phd diet whey vs gold standard

PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein Review – How Does It Compare?

By Leslie Waterson

Reviewed by Juliana Tamayo, MS, RDN - Last Updated January 1, 2022

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Whey protein is a popular supplement for the many out there who exercise or take their health and fitness seriously. It helps with building muscle, recovery, and provides essential amino acids that support your body in many of its functions. On the other hand, though, many whey protein supplements are high in calories and have a high sugar content. 

In comes PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein, which claims to be different than traditional whey protein powders. For starters, it has less calories and carbs than other protein supplements. It also consists of more CLA, flaxseed, and L-Carnitine than other options. This product is meant for increasing lean muscle mass while reducing body fat.

In this PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein review, we’re going to talk about what we found when we took a closer look at this diet Whey powder. We’ll go over what’s in it, how it tastes, who should use it, and more. Read on to find out if PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder is a good fit for you and how our review experience came out.

What Is PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder?

PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein is a protein supplement from PhD Performance Nutrition, the same producers as well-known testosterone booster PhD Test Matrix . PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein combines ingredients for targeting muscle building with those that support increases in energy and fat loss. It’s a high-protein, low-calorie blended supplement designed to help people reach their fitness goals.

The idea is not to put on a lot of fat when you’re working on toning your muscles. PhD keeps the carbohydrates and calories low, but the protein high in a serving of its PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder. PhD adds other ingredients that boost energy, increase fat burning, and promote better digestive health.

How Does PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein Compare?

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder has 91 calories per 25 gram serving of the supplement. Traditional whey protein supplements often have anywhere from 110 to 160 calories per serving; for example, you’ll find 130 calories per serving in Bowmar Nutrition Whey Protein and 160 calories per serving in Gnarly Whey . The tricky thing to remember when you’re comparing protein powder supplements is to look at the serving size. They may not be the same.

PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein has less than 2 grams of fat and less than 3 grams of carbs per serving. The fat content and carbohydrates of other protein powders varies widely across the board. 

PhD sets their product apart by adding more of certain ingredients to help boost the effectiveness of their protein powder. So, let’s take a look at what’s in this protein supplement.

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder Ingredients

The ingredients in PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder add for extra muscle building, and fat burning power are CLA, flaxseed, and L-Carnitine. So, let’s talk about those and what they bring to the table.

• CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) – CLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that has many benefits for your body. Research shows there may be a link between CLA and weight loss. It decreases the amount of body fat you have. Other benefits may include preventing cancer and type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease. 
• Flaxseed – Ground flaxseed improves your digestive system. It’s high in fiber and consists of omega-3 fatty acids. People use flaxseed to relieve constipation. It’s thought to lower the bad cholesterol level, too. 
• L-Carnitine – This amino acid improves cognitive function and stimulates weight loss. L-Carnitine is said to convert fat into energy for your body. The fatty acids enter the mitochondria (power producer in cells), where they are burned to create an energy source. 

PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein has 750 milligrams of flaxseed powder per serving. It also has 375 milligrams of CLA and 125 milligrams of L-Carnitine. 

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder Flavors

PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein comes in more flavors than most other protein supplement brands. Here’s a list of their inventive flavors:

• Vanilla Creme
• Belgian Chocolate
• White Chocolate
• Chocolate Mint
• Lemon & Blueberry
• Salted Caramel
• Chocolate Peanut
• Cookies & Cream
• Chocolate Orange
• Royal Milk Tea
• White Chocolate & Raspberry
• Birthday Cake

Keep in mind some of the ingredients and nutritional information may vary a little from one flavor to another.

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder Customer Reviews

We’re all different, but it’s helpful to hear what others who already use the protein have to say about their results and how the product tastes. 

For the most part, users say they like the taste of the protein. Overall, Banana appears to be one of the favorite flavors. Belgian Chocolate and Vanilla Crème are also popular. Most reviewers say the mixture comes out thick but without lumps. The one common negative was from users saying the flavors taste too sweet. 

Customers of this product say it works well to keep them full. It blends easily and has a smooth texture. They also mostly say it’s excellent for providing the nutrition they’re looking for. It’s a good value.

Users say they like the boost they get for their recovery when having this protein supplement. Generally, people like PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein as a post-workout supplement .

Who is PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein Best For?

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder is the ideal supplement for people looking to gain lean muscle mass while cutting body fat. It’s high protein but low calorie and sugar. 

Though it’s not the right choice to include for anyone looking to bulk up. PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder isn’t engineered to add bulk to someone. While it supports muscle recovery and growth, it isn’t mixed for building large muscles. 

Some people are allergic to whey protein. If you know you are or have a sensitivity to it, do not use PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein.

Is PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein Safe?

No protein supplement should be taken in excess. Too much of the added ingredients could result in negative side effects. But we want to focus on any possible side effects from using the supplement as intended.

Users report some instances of belly aches, cramping, and diarrhea. Some people said they felt sick after drinking their protein shakes. These are symptoms that many may experience when they drink protein supplements. PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein doesn’t have a lot of this reported, but there are some users indicating these side effects. 

Is There Data to Back Up PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein?

There is scientific research that supports the benefits of specific ingredients in PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein. What we don’t see are any studies done by third parties of the product itself. PhD has yet to come out with any proof their supplement does what it says it can.

Where to Buy PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder is available in 3 sizes, with savings at each level. We will detail the pricing and savings below.

PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein Pricing:

• 500G –  £12.74 / $17.12 (save 15%)
• 1KG –  £19.19 / $25.78 (save 40%)
• 2KG – £29.50 / $39.64 (save 50%)

With three sizes/pricing tiers, savings at each order level, and 14 flavors to choose from (including options like Birthday Cake and Salted Caramel), there seems to be something for everyone when it comes to PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein.

Claims vs. Reality

PhD claims their Diet Whey Protein Powder is formulated with a high-protein, low-calorie blend. Which it does, at first glance. When you compare this supplement to other protein powders , make sure you look at the serving size indicated on the package. You want to make your comparison across a level playing ground.

The company also claims these powders have “market-leading taste and mixability.” The mixability does check out. Customers report it is easy to mix, and you aren’t left with lumps. The claim on taste isn’t full proof. There are reports that users like the taste. However, some users also report a fake or unpleasant taste.

The final claim we’ll look at is that PhD adds more CLA, flaxseed, and L-Carnitine than other brands. This claim is supported. The ingredients in protein powders vary widely across different brands of supplements. Some makers keep ingredient levels a secret due to proprietary formulas, but we can usually see if an ingredient is part of a supplement.

Conclusion: PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein Review

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder is a high-quality supplement that works as a meal replacement or a post-workout recovery drink. The flavor assortment is large, meaning there is a flavor out there for everyone’s taste buds to enjoy.

PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein is also ideal for anyone looking to promote more lean muscle mass and less body fat. The added ingredients are targeted at trimming off fat while helping muscles recover quicker. While it is a good protein supplement, it isn’t right for everyone. You may need to do some tasting to find the right flavor, also.

In short, we think PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein is a good quality protein supplement that may not be right for everyone, but will work well for some.

Leslie Waterson

Leslie has been passionately involved in the health and fitness industries for over a decade. She is constantly reviewing the latest scientific research and studies in order to take a research-backed approach to lifestyle optimization. Her main areas of interest include nutrition and supplementation. Leslie shares her findings on Fitness Clone to help other health enthusiasts choose the products and routines that will help them achieve their goals.

Alternatives to PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein

Tri-Protein

• Multiple Protein Sources
• 21 Grams of Protein
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or Read the Review

High Impact Plant

• Plant-Based Protein
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• Whey Protein
• Effects of exercise intensity and altered substrate availability on cardiovascular and metabolic responses to exercise after oral carnitine supplementation in athletes https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/21/5/article-p385.xml
• L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/86/6/1738/4649810
• Single dose administration of L-carnitine improves antioxidant activities in healthy subjects https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/tjem/224/3/224_3_209/_article
• Carnitine versus androgen administration in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, depressed mood, and fatigue associated with male aging https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0090429503013013
• Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine modulates lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide in human subjects https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/10.1024/0300-9831.79.3.131?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
• Effects of nine weeks L-Carnitine supplementation on exercise performance, anaerobic power, and exercise-induced oxidative stress in resistance-trained males https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343764/
• The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation during resistance training https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2006/02000/The_Effects_of_Conjugated_Linoleic_Acid.22.aspx
• Health benefits of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871403X13001968?via%3Dihub
• CLA and body weight regulation in humans https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11745-003-1043-7
• t10c12-CLA maintains higher bone mineral density during aging by modulating osteoclastogenesis and bone marrow adiposity https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3103755/

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Best whey protein powders to fuel muscle growth

By Michael Sawh and Aaron Toumazou

With gyms and fitness studios reopening their doors, here are the whey protein powders that'll help you hit the ground running as you reacquaint yourself with the squat rack

There's a reason why everyone bigger than you in the gym is lugging around a protein shaker with their gym towel and water bottle . Incorporating whey protein into your training cycle helps up your intake of that all-important macronutrient credited with bulking, getting stronger and maintaining lean muscle mass.

Whether you choose to consume it before or after your workout, consuming a whey protein supplement alongside a good diet and structured training will help form a stronger base to keep the gains train moving. Not only that, it'll also give your body a boost when it comes to recovering from a tough session in the gym or heading out for a lung-busting double-digit-mile run.

Whey protein comes in many different forms and flavours, with more and more brands offering their own unique blend. While choice is always a good thing, it does make knowing what to look for in the supplement all that more challenging. Which is why we've put together a few pointers on what to pay attention to when upping your protein intake with a whey protein powder, along with the best options to get shaking. 

What different types of whey protein are there?

While most whey protein supplements come in powder form, ready to be mixed with cold water, milk or your preferred plant-based alternative, different types of whey protein go through different processing methods to offer purer and less pure strains.

Isolate whey protein usually contains the strongest percentage of protein, along with a lower level of fat, carbohydrate and lactose content per serving. With whey protein concentrate, that protein percentage drops slightly, while fat and carbohydrate content jumps up and can offer more in the way of flavour to make it a little more enjoyable to consume.

There’s also hydrolysate whey protein, which is considered a more pure form of protein that has been shown to be absorbed much quicker by the body to start going to work. That ability to quickly release that whey protein into the body does mean you’ll likely need to pay more to benefit from it, though.

What other whey protein ingredients should you look for?

Along with the whey, most protein powders will also pack in a range of different ingredients that your body may or may not love. Pay attention to the level of sugar and fat content in single servings to make sure you’re also not putting a lot of bad stuff into your body too, and if lactose is an issue for you, you'd be much better off considering the vegan protein powder alternative.

A strong presence of natural ingredients is always favourable, while some powders will also offer digestion enzymes that help with absorption and the digestion of protein. Ultimately, the purer the protein form the better when you’re surveying that ingredients list.

What are the best whey protein powders to buy?

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

Giving you a blend of all three main types of whey protein, this powder offers 24g of protein and a serving of BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) to offer an additional boost in muscle growth and to reduce fatigue after a tough workout. There are five flavours to choose from, but remember: this is one to sink 30 minutes before a workout or just after your session has been completed. £14.99 for 450g. optimumnutrition.com

USN Blue Lab 100% Whey Premium Protein

Offering 24g of protein per serving, USN uses a blend of isolate, hydrolysate and concentrate whey to quickly release that protein into the body and start putting it to replenishing and recovery work. There’s a total of seven flavours to pick from, which should be ideally consumed after a gym session or any other time of the day you need that whey top-up. £26.25. At amazon.co.uk  

Innermost ‘The Strong’ Protein

Not just a solid choice because the branding will sit prettier in your kitchen cupboards, of Innermost's four signature protein blends, also comprised of The Fit, The Health and The Lean, The Strong is its hardest hitting. Not just a means to fill out freshly-torn biceps with a combined 34g of whey concentrate and isolate, casein to encourage protein absorption and 3g of creatine monohydrate to speed up recovery times, it also incorporates montmorency cherries and magnesium, which serve as an anti-inflammatory, and bilberries for an additional antioxidant hit. £29.95 for 600g. liveinnermost.com

Reflex Nutrition Instant Whey Pro Protein Powder

The flagship high-protein, low-fat powder of Reflex Nutrition, this blend mixes whey concentrates and isolates with milk protein concentrate to a muscle-friendly macro split of 20g of protein, 1.8g of carbs and 0.9g of fat per serving. Coming from an Informed Sport-registered facility, its whey is also derived from grass-fed cows for that premium quality, because your training efforts are worth it. £19.95 for 900g. At amazon.co.uk

Bulk Pro Informed Whey Protein

This whey isolate and concentrate powder offers a purer protein intake than most, with digestive enzymes on board to help break down ingredients and help the body quickly absorb the nutrients to put it to good work. There’s a sizeable 24g of protein per serving and it’s available in seven flavours. Bulk Powders has created it in compliance with international competition standards for professional athletes, making it one made for serious trainers. £20.24 for 900g. bulk.com

MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate

MyProtein’s fruitier approach to giving you that protein hit offers 20g of whey hydrolysate per serving. That also drops 4g of BCAAs and 3g of glutamine amino acids into the body, too, to aid muscle growth and to tackle that post-workout fatigue. Whether you go Mojito, pink grapefruit or tropical dragonfruit, you just need to scoop it into your shaker and mix with water after you’ve put your body through the mill in the gym or out on the road. £19.79 for 20 servings. myprotein.com

PHD Diet Whey

PHD uses a blend of whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate and soya protein, which works out to 17g of protein per serving. That’s combined with natural ingredients such as flaxseeds and green tea extract to offer a single serving with fewer than 100 calories. Best consumed in a smoothie between meals, it’s a vegetarian-friendly supplement you can pick up in sweet flavours such as banana and white chocolate. £11.99 for 500g. phd.com

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Kinetica Whey Protein

Kinetica has worked tirelessly with nutritionists and external advisors to inform its range of fitness supplements, and its whey protein powder is no exception. Employing 23g of whey protein per serving, derived from grass-fed, hormone-free cow's milk and tested to comply with WADA-exacting standards, it's no wonder this brand is fast being adopted by elite athletes across all kinds of sporting disciplines. £51.99 for 2.27kg. uk.kineticasports.com

Hermosa Whey Protein

Hermosa's high-quality whey protein in a simple selection of either chocolate or vanilla lends itself particularly well to smoothie concoctions, protein pancakes and healthy bakes. That's because it's sweetened with plant-based stevia, making your creations more palatable without the need for spoonfuls of sugar. The glass jar is befitting of its premium blend, with 1kg refill pouches available to keep things as sustainable as possible. £30 for 420g. livehermosa.com

Maximuscle Max Whey Protein Powder

Maximuscle uses whey protein concentrate, which contains 82.5-88.0 per cent of the nutrient depending on which of the four flavours you opt for. Mixed up with water in a shaker after your workout, it’s gluten- and soya-free, making it a better fit for vegetarians. It also uses natural flavours and colourings to help make it a little tastier to take down as well. £16 for 480g. maximuscle.com

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PhD Diet Whey Review

Used as a healthy snack between meals or a post-workout protein hit, this great tasting supplement is ideal for anyone looking to burn fat while building/maintaining lean muscle. Another excellent product from PhD Nutrition.

There are a few things in life which I find overwhelmingly mundane.

Washing up, baby photos, the Victorian era (it’s just too long), Hugh Grant, anything by Jane Austen…

Another is dieting.

It’s just so difficult to summon up the enthusiasm to eat couscous and carrots, day in, day out.

It’s comparable to someone confiscating all of your high-def niche pornography and forcing you to rub one out over an old oak tree instead.

It’s just not the same.

Having said that, during my last foray into dieting/cutting/getting spectacularly shredded, there was one oasis of flavour, one meal which I genuinely looked forward to guzzling down each day.

That was PhD Diet Whey .

Product overview

Essentially it acts as a healthy, low-carb snack alternative or a convenient source of protein post-workout.

Per serving, you’re looking at about 35g of protein (whey protein, milk protein concentrate, soya protein isolate), 7g of low GI carbs, and 2g of sugar.

This blend of ingredients helps keep you feeling full throughout the day and should help eliminate those pesky sugar cravings.

PhD Diet Whey also contains added nutrients to help boost fat loss and maximise performance and energy levels, such as green tea, CLA, l-carnitine, waxy vol and flaxseed.

Personally, I’ve never heard of some of those ingredients – they could well be made up:

Marketing Exec 1:   “Paul, how can we make this supplement more appealing?”

Marketing Exec 2:   “Have you tried making up a load of impressive sounding ingredients? They fucking love that.”

Marketing Exec 1: “What about… Waxy Vol?”

Marketing Exec 2:   “Bingo!”

Taste and texture

At the time of writing, PhD Diet Whey is available in five different flavours: vanilla, strawberry, Belgian chocolate, white chocolate, and chocolate orange.

I usually opt for the vanilla flavour, which, although quite sweet, tastes tremendous.

So much so I found myself having cravings for it.

The shake mixes well with no lumps in sight, but it is a little grainy, which is apparently due to the flaxseed.

I blended it with semi-skimmed milk (always tastes much, much better than with water) and would often throw in a banana or some other frozen fruit for a great tasting protein shake.

Effectiveness

Over the course of a month, I lost quite a few pounds, ‘leaned up’ considerably, and felt much more energised during training  while using this supplement.

This was alongside three weightlifting sessions and three HIIT  cardio session per week, as well a wholesome low-carb  diet .

Obviously, it’s paramount that you use PhD Diet Whey in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.

If you just spend all day sitting in your pants, playing Grand Theft Auto and eating Belgian buns, this shake is not going to help you lose weight or gain muscle.

The ‘slow release protein blend’ definitely helped to eliminate any cravings I normally have during the day.

Usually I hoover up every calorie in sight, with an appetite as indiscriminate as it is voracious, but PhD Diet Whey satiated this binge mindset considerably.

On a side note, PhD Diet Whey also digests very well.

Unlike a lot of other protein supplements that I have reviewed , it thankfully doesn’t leave a trail of toxic guff gas lingering behind you all day long.

So if you’re consistently smoking your other half out with volley after volley of noxious protein farts, this supplement should help ease tension in the relationship.

Value for money

The recommended retail price for PhD Diet Whey is usually £30 and £40 for a kilogram, which is a little steep in my opinion.

However, if you shop around online you can normally knock at least £10 off this price, making it much better value for money.

PhD Diet Whey is the ideal supplement for those looking to maintain muscle tissue while cutting down on fat.

It works perfectly as a low calorie snack between meals and/or post-workout protein fix, and helps keep those pesky sugar cravings at bay.

In addition, its great taste helps take the edge off those ineffably mundane diet plans.

All in all, another excellent product from PhD Nutrition.

Highly recommended!

Buy PhD Diet Whey

Typically cheapest place to buy PhD Diet Whey is here at Amazon where it normally goes for well below the recommended retail price.

If you’ve tried PhD Diet Whey and have an opinion on it, I’d love to hear from you.

Just hit me up with your thoughts in the comments section below.

Also, if you happen to find anywhere cheaper than Amazon, please get in touch.

Until then, stay strong and stay shredded!

Henry is the founder and editor of GymTalk. He spends most of his time sat at a computer shovelling peanuts into his mouth while trying to think up new ways to end sentences with the word “vagina”, but occasionally can be found at the squat rack or playing piano in Luton’s “second best” rock band.

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What do you know about the credentials of the people who make this stuff?

Are they trained pharmacists/physicians or pretending like Dr Dre?

Not 100% sure, but I doubt they boast any expertise that sets them apart from the multitude of other supplement companies on the market.

They’ve just got a legit sounding brand name which conveys authority.

Just like ‘UK Best Kebab’…

Hey I just read your blog and found it really uplifting.

I’m quite miserable with my weight – I had two babies within 16 months then if things couldn’t get any harder developed gall bladder disease.

Glad you’ve enjoyed it, if there’s anything I can help with please let me know.

You can get it cheaper at dolphinfitness.co.uk.

£32 for a 2kg tub!

I’m seeing it for £37 – regardless that’s still a good price 🙂

Discount Supplements standard price £29.99 for 2 kilos, but wait until end of the month and you get 20-25% off, works out at £12 per kilo.

Thanks, will look out for that.

Purchased PhD Diet Whey at Holland & Barrett 19/11/16 for £14.99/ kg bag

Thanks for the heads up, great price!

Ebay 2kg and a shaker fo £39

Thanks for the heads up, Danny.

Hi, I’ve lost a load of weight this year and am now looking to lose the last bit and tone up.

Is this the correct supplement to use if I have it as my post-workout snack?

Yes, PHD Diet Whey should definitely help you tone up and lose weight, provided your diet and training are up to scratch 🙂

Why is the cookies and cream no longer available

I am a Gym Instructor at a female only gym and with it being the new year have just started a massive health kick.

I have always struggled to find a protein that I enjoy as I hate milkshake and this is all they remind me of!

However I have just started on the Belgium Chocolate PHD Diet Whey and I am so impressed I love it!

I also find myself craving the shakes and I normally have a sweet tooth for chocolate and haven’t touched a single bit since I started on the shakes.

If I have a heavy training day I do not use it as a meal replacement but I use it in-between to stop cravings and snacking and it does exactly that.

I am now currently recommending this product to all my ladies at the gym as it is fantastic!

Great to hear from you!

Haven’t tried the Belgian Choc flavour myself, but will definitely give it a go after reading your comment.

Nice to see you’re getting some good results too 🙂

I’ve been cycling supplements for years and used to be PHD all the way.

Then I found Optimum Nutrition and never looked back.

But then Diet Whey by PHD was on offer so I bought a couple and I wish I hadn’t.

I found the vanilla flavour one of the worst tasting, bad mixing blends I’ve ever had.

Even worse than the cheap stuff.

Tastes like it has some synthetic thickening agent throughout – yuk.

So back to Optimum Nutrition we go.

Ps. If you head over to PHd-fitness or Monster Supplements you see that PHD win pretty much every award going.

What they don’t mention is that both PHd-fitness & Monster are owned by PHD.

Funny that.

Gotta disagree with your comment about the vanilla flavour.

Personally I find it delicious, but then I guess everyone’s different.

I also love Optimum Nutrition – have you tried their Gold Standard Whey ?

Definitely agree vanilla flavour tastes awful.

Also, on the back of the pack, it says you have to mix it with ice cold water, I thought I’d give it a try anyway, but it just doesn’t blend unless its either ice cold or straight out of the (very) cold tap.

Just bought PHD Diet Whey from Holland and Barrett.

They’ve got a sale on – 1kg bag £24.99.

Get yourself down there!

Hi Dane, thanks for letting us know!

£14.99/kg now!

Just bought this PHD Diet Whey, have not yet got a diet plan.

I need real help never dieted before and now I’m ready to do so.

Any tips or advice would be great.

Hi Darren, try this article as a starting point, and let us know how you get on!

Hi, been using PHD Whey Diet for 2 weeks now and love it – white chocolate and strawberry delight my fav.

Using it 4 x a day, 1 scoop in the morning, 1 scoop pre work out (30 mins before), 1 scoop post work out, and 1 scoop before bed (1 hour before).

Holland and Barrett – buy one get one half price.

Hi Louise, thanks for letting us know about that deal.

Good luck with your training!

Hi, I’ve been recommended to try PHD Diet Whey to help shift a bit of extra fat/weight but maintain where I am at the moment (which I am sort of happy with) and the reviews seem good.

I eat fairly healthy, currently cut out processed and junk to help me.

But would I use this as a meal replacement (for 2 meals for example) OR would I continue to eat 3 healthy meals and drink in between as a snack OR use pre-workout and post-workout?

I want to buy this but just no where explicitly says when/what times to use it?

PHD Diet Whey is first and foremost a supplement – that is, something to complement your daily diet as a healthy snack between meals or as a convenient post-workout protein fix.

But it can, by all means, be used as a meal replacement.

However, I wouldn’t make this a habit.

Do it at your discretion and make sure you’re still meeting your daily macros.

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions.

Could you tell me the best times to take this as I’m training at 5am, so would like to know whether to take before or after training?

Hi James, I would use it after the morning workout to help your muscles repair and rebuild.

So long as you have replenished your glycogen stores with carbs the night before you should be fine with little food before your morning workout.

But don’t train completely fasted – I usually have a little snack to help me alleviate hunger.

Also, don’t get too hung up on when to take protein shakes.

Timing isn’t really relevant provided you’re meeting your macros throughout the day.

Hope that helps, let me know if you have any more questions.

I bought the PHD Belgian Choc flavour which is yummie, gonna try the strawberry flav next.

When I started bootcamp on 7th Jan been drinking it since and in 10 weeks have lost 43lb in weight.

I have 2 a day and one evening meal…

Awesome stuff Michelle, congrats with your weight loss 🙂

GNC PHD Diet Whey, it says buy a 1KG bag and get one for £1, but it actually just knocked £23.59 off the total price.

Not bad though.

32.79 for a 1KG bag.

Got two bags for £41.99.

Better than H&Bs prices anyway.

Hi Karen, thanks for alerting us to that deal. Bargain!

Just a quick question, I have recently purchased the white choc and vanilla protein and I am looking to get leaner and more toned and lose a bit of fat also.

I have started training 4x a week with cardio and weights.

I am about 5.7 and weigh about 60kg stone but my goal is to tone up and lose fat, do you have any tips on when is best to take protein and how much I should take as I am a bit of an amateur lol?

Hi Georgia, there is no real optimum time to take a protein shake.

Take PhD Diet Whey whenever you like between meals, or as the very occasional MRP, to help you hit your daily macros.

A lot of people will take it straight after a workout as it’s a convenient way to get a quick protein fix to help your muscles repair and recover.

But a regular nutritious meal will also work here too.

OK, should I use Diet Whey as a substitute meal or a snack?

I’ve been spinning for the past 12 months and have recently started on the weight circuit to try and get a better more toned figure (6 pack abs would be nice).

I really started to see a difference in my body then I started on the white wine.

I drink a bottle of wine a night and as I own a bar, I finish work, come home and open a bottle of wine at midnight, drink it and go to bed.

All the sugars are lying in my stomach, hence I have gained a wine belly and love handles.

I know the wine has to stop for me to lose the flab.

My diet is a small bowl of Special K for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch (always on brown bread), then as a main meal in the evening it’s either salad or veg with either chicken or fish.

So would the Diet Whey be better as a breakfast or lunch substitute and used again after my workout?

Hi Mark, thanks for dropping by.

As you point out, your first goal should definitely be to cut out all that wine, as a bottle a night is definitely doing no favours for that six pack!

I would keep your diet as it is and introduce the PhD Diet Whey twice a day as a snack between meals.

This should top up your daily protein intake to above the RDA which will help with lean muscle gains – provided you are still killing it in the gym!

Good luck – and let me know if you have any more questions!

What would be the best time during the day to drink this shake?

Considering my aim is to lose fat and a little bit of weight, and I go to the gym 3-4 times a week?

Hi James, it doesn’t really matter what time of the day you take your shake.

Have it between meals or as a quick protein fix post-workout.

As long as you’re meeting your daily macros you will be fine.

What is the difference between PHD Pharma Whey and PHD Diet Whey?

I’ve never taken Pharma Whey, but it seems to chiefly comprise a protein blend with some added BCAAs and glutamine.

This is essentially a standard protein shake with a few added ingredients to help build muscle.

PHD Diet Whey, on the other hand, is geared towards people who are trying to loose excess weight and get lean, hence the added fat burning ingredients such as Green Tea Extract, CLA, etc.

Hope this helps buddy, good luck with your training and let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Hiya Henry,

Great review and forum.

I’m 41, 5″10 bloke and weighed 16st 7 5 weeks ago.

Started using static exercise bike for 40mins 6 days a week before work with a mostly natural foods, low carb & fat, high fruit and veg diet.

Weighed today 15st 8.

I am going to start body weight resistance w/outs in the evenings after work, I really don’t want to pay a gym membership so am aiming to do varying push and pull ups, squats and core exercises at home.

I don’t want to bulk up like a bodybuilder but don’t want to lose muscle mass either.

Bought the Vanilla Cream flavour today, haven’t used it yet.

What/how would you suggest to use it to tone up, maybe add a little mass?

My diet plan is:

Breakfast 40g shredded wheat with a handful of blueberries & 125ml almond milk

Lunch is a warburton thin with some wafer thin ham and salad inc tomato and cucumber slices, a golden delicious apple and a satsuma, and possibly a mini baybybel light or a pack of snack a jacks.

Dinner is either grilled chicken breast with salad or grilled Mediterranean veg and some brown rice – or Quorn mince as a healthy bolognanse with some pasta and grilled veg.

Snacks are apples, satsumas, bananas etc.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Thanks for the kind words 🙂

Your diet seems fine, no need to change anything there.

You can take Diet Whey between meals as a healthy snack – this protein boost will help with lean muscle gains and the added ingredients should expedite fat loss.

However, from what I can tell, your workouts are what need stepping up a gear.

First of all, drop the steady state cardio and start introducing some high intensity interval training (HIIT) (read more here ).

Not only will these max effort bursts be more conducive to fat loss, they should also be a lot more fun.

So train harder and smarter, keep the diet on-point, BE CONSISTENT, and you should see some good results!

Hope this helps – let me know if you have any more questions!

Quality review… “wanking over trees” … winner!… lol

I use the strawberry delight – tastes the mutts nuts better than bsn syntha-6 and that’s the best tasting up until the Diet Whey, ad mixes well.

I’ve not used with milk as I prefer council juice for my shakes.

Price wise I’m currently paying 14-19 quid a kg depending on what offers are on – I’ve not yet paid more than 19 quid, most of the time it’s 15 quid a kg, just Google for current discount codes.

http://www.discount-supplements.co.uk – delivered within 4 days… free.

I’m not usually a fan of strawberry flavoured shakes, but I’ll be sure to give this one a go in light of your comments!

Best price I’ve found this week goes to Discount Supplements – they have a 3kg tub + 1kg bag for £42.99.

Ordered the Belgian Choc.

Looking to lose a few pounds and get leaner – 4Kg should do the trick! :p lol

Thanks for the heads up – I’ve bagged a lot of bargains at Discount Supplements, great store!

Good luck with the weight loss buddy.

Just found your site, looking around for the best shakes!

Interested in this PHD thing – like sound of white choc flavour!

I am 5.4 and 106 pounds – my sister’s wedding is 21 June 2014 – is it reasonable to say if I work out every day with beachbody DVDs, 3 times at my gym AND eat sculptress maxitone crunch bar for snacks and breakfast and PHD for lunch with main meal in evening – to lose 1 stone!?

With your experience is that even possible?

Really panicking now… don’t want to take pics looking like fat slob! Pls help!

Any ideas would be really grateful.

To make matters worse I got that ‘big booty’ thing going on complete with huge stomach!

What would you recommend I do?

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

Hi Veronica

I would recommend against using PHD Diet Whey as a meal replacement too often – you’re better off sticking to good, healthy, wholesome food for your nutrients.

You seem like you’re training well – so alongside a good diet PHD Diet Whey should help with your fitness goals.

Good luck with the wedding!

Hello, I have recently started dieting to loose a few pounds.

I don’t do a great deal of working out but I am fairly active, I spend most of my days in work walking around and lifting fairly heavy trays.

I also do a bit of running and hill walking after work.

I want to know if taking PHD Diet Whey will help me loose weight or benefit me at all?

My ultimate goal is to loose about 15lbs but due to a slight disability I struggle to carry out most workouts other than walking.

My thoughts: if you’re adding in this shake your adding in extra calories, which will gain you weight. Period (if no change in routine).

This is mainly for weight training where you need the high protein intake, but want the various fat burners, and other extras thrown in.

If mainly cardio and walking as you say… I suggest no.

To lose weight cut back calories, and if you want to try the added supplements, get a separate CLA supplement, green tea diet supplement, etc, separate.

This is still a protein supplement as its core. when you meed the extra in diet to hit the heavier needs when lifting heavy.

Flaxseed will actually really help – add to porridge in the am and throw it in foods.

Keep insulin levels low etc but this is for protein – at the end of the day with weight loss as an extra.

It’s not a standalone diet supp bud!

Thanks for chipping in – agree with your comments!

Hi, I wonder if you can help me.

I am currently on Herbalife meal replacement program – I have lost a good deal of weight but the price of the program is killing me!

I went I to Holland and Barrett to see if there is an alternative and the lady suggested PHD Diet Whey.

Scrolling through the comments you have said not to use it as a meal replacement but that’s what the girl in the shop suggested.

Has she given me the wrong advice – and if so what would you suggest as I’m trying to find shakes to replace my current ones 🙂

Hi Sheralea

Firstly, thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment, it’s much appreciated.

Using Phd Diet Whey as an MRP very occasionally for convenience sake is absolutely fine – however, as I’ve said, I 100% wouldn’t advise on making this a habit, as at the end of day it’s a supplement and shouldn’t be substituted for real food.

Herbalife and all MRPs in that vein are simply not a sustainable weight loss option – and they’re certainly not good for you either!

Yes, you may loose weight at first, but that’s because you’re starving your body of calories!

As this is simply not sustainable, you’ll soon revert back to old habits, and pile the weight back on instantly.

