Gainful Protein Powder Review

About Gainful Protein Powder

Supplements are – literally – a billion-dollar industry. The problem is, although there is no shortage of supplements on the market, it can be hard to know who to trust, what products are effective, and what ingredients are beneficial vs. harmful.

Many customers are understandably skeptical^[1] about the claims some supplement companies make. The problem is, there’s so much demand for these products that customers buy them anyway. The good news is that there are brands like Gainful with a noted interest in their customer’s needs.

Gainful is a natural supplements brand that offers personalized subscriptions to suit diverse lifestyles, diets, and tastes. The company creates tailored blends of protein powders based on an individual’s unique physiology, dietary restrictions, and fitness goals.  

Why is a “natural” and “personalized approach” to nutrition and supplementation important? To quote the Gainful website, a bespoke, personalized plan is critical because “every body is different,” and “everyone’s health journey is one-of-a-kind.”

Gainful was founded in 2017 by Eric Wu and Jahaan Ansari. The NYC-based company had a straightforward mission: empowering people to strive for the best, healthiest version of themselves. Recognizing that everyone’s journey is incomparable, and each body is wired differently, Wu and Ansari presented their own take on a personalized nutrition subscription. 

The brand is committed to sustainability and preserving the environment. The brand has partnered with Pachama to support forest projects that offset the emissions associated with e-commerce shipping. So far, Pachama has contributed to protecting 998,000 hectares of forest!

This Gainful protein powder review will delve deep into the brand’s products, their ingredients, how to use them, customer reviews, promotions, and more, to help you decide if this is a service worth signing up for.

Let’s begin by looking at their pros and cons.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Personalized nutrition: Gainful offers personalized protein blends based on a user’s specific needs, such as fitness goals, dietary preferences, and allergies.
2. High-quality ingredients: Gainful uses high-quality protein sources, such as whey, plant-based proteins, or a blend of both. These protein sources are often sourced from reputable suppliers and undergo quality testing to ensure purity and effectiveness.
3. Transparency and education: Gainful provides detailed information about the ingredients in their products, helping users understand what they are consuming. They also offer educational resources on their website to help users make informed decisions about their protein intake.
4. Convenient and easy to use: Gainful protein powder is convenient to use. It can be easily mixed with water, milk, or added to smoothies, making it a convenient option for post-workout recovery or as a meal replacement.
5. Subscription service: Gainful offers a subscription service that delivers protein powder on a regular basis.

Cons:

1. Cost: Gainful protein is often more expensive compared to generic protein powders available in the market.
2. Limited flavor options: Gainful offers a limited range of flavor options compared to some other protein powder brands.
3. Individual variation: While the personalized approach of Gainful is a benefit, individual responses to specific protein blends may vary.
4. Allergen considerations: While Gainful offers options for common allergies and dietary restrictions, individuals with specific or uncommon allergies may find it challenging to find a suitable protein blend.

Recent Studies About Protein Powder

It’s helpful to consider recent scientific information about protein powder before you shop around for products, which is why I’ve assembled a list of studies on the subject for the purposes of this Gainful review.

• A 2019 study reported that protein supplementation may enhance performance recovery following team-sport activity.
• A meta-analysis on the effects of oral protein supplements found that high protein supplements produce clinical benefits, with economic implications.
• Another meta-analysis from 2018 found that protein and essential amino acid supplements may improve fat-free mass, muscle strength, and physical function.

Ingredients

Gainful protein offers personalized blends, and the specific ingredients used can vary based on individual preferences and needs. However, here are some common ingredients that may be found in Gainful protein powders:

1. Whey Protein Concentrate: Whey protein is a complete protein source derived from milk. It is easily digestible and contains all essential amino acids necessary for muscle recovery and growth.
2. Plant-Based Proteins: Gainful offers various plant-based protein options, such as pea protein, brown rice protein, and hemp protein. These sources provide protein for individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets.
3. Natural Flavorings: Gainful uses natural flavorings derived from fruits, spices, or extracts to add taste to their protein blends.
4. Natural Sweeteners: Depending on the chosen flavor and preferences, Gainful may use natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit extract.
5. Fiber: Some Gainful blends may include fiber sources like chicory root fiber or acacia fiber to support digestion and promote satiety.
6. Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is known for its potential health benefits. It contains a high concentration of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and catechins, which are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
7. BCAAs: Branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a group of essential amino acids that play a crucial role in protein synthesis and muscle metabolism. They include leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

Benefits

Gainful protein offers several potential benefits, including:

Muscle Growth and Repair

Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. Adequate protein intake can support muscle protein synthesis and help optimize the recovery process after exercise.

