Best Whey Isolate For Digestion
While digestive enzymes can be helpful in breaking down protein powder, it may be even more important to have a powder thats made with more easily digestible whey protein isolate. This protein supplement from Swolverine ticks both boxes, making it potentially more digestible than other whey isolates on the market.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Isolate Price
Between $25 and $35 for a 1.65 pound tub, depending where you get it. That comes to about $1.25 per serving or 5 cents per gram of protein.
Note that this depends on where you buy it on Amazon, the price sometimes rises to $45 for 1.65 pounds, which is 7.4 cents per gram.
The cost decreases the more you buy: if you wanted 3 pounds, its usually about $50 or 4.5 cents per gram.
Now, compared to the Gold Standard Whey, 5 cents is about one extra cent per gram of protein, but this is still very reasonably priced for a whey isolate, particularly one that contains partially hydrolyzed whey. This is a big benefit of Optimum Nutrition being such a large company.
Inexpensive, tasty, and super low in carbs and fat, Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Isolate deserves the accolades.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein isolate from Swolverine is formulated to potentially be more easily digestible. Featuring 110 calories per 30 gram serving, Swolverines whey isolate provides 26g of high-quality whey protein isolate along with one gram of carbs and half a gram of fat. Swolverine includes a digestive enzyme blend of 10mg in total half papain and half protease, which can aid in nutrient breakdown and absorption.
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. Youll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
When you need a whey isolate thats low in carbs and fat, but also comes in some great flavors, this is an ideal option to reach for. Swolverine makes the classics, like Vanilla and Chocolate, but also some fun flavors , like Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter and Mint Chocolate Chip. This powder is on the more expensive side though, costing $62.99 for 30 servings .
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Ghost Whey Protein Powder Nutrition Ingredients
Their Ghost Whey website says most brandsget all crazy and tend to overthink their protein. We wanted to keep Ghost Whey as simple as possible.
The ingredients list is shorter than some of the other companies. The Whey Protein mix is comprised of whey protein isolate, concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey in that order. Each form of whey has its own benefits isolate has the most protein, concentrate has more ingredients linked to health benefits , and hydrolyzed whey absorbs the fastest.
Whats nice is that they also disclose the exact amount of each kind of whey: one scoop has 14.53 grams of isolate, 13.16 grams of concentrate, and 2.98 grams of the hydrolyzed isolate. Note that the isolate and concentrate have been sunflower lecithinated, which should improve mixability without adding any soy.
In the Milk Chocolate flavor, after the protein mix, youve got enigmatic natural and artificial flavors, followed by cocoa powder, salt, Ghost Enzymes, cellulose, and xanthan gums , and sucralose .
Best For A Range Of Flavors: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
- Price: from around $38
- Protein source: whey protein isolate
- Available flavors: 18
Optimum Nutrition specializes in protein supplements. The Gold Standard 100% Whey protein powder is one of its best-selling products.
This products main ingredient is whey protein isolate. Because this powder also contains whey protein concentrate, there are 24 grams of protein in a single serving.
People can easily mix the powder with liquid by using a shaker or spoon. The company recommends mixing 1 scoop into 68 ounces of cold water or milk, for example.
Advantages and disadvantages
This supplement offers a wide variety of flavor choices. The company also offers free delivery on orders over $75.
However, it is important to note that ingredients and nutritional information will vary depending on the flavor. A person should carefully consider which best fits their needs and ensure the flavor does not contain any ingredients they wish to avoid.
The nutritional facts for each serving of 1 scoop, or 29 g, of the unflavored powder are:
- Protein source: 70% whey protein isolate and 30% milk protein isolate
- Available flavors: 3
BiPro specializes in protein supplements and has a wide range of protein powders. The BiPro BOLD is one of its best-reviewed products.
BiPro Bold is free of lactose, gluten, and hormones. It is also Orthodox Union Kosher certified. Its main ingredient is whey protein isolate, and each serving contains 23 g of protein.
Advantages and disadvantages
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Who Should Use Protein Powder
Consider your health and fitness goals. For instance, a long distance runner needs a different amount of protein than an Olympic weightlifter. Here are some recommendations:
Athletes who arent aiming to change their weight
Athletic performance-oriented individuals who arent concerned with gaining or losing weight should aim for the following daily protein intakes, expressed in grams of protein per pound of body weight.
Muscle building/weight gain program
During a bulking phase, where you are aiming to gain weight and build muscle, you are consuming excess calories and therefore have carbohydrates and fats to burn as fuel. This type of plan has a protein sparing effect because your body wont need to use protein as energy, you will not need to consume excess protein. The protein recommendations for a bulking program are 0.7 to one grams/pound of body weight.
Fat loss program
Body recomposition program
During this program you are looking to build muscle and lose fat at the same time. Although you might not see your overall weight change during this process, you should be able to see progress over time in the mirror. On this program you will be using a maintenance level of calories with the same protein requirement as a cutting phase.
