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The main difference between whey protein concentrate (the most common whey protein) and whey protein isolate is the amount of protein per scoop. For folks who are serious about their protein intake — bodybuilders, strongmen, and the like — whey protein isolate may be a better option than whey concentrate. For one, it packs 90 percent protein per scoop compared to whey concentrate (which has 80 percent per scoop). It’s also typically void of unwanted extras and fillers. However, whey concentrate is typically less expensive since it’s not as processed and doesn’t have as high a concentration of protein.
When sifting through all the different whey isolates on the market, you’ll want to pay attention to additives and sweeteners, as well as allergens (like soy) that some protein powders contain. The protein isolates on this list are high in protein and low in fat, carbs, sugar, and lactose, so you’ll get as much protein as you can out of each scoop. But with different additives — like digestive enzymes, for example — some of these picks may offer varying benefits for things like weight loss, digestion, and muscle growth. After testing dozens of protein supplements, these are the best whey isolate protein powders we tried in a number of popular categories.
Best Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powders
Best Whey Isolate Protein Video Review
Looking for a video detailing the best whey isolates on the market? Well, you’re in luck. Follow along with BarBend’s Nick English as he breaks down our top picks for 2023.
Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder
If you’re looking for a whey protein isolate, you likely want a product with little to no fat or carbs. This pick is not only low in both fat and carbs but it’s also made with all-natural ingredients and 100 percent grass-fed beef.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Featuring 150 calories per 38-gram serving, this whey isolate provides 28g of high-quality whey protein isolate along with three grams of carbs and 2.5 grams of fat. It also includes added micronutrients, like calcium and potassium. And that’s pretty much it. You won’t find digestive enzymes or probiotics with this protein, just a good, reliable dose of protein from a clean source.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
When you need a whey isolate that’s low in carbs and fat but also comes in some great flavors, this is an ideal option to reach for. Transparent Labs brings eight delicious flavors to the table — Chocolate Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Strawberry, and Vanilla Peanut Butter. This powder is on the more expensive side though, costing $59.99 for 30 servings (or about $2 per serving).
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Consumers who are looking for a product that’s low in fat and carbs while still providing high-quality whey isolate will like the macros here.
Anyone who wants whey from a grass-fed, hormone-free source.
Athletes who want to branch out from the typical chocolate and vanilla flavors — Transparent Labs offers unique flavors like Cinnamon French Toast and Vanilla Peanut Butter.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
People who are bulking and want a more calorically dense protein powder may want to opt for a mass gainer.
Those who want a slower-digesting protein like casein may want to look elsewhere.
Anyone on a budget can find more cost-effective options since this one runs about $2 a serving.
Available in eight different flavors with a lean nutrition profile, this whey protein isolate from Transparent Labs is a great choice for anyone looking to add more protein to their diet without a ton of extra calories. You’ll only get 150 calories per scoop with 112 of those calories coming from high-quality whey isolate.
Read our full review of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.
Best Whey Isolate for Weight Loss
Since many whey protein isolates can be similar, it’s important to look at the ingredients and macros in detail to see which product can help you meet your personal fitness goals. We think the ingredients in this pick combine to make a great isolate protein powder for those who are looking to lose weight.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This protein packs in 26 grams of protein per scoop and mixes seamlessly with water. It boasts no sugar added and a calorie count of 110 per scoop, which should be quite helpful for aiding in weight loss. With one gram of carbs and only half a gram of fat, it’s hard to go wrong with this choice.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
With the low-calorie count and delicious natural flavors like Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter and Mint Chocolate Chip, Swolverine doesn’t require you to add milk to enjoy a protein shake that can help you reach your weight loss goal. This product also includes an enzyme blend of papain and protease that may help increase bioavailability and assist in recovery, growth, and digestion. At $62.99 per tub, this protein is about $2.09 per serving, but the excellent macro profile and digestive enzymes included can make it worth the price.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Anyone who wants a whey protein isolate with lots of protein but low fat, carbs, and calories will love this product’s nutrition profile.
Those who enjoy a product with no artificial sweeteners or flavors will like the all-natural and low carbohydrate sweeteners in this protein.
If you’re looking for a product with digestive enzymes that may help increase bioavailability, you’ll like the protease and papain additives here.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Folks in a bulking phase will want a protein powder with higher levels of fat and carbohydrates.
Those who are looking to pay less for their supplements. This product is a little higher in price than other proteins on the market.
This product offers four delicious flavors, contains 26 grams of protein per scoop, and has little to no carbs, fat, or sugar, making it ideal if you’re trying to lose weight.
Read our full review of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate.
Best Tasting Whey Isolate
When it comes to the taste of protein powder, sometimes less is more. The versatility of Chocolate and Vanilla gives you the ability to cater your protein intake in a variety of ways. Chocolate and Vanilla allow for the opportunity to spice up your protein shake or to keep it simple. Onnit’s protein is one of the best we’ve tried.
Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
When it comes to Chocolate and Vanilla flavors, we say if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Onnit Whey Isolate offers two delicious flavors of Mexican Chocolate and Vanilla, and we can attest that both flavors are objectively delicious. What we love about these flavors is that they are delicious on their own. When we mixed them with water, we could taste that they were creamier than other options due to the quality of the whey protein from grass-fed cows. Plus, these flavors can easily be mixed with other ingredients, like greens, fruits, and even puddings.
Onnit's Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
A grass-fed whey isolate includes added ingredients for digestion like seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus). It's also gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free.
Both flavors boast 20 grams of protein per serving, 110 calories, and two grams of fat. Mexican Chocolate contains five grams of carbs, and Vanilla contains two grams of carbs per serving, which may be a deciding factor between the two delicious flavors. We love that each tub comes with a fun recipe to spice up your protein shake for a new twist on the classics. Mexican Chocolate offers a frozen Spiced Mocha recipe, while Vanilla provides a Mint Chocolate Chip protein shake recipe. We love the versatility here, and love that these flavors are enjoyable with water, or your milk of choice, just as much as they are enjoyable in a fancier concoction.
Who Should Buy Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Athletes who love the classics, and care about great flavor — this product’s Mexican Chocolate, and Vanilla flavors are objectively tasty.
People who mix their protein with water as opposed to milk. These two protein flavors from Onnit hold their own with water quite well.
Customers who want a sugar-free protein powder will like this formula.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Folks who want a higher dose of protein can find formulas that offer over 25g per serving. This one only offers 20g.
Athletes who are bulking may want a protein powder that’s higher in carbs or fat.
Those who like more creative and diverse flavors on their own, so they don’t have to put in the work of mixing up various ingredients.
When it comes to delicious proteins, Onnit Whey Isolate is tough to beat. With two tasty flavors, 20 grams of protein per serving, and endless options for great protein shake concoctions, you can’t go wrong with adding this protein supplement to your lineup.
Best Whey Isolate for Building Muscle
When you’re looking to pack on muscle, it makes it easier if the protein powder you’re taking goes down easily. With just five ingredients, this pick has a streamlined formulation that packs a punch with a whopping 26 grams of protein per scoop.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
With very few additives and natural flavoring, this protein blend Swolverine has a massive 26 grams of protein per scoop (87 percent protein by weight). At just 110 calories, you’re getting far above the average 20 grams of protein per scoop.This whey isolate is sourced from grass-fed cows that are free from rBGH, and it also includes digestive enzymes (Papain and Protease) to aid in digestion.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
These enzymes may also help with absorption, allowing you to get the most out of each scoop. It’s available in a variety of flavors too, like Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Athletes who want a product with minimal ingredients and few additives.
Anyone who wants more healthy nutrients in their protein from grass-fed beef.
Customers who want a product that will help them hit high protein intake goals.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Athletes looking for a protein powder that boasts a higher calorie count, like a mass gainer.
Anyone on a tight budget. Whey Isolates are more expensive than whey concentrate in general, but this one is on the higher end of Isolates.
With clean ingredients and a high level of protein and minerals — not to mention digestive enzymes — this whey protein isolate puts no additives between you and your muscle gains.
Best All-Natural Whey Isolate
This pick has clean ingredients, high protein content from 100 percent grass-fed cows, contains nothing artificial, and includes very few additives, so you can benefit from all of the nutrition in each scoop.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs sources their protein from 100 percent grass-fed American cows. The whey isolate is made from naturally fed, hormone-free cow whey and contains no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten, or preservatives. With only four ingredients — grass-fed whey isolate, natural flavor, salt, and stevia — this is a no-frills protein powder for people who want a simple but reliable product.
10% Off
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
This transparent ingredient list includes a dose of calcium, iron, and potassium with 28 grams of protein, all from a company that goes out of its way to provide clear sourcing.
This formula comes in eight delicious flavor options including Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, and French Vanilla. It is a relatively affordable whey isolate as well at around $2.00 per serving — this is extra reasonable when you consider that it’s an all-natural isolate and is sourced from grass-fed cows.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Athletes who want their protein sourced from 100 percent grass-fed cows.
Anyone who wants to steer clear of artificial additives and preservatives.
Customers who want eight diverse flavors to choose from that span outside of basic Chocolate and Vanilla flavors.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Athletes who want a powder with a thickener that mixes consistently.
Anyone who wants to save money with a lower-priced protein powder can find one on this list.
Those who prefer an unflavored whey isolate will want to look elsewhere on the market.
When it comes to natural proteins, Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate is tough to beat. With no additives, whey from 100 percent grass-fed cows, only four ingredients, and 28 grams of protein, you can soak in all the nutritional value of this product without having to dodge nasty preservatives or artificial sweeteners.
Read our full review of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.
Best Whey Isolate On a Budget
The macros of whey isolates can be fairly similar across the board, so many look to the price tag to make their final decision. This pick keeps protein high, is naturally flavored and colored, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg for a high-quality supplement.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein isolates can be quite expensive and oftentimes cost around $30 more per container than their whey protein concentrate counterparts. Not only is this whey isolate from Kaged a high-quality isolate, but it will only cost you around $1.46 per serving. If you choose to subscribe and save, you may save some additional money, as well and pay about $1.25 per serving. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate contains 25g of protein per serving, 12g of essential amino acids, and digestive enzyme protease, which may help you digest this supplement more efficiently without the dreaded gassiness and bloating that some other protein powders cause.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate comes in five delicious flavors — S’mores, Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, Vanilla, and Chocolate Peanut Butter — and each flavor contains 25g of protein, between zero and a half gram of fat, between two and four grams of carbs, and either 110 or 120 calories per serving. Since this is well-filtered whey isolate, it should blend easily with just water to make a lean drink or with milk for a richer protein shake.
