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Introduction
In this article, we will look over a complete whey protein powder review. We will explain why whey is the best protein powder out of all. Also, we will give you some great options, reviewing and comparing some excellent whey protein powders you can buy today. Le’s rock!
Why Whey Protein?
Whey is the best option of all powders primary because of its high bioavailability. That means our body absorbs it fast and can use as much of it as possible, and which is vital for muscle recovery.
Furthermore, whey protein is a complete protein, which means it contains all the essential amino acids our body needs. Some other protein powders (pea, for example), are not complete, and you have to get the missing amino acids from other sources.
Whey protein contains other nutrients too, such as immunoglobins, lactoferrin, and alpha-lactalbumin, which have many health benefits. Whey protein is great for anyone who lacks this macronutrient in their diet, and not just bodybuilders. Upping your protein intake is an excellent option for people who are looking to lose weight, as long as they stay in a caloric deficit.
Choosing Your Whey Protein Powder
Here’s what to consider:
- Isolate/concentrate – protein isolates have 90% or more protein, while concentrates have a little lower percentage. However, technology has come a long whey (pun intended!), and not even concentrates have 80+ percent, making them a good option for most people.
- BCAAs – because whey protein is complete, it already contains all the necessary amino acids, including branched-chain. Therefore, BCAA count is not crucial.
- Other ingredients – some protein powders contain glutamine, other have vitamins and minerals, and some even have creatine, which is something you want to take into consideration. Also, if you are lactose intolerant, you might consider a lactose-free version. And if you follow a keto diet, for example, you want a protein with as little carbs as possible. There are also “green” options, derived from the milk of grass-fed cows.
- Price – the deciding factor for most people, price plays a significant role in choosing protein powders, primarily because you need to take them every day. Choose wisely, the cheapest product is never the best one. All of the proteins listed below have great value for money, but they are in different price ranges, which means there will be something for every budget.
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1. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard – The Real Gold Standard Of Whey Protein Powders
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard really is a gold standard when it comes to whey proteins. There is no denying that this is one of the best whey proteins you can find on the market, and the one people recommend the most, for many reasons.
This whey blend contains whey protein isolate, concentrate but also whey peptides, which all contribute to high absorption. In each serving, you will get 24 grams of protein, alongside 5 grams of BCAA. It does contain carbs though, 4 grams, with up to 3 grams of sugar.
Gold Standard is a supreme quality product, thoroughly tested, and free of any banned substances, which makes it an excellent option for athletes. It mixes really well, as it is instantiated, which means you won’t have troubles making your shake on the go. It’s available in 20 flavors, which means you will definitely find something you like.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
Excellent formula
24 grams of protein per serving
Trusted company
Great flavors, easy to mix[/i2pros][i2cons]
4 grams of carbs, most of which sugar[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Legion Whey+ – Green Whey Isolate
First, Legion Whey+ is a whey protein isolate. That means you will get as much protein as possible, with as little carbs and fats, and minimum calories.
One more benefit of isolates is that they contain very little lactose, which makes them a good option for people who are lactose intolerant. This particular protein is isolated from the milk of grass-fed cows, from small family farms in Ireland. That guarantees it is as natural as it gets, very clean and healthy.
Furthermore, this protein is naturally sweetened and contains no junk. So no GMO, no artificial colors, no antibiotics, hormones, or other toxic stuff you find in proteins of shady, white-label manufacturers. And no soy, gluten.
Legion Whey+ has excellent taste and mixes well. It has one major issue, however, and that is the amount of protein it contains. Although 22 grams is good, it is only about 75% of the serving size. That isn’t great for a protein isolate.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
Green and clean
22 grams of protein
Milk from grass-fed cows
Low carb, low fat
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Low protein percentage, about 75%[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate – For Budget-Aware Gym Rats
The issue with protein powders is that you have to take them a lot, at least if you are looking to increase muscle mass. While they aren’t too expensive at first glance, if you plan to take a total of 1 gram per pound of body weight each day, it will quickly add up. If your budget is tight, that can be tough. That’s why MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate is a great option, as it will give you a good quality protein, for a very reasonable amount of money.
Impact Whey Isolate contains unfeatured whey protein, which means it will serve as a quick source to replenish your muscles after a workout. But it will also release protein steadily of a more extended period.
This powder contains over 90% of protein, 23 grams per serving, with only 0.6 grams of carbs and 0.1 grams of fat. That is phenomenal, especially considering this price.
The only issue with MyProtein is that it is a bit more “white-label” supplement manufacturer, with less history (and probably less regulation) than some better-known names in the industry. But, you just can’t expect everything in this price range.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
Excellent price
90% protein isolate
22 grams of protein, low fat, low carb[/i2pros][i2cons]
Not that well-known manufacturer[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Dymatize ISO 100 – A Truly Premium Whey Protein Isolate
Dymatize ISO 100 is for those of you who are lactose intolerant but still want whey protein as it is the best of all protein powders. This particular protein has a special formula that is extremely easy to digest, even if you can’t tolerate lactose. The absorption is further enhanced by hydrolyzation, and the end product is quickly digestible, containing only 0.5 grams of lactose.