Stick to wholesome, nutritious food where possible and use the diet whey as a snack/post-workout shake to top up your daily protein intake for muscle repair and growth.

Provided your diet is on-point and you’re training hard (and smart) in the gym, this supplement, with its protein and added fat loss ingredients, should definitely help you loose weight and lean up.

Hope that helps, let me know if you have any more comments.

Hi, is it true that a chocolate flavoured whey will take the percentage absorbed into the body down by a good 7-10% as opposed to any non chocolate flavours?

Or is this just bull to get the other flavours that don’t sell as much to look more appealing?

It’s nonsense IMHO.

Check the calories as they will vary on flavour.

Chocolate benefit is, well I’m talking about real dark coco, helps reduce stress.

Less stress means less cortisol and we all no what that does (for any newcomers it breaks down muscle and thus wont help fat loss. Opposite.)

But ‘chocolate’ here won’t be that anyway.

I find it tastes bad.

I would prefer it without the sweetener, but that’s mad talk, it’s flavouring.

So, yeah, if that’s pushed, possible sales jargon.

Noted the ones always on mega sale are always the bad flavours when it comes to protein bars.

The real fat burners are your legs bro.

Go work them out – right now.

Stop missing leg day, you know I’m right.

Hi John, that’s a crock of fucking shite.

Been on Cyclone for 7 months and had some really excellent gains from that (as well as clean eating and hard lifting 5 days a week).

Read your Cyclone review which I found helpful.

Anyway with Cyclone it’s quite high in calories.

Decided to go for PhD Whey Diet… 37 quid for 2kg tub from Amazon.

And noted you done another top review after!

They are always a good read.

Anyway I noticed:

1) Coming off Cyclone (laced with insulin spiking Dextrose) to this I find the taste of Belgium chocolate revolting. OK granted, no sugar, but it’s thick, sticky, full of sweeteners.

Belgium chocolate? More like Uzbekisthan chocolate… after its been rubbed on someone’s armpit… the smell also.

2) I have to use 600ml of water (double suggested) to get the 2 scoops shaken in, then it’s like swallowing goop.

My routine post workout is banging my shaker on the wall to try and mix it.

OK, I can do it, I can drink it… man up… but man it’s hard vs Cyclone chocolate, a little chocolate treat vs this, armpit tasting.

Anyway saving cash given no need for any green tea or cla etc.

I’m used to heavy dextrose so many may not be.

It beats a protein I brought in the USA that made me vomit in my mouth once.

3) Use of the word ‘whey’ is … well interesting given it is heavy in slow releasing caesin and soy proteins… not exactly whey isolate, but I get it, slow release for meal replacement and slower sustained catabolic protection (vs Cyclone smash to your senses roooaaarrr).

This is more slow burn protein release sustained yadda yadda.

But boring right… 6 meals a day… I want glucose post workout not flaxseed…

Calories are however way down on the change.

It’s working, but I wont stay on this, I think there is better on the market (or just go with a true whey isolate and pasteurised egg white mix).

It’s saying something but I would take egg whites over this shake flavour.

But keep the reviews and feedback coming.

Bro love in the room, happy growing all!

Thanks for the kind – and entertaining – comments!

I have to say I’ve never had an issue with the taste of PHD Diet Whey (it’s great IMO), but then again I’ve had some truly awful tasting shakes in my time – the kind that make Pete Doherty’s ballsack taste like something rustled up by Heston Blumenthal…

I’m considering buying this to help with weight loss and toning but I was wondering if there’s any exercises you’d recommend for loosing stomach and thigh fat?

What I’ve been doing hasn’t made much of a difference.

Thanks in advance

Thanks for your comment.

Try introducing some HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) into your workouts – a much more effective way of losing body fat than LISS (Low Intensity Steady State Cardio).

More info here: http://www.gym-talk.com/the-death-of-low-intensity-cardio/

Good luck – and do let me know if you have any more questions!

I have just got this product and have started to use it over the last week.

If I am doing 3/4 weight sessions a week and 3 cardio based sessions such as swimming, then just wondering when is best to take this shake and which days?

Should I be taking it on cardio session days as well or just weight training days?

Someone said to me to take one shake every morning including any rest days, and take a second shake post workout on weight days.

Is this correct?

It’s a good idea to take a shake post-workout (whether that’s cardio or weight training) as this provides a quick, convenient protein fix which well help your muscles repair and recover.

Other than that, don’t get too hung up on when to take your shake, as the timing is not that important.

Use it as a snack between meals – or as the occasional MRP – to top up your daily protein intake.

Hope that helps – let me know if you have any more questions!

I don’t know what is the best place to buy PhD?

I found some good deals on eBay but I am not sure if that is genuine dealers or no, the dealer name is phdfitness which is based in Hull?

I don’t have much experience buying from eBay, but I’m sure if the seller has positive feedback you should be fine.

Have you tried Amazon?

That’s usually where I find the best deals.

Just got some 1kg of this in white chocolate and am just not sure about when the best time to consume this is, should I have it early morning, lunch time or before my workout?

My workouts are normally late afternoon/evening.

Monday – Soccer Training Tuesday – gym session (dumbbells and cardio) Wednesday – Soccer Training Thursday – Circuit Training Saturday – Soccer Training Sunday – gym session (dumbbell and cardio)

I would take a shake after your workout for a quick, convenient protein fix and once or twice throughout the day between meals.

As I’ve said before, don’t get too hung up on what time of day to take the supplement, look at the bigger picture and your daily protein intake.

Hope that helps – and let me know if you have any more questions!

I currently take Myprotein whey isolate but I am looking to purchase something else so am seriously considering PHD diet whey.

I noticed it contains CLA and l-carnitine.

I currently take these two supplements in the forms of capsules 3 x a day.

If I have PHD diet whey post workout (3 shakes per week after lifting) am I still able to supplement CLA and l-carnitine daily?

First off, why are you thinking of changing supplements?

If it’s because of taste or price, that’s fine, but if it’s down to lack of results I would suggest taking a closer look at your diet and training plan.

PHD Diet Whey is basically just a whey protein shake with added fat loss ingredients, which it seems that you are already supplementing your diet with?

Hi, I’m 38 and weigh 13st 5lb, and have a stomach that needs to go.

I have been using PHD Diet Whey for 3 days now and it tastes pretty good, it’s the first time I’ve tried anything like this so my body is just getting used to it.

I have a few questions that I hope you can help with, now what I’m about to say is not an excuse but I honestly don’t get a lot of time to go to the gym, I work as a prison officer so am on my feet from 0500-2130 when my gym is closed until I get home and I do this 4 days a week.

My shifts vary which is a nightmare to stick to any type of routine and sometimes don’t get to eat at all, which is why I’ve started to do this shake thing so at least I’m getting something good into my body.

So at the moment I’m having a shake in the morning, a lunch time meal, and shake when I get home, the only reason I have a shake when I get home is that it’s really too late in the evening to eat as I would go to bed with all the shitty food laying on my stomach.

Based on this info is it OK to do what I’m doing or is just going to do more harm than good to my body?

When I’m working nights (every 3 weeks) I have started to use the gym at work, but during my day shifts it’s impossible to use.

Could you advise on what I should do in the gym as I’m probably doing it all wrong, sorry for the long message but really need help.

Thank you very much.

Hi Kevin, thanks for your comment.

I know this is probably not the advice that you want to hear, but if you’re not getting much exercise into your routine, then using protein supplements is only going to add calories to your diet, not to mention throwing money away.

You’re better off eating wholesome meals and, when in the gym on those rare occasions, making the most of your time by employing full body routines comprising the main compound lifts (bench, deadlift, squat) – don’t waste time with pointless isolation exercises.

Hi, first off… great review!

I’m 38 and my current weight is 10st 12lbs.

My goal is to try and lose some belly fat and tone up my arms and chest (moobs!).

I have been using PhD Diet Whey for a week now and am enjoying using it along with having healthy meals and exercise 5 times a week.

I am a complete novice to diets and exercise so my question is am I going about things the right way?

My typical routine is this….

Breakfast: PhD Diet Whey shake, to which I add a choice/mix of any of the following… fat free Greek yogurt, low fat coconut milk, squeezed grapefruit, blueberries, raspberries, kale, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon.

Lunch: Egg white omelette with turkey, spinach and sprinkle of cayenne pepper/carrot and lentil soup with wholemeal bread, apple or fat free bio yoghurt.

Snack: Handful mixed nuts/apple

Dinner: Wholemeal pasta with chicken and brocolli/jacket potato with tuna salad/Quorn veg chilli with wholemeal rice/baked fish with veg and pots etc… followed by fat free greek style yoghurt with nut granola and raspberries

Late snack: Post workout PhD Diet shake

I have been doing a 25 min high intensity kick boxing cardio workout 3-4 times a week and upper body resistance band exercises twice a week.

So should I be ok with this or should I be doing things differently for better results?

Many thanks 😉

Hi Stuart, thanks for your comment!

That’s an excellent program – I would definitely expect you to see results from it provided you are consistent with everything.

The only change I would make is to up the intensity of the resistance work – adding in some full body workouts comprising squat/deadlift/bench should accelerate gains nicely.

Good luck buddy – let me know how it goes!

I’ve just purchased the Belgian chocolate flavour diet whey and it is lush!

I’m near the end of the insanity programme and although I’m a lot fitter, sadly I have had no changes on trying to lose my belly.

Any advice on diet, exercise and diet whey would be very much appreciated.

I’m 4ft 10 and approx 6 and a half stone.

Just need to lose my belly after having kids.

I’m not familiar with the Insanity workout – but, like I prescribe for anyone trying to tone up and loose weight, any regime comprising compound exercises with HIIT should do the trick.

If you’re consistent with this routine and are still not seeing results, then you’re problem, I presume, lies with your diet.

No routine – no matter how taxing – can out-train a poor diet.

Apart from the obvious, make sure you are consistently sticking to unprocessed foods and avoiding high glycemic foods and starchy/sugary carbs.

Hope that helps – let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

Hi, I would like to get some help please.

I have just got the Diet Whey and I am woudering if it helps people loose weight who are overweight?

If you are aiming to loose weight and tone up, then yes, Phd Diet Whey, as a dietary supplement, can help with your goals.

However, as I’ve said many times before on this comments thread, it is not a magic pill.

Above everything else, you need to bee putting in the hours in the gym and adhering to a disciplined diet.

Then, and only then, will you see results.

If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask 🙂

Hi, I’ve just bought the Diet Whey shake.

What sort off food would be good to use for evening meals to loose weight please?

I’d like to loose 2 stone and really tone up.

You can never go wrong with natural, unprocessed foods and lots of fruit and veg.

Also, as I’ve mentioned above, try and avoid starchy, high glycemic foods, as these will soon send unwanted weight to your waistline if you’re not burning it off.

And remember to avoid junk food and alcohol as much as possible!

Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

I can pick it up locally for 2×500 for £20 or a 1kg tub for £21.

Now you can’t beat that and I am getting really good results from this!

Great to hear you’re getting results Paul – let me know if you have any questions!

I’m a very petite girl, I am 5 ft one weighing 7 stone 5.

I am not all bone but just a just right average figure, I want to really tone my abs up!

I am very much a gym freak!

I go every day doing diff stuff from interval training on the treadmill, spinning, cross trainer or general running outside.

I do 10-20 min abs a day.

If time is on my side I’ll do dumbbell workout too, usually two-three times a week.

I eat healthy, and have my one cheat day a week where I go crazy!

This doesn’t effect me and keeps me on track and motivated!

I sit in the bike in the gym thinking about Saturday nights pizza and chocolate brownie!!!

Sounds like you’re absolutely smashing it in the gym – great job 🙂

You’ve got my stomach rumbling with all this talk of cheat meals…

Oh my whole comment didn’t show or the question haha!

Basically with all the gym and how much I do weights (not everyday) would this protein be right for me?

I am worried I’ll gain weight, and can I take this as a pre-workout drink as my job is hard and that’s all I can do at times.

Increasing protein intake will help your muscles repair/recover after exercise – so supplementing a healthy diet with something like PHD Diet Whey will help you with your goals.

As I’ve mentioned above in the comments, just remember this is a supplement and you should really avoid using it as an MRP.

Make sure you are filling your diet with lots of whole foods, complex carbs, fruit and veg, etc – and use this diet whey as a snack between meals and post-workout for refueling.

Regarding your last question, this is not a pre-workout supplement – if you’re looking for something to perk you up before exercise I would simply recommend good old caffeine.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Hi, I started the gym last week.

I’m a student nurse so get a lot of stress and would drink 3-4 nights a week.

Well I have started the gym:

I go Mon, Wed, Fri at 6.30am for an hour workout:

30 mins interval style cardiovascular 5 mins on bike as warm up plus stretches 10 min speed interval on treadmill 5 min row machine, 15 min speed interval x trainer

I then do resistance/strength training on push/pull/core and leg muscles.

There’s 8 resistance style machines in use to work my whole body

10 squats x 3 Push up ups 3 x 4 reps Ab crunch with a ball 10 x 3

I was recommended to use a Whey Diet as I’m 16 stone OMG!!

Is it a good idea to take it as I have cut alcohol and added sugars etc out of my diet?

Upped my fibre and protien intake and reduced my carbs and sugars.

Hi Lin, thanks for your comment.

From a cardio perspective your routine looks great – lots of high intensity intervals, which is the most efficient way to get fit and loose weight.

With regards to your weightlifting/resistance routine, I would cut out using the machines altogether and just focus on compound, free weight exercises instead (squat, deadlift, dips, pull ups, bench press, etc).

This will hit so many more muscle groups so much more effectively – yes, you will be working harder, but your workout will be much more time efficient, cutting out all the unnecessary exercises.

Accompany this excellent weekly routine with lots of whole foods and PHD Diet Whey to help with protein intake/recovery, and you’ll be well on the way to smashing your goals 🙂

Let me know if you need any more advice.

I’m thinking about starting to use PhD Diet Whey – could I use this as a meal supplement as in just have this instead of meals?

If not any advice you can give?

I would definitely recommend AGAINST using a whey shake such as this as a meal replacement.

This is a supplement and should be used as such – i.e. as a healthy snack between meals or to quickly refuel post-workout.

Eat healthy, wholesome food and supplement where appropriate for a little help with reaching your goals.

By all means use PHD Diet Whey as the very occasional MRP when eating a meal is not possible, but avoid this as much as possible.

Hi, my name’s Gill.

I’m young 34 lol I weigh 10 stone & I’m 5ft 10inch.

I workout 6 days a week from 7.30am until bout 11am.

My workouts are a mixture of 1hr cardio, weight training & squats, pulley squats, etc.

I have currently started on Matrix Diet Whey shakes, usually have 1 on route jogging to gym in the morning & 1 after I jog home.

Do you think I should be having more?

I have a healthy clean diet too… advice plz

Two shakes per day in addition to regular, high-protein meals is more than enough.

If you’re looking to build lean muscle, then, as a guide, you should be aiming for 1.5 grams of protein per lb of goal body weight.

Hope that helps – let me know if you need any more guidance.

Hi, I’ve got an under active thyroid, can I use this to help me loose weight as I go running, spinning, weight lifting.

I’m 5ft 4 in, currently 12 stone, being trying hard to shift weight since Jan, couldn’t quite understand why I was gaining weight, and am up 12 stone from 10st 9lbs, then realised my problem .

Unfortunately an underactive thyroid can make it very difficult to loose weight.

From conversations I’ve had with others suffering from hypothyroidism, the paleo/caveman diets can be very effective.

More information here:

http://www.gym-talk.com/living-primal-paleo-insights-with-ben-law/

So before messing around with protein shakes, I would give this approach a go and see how you find it.

I’m doing my workouts every morning before my oatmeal breakfast after a cup of black coffee, and fasted cardio once a week, and also my eating habit is completely vegetarian.

I bought Diet Whey today and my question is, should I keep eating my snacks as an apple and drink the protein as well?

Or skip the snacks as fruits and drink the protein?

Don’t skip anything – use PHD Diet Whey as a supplement to what you’re eating already.

I’m currently in the gym mixing weights with cardio, been at it 3 months now, I do 35/40 mins per day and so far all natural.

I’ve noticed a great change in my shape.

I’m now looking to build lean muscle rather than bulk – so more defined/toned than bulky.

What’s my best option now with a supplement to enhance growth/performance?

Thank you so much for you help,

If your goal is to get lean and ‘ripped’, then your diet will be the biggest contributing factor (alongside, ideally, a routine comprising compound lifts and HIIT).

As a rough guide, ensure you are consuming approximately 1.5g protein per bodyweight pound and gradually dial down your carb intake, especially High GI and starchy carbs, while making sure you are consuming lots of healthy fats.

Supplement-wise, go for any whey protein shake which will help you top up your daily protein intake.

Also, something like PHD Diet Whey – which has added ingredients to expedite fat loss (CLA, green tea extract, etc) – would be helpful.

Tick all these boxes, rest and sleep well, be consistent, and you will reach your goals.

I’m a 20 stone 38 year old, a little loss isn’t what I’m after.

I’ve just joined a gym but have no idea where to start nutrition wise.

Obviously I’ve cut out the bad stuff but what would you recommend as a starting point?

Using the PhD diet whey?

My issue is that all the websites etc to help people get fit focus on toning up a little or getting rock hard abs etc whereas I need to start from the basics and there seems less advice for this.

Where do you suggest I start?

If you’re looking to build a healthy, athletic physique, I would start by increasing your protein intake.

As a guide, aim to consume, per day, 1.5g of protein per lb of body weight.

Whole foods like chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, fish are ideal – and by all means supplement with a whey protein shake between meals to help you hit this target.

Also make sure you are consuming lots of healthy fats (Omega-3s from fish etc) – aim for about 0.5g per lb of body weight.

Carbs are a less important nutrient – indeed there are not, in fact, any essential carbs.

Where possible stick with complex carbs such as oats, wholewheat pasta, rice, vegetables and gradually dial down your carb intake from about 1.5g per lb of body weight to 0.5g over the course of 4-6 weeks.

The important thing here is to gradually lower carb intake – if you suddenly drop carbs altogether your body will go into emergency mode and put it’s most vital stores on “lockdown”.

And, as fat protects the body’s vital organs, hanging onto fat stores becomes a foremost priority!

So, to summarise, consistently consume good quality protein and fats (avoid anything that’s been processed) while gradually lowering carb intake – and eat your greens!

This will maintain lean muscle while losing body fat.

Hope that helps as a starting point!

Thanks Henry, really appreciate the advice.

In terms of gym training what do you suggest?

I’ve read a lot about HIIT but so far have just been doing work on the treadmill with cycling and some basic weights to get me started but not sure whether the HIIT road would be better.

Any suggestions bearing in mind I’m new to all this 🙂

Unless you are training for an endurance race or genuinely enjoy steady-state cardio (there are some that like nothing better than a long steady run, me included!), then I would prescribe a strict diet of interval training, as it is the quickest, most efficient way to get fit and burn fat.

We’re talking hill sprints, track sprints, boxing, spinning, etc, etc.

Combine this with a weightlifting routine solely comprising the basic compound lifts (squat, deadlift, pull-ups, rows, dips, bench), as these are the only exercises you will ever need to build muscle and strength.

As a starting point, I would recommend a beginner friendly routine such as:

http://www.gym-talk.com/arnold-schwarzeneggers-golden-six-routine/

http://www.gym-talk.com/reg-park-beginner-routine/

http://www.gym-talk.com/stronglifts-5×5/

If you have any more questions, just ask away!

I work in IT so basically sit on my fat arse fixing computer problems.

Decided to try this out, I am a regular gym goer and do decent amount of cardio by playing squash as well as gym every week.

It’s been one day so am hoping after few weeks I notice a difference.

What should I be doing the gym in addition to playing squash and having this shake?

In the gym you should exclusively focus on the main compound lifts – squat, deadlift, bench press, pull-ups, dips, rows.

These are the most efficient exercises and the only ones you will ever need to build muscle.

Forget about isolation and ‘vanity’ exercises, such as curls, lateral raises, and all those other gym rat favourites, as you will simply be wasting your time.

In addition, if your goal is to get lean, I would add in some more high intensity cardio sessions a few times per week, such as sprinting or boxing, in addition to playing squash.

This should help – but let me know if you have any more questions.

I tried a Herbalife shake for a 3 day trial, but found the reps way too obsessive about super exercise and clean eating.

I go to spin every lunchtime during the week and do park runs at the weekend with bike ride.

Am now aiming for 2 full body strength training sessions to compliment.

I need to lose about 3 stone, and thought this might work as a half meal replacement for breakfast, adding in a few almonds and banana.

I’ve had the strawberry which I liked and then bought the Cherry Bakewell and Belgian Chocolate.

The cherry is very thick and I used about 300mls of water… the chocolate is better, though strawberry is still my favourite.

I bought from Monster but will try to get it cheaper elsewhere… loved your review.

Incidentally, I have IBS and found that the Flaxseeds in this help tremendously… I was a little worried as in the past they made things worse.

Hi Heather, thanks for your comment.

With all that cardio and strength training, I should think your bang on track to some excellent results!

Let me know if you need any help or have any questions 🙂

I’ve been using the PHD whey bars as recommended to me, I was just wondering what your thoughts on them were please?

Would I be better off with the powder or carry on with the bars?

I’m doing exercise 5 days a week, including kickboxing, interval training, squash and weights/gym.

Thank you in advance.

As far as I’m aware, there’s not really much difference in content between the shake and the bars.

Bars are great for convenience, but it’s much more cost-effective to use shakes.

Let me know if you have any other queries.

PHD Diet Whey Protein is only £17.98 for 1kg at Tesco Direct:

http://www.tesco.com/direct/diet-whey-1kg-white-chocolate/212-3751.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=212-3751

Hi Lucy, thanks for letting us know, a real bargain!

I’ll make the point first that I am definitely no gym buff or diet expert.

However, I have been using the Belgian Chocolate one since Jan 2015 and it is fantastic.

I use it soley for a post-workout protein boost, but I find this is one of the best supplements I have tried.

Taste and texture are phenomenal.

It tastes like a chocolate milkshake – tip, for a very filling boost on the go, throw some frozen vanilla yoghurt in there and blend (tastes like a McDonalds choc milkshake).

I also take PhD L-Carnitine and PhD StimFree Weight Management supplements, but this is only recent.

I attend the gym 3 times a week and I have lost (and kept off) 2 stone since March.

This is not a fad fat burner or diet plan, this is a lifestyle change.

The shake helps keep those cravings at bay, and used with skimmed milk is a healthy alt to a sugary snack.

I have found, though I am no expert, that this shake works best alongside HIIT training 3 times a week and general weight training 2-3 times a week.

Ive actually just recommended my partner to the PhD women’s stuff.

Now, as far as I know, PhD is studied by an R&D team as normal, and is endorsed by some randoms from Towie or Chelsea or something.

But it is by far the best on the market for dieting and trimming down and before I started it I had a friend who has a MSc in Health Nutrional Science look at it and asked my Doctor.

Plus it was recommended to me by every trainer in my gym.

It can be steep, but in comparison it wipes the floor and is well worth it.

Buy small then buy in bulk when happy.

Finally, I would say, everything I have tried of PhD is top standard, and I have tried things like Grenade, Myprotein and other protein supplements.

Hi Dan, thanks for your comment – glad to see you’re getting some awesome results!

I was told that if you use milk instead of water that’s just adding fat?

If you’re trying to cut down your fat/calorie intake, just used skimmed milk or water, it’ll still taste great!

Hey, I just wanted your advice, currently have a whopping 7 stone to lose, I have cut my carb intake down and have just ordered PHD shakes in vanilla and just wanted to see if what I am doing with cardio and weights is even right and OK?

Monday – spinning Tuesday – in the gym squats, cross trainer, treadmill (1 hour) or spin Wed – kettlecide Thursday – spin Friday – insanity training (sometimes have missed this) Sat – Spin

Any help or tips would be fab, as I’m really determined and will literally take anything on board to achieve my goals xx

For you gym session, I would forgo the steady state cardio (cross trainer/treadmill) and factor in some more compound lifts, such as deadlift, dips, chin-ups, rows, overhead press, bench press, etc.

These exercises will give you a much better bang for your buck when it comes to building lean muscle and burning calories.

Other than that, provided your are consistent with your diet and training, you should see some great results with this regimen!

Hi this product sounds great!

I’m looking to lose fat/weight but keep my muscle and lean out.

I’ve been told if I want to lose weight I need to burn more calories than I digest so would this be good as a meal replacement (e.g. breakfast) AND after a workout as I workout about 5/6 times a week.

Personally, I would never recommend a using a protein shake as a regular meal replacement.

Instead, focus on getting all of your nutrients from real, wholesome food and supplement with a protein shake between meals to boost your daily protein intake, which is key to building lean muscle.

This, IMO, is a much healthier and sustainable approach.

Let me know if you have any more questions – and good luck with your goals!

I would like to ask if I could take PHD Diet Whey while I breast feed.

I would love to start exercising and be fit again.

My baby is 6 months old now.

I don’t see why not – but please consult a GP, as I’m certainly not qualified to answer that.

I would like to know if this product would work without exercise as I’ve got ME.

I eat healthy and do more than I can work, but need to lose a bit of weight.

Hi Sam, if you’re not exercising, then supplementing your diet is just going to add calories, and I would certainly never suggest replacing your meals with a shake as it simply isn’t sustainable long term.

Just focus on eating healthy, wholesome meals.

Old thread I know.

However I have been through all of the PHD diet whey flavours.

Strawberry is good, Belgium Chocolate brilliant, Mint Chocolate (fantastic), chocolate orange, not bad but got sick of it after 4 shakes.

Vanilla is awesome, Chocolate Peanut, hate it, it tastes of coffee, white chocolate is terrible.

Banana is nice, Cherry Bakewell is fantastic.

Best flavours: Cherry Bakewell, Belgium Chocolate, Mint chocolate.

I make flapjack/protein bars with it.

I am currently on a low carb diet, I take two PHD Diet whey shakes a day, as well as two low carb meals.

PHD diet whey is like having a gastric band fitted, stops me eating rubbish.

I am 43, menopausal, I lost nine stone, put on 21lb back, shifted most of it thanks to PHD diet whey, along with weight training three times week, running twice and eating properly.

You can buy it on Amazon for £16-£18 for 1Kg bag.

I have a cupboard with my four favourite flavours, and change flavours every time.

Hi Gail, thanks for your comment!

I haven’t tried all of the flavours, so I’ll consider your ratings when I put in my next order!

I’ve been going to the gym for a year four times per week.

The gym instructor told me that I should increase my protein intake, at least two scoops per day, if I want to lean my abs.

Is that the right amount?

I weigh 92kg, height is 1.83mt.

I found this deal online but I don’t know if it is worthy.

https://www.nutricentre.com/c-1368-phd-better-than-half-price.aspx

You need to look at your daily protein intake – not how many scoops per day.

Daily, I typically recommend 1.5kg of protein per pound of bodyweight.

So use whey protein as a supplement to help you hit this daily target.

Just bought a tub of 2kg Belgium Chocolate, bargain price £30 from Costco.

Was surprised at taste, really nice compared USN Diet Fuel which I had to throw away.

Grab yourself a bargain at Costco!

I bloody love Costco – some silly bargains on offer!

Just got a 2kg tub for £26.99, amazing value.

Where from Dan?

Hi, you alright Henry?

Just need a little advice, I’m in a profession where I’m sitting down for about on average 7 hours a day 7 days a week in a car.

I’m in good shape but could do with losing a little bit of fat, therefore I’m eating healthy, roughly three meals a day:

• Morning – three boiled eggs and two toast. • Afternoon – brown rice, salmon, two boiled egg and salad. • Evening – maybe chicken and veg.

I normally take a protein shake after I train, weight training days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and occasionally Sunday.

Wednesday I play football so I count that as my cardio.

Roughly try and work each muscle twice a week.

Also I train in the evening after being sat all day.

I can see that my metabolism has started to slow down a little and therefore want to keep in top shape.

What else could I possibly do to trim down but at the same time gain lean muscle (size)?

• Age – 23 • Height – 5’9 • Weight – 10 st

Hi Jazzy, thanks for your comment.

Your diet seems completely on-point – provided you aren’t sneaking any sneaky sugary snacks in there!.

So, for starters, I would simply try upping the intensity of your workouts to get more bang for your buck.

Time to shock the hell out of your body!

For example, you could try: high-rep squats, prowler pushes, barbell complexes, farmer’s walks, heavy kettlebell swings.

These exercises should take you well out of your comfort zone and have you begging for mercy!

Give them a go and let us know hoe you get on!

I have recently started my PHD Synergy tub which I take post-workout only, being around 20:00 in the evening.

I go to bed around 23:00-00:00 every day and I noticed I have problems falling asleep and also don’t go into “deep” sleep during the night from the day I started this.

(I have taken 2-3 different days until now.)

I am wondering if any other people experienced this in the past?

Is it possible to be affected by the taurine included in the supplement keeping me alert and not falling asleep?

I can see on the tub that this supplement is recommended as post-workout but of course do not know how much time before bed time that would be!

Thanks Nemos

I don’t have any experience with PHD Synergy myself, but, far from disrupting your sleep, the added zinc and magnesium (much like ZMA supplements) should actually improve your sleep (or so the boffins tell us).

However, as with all ingredients of this ilk, and taurine, everybody responds differently, so I would advise listening to your body and to stop taking the supplement in the evenings.

I have just bought this product but not sure if I should take it.

As I cannot excersise due to ill health and I also take xenical fat binders along with carbblocker.

What do you think?

If you’re not exercising then supplementing is only going to add calories to your diet, so I would not recommend this product – nor as a meal replacement either.

Focus on getting everything you need from regular healthy meals.

You punched a cat because it stared at you?

What a stupid c*nt you are Henry.

Hi, I know this post is pretty old now but just wanted to let you all know that I’ve just bought some in the Holland & Barrett penny sale, bought one lot and got the second for a penny… bargain.

I bought this because I’ve recently become vegetarian but struggling to stay awake, having to sleep in the day time which is very unusual for me.

I’m also anaemic so this new diet isn’t helping that much.

I need the protein that this offers to keep my energy levels up and I’m about to take up running and am in training for Race for Life (if my energy levels increase).

I wasn’t sure about this product but after reading your far-too-hilarious review, I’m feeling really hopeful now, so thanks for the tips, especially the milk one as wasn’t looking forward to mixing it with water!

Thanks for your comment Emma – and good luck with your race!

If ever you have any questions just get in touch 🙂

I’m approx 74kg, 5’7″, 40 yrs old, am eating five to six times a day and protein intake is around 150-170g per day.

My aim is to build muscle, I’m working on a four day split training sessions.

I am taking Phd Diet Whey just one shake daily straight after working out.

I am also doing around 20 mins bag work per day four to five days a week.

Will I build muscle and lose body fat with this regime?

All advice very welcome.

If you are consistent and don’t fall off the wagon then, yes, you will see results with this regimen.

Remember that strong muscular physiques are built over years not weeks or months, so please be patient.

But if you keep at it, you’ll be rewarded, I promise.

One important caveat, however, is that while a split routine will yield initial results (“newbie gains”), they are, in the long term, far inferior to full-body routines which have you hitting the main compound lifts multiple times per week, allowing you to progress much more efficiently in terms of size and strength.

Check out out some of our workout reviews for more info – and do let me know if you have any further questions.

I’ve just brought 2kg Phd Diet Whey from Costco for about £28 with a free shaker.

Bit gutted cos I brought a 1kg £32 from Holland & Barrett the day before.

I’ve only just started using it as I’ve put a lot of weight on due to medication for depression and bipolar.

I go to the gym every day, I do 1 hour plus cardiovascular and about 3/4 hr doing weights.

Hopefully in a few weeks I will start to notice a change in my weight and muscle mass.

If there’s any advice for me it would be much appreciated.

Also do you think I should take the Diet Whey before I go to the gym?

Hi Richard, thanks for stopping by.

The advice I would give to you is to make sure you’re getting the most from each workout and not just spinning wheels.

Cardio-wise, make sure you’re focusing on high intensity interval work (sprints, bag work, etc) which is much more effective at expediting fat lass and also more time-efficient.

With lifting weights, make sure you’re focusing on the main compound lifts (squat, deadlift, bench press, rows, dips, pull ups, etc) as they will give you much more bang for your buck in terms of strength and muscle gain – and will also burn more calories and help with fat loss.

Also remember that less is sometimes more.

Three decent sessions per week (with lots of time to rest and recover) will, long term, be much more effective than seven mediocre sessions every week.

Also, working out less will leave you more motivated to get back in the gym and you’ll probably enjoy your workouts a lot more.

Hope that helps – and let me know if you have any further questions 🙂

All the best with your training!

Hi I’m training for a triathlon so I am doing a lot of cardio but pushing myself hard but also doing a small amount of weights.

Should I be taking the Diet Whey as I would like to shift some more pounds?

Yes, any protein supplement will help with a strenuous regimen such as yours, as it’s an absolutely vital macro-nutrient for maintaining a healthy/fit body.

If your goal is also to loose some extra weight, then I would absolutely recommend PHD Diet Whey, as it has a heap of extra ingredients to expedite fat loss.