Who Should Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Customers who want a whey isolate that contains high quality ingredients without the price that would normally accompany them will like this $1.46 per serving price tag.
Anyone who wants to steer clear of artificial flavors and colors will like that all five flavors here are naturally flavored and colored.
Athletes who like a low carb option for their protein, as this brand caps at four grams of carbs per serving, depending on the flavor.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Folks on a much stricter budget — the more common whey concentrate option may be better for you.
Those who want a larger variety of flavors — although these are objectively delicious, they don’t have any fruity options, like strawberry.
Anyone looking to bulk up may want to opt for a protein that’s higher in carbs and fats.
Though whey isolates are typically more expensive than other types of protein, this isolate sports a very reasonable price tag for its solid ingredient lineup and high 25g dose of protein. At $1.46 per serving, you can make gains without compromising your bank account.
Best Whey Isolate for Recovery
Whey isolate is a great source of leucine — a BCAA that can help with recovery — and this pick contains 28 grams of whey isolate per serving.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has 28 grams of whey isolate protein per serving without any lactose, carbs, or sugars. Many whey isolates are low in these categories, but this product also contains zero fat, which is rare. Leucine, a BCAA, can be key in muscle recovery, and it is ample in whey isolates — with such a high 28g dose of protein per serving, this powder offers a great potential boost in recovery.
10% Off
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
This transparent ingredient list includes a dose of calcium, iron, and potassium with 28 grams of protein, all from a company that goes out of its way to provide clear sourcing.
In addition, you’ll find about 10 percent of your daily calcium intake per serving, along with a kick of iron and potassium. Transparent Labs contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colorings, and you can buy it in eight different flavors, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Salted Caramel.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Athletes who want a whey isolate that contains little to no carbs, fats or sugars, but is still high in protein (and leucine) will like the numbers on this blend.
Those looking for added minerals in a protein powder — this formula boasts a few additional micronutrients.
Folks who want a lot of flavors to choose from will appreciate that this comes in eight flavor varieties.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Those who are trying to bulk may want to look for a powder that is higher in carbs and fat.
Buyers on a budget will want to look for a less expensive brand. Transparent Labs is a bit pricier for its clean and effective formula.
Transparent Labs packs 28 grams of protein with minimal carbs, fats, and sugars — with such a high dose of whey isolate (and therefore, leucine), this product is ideal for those who potentially want to enhance their recovery process.
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 that’s 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.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Protein powders can sometimes be difficult to digest, whether that’s due to artificial ingredients, trace lactose, or the nature of high protein supplements in general. Swolverine kept that in mind while designing the formula for their whey protein isolate. This product may be easier to digest thanks to the use of natural sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit. As an added bonus to help with digestion and absorption, this protein powder has 10mg of digestive enzymes split evenly between protease and papain, which can help ease digestion.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
If you’re looking for a lean protein powder, this one’s great in that aspect too with minimal added calories from fat or carbs — it contains just half a gram of fat and a gram of carbs. You’ll also get 26g of isolate protein with each scoop to help fuel your recovery and hit your protein goals for the day. If you like to change up the flavor of your protein powder often you can choose from Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Anyone who has issues digesting milk protein will like the digestive enzymes in this protein powder.
Athletes who like trying unique flavors of protein powder — there are four flavors to choose from here, two of which are pretty unique.
Customers who want a low calorie protein powder will like that this pick only has 110 calories per serving.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Anyone looking for protein high in calories, carbs, or fat will want to look elsewhere.
Folks who are on a tight budget may want to look for a more cost-effective option on this list.
Those who prefer a protein that they can take at night or that can help keep them full for a longer period of time may want to opt for a slower digesting protein type, like whey concentrate or casein.
This pick is lean with minimal extra calories or added ingredients and is naturally sweetened. The inclusion of digestive enzymes means you’ll have some potential help with digestion, and this protein may be easier to process than others on the market.
Best Whey Isolate for Athletes
Though this is actually a great choice for anyone who wants a solid whey isolate protein with lean macros, it’s our top pick for athletes for its potential to help with recovery thanks to its dose of branched-chain amino acids.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Micropure Whey Protein Isolate packs 25 grams of protein, and only 110 to 120 calories into each scoop. The addition of 12 grams of essential amino acids and six grams of branched-chain amino acids may push this formula above and beyond for its potential recovery benefits. One study found that supplementing with BCAAs was beneficial for recovery rate for isometric training and perceived muscle soreness — meaning the user felt less sore and was able to get back to a training session without soreness sooner with BCAAs. (1)
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.
This protein comes in five delicious flavors — S’mores, Vanilla, Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, and Chocolate Peanut Butter — and includes digestive enzyme protease, which may help you digest your whey protein more effectively. This supp also comes at a very reasonable price for an isolate — around $1.46 per serving.
Who Should Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Those who want a protein powder with BCAAs and EAAs included to potentially speed up recovery for sore muscles.
Customers who don’t want basic Vanilla and Chocolate flavors will like the Cinnamon French Toast, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and S’mores options from Kaged.
Those who want the addition of digestive enzymes for potentially better digestion will enjoy that this formula contains protease.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Folks who may be trying to gain some weight could benefit from a higher calorie protein with more carbs.
If you want a wide variety of micronutrients included in your protein powder, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Those who aren’t tied to an isolate formula may still find a cheaper protein source on the market.
This protein powder can be a great option for anyone looking for a high quality whey isolate, but we think its BCAA content makes it one of the best options for athletes who have recovery at the top of their priority list.
Benefits of Whey Isolate Protein Powders
Whey isolates usually offer a protein concentration that’s higher than what you’d find in food, but they also lack other key nutrients most people need to get from whole foods, like vitamins and minerals. Some protein powders are supplemented with electrolytes, but they still won’t completely replace whole foods. Whey isolates — more than other types of protein powder — are meant as a supplement to help increase protein intake to hit macronutrient goals or potentially aid in decreased snacking. (2)
Recovery from Exercise and Stimulation of Muscle Protein Synthesis
Whey protein isolate is preferred by many for supporting recovery from exercise — especially over other whey products such as whey concentrate — due to the increased filtration and decreased number of carbs and fats. Whey isolate has been shown to improve muscle protein synthesis (the building up of muscles after being broken down from resistance exercise) better than carbohydrates or placebos. (3)
Research has also shown that whey isolate elicits higher levels of muscle protein synthesis than casein or whey concentrate. (4) In short, whey isolate is better at helping to jumpstart muscle recovery after a hard workout than most other types of protein powder. With fewer carbs and fats to get in the way and take up precious digestive effort, the protein isolate can potentially be broken down more quickly, and use more of the digestive tract’s resources to get amino acids that are needed for recovery to the muscles. (4)
Increased Satiety
Another big benefit of whey isolate is the role it plays in feeling full, also known as satiety. High protein meals, specifically with protein powder, have been shown to result in eating fewer calories in the hours following. But due to whey isolate’s quick-digesting nature, the effect is shorter-lived than with other proteins (5) To that end, if you’ve got a few hours until your next meal and you’re feeling peckish and don’t want to snack then a whey protein isolate may be just what you need to hold yourself over until meal time rolls around.
These studies have been replicated for both women and men. (6) However, it’s worth noting that whey isolate likely cannot keep you satiated enough to be a full meal replacement. For that, you’ll need a protein supplement that’s higher in carbs and fats.
How Much Do Whey Isolate Protein Powders Cost?
Whey protein isolates are generally pricier than their whey concentrate counterparts. That’s likely due to the additional refinement and manufacturing efforts that go into purifying the protein and removing extra carbs and fats. (7) While whey concentrates can range from $20 to $50 per tub (depending on the brand, additional ingredients, and other factors) whey isolates generally range from $40 to $80 per container. On average, you can expect to pay around $2.00 per serving for a whey isolate.
Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder Overall
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
$59.99
$2.00 per serving
Best Whey Isolate for Weight Loss
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
$62.99
$2.09 per serving
Best Tasting Whey Isolate
Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
$29.99
$1.00 per serving
Best Whey Isolate for Building Muscle
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
$62.99
$2.09 per serving
Best All-Natural Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
$15.00
$0.50 per serving
Best Whey Isolate on a Budget
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
$59.99
$1.46 per serving
Best Whey Isolate for Recovery
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
$34.95
$1.17 per serving
Best Whey Isolate for Digestion
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
$62.99
$2.09 per serving
Best Whey Isolate for Athletes
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
59.99
$1.46 per serving
Some ingredients that can increase the cost of a whey isolate are added digestive enzymes, BCAAs, or electrolytes. Formulas can range in price based on the type of milk used to get the whey isolate as well, such as grass-fed (more expensive) versus grain-fed (less expensive) dairy cows.
How We Chose the Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders
There’s a lot of protein powder on the market these days, which means there are also a lot of pundits claiming they’ve found the best one out there. We know that the best product will vary from person to person, so we considered factors like ingredients, price, flavor, and more to create a comprehensive list that appeals to a wide range of consumers looking to add more protein to their diet
Macro Splits
There are three commonly accepted macronutrients (macros): protein, fat, and carbs. The balance between these three is the macro split. When it comes to whey isolate, most people are looking to keep the macro split heavily in favor of protein, while keeping the carbs and fat very low. If you don’t know what your daily macro split is and you’d like to figure it out, you can use this handy calculator to dial it in based on your goals.
The picks on this list are aligned with what we think most consumers are looking for in a whey isolate: a low carb, low fat protein powder. If you’re looking for a protein supplement geared more towards bulking, you probably want a whey concentrate protein powder, or maybe even a mass gainer.
Plenty of Protein
The average amount of protein per serving is 20 grams, but all of the picks on this list contain upwards of that number. In addition, they have around 90 percent protein by weight to make sure you’re getting the most protein possible with each scoop.
Digestibility
While whey protein isolates are lower in fat and carbs than whey concentrates, they may also contain additives like digestive enzymes that help with absorption. For example, some options include ProHydrolase®, which breaks down protein powder into smaller particles. It also allows your body to absorb nutrients better since it’s sometimes more challenging for our bodies to digest certain ingredients, like lactose, that are found in whey protein.
Quality Control
Each of the picks have been third-party tested for heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, and mycotoxins. Since these ingredients can be toxic for humans, companies ensure there are no impurities in their products before they hit the market. All of the companies in this list perform on-going third-party testing, so you won’t have to worry about quality control when you grab one of these supplements off the shelf.
