To get more protein in your diet, add a little to your morning smoothie, or mix it into pancake batter.
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It’s a great way to add more macro nutrients to your diet. Protein powder is also a popular choice for people looking to supplement their meals.
Kayla Girgen, RD founder of Nutrition Untapped, says that whey is one of the two proteins in cow’s milk. (The other protein found in milk is casein. “Whey protein is a complete amino acid, meaning it contains all nine essential amino oils. Essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, must be taken from your diet.
Girgen states that Whey protein is growing in popularity because it is digestible quickly and contains high amounts of the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Girgen states that whey protein is a great post-workout supplement because of its quick absorption and amino acid profile.
There are four types of whey proteins:
* Whey protein concentrate Girgen states that “Whey protein concentrated is the least processed form of whey” and contains 70-80 percent protein.
* Whey protein isolate: The majority of the lactose in whey concentrate has been removed. Girgen states that it is possible to filter the concentrate further to remove large amounts of fat and lactose, creating whey isolate which is between 90-95 percent protein.
* Whey protein hydrolysate – “Whey hydrolysate” is a pre-digested form of whey protein. It means that the protein strands in the whey are smaller and more easily absorbed into your bloodstream,” she says.
* Micellar Whey: This is a newer type of whey protein. Girgen explains that it has been designed to be more digestible and release more amino acids into your bloodstream.
After you have read the basics, let’s get into the best whey proteins.
Protein Powder Serving Size
Protein powders are usually one to two teaspoons (25 to 50g). Before using the product, make sure to read the instructions.
Supplements — including protein powders — are not closely regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so we spoke to a dietitian for her recommendations and included products that are third-party-certified by either of the following organizations:
These certifications by third parties ensure that the product matches the supplement facts label without any unwanted substances or additives.
We also selected products based upon our expert testing and the following criteria.
* Ingredients
* Protein sourcing
* Taste
* Texture
1. Natreve Grass Fed Whey is the best for meal replacements
Natreve is an excellent choice if you are looking for a whey powder to help with weight loss. It has both protein and fiber, which makes it satiating.
140 calories per 1 scoop, 85 mg sodium and 7 g carbs. 1 g sugar. 28 grams protein.
Natreve is a protein powder that can be used as a meal substitute. It also has fiber, which will help you feel fuller for longer.
28g of protein is contained in one scoop. This includes 2g of sustainably sourced marine collin and 6g of BCAAs. There are also 5g of fiber that will keep you satisfied. You can also get organic greens and probiotics that will help you have a healthy digestive system.
All protein powders from the brand are Informed Sport Certified. This means that they have been tested to make sure they are safe and do not contain banned substances. These protein powders are available in delicious flavors like Strawberry Shortcake and Fudge Brownie.
2. Best Budget Whey: Optimum nutrition gold standard Whey
This selection is gluten-free, and it contains a little artificial sweetener.
Per serving: 120 calories, 1.5g total fat, 50mg sodium, 3g carbs, 1g sugar, 24g protein
Girgen explains that “Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Protein is a whey mix that includes whey proteins isolate and whey proteins concentrate.”
This protein line is NSF Certified For Sport. It has been third-party tested for any harmful ingredients. This protein has more than 5 grams of BCAAs, which will help you build muscle and improve your workout.
It’s one the most affordable products on the market at 92 cents an ounce. It comes in a variety of delicious flavors, including Chocolate Hazelnut and Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mocha Cappucino and Rocky Road.
3. Dymatize Elite Whey is the best tasting whey
This powder can be added to oatmeal (also known as “proatmeal”), or coffee for a fast and protein-rich breakfast.
120 calories per 1 scoop, 0.5 g total Fat, 140 mg sodium and 2 g Carbs
This protein mix is made from all three types whey (concentrate isolate, hydrolysate and hydrolysate). It contains 25 grams of protein and less that 3 grams of carbs per serving.
It is gluten-free and contains no added sugars, but does contain artificial sweeteners. The third-party certification by Informed Choice Trusted by Sport (an organization that tests for banned substances and impurities) has been granted to it. It’s also super delicious!
Girgen states that Dymatize is well-known for its variety and delicious flavours. It comes in Chocolate, Simple Vanilla and Fruity Pebbles, which should bring back childhood memories. Dymatize is a powder that mixes well with milk, milk-free milk, and water. Its texture, unlike other powders, is not chalky.