Weight Management

Protein has a higher thermic effect compared to carbohydrates and fats, meaning it requires more energy to digest, absorb, and metabolize. Including protein in your diet can help increase satiety and may aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.

Muscle Recovery

Protein consumption after exercise can help replenish muscle glycogen stores and promote muscle recovery. It may reduce muscle soreness and facilitate faster muscle repair following intense physical activity.

Nutrient-Rich Source

High-quality protein powders, like Gainful, can provide a convenient and concentrated source of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with specific dietary needs or those who struggle to meet their protein requirements through whole food sources alone.

Versatility

Protein powder can be easily incorporated into various recipes and meals, making it a flexible option to meet individual dietary preferences and goals. It can be used in smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, or consumed on its own as a shake.

How Does Gainful Protein Work?

If you’re looking for some insight on Gainful protein powder or supplements, you’ve come to the right place. This Gainful protein review will explain how the subscription works. 

According to the brand, the process of getting started is simple:

1. Take the Gainful Quiz on their website. Share goals, diet, and fitness routine to help accurately customize your formulas.

2. Receive personalized formulas. With free monthly delivery, you can cancel anytime and adjust as needed 

3. Chat with your free Registered Dietitian. The brand offers ongoing support to help you build a complete routine  

A quick note: at this time, Gainful doesn’t offer one-time purchases. The products are only provided through subscriptions.

According to the brand, Gainful subscriptions are tailored exclusively for you. Let’s say your goals are to try a plant-based diet without compromising the quality of your training or losing muscle: the brand will create a personalized protein and hydration subscription catered to a plant-based diet, offering recovery boosters.

Or, perhaps you want to supplement a keto diet and keep active while juggling a busy career. Gainful will present a personalized protein subscription formulated for keto-friendly diets, powder pre-workout supplements, and energy-boosting hydration that you can sip on at your desk.

According to Gainful, no matter what your fitness level or ideal nutrition is, the service will take all factors into consideration. This Gainful protein review will now summarize the brand’s service and what it entails so you can make an informed decision.

Gainful Protein Powder Subscription

According to gainful, the first step in establishing your ideal Gainful Subscription is setting the foundation with a personalized protein powder. It’s formulated with pure and powerful ingredients that work based on your diet, body composition, and lifestyle habits.

These protein supplements are marketed at helping you achieve a wide range of fitness goals, from weight loss to increased agility to building muscle. Each formula contains up to seven ingredients (with some only having two!) depending on your personalized plan and includes all nine essential amino acids to benefit the whole body.

Not sure what an essential amino acid is? Amino acids are molecules that combine to form proteins. They are critical for tissue repair and growth. The 9 essential amino acids are those that your body can’t produce and have to be consumed, hence the term “essential.” The 9 essential amino acids are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

In addition to the protein, Gainful Protein contains ingredients such as green tea extract. Studies have shown that green tea extract^[2] lowers the risk of heart disease and can contribute to weight loss by increasing thermogenesis^[3].

Basically, thermogenesis is the metabolic process by which your body produces heat. Thermogenesis occurs when you shiver to warm up, consume certain foods (like green tea), and exercise. Thermogenesis can positively impact weight loss^[4] by burning calories and increasing fat oxidation.

Next up, BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids^[5]). As mentioned above, amino acids are molecules that combine to form proteins which are critical for tissue repair and growth. The 9 essential amino acids – 3 of which are BCAAs – can’t be produced by the human body. The three BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine and valine. BCAA supplements help decrease muscle fatigue, alleviate muscle soreness and promote recovery from your workout.

One study has shown that taking a BCAA supplement before working out led to reduced muscle damage caused by exercise and increased muscle protein. Another study^[6] showed amino acids combined with protein supplementation to improve muscle performance.

According to Gainful, none of the powders contain gluten, soy, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners.

The protein powder arrives plain, which gives you the freedom to tinker with and land on your favorite Gainful Flavor Boost. Throw these single-serve sachets into your gym bag when you’re on the go. 

According to Gainful, there are seven 100% natural options to choose from: Strawberry Cream, Caffè Mocha, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Madagascar Vanilla, and Matcha Green Tea. Choose up to four new boosts with every order for your Gainful protein powders.

The second step is Gainful Hydration. Most of us know that staying hydrated is vital for our energy, performance, and overall health. What some of us don’t know is that sometimes water alone is not enough or ideal. Keeping your electrolytes within an appropriate^[7] level is vitally important since electrolytes help regulate heart and neurological function, fluid balance, etc. 