Flavors
All of the picks on this list have a variety of flavors. As companies grow, they can add more flavors to their repertoire, so in addition to Chocolate and Vanilla, there are now flavors like Cinnamon Roll or Cafe Latte.
When it comes to the flavors themselves, rest assured that none of these are objectively bad. Subjectively, everyone has flavor preferences, so each person will like or dislike different flavors. However, when it comes to a baseline for flavors, all of these picks exceed it — after all, we wouldn’t want you to be drinking a flavor comparable to those in Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.
What to Consider Before Buying Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Whey protein comes in a variety of forms. The most popular kinds of whey you’ll find on the market are concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. While the type is a consideration, you’ll also want to think about price, along with flavor availability. Something else to keep on your radar when considering a whey isolate is the macro split and digestibility of the protein supplement you’re purchasing.
Whey Isolate, Whey Concentrate, and Whey Hydrolysate
When it comes to whey protein, there are three options: Whey concentrate, whey isolate, and whey hydrolysate.
Whey hydrolysate is the most processed — to the point where it may be called “pre-digested” — as the enzymes that break it down have already done part of the digestion for you. Like whey isolate, it contains around 90 percent protein by weight and very few fats or carbs.
Similarly, whey isolate is processed — though a little less so than hydrolysate — and contains the same 90 percent protein by weight and little to no carbs or fat.
Image from Shutterstock /NatalyaBond
Whey concentrate is the more basic, less concentrated form. It’s only up to 80 percent protein by weight, with the rest of the product being fat and carbs. Since whey concentrate is less concentrated and not filtered, it’s also cheaper than whey isolate and whey hydrolysate (which is the most expensive).
Whey concentrate is typically higher in calories and better for those who want to gain weight, while isolate and hydrolysate are trimmed down in fat and carbs (as well as lactose and sugar) for those who are more conscious of those macros. And if digestion is of particular concern, whey hydrolysate allows for optimal processing and absorption — more so than either concentrate or isolate.
Even though hydrolysate and isolate are leaner versions of whey, that doesn’t mean they aren’t good for muscle building. Since whey isolate and hydrolysate both have a higher concentration of protein, they do contain more grams of protein per scoop, and can also be used for leaner muscle gains.
Price
Whey isolate is (typically) considerably more expensive than whey concentrate. Isolate is more refined and goes through additional processing to give it a higher percentage of protein per serving with fewer carbs and fats. The higher protein concentration and added manufacturing steps are likely what increases the price. Generally, whey isolates range from $40 to $80 per tub depending on other factors such as added digestive enzymes, probiotics, specialty diet formulas, and other variables. If you’re not looking to drop that much on protein powder, you’re better off opting for a cheaper formula, like a whey concentrate.
Flavor Availability
Most protein powders on the market will come in some form of chocolate and vanilla flavor though some companies may make it sound more exciting with names like ‘Dutch Chocolate” or “French Vanilla Ice Cream”. Things have come a long way in the past decade with many proteins now available in fruit flavors now rather than just rich flavors — but if you can dream it, there’s likely a protein flavor of it somewhere out there.
Some examples are Fruity Pebbles®, Thin Mint Cookies®, and Nutter Butter® flavors. There are even corporate partnerships that offer certain breakfast cereal flavors of protein powder. If you’re looking to spice things up, be sure to look at the list of flavor options just as seriously as you look at the macros before you buy.
Macro Splits and Digestibility
The macro split of a protein isolate and its digestibility go hand in hand. (8) Generally, thanks to the further refinement and removal of most lactose in whey isolate, it can potentially be more easily digested. Whey isolates typically have fewer carbs and fats in the way to slow down the digestive process, which may contribute to the quicker absorption and digestion that whey isolates are known for. (9) Macro splits on whey isolates are usually very lean and diet-friendly with low fat and low carbs (generally less than two grams of fat and less than five grams of carbs in many whey protein isolates).
Credit: ArtOfPhotos / Shutterstock
Some whey isolate formulas even come with digestive enzymes to help further the digestibility. If macros and better digestion are two factors you’re concerned with, a whey isolate is likely for you. But for optimal digestion, be sure you’re leaning toward those formulas with digestive enzymes, even though the isolate should be fairly easy for the body to digest on its own. (10)
Final Word
Whey protein isolate is a leaner alternative to whey concentrate and could help with muscle gain, digestion, weight loss, and much more. Many options on this list contain additives like digestive enzymes and amino acids that can aid in the processing of lactose that’s found in whey protein isolates. But, these products are cleaner and more concentrated than other proteins on the market, which make them an excellent option for anyone who wants to boost their nutritional intake.
When you’re considering which protein to pick, know all of these picks will hit the mark with quality ingredients. All you have to do is pick your flavor and price point, and add to cart.
FAQs
What is the best whey isolate?The best whey isolate will depend on a few factors, including goals, your needs, your flavor preferences, or your budget. With that being said, we think Transparent Labs’ Whey Protein Isolate is a top-tier choice as it has a high calorie-to-protein ratio, comes in a variety of unique flavor options, and is made from a high-quality protein source.
How much do whey isolates cost?They’re generally more expensive than whey concentrates at around $2.00 per serving. If you’re looking to cut back on fat and carbs, we think the added cost is worth it. You’re not going to find a whey concentrate option with as little fat and carbs as whey isolates have. However, if that isn’t a priority to you, spending more money on whey isolate will not be worth your while.
Does whey isolate contain lactose?Yes, it does, but only about one gram. Whey concentrate contains around three grams, but neither of these numbers are typically enough to affect someone with lactose intolerance.
References
Waldron M, Whelan K, Jeffries O, Burt D, Howe L, Patterson SD. The effects of acute branched-chain amino acid supplementation on recovery from a single bout of hypertrophy exercise in resistance-trained athletes. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2017 Jun;42(6):630-636. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2016-0569. Epub 2017 Jan 27. PMID: 28177706.
Morr, C. V., & Ha, E. Y. (1993). Whey protein concentrates and isolates: processing and functional properties. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 33(6), 431–476. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408399309527643
Hulmi, J. J., Lockwood, C. M., & Stout, J. R. (2010). Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutrition & metabolism, 7(1), 1-11.
Tang, J. E., Moore, D. R., Kujbida, G. W., Tarnopolsky, M. A., & Phillips, S. M. (2009). Ingestion of whey hydrolysate, casein, or soy protein isolate: effects on mixed muscle protein synthesis at rest and following resistance exercise in young men. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 107(3), 987–992. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00076.2009
Luhovyy, B. L., Akhavan, T., & Anderson, G. H. (2007). Whey proteins in the regulation of food intake and satiety. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(6), 704S–12S. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2007.10719651
Chungchunlam, S., Henare, S. J., Ganesh, S., & Moughan, P. J. (2017). Effects of whey protein and its two major protein components on satiety and food intake in normal-weight women. Physiology & behavior, 175, 113–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.03.044
Morr, C. V., & Ha, E. Y. W. (1993). Whey protein concentrates and isolates: processing and functional properties. Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition, 33(6), 431-476.
Capuano, E., & Janssen, A. (2021). Food Matrix and Macronutrient Digestion. Annual review of food science and technology, 12, 193–212. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-food-032519-051646
Dangin, M., Boirie, Y., Garcia-Rodenas, C., Gachon, P., Fauquant, J., Callier, P., Ballèvre, O., & Beaufrère, B. (2001). The digestion rate of protein is an independent regulating factor of postprandial protein retention. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 280(2), E340–E348. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.2001.280.2.E340
Lönnerdal B. (1985). Biochemistry and physiological function of human milk proteins. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 42(6), 1299–1317. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/42.6.1299
The main difference between whey protein concentrate (the most common whey protein) and whey protein isolate is the amount of protein per scoop. For folks who are serious about their protein intake — bodybuilders, strongmen, and the like — whey protein isolate may be a better option than whey concentrate. For one, it packs 90 percent protein per scoop compared to whey concentrate (which has 80 percent per scoop). It’s also typically void of unwanted extras and fillers. However, whey concentrate is typically less expensive since it’s not as processed and doesn’t have as high a concentration of protein.
When sifting through all the different whey isolates on the market, you’ll want to pay attention to additives and sweeteners, as well as allergens (like soy) that some protein powders contain. The protein isolates on this list are high in protein and low in fat, carbs, sugar, and lactose, so you’ll get as much protein as you can out of each scoop. But with different additives — like digestive enzymes, for example — some of these picks may offer varying benefits for things like weight loss, digestion, and muscle growth. After testing dozens of protein supplements, these are the best whey isolate protein powders we tried in a number of popular categories.
Best Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powders
Best Whey Isolate Protein Video Review
Looking for a video detailing the best whey isolates on the market? Well, you’re in luck. Follow along with BarBend’s Nick English as he breaks down our top picks for 2023.
Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder
If you’re looking for a whey protein isolate, you likely want a product with little to no fat or carbs. This pick is not only low in both fat and carbs but it’s also made with all-natural ingredients and 100 percent grass-fed beef.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Featuring 150 calories per 38-gram serving, this whey isolate provides 28g of high-quality whey protein isolate along with three grams of carbs and 2.5 grams of fat. It also includes added micronutrients, like calcium and potassium. And that’s pretty much it. You won’t find digestive enzymes or probiotics with this protein, just a good, reliable dose of protein from a clean source.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
When you need a whey isolate that’s low in carbs and fat but also comes in some great flavors, this is an ideal option to reach for. Transparent Labs brings eight delicious flavors to the table — Chocolate Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Strawberry, and Vanilla Peanut Butter. This powder is on the more expensive side though, costing $59.99 for 30 servings (or about $2 per serving).
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Read our full review of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.
Best Whey Isolate for Weight Loss
Since many whey protein isolates can be similar, it’s important to look at the ingredients and macros in detail to see which product can help you meet your personal fitness goals. We think the ingredients in this pick combine to make a great isolate protein powder for those who are looking to lose weight.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This protein packs in 26 grams of protein per scoop and mixes seamlessly with water. It boasts no sugar added and a calorie count of 110 per scoop, which should be quite helpful for aiding in weight loss. With one gram of carbs and only half a gram of fat, it’s hard to go wrong with this choice.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
With the low-calorie count and delicious natural flavors like Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter and Mint Chocolate Chip, Swolverine doesn’t require you to add milk to enjoy a protein shake that can help you reach your weight loss goal. This product also includes an enzyme blend of papain and protease that may help increase bioavailability and assist in recovery, growth, and digestion. At $62.99 per tub, this protein is about $2.09 per serving, but the excellent macro profile and digestive enzymes included can make it worth the price.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Read our full review of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate.