4. Naked Grass Fed Whey is the best unsweetened Whey
Girgen suggests this unsweetened, plain whey to be used in baking and for adding to recipes to increase the protein content.
120 calories per 2 scoops, 2 grams total fat, 45mg sodium, 3 grams carbs, 2g sugar, 25g protein
This selection only contains one ingredient — whey protein concentrate. It’s sourced from small dairy farmers where cows are grass-fed all year. Girgen claims that it is GMO-free, free of growth hormones, and contains no artificial colors sweeteners, flavors, or flavor.
It has 5.9 grams BCAAs, which can help you recover from a workout. It’s also certified by Informed Choice Trusted By Sport.
5. BiPro ELITE French Vanilla is the Best Vanilla Whey
This French vanilla-flavored protein powder contains no sugar.
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Per 1 scoop: 90 calories,
Girgen states that this is the purest whey protein isolate on the market. It only contains four ingredients: whey protein isolate and natural flavors, sunflower lecithin, stevia leaf extract, and natural flavors.
It is sugar-free, gluten free, hormone/RBST-free, and certified kosher. There are no artificial flavors or fillers. Each serving contains 20g of whey protein isolate and 2.5 grams leucine.
It is also NSF Certified for Sport. This means that each batch has been tested against banned substances and is safe for those who exercise.
6. Best Grass Fed Whey: Levels of Grass Fed Whey Protein
Levels independently tests all of its products for heavy metals.
130 calories per 1 scoop, 2.5 g total Fat, 60 mg sodium. 3 g carbs. 2 g sugar. 24 g protein
Girgen says that this concentrate of whey is made from grass-fed proteins. It is free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, fillers, and flavorings, and GMO-free and soy-free.
Levels light sweetens the whey with monkfruit extract and stevia. Cold Brew is a standout flavor. It can be mixed with banana and oatmilk for a morning shake. Vanilla Cinnamon can also be added to pancake batter.
Each serving contains 24g protein and 5.4g of BCAAs leucine isoleucine valine.
7. Transparent Labs Mass Gainer is the best Whey for weight gain
This two-scoop serving of whey protein contains 790 calories and 53g protein.
Image credit: Transparent Labs
2 scoops = 790 calories, 14g total fat, 615 mg sodium, 114g carbs, 17g sugar, 53g protein
Girgen states that this blend of whey protein makes a great post workout for anyone trying to gain muscle mass after a hard workout at the gym. Girgen also says that the 2:1 ratio of carbohydrate and protein helps to feed and repair muscles, which is essential for quick recovery. Tapioca, sweet potato, and oats provide the carbs and the grass-fed whey concentrate provides the protein.
It is free from artificial flavors, unlike many mass-gainers, and sweetened instead with monk fruit and stevia.
She adds that the whey protein supplement has been fortified with a blend of fruits and vegetables, fiber and probiotics to ensure optimal gut health. It can be used post-workout as a meal substitute or meal replacement.
Transparent Labs is a big bonus. It tests its products with a third party, and shares the results online.
How to Choose a Whey Protein Powder
Girgen states that supplements are not tightly regulated by FDA. Some people choose whey protein that has been NSF Certified for Sport, or Informed Choice Trusted By Sport.
These certifications from third parties confirm that the product is in accordance with the supplement facts label. They also confirm that it doesn’t contain unwanted substances or additives.
She says, “The NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Choice symbol helps consumers protect themselves and ensures that they get what they paid for — nothing less or more.”
Girgen states that micellar whey and whey protein hydrolysate tend to be more costly, but this doesn’t necessarily make them better.
Girgen states that whey protein concentrate is the most economical of all whey proteins if price is an important factor.
Take a look at the various types of whey available and consider how they could help you achieve your health goals.
A hydrolysate whey might be best for weight gain. However, if you are looking to lose weight, a micellar form of whey might be better.
“Whey protein hydrolysate can be pre-digested, which means it absorbs faster into the bloodstream. (Keep in mind that whey proteins are already extremely fast-digesting!) Girgen explains that the hydrolysate whey form is rapidly absorbed, which can cause a higher insulin response. This is especially important for weight loss.
“Micellar Whey is a slow-digested form of whey which results in slower insulin responses in the bloodstream.
Girgen states that anyone suffering from a milk protein allergy should be careful about eating whey or casein proteins.
Girgen suggests that Whey Protein Isolate might be the best option for those with lactose intolerance, as it contains less lactose than whey concentrate.