I was quite excited to hear about this product until I read that you punched a cat for staring at you.

I certainly hope that you got reported for it.

I didn’t get reported for that, but I did get reported for dropkicking on owl and then hammer throwing an otter over the roof of a local Burger King.

Recently I started going to the gym and I am thinking to buy this product.

Before I purchase this product I would like to ask you a question which makes me think to buy or not.

Nowadays I don’t have any weight problems also I don’t wanna get kilos and also wanna build a muscle body.

Do you think this product is the best to purchase to achieve my goal?

Thanks SAFA

Yes, supplementing your diet with added protein will aid muscle recovery and growth.

Which flavour tastes better then all?

Vanilla is the tastiest IMO

Can I take it 2 times a day?

Like for snacks after breakfast and before bed?

Or 1 time per day is enough?

As many as is necessary really.

Try to think in terms of meeting your daily quotient, which should be around 1 to 1.5g of protein per pound of bodyweight.

Hi, I’ve been taking the vanilla flavoured Diet Whey in a smoothie along with 2 bananas and coffee every morning for breakfast for over a year now.

It keeps my bowel regular after I had a bowel op over 2 years ago.

I look forward to taking it and miss it if I don’t have it.

I occasionally swap the bananas for blueberries omitting the coffee.

I’m 66 years old so the only exercise I do is walking but I’m always busy during the day.

Should I be doing more ?

I would always recommend more exercise – but if you’re doing as much as you can and eating well, then that is absolutely fine.

What do you know about the PhD meal replacement powder is that any good/good idea?

Or is it better to take the Diet Whey between meals as you previously recommend rather than replacing an entire meal with it?

I would always advise against relying on meal replacement shakes to lose weight.

They’re not a sustainable option and starve your body of essential calories/nutrients, which, more often than not, will send your body into an “emergency state” where it clings on to body fat instead of burning it.

Instead, take a protein shake, such as this one, between meals to get your daily protein intake to around 1 to 1.5g per pound of bodyweight.

Have just started my gym a month ago and used to earlier have my routine running and excercise.

Now I wish to go for good muscular body, I’m aged 27 years and weight is 88kg with 6 feet height.

Would like to know with your experience which PHD protein – should I opt for it to grow my muscles better and more strengthening?

Hi Dilawar.

Certainly – I would always recommend supplementing a diet with protein if your goal is to gain muscle.

Last year I lost 4 stone.

I walk at least 15k steps a day & count calories.

I’ve just started back doing work out DVDs yesterday.

30 Day Shred.

I’m 29, female & 10st 2, 5’6″.

I won’t be able to do the DVDs everyday, but I will be walking everyday.

I’m weaker now due to no strength training during weight loss.

I want to get my strength back, but not bulk up.

I need to lose sagging skin.

Is PhD for me?

Please & thanks

You need to engage in resistance/weight training – otherwise supplementing with a protein shake will not help build muscle.

Just purchased these shakes as a kind of kick start.

I have food issues, and believe me when I say I have tried every single ‘diet’ out there, and now after not being a club member of anywhere I am now heavier than when I gave birth to my daughter and my mind is a mess.

I don’t want to replace meals long term, just the odd one here or there or even replacing snacks and being more mindful of my eating and drinking overall.

I noticed on an earlier question you mentioned if replacing meals too often your body effectively shuts down and goes into shock.

My question is as someone who is fast approaching 40, what is a recommended amount of calories to be taking onboard?

Currently I exercise by skating 2/3 times a week and the odd gym session with weights when I have time.

There is so much info out there and my poor head is filled with so much misinformation on nutrition.

I’m desperate to get out of this awful cycle.

Personally, I would advise not getting too hung up on calorie counting or sticking to diets.

Just keep it simple – have three wholesome meals a day with lots of meat, poultry, fish, fruit and veg.

Avoid snacking on rubbish, drink lots of water, exercise regularly, and get 8-9 hours sleep every night.

It’s really as simple as that – you just need to be consistent!

I’ve just bought PhD Diet Whey (Belgian Chocolate flavour) to help me get a protein rich start to my day when I’m short on time.

Tried it for the first time today and not liking how sweet it tastes.

Any suggestions on how to cut the sweetness?

Add more milk/water to dilute it further.

Failing that, try a different flavour.

I’ve just picked up some of this stuff, haven’t tried it yet.

My question to you sir is this –

In times of desperation, what exactly is wrong with masturbating over trees?

Is there a law against it or is it simply frowned upon?

Many thanks

If you’re going to do it, at least choose something elegant like a Cherry Blossom or a mighty Oak.

It sells in Cosco with a shaker for £30 no vat.

Gotta love Cosco!

It’s been 2 days since I’ve started this protein shake.

I took the vanilla flavour as this was recommended.

It tastes amazing.

By the way I would like your opinion about my meals.

Breakfast I have the shake with fruits.

Lunch big plate of salad with something (like pasta with pesto and cheese only size of my hand).

And the evening maybe a fruit again with the shake or salad and the shake.

Gym I will start in 2 days, I was thinking to try to go 3-4 times per week if it’s possible because I don’t have a standard schedule.

Should I try to go more?

Btw apart from the vanilla do you suggest any other flavours?

Because I will get bored.

Can you tell me a little more about your goals first, what are you trying to achieve?

I could find it in Asda yesterday for £17.29/kg!!

Good luck!!

Thanks for letting us know!

Holland and Barrett doing a 1kg bag £15 also matrix stores!!!

Hi Henry, I’ve had a couple of packets of PHD Whey Protein in my cupboard for about a year but when I went to make a shake this morning, I noticed lots of black bits in it and it didn’t smell as good as it did when first opened.

The expiry date isn’t until October 2017.

I have the chocolate and vanilla flavours.

Do you think this is still okay to use?

I’m not sure if the black bits are weevils.

If it fails the smell/taste test I would personally bin it.

You’ve done the best informing report yet about this magnificent product it helped me a lot but had to stop during pregnancy because I read it’s not safe.

Do you have any idea if it’s OK whilst breastfeeding then?

I don’t see why it wouldn’t be OK, but consult a doctor if you’re worried.

Love it… been on this for 16 days whilst remaining quite active and before I’ve actually started proper jogging, hiit and training.

I use it twice a day with one main meal have lost shit loads of weight already.

Don’t feel hungry… love it!

Great to hear it, feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!

Hi how long in total did you use it as a meal replacement and what were your results 🙂

I am 63 and bought this to aid losing weight after reading this I think i bought wrong product.

I am on my feet all morning as a cook and are going to start on my rowing machine is this enough to lose weight?

To lose weight you simply need to be consuming less calories than you burn.

If this is adding calories to your diet, it will do the opposite…

Hi, I’m a keen cyclist & have been recommended PHD Diet Whey to supplement the calorie burn.

I don’t actually want to lose too much weight.

Ideally maximise the muscle building.

Not going for the Froome physique… more a sprinter physique.

Does this fit the bill?

Anything that keeps you away from a caloric deficit will stop you from losing weight.

If this shake is convenient for you, go for it.

And if you want to maximise muscle gain, lift weights.

First class Henry! Cheers.

No worries, glad to help.

This is by far one of the best reviews I’ve read.

You are wasted peanut shovelling and should write a book.

Loved the review!!

I bought 1 kilo bags from Holland & Barrett in the following flavours (which I believe is currently the full set!) for £13.49 per bag less 20% discount.

I haven’t tried them all yet but some of these flavours make me salivate before I’ve even tried them!

I think I’ve got a protein shake fetish, although there are worse things to have a fetish about.

I’ve lost five kilos this year, and the annoying bit of fat around my mid section is now just a memory.

I would put my progress down to weights, cardio and counting calories via my fitbit, and not down to phd whey protein, but I like to think that it has definitely helped along the line.

I used to add it to soya milk but that became expensive and finicky, so now I just add it to cold water.

The first two or three gulps were less creamy to the taste, as you would expect, but since then I’ve never looked back.

TBH like many on here I just love the taste!

Banana Strawberry delight Vanilla creme Chocolate and mint Belgian chocolate Salted caramel Chocolate peanut White chocolate and raspberry Birthday cake White chocolate Cherry Bakewell Chocolate orange Cookies and cream

Cookies and cream where show me???

Cookies and cream is not in motion?

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PhD Diet Whey Review: My Results After 30 Days

Written by James C., M.S.(C), PT

| Published on October 19, 2023

Mostly whey protein concentrate which is the cheapest source of whey.

Welcome to my PhD Diet Whey review, this is a protein powder that is marketed towards individuals who are looking to lose weight while maintaining muscle mass. The product is manufactured by PhD Nutrition Limited, a UK-based company that was founded in 2005. The supplement is designed to be used as a low-calorie snack between meals or as a post-workout protein fix.

PhD Diet Whey is a popular product that has received mixed reviews from customers. While some users have reported experiencing significant weight loss and muscle gain, others have complained about the taste of the product and the potential side effects that it can cause. Despite these mixed reviews, the product remains a popular choice for individuals who are looking to lose weight and build lean muscle mass.

Key Takeaways

• PhD Diet Whey is a protein powder that is marketed towards individuals who are looking to lose weight while maintaining muscle mass.
• The product is manufactured by PhD Nutrition Limited, a UK-based company that was founded in 2005.
• While the product has received mixed reviews from customers, it remains a popular choice for individuals who are looking to lose weight and build lean muscle mass.

Overview of PhD Diet Whey

PhD Diet Whey is a protein supplement that can help with weight loss and gaining lean muscle. It is designed to be a low-carbohydrate meal replacement that can be used as a healthy snack between meals or as a post-workout protein hit.

PhD Nutrition, the company behind the product, is a well-known brand in the supplement industry. They offer a range of products designed to help people achieve their fitness goals, including protein powders, pre-workout supplements, and more.

PhD Diet Whey is made from a blend of whey concentrate and soy protein isolate. It contains less than 2 grams of fat and less than 3 grams of carbs per serving, making it a great option for those who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

The product also includes ingredients like green tea extract and CLA to help boost the effectiveness of the protein powder. It is available in a range of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

Overall, PhD Diet Whey is a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-quality protein supplement that can help with weight loss and muscle gain. With its low-carbohydrate formula and added ingredients, it stands out from other protein powders on the market.

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder is a protein supplement that is designed to help with lean muscle and fat loss goals. It contains a blend of protein sources, including whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, and soya protein isolate. The manufacturers describe it as ‘the original and still best Diet Whey’.

Protein Blend

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder provides a blend of protein sources, which includes whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, and soya protein isolate. This blend of proteins provides a range of amino acids, including essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet. The protein blend is designed to provide a slow and sustained release of amino acids to help support muscle growth and repair.

Additional Ingredients

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder also contains additional ingredients that are designed to support weight loss goals. These ingredients include CLA, flaxseed, and L-Carnitine. CLA, or conjugated linoleic acid, is a type of fatty acid that has been shown to have potential benefits for weight loss. Flaxseed powder is a good source of fiber and healthy fats, while L-Carnitine is an amino acid that is involved in energy metabolism.

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder also contains green tea extract, which is a source of caffeine and catechins. Caffeine is a stimulant that can help to increase energy levels and focus, while catechins are antioxidants that can help to support overall health.

The nutritional information for PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder varies depending on the flavor. For example, the chocolate orange flavor contains 91 calories per serving, 17g of protein, 1.4g of fat, and 1.5g of carbohydrates. The waxy barley flour and golden brown flaxseed powder in the powder provide fiber and carbohydrates, while the sucralose is used as a sweetener to keep the calorie count low.

Overall, PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder provides a convenient and low-calorie way to supplement protein intake while supporting weight loss goals.

Product Varieties and Flavors

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder is available in 3 sizes, with savings at each level. The sizes and pricing tiers are as follows:

• 500g – £12.74 / $17.12 (save 15%)
• 1kg – £19.19 / $25.78 (save 40%)
• 2kg – £29.50 / $39.64 (save 50%)

PhD Diet Whey is available in several flavors, including strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate orange. The flavors are designed to be both delicious and satisfying, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.

The protein powder is made from high-quality ingredients that are designed to help support healthy weight loss. The powder is low in calories and high in protein, making it ideal for those who want to maintain muscle tissue while cutting down on fat.

PhD Diet Whey is also designed to help keep sugar cravings at bay, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan. The protein powder is perfect as a low calorie snack between meals and/or post-workout protein fix.

Overall, PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder is an excellent choice for those who want to support healthy weight loss and maintain muscle tissue. With several delicious flavors to choose from and a range of sizes and pricing tiers, there is something for everyone.

Benefits and Effectiveness

PhD Diet Whey is a protein supplement that is designed to promote healthy weight loss and support lean muscle growth. It contains a low amount of carbohydrates that can replace a meal and help with appetite control. Here are some of the benefits and effectiveness of PhD Diet Whey:

• Weight Loss: PhD Diet Whey is a low-calorie protein supplement that is designed to help users lose weight. It contains ingredients that are proven to aid weight loss, such as green tea extract, CLA, and L-Carnitine. These ingredients help increase fat burning and support a healthy metabolism.
• Lean Muscle Growth: PhD Diet Whey contains a blend of protein sources that are designed to support lean muscle growth. It provides a high-quality protein blend of whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate. These ingredients help support protein synthesis and muscle growth.
• Energy and Support: PhD Diet Whey contains a blend of vitamins and minerals that help support energy and overall health. It contains vitamins B6 and B12, which help reduce fatigue and support energy metabolism. It also contains zinc, which helps support the immune system.
• Appetite Control: PhD Diet Whey contains ingredients that help with appetite control. It contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps promote feelings of fullness and reduce hunger. It also contains green tea extract, which is known to help reduce appetite.
• Quality: PhD Diet Whey is nutritionally tested by ALS Analytical Testing Services and Informed Choice tested. This means that it has been tested for quality and purity, and is free from banned substances.
• Fat Burning and Toning: PhD Diet Whey contains ingredients that help increase fat burning and support toning. It contains CLA, which is known to help reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass. It also contains flaxseed, which provides healthy fats that support fat burning and toning.

Overall, PhD Diet Whey is a high-quality protein supplement that is designed to support healthy weight loss, lean muscle growth, and overall health. It contains a blend of ingredients that are proven to be effective, and is a great option for anyone looking to achieve their fitness goals.

Potential Side Effects

PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder is a high-quality supplement that works as a meal replacement or a post-workout recovery drink. While the supplement is generally safe to use, some people may experience negative side effects.

One of the most common side effects is lactose intolerance. If you are lactose intolerant, consuming whey protein can lead to stomach discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea. However, PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder contains only a small amount of lactose, so the risk of these side effects is relatively low.

In rare cases, some people may be allergic to whey protein. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, stop using the supplement immediately and seek medical attention.

Other potential side effects of using PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder include belly aches and cramping. These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own after a short period of time.

Overall, PhD Diet Whey Protein Powder is a safe and effective supplement for most people. However, if you have any concerns about the potential side effects of using the supplement, you should speak to your doctor before starting to use it.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

PhD Diet Whey has received positive reviews from customers on various platforms such as Amazon and the official PhD Nutrition website. Many customers have praised the product for its effectiveness in aiding weight loss and building lean muscle.

On Amazon, customers have rated the product an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with many stating that it has helped them achieve their weight loss goals. One customer wrote, “I have been using PhD Diet Whey for a few months now and have seen a noticeable difference in my body composition. It has helped me lose weight and gain lean muscle without feeling hungry or deprived.”

Similarly, on the official PhD Nutrition website, customers have praised the product for its taste and effectiveness. One customer wrote, “I have tried many protein powders in the past, but PhD Diet Whey is by far the best. It tastes great and has helped me lose weight and maintain muscle mass.”

In the UK, PhD Nutrition is a well-known and respected brand in the health and fitness industry. Many customers trust the brand and have had positive experiences with their products.

Overall, customer reviews and feedback suggest that PhD Diet Whey is an effective protein supplement for weight loss and building lean muscle.

Usage and Dosage

PhD Diet Whey is a protein supplement that can be used as part of a calorie-controlled diet to support weight loss and muscle gain. It is recommended to consume one serving of PhD Diet Whey (25g) mixed with 175-225ml of water or milk, 2-3 times per day.

The serving size can be adjusted according to individual needs, but it is important not to exceed the recommended daily dose of 3 servings. PhD Diet Whey can be consumed at any time of the day, but it is particularly beneficial as a post-workout snack or a meal replacement.

It is important to note that PhD Diet Whey should not be used as a sole source of nutrition, and it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with a healthcare professional before using this product.

PhD Diet Whey is available in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It is recommended to store the product in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Alternatives to PhD Diet Whey

You can find my recommended alternatives here.

For those looking for alternatives to PhD Diet Whey, there are a variety of different options available on the market. Here are some of the most popular alternatives:

1. Gold Standard Whey

Gold Standard Whey is a popular alternative to PhD Diet Whey. It is a high-quality whey protein supplement that is designed to help support muscle growth and recovery. It is available in a variety of different flavors and is easy to mix and drink.

2. The Ritual Daily Shake 18+

The Ritual Daily Shake 18+ is another great alternative to PhD Diet Whey. It combines a pea protein base with organic MCT oil to provide 20 grams of protein and 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving. It is a great option for those who are looking for a plant-based protein supplement.

3. Vega Sport Premium Protein

Vega Sport Premium Protein is a plant-based protein supplement that is designed to help support muscle growth and recovery. It is made with a blend of pea, pumpkin seed, and sunflower seed proteins, and is available in a variety of different flavors.

4. Optimum Nutrition Casein Protein

Optimum Nutrition Casein Protein is a slow-digesting protein supplement that is designed to help support muscle growth and recovery. It is made with micellar casein, which is a high-quality protein source that is absorbed slowly by the body. It is available in a variety of different flavors.

5. BSN Syntha-6

BSN Syntha-6 is a protein supplement that is designed to help support muscle growth and recovery. It is made with a blend of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, calcium caseinate, micellar casein, milk protein isolate, and egg albumin. It is available in a variety of different flavors.

Overall, there are a variety of different alternatives to PhD Diet Whey available on the market. It is important to choose a protein supplement that is high-quality and meets your specific needs and goals.

Pricing and Where to Buy

PhD Diet Whey is available for purchase from a variety of retailers, including Amazon and the official PhD website. The price of the product varies depending on the size of the tub, with a 500g tub costing around £20.99, a 1kg tub costing around £37.99, and a 2kg tub costing around £69.99.

While the price of PhD Diet Whey may be slightly higher than some other protein powders on the market, it is important to note that the product is of high quality and is specifically designed to support weight loss and muscle building goals. Additionally, customers can often find discounts and savings by purchasing larger tubs or by taking advantage of special offers on the official PhD website.

Overall, PhD Diet Whey represents good value for money for those looking to support their weight loss and muscle building goals with a high-quality protein supplement. Customers can purchase the product with confidence from a variety of reputable retailers, including Amazon and the official PhD website.

PhD Diet Whey is a protein supplement that is designed to help with lean muscle and fat loss goals. It contains a blend of whey concentrate and soy protein isolate, and is low in carbohydrates.

Overall, the reviews for this product are positive. Users have reported that it tastes great and is easy to mix. It is also effective in helping them to lose weight and build lean muscle.

However, it is important to note that everyone’s body is different, and results may vary. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a protein supplement to aid in your weight loss and muscle building goals, PhD Diet Whey may be a good choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of phd diet whey.

PhD Diet Whey is designed to support weight loss and lean muscle gain. It is a high-protein, low-carb, and low-fat supplement that can help individuals achieve their weight loss goals while also providing essential nutrients to support muscle recovery and growth.

What is the difference between PhD Diet Whey and other diet whey proteins?

PhD Diet Whey contains a unique blend of high-quality proteins, including whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate. This combination provides a balanced source of amino acids that can help support muscle growth and repair. Additionally, PhD Diet Whey is formulated with CLA, L-carnitine, and green tea extract, which are believed to support weight loss and fat burning.

Is PhD Diet Whey a good choice for weight loss?

Yes, PhD Diet Whey can be a good choice for weight loss. It is designed to support weight loss by providing a high-protein, low-carb, and low-fat supplement that can help individuals achieve their weight loss goals while also providing essential nutrients to support muscle recovery and growth.

How does PhD Diet Whey taste compared to other protein powders?

PhD Diet Whey has a smooth and creamy texture and is available in a variety of flavors. Many users find that it tastes better than other protein powders on the market.

Is PhD Diet Whey suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, PhD Diet Whey is suitable for vegetarians. It does not contain any animal products and is suitable for individuals following a vegetarian diet.

Can PhD Diet Whey help with muscle building?

Yes, PhD Diet Whey can help with muscle building. It is a high-protein supplement that provides essential amino acids to support muscle growth and repair. Additionally, it is formulated with CLA, L-carnitine, and green tea extract, which are believed to support muscle building and recovery.

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Best and Worst Whey Protein Powders for 2023

by Alex Swanson

Jan 17, 2022

Table of Contents

Reading Time: 11 minutes

Have you found it difficult and confusing to choose a whey protein powder? You’re not alone because choosing a whey protein powder now requires the skill of a wine connoisseur.

The taste, types of cows used, grass-fed vs. grain-fed, heavy metal testing, artificial colors or sweeteners, cold processed vs. high heat, isolate, concentrate, hydrolyzed or ion exchange, etc.

As you can see, it has become a science of its own to determine the best whey protein product for you beyond the amount of grams of protein.

The Differences Between Whey Concentrate and Whey Isolate

What are the biggest differences between whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate?

1) Whey protein concentrate costs less to produce than whey protein isolate and therefore should cost less money for you. This is usually a sign that a product has inferior quality, however, it isn’t true in this case.

2) A good whey protein concentrate usually has 80% protein compared to 90-96% protein in whey protein isolate. This is because concentrate contains small amounts of fat, cholesterol, and lactose, and isolate requires more processing to eliminate these further and increase the protein content.

As you will see from the labels, we are only talking a difference of a few grams . However, if you are sensitive to lactose, isolate is going to be the better choice.

3) Whey protein concentrate’s distinct advantage comes containing more bioactive compounds found in the fat that positively influences hormones and immunity. Dietary fat and cholesterol are needed for testosterone production (and estrogen for women) and improves the absorption of key vitamins and carotenoids.

The IgG immunoglobulins are a source of glutamine and cysteine needed for glutathione (master antioxidant system) and are bound to fat. CLA – while in a modest amount in fat and higher in grass-fed animals – is an important compound for burning fat and fighting cancer.

Do You Even Need Whey Protein Powder?

Are protein powders really necessary? I’ve grappled with this question for a while, and after reviewing hundreds of sports nutrition food diaries, I’ve concluded that a large percentage of the athletes I have seen do not get enough protein for their activity level.

This is especially true post-recovery. Liquid protein post-workout is extremely effective and efficient for amino acids, protein, and minerals quickly to the muscles.

From my own experimenting, I have continually gone back to using whey protein because I can physically see the difference in my body.

While you can maintain and repair with proper protein from fish, meat, and eggs, my opinion is that grass-fed whey protein gives you a distinct advantage for recovery and results.

Plus, it is incredibly convenient for a quick breakfast or when you need something that digests quickly before your workout. Here are the best and worst whey protein powders.

How to Choose a Whey Protein

Here are your code words and phrases : Cold processed, whey concentrate or isolate depending on allergies or fat preference, tested low for heavy metals, hormone-free, grass-fed (more important for concentrate, and has an environmental bonus), and affordable.

It should not contain sucralose or any artificial color, artificial flavor, artificial sweetener or natural flavor that contains MSG. All whey protein in the United States is flash pasteurized. The process that follows is where the difference in retaining certain compounds changes.

In one study comparing cold processing to standard heat treatment, lactoferrin, transforming growth factor (TGF-?2), BSA and immunoglobulins were all found in higher levels in the cold processed whey. Some companies will provide testing for their levels of immunoglobulins and lactoferrin.

The Best Whey Protein Powders

Promix is grass-fed, antibiotic and hormone-free, and cold-processed without any unnecessary or problematic additives. I reached out to the company, and they sent me a heavy metals report proving that it is exceedingly low in all those tested.

2. Raw Organic Whey (90 servings, $1.05 per serving, 21 grams of protein)

Raw Organic Whey has the most extensive testing done for any whey product that I have seen including heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, mycotoxins, and melamine. Impressive . Companies typically test once a year. The last test available is in May/June 2021, so there should be updated tests soon.

3. NorCal Organic Whey (36 servings, $1.80 per serving, 21 grams of protein)

NorCal Organic Whey is a very high-quality whey from Jersey cows in Humbolt and Del Norte counties in northern California. It would be great to get a comparison of whey protein powders based on the breed. Maybe I’ll get on that. I have been to these regions, and the pasture is very lush and healthy.

This company is also very mindful of winter feed. “When harvested grasses are not enough to meet the cows increased nutritional and energy needs during winter months they are given an organic Non-GMO Project Verified blend of barley, alfalfa, corn, and minerals.”

NorCal Organic Whey is cold-processed, organic, antibiotic-free, does not use any bleaching or acid processing, tested for both heavy metals and all impurities, and is about as pure as it comes.

4.  Vital Whey 2.5 lbs (56 servings, $1.25 per serving, 16 grams of protein)

This is a great economic deal for grass-fed whey from year-round pastures, but the protein content is a little lower at 16 grams. The company (Well Wisdom) performs testing annually to ensure that the highest amounts possible of the fragile immune fractions are retained in their native forms. These values are listed on the label (Immunoglobulins, Lactoferrin, and Serum Albumin).

5. Mt. Capra Products Double Bonded Goat Milk Protein (30 servings, $2.14 per serving, 20 grams of protein)

Mt. Capra was the protein powder of choice for the 2014 Superbowl winners, the Seattle Seahawks. According to Mt. Capra, “ At the beginning of the season, we were approached by the certified nutritionist for the Seattle-based team and were informed that currently the team was being fed a GMO-laden soy protein powder at every team meal.

This, of course, had to stop. The NFL’s premier team couldn’t settle for a protein powder (soy) that was highly allergenic, filled with dangerous phytoestrogens, and literally a frankenfood (GMO).

The team’s forward-thinking nutritionist inquired if Mt. Capra would be willing to start supplying our clean and digestible protein powders to the Seahawks. We, of course, were thrilled to partake in the success of our favorite NFL team and eagerly began sending large 40-pound boxes of protein to the team.”

There are multiple protein powders available through Mt. Capra. My favorites include Double Bonded Protein, Deep 2 30 and Goat Whey protein that is only available through health care practitioners. I have talked with this company many times, and each time I’m very impressed with their process and attention to detail.

Mt. Capra has been making goat products since 1928, and continue to churn out superior products. All of the criteria is matched including the milk being grass-fed, organic, no artificial colors or flavors, GMO-free, they use refractance window drying for cold processing and own their own goat herd in my favorite place, the Pacific Northwest.

Ingredients of Double Bonded Protein: Goat milk protein, fermented goat milk protein, organic cocoa powder, natural chocolate flavor, guar gum, xanthan gum, and stevia. *If you do not like the taste of goat products and do not have cow dairy sensitivities, stick with the cow.

6. Wild Whey Grass-fed Whey Protein (30 Servings, $1.67 per serving, 15 grams of protein)

Wild Whey concentrate comes from grass-fed cows in south Australia, ensuring pasture year-round and purity from pesticides, herbicides, and other toxins.

Wild Whey claims to test for the highest levels of immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and serum albumin. It is sweetened with stevia, making it a good choice for people who like their protein shake a little sweeter. I have found that the stevia-sweetened whey powders go best mixed with plain yogurt.

7. Antler Farms Whey Protein Isolate (30 servings, $1.63 per serving, 26 grams)

If you are looking for a whey protein isolate instead of a concentrate due to lactose intolerance, Antler Farms from New Zealand provides an exceptional product. It provides 26 grams of cold-processed protein from cows fed on grass year-round with a clean ingredient list. This one is pretty sweet, so I recommend mixing it with plain yogurt.

The Worst Protein Powders

The standard formula for many whey protein powders (especially big companies) will include feedlot dairy fed GMO corn, GMO soy (from some reports even candy or turkey manure is thrown in!) treated with growth hormones and antibiotics, GMO soy lecithin, artificial sweeteners and possibly unhealthy levels of heavy metals.

I’ve highlighted the main things to avoid on the label. Heavy metals will be hidden and need 3rd party testing, which also makes me wonder what else is hidden. One of the main sweeteners you will see used is sucralose.

Sucralose is an   organochlorine . It has been found to  wreak havoc  on intestinal bacteria (up to 50% destruction) and  express  two p-450 enzymes, which activate carcinogens.

Your beneficial bacteria is responsible for up to 80 percent of your immune system, your ability to lose fat, maintain selenocysteine levels present in the catalytic center of enzymes to protect the thyroid from free radical damage, and emerging research is connecting anxiety and depression to low beneficial bacteria populations.

You will see online forums try to downplay the issues with artificial sweeteners, but my question is if it doesn’t benefit you, why use it? I’ve added the popular brands here, however, you will find the label pattern is the same for the majority of these type of whey protein powders.

1. Muscle Milk If you can buy it in a can at a 7/11 or Rite Aid, you should probably be suspicious. I am still shocked to read that athletes are drinking this product. If you think that “cold processing” and “grass-fed” are just some fancy schmancy talk, then I’ll explain why this is so important. Here is an example of using heat for processing and getting milk from feed-lot cows.

What happens with this combination? You make number #1 on the list from Consumer Reports for toxic heavy metal contamination and get called Metal Milk. I don’t know about you, but I prefer a drink without excessive levels of cadmium, arsenic, mercury and lead. They have also felt the hot breath of the FDA on their neck for mislabeling their products, apparently because their product isn’t milk.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients: Muscle Milk Chocolate : Calcium and sodium caseinate, milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, whey peptides, lactoferrin, L-glutamine, MCT, sunflower and/or safflower oil, canola oil , L-Carnitine, cocoa powder, maltodextrin, resistance maltodextrin, fructose, natural and artificial flavor , vitamin mineral blend, fructo-oligosaccharide, potassium chloride, acesulfame potassium , sucralose, soy lecithin . Here you have a combination of heavy metals, GMO’s, artificial sweeteners, harmful vegetable oils and allergenic dairy from feedlot cows.

What is acesulfame potassium aka acesulfame K? It’s often blended with other artificial sweeteners to yield a more sugar-like taste, which is why it gets less attention. Methlyene chloride is a solvent used in the beginning step of creating Acesulfame K.

What is methylene chloride? According to the EPA, it is predominately used as a solvent in paint strippers, removers, and pharmaceutical drugs, and as a propellant for insect sprays and aerosol paint sprays.

Exposure from the inhalation of methylene chloride has been linked to headaches, nausea, memory loss, liver and kidney issues, visual and auditory dysfunction, cardiovascular problems and an increased rate of cancer.

According to this FDA 2003 document , “methylene chloride, a carcinogenic chemical, is a potential impurity in ACK resulting from its use as a solvent in the initial manufacturing step of the sweetener.

In the past, FDA has assumed that methylene chloride is present in Acesulfame K at the LOD of 40 ppb (worst-case scenario) and has evaluated its safety by performing a risk assessment for methylene chloride-based on this level.

No new information has been received to change FDA’s previous risk assessment for methylene chloride.” Do you know how much of this should be considered safe for human consumption? Zero parts per billion.

2. EAS Myoplex In the same study from Consumer Reports, EAS Myoplex had the highest amount of the toxic metal arsenic . According to the EPA, arsenic causes thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; diarrhea; numbness in hands and feet; partial paralysis; blindness and cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate.

Here are the ingredients: Water, Milk Protein Concentrate, Pea Protein Concentrate. Less than 2% of the Following: Corn Maltodextrin, Cocoa Powder (Processed with Alkali), High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Vitamin & Mineral Blend (Potassium Citrate, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, Salt, Magnesium Carbonate, Zinc Gluconate, dl-Alpha-tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Manganese Gluconate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chromium Chloride, Folic Acid, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin D3, Biotin, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide, Phytonadione, Cyanocobalamin), Calcium Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate, Natural & Artificial Flavor , Cellulose Gum, Cellulose Gel, Acesulfame Potassium , Gellan Gum, Sucralose, and Carrageenan.

3. BSN Syntha-6 Protein BSN Syntha-6 Protein is the second highest selling whey protein on Amazon. All of the reviews are spent raving about the taste, that’s it.

What people don’t realize is that companies use artificial sweeteners because they are addictive and send a signal to the brain to keep drinking or eating without an off switch. Studies have repeatedly shown that people who drink diet drinks or use artificial sweeteners actually gain fat because it increases carbohydrate cravings, worsens insulin sensitivity and stimulates fat storage.

So while you are using a protein to gain muscle, it contains artificial sweeteners to make you crave sugar and carbohydrates to pack on some fat with it, not to mention the other list of side effects they can cause.

Aspartame has finally received the bad publicity it deserves, but many companies are still resorting to using the artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium and sucralose or Splenda as it’s known. Don’t be fooled by the politics and flawed studies involved with artificial sweeteners. They are big business like anything else and are subject to corruption. Both should be avoided.

