SUPPLEMENTS CAN HELP you reach your nutritional needs for putting on muscle mass and fill holes in your required vitamin intake. The goal should always be getting as many quality meals as possible. But in today’s busy environment, there are healthy, well-sourced products to turn to when you want to make the most out of your workouts and keep you on track while you’re on the move.

If you’ve tried to buy protein powder or creatine on a regular basis, to keep up with a consistent gym schedule, you know that it can get expensive. And there is nothing worse than running to the kitchen to make a healthy shake after a good pump to find sad, empty containers. I’m a creature of habit, and when I find a supplement that I like, I buy a lot. That’s one of the reasons that Black Friday is one of my favorite times to stock up.

Here are the best Black Friday protein powder and creatine deals that we’ve spotted. Keep checking back, as we will continue to update this list through the weekend.

Black Friday Protein Powder Deals

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein (35 oz)

Now 25% Off

Ascent Protein Native Fuel Whey Protein (32 oz)

Now 25% Off

Podium Isolate Whey Protein (28 oz)

Now 25% Off

Jocko Fuel Mölk Whey Protein (34.99 oz)

Now 30% Off

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein

Now 29% Off

GNC Bulk 1340 (114.24 oz)

Now 15% Off

Black Friday Creatine Deals

What to Consider

There are plenty of great articles on Men’s Health that break down what makes a great protein powder or creatine supplement. The first element to consider is whether or not the item is certified by the NSF, a company that does independent testing of products to confirm they contain what is stated on the label and are safe to consume on a regular basis. If a product is not NSF-certified, the only other acceptable option is that it is third-party tested, meaning someone outside of the company was tasked with confirming these factors. Each of the items recommended here are either NSF-certified or third-party tested.

For protein powders, the other critical element to consider is what protein source you would prefer to consume. There are different types of protein powders—whey and casein, which are both made from dairy protein, or plant-based proteins, which can be made from legumes or seeds, like peas, rice, or hemp. I personally go back and forth between whey and plant-based proteins, depending on the products. As long as you are happy with the ingredient list and pick a flavor (or unflavored version) that you like, I’ve personally found the differences negligible.

For creatine, my favorite products are unflavored, and I’ll usually just mix it into my protein shake or a bottle of water after a workout. But there are a number of flavored options available if that helps make the drink more interesting. So we’ve shared a few of those options as well.

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If you want a healthy gut, you need a healthy microbiome, the system of microbes that live in your intestines. You can use probiotic supplements to keep your microbiome in balance, or you could save some money and get probiotics from the foods you already eat.

“Probiotics are live microorganisms, often called ‘good bacteria,’ that help maintain a healthy balance in your gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing harmful ones,” says Gillean Barkyoumb, registered dietitian and nutrition expert at Plexus Worldwide (which sells dietary supplements).

“Probiotics are commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut, as well as in dietary supplements,” she adds. “Regularly consuming probiotics can support digestion, boost your immune system and may even improve mood and overall well-being.”

Ultimately, probiotics contribute to your digestive health, which in turn can reduce depression, improve mental health, promote heart health, boost your immune system and give your skin a healthy glow. Good gut bacteria can also help promote a healthy metabolism, which can reduce the risks of disorders such as obesity and diabetes. If you want to boost your gut health naturally, always consult your doctor first.

What are the best probiotic foods to eat for a healthy gut?

If you want more probiotics in your diet, below are 12 excellent probiotic foods. In addition to these foods, you might also try probiotic supplements. Look for labeling that reads, “contains live cultures” or “contains active cultures” in these common probiotic foods.

1. Yogurt

A staple probiotic food, go for yogurt with live and active cultures. Some yogurts are specifically marketed for their probiotic content or to help improve digestion. Yogurt usually has L. acidophilus bacteria, which can promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Yogurt is a great option because it’s widely available, comes in a variety of flavors to suit your taste and can be eaten straight from the container.

2. Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made by fermenting vegetables with probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Kimchi can give you that probiotic punch, and it’s made with healthy ingredients like vegetables (most commonly Napa cabbage, carrots, scallions and radish), garlic, red pepper powder, ginger and other spices. It makes a wonderful side and is traditionally served with steamed rice. Kimchi is associated with research regarding anti-cancer, anti-obesity, colorectal health, cholesterol reduction, anti-aging, brain health, immune health and skin health properties.