Best Tasting Whey Isolate
When it comes to the taste of protein powder, sometimes less is more. The versatility of Chocolate and Vanilla gives you the ability to cater your protein intake in a variety of ways. Chocolate and Vanilla allow for the opportunity to spice up your protein shake or to keep it simple. Onnit’s protein is one of the best we’ve tried.
Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
When it comes to Chocolate and Vanilla flavors, we say if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Onnit Whey Isolate offers two delicious flavors of Mexican Chocolate and Vanilla, and we can attest that both flavors are objectively delicious. What we love about these flavors is that they are delicious on their own. When we mixed them with water, we could taste that they were creamier than other options due to the quality of the whey protein from grass-fed cows. Plus, these flavors can easily be mixed with other ingredients, like greens, fruits, and even puddings.
Onnit's Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
A grass-fed whey isolate includes added ingredients for digestion like seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus). It's also gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free.
Both flavors boast 20 grams of protein per serving, 110 calories, and two grams of fat. Mexican Chocolate contains five grams of carbs, and Vanilla contains two grams of carbs per serving, which may be a deciding factor between the two delicious flavors. We love that each tub comes with a fun recipe to spice up your protein shake for a new twist on the classics. Mexican Chocolate offers a frozen Spiced Mocha recipe, while Vanilla provides a Mint Chocolate Chip protein shake recipe. We love the versatility here, and love that these flavors are enjoyable with water, or your milk of choice, just as much as they are enjoyable in a fancier concoction.
Who Should Buy Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Best Whey Isolate for Building Muscle
When you’re looking to pack on muscle, it makes it easier if the protein powder you’re taking goes down easily. With just five ingredients, this pick has a streamlined formulation that packs a punch with a whopping 26 grams of protein per scoop.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
With very few additives and natural flavoring, this protein blend Swolverine has a massive 26 grams of protein per scoop (87 percent protein by weight). At just 110 calories, you’re getting far above the average 20 grams of protein per scoop.This whey isolate is sourced from grass-fed cows that are free from rBGH, and it also includes digestive enzymes (Papain and Protease) to aid in digestion.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
These enzymes may also help with absorption, allowing you to get the most out of each scoop. It’s available in a variety of flavors too, like Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Best All-Natural Whey Isolate
This pick has clean ingredients, high protein content from 100 percent grass-fed cows, contains nothing artificial, and includes very few additives, so you can benefit from all of the nutrition in each scoop.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs sources their protein from 100 percent grass-fed American cows. The whey isolate is made from naturally fed, hormone-free cow whey and contains no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten, or preservatives. With only four ingredients — grass-fed whey isolate, natural flavor, salt, and stevia — this is a no-frills protein powder for people who want a simple but reliable product.
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Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
This transparent ingredient list includes a dose of calcium, iron, and potassium with 28 grams of protein, all from a company that goes out of its way to provide clear sourcing.
This formula comes in eight delicious flavor options including Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, and French Vanilla. It is a relatively affordable whey isolate as well at around $2.00 per serving — this is extra reasonable when you consider that it’s an all-natural isolate and is sourced from grass-fed cows.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Read our full review of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.
Best Whey Isolate On a Budget
The macros of whey isolates can be fairly similar across the board, so many look to the price tag to make their final decision. This pick keeps protein high, is naturally flavored and colored, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg for a high-quality supplement.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein isolates can be quite expensive and oftentimes cost around $30 more per container than their whey protein concentrate counterparts. Not only is this whey isolate from Kaged a high-quality isolate, but it will only cost you around $1.46 per serving. If you choose to subscribe and save, you may save some additional money, as well and pay about $1.25 per serving. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate contains 25g of protein per serving, 12g of essential amino acids, and digestive enzyme protease, which may help you digest this supplement more efficiently without the dreaded gassiness and bloating that some other protein powders cause.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate comes in five delicious flavors — S’mores, Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, Vanilla, and Chocolate Peanut Butter — and each flavor contains 25g of protein, between zero and a half gram of fat, between two and four grams of carbs, and either 110 or 120 calories per serving. Since this is well-filtered whey isolate, it should blend easily with just water to make a lean drink or with milk for a richer protein shake.
Who Should Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Best Whey Isolate for Recovery
Whey isolate is a great source of leucine — a BCAA that can help with recovery — and this pick contains 28 grams of whey isolate per serving.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has 28 grams of whey isolate protein per serving without any lactose, carbs, or sugars. Many whey isolates are low in these categories, but this product also contains zero fat, which is rare. Leucine, a BCAA, can be key in muscle recovery, and it is ample in whey isolates — with such a high 28g dose of protein per serving, this powder offers a great potential boost in recovery.
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Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
This transparent ingredient list includes a dose of calcium, iron, and potassium with 28 grams of protein, all from a company that goes out of its way to provide clear sourcing.
In addition, you’ll find about 10 percent of your daily calcium intake per serving, along with a kick of iron and potassium. Transparent Labs contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colorings, and you can buy it in eight different flavors, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Salted Caramel.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
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 that’s 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.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Protein powders can sometimes be difficult to digest, whether that’s due to artificial ingredients, trace lactose, or the nature of high protein supplements in general. Swolverine kept that in mind while designing the formula for their whey protein isolate. This product may be easier to digest thanks to the use of natural sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit. As an added bonus to help with digestion and absorption, this protein powder has 10mg of digestive enzymes split evenly between protease and papain, which can help ease digestion.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
If you’re looking for a lean protein powder, this one’s great in that aspect too with minimal added calories from fat or carbs — it contains just half a gram of fat and a gram of carbs. You’ll also get 26g of isolate protein with each scoop to help fuel your recovery and hit your protein goals for the day. If you like to change up the flavor of your protein powder often you can choose from Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Best Whey Isolate for Athletes
Though this is actually a great choice for anyone who wants a solid whey isolate protein with lean macros, it’s our top pick for athletes for its potential to help with recovery thanks to its dose of branched-chain amino acids.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Micropure Whey Protein Isolate packs 25 grams of protein, and only 110 to 120 calories into each scoop. The addition of 12 grams of essential amino acids and six grams of branched-chain amino acids may push this formula above and beyond for its potential recovery benefits. One study found that supplementing with BCAAs was beneficial for recovery rate for isometric training and perceived muscle soreness — meaning the user felt less sore and was able to get back to a training session without soreness sooner with BCAAs. (1)
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.
This protein comes in five delicious flavors — S’mores, Vanilla, Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, and Chocolate Peanut Butter — and includes digestive enzyme protease, which may help you digest your whey protein more effectively. This supp also comes at a very reasonable price for an isolate — around $1.46 per serving.
Who Should Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Benefits of Whey Isolate Protein Powders
Whey isolates usually offer a protein concentration that’s higher than what you’d find in food, but they also lack other key nutrients most people need to get from whole foods, like vitamins and minerals. Some protein powders are supplemented with electrolytes, but they still won’t completely replace whole foods. Whey isolates — more than other types of protein powder — are meant as a supplement to help increase protein intake to hit macronutrient goals or potentially aid in decreased snacking. (2)
Recovery from Exercise and Stimulation of Muscle Protein Synthesis
Whey protein isolate is preferred by many for supporting recovery from exercise — especially over other whey products such as whey concentrate — due to the increased filtration and decreased number of carbs and fats. Whey isolate has been shown to improve muscle protein synthesis (the building up of muscles after being broken down from resistance exercise) better than carbohydrates or placebos. (3)
Research has also shown that whey isolate elicits higher levels of muscle protein synthesis than casein or whey concentrate. (4) In short, whey isolate is better at helping to jumpstart muscle recovery after a hard workout than most other types of protein powder. With fewer carbs and fats to get in the way and take up precious digestive effort, the protein isolate can potentially be broken down more quickly, and use more of the digestive tract’s resources to get amino acids that are needed for recovery to the muscles. (4)
Increased Satiety
Another big benefit of whey isolate is...
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When sifting through all the different whey isolates on the market, you’ll want to pay attention to additives and sweeteners, as well as allergens (like soy) that some protein powders contain. The protein isolates on this list are high in protein and low in fat, carbs, sugar, and lactose, so you’ll get as much protein as you can out of each scoop. But with different additives — like digestive enzymes, for example — some of these picks may offer varying benefits for things like weight loss, digestion, and muscle growth. After testing dozens of protein supplements, these are the best whey isolate protein powders we tried in a number of popular categories.
Best Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powders
Best Whey Isolate Protein Video Review
Looking for a video detailing the best whey isolates on the market? Well, you’re in luck. Follow along with BarBend’s Nick English as he breaks down our top picks for 2023.
Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder
If you’re looking for a whey protein isolate, you likely want a product with little to no fat or carbs. This pick is not only low in both fat and carbs but it’s also made with all-natural ingredients and 100 percent grass-fed beef.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Featuring 150 calories per 38-gram serving, this whey isolate provides 28g of high-quality whey protein isolate along with three grams of carbs and 2.5 grams of fat. It also includes added micronutrients, like calcium and potassium. And that’s pretty much it. You won’t find digestive enzymes or probiotics with this protein, just a good, reliable dose of protein from a clean source.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
When you need a whey isolate that’s low in carbs and fat but also comes in some great flavors, this is an ideal option to reach for. Transparent Labs brings eight delicious flavors to the table — Chocolate Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Strawberry, and Vanilla Peanut Butter. This powder is on the more expensive side though, costing $59.99 for 30 servings (or about $2 per serving).
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Consumers who are looking for a product that’s low in fat and carbs while still providing high-quality whey isolate will like the macros here.
Anyone who wants whey from a grass-fed, hormone-free source.
Athletes who want to branch out from the typical chocolate and vanilla flavors — Transparent Labs offers unique flavors like Cinnamon French Toast and Vanilla Peanut Butter.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
People who are bulking and want a more calorically dense protein powder may want to opt for a mass gainer.
Those who want a slower-digesting protein like casein may want to look elsewhere.
Anyone on a budget can find more cost-effective options since this one runs about $2 a serving.
Available in eight different flavors with a lean nutrition profile, this whey protein isolate from Transparent Labs is a great choice for anyone looking to add more protein to their diet without a ton of extra calories. You’ll only get 150 calories per scoop with 112 of those calories coming from high-quality whey isolate.