Ingredients : A Sustained Release Ultra-Premium Protein Matrix Comprised of (Ultrafiltered Whey Protein Concentrate [Milk] Rich in Alpha-Lactalbumin, Microfiltered Whey Protein Isolate [Milk] Rich in Whey Isolate Peptide Fractions, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Alpha and Beta Caseins and Caseinates [Milk], Milk Protein Isolate [Milk], and Egg Albumen [Egg], Glutamine Peptides), Richmix Sunflower Powder Consisting of (Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids , Sodium Caseinate [Milk], Mono- and Di-Glycerides, and Dipotassium Phosphate), Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder, Litesse II Polydextrose, Natural and Artificial Flavors , Nutrisperse MCT Powder Consisting of (Medium Chain Triglycerides, Non-Fat Dry Milk, Disodium Phosphate, and Silicon Dioxide), Ticalose Cellulose Gum, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium , Lecithin [Soy] , Aminogen, and Papain.

4.  TastyWhey by Adaptogen Science The first step is correct using a cold process for their whey concentrate, however, there is no mention of the source of the dairy.

I was really surprised to see a product still using partially hydrogenated oils. In this case, it is partially hydrogenated coconut oil in the form of coconut powder, which also contains corn syrup solids, sugar, soy, and carrageenan. You may better know partially hydrogenated as synthetic “trans-fats,” the kind that the FDA has now banned in U.S. processed food within the next three years.

Now we have soy and canola oil used in processed foods and restaurants which really isn’t better at all, but that’s another story. Isolated fructose, artificial flavors, and sucralose are also combined in the protein, making this whole formula problematic on so many different levels.

Ingredients : Cold filtered processed whey protein concentrate, coconut powder ( partially hydrogenated coconut oil , corn syrup solids , sodium caseinate, sugar , dipotassium phosphate, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids, mono and di-glycerides, sodium silicoaluminate, soy lecithin, carrageenan), cocoa, fructose , natural and artificial flavors , potassium chloride, guar gum, sucralose .

5. IsoPure Zero Carb  IsoPure is a whey protein isolate, which if that’s all it was I would have no problem with it. While it makes a claim to be “aspartame free,” it follows the same formula of adding artificial flavors and sucralose as the other formulas. This product tries to differentiate itself by adding vitamins and minerals to the profile.

Upon first glance, you may not think much about it. But when you break down the forms of the vitamins and minerals, you see some shortcuts in the form of folic acid  (best as methylfolate and certain people may need to avoid folic acid), cyanocobalamin (best as methylcobalamin), and magnesium oxide (worst form, only 4% absorbed).

“Natural flavor” also always needs to be confirmed by the company that it isn’t MSG, which spikes glutamate levels. If people are using multiple vitamin and mineral fortified powdered products, bars, and supplements, they can start getting higher doses of certain minerals like copper, selenium and manganese that can be problematic.

For this reason, it is important to be aware of the collective totals in conjunction with your diet.

Ingredients : Whey protein isolate, vitamin and mineral blend (dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide, ascorbic acid, sodium chloride, zinc sulfate, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate, niacinamide, calcium d-pantothenate, copper sulfate, manganese, sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, thiamin hydrochloride, vitamin a acetate, chromium chloride, folic acid, d-biotin, potassium iodine, sodium molybdate, sodium selenite, phytonadione, cyanocobalamin, soy lecithin, l-glutamine, natural and artificial flavor , sucralose , xanthan gum.

6. TwinLab Protein Fuel Twinlab uses a blend with whey concentrate that is not from grass-fed cows. As you can see, it has a lot of fillers shared with the other formulas.

Ingredients : Whey protein blend (whey protein concentrates, whey protein isolate), glycine, natural and artificial flavors , non-dairy creamer (sunflower oil, corn syrup solids , sodium caseinate, dipotassium phosphate, mono and diglycerides, soy lecithin , silicon dioxide), cocoa, xanthan gum, guar gum, papain, bromelain, fructooligosaccharides, acesulfame potassium , sucralose , soy lecithin .

7. Quest Vanilla Milkshake Protein Powder Quest uses sucralose and carrageenan. There is  research showing that “exposure to the common food additive carrageenan may lead to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance,” therefore contributing to the development of diabetes in mice.

There has also been some concern in studies looking at human intestinal cells that may translate to a pro-inflammatory response on the digestive system. Ingredients:  Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Micellar Casein), Natural Flavors. Contains less than 2% of the following: Cellulose Gum, Sunflower Lecithin, Steviol Glycosides (Stevia), Salt, Carrageenan, Sucralose.

Avoid the hyped-up whey protein powders advertised from guys with shaved chests and giant pecs. Choose the companies with a smaller marketing budget that are using their resources for the highest quality whey.

See also: Best Plant-Based Protein Powders Best and Worst Electrolyte Drinks Best and Worst Multivitamins and How to Design Your Own

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423 Comments

consider a Fish Protein – it is new since this article was written – available in USA under AminoMarine brand. Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Wild Caught fish source so its hormone and antibiotic free, also small south pacific anchovy source – so no bio-accumulation issues that larger gamefish have.

and Lastly – it tastes GOOD ! you won’t believe it, but its true – perfect addition to a smoothie.

Sounds completely disgusting! But I said the same about cricket protein and I tried it.. not bad at all. Psychologically I couldn’t keep taking it though.

Hi Alex! I was wondering if you could tell me what you think of Tera’s Organic Whey. The ingredients look good. Thank you! Karen

Also, if I am taking whey protein and organic bone broth do I need a collagen protein supplement? Is whey protein enough to help the body make collagen? Thank you so much for your time:) Karen

If you are drinking bone broth, then you are getting the best source of collagen and it wouldn’t be necessary to take additional collagen supplementation. Collagen is produced by the amino acids glycine, proline and lysine and vitamin C. Taking additional vitamin C would be a way to help boost collagen production.

Have you checked out Wild Foods brand whey protein. Just ordered it and wondered how it rated.

Is it different from #5 on this list? Can you provide a link so I can check it out?

I think Tera’s Organic Whey is a good quality product, just a little pricier than comparable whey protein powders.

AllMax Nutrition IsoNatural Ingredients: Whey Protein Isolate

That is all.

According to the company, IsoNatural contains soy lecithin even though it is not on the label. Their support team did not know if it was grass-fed, however if it’s not advertised as grass-fed, then it probably isn’t.

So do you think it’s a good one? I think it should be in any top 5 list.

Why the concern with soy lecithin being added? Isn’t it just a bit of emulsifier for smooth blending?

The only real concern here is for people with allergies, and soy can be a common one. Sunflower lecithin is a safer bet in this case.

Formulx – 100% grass fed protein. Best source, process & ingredients.

Beats all the others hands down. If anyone is interested in learning more, e-mail me and I can tell you more about it and get you a discount.

It is recommended and sold at various crossfit gyms. Highly regarded in the Paleo community.

I have looked on many sites about protein However, I get the feeling you are the most knowledgable to recommend a protein to me.

Could you explain a little more on what type you are looking for? The ones I have listed are grass-fed whey protein, and I recommend any of the ones on the best list.

Good, but expensive:

http://www.bulletproofexec.com/upgraded-whey/

I’m a big fan of Syntha-6 to be honest.

Feel free to check out theproteinreviewer.com for a big list of flavors and brands of all the best protein supps.

We made a True Paleo Protein without milk

http://paleoproproducts.com/

The sodium will kill you alone! Over 360 gms. Really?

I am just can’t seem to find a great whey that is non-denatured, cold pressed, grass-fed BUT NOT including stevia or any soy or sunflower lecithin.

Scouring the internet and so many ingredients list. If anyone knows of any please do let me know! Thanks so much!

I actually just discovered one. I was approached by Designs for Health regarding their grass fed whey, and agreed to meet with them. I sampled it and told them that the xylitol was way too sweet. I just noticed that there was a formula change where they have it with just whey, no sweeteners or lecithin. I’m not sure if it is advertised online, but I’ll look for it.

I’m not sure if they had this formula before, but I definitely didn’t see it until recently. I have added it to the article. It is Designs for Health Unflavored.

In their most recent practiioners catalog it looks like the ‘whey cool’ vanilla contains ONLY natural vanilla flavor (they do not specify sourced from vanilla beans).

The Chocolate is a bit more ambiguous; “natural flavors, certified organic stevia leaf extract powder, vegetable celluose

The unflavored/unsweetened ” Proprietary why protein concentrate (proserum). I’m not sure why this is listed in the ‘other ingredients’ for the unflavored…it is the proprietary whey used in all three formulas.

Cat, Whey Natural! USA’s All Natural Plain Whey Protein (Mother Nature’s best: Biologically active, raw, Chill-Right® cold-processed WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE from Amish pastureland dairy cows) is free of binders, sweeteners and more. It is not cheap($100/2.5 lb) but they are offering 20% off through 17 August.

This one is non-denatured and they do have a non-flavored version: http://tiny.cc/oneworldwhey

One problem though, they have admitted to mislabeling in the past and refused to refund peoples’ money. I just don’t trust them. Also, to avoid denaturing from pasteurization, it’s using radiation to kill bacteria. It’s not legal to sell raw.

This is a great one. http://cleanedgenutritionandlifestyle.isagenix.com/en-AU/products/categories/individual-items/isa-pro

Isagenix A1+ ? Informed Sports Certified ?

Interesting articles you have, thumb up!! I have never pay attention to all this ingredients when i was taking MusclePharm combat protein powder but after i read your website i do see all of them are using the same thing.

Thanks, Dani

Alex, very solid information on your site. In reference to BEST/WORST protein powders have you any information on the meal replacement product from IDLife… http://www.idlife.com/mealreplacement/index.html I appreciate your knowledge and feedback, Thank you!

Everything appears to check out in terms of their processing method, including both whey isolate and concentrate, and not using any suspicious fillers or sweeteners. It doesn’t say if their whey is grass-fed, which is what I would ask. I couldn’t find a contact us on their website.

Great article Alex! I have been using protein powder for many years now but only recently became aware of all the potential issue and the need for “clean” protein. I do love the IDLife Shake product and have been using for about a year now. I found this on the website :”Whether your goal is to lose weight, tone up or just feel better and healthier, the IDLife Shake is the answer to what you’ve been looking for. Through a combination of organically derived, high-quality, cold-filtered Whey Protein from hormone free grass fed cows and micro-milled chia seeds, which are known as a great source of healthy omega 3 fatty acids and Fiber, the IDLife Shake delivers the absolute best tasting shake possible designed to stimulate metabolism, feed lean muscle, and curb your appetite. One taste and you’ll know why we call it the most nutritious and with great-tasting meal of the day!*” IDLife is adamant about having only the highest quality of anything and their protein is derived from grass fed cows in New Zealand as they are very strict regarding GMO’s, pesticides and the like. I also enjoy having the micro-milled chia seeds for the extra omega 3’s and for adding a smoothness to the product. I love it! They are also very big on not putting “label paint” in their products, ingredients that do not have well studied benefits and a good safety profile. Thanks for putting out this well written article!

How do you rate isagenix?

Is there a certain product from them you have in mind? Usually with companies like these, there will be some high quality products and others that are not.

The have a pure protein powder and a meal replacement (hi protein) mix. Botherwise are good and come in multiple flavour’s.

…”both are”…

Hi, Alex- I was wondering about your thoughts on the Isagenix Isalean protein shakes. How do they stack up on the best/worst list?

Do you have one specifically in mind that you want me to analyze?

Please do a review on the IsaLean Dutch Chocolate. Thanks!

Hi Chelsey,

Isalean is technically a meal replacement shake and contains an added vitamin, mineral and carbohydrate profile. It uses the wrong form of B12 and synthetic folic acid, and uses isolated fructose for a total sugar count of 11 grams.

The issue with these types of shakes is that it is very easy for people to get high amounts of poorly made vitamins when combining sources from multivitamins and fortified foods.

Isolated fructose is a problem because it negatively affects sex hormone binding globulin, and therefore hormones.

What are your thoughts on creatine? If you think it is beneficial to supplement for muscle gains what particular products do you recommend and dosages/cycle?

(My goals being to increase reps and strength as efficient as possible without concern for weight gain/loss).

Note: I am vegetarian as in no meat/fish. My protein comes from legumes, soy, at most 2 eggs daily, whey, casein. Since I’m aware meats are a source of creatine.

And do you have any other recommendations for weightlifting supplements? I already obtained upon recommendation from your blogs multivitamins, vitamin c, magnesium citramate, and cordyceps. Some weightlifting supplements that are suggested I found on http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/top-5-supps-for-faster-muscle-gain.htm are beta alenine, bcaa, and glutamine.

Beta alanine is the precursor to carnosine, and you can get plenty of carnosine from whey and eggs. The same is true of BCAA and glutamine. You can see a more detailed explanation of glutamine here: http://paleoedge.com/does-supplemental-glutamine-increase-the-muscle-recovery-process/

I have found that supplement combination with grass-fed whey and a solid diet to be the most effective approach. Everything else I’ve tried or seen athletes try has appeared to be a waste of money that should be spent on high quality protein.

A lot of the concerns about creatine’s lack of long term studies – especially when I first start practicing sports nutrition – have been debunked and there is actually quite a bit of research showing its safety. I’ve seen people get great results, and others not see any change. It may not be necessary for those who eat enough red meat and fish, but for lacto-ovo vegetarian weight lifters it could be beneficial. The typical loading does is 5g 4x a day for 7 days, then 5g daily as a maintenance dose. You can skip the loading dose and start with 5g daily. Many people feel that it works faster with the loading dose. I recommend using creatine monohydrate with carbohydrates post-workout and avoiding caffeine. I currently do no have any particular products I recommend, but look for ones with guaranteed purity testing.

I had good results with it. Basically it loads your body with what it needs to recover but your body responds to it based on what it needs. This is a layman’s perspective but it’s precisely what happens, and what happens is probably not only what keeps it legal in sports, but also why it isn’t necessarily bad for you, unless the substance later turns out to be. No long term study conducted by a company focusing on “safety” is looking at anything other than extreme health, and the FDA isn’t monitoring it so that means the gate is open. So, who knows if there are changes, such as in the brain, as a result. In terms of dice rolling, at least you know you aren’t likely to roll a losing combination because no losing combination is even known to exist!

Caffeine after a workout isn’t an issue. Before a workout it is. Combined with creatine in any stage, the argument is that they cancel out each other. Or could. op might know something I don’t.

Has muscle milk change an is the pre made vanilla have heavy metals

I haven’t seen this problem addressed by the company or additional testing done, so I would still exercise caution with their products.

Has anybody used Whild Whey by Wild Foods? It seems like a great protein if everything the lable says is true. Ive been using it a couple weeks and really like it so far. I feel a big difference using a good whey post workout instead of trying to get all of my protein from food alone. Id like to see an independent lab review of these proteins to see if the lables are accurate.

http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Grass-fed-Protein-Non-denatured-Ultra-premium/dp/B00QWH7T40/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431279386&sr=8-1&keywords=wild+whey

How would you evaluate Optimum Nutrition”s 100% Whey Gold Standard? My 14 year old son tried a sample at Costco, and believes it’s absolutely the best, and their website claims that they are the standard, and have won the Top Whey prizes. How would you explain to him the difference? He generally does not want to listen to me, his Mom. He is small and want to gain weight and muscle. HE also needs protein to help heal post TBI (traumatic brain injury) and recent tests show that he is not getting enough protein in his diet. HE thinks that anything organic tastes awful (I always buy and feed him organic food).

Hi Theresa,

Optimum Nutrition’s Whey Gold Standard is a very popular whey protein, possibly due to its price point and advertising in the body building community. It is on the lower end of heavy metal contamination according to Consumer Reports . However the label I have reviewed shows that it contains artificial flavors and colors and acesulfame K (and according to customer service sucralose is used as well in most of their products). The artificial flavors and colors are a propriety blend, so therefore they are not obligated to say what exactly they are. I think this should be disclosed to the consumers. Sucralose is a synthetic organochlorine, in the same family as Agent Orange, DDT, PCB’s, pesticides and insecticides. Acesulfame K contains questionable amounts of methylene chloride, a classified carcinogen. The company said that the 90 percent of the dairy comes from the US, and 10 percent from the European Union. They cannot claim non-GMO because the cows are eating GMO corn and soy. This fact may or may not be important to some people. But for health (the cows and ourselves) and environmental reasons, these animals should be on grass.

I don’t know the age of your son, but what he needs to know about gaining muscle and weight is that it starts with his diet and type of lifting program. He should really read the article I wrote on testosterone to understand the importance of eliminating pesticides, herbicides and other toxins that harm testosterone levels and therefore muscle gain. It gives great diet and supplement tips for gaining mass. Whey protein is a convenient adjunct to the diet, but it won’t put on muscle without a solid protein centered whole foods diet low in toxins and sugar. In terms of the brand of whey protein, 20-25 grams of whey that is cold processed and without the harmful additives/heavy metals are all going to perform well with a good diet and lifting regime, despite what claims or marketing awards are given out.

Thanks for sharing. Not everyone realizes that whey protein shakes are not all the same. I am a fan of the cold pressed chocolate protein shake by Xocai healthy chocolate. It uses whey protein isolate is gmo free and has over 56,000 ORACfn in antioxidant. Each serving is 21 grams of protein which is why it is recommended for weight loss and popular with body builders. I would be happy to send you a sample if you would like to try it. I used to be a customer of this product but it was cheaper to become a distributor and buy it wholesale.

Are any of these ‘best’ options available in th UK?

The UK equivalent that I know of would be The Organic Protein Company grass fed whey from northern Germany.

What about lifesource vitamins whey concentrate or isolate?

Yes the Lifesource whey looks excellent.

What about good old Designer Whey and or Shakeology

Hi Michelle,

Here is my reply about Designer Whey from a previous comment: Designer whey does not use grass-fed whey, and the dairy comes from the midwest. It has tested low in heavy metals. If this was just an isolate, it would be fine. While it doesn’t appear to have anything overly negative that stands out, since it is an isolate and a concentrate, it is my opinion that any concentrate should be grass-fed.

Shakeology uses a whey protein isolate instead of a concentrate, and uses dairy that is antibiotic free. Their adaptogen and probiotic blend is impressive and combining it with whey is a smart move. They use isolated fructose as their sweetener and add cheap forms of vitamins and minerals including magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, folic acid and cyanocobalamin. I explain a little more in depth in my multivitamin article why these forms may need to be avoided, and why methylfolate and methylcobalamin should be used. If they removed the fructose and cheap vitamins and minerals, it would be a good product.

Designer Whey has a new grass fed protein,how does it look to you? My brain hurts from trying to search a powder that is good, but won’t send me to the poor house.

The Designer Whey product looks well formulated and doesn’t have any potentially harmful ingredients. The whey source is from Wisconsin, which means the batch may or may not be grass-fed depending on the time of the year it was processed. Whey protein powders that use this source typically are less expensive. If you look at the cost of Promix in bulk, it is the same cost per serving as the Designer Whey.

Hi, I have started hitting the Gym for the Past 3 months but am not able to see much results. Now am planning to go for the Whey Protein. My trainer instructed me to go for the ISO 100. After much result am totally confused. Please guide me to this. Shall i go for it ???????

No I wouldn’t recommend ISO 100 due to the use of soybean oil, artificial flavors and sucralose. Any of the above options will give you the same results without the additives.

Hey. I really had high hopes for Promix but it taste incredibly bad! I even tried my usual method of adding fruit to an almond milk protein shake. It just became a blue glass of nastiness.

Any other comparable options that are tastier?

I am shocked you didn’t like the taste. I have had nothing but positive feedback with Promix. Were you using a whey protein before that used sucralose or stevia before? I would double check with the company that you didn’t get a bad batch because the taste is very faint. That is the best one in the lower price range. Any of the grass-fed options on the list will be comparable in quality. Mt. Capra and Pure Power in particular are a little sweeter.

thanks for the quick response. I’ll research those others too.

Thank you for the valuable information. I am trying to build upper body muscle so I can lift myself (pull-ups, chin-ups, dips), but I have never had a strong upper body though I look lean and muscular. Men make it look so easy…

I was wondering if/what you know about the Trader Joe’s (Trader Darwin’s) Whey Protein Powder Quick Dissolve, with 21 vitamins and minerals (low fat, low sodium). I like that it has all the added vitamins and minerals, but I also noticed that it contains some soy lecithin. Plus, I could take the vitamins and minerals separately, so I am more interested in the protein and muscle recovery agents.

Also, one of my friends highly recommends Formulx Whey Protein Isolate. Do you know anything about that one? Thanks!

Hi Ariadna,

I am a big proponent of bodyweight exercises, so I’ll do what I can to help! The Trader Joe’s Whey protein doesn’t claim cold processing – which means it could use higher heat – and this creates toxic compounds. It uses isolated fructose, which works against you for building more muscle in multiple ways. It doesn’t appear to be grass-fed, which means in the concentrate form it may contain some undesirable contaminants. The vitamins and minerals are in a poor form, very low and essentially useless. It uses a synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) which is the form that has been found in studies to cause negative health effects.

The Formulx looks like a good product, but be aware that the vitamin profile is only 10% of the RDA, which doesn’t fill the need of any vitamin and mineral, if you were wondering about supplementing separately. The cost is $2.30 per serving. Compare that to Promix which is only 88 cents per serving.

I used BioChem natural whey protein for many years and when the scare was out that protein powders contained high levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, I wrote to the company asking if their protein powder contained levels of those toxins but I never received a reply. Does anyone know if BioChem contains high levels of those toxins? I really loved this protein powder. No sweeteners, no fat, low calories. Thanks.

I can’t find a contact email or phone of BioChem. If you have it, I’ll reach out to them and find the answer for you.

BioChem is owned by Country Life vitamins. You shoud be able to get a solid response from them. They do have certified organic options that I believe are from pastured animals. They say ‘ultra filtration’ but do not make any reference to heat processing/cold processing.

We’ve been using Naked Whey for about a year. Great results. Usually mix it with almond milk, cacao powder, almond butter & honey. What do you think about their product?

Yes, excellent product like Promix. Naked Whey may even be from the same supplier(s) in California as Promix. Promix is $10 cheaper for the same 5 lb. quantity. That protein shake sounds delicious by the way!

Thanks! In the morning, I make it with 4oz almond milk & 4oz strong coffee. Yum! I’ll give Promix a shot…sounds great!

I have been usinf sfh whey protein formseveral years, taste,excellent, label states it is very best . Product is not on your listings are you familiarmwith it.

SFH is a good grass-fed whey protein, using the same methods and sources as the others I have listed. It will be a little sweeter due to the stevia than Promix, which is personal preference. But if you are looking for the best deal at the same quality, a 2 lb. bag of SFH is $44.99, compared to $79.99 for a 5 lb. bag of Promix.

SFH is non certified grass fed from new Zealand (ultra high temp short time pasteurization, like all proteins you can by from New Zealand on alibaba.com), and have you noticed they do not disclose their sugar content. This is a dietary supplement, not a food.

By definition, Whey Protein Concentrate contains 80% protein, and 20% lactose (simple sugar) & fats. Bottom line, how con you trust a company who wont disclose the sugar content?

Most bovines are exposed to some grass, and without a proper certification you wont know if that pasture/grass exposure is 1% & 99% grains, or 85% grass-fed & 15% grains… WPC sells for 3$ / lb from most suppliers. Don’t waste you’re money.

Any thoughts on Whey Natural? Thanks!

Whey Natural is grass-fed, however I would prefer that dextrose is not added. I would choose one with stevia only or without a sweetener.

Can you please tell about Summit nutritions pure whey protein isolate http://www.summitnutritions.com/product/pure-whey-protein-isolate-chocolate-and-vanilla/

Is it from grass fed cows?…I also cannot find 2lb in promix whey.

Hi Vignesh,

I couldn’t find anything on their site that indicated it was grass-fed. I sent them an email inquiring and asking for heavy metal test results.

I believe Promix only comes in 5lb quantities.

The company said that it is non-GMO, but the animals eat grain and grass.

Thanks Alex for your update. Since it didn’t show any heavy metals report, is it ok to go ahead and try this. Will you recommend.

Yes, looks like an ok choice.

How about Now Foods Whey? What are your opinions on the quality of their product? They are supposed to be GMO free, gluten free, etc. They do use soy lecithin, but I figured since they are GMO free, it would be ok. Thoughts?

Hi Clayton,

Now Foods Whey has a concentrate, an isolate and a concentrate, and a pure isolate. The concentrate is the only one that is organic. It is free of growth hormones and antibiotics, uses low heat, tested low for heavy metals and does not contain artificial sweeteners. I called the company, and they said the dairy comes from Wisconsin cows that feed on grass most of the year except for winter. The cost comes to $1.32 a serving, and compare that to 88 cents a serving for Promix. You would be correct that GMO free would mean that the soy used isn’t GMO, however I do prefer sunflower seed lecithin over soy for something you may be using daily.

If you wanted to use NOW Foods Whey, I would choose the certified organic concentrate, but Promix is a better deal.

Anyone have any info or opinion on “The Natural” brand grass fed whey protein from TheNatural.com ? http://www.thenatural.com/the-natural-whey-protein-32-oz-powder-vanilla.html . thanks

Hi Alex, I got to this list from the link in your article about the best supplements for concussions. My 16 year old son just got his second concussion. I have been using Source Naturals True Whey for years for myself. Could you please tell me if you agree that this is a quality product. I have not checked with them regarding heavy metal intent though. Also, should I let him mix it with organic milk? I always though milk caused inflammation in the body, but it doesn’t mix that well with water and he doesn’t like the taste. Thanks for any help you can give me.

So sorry to hear about your son. Source Naturals True Whey is grass-fed, and the company is mindful regarding chemicals and heavy metals, although I haven’t seen a verified test. However, it has a low protein content (8g per scoop), which means you really need two scoops to get 16g. So the 41 servings should really be 20.5 servings. For your son, I would recommend a higher protein content per serving like Promix which has 25g per serving. Milk can be inflammatory, but it depends on the individual. If he gets stuffed up after drinking milk, it is causing inflammation. Fermentation can help, and sometimes people do better on kefir, or goat’s milk or goat kefir.

What about Teras whey? I just started working out and want to use whey. My bf INSISTS on using Muscle Milk but after researching i refuse. I have been looking for a clean protein powder and i found Teras on amazon. Nothing but great reviews. What do you think? Great artice btw solid info would really appreciate a response! 🙂

Hi Audrina,

Tera’s Whey comes from Wisconsin, similar to NOW. This means that the cows have access to grass most of the year, while being fed grain during the colder months. The non-organic whey may come from small farms that farm organically but aren’t certified, but you may want to choose the certified organic version to ensure purity. As for pricing, it is $25.99 for 12 servings in a 16 oz. container. That is $2.17 a serving compared to 88 cents a serving for Promix.

I use to drink slim fast for two meals a day but can’t have that much vitamin k, what would you recommend for a good weight loss protein meal replacement powder that isn’t full of bad ingredients or vitamin k? I did find organized organic protein from Costco, thoughts?? Thanks!

Orgain Organic Protein

The Orgain Organic Protein looks good for a plant based protein powder. The only time you will find vitamin K in protein powder is in weight loss shakes with added vitamins, or with an added greens powder. The one you chose or any of the whey protein choices in this article will work well for your goals in accordance with the rest of your diet.

Thank you for responding!

Hi Alex, My 16 year old boy would like to use a Whey powder but I’m very concerned about pumping my child with all the wrong ingredients. We live in SA and there is a product Nutrismart Whey powder which is “100% organic” – please advise these are the ingredients: Amino Acids, Alanine, Arginine,Aspartic acid, Cysteine, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan,Tyrosine, Valine

Please Note: This product contains naturally occurring glutamic acid, and is free of added MSG.

It states cows are grass fed.

Thank you for your assistance. regards Rolene

Looks excellent! This would be a great choice.

Thanks Alex, great to have someone who can give sound advise. regards

Hi Alex Just noticed Alanine, Arginine,Aspartic acid, Phenylalanine, are found in Nutrismart product aren’t these found in Aspartame and isn’t Aspartame dangerous.

Thanks, sorry I sound paranoid. Regards

No worries, it is important to ask these types of questions. Those listed are naturally occurring amino acids in the right ratios with the other amino acids. Aspartame breaks down to isolated and elevated levels of aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. These higher isolated levels lead to toxic effects and block the transport of other amino acids, along with the issues of methanol metabolites.

Thank you – I am going to be buying this product for my child so want to make sure I make the most informed decision.

Are there still lead concerns in Mt Capra?

I have spoken with Mt. Capra and their heavy metal testing shows exceedingly low levels of all heavy metals.

Hi Alex, Just wondering what your thoughts are on Isagenix Isalean Shakes?

Hi Caroline,

I think there are better options at lower prices. This is a meal shake, so it is a little different than a pure whey protein powder due to a multivitamin profile and added fiber/carbohydrates. There are pros and cons on the ingredient label. It is grass-fed and has some decent ingredients, but the cons are isolated fructose, sunflower oil, zinc oxide (poor form), cyanocobalamin (should be methylcobalamin) and folic acid (should be methylfolate). It is $50 for 14 servings, putting it at $3.57 a serving. I think a superior approach is a pure grass-fed whey with 1/2 banana, blueberries and flaxseeds or chia seeds if you want a higher fiber intake. This will give you vitamins, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates in the optimal form and ratio.

Are you saying Shakeology is bad for you? I used to take Shakeology but now I’m trying TastyWhey by Adatogen Science. What are your thoughts on that product?

The Shakeology protein powder tested high for lead, so no I wouldn’t recommend it. I also do not recommend Tasty Whey by Adaptogen Science, which contains partially hydrogenated coconut oil (the bad kind), corn syrup, soy, carrageenen, fructose, artificial flavors and sucralose.

I followed up on Shakeology. As of their last testing, Shakeology updated their formula and passed the test lead free. I will be removing it from the worst list.

Recent Labdoor reviews indicate shakeology failed lead testing as recent as 2/2017. What do you know of this and what leads to lead being in a shake mix?

Thank you for the update. It looks like Labdoor is using the guidelines set forth by California’s Prop 65 for lead, which is extremely strict for many products that contain whole foods. I am in California, so I see this warning all the time and it creates a lot of confusion. I purchased a chaga mushroom product from the Canadian wilderness that had this warning on it. Proposition 65 requires a warning notice on any product that provides 0.5 micrograms of lead daily. This is 12 times lower than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Lead is in our soil and water, and trace amounts are in the food we eat. So it is really challenging to know if the amount is really excessive according to Prop 65 when an avocado would probably fail too.

Any thoughts on BioTrust Low Carb?

This is a new one to me. I sent them an email with some inquiries. I’ll let you know when they get back to me.

I received an email back, however it was an automated reply asking me to sign up for their forum and look for answers there. So they are not getting any points for customer service. I read through their literature on their site and watched their videos.

First, they don’t use any artificial sweeteners, hormone free whey (but doesn’t claim to be grass-fed) and low-temp processing. It is a 25% blend of whey protein concentrate, isolate, micellar casein and milk protein. This is similar to the Mt.Capra Double Bonded product. They also added prohydrolase, which is an enzyme that helps breakdown protein. I have seen this marketed as a separate supplement before. Their main marketing pitch is that their protein is time released, so allegedly you absorb more protein compared to other whey products. I can’t confirm if this is actually true without proper clinical testing of the product itself compared to other products. While I think the integrity of the product is good, I think it may be overhyped for its price when you can buy high quality whey that delivers results for a lower price.

I’ve been using it for a while now and really like the taste without being gritty. I always get it “on sale” so never pay what they advertise as full price. Was just wondering where it fell in your scheme of best/worst. Thanks for the reply.

Do you think the Mt Capra is better than the Promix in price point and quality? My boyfriend is a Chiropractor. Just wondering if I could use him to get the Mt Capra for me. Thoughts?

Do you mean if you get the Mt. Capra at wholesale cost? The Mt. Capra Double Bonded is $2.17 per serving, so say you were able to get it at cost and it was 40-50% less, Promix would still be a better deal. I think they are on par with each other quality wise, but goat is preferable if there is any sensitivity to cow dairy.

I’ve used the Diesel New Zealand Whey protein concentrate. What are you’re thoughts about this product – and why is there a different price for apparantly same product from Amazon or Walmart !?

Thank you for your expertise!

Everything on that product checks out. The only question I would ask the company is if their natural flavors contain MSG.

You are right, those are dramatic price differences. They look like the same size. I would definitely but it from Walmart!

What about the Vega brand?

I have used the the Vega Sport Performance, and if you are looking for a plant based alternative to whey for working out, this would be a good choice. Only complaint I had and other clients who have used it was that it seemed a little heavy on the digestion.

Thank you! I haven’t used the sport performance one, just the regular vanilla. I like the flavor and haven’t had any digestive issues myself.

Great info thank you. I have used Healthy-N-Fit Whey Pro Amino for l5 years. I am very curious to hear your opinion about it. They were the first whey isolate i ever heard of back then. The ingredients have changed very little all this time and has allways been artificial free. The source of the lecithin is soy but, why you don’t like lecithin? I shop around each time i order and get it for around $55 after shipping for 5 lb. which has sixty 30g servings. http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/hfit/whey.htm

Your link for promix not working.