For example, this study^[8] showed that low electrolyte levels could contribute to muscle fatigue in runners. Hydration is especially important for those who make exercise a part of their daily regimen. Sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium are all electrolytes.

The main takeaway being, your brain and body require ample water and electrolytes to function correctly. Keep this electrolyte “issue” top of mind when sick (think vomiting/diarrhea) or when doing intense or prolonged exercise. Enter Gainful Hydration.

To consume, mix the Gainful Hydration powder into a large glass of water (8-16oz) and stir. According to Gainful, the blend of 4 electrolytes and cane sugar, packaged in convenient single-serve packs, refreshes your whole body.

Gainful Hydration is offered in Lemon-Lime and Strawberry Lemonade. A caffeinated option contains 150mg of caffeine and 250mg of L-Theanine to keep you feeling centered without getting the jitters. I am sure you know what caffeine is, but you might not be as familiar with L-Theanine.

L-Theanine is a non-essential amino acid, it is beneficial, but we can survive without it. Why would you want to hydrate with a concoction that includes caffeine and L-Theanine?  

One study^[9] demonstrated caffeine to have an ergogenic effect, meaning that it can help to enhance physical performance. On the other hand, L-Theanine reportedly impacts neurotransmitters in the brain (like dopamine) that then influence mood, sleep, emotion, perception of stress, etc. Reported benefits of L-Theanine include increased mental focus^[10], improved sleep satisfaction^[11], and improved cognition^[12].

Want further proof? Check out this clinical trial^[13]. The L-theanine group experienced a decrease in reported sleep problems and stress-related symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Another study^[14] showed that L-theanine could contribute to immunity by decreasing cold and flu symptoms. This means that it can help keep you healthy and in the gym!

The last step is selecting a Gainful Pre-Workout. The brand recommends consuming the powder 20 minutes before starting a high-intensity exercise. The caffeinated supplement will energize you for workouts, maximize endurance, and minimize recovery time—to make your training sessions more impactful.

The Gainful Pre-Workout is flavored with a startling sour watermelon taste and contains L-Theanine, L-Citrulline, Beta-Alanine, and BCAAs to optimize your performance and supercharge your recovery. Since we’ve already discussed the benefits of L-theanine and BCAAs, let’s take a closer look at the other ingredients: 

• L-citrulline^[15]: Is a natural amino acid that some research is showing will enhance exercise performance and recovery.
• Beta-Alanine: Another non-essential naturally occurring amino acid. Beta-Alanine improves athletic performance as well. One review^[16] of 19 scientific studies showed that beta-alanine^[17] might improve energy output and decrease muscle fatigue.

It is important to note that this powder is not a Gainful meal replacement. According to Gainful, it is meant to curb cravings between meals and reduce calorie intake. Use the powder as a protein source while eating a balanced plate full of veggies, fruits, grains, and dairy.

How Much is Gainful Protein Subscription?

Pricing depends on the specific ingredients in your blend. You’ll be able to see the price of your particular combination during the checkout process. After you have completed the quiz, no purchase is required to view your plan details!

However, this Gainful protein review is nothing if not thorough. We completed the quiz to provide an example of what pricing could look like. 

The completed sample quiz results broke down to:

• Personalized Protein Powder with Gainful Flavor Boost for $39
• Gainful Hydration for $30 
• Gainful Pre-Workout for $19 

Altogether, the total was $88, and the plan was set to renew every 28 days. However, you can pause, skip, or cancel at any time! Ultimately, the subscription price is entirely dependent on how many grams of protein and types of ingredients are in the blend. If you’re curious, take the quiz.

Who is Gainful Protein For?

Gainful Protein is useful for people with sensitive stomachs who cannot tolerate common additives in protein supplements. Additionally, high-level athletes will likely enjoy Gainful as they can fill the supplements with the exact ingredients they need.

Alternatives

Though there aren’t many brands with business models like Gainful’s, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t others worth checking out.

• Orgain Protein Powder: Plant-based protein powder that can help vegans meet their daily protein requirements. These products are easy to find and decently affordable.
• Obvi Protein: Collagen supplements in the form of powders and capsules. Their products have interesting flavors like cocoa cereal and unicorn milk.
• Good Protein: A Canadian brand that creates vegan protein supplements with whole food ingredients. Many of their supplements also deliver adequate servings of vitamins and minerals.

Gainful Protein Powder Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

This section of my Gainful protein powder review will divulge what customers shared about the brand online.   

Customers complimented the brand on accurate personalizations, use of high-quality 100% natural ingredients, and attention to dietary restrictions. Gainful reviews also recalled excellent advice received from free Registered Dieticians, which earned their respect.   