Read our full review of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.
Best Whey Isolate for Weight Loss
Since many whey protein isolates can be similar, it’s important to look at the ingredients and macros in detail to see which product can help you meet your personal fitness goals. We think the ingredients in this pick combine to make a great isolate protein powder for those who are looking to lose weight.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This protein packs in 26 grams of protein per scoop and mixes seamlessly with water. It boasts no sugar added and a calorie count of 110 per scoop, which should be quite helpful for aiding in weight loss. With one gram of carbs and only half a gram of fat, it’s hard to go wrong with this choice.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
With the low-calorie count and delicious natural flavors like Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter and Mint Chocolate Chip, Swolverine doesn’t require you to add milk to enjoy a protein shake that can help you reach your weight loss goal. This product also includes an enzyme blend of papain and protease that may help increase bioavailability and assist in recovery, growth, and digestion. At $62.99 per tub, this protein is about $2.09 per serving, but the excellent macro profile and digestive enzymes included can make it worth the price.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Anyone who wants a whey protein isolate with lots of protein but low fat, carbs, and calories will love this product’s nutrition profile.
Those who enjoy a product with no artificial sweeteners or flavors will like the all-natural and low carbohydrate sweeteners in this protein.
If you’re looking for a product with digestive enzymes that may help increase bioavailability, you’ll like the protease and papain additives here.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Folks in a bulking phase will want a protein powder with higher levels of fat and carbohydrates.
Those who are looking to pay less for their supplements. This product is a little higher in price than other proteins on the market.
This product offers four delicious flavors, contains 26 grams of protein per scoop, and has little to no carbs, fat, or sugar, making it ideal if you’re trying to lose weight.
Read our full review of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate.
Best Tasting Whey Isolate
When it comes to the taste of protein powder, sometimes less is more. The versatility of Chocolate and Vanilla gives you the ability to cater your protein intake in a variety of ways. Chocolate and Vanilla allow for the opportunity to spice up your protein shake or to keep it simple. Onnit’s protein is one of the best we’ve tried.
Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
When it comes to Chocolate and Vanilla flavors, we say if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Onnit Whey Isolate offers two delicious flavors of Mexican Chocolate and Vanilla, and we can attest that both flavors are objectively delicious. What we love about these flavors is that they are delicious on their own. When we mixed them with water, we could taste that they were creamier than other options due to the quality of the whey protein from grass-fed cows. Plus, these flavors can easily be mixed with other ingredients, like greens, fruits, and even puddings.
Onnit's Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
A grass-fed whey isolate includes added ingredients for digestion like seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus). It's also gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free.
Both flavors boast 20 grams of protein per serving, 110 calories, and two grams of fat. Mexican Chocolate contains five grams of carbs, and Vanilla contains two grams of carbs per serving, which may be a deciding factor between the two delicious flavors. We love that each tub comes with a fun recipe to spice up your protein shake for a new twist on the classics. Mexican Chocolate offers a frozen Spiced Mocha recipe, while Vanilla provides a Mint Chocolate Chip protein shake recipe. We love the versatility here, and love that these flavors are enjoyable with water, or your milk of choice, just as much as they are enjoyable in a fancier concoction.
Who Should Buy Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Athletes who love the classics, and care about great flavor — this product’s Mexican Chocolate, and Vanilla flavors are objectively tasty.
People who mix their protein with water as opposed to milk. These two protein flavors from Onnit hold their own with water quite well.
Customers who want a sugar-free protein powder will like this formula.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Folks who want a higher dose of protein can find formulas that offer over 25g per serving. This one only offers 20g.
Athletes who are bulking may want a protein powder that’s higher in carbs or fat.
Those who like more creative and diverse flavors on their own, so they don’t have to put in the work of mixing up various ingredients.
When it comes to delicious proteins, Onnit Whey Isolate is tough to beat. With two tasty flavors, 20 grams of protein per serving, and endless options for great protein shake concoctions, you can’t go wrong with adding this protein supplement to your lineup.
Best Whey Isolate for Building Muscle
When you’re looking to pack on muscle, it makes it easier if the protein powder you’re taking goes down easily. With just five ingredients, this pick has a streamlined formulation that packs a punch with a whopping 26 grams of protein per scoop.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
With very few additives and natural flavoring, this protein blend Swolverine has a massive 26 grams of protein per scoop (87 percent protein by weight). At just 110 calories, you’re getting far above the average 20 grams of protein per scoop.This whey isolate is sourced from grass-fed cows that are free from rBGH, and it also includes digestive enzymes (Papain and Protease) to aid in digestion.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
These enzymes may also help with absorption, allowing you to get the most out of each scoop. It’s available in a variety of flavors too, like Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Athletes who want a product with minimal ingredients and few additives.
Anyone who wants more healthy nutrients in their protein from grass-fed beef.
Customers who want a product that will help them hit high protein intake goals.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Athletes looking for a protein powder that boasts a higher calorie count, like a mass gainer.
Anyone on a tight budget. Whey Isolates are more expensive than whey concentrate in general, but this one is on the higher end of Isolates.
With clean ingredients and a high level of protein and minerals — not to mention digestive enzymes — this whey protein isolate puts no additives between you and your muscle gains.
Best All-Natural Whey Isolate
This pick has clean ingredients, high protein content from 100 percent grass-fed cows, contains nothing artificial, and includes very few additives, so you can benefit from all of the nutrition in each scoop.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs sources their protein from 100 percent grass-fed American cows. The whey isolate is made from naturally fed, hormone-free cow whey and contains no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten, or preservatives. With only four ingredients — grass-fed whey isolate, natural flavor, salt, and stevia — this is a no-frills protein powder for people who want a simple but reliable product.
10% Off
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
This transparent ingredient list includes a dose of calcium, iron, and potassium with 28 grams of protein, all from a company that goes out of its way to provide clear sourcing.
This formula comes in eight delicious flavor options including Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, and French Vanilla. It is a relatively affordable whey isolate as well at around $2.00 per serving — this is extra reasonable when you consider that it’s an all-natural isolate and is sourced from grass-fed cows.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Athletes who want their protein sourced from 100 percent grass-fed cows.
Anyone who wants to steer clear of artificial additives and preservatives.
Customers who want eight diverse flavors to choose from that span outside of basic Chocolate and Vanilla flavors.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Athletes who want a powder with a thickener that mixes consistently.
Anyone who wants to save money with a lower-priced protein powder can find one on this list.
Those who prefer an unflavored whey isolate will want to look elsewhere on the market.
When it comes to natural proteins, Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate is tough to beat. With no additives, whey from 100 percent grass-fed cows, only four ingredients, and 28 grams of protein, you can soak in all the nutritional value of this product without having to dodge nasty preservatives or artificial sweeteners.
Read our full review of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.
Best Whey Isolate On a Budget
The macros of whey isolates can be fairly similar across the board, so many look to the price tag to make their final decision. This pick keeps protein high, is naturally flavored and colored, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg for a high-quality supplement.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein isolates can be quite expensive and oftentimes cost around $30 more per container than their whey protein concentrate counterparts. Not only is this whey isolate from Kaged a high-quality isolate, but it will only cost you around $1.46 per serving. If you choose to subscribe and save, you may save some additional money, as well and pay about $1.25 per serving. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate contains 25g of protein per serving, 12g of essential amino acids, and digestive enzyme protease, which may help you digest this supplement more efficiently without the dreaded gassiness and bloating that some other protein powders cause.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate comes in five delicious flavors — S’mores, Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, Vanilla, and Chocolate Peanut Butter — and each flavor contains 25g of protein, between zero and a half gram of fat, between two and four grams of carbs, and either 110 or 120 calories per serving. Since this is well-filtered whey isolate, it should blend easily with just water to make a lean drink or with milk for a richer protein shake.
Who Should Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Customers who want a whey isolate that contains high quality ingredients without the price that would normally accompany them will like this $1.46 per serving price tag.
Anyone who wants to steer clear of artificial flavors and colors will like that all five flavors here are naturally flavored and colored.
Athletes who like a low carb option for their protein, as this brand caps at four grams of carbs per serving, depending on the flavor.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Folks on a much stricter budget — the more common whey concentrate option may be better for you.
Those who want a larger variety of flavors — although these are objectively delicious, they don’t have any fruity options, like strawberry.
Anyone looking to bulk up may want to opt for a protein that’s higher in carbs and fats.
Though whey isolates are typically more expensive than other types of protein, this isolate sports a very reasonable price tag for its solid ingredient lineup and high 25g dose of protein. At $1.46 per serving, you can make gains without compromising your bank account.
Best Whey Isolate for Recovery
Whey isolate is a great source of leucine — a BCAA that can help with recovery — and this pick contains 28 grams of whey isolate per serving.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has 28 grams of whey isolate protein per serving without any lactose, carbs, or sugars. Many whey isolates are low in these categories, but this product also contains zero fat, which is rare. Leucine, a BCAA, can be key in muscle recovery, and it is ample in whey isolates — with such a high 28g dose of protein per serving, this powder offers a great potential boost in recovery.
10% Off
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
This transparent ingredient list includes a dose of calcium, iron, and potassium with 28 grams of protein, all from a company that goes out of its way to provide clear sourcing.
In addition, you’ll find about 10 percent of your daily calcium intake per serving, along with a kick of iron and potassium. Transparent Labs contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colorings, and you can buy it in eight different flavors, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Salted Caramel.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Athletes who want a whey isolate that contains little to no carbs, fats or sugars, but is still high in protein (and leucine) will like the numbers on this blend.
Those looking for added minerals in a protein powder — this formula boasts a few additional micronutrients.
Folks who want a lot of flavors to choose from will appreciate that this comes in eight flavor varieties.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Those who are trying to bulk may want to look for a powder that is higher in carbs and fat.
Buyers on a budget will want to look for a less expensive brand. Transparent Labs is a bit pricier for its clean and effective formula.
Transparent Labs packs 28 grams of protein with minimal carbs, fats, and sugars — with such a high dose of whey isolate (and therefore, leucine), this product is ideal for those who potentially want to enhance their recovery process.