Fixed. Thanks!

I found the promix chocolate on amazon and it is $80 for 73 servings that have 21g protien. That is more than a $1 per serving. HNF Whey ProAmino has 80 servings with 22.5g of protien at less than $1 per serving. The promix has concentrate instead of isolate. concentrate slower to digest and causes protien farts if your lactose intolerant or not. HNF adds back the good stuff missing from most isolates and enhances the amino acid profile in favor of building muscle. I have never looked into the source of whey or heavy metals so I still look forward to your opinion.

You are right. It looks like the packaging may have been updated. The 5lb for unflavored is 76 servings, and chocolate is 73. The unflavored is the one I have been recommending, and it comes to $1.05 per serving. Still over half the cost per servings of other grass-fed whey powders in comparison. I will do some research on HNF Whey ProAmino and get back to you. Also, Promix unflavored has 25 grams of protein per serving.

I just received an email back. The diary is not grass-fed and is from conventional milk (also not growth hormone free). In terms of heavy metals “random checking of heavy metal content of raw materials is performed to ensure that our suppliers are providing materials which meet the specifications that have been set forth – this may be done by a third party lab or may be done internally.”

The source of the dairy may not be as important for whey protein isolate since the fat is removed, and isolate is a better choice if you are sensitive to lactose (as mentioned in the article). However it is my position that a grass-fed whey concentrate – if tolerated – is preferable for the reasons described in the article.

What about Plexus P96? I read that they do not use artificial sweeteners. How does it compare to some of the others you have recommended?

Hi Jennifer,

I am waiting to hear back regarding a few questions I had, but overall I am not impressed by the profile and pricing of Plexus P96. From what I can see, it is 32.95 for 12 packets, with minuscule amounts of added vitamin and minerals, some of which are in the wrong form. Glad to see they don’t use artificial sweeteners, but also not standing out over other whey protein powders.

Hi Alex. What do you think about Z Natural Foods goat whey? http://www.znaturalfoods.com/Goat-Whey-Protein-Concentrate Thank you.

Looks good!

I purchased 5lbs of Z Natural Foods Goat Whey. I reacted to it like I do Cow Whey. Since I am allergic to Cow, it wasn’t good. They balked, but gave most of my money back. After I threatened to have it lab tested to see if it really was Cow.

It just sounds fishy. It’s cheap. I was just wondering what you would recommend doing about from here if they really are switching packages, and reselling it for a higher price? They just sound a bit shady over the phone.

Hi Patrick,

Have you reacted to other goat whey protein powders before? Or notice a difference between using an isolate vs. a concentrate? You could inquire who their supplier is and get their contact information to verify.

Wow…this information is great. I honestly did not realize how much there is to know about Proteins powders. I did find one a while ago, and it seemed to be good. Now that I know that cold processing is important, I read that this protein powder uses a low temp process…is that bad as well? The product is BlueBonnet Whey Protein…doesn’t sound all high tech, but I like the way it taste…however, if it’s garbage for my body, I can move on. I appreciate if you could tell me if the product is any good. Thank you!! http://www.bluebonnetnutrition.com/product/41/100%25_Natural_Whey_Protein_Isolate_Powder_Original_Flavor

Everything for BlueBonnet looks good. Cold processing and low temperature processing is essentially used interchangeably. The important thing is that high temperature is not used. Price per serving is $1.61, so it is priced right in the middle range. It is an isolate, so if there is any lactose sensitivity it is preferred over a concentrate.

What about now whey protein

I recently answered this one in the comment section. I’ll post it here again.

Now Foods Whey has a concentrate, an isolate and a concentrate, and a pure isolate. The concentrate is the only one that is organic. It is free of growth hormones and antibiotics, uses low heat, tested low for heavy metals and does not contain artificial sweeteners. I called the company, and they said the dairy comes from Wisconsin cows that feed on grass most of the year except for winter. The cost comes to $1.32 a serving, and compare that to $1.05 a serving for Promix. You would be correct that GMO free would mean that the soy used isn’t GMO, however I do prefer sunflower seed lecithin over soy for something you may be using daily.

I would like to hear your thoughts on preserage grass fed whey protein

Did you mean Reserveage? It is a good one. A little sweet for some people.

How does Source Organic Classic Whey rate in relation to the options you listed? Thanks

Very high quality. Up there will all the ones I have listed. I’ll make sure to add this one.

How about Kaizen Naturals Whey Isolate (New Zealand). No artificial Flavours or colours. “Cold processed cross-flow microfiltration undenatured whey protein isolate sourced for grass-fed cows. Gluten-free. Third party tested to meet safety levels required for heavy-metals and pesticide residues.” Wondering about it, in general, and also do you think the 40mg sodium in 29 g of powder is a problem?

Hi Kathryn,

Kaizen Naturals looks great, and no I don’t think the 40mg of sodium is a problem.

I just purchased Naked Whey. http://nkdnutrition.com . It looked really good to me, but then I saw that it was not listed among your top Proteins. Do you have any knowledge on Naked?

Hi Dominic,

Yes it is a good one. It appears to be sourced from similar (if not the same) farms in California as Promix. Both have 76 servings and 25 grams of protein for the 5 lb, but Promix is $10 cheaper.

Thanks Alex! Appreciate the comment!

What about the following:

1) Vital Whey 2) Garden of Life Raw Protein and Greens 3) Designs for Health WheyCool

1) Good, I have it listed on the best list. 2) Has been questionable due to heavy metal concerns in the past. 3) Good.

Interesting information, I’ve arrived here looking information for a protein called ProteinSeries 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate from a Company called Transparent Labs, would like to hear from an independent source like yourself.

Best regards

Hi Nehemoth,

I like that it is grass-fed and from New Zealand, which yields a very clean product. However, they use artificial flavoring in their product. If they take this out, they have a good product.

Hi, I’ve been using” One World Whey” vanilla for a while ,I like it, tastes good, just wondering if you know anything about it ? I was also thinking about switching to a grass-fed goat based protein powder, like “Swanson grass-fed goat protein” , ”Naked goat ”or ”Grazing Goat Whey Protein” by LUVBYNATURE nutrition (this one looked good) ,any info on these powders would be greatly appreciated ,thanks.

One World Whey uses artificial flavors, so it is not one I recommend. Grass-fed goat whey is an excellent choice. Out of those three, Grazing Goat Whey Protein looks like the best, and then Naked Goat.

I’ve been using Dymatize ISO 100 and ON Gold Standard. how are these? Thanks in advance

I do not recommend the Dymatize ISO 100 due to the use of soybean oil, sucralose and artificial flavors. I also do not recommend ON Gold Standard due to the use of acesulfame potassium and artificial flavors.

Hello! I was wondering if you know anything about Unicity and how it compares to other shakes. Right now I’m using Isagenix as a meal replacement. Thank you!

Which Unicity shake mix would you like me to analyze?

MyProtein and Integrated Supplements ranks 1 and 2 in Labdoor.com

https://labdoor.com/rankings/protein

What are your views of the company? Also, I’d like to know the effects of sucralose in the human body. If you can guide me to a link somewhere, that would be helpful.

Hi Krishna,

It looks like Labdoor doesn’t exclude products that use artificial sweeteners, flavors, food dyes or preservatives. “Controversial artificial sweeteners, including Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium, preservatives (Benzoic Acid), and artificial colors (FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Blue 1, and FD&C Red 40) were commonly found in tested protein supplements.” This is where our lists are different.

I went more in detail regarding sucralose and food dyes in my best and worst electrolyte article . The studies for sucralose are found under Powerade Zero in the worst section.

MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate contains artificial flavor and sucralose, which makes it similar to most commercial whey protein powders. It is cheap at .60 cents and 21.9 grams of protein a serving, but I wouldn’t recommend it due to these additives. The Integrated Supplements Whey Protein Isolate does not use these, and instead uses Lo Han Guo which is a safe sweetener. I’m not crazy about crystalline fructose however, which is 99% fructose. High fructose corn syrup is about 55% fructose to give you an idea. It is unnecessary since Lo Han Guo is so sweet. It has 19.2 grams of protein and is $1.35 a serving. Better than MyProtein, but I still wouldn’t personally use it due to the crystalline fructose.

Promix is not available in India 🙁 can you find a cheap organic whey protein available in India? I want 5 lbs for 80$

Do companies in the UK ship to India?

What is your take on Athletic Greens? Is it absolutely necessary to take them or if one is getting a varied amount of fruits and veggies in their diet, that should take care of the multi vitamins?

Not sure if this is your area of expertise but I was wondering if you’re aware of any grass fed whey protein/companies which ship their products internationally to countries like India (that is where I reside)

The Athletic Greens product looks well designed. You should know that the vitamin and mineral content is not just from greens, but many of these are added. That’s not a bad thing when they are in the right form like methylfolate, methylcobalamin, magnesium glycinate etc.

In terms of getting enough through vitamins and minerals in your diet, that would depend on how good your agricultural system is, and if you have access to may freshly picked foods. In the US, a lot of our soil has been depleted, not everyone has access to freshly picked foods, and many people are on medications and consume many chemicals that cause deficiency. You can read more about this in Best and Worst Multivitamins and How to Make Your Own Multivitamin with Diet .

I think that possibly companies in the UK may ship to India.

I purchased NUUN Active Hydration after reading kelly Starrett’s book Ready to Run. He had mentioned NUUN in his top list of recommended electrolytes.

I am confused as to how much misinformation is out there regarding food for us.

I have stopped using them after reading your article. I wasn’t expecting such recommendations from Kelly Starrett.

As a layman who doesn’t understand the in depth of nutrition, what is a good way to go about on finding which foods are safer for us and which aren’t?

Appreciate all your response.

Thanks again.

The short answer is that you to look for foods that are in their original form (not processed), picked fresh and local to you (shorter distance to travel, higher nutrient profile) and grown without chemicals, hormones or antibiotics.

You may find some short articles I have written outlining basic diet guidelines helpful: PaleoEdge Guidelines Best Sources of Protein Best Sources of Fat Best Sources of Carbohydrates

I’m happy to answer any other questions you have.

Thanks Alex for taking time out and responding to my queries.

Much appreciated!

What can you tell me about Swiig they have various protein shakes. I have diabetes so I need high protein good cholesterol. Low trans fat. Low carbs, low sugar. Plus I want a quality drink don’t want to waste my time like I was with muscle milk. Thanks for that by the way. Thanks for your help.

While the most of the product looks good, I wouldn’t use Swiig due to the use of isolated fructose. There are plenty of whey protein powders without any sugar that will fit the bill for diabetes listed on this page.

Thanks Alex!

Please recommend a good goat milk or vegan protein powder. Allergic to cows milk. Looking for something that provides a high amount of protein per serving and none of the nasty ingredients. Thanks

Mt. Capra has a variety of goat whey protein powders to choose from. Vegan protein powder can be a tricky due to the taste, or the high fiber content can be rough on the digestion. Vega and Sun Warrior are the most well-known vegan protein powders, but you may also want to try organic pea protein.

Hello Alex , Can you tell me about Swansonvitamins Grassfed whey concentrate . I cant seem to find anything negative about it and its cost is about the same or better if you go on Automatic delivery compared to Promix . Being that cost is about the same which is a better product and why ? Thank you

Hi Anthony,

The major differences would be that Promix has 25 grams and Swanson Vitamins has 17 grams per serving. It also includes extra vitamins and minerals in very small amounts, however, some are in the wrong form including folic acid and cyanocobalamin. I have gone in detail about why these may need to be avoided in my multivitamin article .

I called the company, and they didn’t have the information regarding where the whey is sourced. I ask this question because sometimes the places they source the whey have limited access to grass for a good percentage of the year like Wisconsin. If I can track that information down, I will let you know.

Thanks again Alex , especially for your prompt response . I think ill check out Promix

Hi Alex, I am in awe of your knowledge on protein and health. Will be subscribing your your newsletter. For now, would like your opinion on the following: 1. Orgain Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder (vanilla bean). I am concerned that it has 350 mg of sodium per serving and 5g of Sugar Alcohol. Ingredients include: Grass Fed Whey Protein Concentrate, Organic Erythritol, Organic Creamer Base (Organic Acacia, organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Inulin, Organic Rice Dexttrins, Organic Rice Bran Extract, Organic Rosemary Extract) Natural Flavors, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sea Salt, Potassium Chloride, Organic Stevia.

Lots of organic stuff …..but is it good for you? Should I watch out for any of these “organic” ingredients?

2. Have you heard of and energy drink called Zeal from a company call Zurvita. I have been using it and it give me an energy boost. But from reading some of your other comments, the second ingredient is Crystalline fructose. If this product is not good for energy, what do you recommend.

Thanks so much for your time and expertise?

1. Yes, the sodium content does seem unnecessarily high. The sugar alcohols appear to be okay in low amounts, but there is no need to add them to whey protein. While it is all organic, there just seems to be a lot of unnecessary fillers here. I would go with another whey protein.

2. I haven’t heard of it, but I took a look at the ingredients. Yes, I don’t recommend products with crystalline fructose. This product also uses folic acid which may be an issue for certain people. Methylfolate should be the form of folate used. If you look at the ingredient list, it is the caffeine from the guarana seed extract, green tea extract and yerba mate powder, b-vitamins plus the ashwagandha and maca that is responsible for energy.

I have written two articles for energy and athletic performance. The first is titled The Best Energy Alternatives to Coffee . The second is titled Adaptogens: The Secret Weapons for Athletes . If you felt good on Zeal, you would probably do well with a combination of Yerba Mate tea, a B-complex and an adaptogen like ashwagandha, discussed in these articles.

What about Zurvita’s Protein Products? Zeal is their functional food product but their protein is being recommended by Peter Nielsen. Interested in your opinion on the Protein.

I was not able to locate a label or ingredient list online. Do you have one you can send to me?

Max Muscle Sport Nutrition – MAXPRO NO sugar/artificial sweetner Cold pressed isolate Please comment Thanks

Hi Rosalee,

Could you provide a link to the product you are viewing? The MAXPRO protein powders that I’m seeing contain sucralose and artificial flavors.

Whey Protein Concentrate [Contains Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin] (Milk), Soya Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Concentrate, Skim Milk Powder, Reduced Fat Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Flavouring, Conjugated Linoleic Acid Powder, Whey Protein Isolate [Contains Emulsifier: Soya Lecithin] (Milk), Green Tea Extract, Magnesium Citrate, Thickener (Xanthan Gum), Sweetener (Sucralose), Chromium Picolinate. ANY OF THESE BAD PLEASE ????

Yes, sucralose should be avoided and I’m not a fan of soy protein isolate. I go into detail about sucralose under Powerade Zero in my Best and Worst Electrolyte Drinks .

How about Reserveage nutrition? has cancer warning but when I called they said it was the lead in the cacao.

I think Resvereage is a little overpriced ($1.99 per serving) without providing any advantage over similar grass-fed whey powders. If choosing Reserveage, you could pick the vanilla to avoid the excess lead from the cacao.

Hi Alex, Your information is beneficial. What does your research reveal about Jay Robb Whey Protein? It’s delicious (mixed in plain yogurt) but there’s a statement on the package has me concerned .. (Paraphrasing) There is a limited supply of rBGH-free whey available and the company “may choose to procure the highest quality domestic whey protein”.

I have negative reactions to rBGH and rBST.

Thank you, Valerie

Hi Valerie,

Jay Robb takes me back because I remember using his whey and protein bars about ten years ago. They claim to be a grass-fed whey isolate without any harmful additives, but as you have pointed out, they also seem to have allowed some leeway for sourcing and you don’t really know what batch you will get. I have heard of companies having difficulty sourcing grass-fed whey during certain times of the year, but this is surprising since they are sourcing from all over the world. I would recommend another grass-fed whey that has a better supply chain for year round rBGH-free grass-fed whey. If you like the taste, choose one sweetened with stevia and it should be pretty close.

What are your thoughts on swigg chocolate whey protein? My gym uses it and now my son has me buying it for home too. Thanks! Anne Marie

Hi Anne Marie,

Swigg has two whey products. One is grass-fed, and the other is grass-fed under 60% of the year and GMO-free grain the rest of the year. All they would have to do is take out the crystalline fructose of their grass-fed whey – which is a higher percentage of fructose than high-fructose corn syrup – and they would have a good product.

Hi I wanted to know what you think of biPro whey protein isolate. Ingredients: whey protein isolate(milk), natural flavored, sunflower lecithin and stevia. I asked about heavy metals and hormones. They said an ion exchange is used to pull out heavy metals and that there is no estrogen. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks David

I called the company and they gave me the source of their dairy which can be found here: http://davisfamilydairies.com . The cows are not grass-fed and are fed a mixture with soy and corn. This isn’t something I support, but I also recognize that for isolates this may not change the final product. Testing looks good including NSF certification. The price per serving is $1.45. I would say this is on par with other whey isolates that do not have additives or sweeteners.

Hello, I see your responses about ON Gold Standard. How do you feel about their Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard “Natural” line? Claims no artificial flavors or sweeteners? Thanks in advance, Ian

I spoke with ON, and they do not use grass-fed dairy. Since they include a concentrate with the isolate, this is a relevant point. To their credit, they are considering a grass-fed line because they have been getting so many calls requesting it. “Natural flavor” can sometimes be MSG in disguise. Since it is considered a protected propriatory blend, companies do not have to tell what the natural flavor is. It is has been my experience however that companies will tell you if the natural flavor contains MSG or not. Optimum Nutrition could not make a claim that it is MSG free, which means it likely has it. It also contains sugar in place of the artificial sweetener. A small amount, but unnecessary.

Would you help to provide feedback about this grassfed whey https://www.amazon.de/PRIMAL-Protein-Pulver-Molkeprotein-Weidetieren/dp/B013FWFWOS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470276559&sr=8-1&keywords=Gras+gef%C3%BCttert+Molkeprotein

Hi Linda ta,

Once I got the German translated to English, I was able to understand what was in it! Looks like a great whey protein. Germany appears to have some high quality diary products. There is a butter in Whole Foods from Germany that I get sometimes that is bright yellow. A good sign of quality pasture.

I really appreciate much your feedback. I was initially hesitated to opt for this Primal State brand (as i still prefer Promix & Naked Whey but they are unavailable in my hometown and shipping fee is unimaginably high), due to its relatively low protein content (only~ 80%). And it still contains a considerable large amount of lactose and has a slightly sour taste (based on some comments).

Cheers to the great article on whey protein, very informative. I was wondering if you had any information or thoughts on the Orgain brand grass-fed whey protein powder, sourced from New Zealand. Thanks!

New Zealand is a reliable source for grass-fed dairy. My issue with this formula is that the 5g of erythritol (sugar alcohol) may cause some digestive issues in some. The sodium is also fairly high (350mg). I also prefer a formula that doesn’t use sunflower oil or any other seed/vegetable oil. I think there are better options.

Hello Alex, I found this amazing article in my search for more information on Grass-Fed Proteins. First of all, thank you for the very helpful and informative analysis and information! I was looking at a different powder and was wondering if you have any input on the company or this product:

BulkSupplements – Pure Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Powder? ( https://www.amazon.com/Bulksupplements-Grass-Fed-Protein-Isolate-Kilogram/dp/B0128RSQLC/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1471358132&sr=8-2&keywords=whey+protein+isolate+bulksupplements ) Thanks!

You are very welcome! Thanks for the comment. Regarding Bulk Supplements, they are not able to tell me where the grass-fed whey is coming from in the US, but that it is grass-fed 80-85% of the time. Since this is an isolate however, the percentage doesn’t change the final product. They have a certificate for heavy metal testing which is great. The only additive is soy, which depends on whether or not you want to avoid soy. I personally do. Otherwise, it looks like a viable choice.

Hi Alex, Could you please tell me if Swanson’s goats whey protein powder is free from “Acid Bleach” ? Also what’s your opinion of the quality of this prodcut

Yes, the Swanson’s goat whey protein powder is free from the acid bleach process. However that is used with the cow whey from them. The goat whey comes from New Zealand, uses cold processing, tested low in heavy metals and uses sunflower seed lecithin, so I would say this is a quality product.

The Swanson’s goat whey protein powder is pasteurized ( http://www.swansonvitamins.com/health-library/products/goat-whey.html )

In the US, all whey protein is flash pasteurized due to FDA guidelines. This is why cold processing post-pastuerization is important to retain certain compounds in the whey in higher amounts.

Hi Alex I meant ‘product’

Hi Alex, I hope I just didn’t miss it, but what about Jay Robb Whey protein? Also, post workout Hammer Recoverite?

No worries. Here is my response for Jay Robb: They claim to be a grass-fed whey isolate without any harmful additives, but they also seem to have allowed some leeway for sourcing grain-fed as well and you don’t really know what batch you will get. I have heard of companies having difficulty sourcing grass-fed whey during certain times of the year, but this is surprising since they are sourcing from all over the world. I would recommend another grass-fed whey that has a better supply chain for year round rBGH-free grass-fed hormone-free whey with clean ingredients.

As for Recoverite, Hammer uses a grass-fed antiobitic free whey isolate with clean ingredients. However, the protein content is very low (10 grams) and their carbohydrate source is high (33 grams) from maltodextrin. The protein content should be 15 grams to 25 grams based on protein requirements. Maltodextrin is a superior source of fuel during endurance exercise (like Heed), but I think post-recovery carbohydrates should come from nutrient dense vegetables and fruit.

Thanks for the reply!! I’m loving all this info!

I used to use Jay Robb’s but switched to Antler Farms because of this exact reason. They switched from being 100% grass fed whey protein isolate to “sometimes we use grain fed”. Not good enough for me and VERY misleading on Jay Robb’s part.

Which protein powder would you recommend for 12 & 13 year old boys who play soccer? Also what you suggest the per serving ounce recommendations should be for them?

Any of the recommended protein powders will work for your boys. If they prefer something sweet and taste might be a barrier, you will probably want to choose one with stevia like the Pure Power or Wild Whey. The protein amount per serving is based on weight and activity, but will most likely be in the 15-20 gram range for that age in soccer.

I was wondering about TwinLab Protein Fuel. I have been using quite a bit of it and have indeed gained muscle from it. However, It was purchased at Rite Aid in bulk during a sale. Do you have any information about the healthiness and quality of this supplement?

Unfortunately based on the label, it shares all of the ingredients of the worst list including artificial flavors, asulfame potassium, soy, sucralose and a concentrate from grain-fed cows.

Thank you for you’re answer. I suspected as much but I just wanted to hear it formally. Oh well, I feel like many people just buy whey protein from Walmart shelves without putting any thought into the ingredients. I will probably buy ON supplements next time. ON is supposedly a good brand, correct?

You are right. Many people assume all these extra additives wouldn’t be in there. ON also uses sucralose, food dyes, asulfame potassium, artificial flavors and colors in many of their protein powders. They do have a “natural” version that uses sugar and stevia exract, however they could not confirm or deny that the natural flavor used was MSG. I would go with Promix, it is worth it.

What do you think of Protein 17 grass fed organic whey protein powder? It comes unflavored (which I like) and It has just one ingredient. I am looking for just plain & pure grass-fed organic, unflavored, unsweetened high quality whey protein powder with no added ingredients.

Thank you KP

It is a little more expensive ($2.60 a serving), but everything looks good.

Alex, Appreciate you taking the time to reply…Is there any other brand that you’d recommend that is equivalent or better but less expensive?

Hi Kalpesh,

Promix works with small farms in Northern California where the cows are 100% grass-fed. The cows graze year round on pastures of clover, rye and other native grasses, and the grazing fields have always been grazing fields, and have never been used for crops or commercially with pesticides or other chemicals. It is also tested by independent third parties for soy, gluten, heavy metals, and other additives or chemicals. So if you want a very pure product at a good price, Promix is the best deal.

Hi Alex, What is your opinion of Garden of Life, Raw Fit High Protein for Weight Loss. Is is a Non GMO product. I like that it has a probiotic and enzyme blend that helps me with digestion. I have been using Reserveage. It is a bit expensive. Your thoughts on Raw Fit please. Thanks!

Looks excellent. I like that it uses sprouted forms, high in magnesium (350mg) and uses ashwagandha. I think this is an excellent plant based formula for women.

Thanks Alex for responding so quickly!! I read your Article on how to calculate the amount of protein that you need daily. Sorry,….I guess I am a bit slow on the uptake, but I think it was a bit complicated. You talk about knowing your body fat as a percentage of how much you weigh and then multiplying by your exercise exertion level. Whew!!! Do you have a simpler approach? I know everyone is different and this is a very relative question, but any help you can give will be greatly appreciated!

Yes, it is a little complicated! That is what I use to be very precise for athletes training hard. Here is a shortcut. Get your weight in kilograms by dividing by 2.2. That is your target protein intake in grams if you are working out moderately 3-5x a week. The need for less or more will depend on your training.

Thanks Alex. I can do that! Tina

Thanks a ton, Alex. Really appreciate it!

Im diabetic so my. Concerns are carbs and also the effects on my liver.

The whey protein powders with little to no carbohdyrates will not affect your diabetes. Combine it with a little fat like a nut butter or yogurt, small about of blueberries and fiber like chia or flax seeds for blood sugar stabilization.

I am a big fan of Antler Farms grass fed whey protein isolate. It is from New Zealand pasture raised cows. No hormones, antibiotics, artificial sweetners. Only 4 ingredients. Taste is light and clean. I recommend it for anyone looking for a product without all the gunk in it. It’s very high quality and reasonably priced. You can get it at Amazon for $49 (30 servings, $1.63 a serving, 26 grams).

Here’s a link it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Antler-Farms-Zealand-Protein-servings/dp/B01JE5PXO4/ref=sr_1_8_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1474133333&sr=1-8&keywords=grass+fed+whey+protein+isolate

I would appreciate your take on Muscle Feast Premium Blend Unsweetened Protein.

It does not have any harmful additives, which is a bonus. If this was just a pure isolate, I would say it is an okay choice. The dairy farms in Wisconsin do not have access to grass a large percentage of the year, and since it contains a concentrate, 100% grass-fed is preferable.

Go to labdoor.com. They do analysis on supplements including Muscle Feast. Their grass fed whey protein isolate is ranked one of the best.

That was a great article. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. Can you please evaluate the Progenex More Muscle and Progenex Recovery products. Looking forward to hearing your analysis. Thanks and have a great day!

progenexusa.com

Best Regards,

Levi Randall

Thanks for the feedback. The More Muscle and Recovery product contains isolated fructose, natural flavors (can be MSG) and sucralose. So I would pass on both.

Thanks, Alex!

What do you think about Garden of Life Grass-fed whey and Levels Grass-fed Whey? https://www.amazon.com/Levels-Chocolate-Grass-Protein-Undenatured/dp/B01JNUHA5A/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=56377139176&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgKzwBRCjARIsABBbFuhEJLo7dv4A8lgkTUZ8zwHKYo43TvPH6qyUa6MbOyFlIGPR7YHKkhcaAs2tEALw_wcB&hvadid=274770907125&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9015859&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t4&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6876621323695593998&hvtargid=kwd-329474343733&hydadcr=6690_9323655&keywords=best+grass+fed+whey+protein+powder&qid=1577826198&sr=8-3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAEHLFO/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_fy.dEbNEE54NG

I think this is a good product. The pricing comes out to $1.26 a serving, which is great. Garden of Life has had some issues with their plant-based protein powders, but this looks like a solid whey protein.

Hi Alex, I noticed that all the whey proteins listed above are whey concentrate. I have a lactose intolerance and I am trying to find a whey isolate to use for supplementing after workouts. I was wanted to know which whey isolate proteins you recommend. Thanks.

Hi Brittney,

I like the one Jennifer mentioned by Antler Farms. I added it to this article in case other people who are lactose intolerance are looking for an isolate.

Hi! I hope I didn’t miss this one, but am very curious about your thoughts on Quest brand products. They seem to have become commercialized, but I tend to go with this brand due to macronutrients. I am sure there is a better product but am curious of your thoughts!

I do not recommend the Quest whey protein powder due to the use of sucralose. Carrageenan may also be a problematic additive.

Can you check out, http://www.naturalstacks.com wondering about their protein. A friend recomended it, and the ingredients look clean, but would like your professional opinion.

Yes, looks like a good product. Smart idea to combine collagen, colostrum, and whey together.

Looking at there site they have a MAG supplement if you could look at that also.

The MagTech supplement also looks good and is geared more towards brain health.

learn more about new Zealand whey protein concentrate from a2 cows here http://www.newzealandwheyproteinconcentrate.com

Please review: Nutrabio Classic (non-denatured concentrate) good price, no frills and publishes protein content percentages of each.

In small letters under “Flavoring,” you will find sucralose. A tricky way to avoid putting it in the ingredient section. It is a concentrate, and I don’t see any information stating it comes from grass-fed cows.

can you do a study on KAIZEN NATURALS WHEY PROTEIN.Thanks

Most of it looks good except for the use of soy lecithin (I prefer sunflower lecithin) and natural flavors. With natural flavors, you always want to confirm that MSG isn’t used. They won’t tell you what the natural flavor is because it is considered proprietary information, but you can get it verified that it is not MSG.

Hi Alex, you have the best blog very informative. I was wondering what is your opinion on these Wheys

Klean Athlete Klean Isolate Ingredients: Whey protein isolate (from milk), sunflower lecithin. http://www.swansonvitamins.com/klean-athlete-klean-isolate-15-73-oz-446-grams-pwdr

Bob’s Red Mill Whey Protein Powder Ingredient: Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk) and Sunflower Lecithin

NutriCology Allergy Research ImmunoPro Non-Denatured Whey Protein

Tera’s Whey Grass Fed Organic Whey Protein

Jarrow Formulas, Inc.Virgin Whey Protein Isolate – Unflavored this has soy letchin but it looks promising

DaVinci Laboratories Right Whey – Creamy Vanilla, its expensive, what baffled me on this one is it says this product contains lead! it had a warning on the label http://www.swansonvitamins.com/davinci-laboratories-right-whey-creamy-vanilla-2-lbs-924-grams-pwdr

1. Klean Athlete Isolate: I don’t see any advantage to this one for the price.

2. Bob’s Redmill Whey Protein Concentrate: They use a west coast supplier that is mostly grass-fed with some non-GMO (but not certified organic grain) given if the weather is bad. No undesirable ingredients, smaller protein profile (15g).

3. Nutricology Allergy Research ImmunoPro Non-Denatured Whey Protein: This appears to only have 4 grams of protein per serving.

4. Tera’s Grass-Fed Organic Whey Protein: Good quality whey but uses soy lecithin and only has 12 servings at $2.50 a serving.

5. Jarrow Formulas Virgin Whey Protein Isolate: The Jarrow Formulas Grass-Fed Whey Concentrate is better. I’m considering adding this one to the article. Uses sunflower lecithin, 18 grams grass-fed whey from Australia and is $1.32 a serving. Personally, the stevia is too sweet for me but some people like it.

6. Davinci Laboratories Right Whey: Between the lead content and the price, I don’t know what they are thinking.

Thanks Alex,

I was wondering if some of these bad whey proteins with leads and additives could irritate the bowels especially if taking them long term daily like most gym nuts?

I was reading other bodybuilding forums and fitness forum’s for a few years now and I noticed something, a lot of healthy people were getting IBS symptoms and ulcerative colitis, these were extremely healthy people who ate clean measured their food and worked out, one thing I noticed was most of them took the Commercial named brand Whey proteins sold commercially everywhere, the ones that you listed as bad. and when that report came out about the contaminants Im starting to believe some of these bad metal filled and additives might have cause them issues. One guy said he was getting diarrhea with some commercial brand whey and he wasn’t Lactose intolerant he drinks milk and eats ice cream with no issue but he said he just forced himself thinking his body would adjust to it but it didnt and he said the doctor said he had inflammation of his intestine and colon and gave him some meds, I asked him how long was he taking that whey and he said for a year and he would drink it twice a day. This is why im very cautious on what type of protein I take even some of those so called Vegan ones are not as good as they claim to be and have bad additives or irritants. Im so very glad to have found your blog and this article it was very helpful, it was very hard to find answers I was looking for on legit good whey versus the bad stuff, most people recommend the commercial stuff like BSN, EAS, Muscle Milk, etc the ones that were contaminated and poor quality. I still remember a friend of mine actually telling me hey if they sell these over the counter and in big stores they have to be safe.

Another thing is I I read on this blog that Ensure, they contain emulsifiers in them like carragean, which is bad for the colon and aggravates UC and crohns and IBS, and Ensure is made by Abbot Labs, who also makes HUMIRA the medicine given to people with Inflammatory bowel syndromes like UC. Here is the blog below http://www.meghantelpner.com/blog/ensure-and-the-carrageenan-conspiracy/

Thank you for bringing up this topic. I believe there are multiple factors at play. These commercial brand whey powders use sucralose, which has been found to destroy intestinal bacteria. Heavy metal contamination has been a serious issue and has no doubt caused health problems. “Natural flavor” in commercial whey products is often disguised as MSG; free glutamate which is unbelievably damaging to the gut/brain axis. Synthetic carrageenan is another one that is a digestive irritant. People in the bodybuilding community end up drinking a ton of commercial whey daily, creating a high glutamate environment in the gut that leads to IBS, UC and potentially other health problems.