Who Shouldnt Buy Transparent Labs Mrp
- People who use protein purely as a supplement and prefer to eat their carbs and fats.
- Anyone who doesnt want to drink their calories will want to look for a protein bar.
- Lifters on a cut. Meal replacement drinks, though filling, arent as satisfying as regular foods.
You want your meal replacement powder to maintain a balanced macro profile that simply scales along with the calorie count. Transparent Labs MRP does this, and, better yet, it also contains a good amount of micronutrients to fill in some dietary gaps.
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Whey Concentrate Might Not Be Great For Those With Lactose Sensitivities
Its the cheapest form and has the most calories, but whey concentrate isnt bad: The difference is usually two or three grams of protein when compared to isolate. But concentrate does contain lactose. Its not a lot but consider buying a hydrolyzed whey which is typically easier on the stomach if youre really sensitive.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder
If youre looking to bulk up and maybe cant stomach another bite of food with your current macros, then youll appreciate the 28g of protein per scoop that Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder delivers. Each two-scoop serving provides high protein content with a lean blend otherwise including just 1g of carbs, and no fat or added sugars.
The whey isolate comes from grass-fed cows, and instead of sugar, Transparent Labs sweetens their product with stevia. This product also offers quite a bit of flavor variety with eight flavors to choose from including unique flavors like Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie. However, its definitely not the cheapest option on this list at about $2.00 per serving, so if youre on a budget, you may want to look elsewhere.
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Kaged
For guys looking to put on muscle mass, Kaged whey protein is a good way to go. Whey protein isolate contains essential amino acids for the body to undergo muscle protein synthesis, otherwise known as muscle growth. This product doesnt offer a full amino acid profile breakdown, which we would like to see. Still, it does have 12 grams of essential amino acids, 8.3 grams of non-essential amino acids, 5.7 grams of BCAAs and 4.7 grams of conditional amino acids per serving.
Kaged Muscle offers whey protein isolate that contains no artificial colors or flavors. This product contains pure whey protein isolate however, it is flavored with sucralose, which causes the product to taste very sweet and can possibly cause gastric distress for sensitive individuals. That being said, if you can tolerate the artificial sweetener, at only $1.16 per serving of protein this supplement is a great option for those looking to maximize their budget.
Kaged Muscle offers the standard Chocolate and Vanilla flavor options, but also includes Chocolate Peanut Butter, Smores and my personal favorite, Cinnamon French Toast.
Key features:
Project Ad Collagen 2 Wheys
Project AD Collagen Whey is a premium quality protein supplement that uses two types of whey protein: whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.
Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein and is very easily absorbed by the body. Whey protein concentrate is also very high quality, but it contains more fat and carbohydrates than whey protein isolate.
Project AD Collagen Whey also contains collagen, which is a protein that is found in the skin, nails, hair, and joints. Collagen helps to keep these tissues strong and healthy.
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The Best Protein Powders Of 2022
- Original: Jun 10, 2022
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. The Sports Illustrated editorial team is not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.
Choosing the right protein powder can be tough. Whether you have specific dietary restrictions, prefer plant-based protein, or want something that packs in a ton of delicious flavor, youll find a protein powder to meet your needs. To help you make an informed decision, weve created this comprehensive, nutritionist-backed guide to the best protein powders on the market.
Ahead is our in-depth list of 13 protein powder supplements weve tested and reviewed ourselves. All protein powders listed below were produced in a cGMP facility and are tested by third party labs. The supplement industry is not currently regulated by the FDA, and so these processes ensure that the supplement is sourced, formulated, labeled, and packaged according to the leading safety standards.
Gnc Amp Wheybolic Whey Protein
Image courtesy GNC Amp
GNC AMP Wheybolic is a protein supplement that complements your standard exercise regimen. This added dietary powder includes ultra-pure, fast-digesting whey protein isolate and hydrolysates for muscular development and recovery, as well as enhanced strength and post-workout anabolic response.
This product is a potent anti-inflammatory that may help you relax and unwind. It also lowers anxiety, lifts your spirits, and increases your energy levels.
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Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Organic Plant
It wouldnt be a complete list of good lactose-free protein powder options without also mentioning some plant-based protein powders. A good lactose-free protein is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Organic Plant-Based Protein.
This protein powder is made with a blend of peas, brown rice, ancient grains, and Sacha Inchi . It offers 24 grams of protein per serving with 4 grams of BCAAs. It also contains seven grams of carbohydrates, so its higher-carb than some other options, but it also only has one gram of sugar per serving.
- Only 19 servings per container
- Limited flavor options
- Higher in carbs and not ideal for keto and very low-carb diets
Who Shouldnt Buy Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder
- Anyone who doesnt particularly care about eating an all-natural diet. Generally speaking, the label can increase the price of the product significantly.