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 that’s 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.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Protein powders can sometimes be difficult to digest, whether that’s due to artificial ingredients, trace lactose, or the nature of high protein supplements in general. Swolverine kept that in mind while designing the formula for their whey protein isolate. This product may be easier to digest thanks to the use of natural sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit. As an added bonus to help with digestion and absorption, this protein powder has 10mg of digestive enzymes split evenly between protease and papain, which can help ease digestion.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
If you’re looking for a lean protein powder, this one’s great in that aspect too with minimal added calories from fat or carbs — it contains just half a gram of fat and a gram of carbs. You’ll also get 26g of isolate protein with each scoop to help fuel your recovery and hit your protein goals for the day. If you like to change up the flavor of your protein powder often you can choose from Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Anyone who has issues digesting milk protein will like the digestive enzymes in this protein powder.
Athletes who like trying unique flavors of protein powder — there are four flavors to choose from here, two of which are pretty unique.
Customers who want a low calorie protein powder will like that this pick only has 110 calories per serving.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Anyone looking for protein high in calories, carbs, or fat will want to look elsewhere.
Folks who are on a tight budget may want to look for a more cost-effective option on this list.
Those who prefer a protein that they can take at night or that can help keep them full for a longer period of time may want to opt for a slower digesting protein type, like whey concentrate or casein.
This pick is lean with minimal extra calories or added ingredients and is naturally sweetened. The inclusion of digestive enzymes means you’ll have some potential help with digestion, and this protein may be easier to process than others on the market.
Best Whey Isolate for Athletes
Though this is actually a great choice for anyone who wants a solid whey isolate protein with lean macros, it’s our top pick for athletes for its potential to help with recovery thanks to its dose of branched-chain amino acids.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Micropure Whey Protein Isolate packs 25 grams of protein, and only 110 to 120 calories into each scoop. The addition of 12 grams of essential amino acids and six grams of branched-chain amino acids may push this formula above and beyond for its potential recovery benefits. One study found that supplementing with BCAAs was beneficial for recovery rate for isometric training and perceived muscle soreness — meaning the user felt less sore and was able to get back to a training session without soreness sooner with BCAAs. (1)
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.
This protein comes in five delicious flavors — S’mores, Vanilla, Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, and Chocolate Peanut Butter — and includes digestive enzyme protease, which may help you digest your whey protein more effectively. This supp also comes at a very reasonable price for an isolate — around $1.46 per serving.
Who Should Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Those who want a protein powder with BCAAs and EAAs included to potentially speed up recovery for sore muscles.
Customers who don’t want basic Vanilla and Chocolate flavors will like the Cinnamon French Toast, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and S’mores options from Kaged.
Those who want the addition of digestive enzymes for potentially better digestion will enjoy that this formula contains protease.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Folks who may be trying to gain some weight could benefit from a higher calorie protein with more carbs.
If you want a wide variety of micronutrients included in your protein powder, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Those who aren’t tied to an isolate formula may still find a cheaper protein source on the market.
This protein powder can be a great option for anyone looking for a high quality whey isolate, but we think its BCAA content makes it one of the best options for athletes who have recovery at the top of their priority list.
Benefits of Whey Isolate Protein Powders
Whey isolates usually offer a protein concentration that’s higher than what you’d find in food, but they also lack other key nutrients most people need to get from whole foods, like vitamins and minerals. Some protein powders are supplemented with electrolytes, but they still won’t completely replace whole foods. Whey isolates — more than other types of protein powder — are meant as a supplement to help increase protein intake to hit macronutrient goals or potentially aid in decreased snacking. (2)
Recovery from Exercise and Stimulation of Muscle Protein Synthesis
Whey protein isolate is preferred by many for supporting recovery from exercise — especially over other whey products such as whey concentrate — due to the increased filtration and decreased number of carbs and fats. Whey isolate has been shown to improve muscle protein synthesis (the building up of muscles after being broken down from resistance exercise) better than carbohydrates or placebos. (3)
Research has also shown that whey isolate elicits higher levels of muscle protein synthesis than casein or whey concentrate. (4) In short, whey isolate is better at helping to jumpstart muscle recovery after a hard workout than most other types of protein powder. With fewer carbs and fats to get in the way and take up precious digestive effort, the protein isolate can potentially be broken down more quickly, and use more of the digestive tract’s resources to get amino acids that are needed for recovery to the muscles. (4)
Increased Satiety
Another big benefit of whey isolate is the role it plays in feeling full, also known as satiety. High protein meals, specifically with protein powder, have been shown to result in eating fewer calories in the hours following. But due to whey isolate’s quick-digesting nature, the effect is shorter-lived than with other proteins (5) To that end, if you’ve got a few hours until your next meal and you’re feeling peckish and don’t want to snack then a whey protein isolate may be just what you need to hold yourself over until meal time rolls around.
These studies have been replicated for both women and men. (6) However, it’s worth noting that whey isolate likely cannot keep you satiated enough to be a full meal replacement. For that, you’ll need a protein supplement that’s higher in carbs and fats.
How Much Do Whey Isolate Protein Powders Cost?
Whey protein isolates are generally pricier than their whey concentrate counterparts. That’s likely due to the additional refinement and manufacturing efforts that go into purifying the protein and removing extra carbs and fats. (7) While whey concentrates can range from $20 to $50 per tub (depending on the brand, additional ingredients, and other factors) whey isolates generally range from $40 to $80 per container. On average, you can expect to pay around $2.00 per serving for a whey isolate.
Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder Overall
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
$59.99
$2.00 per serving
Best Whey Isolate for Weight Loss
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
$62.99
$2.09 per serving
Best Tasting Whey Isolate
Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
$29.99
$1.00 per serving
Best Whey Isolate for Building Muscle
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
$62.99
$2.09 per serving
Best All-Natural Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
$15.00
$0.50 per serving
Best Whey Isolate on a Budget
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
$59.99
$1.46 per serving
Best Whey Isolate for Recovery
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
$34.95
$1.17 per serving
Best Whey Isolate for Digestion
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
$62.99
$2.09 per serving
Best Whey Isolate for Athletes
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
59.99
$1.46 per serving
Some ingredients that can increase the cost of a whey isolate are added digestive enzymes, BCAAs, or electrolytes. Formulas can range in price based on the type of milk used to get the whey isolate as well, such as grass-fed (more expensive) versus grain-fed (less expensive) dairy cows.
How We Chose the Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders
There’s a lot of protein powder on the market these days, which means there are also a lot of pundits claiming they’ve found the best one out there. We know that the best product will vary from person to person, so we considered factors like ingredients, price, flavor, and more to create a comprehensive list that appeals to a wide range of consumers looking to add more protein to their diet
Macro Splits
There are three commonly accepted macronutrients (macros): protein, fat, and carbs. The balance between these three is the macro split. When it comes to whey isolate, most people are looking to keep the macro split heavily in favor of protein, while keeping the carbs and fat very low. If you don’t know what your daily macro split is and you’d like to figure it out, you can use this handy calculator to dial it in based on your goals.
The picks on this list are aligned with what we think most consumers are looking for in a whey isolate: a low carb, low fat protein powder. If you’re looking for a protein supplement geared more towards bulking, you probably want a whey concentrate protein powder, or maybe even a mass gainer.
Plenty of Protein
The average amount of protein per serving is 20 grams, but all of the picks on this list contain upwards of that number. In addition, they have around 90 percent protein by weight to make sure you’re getting the most protein possible with each scoop.
Digestibility
While whey protein isolates are lower in fat and carbs than whey concentrates, they may also contain additives like digestive enzymes that help with absorption. For example, some options include ProHydrolase®, which breaks down protein powder into smaller particles. It also allows your body to absorb nutrients better since it’s sometimes more challenging for our bodies to digest certain ingredients, like lactose, that are found in whey protein.
Quality Control
Each of the picks have been third-party tested for heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, and mycotoxins. Since these ingredients can be toxic for humans, companies ensure there are no impurities in their products before they hit the market. All of the companies in this list perform on-going third-party testing, so you won’t have to worry about quality control when you grab one of these supplements off the shelf.
Flavors
All of the picks on this list have a variety of flavors. As companies grow, they can add more flavors to their repertoire, so in addition to Chocolate and Vanilla, there are now flavors like Cinnamon Roll or Cafe Latte.
When it comes to the flavors themselves, rest assured that none of these are objectively bad. Subjectively, everyone has flavor preferences, so each person will like or dislike different flavors. However, when it comes to a baseline for flavors, all of these picks exceed it — after all, we wouldn’t want you to be drinking a flavor comparable to those in Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.
What to Consider Before Buying Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Whey protein comes in a variety of forms. The most popular kinds of whey you’ll find on the market are concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. While the type is a consideration, you’ll also want to think about price, along with flavor availability. Something else to keep on your radar when considering a whey isolate is the macro split and digestibility of the protein supplement you’re purchasing.
Whey Isolate, Whey Concentrate, and Whey Hydrolysate
When it comes to whey protein, there are three options: Whey concentrate, whey isolate, and whey hydrolysate.
Whey hydrolysate is the most processed — to the point where it may be called “pre-digested” — as the enzymes that break it down have already done part of the digestion for you. Like whey isolate, it contains around 90 percent protein by weight and very few fats or carbs.
Similarly, whey isolate is processed — though a little less so than hydrolysate — and contains the same 90 percent protein by weight and little to no carbs or fat.
Image from Shutterstock /NatalyaBond
Whey concentrate is the more basic, less concentrated form. It’s only up to 80 percent protein by weight, with the rest of the product being fat and carbs. Since whey concentrate is less concentrated and not filtered, it’s also cheaper than whey isolate and whey hydrolysate (which is the most expensive).
Whey concentrate is typically higher in calories and better for those who want to gain weight, while isolate and hydrolysate are trimmed down in fat and carbs (as well as lactose and sugar) for those who are more conscious of those macros. And if digestion is of particular concern, whey hydrolysate allows for optimal processing and absorption — more so than either concentrate or isolate.
Even though hydrolysate and isolate are leaner versions of whey, that doesn’t mean they aren’t good for muscle building. Since whey isolate and hydrolysate both have a higher concentration of protein, they do contain more grams of protein per scoop, and can also be used for leaner muscle gains.
Price
Whey isolate is (typically) considerably more expensive than whey concentrate. Isolate is more refined and goes through additional processing to give it a higher percentage of protein per serving with fewer carbs and fats. The higher protein concentration and added manufacturing steps are likely what increases the price. Generally, whey isolates range from $40 to $80 per tub depending on other factors such as added digestive enzymes, probiotics, specialty diet formulas, and other variables. If you’re not looking to drop that much on protein powder, you’re better off opting for a cheaper formula, like a whey concentrate.