Its why Im glad I came across your blog on search! Ive been searching for clean whey to take, I stopped taking Ensure because of the bad ingredients and carragean, and their coincidental connection to HUMIRA the medication that treats UC and inflamed intestines, the assumption its as if they are creating new UC patients with the long term Ensure drinkers so they develop bowel issues and have to buy Humira.

Its weird how most people don’t see these associations either with bad ingredients in whey, Ive found it weird how it seems in the recent years when these protein powders had a popularity boom, starting in the mid 90s that a high number of new IBS,UC and crohns cases have come about and with people who are health nuts and gym freaks. Another thing is more people have these bowel issues but probably dont report it and just keep taking the bodybuilding supplement thinking their body will adapt but it doesn’t. One would think if these people are eating clean how are they developing bowel issues? the only thing I can think of are these bodybuilding supplements that seem to be a common link to all of them. It just popped in my head from years of reading many healthy lifting people saying thaty have UC or crohns disease or some type of inflammation of the intestine, it cant be teh organic and healthy food they were eating, many didnt even drink Sodas or ate junk foods, they ate healthy year round except for the supplementation. They bought those commercial whey with sucralose, carragean, etc

Its pretty often people have complained of upset stomach or having to go to the bathroom, having constipation or watery stools with these Creatine pre workout and commercial whey powders? I would read a new forum post almost daily about someone complaining about digestive issues after taking a name brand pre workout power, amino acid mix or a whey.

Great observation and I agree. More people in that community need to understand why they are having those issues.

I’ll just add, I suffer from a form of IBD and communicate regulatory with the IBD athletic community. In having years of experience and discussion over Whey Protein powders I’ve found that its more about company integrity and transparency over ingredients and sourcing rather than narrowing it down to lets say an artificial sweeter. If I based my diet off of the infinite studies telling me what causes irritation, I would legit starve to death 🙂

Just an example of what I’m trying to say, I stumbled upon a crossfit marketed brand called American Gainz Nutrition, they are small and only have a couple products out, but do utilize sucralose. Company did respond to my request about using a natural sugar, said it’s already in the works, we’ll see… As of now, its still one of the only products I can stomach and tastes good, no lactose…

Myself and everyone I’ve talked to that thinks Whey in general causes gut irritation that has tried these products have had amazing results as far as being able tolerate and use daily without issue. The brand is all about integrity and transparency over their ingredients, and is considered a food by the FDA (nutrition facts), not supplement facts. In reaching out to the company they were extremely informative, and essentially motivated to open up shop because of all the shady whey Protein companies sourcing from China, New Zealand etc, handled carelessly and loaded with heavy metals, fillers and free form cheap amino acids. I found it wasn’t the protein, the flavor, the sweetener, it was the garbage in the products that hurt me. IMO, I stay away from any products labeled with supplement facts unregulated by FDA. If you have a form of IBD, I do recommend you try a product called Tactical Recovery by American Gainz. I added website, also on amazon.

Thank you for taking the time to comment and the valuable feedback. The challenging part of IBD is that there is a wide range of sensitivities and something that affects one may not affect another. But there are definitely some major ones that seem consistent including heavy metals, natural flavor that’s actually MSG, unnecessary fillers, aspartame, etc. I’m glad you found one that works for you and I hope your recommendation helps others in the same situation as well.

what about this one? http://www.bodylogix.com/canada/natural-whey-concentrate/

Hi Sebastjan,

It looks like everything checks out okay except for the soy lecithin and natural flavors. I would get confirmation that the naturals flavor does not represent MSG.

Just came across this article today on yahoo news, its about Emulsifiers added to foods many which are also in those commercial mass market wheys and colon cancer and intestinal inflammation link in mice

Emulsifiers, which are added to most processed foods to aid texture and extend shelf life, can alter intestinal bacteria in a manner that promotes intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer, according to a new study.

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-11-common-food-additive-colon-cancer.html

You are the only blog who actually touches on this stuff, so I felt you would find this interesting.

Thanks for posting the link to this article. The microbiome is becoming drastically altered by these additives. It looks like they used polysorbate 80 and carboxymethylcellulose. Polysorbate 80 and carboxymethylcellulose are both used in ice cream. Carboxymethylcellulose can be found in peanut butter, gum, bread, cakes, pharmaceutical drugs and in many commercial white wines. A lot of wine, by the way, is another Pandora’s box of additives, heavy metals, and pesticides that you never hear about or can see on the label. And we wonder why digestive disorders are skyrocketing!

Hi there. Curious your thoughts on “jay robbs” whey. Brand. Where does it fit on good or bad with quality and such.

Jay Robb claims to be a grass-fed whey isolate without any harmful additives, but they also seem to have allowed some leeway for sourcing grain-fed as well and you don’t really know what batch you will get. I have heard of companies having difficulty sourcing grass-fed whey during certain times of the year, but this is surprising since they are sourcing from all over the world. I would recommend another grass-fed whey that has a better supply chain.

how about dymatize iso protein,is it grass fed.

No, and it uses artificial flavor and sucralose.

ISOFLEX by ALLMAX! THE BEST PROTEIN I HAVE EVER TRIED!!! It’s100% pure whey protein isolate, contains absolutely NO Whey Concentrate and is significantly lower in lactose, fat, sugar and carbs. btw, it’s also Canadian made! Amazing stuff and available in the US as well. .

I was wondering about: Vega protein smoothie Vega one meal replacement U|B super protein

I recently did an article on the best plant-based protein powders. Here it is in case you missed it: http://paleoedge.com/best-plant-based-protein-powders/

I don’t recommend the Vega protein powders that use milled flax seeds. I explain this in the article.

As for the UB Super Protein (Vegan one), it looks like a pretty comprehensive profile that even includes supplemental methylcobalamin, vitamin D, and K2. Since the quinoa powder isn’t sprouted, I would rotate this one instead of using it daily. Quinoa is best sprouted due to the phytic acid that binds to calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

I was wondering what your thoughts were on vital protiens whey; http://www.vitalproteins.com/collagen/collagen-whey-cocoa-coconut-20-oz-canister.html ?

Thanks in advance for your input!

I think combining collagen and whey is a really exciting and smart combination, and my opinion is that Vital Proteins is a high-quality product.

Hi Alex, great article. So much good information. I have been using jay robb whey protein. Is this a good whey protein? Should I change? Thanks

Thanks for the feedback! I previously answered a question regarding Jay Robb. Here is my answer below:

While the quality of grain-fed vs grass-fed with isolate is debatable, I would choose the Antler Farms product over Jay Robb for an isolate.

Well I just found the answer on one of your replies! Thank you very much!

Hi Alex, great article and useful replies.

What are your thoughts on CanadianProtein grass-fed NZ whey ( https://www.canadianprotein.com/grass-fed-new-zealand-whey-protein-concentrate ) ?

Seems like a decent affordable product for us Canadians.

Looks good. Just choose the unflavored version since the flavored ones use artificial flavors and/or sucralose.

Do you also recommand Promix Grass-fed whey isolate ? I am lactose intolerant so I am looking for a good whey isolate product.

Yes, I do. The Antler Farms whey isolate is also excellent.

I recently purchased Grass Fed Naked Whey Protein and Naked Casein from Amazon. Why isn’t the Casein grass-fed? What are your thoughts on Casein? I had a hard time finding grass-fed Casein and Naked seems like a solid brand. Thanks for such a useful page of information. I try to get all my nutrition from whole foods so always a little skeptical of powders of any type.

I’m not sure why the casein isn’t grass-fed, it should be coming from the same source. Regarding my thoughts on casein, the research is a little more complicated. While whey protein has replicated research for numerous benefits and positive results against cancer by depleting cancer’s own glutathione, isolated casein may be problematic when cancer growth has initiated. While this may not be an issue for healthy people that are cancer-free, I still think it may be wise to not isolate casein. Instead, I think it should be included with the whey, as found in the Mt. Capra Double Bonded Goat Milk Protein. I haven’t seen any convincing evidence that casein is superior to whey protein for muscle building and recovery. For this reason and other health benefits, I recommend using whey protein.

Hi I just bought some Native pro 100. What do you think of the product ? http://www.nativepro100.com

From what I can see, everything looks good for a whey isolate. My only question was if their natural flavor contains MSG, but I didn’t hear back from them.

I ended up hearing back. You are in the clear. No MSG.

Could you please help to give your review on “California Gold Nutrition, Sports, WPI 90, Instantized Whey Protein Isolate, Ultra-Low Lactose” if you would recommend it?

Hi Hardeep,

I sent California Gold Nutrition an email with questions, but I haven’t heard back. Just wanted to let you know I didn’t forget about you.

Thanks Alex, appreciate that 🙂

I’ve tried multiple times and still haven’t heard anything. Based on their customer service, I would choose another brand.

Thank you for the efforts, will try alternate products. Was considering this because of higher protein content per serving and availability in Singapore, where i am based. I have been using Dr Mercola’s whey protein recommended here, and trying to explore other options as well.

Hello Alex,

I am looking to make my first whey purchase and am considering the promix unflavored undenatured or the opportunities unflavored undenatured. I may also opt to get a chocolate version in the future. Do one of these stand out in comparison to the other?

Thank you for your time

Hi Samantha,

Can you provide a link for the Opportunities unflavored denatured? I’m not familiar with that brand.

http://www.opportuniteas.com/products/grass-fed-whey-protein-powder-isolate

https://www.amazon.com/Unflavored-Processed-Undenatured-Grassfed-Smoothie/dp/B0177EV7E4/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1486672675&sr=1-4&keywords=promix+undenatured+whey

So there are a few differences. First, the Promix is a whey concentrate and the Opportuniteas is an isolate. If you are sensitive to lactose you want an isolate, but if not, a concentrate has some advantages. Second, Opportuniteas is from Wisconsin whereas Promix is from California. A whey protein from Wisconsin isn’t going to be a year-round grass-fed product. However, since it is an isolate, this is less important. I don’t think you can go wrong with either choice. It just comes to down cost (Promix is $1.05 per serving and Opportuniteas is $1.64 per serving) and a concentrate versus an isolate.

Thank you for your reply. I to not have a sensitivity to lactose. I think I will start with the promix and may try the other in the future. I did see that promix has both concentrate and isolate. Now I just have to decide between the two.

Can you comment on the following workout supplements?

Jym Pre-workout-fruit punch Jym Post-Workout-fruit punch Isopure pure whey protein vanilla Lean Bodies Vanilla Sport Pharma Creatine Scivation Xtend

1. Jym Pre-workout-fruit punch: The main concern here is the 300mg of caffeine. Some people may tolerate that, but for people who have a slow clearance of caffeine (CYP1A2 gene CC genotype), this could be an issue for cardiovascular health.

2. Jym Post-Workout-fruit punch: This has a lot of bad ingredients in it (artificial flavors, sucralose, soy oil, acesulfame potassium and FD&C Red #40).

3. Isopure Pure Whey Protein Vanilla: See #5 in the “Worst” section of this article.

4. Lean Bodies: Contains artificial flavor, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium. Pass.

5. Sport Pharma Creatine: No issue.

6. Scivation Xtend: No issue.

Hi read your reviews about whey protein, do you have review on designer whey? thanks!

Hi Gillain,

Designer whey does not use grass-fed whey, and the dairy comes from the midwest. It has tested low in heavy metals. If this was just an isolate, it would be fine. While it doesn’t appear to have anything overly negative that stands out, since it is an isolate and a concentrate, it is my opinion that any concentrate should be grass-fed.

I really enjoy your articles and I appreciate the time and effort you put into the research. I was wondering if you could please recommend a good, clean Casein Protein Powder. Thanks again and have a great day

Thanks, Levi

I just recently got a question regarding casein if you want to see a more detailed response. My opinion may be different than other people, but I don’t agree with isolating casein. I haven’t seen convincing evidence that casein is superior to whey protein for building muscle and recovery, and it may be problematic health-wise as an isolate. Instead, I would use a product that has both whey and casein if you want to use casein. Mt. Capra Doubled Bonded Goat Milk Protein is one example.

Hi, What can you tell me about LIFE SOURCE VITAMINS WHEY PROTEIN? I’ve been searching for reviews and opinions and best/worst proteins blogs and I have not seen anything on Life Source. I read their ingredients and the info they give on their product and it sounds great. I’m looking for something super health as I’m going to be giving it to my son. He is very thin for his age and doesn’t eat much, he’s a very picky eater and just started playing baseball and has no muscle mass so the doctor recommended whey protein. I’m suppose to feed him his regular 3 meals a day plus 1-2 whey protein shakes a day.. I don’t want anything that contains ,aditives,metals,and artificial flavors, etc. Can you give me your input on Life Source or anything better then it.? Thanks.

From what I can see, Lifesource looks like a clean, grass-fed whey protein. Your doctor gave the right advice. That is the combination I use to put muscle on athletes.

Can you analyze body fortress please. I use whey isolate vanilla

Hi Jazzy B,

Body Fortress whey protein contains sucralose, acesulfame K and artificial flavors. I would choose another one.

What are your thoughts on Tera’s organic whey I noticed they use sunflower lecithin now instead of soy lecithin would this be a good one to use?

Thanks for all the help you have given me on the multivitamins and everything by the way all your articles are fantastic.

Not a problem! Thanks, I appreciate it.

Hi, what do u think of garden of life grass fed whey?

The Garden of Life grass-fed whey is a good isolate product. Just be aware that the combination of erythritol and stevia extract can be very sweet.

Hi Alex, Great write up on the Whey proteins. I’ve recently got back into working out with heavy weights and today I bought some Whey protein isolate to help me along with the DOMS. I would appreciate your input on this brand. I paid 39.67 total for a 2lb bag, It’s called Edge Whey protein Isolate. Here’s what it says on the bag. I’m having a problem finding out more information about it.

Nutrition Facts. Per serving 28g Calories 105 Fat 0g, Cholesterol 8mg Sodium 49mg Carbohydrates 2g Sugars 0g Protein 24g Calcium 86mg Potasium 225mg

Ingredients: Cold-processed cross flow micro filtered whey protein isolate, Natural flavour, Xanthan Gum, Stevia leaf extract. Lactose free, Gluten free

Is this made by BlueBonnet?

I would also like to know more about Bluebonnet whey protein isolate…I love the taste, and the mixability. But how do you rate it??

I would like to know your opinion on plant based protein powder vs. whey protein powder. Which is better for building muscle? Is there any advantage at all to the plant based? More specifically, could you please share your opinion on these 3 products:

1. Formulx Natural Recovery Whey Protein 2. Orgain Grassfed Whey Protein Powder 3. Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based Powder

Thanks in advance!

Your overall diet and type of training will play a major role in your ability to build muscle. So you can get results with a plant-based protein and whey protein powder. Whey protein has a higher amino acid profile, typically a higher protein content and unique compounds that plant-based protein powders do not have. For this reason, I think it is a better fit for men trying to put on muscle. My opinion is that some plant-based protein powders are more acceptable for women due to the higher fiber content, which benefits their hormones but can lower our testosterone (depending on the fiber amount). But some plant-based protein powders are better balanced for men. I have outlined the best plant-based protein powders here: http://paleoedge.com/best-plant-based-protein-powders/

1. Everything looks good except for the cheap B-vitamin additions like folic acid, cyanocobalamin and synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol). I would avoid this one.

2. I think this one has an unnecessary amount of additives (cellulose gum, xanthan gum, sunflower oil, acacia). Nothing is standing out as harmful, but there’s no need for any of those with a whey protein powder. Everything else looks clean.

3. The same is true of this one. I’m surprised the additives haven’t caused any digestive issues in people, but so far the feedback from readers has been positive.

I’ve been using the Mercola Pure Protein but noticed it is not labeled “grass fed” I wrote to the company and they say The cows are 100% pasture fed, grazing on grass that is not chemically treated. They are antibiotic free, but we cannot claim that they are hormone free. The whey comes from a number of different farms and as some lack this hormone free certification we cannot claim that it is hormone free on our end.” What do you think of this? I don’t know if I need to be shopping for a new one but my stomach is so sensitive to whey products (gas) and this one has never bothered me in two years. Thanks for any advice!

Their supply chain must have changed because that wasn’t true when I first added them to this article. I like companies that have a more direct supply chain where the consumer knows exactly what they are getting. The Pure Power Protein contains probiotics, which may be why you do better with it. Have you tried any of the other whey protein powders on this list? You could also add a probiotic supplement or try mixing other types of whey with yogurt and see if it prevents any digestive distress.

Hi_ I read thru all the great info but did not see my favorite whey – Energy First, What are you thoughts ?

More specifically Energy First Pro Energy Whey powder

Yes, everything checks out for Energy First Pro Energy.

Hi Alex, what about Progressive Organic Whey Protein? Made from organic and non-GMO ingredients. The protein itself is derived from organically farmed cattle that are pasture raised and grass fed. Thanks!

Great stuff, but I didn’t see anyone ask about Earth Fed Muscle out of Pennsylvania. I dumped ON just this week after 12 solid years bc of the soy (and now after reading your article feel great about my decision).

Let me know what you think of their Vanilla and Chocolate. Tha is in advance!

– Joel

Looks like some tasty, clean formulas. Great find.

Hi can you please review level whey?

Hi Sudheer,

Can you send a link? I’m having trouble finding it.

Hi Alex, The answer may be obvious, since this doesn’t say cold processed or hormone free or grass fed, but how bad is the Vitamin Shoppe’s BodyTech Whey Tech Pro 24? A 5 pounder is at least $20 less than your top pick. –Jim

No, it is not grass-fed. Finding out if it was hormone and antibiotic free would take some more investigating. It contains artificial flavors, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose, so it would be on my worst list.

Would you mind giving me your opinion on Rivalus Native. Here is a link. http://www.rivalus.net/ca/product/native-pro-100-freesamp/

Hey Alex, just wondering if you require a bit more information to complete a review. I am still quite interested in your opinion on this product.

I apologize, I somehow missed your comment. Phil had just recently inquired about this product and everything checks out positive.

Bluebonnet whey protein isolate….how do you rate it? I love the taste and the mixability.

Hi Kerianne,

I commented on this one before. I’ll copy my reply here.

Hoping with all of this information you’ll know which would be best to use in cooking? Several recipes I’m being given to go low/no carb have whey protein; however, I have many allergies one being corn to the point that we eat grass-fed. It’s always nice to find others who have done the research and share it! Thank you for all of this.

I wouldn’t cook with whey protein because the heat damages many of the beneficial compounds. Plant-based protein powders would be a better choice (depending on your allergies) like those found in this article: http://paleoedge.com/best-plant-based-protein-powders/

There are a lot of raw recipes you could use with whey protein that would work.

Thanks! I’ll check it out. My allergies are what make it difficult to eat at all. Corn, garlic, tomatoes, and coconut are the food but it’s difficult to live without any of these except by going non-processed which is difficult where I live.

Hi Alex, I’ve been using Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey for 2 months, and recently discovered that it contains Acesulfame K. In consideration of switching to other brands, would you mind to give your opinion on the 2 products below:- i)Nature’s Plus, Organic Pea Protein Powder: ii)PRO-TF® Vanilla Cream

Thank you very much.

The pea protein looks great.

PRO-TF® Vanilla Cream contains both sucralose and acesulfame K, so I don’t recommend that one.

What are your thoughts on catalyst grass fed whey protein?

Everything looks okay from what I can see. The added dextrose seems unnecessary. I would double check that the natural flavor does not contain MSG.

Thanks for all of the great education you provide on the site, and, how involved you stay with everyone asking questions. I am 45 and have been back training swimming and running (400 m) the last couple of years and have not done a very good job with my diet. Now that I am super committed and training a lot of hours, I am just not recovering as well anymore. Thus, the need for me to completely overhaul my diet if I want to compete at the masters level. It has been incredibly difficult to sort through all of the information online regarding what brands to use, etc. Per your recommendations, I have ordered the Naturelo MV and the Promix. I also went on the 23 and me and ordered the tests and will also submit it over to you guys for evaluation once I get the results. Excited about that! Also, here are a few questions if you don’t mind.

1. Would you also give a thumbs up to the Natuerlo Omega’s? I have a little issue with inflammation from time to time (hoping the genetic test might shed a little light on that).

2. Pre-workout – Boy this has been incredibly tough to sort through. Looking for a quality brand that will have these key components (Beta Alanine, Citrulline Malate (this comes in various forms and I’m not sure which is the best for the body), a small amount of caffeine, Beet extract, and the proper branch chains to make all this work! And all these brands claim to have other ingredients that “help” but, I’m not sure how much of that is real and how much is marketing.

3. Can you comment briefly on terms such as Igf1-2, Alpha GPC, etc and things related to naturally increasing growth hormone? I just get totally lost.

I don’t want to overdue the supplements, but I am training really hard right now and want to find a good balance between supplements and diet (which I have done a great job of improving). Thank you kindly for your time and all of the great information you provide everyone!

Hi Michael,

I appreciate the kind feedback. Awesome! I think you will really appreciate the Nutrition Genome Report analysis.

1. Yes, Naturelo’s omega looks good.

2. I think the effectiveness of many pre-workout supplements is debatable. Essentially the only thing people really notice is a stimulant, like caffeine. I have noticed a difference with eleuthero root and beet juice. I like Herb Pharm’s Athlete’s Tonic or pure eleuthero root. I talk about both here: http://paleoedge.com/adaptogens-the-secret-weapon-for-athletes/ . If you come across a product that you like, let me know.

3. I think this may be more suitable for a whole article because it is tough to explain briefly. I personally think that intermittent fasting and sprints are the best way to naturally increase human growth hormone.

You said for Promix you were able to get a copy of the lab results. Could you dropbox, post them online somewhere where we all could see? Their website only has the numbers not the documents where they supposedly come from.

The one I received is from a few years ago, so I need to request their latest one as well. But it shouldn’t have deviated. They asked for me not to post it online, but I will email it to you directly.

will you be so kind to share your look on Naturade Grass Fed Whey Protein Booster and dr. Mercola products Pro-Optimal whey and Pure protein

many thanks..

I think that Naturade is a fine product in regards to the source and processing. The cane sugar addition is unnecessary, especially when combined with stevia. I would choose one that just uses stevia.

Mercola’s Pro-Optimal and Pure Power use to be on my best list, but a reader recently found out that their supply has changed and can’t guarantee a year-round grass-fed source.

Hi Alex, What are your thoughts on The Naked Co proteins? http://www.thenakedco.com.au/ I live in Australia so want to find a local option (AU or NZ). Antler seems to be based in the US but have a NZ product which means i wont be able to import it. Do you have any other Australian or NZ brands you recommend other than Wild Whey? Thanks for your help! Tom

Looks great! I would go with that one.

Hi Alex, what are your thoughts on Nutrabio Whey Protein Isolate Unflavored?

From everything I can see, it looks like this one checks out okay.

Please let me know your thoughts on Cytosport – it is sold in huge volumes in Costco stores and is now owned by muscle milk (which is also sold in Costco stores), except that Cytosport ingredients seem different from muscle milk. Thank you.

I would avoid Cytosport. Their whey protein concentrate comes from feedlots and contains sucralose, acesulfame K, and artificial flavors.

Alex, when company claims their protein to be Grass fed – hormone free, no soy, natural tag, as a daily consumer of a product, what are the questions can i ask them to understand deep to verify, if they are really free from all those bad and Really grass-fed . Do i have to ask for some reports?

I haven’t read ALL of the comments, but I would recommend Raw Grass Fed Whey. I buy it from Amazon, and it is the best price I have found. I just mix it with water and it tastes very similar to raw milk, which is illegal here in Illinois…go figure. Here is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/Raw-Grass-Fed-Whey-Undenatured/dp/B018UPBFUK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505934775&sr=8-1&keywords=raw%2Bgrass%2Bfed%2Bwhey&th=1

I can only order Mt Capra via iHerb for delivery direct to my country ( https://sg.iherb.com/pr/Mt-Capra-Capra-Mineral-Whey-50-8-oz-1440-g/3105 ) However there is ‘silica’ in their ingredients? is it safe for consumption?

Yes, silica is a natural mineral.

Hi Alex; What do you think of: 1. Vital Protein Organic Pasture Raised Whey https://www.vitalproteins.com/collections/collagen-whey/products/organic-pasture-raised-collagen-whey 2. Raw Organic Whey https://www.raworganicwhey.com/collections/raw-organic-whey/products/raw-organic-whey-protein-5-lb-bulk

They both look pretty solid to me.

The Vital Protein product uses milk from cows in Wisconsin.

I want to make a few points related to pastured and grassfed since I was raised on a dairy farm (and yes, drank raw milk!).

People should not assume winter means grain fed. Farmers have the option of feeding the cows strictly bales in the winter. Bales are usually referred to as hay bales which are a mixture of grasses, clover, alfalfa, and possibly brome and timothy too. I am not saying most do this, since it is easier to leave the cows in the barn in winter and not pasture them, and just feed them grain based “chop”. The affect on milk between grass bales vs. eating growing pasture grasses is a different debate entirely.

Also, if cows are primaly pastured it does not necessarily mean they are grassfed, in the strictest sense of the word. Pastures are a mix of herbs, flowers, grasses, clover and alfalfa unless they are strictly seeded to be a monocrop. “Pastured” is definately a more accurate and honest term, unless 3rd party certification says it is exclusively grassfed. We shouldn’t assume just grass is better for cows and milk quality, than a wild polyculture of pasture plants.

For anyone interested in sustainable farming, and year round pasturing of animals in temperate climates, here is a nice documentary: https://vimeo.com/136857929

Great info, thanks.

My understanding is that whey can’t technically be called “raw” based on the FDA guidelines in the US. The milk is raw to start but then is flash pasteurized. Nevertheless, this is a great grass-fed whey protein from year-round pastures.

For Vital Proteins, you are correct that not all farms in Wisconsin can be looped into the grain-fed category during the winter. This really depends on the farm. When I was making phone calls regarding certain products that readers were asking about, the winter feed included grain. It is best to check with the company on the winter feed of their product when coming from Wisconsin.

The term “pastured” is definitely more accurate than grass-fed, and I think grass-fed and pastured have been interchangeable for many years. A mixture of herbs, flowers, and grasses are going to produce higher levels of certain compounds in the milk versus a monocrop of grass.

Actually #1 on the best protein powders should be Mattole Naturals goat milk whey protein powder. Also after reading what the author of this article said about researching if it is better to use a certain cow breed of whey protein powder over another, I would like to mention that yes, if you research the difference between cow breeds which carry ONLY the A2 protein instead of the A1 or A1 and A2 protein combined, you will learn that only cows which have just the A2 protein in their milk are the only cow breeds which actually beneficial milk for our human bodies. Jersey among a few others are the only just A2 protein cow breeds. Look them up if you want to know for sure exactly which ones. Unfortunately, the Souther Austrailian cows which Mattole Naturals uses for their bovine whey protein powders are not just A2 protein cow breeds, but it is important if you get cow whey protein powder to not only get one that is 100% grass-fed, but also one that is only from A2 protein cow breeds.

Have you reviewed and have a comment on BioTrust Low Carb Protein Powder? I’m interested in your opinion.

Yes, I did review this one for a reader before. Here was my response:

First, they don’t use any artificial sweeteners, use hormone free whey (but doesn’t claim to be grass-fed) and low-temp processing. It is a 25% blend of whey protein concentrate, isolate, micellar casein and milk protein. This is similar to the Mt.Capra Double Bonded product. They also added prohydrolase, which is an enzyme that helps breakdown protein. I have seen this marketed as a separate supplement before. Their main marketing pitch is that their protein is time released, so allegedly you absorb more protein compared to other whey products. I can’t confirm if this is actually true without proper clinical testing of the product itself compared to other products. While I think the integrity of the product is good, I think it may be overhyped for its price when you can buy high-quality whey that delivers results at a lower price.

Hi what do you think of reflex products?

I would avoid Reflex due to the use of sucralose.

hi, thanks, i see their Reflex ‘natural whey’ doesnt list sucralose. What about this one?

That one looks solid. The Bacillus Coagulans is definitely an interesting addition.

I have been reading through all the comments and the dedication and time you’ve taken in responding to so many is wonderful. I live in Australia and am looking for a quality whey protein isolate I can get here or nearby (eg New Zealand) that is not too expensive and would meet your criteria and standard of quality. There are so many out there it’s overwhelming and confusing!

I purchased once a protein isolate from a health food shop selling a range of bulk products and was sourced from a Wisconsin supplier which was really fine in texture, no smell, had sunflower lecithin and tasted pretty good however they cannot get it anymore. I then purchased online a WPI from Pure Product Australia, but it has a distinct- unpleasant-“milky” odour and is quite gritty (would a hydrolyzed isolate be better?) The front of the packet states: GMO Free, Natural Sweeteners, Pure Ingredients however the ingredients list states only Whey protein isolate, Lecithin. It doesn’t mention what sweeteners, nor what type of lecithin is added… soy or sunflower…

Do you know of some reasonably priced WPI products / brands that I can purchase here or source nearby (eg New Zealand) that meet your quality standard and criteria? I would appreciate your recommendation. Many thanks.

You are lucky in that all of the whey in Australia and New Zealand are grass-fed (to the best of my knowledge). If you can find one that is cold-processed and doesn’t have any additives, you will be in good shape. Any of the ones I’m aware of get shipped from Austrailia and sold here (like Wild Whey). If you have any you want me to look at, feel free to send me a link and I’ll take a look.

Thanks Alex, much appreciated. Will hopefully find something suitable and send a link for your review.

Would love to see an updated list. There are so many products on the market and it’s a confusing road to filter through. I’m grateful for the dedicated research done here and I feel confident in choosing a protein powder to support my new fitness journey.

Hi Temperance,

I agree, the market has exploded in this arena. It’s hard to keep up with. Do you have any products that you would like me to analyze and potentially add to the list?

Hi Alex, would you be able to have a look at Orgain protein powders please. They have an organic vegan and a grass fed whey version. Their website: http://orgain.com/

I have had a few people ask about Orgain. In regards to the plant-based formula, I think it is a clean product. The combination of erythritol, acacia gum, guar gum, inulin, xanthum gum combined with the fiber of chia and hemp makes me wonder how well people are breaking this down. The same is true of the whey protein. I think they are using more thickeners and binders than they need to. Natural flavors also isn’t an ingredient I like to see because the companies don’t have to disclose what it is.

Thank you for the reply. I’m trying to find a good protein powder, but I find it hard here in Mexico. I checked the ones on your good list but none ship here. Any ideas? Thanks.

Have you seen any grass-fed whey protein powders in stores there?

The Orgain one was the only one I found so far. I’ll have a look and if I find something I’ll get back to you, so you can have a look, if that’s okay.

Hi Alex, I had a look at the shops, but all I could find were the usual proteins with not so good ingredients. So until I travel to US or back to Europe, my only choice is Orgain. Which one would you go for? The plant based or whey? I know they are not ideal, but it’s the best I can find and I don’t want to continue doing exercise without having something to feed the muscles straight after it.

If your primary goal is gaining muscle, then the Orgain Whey would be the best choice. Otherwise, the plant-based product is great for general recovery and protein intake.

Thank you very much for your answer.

Hi Alex Very informative site – this is just what the man in the street needs! What is your opinion on the MuscleTech range – specifically ‘Nitro Tech Whey Isolate Gold’? Thanks.

Glad you are finding the site informative! Nitro Tech Whey Isolate Gold uses artificial flavor, acesulfame potassium and sucralose, so it is one I would avoid.

I’ve been using Promix and it’s great, downside is the shipping cost to my country……

Recently i found MusclePharm Grass-fed whey which is available in stores near me. what do you think of this product? Thanks in advance.

Everything checks out from what I can see!

Hi I would like to about gymfit whey. What do you think about it. I live in egypt… Thanks a lot

I couldn’t find a website that shows all the ingredients. Do you have a link?

Hi…..I don’t know that much about all of the brands of Protein Pwd., but I’m getting quite an education…thanks. What do think about the brand “Natural Force” (unflavored,non GMO., USDA) etc. Like your input….thanks.R

Yes, Natural Force looks like a good product.

What do you think of Fitness Labs whey protein isolate creamy vanilla and the unflavored and unsweetened version.

Thanks Steven

I would pass. It uses sucralose, artificial flavors and acesulfame K.

I can’t say enough how informative your articles are! I first stumbled upon them while looking for an effective hydration supplement.

My questions are, what are your thoughts on Ascent Whey Protein and Ascent Miscellar Casin. Ascent recommends Miscellar Cain for over the night slow absorbing Protein.

I do have a slight lactose intolerance and I am curious how Casin affects that?

Thank you for your help!

Thank you! That’s nice of you to say. I sent a few questions to Ascent Whey Protein’s customer service, so I can’t comment on that one yet. Casein has some conflicting research regarding cancer growth. Some literature says that casein promotes existing cancer cells (mainly prostate) as made popular by T. Colin Campbell, while another says it acts as a tumor suppressor .

Then the next level is A1 beta-casein versus A2 beta-casein. You may have seen A2 milk in the stores. Research has found that A1 was much more inflammatory than A2. Of course, this was done on a Chinese population and may not be the best representation of dairy protein tolerance, but the other research has been done as well on the differences between A1 and A2.