3. Pickles

You might be surprised to learn that pickles can contain probiotics. You just have to make sure you buy fermented pickles, which are usually found in the refrigerated section of the health food aisle. Some brands even advertise probiotic content. They trend under the term “healthy pickles,” but be sure to read the labels to ensure they contain probiotics. You can even make them at home. Some people also drink or use the juice the pickles are fermented in. Note that jarred pickles tend to be high in sodium.

4. Sourdough

Sourdough starter contains lactic acid bacteria. The starter is the environment where yeast and good bacteria grow by consuming water and flour. Natural prebiotics and probiotics are listed in research as one of the benefits of sourdough bread. It’s also linked to better blood glucose control, reduced cholesterol, a lower risk of diabetes, reduced cardiovascular disease risk and improved weight control. Also, it makes a pretty good sandwich bread.

5. Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk made using kefir grain. It starts as a normal cow’s or goat’s milk, and then a grain-like yeast and lactic acid bacterial colony called kefir is added to the milk. The mixture is left to ferment for around a day and then the milk is filtered from the grains, creating the kefir drink. The resulting drink is a powerful probiotic that actually packs more probiotics than yogurt.

6. Kombucha

Kombucha is “a go-to for fermented botanicals,” Barkyoumb says. “This magic potion has been dubbed the ‘immortal health elixir’ because of its ability to support whole-body health and wellness while preventing illnesses. High-quality kombucha is filled with probiotics and amino acids that will help your body digest sugar, and is also a great natural hangover cure.”

This drink is actually a fermented tea, so you’re getting the health benefits of tea with the probiotic boost of a fermented beverage. It’s made by adding strains of bacteria, yeast and sugar to either black or green tea, which leads to the drink’s probiotic-happy environment. It ferments for about a week or more until it grows a mushroom-type texture on top. The mushroom gets filtered out to make new kombucha.

7. Sauerkraut

This German comfort food is fermented cabbage made by lacto-fermenting the vegetable in its brine with salt. As part of the traditional fermentation process, probiotics are in the end product.

However, this is another product where you have to specifically buy probiotic sauerkraut or make your own. Many brands use vinegar and sugar or are pasteurized, which reduces the growth of bacteria and kills probiotics. Common canned sauerkraut is usually made with vinegar or it’s pasteurized (or both).

8. Miso soup

This Japanese food is served as a side to many meals. Miso is a paste typically made from fermented soybeans and works as a condiment to make sauces, spreads and soup stock. Miso soup uses this paste for the stock. Because miso is a fermented food, it packs the probiotic punch. Miso soup works great with larger meals but it also makes a nice, light lunch on its own.

9. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is twice-fermented apple juice. Apple cider vinegar has been making its rounds for years as a popular health supplement. It has natural probiotics from the fermentation process. Though its benefits need further research, many people also use it for everything from calming acid reflux to weight loss. It has a strong flavor, so if you don’t like taking it directly, add it to salad dressing, marinades or pickling liquid.

10. Some cheese

Certain types of cheese have probiotics. For instance, aged cheeses that are not heated afterward tend to have probiotics. Examples include Swiss, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, cottage cheese and provolone. The good news is that many popular cheese types have probiotics, including a healthy bowl of cottage cheese topped with fruit.

11. Pickled vegetables

Along the same lines as the kimchi and pickles above, you can also look for any pickled vegetables that specifically list having probiotics. One idea is to look into lacto-fermented escabeche, a pickled dish from Mexico that can contain a wide variety of vegetables. Or you can make a fermented giardiniera, an Italian pickle relish. Using fermented pickled vegetables is also a great way to shop locally and preserve vegetables for use out of season.

12. Buttermilk

Buttermilk may seem like a drink out of “Little House on the Prairie,” but traditional buttermilk can be an excellent source of probiotics. Buttermilk covers different types of fermented dairy beverages, but traditional buttermilk is the liquid skimmed out of the butter-making process. The trick is to avoid cultured buttermilk, which is the most common type in supermarkets and usually does not have probiotics.