Flavor Availability
Most protein powders on the market will come in some form of chocolate and vanilla flavor though some companies may make it sound more exciting with names like ‘Dutch Chocolate” or “French Vanilla Ice Cream”. Things have come a long way in the past decade with many proteins now available in fruit flavors now rather than just rich flavors — but if you can dream it, there’s likely a protein flavor of it somewhere out there.
Some examples are Fruity Pebbles®, Thin Mint Cookies®, and Nutter Butter® flavors. There are even corporate partnerships that offer certain breakfast cereal flavors of protein powder. If you’re looking to spice things up, be sure to look at the list of flavor options just as seriously as you look at the macros before you buy.
Macro Splits and Digestibility
The macro split of a protein isolate and its digestibility go hand in hand. (8) Generally, thanks to the further refinement and removal of most lactose in whey isolate, it can potentially be more easily digested. Whey isolates typically have fewer carbs and fats in the way to slow down the digestive process, which may contribute to the quicker absorption and digestion that whey isolates are known for. (9) Macro splits on whey isolates are usually very lean and diet-friendly with low fat and low carbs (generally less than two grams of fat and less than five grams of carbs in many whey protein isolates).
Credit: ArtOfPhotos / Shutterstock
Some whey isolate formulas even come with digestive enzymes to help further the digestibility. If macros and better digestion are two factors you’re concerned with, a whey isolate is likely for you. But for optimal digestion, be sure you’re leaning toward those formulas with digestive enzymes, even though the isolate should be fairly easy for the body to digest on its own. (10)
Final Word
Whey protein isolate is a leaner alternative to whey concentrate and could help with muscle gain, digestion, weight loss, and much more. Many options on this list contain additives like digestive enzymes and amino acids that can aid in the processing of lactose that’s found in whey protein isolates. But, these products are cleaner and more concentrated than other proteins on the market, which make them an excellent option for anyone who wants to boost their nutritional intake.
When you’re considering which protein to pick, know all of these picks will hit the mark with quality ingredients. All you have to do is pick your flavor and price point, and add to cart.
FAQs
What is the best whey isolate?The best whey isolate will depend on a few factors, including goals, your needs, your flavor preferences, or your budget. With that being said, we think Transparent Labs’ Whey Protein Isolate is a top-tier choice as it has a high calorie-to-protein ratio, comes in a variety of unique flavor options, and is made from a high-quality protein source.
How much do whey isolates cost?They’re generally more expensive than whey concentrates at around $2.00 per serving. If you’re looking to cut back on fat and carbs, we think the added cost is worth it. You’re not going to find a whey concentrate option with as little fat and carbs as whey isolates have. However, if that isn’t a priority to you, spending more money on whey isolate will not be worth your while.
Does whey isolate contain lactose?Yes, it does, but only about one gram. Whey concentrate contains around three grams, but neither of these numbers are typically enough to affect someone with lactose intolerance.
References
Waldron M, Whelan K, Jeffries O, Burt D, Howe L, Patterson SD. The effects of acute branched-chain amino acid supplementation on recovery from a single bout of hypertrophy exercise in resistance-trained athletes. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2017 Jun;42(6):630-636. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2016-0569. Epub 2017 Jan 27. PMID: 28177706.
Morr, C. V., & Ha, E. Y. (1993). Whey protein concentrates and isolates: processing and functional properties. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 33(6), 431–476. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408399309527643
Hulmi, J. J., Lockwood, C. M., & Stout, J. R. (2010). Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutrition & metabolism, 7(1), 1-11.
Tang, J. E., Moore, D. R., Kujbida, G. W., Tarnopolsky, M. A., & Phillips, S. M. (2009). Ingestion of whey hydrolysate, casein, or soy protein isolate: effects on mixed muscle protein synthesis at rest and following resistance exercise in young men. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 107(3), 987–992. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00076.2009
Luhovyy, B. L., Akhavan, T., & Anderson, G. H. (2007). Whey proteins in the regulation of food intake and satiety. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(6), 704S–12S. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2007.10719651
Chungchunlam, S., Henare, S. J., Ganesh, S., & Moughan, P. J. (2017). Effects of whey protein and its two major protein components on satiety and food intake in normal-weight women. Physiology & behavior, 175, 113–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.03.044
Morr, C. V., & Ha, E. Y. W. (1993). Whey protein concentrates and isolates: processing and functional properties. Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition, 33(6), 431-476.
Capuano, E., & Janssen, A. (2021). Food Matrix and Macronutrient Digestion. Annual review of food science and technology, 12, 193–212. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-food-032519-051646
Dangin, M., Boirie, Y., Garcia-Rodenas, C., Gachon, P., Fauquant, J., Callier, P., Ballèvre, O., & Beaufrère, B. (2001). The digestion rate of protein is an independent regulating factor of postprandial protein retention. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 280(2), E340–E348. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.2001.280.2.E340
Lönnerdal B. (1985). Biochemistry and physiological function of human milk proteins. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 42(6), 1299–1317. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/42.6.1299
The main difference between whey protein concentrate (the most common whey protein) and whey protein isolate is the amount of protein per scoop. For folks who are serious about their protein intake — bodybuilders, strongmen, and the like — whey protein isolate may be a better option than whey concentrate. For one, it packs 90 percent protein per scoop compared to whey concentrate (which has 80 percent per scoop). It’s also typically void of unwanted extras and fillers. However, whey concentrate is typically less expensive since it’s not as processed and doesn’t have as high a concentration of protein.
When sifting through all the different whey isolates on the market, you’ll want to pay attention to additives and sweeteners, as well as allergens (like soy) that some protein powders contain. The protein isolates on this list are high in protein and low in fat, carbs, sugar, and lactose, so you’ll get as much protein as you can out of each scoop. But with different additives — like digestive enzymes, for example — some of these picks may offer varying benefits for things like weight loss, digestion, and muscle growth. After testing dozens of protein supplements, these are the best whey isolate protein powders we tried in a number of popular categories.
Best Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powders
Best Whey Isolate Protein Video Review
Looking for a video detailing the best whey isolates on the market? Well, you’re in luck. Follow along with BarBend’s Nick English as he breaks down our top picks for 2023.
Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder
If you’re looking for a whey protein isolate, you likely want a product with little to no fat or carbs. This pick is not only low in both fat and carbs but it’s also made with all-natural ingredients and 100 percent grass-fed beef.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Featuring 150 calories per 38-gram serving, this whey isolate provides 28g of high-quality whey protein isolate along with three grams of carbs and 2.5 grams of fat. It also includes added micronutrients, like calcium and potassium. And that’s pretty much it. You won’t find digestive enzymes or probiotics with this protein, just a good, reliable dose of protein from a clean source.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
When you need a whey isolate that’s low in carbs and fat but also comes in some great flavors, this is an ideal option to reach for. Transparent Labs brings eight delicious flavors to the table — Chocolate Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Strawberry, and Vanilla Peanut Butter. This powder is on the more expensive side though, costing $59.99 for 30 servings (or about $2 per serving).
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
- Consumers who are looking for a product that’s low in fat and carbs while still providing high-quality whey isolate will like the macros here.
- Anyone who wants whey from a grass-fed, hormone-free source.
- Athletes who want to branch out from the typical chocolate and vanilla flavors — Transparent Labs offers unique flavors like Cinnamon French Toast and Vanilla Peanut Butter.
- People who are bulking and want a more calorically dense protein powder may want to opt for a mass gainer.
- Those who want a slower-digesting protein like casein may want to look elsewhere.
- Anyone on a budget can find more cost-effective options since this one runs about $2 a serving.
Read our full review of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.
Best Whey Isolate for Weight Loss
Since many whey protein isolates can be similar, it’s important to look at the ingredients and macros in detail to see which product can help you meet your personal fitness goals. We think the ingredients in this pick combine to make a great isolate protein powder for those who are looking to lose weight.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This protein packs in 26 grams of protein per scoop and mixes seamlessly with water. It boasts no sugar added and a calorie count of 110 per scoop, which should be quite helpful for aiding in weight loss. With one gram of carbs and only half a gram of fat, it’s hard to go wrong with this choice.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
With the low-calorie count and delicious natural flavors like Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter and Mint Chocolate Chip, Swolverine doesn’t require you to add milk to enjoy a protein shake that can help you reach your weight loss goal. This product also includes an enzyme blend of papain and protease that may help increase bioavailability and assist in recovery, growth, and digestion. At $62.99 per tub, this protein is about $2.09 per serving, but the excellent macro profile and digestive enzymes included can make it worth the price.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
- Anyone who wants a whey protein isolate with lots of protein but low fat, carbs, and calories will love this product’s nutrition profile.
- Those who enjoy a product with no artificial sweeteners or flavors will like the all-natural and low carbohydrate sweeteners in this protein.
- If you’re looking for a product with digestive enzymes that may help increase bioavailability, you’ll like the protease and papain additives here.
- Folks in a bulking phase will want a protein powder with higher levels of fat and carbohydrates.
- Those who are looking to pay less for their supplements. This product is a little higher in price than other proteins on the market.
Read our full review of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate.
Best Tasting Whey Isolate
When it comes to the taste of protein powder, sometimes less is more. The versatility of Chocolate and Vanilla gives you the ability to cater your protein intake in a variety of ways. Chocolate and Vanilla allow for the opportunity to spice up your protein shake or to keep it simple. Onnit’s protein is one of the best we’ve tried.
Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
When it comes to Chocolate and Vanilla flavors, we say if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Onnit Whey Isolate offers two delicious flavors of Mexican Chocolate and Vanilla, and we can attest that both flavors are objectively delicious. What we love about these flavors is that they are delicious on their own. When we mixed them with water, we could taste that they were creamier than other options due to the quality of the whey protein from grass-fed cows. Plus, these flavors can easily be mixed with other ingredients, like greens, fruits, and even puddings.
Onnit's Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
A grass-fed whey isolate includes added ingredients for digestion like seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus). It's also gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free.
Both flavors boast 20 grams of protein per serving, 110 calories, and two grams of fat. Mexican Chocolate contains five grams of carbs, and Vanilla contains two grams of carbs per serving, which may be a deciding factor between the two delicious flavors. We love that each tub comes with a fun recipe to spice up your protein shake for a new twist on the classics. Mexican Chocolate offers a frozen Spiced Mocha recipe, while Vanilla provides a Mint Chocolate Chip protein shake recipe. We love the versatility here, and love that these flavors are enjoyable with water, or your milk of choice, just as much as they are enjoyable in a fancier concoction.