The research on whey protein is much more consistent, and my current stance is to stick with whey and avoid isolated casein until more research is done.

I heard back from Ascent, and they do not use grass-fed whey, cannot determine if the natural flavors have MSG, and I’m not crazy about soy lecithin even in small amounts. There are plenty of other whey protein powders to choose from.

Thank you for your response! I will be trying Antler Farms WIP for sure. I have been using VEGA Clean protein for two months and I stumbled on this article.

https://www.chowhound.com/food-news/197461/arsenic-and-lead-found-in-many-popular-protein-powders/

What are your thoughts? I assumed Plant Based was the safest option…

Thank you, Angel

Yes, I received a comment on another article about this finding. It is upsetting to say the least. Here was my response:

Heavy metal contamination exceeding healthy levels is becoming a real problem and it is a reflection of what is happening to our environment. It is impossible to avoid heavy metals altogether from plants, which will vary based on the soil and type of plant. Arsenic is higher in apples and rice, and cadmium is higher in cocoa beans. The levels will also vary across different geographical locations.

It can become a much bigger issue when we consume apple juice, rice powder or cocoa powder because the heavy metals are more concentrated if they were higher to begin with. This is the second time Garden of Life has made this list for one of their products. They were also just purchased by Nestle, which doesn’t give me a lot of faith in them moving forward. I highly recommend requesting a certificate of analysis from any company selling plant-based protein you are interested in purchasing. I will be conducting another request from the companies listed in this article to ensure the heavy metals are exceedingly low.

I am hearing that Promix concentrate is relatively high in cholesterol content. This is something that I need to pay attention to. Do you have any thoughts about this? Thanks!

Dietary cholesterol often has little impact on total cholesterol levels, and in the case of whey, the amount would be fairly minimal at only 45mg per serving. There is 187mg of cholesterol in one egg, and research has shown that eggs have little impact on cholesterol levels. While inconsistent, there is some research that shows that whey protein may decrease cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and prevent LDL oxidation.

Thanks for the informed perspective on this. Much appreciated.

The amount of time you have spent responding to everyone on here is awesome! I have a protein I was hoping you could review. The brand is At Large Nutrition and the product is called Nitrean. Thank you very much!

I appreciate it! From what I can see, Nitrean looks like a solid product that is similar to Doubled Bonded Protein by Mt. Capra.

I really appreciate this article, Alex. It is packed with important info and really backs up my real life experiences with protein. I have one to recommend: last month I bought AGN Roots grassfed whey and love it. Protein is Tested and Certified with tons of details around sourcing. Definitely worth checking it out… agnroots.com

I appreciate the feedback and thanks for the tip! I’ll take a look at AGN Roots.

Great article and very informative. Thanks for all your responses too!

I’ve been using grass-fed whey from a company called Plain Nutrition ( https://www.plainnutrition.ca/grass-fed-whey-protein-powders )

I wanted a protein powder with no gums or thickeners in it as I’m really trying to get my gut health in check.

I read your comment about plant based protein powder vs. whey protein powder for muscle building, but do you have an opinion on vegan protein powder vs whey protein powder for gut health?

Appreciate the feedback! That is an excellent question. In my opinion, collagen protein is the best for gut health. You can see the article comparing the benefits of collagen protein vs. whey protein here . \

In regards to vegan protein vs. whey protein for gut health, this is going to depend a lot on the individual and the specific gut issue. Some people are much more sensitive to any residual lactose, or high amounts of glutamic acid in whey. Plant protein powders can vary in formulation quite a bit, with some people being sensitive to the higher fiber load (common with hemp and flax mixes) or undiagnosed sensitivities with highly diverse blends. Prebiotics are helpful in building diverse strains of bifidus in the gut, but certain gut issues are sensitive to these types of fiber until more healing is accomplished (the FODMAP diet is often prescribed in these cases).

Whey Protein Powders:

#1. Puori PW1 – Whey Concentrate – Vanilla

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Puori-Pastured-Protein-Non-GMO-Chocolate/dp/B0736B62K5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BTO1I46Z0PMI&keywords=puori%2Bprotein&qid=1577421211&sprefix=purori%2B%2Caps%2C279&sr=8-1&th=1

*This was rated #1 by the Clean Label Project (a website & study very similar to LabDoor but more recently done in 2018).

Link: https://www.cleanlabelproject.org/top-5-bottom-5-protein-powder/

#2. Muscle Feast Hormorne Free Grassfed Whey Concentrate – Chocolate,Vanilla,Unflavored

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA3L7QL/ref=twister_B01M5B94IG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

*Rated a Top 3 by website LabDoor.

Link: https://labdoor.com/muscle-feast/muscle-feast-hormone-free-grass-fed-whey-concentrate

#3. NOW Sports Whey Protein Concentrate – Unflavored (or NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate, though I know your a bigger fan of concentrate)

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Nutrition-Protein-Concentrate-Unflavored/dp/B00KYKLQ0O/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=now+sports+whey+protein+concentrate&qid=1577422225&s=hpc&sr=1-4

*Both highly rated by Clean Label Project & LabDoor websites.

Link: https://www.cleanlabelproject.org/?s=now+sports&product_category=587&post_type=product

And lastly what do you think about Mass Gainers? For those of us leaner guys who have trouble eating so much dam food haha. Can I get your input please on these?

#1. Naked Mass Natural Weight Gainer Protein Powder – Vanilla, Unflavored, Chocolate

Link: https://www.amazon.com/NAKED-MASS-Artificial-Ingredients-Calories/dp/B00UIAEOO0/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=naked+mass+gainer&qid=1577422608&s=hpc&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVkpHRUNEWTg2UTYyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDQ0NzU3RDI2TzRHQVpGS1VJJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0MjA1NjExVEdOVEIwT09EUEVDJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

#2. Transparent Labs Protein Series – Mass Gainer – Chocolate

Link: https://www.transparentlabs.com/collections/all-products/products/proteinseries-mass-gainer

I like how the Transparent is just a 2 scoop serving opposed to Naked Mass’s 4 huge scoops. However, I have no idea what their testing of chemicals is like. Could you reach out to them & ask for such test results? Or could I? I feel like you would have more a sway to be answered given your great website here & educational background, over little ol’ me.

But that’s it. In total 5 different products. I would really love any kind of reply! I am very much leaning toward your #1 Promix choice after reading your article, but just wanted to make sure these I have listed seem ok too! Thank you so much man!!

There has been an explosion of high-quality whey protein powders since I first wrote this article, so there are definitely more options now than I have listed.

For your first list of three whey protein powders, the NOW product is the only one that doesn’t appear to come from pastured cows or cold processed (from what I can find).

In regards to mass gainers, I’m not a huge fan of those products. The first product contains 252 grams of carbohydrates from maltodextrin with 4 scoops, which is high-glycemic and just a disaster long term for insulin and fasting blood sugar. The 50 grams of protein is not all going to be absorbed, turning to glucose and fat storage. The second product also uses maltodextrin to get 114 grams of carbohydrates along with oat and sweet potato flour. You do need to increase your carbohydrate intake to gain weight, but it is way better from whole foods sources to obtain all the benefits and not putting your body under such metabolic stress.

You have probably read debates about how much protein you can absorb at one sitting. Based on the current evidence , research has shown that the max anabolic response happens at 0.4 to 0.55 g/kg/meal spread across a minimum of 4 meals a day to hit 1.6 g/kg to 2.2 g/kg/day. Let’s say you weigh 145 pounds, which is 65 kilograms. That would mean you want 26-36 grams of protein per serving. Spread out to 4 meals per day, 2.2 g/kg/day that would yield 144 grams of protein total for the day. This is essentially the 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight theory.

I think it is better to increase the caloric value of whey protein shakes with bananas, nut butter and milk/kefir with more frequent feedings to maximize the anabolic response while respecting your body’s limits. A shake after your workout then again around 9:00pm after dinner is very effective at putting on mass along with your diet. Three meals and two shakes a day help you hit your targets without feeling sick after each meal from so much food.

Excuse my lag in reply. But I did want to say thanks so much for all the info! I did go with the Promix & like it a whole lot! And about the mass gainers, noted! I searched far & wide for one that did NOT have maltodexrin & I’m pretty sure a product doesn’t exist haha. So because I want to go the healthiest route I can to gain some more weight/muscle, I will definitely heed your advice. Thanks again for the time & your detailed reply!

Happy to help!

I’m looking for a whey protein powder for to assist with weight loss/maintenance program and stumbled upon your article. Very interesting! Would you mind sharing your opinion on the whey protein form the Natural Health Sherpa (Dr. Jade Teta)? (I like the hair, skin, and nails benefits)

https://www.naturalhealthsherpa.com/products/ma-metabolicfuel/letter/28571

It would be nice if they broke down the blends so you can see the dosage of each ingredient, but overall, I think this looks like a good product.

Hello Alex – wow you know your protein and if not you know where to get the answers! I was using Ascent Protein Powder and Casein – being cancer free for 5 years now, what you wrote about the casein has me concerned (which stinks cause I would eat it instead of my nightly bowl of ice cream 🙂 and the gym I go to recommends/sells it and had rep come in and talk about it so of course there is nothing better then Ascent, my son told me today to buy what he uses (19 year old college student because it was better and less expensive which lead me to your page) He takes Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Double Rich Chocolate any positive/negative feedback on this product? I see it contains Acesulfame K. which I am googling next, Any recommendations for 19 year old who is trying to get ripped the right way on what type of protein he should be taking and THANKS AGAIN I AM FOR SURE BOOKMARK YOUR PAGE!

Yes, I am happy to help! I wrote about Acesulfame K in my Best and Worst Electrolytes for Diabetes article . Here is an abbreviated version of my long-winded explanation:

Acesulfame K (K is the symbol for potassium) seems to go under the radar quite often. Methlyene chloride is a solvent used in the beginning step of creating Acesulfame K. According to the EPA, it is predominately used as a solvent in paint strippers, removers, and pharmaceutical drugs, and as propellent for insect sprays and aerosol paint sprays. Exposure from the inhalation of methylene chloride has been linked to headaches, nausea, memory loss, liver and kidney issues, visual and auditory dysfunction, cardiovascular problems and an increased rate of cancer.

According to an FDA 2003 document, “methylene chloride, a carcinogenic chemical, is a potential impurity in ACK resulting from its use as a solvent in the initial manufacturing step of the sweetener. In the past, FDA has assumed that methylene chloride is present in Acesulfame K at the LOD of 40 ppb (worst-case scenario) and has evaluated its safety by performing a risk assessment for methylene chloride based on this level. No new information has been received to change FDA’s previous risk assessment for methylene chloride.

For a 19 year old to get ripped, he needs to make sure he is hitting his total protein target per day, along with sufficient fat and carbohydrates. Testosterone is in his favor, and for many 19 year olds, it’s mostly about getting enough nutrient dense calories per day to put on muscle mass. I would choose a clean high-quality whey protein from this list, and have him read the following dietary tips:

Sports Nutrition 101: Best Sources of Protein Sports Nutrition 101: Best Sources of Fat Sports Nutrition 101: Best Sources of Carbohydrates

I noticed that you stated the Lifesource Whey protein looks excellent. I would like your opinion on their Ultra Meal Replacement. Based on what they publish it looks great, but I would like your professional opinion on the quality of the product. https://www.lifesourcevitamins.com/meal-replacement-vanilla-3-lb-ultra-p/meal002.htm

They do not list the form of each vitamin and mineral, which is very unusual. I also don’t see how this is a meal replacement. It looks like it is just a whey protein powder with some vitamins and minerals thrown in. The amino acids are already there from the whey. If you are able to locate the vitamin and mineral label with the forms or request it from the company, I would be happy to review it.

Hi Alex – I happily stumbled upon your site while researching goat vs cow whey for use in horticulture, specifically fruit trees (apples mostly) as a tool to use in fungal disease suppression. Do you have any information regarding the efficacy of this? Thanks so much for any insight you might have!!

I think this might be the most unique question I have received! What you might have read has to do with liquid whey as the byproduct of cheese making. This is full of good bacteria and minerals. I’ve added it to my compost pile many times, which inoculates it and ramps it up. I can’t confirm whether or not it works for fungal disease suppression. I would also look into some biodynamic techniques for fungus. That system has a lot of natural remedies that are effective.

Evidently there’s a protein in whey called ferroglobulin that is known to wreck fungi’s ability to reproduce, being toxic to fungal conidia. I’m going to try it this year on some apple trees and see if it helps reduce fungal diseases. Thanks for the response!

Let me know if it works!

Alex, check out this link. Scroll down to the Whey section. Very interesting stuff! http://www.groworganicapples.com/organic-orcharding-articles/holistic-spray-ingredients.php

Very interesting! It sounds like you could add whey protein to water or use liquid whey as the spray since calcium and ferroglobulin are the main antifungals. I believe biodynamic practices use horsetail tea (due to silica and calcium) as a plant antifungal. https://www.biodynamics.com/preparations

Thanks for your efforts for this article. It was very helpful to me

Great article. Thanks.

What are your thoughts on Levels’ grass-fed whey? ( https://levelsusa.com/collections/grass-fed-whey-protein )

I just purchased their 2lbs chocolate. Curious to know about the metals / content / etc.

Looks good! Ingredients are clean and they have third party testing.

Thanks for your thorough and informative treatment of this subject. I was researching some other brands of protein powder, and i came across Raw Organic Whey ( https://www.raworganicwhey.com/ ), which has the results of 3rd party lab testing for contaminants posted on their website ( https://www.raworganicwhey.com/pages/raw-organic-whey-3rd-party-lab-test-results ). Just wanted to pass that along!

Thanks for posting the link! This one has been on my radar and I’ve been meaning to add it to the article. I’ll add it now.

Very good information shared, thanks for this.

Thank you for this review! any thoughts on the Whey Protein Isolate-Chocolate from Biotics Research ?

It looks like a clean product, however, I think you are overpaying for what you get ($3.50 a serving). Sugar alcohols like erythritol (found in the chocolate version) can also cause digestive distress in some people.

Awesome data shared, gratitude for this.

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Home » Sports / Bodybuilding Supplements

Best Whey Protein UK Reviews and 2024 Buyer Guide

If you walk into almost any supplement store, whey protein powder will one of the first products you’ll see. This wasn’t always the case, however. Before the 1970s, the only form of whey powder that existed was gritty and nearly inedible.

Improvements in filtration have allowed manufacturers to improve the taste and commercial availability of whey. It’s now a staple in the diet of a large percentage of people who exercise regularly.

Research consistently shows that taking a whey supplement can enhance your muscle synthesis and recovery from weight training therefore increasing muscle growth. In addition to a healthy and balanced diet you might well need a protein shake or two (or even protein bars ) in the day to ensure you have a decent intake. Choosing a whey powder supplement can be daunting since there are so many varieties available.

We’ll do all the heavy lifting in your buying decision by simplifying the nuances between each of type of whey. We’ll also compare eight of the most common whey powders on the market to help you get the best value for your money.

A Detailed Look at the Best Whey Protein in the UK

Here’s a breakdown of some of the more popular whey powders on the market with the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one is for you.

Bulk Powders Pure Whey Isolate 90

There are two Bulk Powders protein powders we’ve reviewed. The other powder we looked at was their concentrate, and this is their isolate variety. It offers an excellent protein density at 90%, which is the highest of any protein powder we’ve looked at.

Pure Whey Isolate 90 comes in containers between 500 g and 5 kg. Each 30 g serving contains 0.2 g of fat, 24 g of protein, and 0.4 g of sugar.

If you’re looking for an extremely protein-dense and low-sugar whey powder, this one can help you stay ripped when your calories are below maintenance.

Overall, Pure Whey Isolate is an excellent whey isolate. It’s price-point is about the same as the other protein powders on this list, but it provides you with the highest protein-density. If you’re in a phase of your training where your strict on your carb and fat intake, this is a great option.

• Has the highest protein percentage of any of the powders we’ve examined so far (about 90%)
• Vegetarian-friendly
• Comes in an unflavoured variety
• Average flavour

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

Optimum Nutrition is a highly recognized brand that’s sold around the world. In their product description, they list their product as the world’s best-selling whey protein powder, and they also won Men’s Health’s Best Protein Powder award in 2018.

Each serving contains 24 g of protein including 5.5g of BCAAs. If you’re an athlete, you can take this product with the peace of mind knowing that each batch is banned-substance tested. It’s almost pure protein, so it’s suitable for a bulk or a cut. Each serving contains less than 2 g of fat, 2 g of sugar and 3.5 g of carbs (some variability between flavours).

Optimum Nutrition’s whey protein is a high-quality whey concentrate that allows you to easily get a protein boost post-workout or whenever you’re out of the house.

Overall, it’s hard to find much wrong with the Optimum Nutrition Protein without nit-picking. They’re one of the most recognised brand names on the market and have over 30 years of experience delivering high-quality whey protein at about a market-average price.

• Informed Choice certified and banned substance tested
• Comes in 1, 2, 5, 7, 10-pound containers (from 0.45kg to 4.5kg)
• Company has a good reputation and has been around for more than 30 years
• Named ‘2018 Best Protein Powder’ at Men’s Health Magazine Sports Nutrition Awards
• Doesn’t come in an unflavoured variety
• Some users report it being a bit thin when mixed with water

Bulk Powders Pure Whey

Bulk Powders Whey Protein offers a whey concentrate supplement that has about 22 g of protein per serving. If you’re somebody who prioritises the taste of your whey protein, you may enjoy having 19 flavours to choose from. There are five chocolate variations alone.

This protein supplement comes in containers anywhere between 500 g and 5 kg so you can try the smaller containers to find which flavours you like the most and then save money by buying the bigger containers.

Pure Whey offers you a protein powder from grass-fed cows that has a price point lower than most of its competitors.

According to the company, they are able to provide low prices compared to their competitors by selling it in bags instead of plastic containers. If you’re on a budget, Bulk Powders Pure Whey makes a decent budget whey powder. It doesn’t contain as much protein per scoop as some of the more expensive brands, but it’s easier on your wallet.

• Relatively cheap compared to other whey powders
• Mixes well with milk
• Comes from grass-fed cows
• Some customers report not liking the taste when mixed with water
• Lower amount of protein per scoop than some other brands

Myprotein Impact Whey Protein

You’re not going to find another whey protein on the market that offers more flavours than Myprotein Impact. On their Amazon page, they sell close to 50 flavours ranging from blueberry cheesecake to tiramisu.

Each scoop of this whey concentrate comes in 25 g scoops and contains about 80% protein. If you’re looking for a supplement to add a few extra grams of protein to your diet each day, this protein powder makes for a cheap option.

The low-price tag and high protein density makes it a great option for both experienced lifters and newbies.

Overall, Myprotein Impact Whey is a solid whey supplement that has one of the lowest price-points of any brand we’ve looked at. If the smaller than usual scoop bothers you, you can either use a scoop from a different whey container or weigh out a larger serving size on a food scale.

• Huge list of flavours
• Contains an unflavoured variety
• Relatively cheap
• Scoop is smaller than most brands (25g opposed to 30g)
• Some customers report it not mixing well in water or milk

PhD Nutrition Diet Whey

The PhD Amazon page says that this product is for men and women trying to lose weight or trying to stay lean all year. Gram for gram, it isn’t as high in protein as the other protein powders on this list. However, the higher carb and fat content means that what it lacks in protein is made up for in flavour.

If you’re looking for a good-tasting protein powder that you can mix into your shakes and oatmeal, this whey powder might be for you.

The PhD Nutrition Diet Whey Protein powder seems to be aimed more at people trying to lose weight than bulk up. However, protein is protein, and how you chose to use it is up to you.

It isn’t as protein-dense as most other whey supplements, and if you follow the instructed serving sizes of 50 g, you’ll go through it quicker than most other protein powders. The price for a 2 kg container is around the market average.

• Good flavour compared to a lot of whey proteins
• Mixes fairly well with water and milk
• No unflavoured variety
• A serving is listed as 2 scoops or 50g instead of the standard 30g
• Only 68% by dry weight is protein
• Not many container size options

Scitec Nutrition 100% Whey Professional Protein

The Scitec Nutrition protein powder comes in three container sizes ranging from 920 g to 5 kg. It’s a blend of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate and is relatively low in sugar compared to other brands. Each serving contains roughly 22 g of protein, 2 g of fat, and 1.4 g of carbs with some variation between the 25 flavours.

Scitec Nutrition’s whey protein contains a full spectrum of amino acids that can help you bulk up or maintain muscle during a cut.

This whey supplement gives you a high-quality blend of whey concentrate and isolate with very little added sugar. It’s a little more expensive than average but comes in three different container sizes. You can try a small sample before committing to the most cost-efficient 5kg container.

• Relatively low in sugar
• Sold in small, medium, and large containers
• Contains whey isolate
• Only 73% protein
• No plain flavour
• More expenses than most competitors

The Protein Works Whey Protein 80 (Concentrate)

The Protein Works whey protein supplement advertises itself on Amazon as an award-winning protein supplement made up of 80% protein. If you’re looking for a protein supplement with a good flavour and few fillers, you may well enjoy this protein powder.

The less than 100 calories per scoop make it a great option if you’re in a cutting phase.

Overall, The Protein Work protein powder seems to get good reviews on its flavour compared to its competitors. Each serving has less than 100 calories, which makes it a good option if you’re on a cut.

• Flavours seem to appeal to most people
• Only 100 calories per serving
• Very low in sugar
• Only one size option
• Small serving sizes (25g)

MuscleTech Nitro Tech 100% Whey Gold

This whey supplement is a combination of whey peptides (protein chains broken into smaller chains) and whey isolate. It provides 5.5 g of BCAAs per serving including 5 grams of glutamine. One scoop (33 g) contains a total of 120 calories, 14 g of protein, 2 g of fat, 2 g of carbs, and 2 g of sugar.

The Multiphase filtration technology used to make this whey give it a lower level of lactose and impurities so you can enjoy it even if you have a sensitive stomach.

Whey Gold Protein Powder puts an emphasis on absorbability and quality. It includes slightly less than 80% protein per serving but contains a high-quality mix of whey peptides and whey isolate. It makes a good option if you’re looking for a hydrolysed whey supplement.

• Contains whey peptides
• Good flavour compared to competitors
• Only two flavours
• More expensive than many other varieties

What is Whey Protein?

Have you ever heard the nursery rhyme ‘Little Miss Muffet’? You know, Little Miss Muffet she sat on her tuffet eating her curds and whey …

Basically, what she was eating was unflavoured and unsalted cottage cheese. The lumps are known as the curds and the liquid is the whey protein. When cheese is made, whey is leftover as a by-product. Sometime during the 1900s, somebody discovered that they could turn this liquid is a protein-dense powder and market it as an exercise supplement.

Different Types of Whey Protein

The three most common types of whey protein supplement you’ll see in stores are whey concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. All three types of whey are protein-dense and low in carbohydrates and fats, but there are some subtle differences.

Whey concentrate is the most basic type of whey powder. If you’re on a budget and want to grab the cheapest container off the shelf, this is probably the whey supplement for you. Generally, whey concentrate supplements contain about 80% protein by dry weight.

A step up from whey concentrate is whey isolate . As the name suggests, whey isolate goes through further processing to isolate the protein. Most whey protein isolate supplements contain upward of 90% protein.

Both whey concentrate and whey isolate provide a convenient source of protein. However, if you’re cutting or are strict on your macros, an isolate gives you a little more control over your carb and fat intake.

The third type of whey protein, hydrolysed whey , is considered to be the most digestible. However, it’s also generally the most expensive.

The process of hydrolysation breaks down chains of protein into shorter strands so that your body doesn’t have to break them down as much before consuming them. Basically, it’s like the difference between eating a bowl of fruit or drinking a fruit smoothie. Which one gets digested quicker?

Why Do You Need Whey Protein?

Whey protein isn’t the only type of protein supplement on the market, but it’s one of the more popular for good reason. Whey powder contains a complete spectrum of amino acids, which are the building blocks that make up protein.

Research shows that whey powder is absorbed relatively quickly by your body compared to other protein sources.

Red meat, fish, and other dairy products also contain high-quality protein, but it’s difficult to match the convenience of a protein powder when you’re in a rush.

Here are a few other benefits of taking a whey protein supplement backed by peer-reviewed research.

• Consuming whey protein can prevent age-related muscle decline
• Taking whey protein post-workout can increase muscle synthesis more than soy protein
• Lactokinins in whey and other dairy products may lower blood pressure
• Whey powder may reduce inflammation
• Whey protein seems to have a greater effect on satiety than casein or soy protein
• Whey may have a muscle-sparing effect when losing weight

Whey’s biggest rival on the protein powder market is soy protein. However, there’s concern that soy protein can act as a phytoestrogen, meaning that it replicates oestrogen in your body and disrupts your muscle-building ability.

Your hormone testosterone is responsible for masculine features such as high amounts of muscle mass, body hair, and a deep voice. Oestrogen is responsible for creating feminine characteristics, which is why it may be best to avoid soy products. Vegans should look at pea protein as a great alternative.

What to Look for in a Whey Protein Powder

As we already mentioned, there’s no one type of whey powder that’s better than others. The type of whey powder you should buy depends on your individual needs.

Whey protein concentrate supplements generally contain more fat and carbohydrates than other types of whey, but if you’re in a bulking phase and not concerned about pinpointing your macros, this might not matter for you. If you’re on a budget, whey protein concentrate also give you the most protein for your money.

If you’re cutting, you might be stricter on the number of calories and carbohydrates you put into your body and may want to stick with an isolate or hydrolysed whey supplement.

Another consideration when buying a whey supplement is whether you want to a product with artificial sweeteners or not.

Most whey powders do contain artificial sweeteners to keep the number of carbohydrates to a minimum while providing a tolerable taste.

Research on the long-term effects of most artificial sweeteners hasn’t found conclusive evidence to support or deny that they might have negative health effects.

One of the more common sweeteners used in whey powder, sucralose, seems to be generally safe for consumption.

A 2017 review published in The Journal of Nutrition looked at the results of 372 studies examining the effects of artificial sweeteners . They found that there no evidence to suggest that consuming artificial sweeteners increases risk of cancer, diabetes, or weight gain. The authors suggest the more research needs to be performed on the neurological and cardiovascular effects to make a conclusive statement.

If you want to avoid artificial sweeteners, then stick to a brand of whey powder that offers an unflavoured powder. Unflavoured whey doesn’t taste great by itself, but if you blend it in a smoothie with fruit or something sweet, it’s generally tasteless.

Read more: How can you tell the quality of protein powder supplements ?

So, what whey protein shake are you going to choose? All of them on this list a great quality but we particularly like Bulk Powders Pure Whey Isolate 90. It’s a whey isolate supplement that contains the highest protein-density of any of the supplements on this list. Even though it’s a whey protein isolate, it has a price-point comparable to many whey concentrates.

Another great option is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard. Optimal Nutrition is a highly recognisable brand that’s been around for more than 30 years and their whey powder offers a great combination of affordability and protein-density.

Jason Barnham

Jason started lifting weights back in 1990 which sparked his interest in Nutrition. He went back to college in 1993 then started at the University of Surrey in 1994, graduating in Nutrition and Dietetics in 1998.

Having worked in both the NHS and running his own dietetic clinic, he has now settled into the web publishing world.

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Optimum Nutrition Whey Isolate vs Gold Standard: What's best?

As you have probably already discovered if you are reading this article, not all whey proteins were created equal. Whey protein encompasses all protein powders that contain the ‘whey’ part of milk, after it has been separated from casein (another dairy-based protein supplement). Within the realm of whey proteins, there are several versions available. These include concentrate and isolate. Optimum Nutrition offer options for both under the names ‘ Gold Standard Whey ’ and ‘ Gold Standard Isolate ’.

100% Whey Gold Standard vs Pure Whey Protein Isolate: which is the best whey?

Both Gold Standard Whey and Gold Standard Isolate are incredible products that can have their place in a muscle building or fat loss diet. Both being whey products, you can expect many of the same benefits including them being complete proteins. By this, we mean that all reputable whey protein powders contain the full spectrum of 9 essential amino acids, including the branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine and valine). In this regard, whey is superior to something like a pea protein which will need to be combined with another complimentary source of protein in the same meal to make it 'complete'. If your goal is to build maximum muscle mass, an awareness of the quality of the proteins you consume is a must!

Next, both have great mixability. You might have experienced protein powders in the past that remain lumpy and powdery no matter how hard you try to blend them - not Optimum Nutrition! You can guarantee that their wheys will easily mix with cold water into a perfect form. You can expect a slightly thicker shake with a concentrate, due to the small amount of fat.

Whey proteins are also versatile and easy to stack. If you are new to using supplements, a quality protein powder is probably one of the first things we'd advise picking up, for convenience if nothing else! Alongside your whey protein concentrate or isolate, you could use a number of other basic supplements from creatine to pre-workout to BCAAs.

So, what are the differences?

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate vs Whey Protein ingredient comparison table

Both proteins contain impressive ingredients lists, boasting around 25 grams of protein respectively and being gluten-free. The whey isolate protein has 0 gram of fat and uses the highest quality whey, whereas the concentrate contains added digestive enzymes a little more gram of carbohydrates, though still coming in at less than 2g per serving.

*Nutrition Information may vary depending on flavour. Table based on Chocolate flavours.

ON Whey Isolate vs Gold Standard for flavour

Being the more widely popular and recognised product, Optimum do offer more flavours in Gold Standard Whey , including some fun ones such as Caramel Toffee Fudge and Chocolate & Hazelnut! In the Isolate, we see the more ‘classic’ flavours like Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate flavor. Whatever you go for, ON are known for doing a great job with their flavouring systems as we’ve seen in products like Amino Energy.

Both protein powders get their taste from sucralose as sweetener and flavourings (both natural and artificial flavors are used in gold standard 100% isolate). This is pretty typical for a whey product and, in our experience, results in a more authentic taste than protein powders that use something like stevia, a natural alternative that can leave a not

Our advice: looking for a quick shake? Go for isolate. Want something to flavour your oats? The fun flavours and thicker consistency of Gold Standard Whey will take them to a whole new level.

Other differences between Optimum Nutrition Whey and Isolate

1. protein content.

One of the key differences between a whey concentrate and isolate is that the protein yield is higher in and isolate due to the processes used to prepare it. A typical whey concentrate will be made up of 80% protein, with the remaining calories from carbs and fat, whereas an isolate has undergone further processing to produce at least 90% yield of ultra-pure protein. For those on a very low carb diet, choosing an isolate can save a few of those precious macros to use elsewhere.

For something even 'cleaner', Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey breaks whey isolate down further for ultra fast absorption and the purest protein supplement you can buy.

2. Digestion

Another benefit of whey protein isolate over concentrate is that is is more readily digested due to containing 0g fat, 1g of carbohydrates and being lactose free. If you had been considering a vegan protein powder because concentrates do not sit well with you, the solution might lie in opting for a whey isolate - it is also worth noting that you probably won't find a vegan protein with such impressive macros!

The fast digesting nature of isolate makes it the optimal choice around workouts when you want a quick supply of amino acids delivering to the muscles with as little digestive distress as possible. Add to ground rice or simply mix with a carb powder like highly branched cyclic dextrin for a perfect post-workout recovery meal!

At other times of the day, such as before bed, a slower releasing protein like a concentrate, casein or blend might be preferable to give a slower release of those valuable aminos, including the 3 BCAAs, through hours in what is essentially a fasted state.

Assuming that you don't mind a couple of grams of carbs and fats in your protein, and you've never had any GI issues with dairy, a huge positive of opting for a concentrate is the fact that they come at a lower cost per serving.

If you are just entering into the world of protein supplements, it is wise to start out with an affordable whey concentrate to first see how you like the supplement and how you get on. This means that you can experiment with different flavours and ways of serving up your whey (no pun intended) to find the perfect powder for you.

With Optimum Nutrition, you can trust that supplements are of a high quality no matter what. The brand have been leading the sports nutrition industry for many years, and you can trust that they are producing some of the best protein powders you can buy.

Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Isolate vs Gold Standard Whey: Conclusion

Ultimately, both whey protein isolate and concentrate have value in helping you reach your daily protein targets and being a source of amino acids including BCAAs and glutamine. Incorporating a protein shake into your diet is a great way to stay satiated, save money on more expensive sources of protein such as lean meat and fish, and spike muscle protein synthesis for greater gains in lean muscle and recovery.

Whey isolate might be the better choice if looking for something fast digesting, if unable to consume high amounts of lactose or if on a diet with very limited total fats and carbohydrates.

Whey concentrate could be the better option if looking for a more 'milkshake' like taste and consistency and to be more cost effective.

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Formulation & Product Questions

In terms of the amount of protein shakes per day, there is no absolute figure as this depends on your protein intake from food. You should aim to consume the majority of your protein from food and then use a shake as a convenient way of topping up your intake. Your protein intake should vary between 1.4-2g/kg body weight to support performance, going towards the higher end if you are aiming to build muscle. Also to support recovery and performance  your protein should be evenly spread across the day, aiming for 20-30g of protein at each meal. There is no best time to take a protein shake as it can be taken at any time throughout the day but a protein shake after a workout is a good option as it provides the muscle with a high quality protein source which is delivered to the muscles fast after exercise.  