On Trustpilot, the brand received a resounding 4.5/5 stars out of over 900 reviews as of May 2023.

One positive testimonial for Gainful custom protein powder echoes the sentiment apparently felt by many others. “Gainful is AWESOME, finally a shake that makes me feel comfortable with what I’m putting into my body. I LOVE how Gainful embraces the diversity of everyone’s needs. Gainful truly embodies the uniqueness in everyone.” 

There are no quantitative ratings for Gainful protein reviews on the brand’s website, but some rotating testimonials are featured. One customer applauded the brand for accessibility and customization. “The customization is super nice so that the formula aligns with my fitness goals. The quiz is quick and easy. They also have so many options based on your diet/dietary restrictions.” 

If you search “Gainful protein Reddit” the results will show hundreds of positive reviews, with only a few instances of shipments not being delivered. On Facebook, the brand scored 4.7/5 out of 430 reviews as of May 2023.

Most customers recommended the brand, such as this reviewer, “Love what it has done to help take my recovery, weight management and overall training to the next level. It has become an integral part of my overall wellness plan (and it tastes delicious!)” A few others agreed that the taste of the supplements was delicious and amazing.

Is Gainful Protein Worth It?

According to Gainful, the brand is all about equipping you with essential protein blends to help meet a range of fitness goals. This Gainful protein review is impressed with the attention to detail and level of dedication the supplements company shows its customers. That said, only you know what is “worth it” for you. You know your financial realities, genetics, health goals, etc.

Trainer’s Tip: Thrive in your own lane! As the Gainful website states, “every body is different.” It doesn’t matter what works for your best friend or your favorite celebrity. Find that program that works for you. Find what you can do consistently. If that is a supplement program like Gainful, great! 

The company’s quiz takes all factors into account, from body composition to the frequency and intensity of your workouts. Plus, it offers delectable combinations of flavors, like cookies and cream paired with lime. It’s hard to find that on the shelves of your local grocery store.

Gainful is also transparent about their quality control process and uses only high-quality, 100% natural ingredients backed by dieticians.

If you don’t like the flavors or are unsatisfied with its effects, the brand will create a new personalized subscription. A personal Registered Dietician who can make healthy suggestions also adds value to the whole package. If you want to add supplements to your lifestyle and you can afford the subscription, Gainful protein is definitely an excellent option!

Gainful Protein Promotions & Discounts

The brand offers free shipping on all U.S. orders. This Gainful protein review also found some discount codes: 

Use GAIN10 for 10% off your order at checkout, and if you’re in the military, use SERVICE20 for 20% off the first order. Go Gainful! 

Sign up for Gainful Subscription

To sign up for a Gainful Subscription, all you need to do is the following: 

1. Take the quiz on the brand’s website to personalize your protein supplements 
2. Fill in contact information at Checkout to order your subscription 
3. Once completed, use the Login portal to manage your subscription

FAQ

How to use Gainful protein?

According to Gainful, you can add a scoop of the Gainful protein powder to your daily smoothies, incorporate it into baking, or simply mix it with water. Using the versatile product (and how often) is entirely up to you! This Gainful protein review does not recommend consuming protein shakes more than twice a day.

How do I cancel my Gainful Protein subscription?

To cancel your Gainful subscription, follow these steps:

1. Log into your online profile
2. Click the Subscription tab on the left
3. Click Edit Subscription 
4. Select Cancel subscription
5. Specify your reason for canceling
6. Click Confirm Cancel  

What is Gainful’s Shipping Policy?

At this time, Gainful only delivers within the United States, with free shipping on all orders.  Typically, you’ll receive your personalized blend within 2-7 business days of placing an order. Once the order ships, the company will send an email with tracking information. 

What is Gainful’s Return Policy?

Gainful does not offer returns, refunds, or exchanges. If you’re unsatisfied with your current nutrition plan, the brand will create a new personalized subscription with feedback taken into consideration. 

How to Contact Gainful?

If you still have questions after reading Gainful protein review, there are a few ways to contact their Customer Experience Team:  

1. Phone: 415-991-7243 
2. Email: [email protected]
3. Live Chat on their website  

The Gainful number is monitored weekdays only, 9 AM–5 PM, and online chats are answered weekdays 12 PM–5 PM. 

---

If you’re looking for other products to help with your workout, read our Onnit Kettlebell review. And to help with your body afterwards we suggest checking out the Theragun Review.

Our other favorite supplements include Perfect Keto, as well as Athletic Greens and Vital Proteins Collagen.