Who Should Buy Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
- Athletes who love the classics, and care about great flavor — this product’s Mexican Chocolate, and Vanilla flavors are objectively tasty.
- People who mix their protein with water as opposed to milk. These two protein flavors from Onnit hold their own with water quite well.
- Customers who want a sugar-free protein powder will like this formula.
- Folks who want a higher dose of protein can find formulas that offer over 25g per serving. This one only offers 20g.
- Athletes who are bulking may want a protein powder that’s higher in carbs or fat.
- Those who like more creative and diverse flavors on their own, so they don’t have to put in the work of mixing up various ingredients.
Best Whey Isolate for Building Muscle
When you’re looking to pack on muscle, it makes it easier if the protein powder you’re taking goes down easily. With just five ingredients, this pick has a streamlined formulation that packs a punch with a whopping 26 grams of protein per scoop.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
With very few additives and natural flavoring, this protein blend Swolverine has a massive 26 grams of protein per scoop (87 percent protein by weight). At just 110 calories, you’re getting far above the average 20 grams of protein per scoop.This whey isolate is sourced from grass-fed cows that are free from rBGH, and it also includes digestive enzymes (Papain and Protease) to aid in digestion.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
These enzymes may also help with absorption, allowing you to get the most out of each scoop. It’s available in a variety of flavors too, like Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
- Athletes who want a product with minimal ingredients and few additives.
- Anyone who wants more healthy nutrients in their protein from grass-fed beef.
- Customers who want a product that will help them hit high protein intake goals.
- Athletes looking for a protein powder that boasts a higher calorie count, like a mass gainer.
- Anyone on a tight budget. Whey Isolates are more expensive than whey concentrate in general, but this one is on the higher end of Isolates.
Best All-Natural Whey Isolate
This pick has clean ingredients, high protein content from 100 percent grass-fed cows, contains nothing artificial, and includes very few additives, so you can benefit from all of the nutrition in each scoop.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs sources their protein from 100 percent grass-fed American cows. The whey isolate is made from naturally fed, hormone-free cow whey and contains no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten, or preservatives. With only four ingredients — grass-fed whey isolate, natural flavor, salt, and stevia — this is a no-frills protein powder for people who want a simple but reliable product.
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Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
This transparent ingredient list includes a dose of calcium, iron, and potassium with 28 grams of protein, all from a company that goes out of its way to provide clear sourcing.
This formula comes in eight delicious flavor options including Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, and French Vanilla. It is a relatively affordable whey isolate as well at around $2.00 per serving — this is extra reasonable when you consider that it’s an all-natural isolate and is sourced from grass-fed cows.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
- Athletes who want their protein sourced from 100 percent grass-fed cows.
- Anyone who wants to steer clear of artificial additives and preservatives.
- Customers who want eight diverse flavors to choose from that span outside of basic Chocolate and Vanilla flavors.
- Athletes who want a powder with a thickener that mixes consistently.
- Anyone who wants to save money with a lower-priced protein powder can find one on this list.
- Those who prefer an unflavored whey isolate will want to look elsewhere on the market.
Read our full review of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.
Best Whey Isolate On a Budget
The macros of whey isolates can be fairly similar across the board, so many look to the price tag to make their final decision. This pick keeps protein high, is naturally flavored and colored, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg for a high-quality supplement.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein isolates can be quite expensive and oftentimes cost around $30 more per container than their whey protein concentrate counterparts. Not only is this whey isolate from Kaged a high-quality isolate, but it will only cost you around $1.46 per serving. If you choose to subscribe and save, you may save some additional money, as well and pay about $1.25 per serving. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate contains 25g of protein per serving, 12g of essential amino acids, and digestive enzyme protease, which may help you digest this supplement more efficiently without the dreaded gassiness and bloating that some other protein powders cause.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate comes in five delicious flavors — S’mores, Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, Vanilla, and Chocolate Peanut Butter — and each flavor contains 25g of protein, between zero and a half gram of fat, between two and four grams of carbs, and either 110 or 120 calories per serving. Since this is well-filtered whey isolate, it should blend easily with just water to make a lean drink or with milk for a richer protein shake.
Who Should Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
- Customers who want a whey isolate that contains high quality ingredients without the price that would normally accompany them will like this $1.46 per serving price tag.
- Anyone who wants to steer clear of artificial flavors and colors will like that all five flavors here are naturally flavored and colored.
- Athletes who like a low carb option for their protein, as this brand caps at four grams of carbs per serving, depending on the flavor.
- Folks on a much stricter budget — the more common whey concentrate option may be better for you.
- Those who want a larger variety of flavors — although these are objectively delicious, they don’t have any fruity options, like strawberry.
- Anyone looking to bulk up may want to opt for a protein that’s higher in carbs and fats.
Best Whey Isolate for Recovery
Whey isolate is a great source of leucine — a BCAA that can help with recovery — and this pick contains 28 grams of whey isolate per serving.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has 28 grams of whey isolate protein per serving without any lactose, carbs, or sugars. Many whey isolates are low in these categories, but this product also contains zero fat, which is rare. Leucine, a BCAA, can be key in muscle recovery, and it is ample in whey isolates — with such a high 28g dose of protein per serving, this powder offers a great potential boost in recovery.
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Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
This transparent ingredient list includes a dose of calcium, iron, and potassium with 28 grams of protein, all from a company that goes out of its way to provide clear sourcing.
In addition, you’ll find about 10 percent of your daily calcium intake per serving, along with a kick of iron and potassium. Transparent Labs contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colorings, and you can buy it in eight different flavors, including Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Salted Caramel.
Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
- Athletes who want a whey isolate that contains little to no carbs, fats or sugars, but is still high in protein (and leucine) will like the numbers on this blend.
- Those looking for added minerals in a protein powder — this formula boasts a few additional micronutrients.
- Folks who want a lot of flavors to choose from will appreciate that this comes in eight flavor varieties.
- Those who are trying to bulk may want to look for a powder that is higher in carbs and fat.
- Buyers on a budget will want to look for a less expensive brand. Transparent Labs is a bit pricier for its clean and effective formula.
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 that’s 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.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
Protein powders can sometimes be difficult to digest, whether that’s due to artificial ingredients, trace lactose, or the nature of high protein supplements in general. Swolverine kept that in mind while designing the formula for their whey protein isolate. This product may be easier to digest thanks to the use of natural sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit. As an added bonus to help with digestion and absorption, this protein powder has 10mg of digestive enzymes split evenly between protease and papain, which can help ease digestion.
Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
This whey protein formula delivers 26 grams of protein with just 0.5 grams of fat, and one gram of carbs. You’ll also find 10mg of digestive enzymes, and a decent number of micronutrients.
If you’re looking for a lean protein powder, this one’s great in that aspect too with minimal added calories from fat or carbs — it contains just half a gram of fat and a gram of carbs. You’ll also get 26g of isolate protein with each scoop to help fuel your recovery and hit your protein goals for the day. If you like to change up the flavor of your protein powder often you can choose from Vanilla, Chocolate, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Who Should Buy Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
- Anyone who has issues digesting milk protein will like the digestive enzymes in this protein powder.
- Athletes who like trying unique flavors of protein powder — there are four flavors to choose from here, two of which are pretty unique.
- Customers who want a low calorie protein powder will like that this pick only has 110 calories per serving.
- Anyone looking for protein high in calories, carbs, or fat will want to look elsewhere.
- Folks who are on a tight budget may want to look for a more cost-effective option on this list.
- Those who prefer a protein that they can take at night or that can help keep them full for a longer period of time may want to opt for a slower digesting protein type, like whey concentrate or casein.
Best Whey Isolate for Athletes
Though this is actually a great choice for anyone who wants a solid whey isolate protein with lean macros, it’s our top pick for athletes for its potential to help with recovery thanks to its dose of branched-chain amino acids.
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Micropure Whey Protein Isolate packs 25 grams of protein, and only 110 to 120 calories into each scoop. The addition of 12 grams of essential amino acids and six grams of branched-chain amino acids may push this formula above and beyond for its potential recovery benefits. One study found that supplementing with BCAAs was beneficial for recovery rate for isometric training and perceived muscle soreness — meaning the user felt less sore and was able to get back to a training session without soreness sooner with BCAAs. (1)
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
Kaged Whey Protein Isolate formula boasts a high 25 grams of protein, one gram of fat, and just four grams of carbs. It also contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein for optimal digestion.
This protein comes in five delicious flavors — S’mores, Vanilla, Chocolate, Cinnamon French Toast, and Chocolate Peanut Butter — and includes digestive enzyme protease, which may help you digest your whey protein more effectively. This supp also comes at a very reasonable price for an isolate — around $1.46 per serving.
Who Should Buy Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
- Those who want a protein powder with BCAAs and EAAs included to potentially speed up recovery for sore muscles.
- Customers who don’t want basic Vanilla and Chocolate flavors will like the Cinnamon French Toast, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and S’mores options from Kaged.
- Those who want the addition of digestive enzymes for potentially better digestion will enjoy that this formula contains protease.
- Folks who may be trying to gain some weight could benefit from a higher calorie protein with more carbs.
- If you want a wide variety of micronutrients included in your protein powder, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
- Those who aren’t tied to an isolate formula may still find a cheaper protein source on the market.
Benefits of Whey Isolate Protein Powders
Whey isolates usually offer a protein concentration that’s higher than what you’d find in food, but they also lack other key nutrients most people need to get from whole foods, like vitamins and minerals. Some protein powders are supplemented with electrolytes, but they still won’t completely replace whole foods. Whey isolates — more than other types of protein powder — are meant as a supplement to help increase protein intake to hit macronutrient goals or potentially aid in decreased snacking. (2)
Recovery from Exercise and Stimulation of Muscle Protein Synthesis
Whey protein isolate is preferred by many for supporting recovery from exercise — especially over other whey products such as whey concentrate — due to the increased filtration and decreased number of carbs and fats. Whey isolate has been shown to improve muscle protein synthesis (the building up of muscles after being broken down from resistance exercise) better than carbohydrates or placebos. (3)
Research has also shown that whey isolate elicits higher levels of muscle protein synthesis than casein or whey concentrate. (4) In short, whey isolate is better at helping to jumpstart muscle recovery after a hard workout than most other types of protein powder. With fewer carbs and fats to get in the way and take up precious digestive effort, the protein isolate can potentially be broken down more quickly, and use more of the digestive tract’s resources to get amino acids that are needed for recovery to the muscles. (4)
Increased Satiety
Another big benefit of whey isolate is...
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