Wheybolic Protein Powder keeps me energized and satisfied – whether I’m biking to work, winding down from a long run, or just need an afternoon pick-me-up. Each serving features 40g of ultra-pure, fast-digesting whey isolate and hydrolysates, plus 6.2g of leucine, an amino acid that supports muscle growth, recovery, and can contribute to blood sugar balance. ^*
Where some protein powders feel heavy and overly rich, Wheybolic is versatile enough to become a daily driver. It doesn’t leave me bloated or gassy later in the day – just steady energy and that comfortably full feeling that’s ideal for active folks.
And let’s talk flavor: while Chocolate Fudge is the bestseller, I’m partial to Natural Vanilla – it’s mellow, clean, and blends beautifully with fruit. Other fun options like Strawberries & Cream and Fruity Crisps keep things interesting. I regularly have to remind myself I’m not drinking a milkshake.
If You’re Looking for Gains…
On a mission to build muscle? Wheybolic is uniquely engineered for performance. Research shows that just eight weeks of using Wheybolic, combined with training, led to significant increases in muscle strength.* That’s thanks to that whey protein isolate and leucine I mentioned before – plus Velositol®, a patented complex of Amylopectin and Chromium to unleash the power of protein, and digestive enzymes to fuel protein digestion and absorption.* If you’ve hit a plateau or want to push harder in the gym, this formula is built for next-level strength and stamina.* And since it’s third-party tested for banned substances, it’s trusted by serious athletes, too.
Turning It Up A Notch
Pleased with my protein experience, I’ve actually begun to integrate the brand’s Beyond Raw LIT Pre-Workout into my routine, too. Whether it’s an early morning workout or a mid-day energy slump, LIT delivers clean, long-lasting energy that actually feels good. Without the crash.
This is GNC’s best-selling pre-workout for a reason, with over 21 million sold, and more than 22,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It’s also clinically dosed, sugar-free, gluten-free, and mixes like a dream. And for what it’s worth – it tastes phenomenal. From the OG Gummy Worm to seasonal drops like Iced Tea Lemonade and Rainbow Sherbet, LIT proves that flavor doesn't have to be sacrificed for function.
Parting Thoughts
When it comes to fueling performance and recovery, I’ve found that GNC gets it right (and, for what it’s worth, I’ve tried a lot of options). Between Beyond Raw LIT Pre-Workout and AMP Wheybolic Protein Powder, I have what I need to power through my day – from bike commutes and gym sessions to chasing after my two kids. It’s high-performance support from start to finish, and I’m all in.
Ready to try it for yourself? Start here.
^When used in conjunction with an exercise program
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
▪An 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 33 healthy men compared the effectiveness of this proprietary module of whey protein and leucine vs. an isocaloric carbohydrate placebo consumed before and after resistance training. Subjects consuming the leucine-whey protein supplement experienced greater increases in muscle strength than those on the placebo. Leucine-whey protein supplementation also increased muscle cross-sectional area from baseline.
†Based on mass market (excluding Amazon) Nielsen data 4/3/2022–7/2/2022.