- Lifters who are looking to put on mass may want a protein that contains more carbs and fats to assist your bulk.
- People who want extras in their formula will have to look elsewhere.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder comes packed with 28 grams of protein per serving and leaves the fillers and artificial ingredients behind. You have eight delicious flavors to choose from and can rest assured knowing that all the ingredients have totally pronounceable names.
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Who Should Buy Xwerks Grow Protein Powder
- Athletes who prefer a whey isolate protein that comes from 100 percent grass-fed cows will rejoice that this formula is derived from grass-fed cows in New Zealand.
- If youre looking for vitamins and minerals in your protein powder, this blend may help balance out your nutrient intake.
- Folks who value having BCAAs in their protein powder, which may aid muscle retention and muscle recovery.
How Much Protein Should I Consume Every Day
Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, and the recommendation is 0.8 grams for each kilogram of lean body mass. Lean body mass is your body weight minus fat, so it only measures your muscle mass.
This amount may not be sufficient protein intake for someone who is looking to put on a considerable amount of muscle mass or looking to add supplementary protein as part of a highly active lifestyle, but is plenty for most people and useful as a starting point.
There is also another common recommendation that athletes and those looking to build muscle mass should consume at least one gram of protein for each kilogram of body weight in a given day, while others suggest that elite athletes consume two grams per kilogram of body weight each day.
This range can be confusing for many who are looking to get into fitness, which is why many exercise experts recommend consulting with an expert to determine what amount is right for you and your fitness goals.
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Artificial And Natural Sweeteners
Protein powders often contain either artificial sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame potassium, as theyre widely recognized as safe for human consumption. The FDA recommends a daily limit of 15 milligrams of artificial sweeteners. Some of the protein powders weve included on this list contain no artificial sweeteners though. These products are sweetened naturally with ingredients like Stevia.
How We Test Whey Protein
Each of the protein powders in this guide went through a series of tests to determine how well they compared across these four categories: Taste, ease-of-mixture, ingredients, and value. Here’s how each category specifically factored into which whey protein powders ultimately made this guide:
Taste: If a protein powder doesn’t taste good, you’ll be far less likely to want to return to it time and again. Testing this is fairly straightforward: Does it taste good or not? And though taste can be subjective sometimes, we felt that there’s still a clear way to decide if something is palatable or not. The protein powders featured here were all determined to taste good not just the first time tasting it but on the fifth, sixth, seventh, and beyond.
Ease-of-mixture: Nobody likes choking down a poorly mixed protein shake and some powders, no matter how much you shake them with a blender bottle, still end up chalky, chunky, and just downright unappealing. Like taste, this category was easy to test: Does it mix well with adequate shaking or does it require something like a blender for true smoothness?
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Ghost Whey Protein Benefits And Effectiveness
The lactose and the thickeners may be tough for some folks to digest, which is why the Ghost Enzymes are notable. These should help to digest the protein and minimize gassiness, plus bromelain has been linked to reduced inflammation and soreness after exercise.
The product is soy-free and gluten-free and unlike some protein powders such as Ultimate Nutrition Whey Gold, its designed to not spike your insulin. This, in addition to the fact that its low in fat and carbs and the fact that it contains three kinds of whey, means its a pretty solid anytime mix. You can add it to something carb-heavy if you want to boost your pre-workout nutrition. If youre eating at night or during a period of low activity, you can mix it into something with fewer carbs and more fat or water without worrying about an energy crash.
Its pretty low in allergens theres no soy, gluten, or corn, and the lactase should help folks who are lactose intolerant .
If youre wary of artificial sweeteners, this product does contain sucralose. However, it doesnt contain any other sweeteners like acesulfame potassium, which is present in a large number of protein powders and tends to be vilified more than sucralos.
Ghost Whey contains more than just whey, but the additives make sense. And while the product isnt totally natural, it does a decent job of reducing the number of problematic ingredients you find in many other whey powders.
Animal Whey Protein Isolate
The nutrition supplement is made from the highest-quality protein sources that are both fast-absorbing and bio-available. Also, each scoop contains 25g of protein that works quickly and efficiently. Being a high-bioavailability protein, it helps to repair muscle tissue and eliminates post-workout stress from the body so you can hit the gym sooner.
Its super-fast digestive enzymes help to work quickly and efficiently. With Animal Whey Protein Isolate, you can have a clean profile that will help you achieve your nutrition and fitness goals effectively. It also fills the void left by a whole-food meal.
- There is no stomach bloating.
- It contains artificial sweeteners like acesulfame potassium, which is one major turn-off for users.
- It contains soy lecithin, which bodybuilders hate or avoid for fear that it will increase estrogen.
- Product Weight: 4 Pounds, Price: $73.95, Rating: 3/5
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