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The following is the amino acids profile of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Vanilla  flavour .  This may vary slightly due to seasonality of milk. 

The difference between Gold Standard Gainer (GSG) and Serious Mass is the quality of carbohydrates and protein used. The protein blend in GSG includes whey protein isolate and hydrolysed whey protein, which are more filtered forms of protein and therefore lower in lactose, fat and carbohydrate and thus gives a high percentage of protein per serving, compared to whey protein concentrate, which is the primary protein in Serious Mass. Whey protein concentrate is still a quality form of protein and Optimum Nutrition use the highest form (85%) of whey concentrate available. The carbohydrate blend used in GSG consists of complex carbohydrate from oats, potato starch and pea starch, whereas Serious Mass is made using maltodextrin, which is a simple carbohydrate. Another difference is that SM is fortified with vitamin and minerals whereas GSG is not.

Due to the differences in these key ingredients Gold Standard Gainer (GSG) is viewed as a more premium gainer product compared to Serious Mass and targeted towards a more educated consumer seeking higher quality ingredients. Although both products offer the same benefits of adding calories to a person’s diet and in conjunction with resistance exercise support them in achieving an increase in muscle mass.

For more than 30 years Gold Standard 100% Whe y has been the number 1 choice for athletes Worldwide. Gold Standard 100% Whey is formulated using a premium blend of whey, using whey protein isolate as its primary ingredient making its taste and texture worthy of being the most rewarded and reviews whey protein on Bodybuilding.com and Amazon.com to date.   

Optimum Nutrition was the first brand to bring powdered casein to the market and continues to be one of the only brands to offer micellar casein as its only source of casein in this product. Micellar casein   is the only slow digesting casein other caseins such as calcium caseinate are not slow digesting and have a similar digestion rate to whey protein.  

Optimum Nutrition is a global leader and our award winning products are available across the world.  

Formulas may differ from US products in order to meet EU and other local market regulations.  Differences between formulas are minimal and the product quality is equal across all markets and does not impact  the effectiveness of the product when training recovering. 

No, it is not.

Gold Standard 100% Plant is a mixture of pea and rice protein, the combination of which makes it a complete protein. Rice protein is high in cysteine and methionine but low in lysine whereas pea protein is low in cysteine and methionine but high in lysine, therefore combining these proteins provides you with a full complement of both essential and non-essential amino acids which will support the growth of lean muscle mass, particularly as it contains a leucine content of 2g.  

The bloating you experience with whey protein may be due to the lactose in the product, which is a naturally occurring sugar in dairy products. Plant protein does not contain lactose so it may help with this issue.  

There is no added vitamin K in the product.  

The BCAA products (powder and capsule) are in a 2:1:1 ratio for leucine, isoleucine and valine. This is based on the fact that all proteins (whey, casein and egg) all have a similar ratio.

Optimum Nutrition protein products including Gold Standard 100% Whey contain complete high quality protein sources. This means that they contain all 20 amino acids - which are divided into essential (not produced by the body and are required from food in the diet) and non essential (produced by the body and not needed from food in the diet) amino acids.   It is well understood though that a complete protein with all 20 amino acids is needed to support muscle growth and maintenance. 

Opti-Men contains green tea extract, while standardized for polyphenols, is not decaffeinated and will still have very trace amounts of caffeine

Lean Whey contains 0.6 g of sugar per serving. All relevant information is declared on the back of pack.  

Approximately 270mg/100g 

There is only <2% caffeine in green coffee extract and <7% in green tea extract. 

All the whey used in our products is sourced from cow’s milk.

The blenders that are used to make Gold Standard 100% Whey are cleaned with alcohol so there may be some traces of it in the product however, very small traces if any. 

No, it is a synthetic product, Hydroxyl Acetonitrite Methylamine, with no animal ingredients

We do not use micronized creatine as it has not been scientifically proven to increase the loading of creatine into the muscles.  

The bloating effect caused by creatine is due to water retention and is an individual response. We would only recommend creatine monohydrate as it is proven most comprehensively by science. 

It is derived from the fermentation of glucose. This is a soy free product. 

The soy lecithin is a part of the initial blend of BCAA which we use to make up the amino energy product so the amounts in the product are at trace levels, there is maximum 1% added to the BCAA blend, so there would be maximum 20 mg of soy lecithin per serving. It is added to the product to allow the product to be better dispersed when liquid is added.

Gold Standard Whey protein uses ultrafiltration and ion exchange processes to produce a superior product which supports training goals. These processes do denature the protein, however this does not affect the proteins ability to support muscle growth and maintenance after training.  In fact cooking and the digestion process also leads to denaturation. 

You can take them any way to want, whole or split. We don’t have smaller ones but we do have powder which may suit you better.

We produce products for multiple countries and therefore our labels must be compliant in each country. We reduced the dose in ZMA to 1 capsule for consistency across all of Europe as  advising to take 3 capsules daily was outside the upper limit for the daily recommended intake (RDI) for some countries in mainland Europe, particularly for zinc. In some of these countries the upper limit for the RDI for zinc per day is 25mg and 3 capsules of ZMA would exceed this dose as it provides 30mg.  

The statement on pack “not suitable for diabetics” is mandatory due to IMO (isomaltooligosaccharides) in the formula. This ingredient has negligible sugars content but still triggers a glycemic response.

For the EU we declare calories based on the protein, carbohydrate and fat values delivered from the flavours and other ingredients, but as a food supplement they are not declared on the front or back of the pack only the calories linked to them. The US may declare these differently which may cause the slight difference between the varience on pack. 

The phrase ‘contains a source of sugar’ is a mandatory statement associated with Isomaltoligosaccharides (IMO) as it has an effect on your blood glucose levels. However the primary role of IMO is for bulking properties as well as being a fibre source, it is not added as a source of glucose.

The recommendation for meal replacements is to use 1-2 a day to replace meals, as part of a diet which includes food. There is a mandatory statement in relation to MR products which states; 

“The product is intended only as part of an energy-restricted diet and that other foodstuffs should be a necessary part of such diet.” 

From a nutritional standpoint, these products are complete/balanced, but we cannot go against the mandatory regulatory dosage and consumption advice. Plus, considering these are only ~200 kcal, if you were having one for each meal, that’s only 600 kcal a day, which is a bit extreme. Therefore we recommend that these products be taken in place of 1 or 2 meals, and other food should still be consumed. 

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For more than 30 years  Gold Standard 100% Whey has been the number 1 choice for athletes Worldwide. Gold Standard 100% Whey is formulated using a premium blend of whey, using whey protein isolate as its primary protein ingredient.  It is the most reviewed, revered whey protein powder in the world. But what really makes it the best seller is the consistency and the trust. No matter where you are and no matter when you decide to try it, with Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey, you are always going to be in the Gold Standard Zone.

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Originally all the Optimum Nutrition products available everywhere in the world were manufactured in our Aurora plant in the USA. After the US and UK, India is the third-ever region to manufacture Optimum Nutrition products. To match the ever-increasing demand in the Indian subcontinent we have now partnered up with Tirupati Lifesciences and started locally manufacturing some of our key products such as Gold Standard 100% Whey (Double Rich Chocolate, Vanilla Ice Cream), Serious Mass, and Performance Whey at Paonta Sahib. A major portion of our products and lot of your favorite Gold Standard flavors are still made in the USA. We are planning to increase our local manufacturing capacity and going to add more products to locally manfactured portfolio. This allows us to serve you faster and more efficiently. Its a Dynamic process really and for coming few years you will see a mix of USA as well as India manufactured inventory in the market. Where ever the product is manufactured, you can rest assured that it is made with utmost precision and same quality and safety standards that makes ON the #1 selling sports protein powder brand in the world. You can find the manufacturing details on the label itself, and we always recommend you to Authenticate your ON product by verifying your 6 digit unique TRU Seal code HERE .

Optimum Nutrition is a global leader and our award winning products are available across the world. Formulas may differ from US to India products in order to meet India FSSAI and other local market regulations.  Differences between formulas are minimal and the product quality is equal across all markets and does not impact  the effectiveness of the product when training recovering. 

It is a blend of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and hydrolysed whey protein, with the ingredients listed in order of predominance (first ingredient whey protein isolate). Learn more about Gold Standard 100% Whey HERE

It comes from cow's milk

Amino Acids are building blocks of proteins. They are naturally present in all proteins. The amino acids in our protein supplements are naturally occuring from the whey protein itself. We do not add additional amino acids to the products.

This is a proprietary information. However, please keep in mind the ingredients are listed in order of predominance. For example, Gold Standard 100% Whey has Whey Protein Isolate listed as the first protein on the ingredient list which means it is the primary source of protein in the blend.  

The main advantage of Gold Standard Isolate is that it is 100% isolate compared to Gold Standard Whey which is a blend of whey protein isolate (WPI), whey protein concentrate (WPC), and Hydrolysed Whey. Therefore GS Isolate has a higher percentage of protein and a lower level of carbohydrate, lactose and fat per serving. Gold Standard Isolate has 25g of protein per serving whereas GS Whey has 24g per serving, so depending on how much protein you need daily or whether or not you mind little more of carbohydrates, fats and calories in your diet, you may prefer to choose one over the other. However, both protein powders support muscle recovery and rebuilding, when taken over time with regular resistance training.

Optimum Nutrition protein products including  Gold Standard 100% Whey contain complete high quality protein sources. This means that they contain all 20 amino acids - which are divided into essential (not produced by the body and are required from food in the diet) and non essential (produced by the body and not needed from food in the diet) amino acids.   It is well understood though that a complete protein with all 20 amino acids is needed to support muscle. 

It is naturally occuring so a range of about 90-110 mg per serving

It is naturally occuring so a range of approximately 240-260 mg per serving

All the whey used in our products is sourced from cow’s milk.

Alcohol is not added or used at any stage during production of our proteins and powders.

No, the proteins that we use in our products are made  using either synthetic or fungally derived rennet.

What you are seeing is completely normal. Not all ingredients are the same level of granulation or precipitation of free-form amino acids, so at times and depending on how well mixed, there can be some visible fall-out. You can continue with your method of mixing to make it a bit more homogenous. Hope that helps!

 The coffee flavors that do contain caffeine will list the amount on the back panel (Coffee and Mocha Cappuccino). We do not add any synthetic anhydrous caffeine in GS Whey.

No, it is a synthetic product, Hydroxyl Acetonitrite Methylamine, with no animal ingredients

The bloating effect caused by creatine is due to water retention and is an individual response.

It is derived from the fermentation of glucose. This is a soy free product.

The soy lecithin is a part of the initial blend of BCAA which we use to make up the amino energy product so the amounts in the product are at trace levels. It is added to the product to allow the product to be better dispersed/mixed when liquid is added.

It is derived from Corn.

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Whey Protein

For protein powders and shakes, whey protein is the most popular type of protein on the market. Considered to be the best protein for your diet, whey protein is a complete protein, containing all of the essential amino acids your body needs to function optimally.

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Focused on consuming less fat, carbs and lactose? Discover whey protein isolate for a more processed, higher protein content. From PhD Diet Whey to whey protein isolate, our complete range of whey protein powders, bars and snacks has everything you need to develop a strong, lean physique, while also satiating your appetite and your sweet tooth! 

AID WEIGHT LOSS Adding a whey protein powder to your diet can support your weight loss journey in some pretty key ways! By boosting the production of appetite suppressing hormones, whey protein can help you to feel fuller for longer. For a high protein boost, why not start your day by adding a protein powder to your breakfast?

IMPROVE HEART HEALTH & IMMUNITY Whey protein contains all the essential amino acids that our body needs to function healthily. This makes whey protein powder a key addition to your diet if you want to take care of your wellbeing. Not only has whey protein been proven to reduce ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol, it can also help the body to fight disease and infection. 

BOOST EXERCISE RECOVERY  After a rigorous workout, the body needs time to rest, recover and repair. Whey protein plays a key role in this process, boosting post-workout muscle strength recovery. This makes whey protein powders, bars and snacks perfect for workout nutrition. But don’t just take our word for it, try our complete range of whey protein products today to discover the benefits of whey protein. 

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Optimum Nutrition vs Myprotein: Which is better?

Choosing the right protein powder isn’t fun anymore. With all the flavours, prices, nutritional values, and concerns related, it’s hard to understand what exactly you should be looking for.

Especially since the sports nutrition and supplement industry has stepped up a notch, with brands offering upgraded products that can just come across as overwhelming.

To help you narrow down your choices and focus on your needs, we’ve compared two of the best-rated whey protein brands: Optimum Nutrition and MyProtein based on their nutritional composition, quality, taste and value for money.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I may get a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on a link. This does not cost you anything.

What you should know about the brands

Did you know that more than 95 thousand tons of whey protein  are produced and shipped solely in the UK?

Both Optimum Nutrition and MyProtein have been on top of whey protein production in the UK for quite some time, proving with their consistency and quality that what is promised is in the end delivered.

Optimum Nutrition

Optimum Nutrition has been paving its way to the best-selling brands for 30 + years, mostly focusing on whey protein as their staple product, with now more than 14 flavours to offer.

Optimum Nutrition proudly shows off its success, claiming their products and any changes made to their formula are strictly based on scientific data and up-to-date research on fitness and sports nutritional requirements.

Myprotein hasn’t been around for so long (since 2004), yet with a vast array of sports and nutrition products (including even sports clothing and accessories), it has quickly fought its way to customers’ protein powder bottles for a reason, now with over 40 flavours to choose from.

On their website, MyProtein guarantees top-quality ingredients, certified testing methods, and top-notch production based in the UK, ensuring best-rated sports supplements, amongst which their whey protein powders stand out as the top-selling products.

Optimum Nutrition vs MyProtein – Bestselling protein powders

Both companies explore a variety of whey protein variants but for the purposes of this article the focus will be put on their most popular comparable products: whey concentrate ( Impact Whey vs ON Gold Standard ) and whey isolate ( Impact Whey Isolate vs ON Gold Standard 100% Isolate ). But first of all, let’s look at the differences between whey concentrate and isolate and which one you should buy.

Different types of whey protein powders

Based on their fat, lactose and protein content, as well as manufacturing process,   whey protein powders  mostly found on the racks can be categorized into three main types: whey protein concentrate (70-80% protein), whey protein isolate (80%+ protein), and hydrolysed whey.

Whey concentrate  is the most common and widely popular supplementation, essentially a left-over liquid of cheese and other dairy production processes, which is further dehydrated and formed into a powder. Being a natural milk byproduct, whey concentrate is a healthy supplementation option, containing around 80% of protein (depending on the brand), alongside wholesome fats and nutrients, lactose (around 8%), and minerals.

In search of a low-calorie/high-protein option, various technologies have been applied to create a  whey isolate , 90-95% protein, low-calorie, low-lactose option. To achieve this, whey isolate powders are also deprived of all the healthy fats and minerals, that basically comprises a wholesome whey supplement.

Finally, whey hydrolysate is also worth mentioning as probably the most advanced form of whey supplementation.

Hydrolyzed whey is produced by breaking down amino acids in whey for better and quicker absorption, making it less prone to causing allergic reactions. That said, given the questionable bitter taste that needs additives, as well as the only slight improvement in whey digestion, it’s questionable how effective this type really is in the sports supplementation world. What’s more, the more complicated the production, the higher the price – another minus for whey hydrolyzation.

Products reviewed in this article are concentrate and isolate options from the two mentioned brands.

Whey concentrate or isolate: Which one should you buy?

The answer to this question depends on what you’re looking for in your whey powder.

Because of its easy and quick production process, whey concentrate is cheaper, easily accessible, and more commonly used in sports supplementation (protein bars, powders, drinks, etc.) than other powders.

It’s also considered healthier and fitting to its supplementation purpose as it recharges the body with necessary fats, amino acids, minerals – essentially everything that makes whey so desirable in sports nutrition. That said, dairy fats add up to calorie content, which is usually a big downside for fitness fans.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a rapid protein boost whey isolates are a better option. With up to 95% of protein content, this type of powder will bring higher efficacy with no significant calorie boost.

Whey isolates are also great for lactose-intolerant consumers as some brands offer powders with as low as 0.5% lactose content. However, be prepared to invest more in your protein powder if you decide to opt for the isolates.

MyProtein Impact Whey (Concentrate) Protein vs Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein

We’ve scrutinized the most important features of whey concentrate protein powders MyProtein Impact Whey (Concentrate) Protein and Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein to give you a better insight into their true effect and quality:

Nutritional information

It seems that both of these best-selling whey concentrates offer the same amount of the baseline ingredients:  protein – 82 g (per 100g), as well as the energy substrates, Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) : 5.5g (ON Gold Standard Whey) vs 5.4g (MyProtein Impact Whey) per 30g serving. The BCAAs are responsible for muscle recovery and are a prerequisite for the proper absorption of other amino acids.

However, that’s where the similarities end, given that MyProtein Impact whey is richer in calories with 412 kcal vs. 373 kcal in ON Gold Standard for the same amount (100g), unflavoured options.

If we dig deeper into the nutritional composition, we can see that this is easily explained by almost double the amount of fat (7.5 g vs 3.7g) and sugars (4.0g vs 2.2g) in MyProtein powder.

Both products are low in salt containing only 0.5 g per 100g of product.

Flavours and taste/texture

For some consumers, flavour/taste can be the decision-making factor in picking your favourite whey powder. Judged solely by the number of available flavours, MyProtein by far beats not only Optimum Nutrition but also most other brands , with a whopping 55 choices on the market.

That said, a wider range of options doesn’t always mean ‘better’, as there’s only so much you can add to a protein shake to keep it palatable, let alone tasty.

Among the 55 flavours, at least 10 are chocolate variants, some reviewed as delicious, but some as not so much. Some flavours cover the classics (vanilla, strawberry, banana, etc.) while there are also more daring combos (e.g. coffee, raspberry, tiramisu, pineapple, and much more).

Optimum Nutrition sticks to the known (14 flavours) which are more or less attractive to consumers who in general find them appealing, easily digestible and compatible with the milky whey taste (chocolate variants, strawberry, vanilla, banana, etc.)

Sweeteners used

The main sweetener in both products is Sucralose , a common sweetener widely used in protein powders. Apart from the bundle of flavours, MyProtein has widened its offer to healthier sugar-free options, such as the ‘stevia’ range ( banana, blueberry and raspberry, chocolate, chocolate mint, vanilla, strawberry).

Stevia  is a calorie-free, fat-free natural sweetener, very high in sweetness, yet a much healthier option compared to artificial sweeteners such as Acesulfame Potassium (K) , also found in ON Gold Standard. This artificial additive although safe for consumption has been linked to possible contributions to obesity and diabetes,  due to gut microbiome changes it causes.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey doesn’t offer a carb-free option, however, there are other sugar-free options (e.g. Optimum Nutrition Lean Whey Sugar-Free) available for those who need to cut down on carbs.

Price and value for money

When it comes to affordability, we’ve compared similar packages (2.5 kg and 2.2 kg) to see their popularity and value for money. Compared to similar products, both MyProtein and Optimum Nutrition products are in the ‘good value for money’ range according to most users, which makes them even more applicable and recommended among fitness enthusiasts, sports nutritionists and satisfied consumers.

Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate vs ON Gold Standard 100% Isolate

When it comes to brands’ whey isolate products, their isolate products ( Impact Whey Isolate vs Gold Standard 100% Isolate ) are very different. Here are the main differences:

• Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate has more calories per 100g than ON Gold Standard 100% Isolate (373 kcal vs 366 kcal).
• Impact Whey has more protein per 100g (90% vs 83% in ON Gold Standard Isolate).
• Impact Whey has less fat, carbs and salt per 100g. However, it has more sugars in 100g (2.5g) than ON Gold Standard Isolate (1.1g).
• There are only three flavours of ON Gold Standard 100% Isolate with no unflavoured option. Impact Whey, on the other hand, offers over 20 flavours, including the unflavoured option.
• Artificial sweeteners are used in both isolates but some flavours of MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate are sweetened with more natural stevia.

So, ON Gold Standard 100% Isolate vs MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate – which one is the winner?

If you want less calories per 100g, you should pick ON Gold Standard Isolate but then you will get only 83g of protein per 100g.

Overall, Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate still wins as the calorie difference is negligible and the protein content is higher. You will also get more flavour options when choosing Impact Whey and you can even pick stevia-sweetened isolate ( Chocolate Mint Stevia Flavour , Blueberry & Raspberry Stevia Flavour ) which is something ON Gold Standard Isolate doesn’t offer.

Myprotein vs Optimum Nutrition: Which one is better?

On a general note, consumers who are looking for a long-lasting whey protein powder that will show consistency and quality should also look for a well-rounded flavourful powder, therefore, before making your final pick, try out several options to make sure you can use the powder for some time, in order to achieve positive results.

Based on all the factors included (nutritional value, taste, price, options, brand), all products have downfalls and pluses.

ON Gold Standard Whey Concentrate is definitely a better option for those who are looking for a product lower in calories and fat. That said, MyProtein Impact Whey Concentrate offers more options both in flavour and healthy sugar-free options, at a slightly more affordable price.

When it comes to whey isolates, Myprotein Impact Whey Isolate is a better option as it contains more protein, less fats, less carbs and less salt. It also has more flavours with some flavours sweetened with more natural stevia.

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Nitro Tech vs Gold Standard – Which is the Better Whey Protein?

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Nitro Tech vs Gold Standard Which is the Better Whey Protein?

How to choose a good whey protein.

When looking for a whey good protein powder to use post workout or as a meal replacement, there a few things to consider. Since there are many differences in ingredients, taste, and macros, you want to be sure you choose the right one for you. Some whey protein powders have more protein, carbs or sugar than others and there can be wide differences in calories. You may also find that certain whey protein powders have creatine, amino acids, and other things that are added for strength, recovery, or preformance.

Depending on why you are taking whey protein, you might prefer some products over others. If you are taking your protein after strength training and you are trying to gain strength and size, creatine or amino acids might be something you want to have in the powder. If on the other hand, you are taking protein as a meal replacement and you don’t want to gain size, you probably wouldn’t want to take creatine. The comparison being made in this post is between two really good whey proteins, MuscleTech’s Nitro Tech and Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard.

Nitro Tech vs Gold Standard

Each of these supplements has strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break them down to decide which one is the best overall mass gainer

Nitro tech has very good for anyone who wants to add some extra protein to their diet. This whey protein has 150 calories, 2.5g of fat, 30g of protein, and 3 carbs in one serving. These are good numbers if you are trying to put on lean muscle. This product also contains 270mg of Calcium and 150mg of Sodium. The macros in this product are about what you would expect when buying whey protein.

Ingredients

There are some added ingredients to this whey protein to help build muscle. The first one is creatine and each serving contains 3g. Secondly, there are three different amino acids that make up a matrix that helps with muscle recovery. The amino acids included are L-leucine (3.3g), L-isoleucine (1.8g), and L-valine (1.7g). These ingredients are one of the things that make this whey protein so great.

Nitro tech is a really good tasting protein powder.  It comes in 6 different flavors including Cookies & Cream, Milk Chocolate, Moca Cappuccino, Strawberry, and Vanilla. Cookies & Cream is the best of the bunch. If you have taken a few different protein powders, you will notice immediately that this one is on the top tier when it comes to taste.

Performance

This is a great whey protein for recovery and performance because of the amino acid matrix and the creatine. The 3g of creatine is going to increase, size, strength, and endurance in the gym. The daily recommended dose of creatine is 5g so you are almost getting all of it in just one serving of whey protein. The 6.8g of BCAA’s in Nitro Tech are very strong. That is approaching the level of what you will find in some intra workouts which are specifically designed for muscle recovery. The fact that you get 3g of creatine and almost 7g of BCAA’s in a whey protein is amazing.

MuscleTech Nitro Tech

Awesome ingredients for strength & recovery.

Muscle Recovery

Strength Gains

Gold Standard

Gold Standard is one of the top selling whey protein products on the market. One of the reasons why it is so popular is because it only has 120 calories and 3g carbs, and 1.5g of fats. You get 24g of protein in each serving which is 1 scoop. It has 50mg of Sodium and 130mg of Calcium.

The added ingredients that you get Gold Standard are BCAA’s (5.5g) and Glutamine (4g). This whey protein does not have creatine in it which is important to a lot of people. If you want to take creatine, you probably already bought it separately and you can just take it with your pre workout or mix it with the protein. By not having it included in the powder, this product becomes available to people who don’t want to take creatine.

Gold Standard is a good tasting whey protein but sometimes it can seem like their is an aftertaste. You can get this protein in quite a few different flavors. It isn’t anything you can’t manage but it the taste isn’t as pure as Nitro Tech. They have Chocolate Malt, French Vanilla, Cake Batter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Rich Chocolate, and White Chocolate.

Gold Standard Whey will give you performance in the sense that it will help your muscles recover so you can work hard in the gym without soreness . You don’t get any added benefits from creatine or other ingredients that help with strength and endurance.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

Solid whey protein for post workout.

Each of these supplements has its own advantages and disadvantages. The fact that Nitro Tech has 30g of protein instead of 24g and also includes creatine makes it a better option for people trying to gain strength and size. The taste is also better for Nitro Tech although Gold Standard doesn’t taste bad. Gold Standard is usable by a wider group of people however because not everyone wants creatine in their whey protein. At the same time, someone who wants to take creatine can take Gold Standard and just add creatine to it.

As far as pricing is concerned, Gold Standard is the better option. You get 74 servings for $58 whereas with Nitro Tech, you get 40 servings for $45 depending on the flavor. Some servings such as Cookies & Cream can be a little more expensive. Which whey protein you think is better will depend a lot on what your goals. From our perspective, Nitro Tech is the better overall option because it has more protein and creatine is a great supplement that has proven to be safe and outstanding for training performance.

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Ultimate Nutrition Prostar 100 Whey Protein vs ON Gold Standard — A Close Call

Optimum Nutrition is a brand that’s so well-known it almost needs no introduction. They produce the most popular protein powder on the market, Gold Standard Whey, which can be found in practically every supplement store in the United States.

Ultimate Nutrition has a slightly smaller reach, but they have a pretty dedicated following among bodybuilders, in part because they sponsor Mr. Olympia Phil Heath.

Both brands offer a variety of different protein powders (check out our reviews of Ultimate Nutrition’s Gold Whey and Iso-Cool), but we wanted to compare Gold Standard Whey with Prostar 100% Whey Protein, which seems like it was made to compete with Gold Standard. The two brands have nearly identical calories, macros, cost, and ingredients — but across these domains, we’ve stacked them up to see which is tops.

A blend of three kinds of whey that's extraordinarily creamy and surprisingly inexpensive.

The market's most popular whey lives up to its reputation as a solid all-rounder with a huge variety of flavors to choose from. It includes 24 grams of protein in each round scoop and mixes well with milk or water.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

Both products have 120 calories per scoop, and ON has a pretty competitive macro split: 24 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs (1 gram of sugar), and 1 gram of fat.

It’s also got 10 percent of your recommended daily intake of cholesterol (30mg), 5 percent of your daily sodium (130mg) and 8 percent of your daily calcium.

Ultimate Nutrition Prostar

While it has the same amount of calories and fat as Gold Standard, it has just a little bit more protein (25 grams) and fewer carbs (2 grams, 1 gram of sugar). This means the Ultimate Nutrition has more protein per calorie, but just barely.

The real difference is in the micronutrients: Prostar has about 30 percent less cholesterol (20mg versus 30mg), it has over two times more calcium (20 percent of the RDI versus 8 percent) and it has  far  less sodium (30mg versus Gold Standard’s 130mg).

On a macronutrient and micronutrient basis, Prostar comes out ahead.

Winner: Ultimate Nutrition Prostar

Ingredients

There are three kinds of whey in the following order: isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysed. Then there’s cocoa (we sampled the Double Rich Chocolate flavor), soy lecithin (for mixability), natural and artificial flavors, the artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium, and the digestive enzymes Aminogen and Lactase.

The ingredients are nearly identical. The same whey proteins in the same order, they both have soy lecithin, natural and artificial flavors, and acesulfame potassium.

There are two main differences: Prostar has a second artificial sweetener, sucralose (also called Splenda®) and it doesn’t contain digestive enzymes.

For these reasons, I think Gold Standard has better ingredients. Both sucralose and acesulfame potassium are controversial in some circles so it’s smart to only include one of them, but the main selling point was the digestive enzymes. These may help the user to absorb more of the protein and may minimize digestive issues among folks with lactose sensitivities — and  both  products contain lactose.

Winner: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

If you buy a standard two-pound tub, it’s $30 for 29 servings. That’s $1.03 per serving, or 4.31 cents per gram of protein.

A two-pound tub goes for around $29, which provides 30 servings. That comes to 96 cents a scoop or 3.9 cents per gram of protein.

The difference is small, but clear: Prostar delivers more protein for your dollar.

I tried the Double Rich Chocolate flavor, which despite the name is relatively mild. It’s closer to a dark, cocoa-y chocolate than a milk chocolate so while it’s great with milk, it’s pretty bland with water.

I picked up the Chocolate Crème flavor, and boy is it  creamy . For a product with 1 gram of fat, I was bowled over by how creamy it tasted. With milk, it made for a decadent shake that was almost like melted ice cream. But here’s the kicker: it tasted great with water.

Gold Standard, while an excellent all-rounder, doesn’t taste as great with water. Prostar, therefore, is more versatile — and it’s more useful for folks trying to lose weight because you can ditch the milk and save on calories.

Winner? A Close Call

These are both great products, and the fact that Prostar comes out ahead by a nose in some categories doesn’t mean that Gold Standard isn’t worth your money; it’s a very good product, and it has many flavor options to fit your individual tastes. They’re both fantastic, cost-effective proteins, and Gold Standard is most likely a better pick for folks with sensitivities to lactose. However, on the basis of taste and protein-per-calorie, I tend to prefer Ultimate Nutrition Prostar.

About Nick English

Nick is a content producer and journalist with over seven years’ experience reporting on four continents. Since moving to New York City in 2013 he's been writing on health and fitness full time for outlets like BarBend, Men's Health, VICE, and Popular Science .

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INFORMED WHEY® vs. ON Gold Standard 100% Whey

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is considered one of the best whey protein supplements on the market, and for good reason. However we decided to take the opportunity (due to a few twitter enquiries) to compare Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey to our premium whey protein supplement, INFORMED WHEY ®.

*Pricing taken from Monster Supplements accessed on 17th August 2015. Chocolate Flavour.

Greater value for money.

Taking a look at the above table you can see a number of similarities between the two products, but also a couple of differences. First of all you can see the difference in price, when comparing both finished product and price per kg. INFORMED WHEY® offers greater value for money on the finished product (IW 2.27kg £42.99 vs ON 2.27kg £48.95) and on a price per kg basis (IW £18.94 vs ON £21.56).

More protein per serving.

When looking at a premium whey protein supplement, the amount of protein per serving is one of the most important factors. As you can see from the table, INFORMED WHEY® offers 81% protein content, whereas ON Gold Standard 100% Whey offers 78.6% protein content. This higher protein content, really helps to make INFORMED WHEY® the most premium whey protein supplement on the market.

Informed Sport approved.

INFORMED WHEY® also offers the additional benefit of being Informed Sport approved. Every single batch of INFORMED WHEY® that we manufacture is sent to Informed Sport to be banned substance tested, providing re-assurance to all tested athletes, armed forces and all those who want to avoid banned substances.

Premium Whey Protein Isolate.

Both INFORMED WHEY® and Gold Standard 100% Whey utilise Whey Protein Isolate as its primary source of protein. This is due to its superior absorption rate, higher protein content, reduced carbohydrate and fat content, as well as higher amino acid content.

Added Leucine.

To further improve the amino acid content of the whey protein, INFORMED WHEY® includes added Leucine. This helps to boost the amino acid content and specifically the BCAA content of INFORMED WHEY®. ON Gold Standard 100% Whey does not contain any added amino acids, but instead relies upon the amino acids within the whey protein.

Premium probiotic.

INFORMED WHEY® contains the premium probiotic Lactospore®. This helps to support gut health and promote an environment that can utilise the nutrients within INFORMED WHEY®. Gold Standard 100% Whey does not contain any probiotics.

Both INFORMED WHEY® and Gold Standard 100% Whey contain Digestive Enzymes. INFORMED WHEY® utilises the premium digestive enzyme DigeZyme® – to ensure you are obtaining the highest quality digestive enzymes to support the digestion of all nutrients within INFORMED WHEY®.

Better on price, protein content and added ingredients.

To conclude, you can see that INFORMED WHEY® outcompetes Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey on a number of aspects outlined above; price, protein content and added ingredients. So why not make the switch and pick up INFORMED WHEY ® today?

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Looking to learn more? We believe that every person, with support, has the right to transform their lives through fitness. That’s why we’ve put together hundreds of articles with expert advice, all to help you on your fitness journey.

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We take pride in ensuring our articles are written by the most knowledgeable and qualified people available. With degrees ranging from BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences, BS Nutrition and Food Science, MA Sports Nutrition and MSc Applied Sports Nutrition, Bulk's in-house product and content team have over 20 years' experience. We source and cite our scientific literature from reliable, trustworthy databases.

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