Per serving, Dymatize ISO 100 has 25 grams of protein, with 5.5 grams of BCAA and 2.7 grams of leucine. That will get your muscles the needed nutrients, helping hypertrophy.
This protein only contains 1 gram of sugar per serving and 2grams of carbs in total. It is also gluten-free and contains less than 120 calories. The protein is easy to mix and tastes great, and you will enjoy consuming it.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
Hydrolyzed whey
Easy to digest, low in lactose, gluten-free
25 grams of protein, 5.5 grams of BCAA, 2.7 grams of leucine
Low sugar, low fat[/i2pros][i2cons]
Not the cheapest[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Muscletech NitroTech Protein + Creatine – An All-Inclusive Supplement
For Real Meat Heads
If you are the type of person that wants all-in-one solutions, as you don’t want to bother with five different supplements, Muscletech NitroTech is the solution for you.
First, this is a top-quality whey protein. Each serving has 30 grams of protein, from whey peptides and a 97% whey isolate. It is made through a cold microfiltration process, which minimizes carbs and fats. There is only up to 4 grams of carbs, and 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
But, what makes this product unique is the fact that it contains 3 grams of creatine per scoop. Creatine is one of the best sports supplements, proven to work. It will give you massive pumps, and boost your strength, which will result in bigger muscles over time.
NitroTech also contains 6.8 grams of BCAA, as well as 5 grams of glutamine & precursor, to boost muscle building and recovery. There are many taste combinations to choose from, which means you will find something that suits you.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
Excellent formula
30 grams of protein + BCAA
3 grams of creatine
Glutamine[/i2pros][i2cons]
Not for everyone, at least if you are not a fan of creatine[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. Isopure Zero Carb – A Great Option For Keto Fanatics
Keto diet is more popular than ever, and people who follow it know the struggle. It is just hard to keep your carbs under 5%, as they are hidden everywhere, including in isolate protein powders.
This 100% whey protein isolate contains zero carbs, which makes it a perfect option for keto dieters. Each serving contains 25 grams of protein, but also glutamine and dozens of vitamins and minerals to support a healthy lifestyle. It is gluten-free and contains no lactose, which means you can expect it to be reasonably easy to digest.
The formula mixes well and has ten flavors to choose from. Taste gets mixed reviews, but again, this is highly subjective. However, because it contains 0 carbs (no sugar), you can’t expect miracles when it comes to the taste.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
Zero carbs
25 grams of quality protein
Keto-friendly[/i2pros][i2cons]
Taste complaints[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. Naked Whey – Reasonably Priced Whey Isolate
Naked is a well-known supplement manufacturer, most famous for its natural juices. They also make protein powders, and Naked Whey is one of their best.
In each serving, Naked Whey contains 25 grams of whey protein isolate. Protein is isolated from the milk of grass-fed cows, and it is the only ingredient in this powder. Whey is cold-pressed to reduce chemicals and contaminants. It contains no gluten, soy, GMO, no artificial sweeteners, or colors. Each serving has 5.9 grams of BCAA and only 3 grams of carbs, with 120 calories in total.
The only potential issue with this product is the brand itself, as there were some accusations on how Naked products contain traces of heavy metals and toxins. We seriously doubt this, and it probably comes from competitors, but we had to mention it.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
25 grams of protein
Only one ingredient
Comes from grass-fed cows, very clean[/i2pros][i2cons]
Some brand complaints[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey – Ultra High-Quality Protein By A Renowned Manufacturer
The first protein on our list is Optimum Nutrition, and the last one is another from their roster. But this time we have Platinum Hydrowhey, which is the best protein they manufacture.
This is a hydro isolate, which means you can expect super-fast absorption, making it an ideal post-workout supplement. But, you can use this protein any time of the day, as it has low lactose, and is very easy to digest.
Each serving contains 30 grams of protein, along with 15.5 grams of naturally occurring essential amino acids with 8.8 grams of BCAA. Every serving has 140 calories, 1 gram of fat, and only two grams of carbs. It mixes well, and there are many flavors. The only downside is the price, as it is not the cheapest. But, if you have the money, this is a no-brainer.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
Hydrolyzed whey, easy to absorb
30 grams of protein
5 grams of EAA, 15.5 grams of BCAA
Low sugar
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Not cheap[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Conclusion
The whey protein market is oversaturated, and it is hard to filter through all those products. That’s why you need articles like this one, to point out the differences and criteria for you.
We hope we helped you with your purchasing decisions. Be sure that all of the protein powders on the list above are quality-made, and you will not go wrong buying any of them.
And don’t dwell on the decision too much—if you take protein powders every day, you will go through the whole container very quickly, and you can always try something different. Changing flavors is also an excellent option to keep things interesting, which will mean you will be less likely to skip taking your supplements. Choose S.M.A.R.T. enjoy, and stay active!
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