Well the answer really depends on what you are wanting to accomplish with your muscle building plans. If you want to gain weight and really start to bulk up, then yes, protien powder is necessary. If you are a skinny guy, and have reached your maximum muscle potential, but you want more, then the answer is again yes.

Protein powders are more cost effective on your wallet, than the whole foods you need for protein intake. While the protein powders can not and should not take place of whole foods, they can provide a nice supplement as a pre-, during and post workout meal replacment.

When shopping for protein powder you need to do your research. First if the powder wasn't around 3 years ago, move on. Most protein powders will not stand the test of time. The new and upcoming powders will usually contain new ingredients, usually non-natural ingredients.

Be sure that the powder is going to give you the results you want. Read the label, Google it, you can even go to Yahoo answers, and see what others are saying. Check the company's reputation and history, be sure they are a reputable company.

First make sure you are taking pure protein, and not partial. Start taking partial protein and you will need to up your intake a lot.

Protein is essential for bulking up, gaining weight and building muscle mass. So if you are in the market to accomplish one of those things, then here is the breakdown of how much protein powder to take.

Meal 1 (breakfast) - whole food

Meal 2 (mid morning) - liquid protein meal

Meal 3 (lunch) - whole food

Meal 4 (mid afternoon) whole food

Meal 5 (pre and post workout) liquid protein meal

Meal 6 (dinner) whole food

Meal 7 (before bed) whole food

You should not be using protein powder drinks more than twice a day, whole food protein will stick with your body longer, and your body will continue to absorb the whole food protein over a longer period of time.