Whey Protein Types: What’s right for you?

Whey protein is STILL what most people think about when they think about supplements for muscle, and with good reason! So let me bump this post to the top of teamRIPPED.

Protein is so critical for building and maintaining muscle. You can get protein from a lot of sources: meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and even plants. What makes a protein source ideal in your mind will vary based on your opinions and goals. A lot of the time I am looking to get the leanest protein I can. I want the most protein per ounce without a lot of added fat or carbs. For me, that directs me to mainly meat, egg whites, some fish, and the all-mighty WHEY PROTEIN!

What is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is part of the protein found in milk (the other is casein). It is very easily digested and whey is also a fast digesting protein. What you will find when you go to GNC or shop online is whey protein supplements designed to be used as shakes. You can mix them with just water or add other ingredients, but the main goal of all whey protein supplements is to increase your protein intake. Having a powder you can mix and drink is extremely easy. 30g of fast digesting protein at a moments notice. What could be better!

For a lot more on protein in general, check out Protein Again. It’s a great article with a lot more information.

Types of Whey Protein

Now this is really the heart of this article. Even if you get some whey protein, there are quite a few types of whey protein and it is important to know what you are dealing with.

1.) Whey Protein Concentrate

This is the most basic form of whey. As a result, it will typically have the lowest percentage of protein per gram of powder. There will be extra fat and carbs with the whey. That is not a problem, it is just a reality. Track your whey concentrate and it’s macros and you are fine. It can be harder to digest as it is not as pure as other whey protein options. It will be the cheapest though! So if you are on a tight budget, concentrate may be the way to go. ON 100% Gold standard is a blend of concentrate and isolate.

2.) Whey Protein Isolate

Whey Protein Isolate is a very pure form of whey. Almost all of the excess fat and carbs have been removed and the whey is almost entirely protein. It is a little faster digesting than concentrate as well. I like whey isolate, it’s my go to. Whey protein isolate will be a little more expensive. A good, cheaper option is  Six Star Whey Isolate. You can find it at Wal-Mart even.

3.) Hydrolyzed Whey Protein

Hydrolyzed whey, or hydro whey, is the purest form of whey isolate you can get. Hydrolyzed whey is whey isolate that has had the larger proteins broken down ever further. This allows hydro wheys to be digested very quickly. My go to, ISO 100, is a hydrolyzed whey isolate. Another top hydrolyzed whey is Hydro Whey from ON. Hydrolyzed whey tend to be not quite as tasty as isolate, although I have never minded them.

4.) Whey Protein Blends

Many whey proteins on the market are actually blends. So check your labels! They will often be listed as a ‘protein matrix’ or just ‘protein blend.’ In parentheses you should be able to find what proteins they have blended. Make sure they are all whey proteins, if that is what you are trying to stick with. And remember the ingredient with the highest quantity is listed first. So if whey isolate is listed first of all the whey in your powder, isolate has the highest concentration.

What Whey Protein should you get?

I would start with a good blend (like ON 100% Gold Standard) or even a cheaper isolate (like Six Star). See how you like them. Often the tastiest whey proteins are the ones with the most added fat and carbs. So if you are on fat shredder, something like Muscle Milk might not be your best bet to hit your budgets. Just track the whey you use and let it help you hit those goals! I love adding an extra scoop into my Shakeology for breakfast to help keep me full for longer. I also really like having it on hand for a great muscle building snack. Remember the protein you eat is going to work repairing the muscle you damaged during your workouts. It’s allowing you to get stronger and grow! So grab some whey protein!

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