Top Six Whey Protein Powder Brands to Supercharge Your Gains
ISOPURE Whey Protein Isolate
Pros
Isopure is a reputable brand that has a positive connotation in the athletic community. It’s “Isopure Zero Carb” whey isolate is perfect for those who want a high protein source with no carbohydrates attached. Due to its processing, it is also a protein supplement that can work for those adhering to a keto-friendly or gluten/lactose free diet. If that doesn’t seal the deal, it’s tasty vanilla flavor will. Unlike many protein supplements, Isopure focuses on balancing flavor and nutritional benefits.
Cons
This brand is a little on the pricey side. So, make sure you are ready to invest in a product like this before running to the store to buy it.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a sweet-tasting protein supplement with smooth viscosity, give Isopure a try.
Legion Whey + Chocolate Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Pros
Legion Whey+ prides itself on its grass-fed Irish whey. Considering that whey is one of the main protein complexes found in mammalian milk, it being marked grass-fed makes a difference. Research has demonstrated that grass fed mammals have a significantly higher fatty acid, antioxidant composition, and vitamin A concentration. All of these added nutrients play an essential role in helping you reach your health goals.
Cons
While Legion Whey+ prides itself on being derived from grass fed beings, it is not without fault. One serving of this protein supplement contains around 125 mg of sodium. This can be problematic for those struggling with high blood pressure or other sodium related health issues.
Bottom Line
Legion Whey+ is great for active individuals who could use the extra energy that grass-fed products supply. Also, with its dark chocolate flavor, it is a perfect addition to protein bars for an extra healthy snack during the day.
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
Pros
Unlike whey isolate, whey concentrate is less processed, which has its ups and downs. While the isolate version contains more nutritional benefits, whey concentrate suits those who are on a stricter budget. Nutricost is among the cheaper whey concentrate supplements and comes in an unflavored mix simultaneously containing only 130 calories per serving.
Cons
As previously mentioned, the lower price of whey concentrate does come at a cost. Contrary to whey isolate products, this brand does contain an added amount of carbs and sugar.
Bottom Line
Nutricost is for those who want the benefits of whey at a significantly lower cost. Understand that if you choose this brand, you might want to tighten your diet in other areas.
NOW Sports Nutrition, Whey Protein Concentrate
Pros
Similarly to Nutricost, NOW Sports Whey Protein Concentrate also serves as a cheaper alternative on the whey protein scale. Coming in at under $20, this supplement option is definitely ideal for those who are just starting off in the world of protein alternatives. Because it is unflavored, it can easily be added to plant based protein powders for an extra nutrient boost.
Cons
It must be noted that unflavored doesn’t necessarily mean that this supplement has no flavor at all. Unlike sweeter based protein supplements, this whey protein powder has been known to have a slightly unpleasant aftertaste.
Bottom Line
It’s cheap and has almost the same nutrient foundation as its counterparts. It’s a great supplement for beginners or those looking to dabble into new health products.
Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey Protein Powder
Pros
Whey hydrolysate is unique in that it is more rapidly absorbed in the gut. Therefore, it is suggested to consume products like Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey before bed or after an intense workout. This protein supplement also has a low sugar and carbohydrate content which makes it ideal for those sticking to a stricter diet.
Cons
30 grams of protein isn’t the only thing you get per scoop of this whey protein supplement. You also have to keep in mind the saturated fat and sodium that might have a negative impact on your diet plan.
Bottom Line
If you enjoy intense night-time routines, this might be the powder for you. But know that you might have to bend the rules just a little if you are sticking to a strict diet.
Dymatize ISO100
Pros
Reviewers have marked this product as great for recovery and easy to absorb. These characteristics clearly describe a whey hydrolyze product. Another plus is that it is gluten free and contains 0.5g of lactose.
Cons
The vanilla flavor does taste a little artificial, so keep that in mind before you attempt to add it to your mix for protein cookies or bars.
Bottom Line
Dymatize is a great product to try if you are looking for a fast absorbing, nutrient rich protein powder. While the taste is not the best, its ability to aid you with your recovery time is phenomenal.
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Why is Whey Protein Good?
Whey is one of two proteins that compose milk. It is distinct in that it contains all nine essential amino acids or amino acids that cannot be produced naturally by your body. Even the healthiest lean protein foods are unmatched when it comes to whey because they contain too many nutrition deadweights such as sodium, carbohydrates, or fat. Whether you consume it in powder form or as protein bars, whey can give health-conscious people all of the benefits of protein with no negative health additives.
Sources of Whey Protein
Ultimately, whole milk is the best source of whey protein because it is derived directly from a mammalian cow. However, as this piece demonstrates, you don’t always have to drink whole milk to get the benefits of whey. Now, companies offer lactose, gluten, and sugar-free alternatives that closely match whey found in whole milk. Whey can be categorized further depending on how it is processed. It’s three forms include whey isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Types of Protein Powder
Despite its countless benefits, whey still might not be the right type of protein powder for you. Research has shown that even lactose-free whey can have a negative impact on those that are highly allergic to cow’s milk. But don’t worry, if whey doesn’t fit you, there are plenty of other protein alternatives and natural veggie protein sources that can still get the job done. Just make sure you look into how much protein you really need. Whatever your personal situation or goals, with the right research and trial and error, you will be able to find the right protein powder that works perfectly for you.
More Options
All of the protein powders in this review are great options, especially Isopure. However, this is not an exhaustive list. If you want even more choices, then check out our comparison of Isopure vs. Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder.
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