Best Whey Protein Powders on the Market: What Fitness Experts Recommend (2024)

Best Whey Protein Powders on the Market: What Fitness Experts Recommend (1)

Many people are using whey protein supplementation to boost muscle protein synthesis while promoting lean muscle mass growth. However, many don’t truly understand what whey protein is and the way in which it works.

Here we will talk about whey protein powder, what the risks and benefits are, and the many types of whey protein powder that are out there. We also rank the top seven protein powders and answer some FAQs about this popular fitness supplement.

First, milk is comprised of two proteins:

  • 80 percent casein
  • 20 percent whey

At BlastFitness.com, we’re all about empowering people to make informed choices when it comes to their fitness and nutrition. During the cheesemaking process, the fatty parts known as curds combine to create cheese, while the leftover liquid, called whey, is drained off. If you’ve ever noticed a watery layer on top of your yogurt, that’s whey. In the past, this byproduct was often discarded, but it’s now recognized as an incredibly versatile and valuable resource in the world of fitness and nutrition.

Once whey is separated from the curds, it’s transformed into a powder that can be used in protein shakes, added to bars, or even included in meal replacements. On its own, whey isn’t particularly flavorful, so it’s commonly paired with natural or artificial flavorings to make it more enjoyable in various products.

One of the things we love about whey protein at BlastFitness.com is that it contains all nine essential amino acids, which are critical for overall nutrition but can’t be produced by the body. This makes it a complete protein source that fits well into many fitness-focused meal plans. Plus, whey is naturally low in lactose, which makes it a potential option for individuals with lactose sensitivity.

For those working to meet their daily protein needs, whey protein powder can be a practical addition to help supplement your intake. However, if you have a dairy allergy or specific dietary restrictions, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional first. At BlastFitness.com, we believe in making choices that align with your personal goals while supporting a balanced and sustainable approach to fitness.

Benefits and Risks of Whey Protein Powder

As with all fitness supplements, there are both benefits and risks that come with whey protein powder.

Benefits

The benefits of whey protein include the following:

  • Assists with weight loss
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Has anti-cancer properties
  • Reduces cardiac risks
  • Improves immune response in those with asthma

Everyone is different, so keep in mind that results will vary from person to person. More research must be done.

Risks

There could be some dangers that come with whey protein powder as well. If you have a dairy allergy, it could be because of whey. In moderate doses, you shouldn’t have an adverse reaction, but in higher doses, there could be some uncomfortable side effects, such as:

  • Stomach pain and cramps
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced appetite

You could also experience some acne breakouts with consistent use.

3 Types: Whey Protein Powder

The main types of protein powders include whey, casein, egg, pea, hemp, and soy, with whey being the most common. There are three types of whey protein powder:

  • Whey protein concentrate
  • Whey protein hydrolysate
  • Whey protein isolate

Whey Protein Concentrate

This is the most common type due to its affordability. Whey protein concentrate saves you money but there is an increased risk of negative side effects. First, the fat content in whey concentrate tends to be higher than with the other two. Second, it also contains fillers that keep your body from digesting and absorbing the protein correctly. Some people have gastrointestinal problems when they take it.

Whey protein concentrate is between 30n and 89 percent protein.

Whey Protein Isolate

Also referred to as pure protein, this differs from other proteins that contain fats and fillers. This lack of additives is what draws people to it. But this protein goes through a filtration process whereby all the natural, unhealthy ingredients are filtered out, such as lactose, fats and carbs.

Whey protein isolate is 90+ percent protein.

Whey Protein Hydrolysate

There’s some debate around this form of protein. Some say it’s healthier as compared to whey protein isolate, but there’s just one difference between this and isolate.

Whey protein hydrolysate goes through one extra step, called enzymatic hydrolysis, which breaks down this protein into smaller particles so they are easier to absorb and digest.

The allergen risk is also a lot lower with whey protein hydrolysate due to the filtration. As such, it’s often used in medical protein supplements and infant formulas.

Top 7 Best Whey Protein Powders

ProductHighlights
XWERKS Grow
  • No gas or bloating
  • Soy and gluten free
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Is easily absorbed
Steel Supplements WHEY-PRO
  • Used as meal replacement
  • Enhances antioxidants
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Enhances muscle growth
  • Is backed by science
Ladder Whey Protein
  • Gluten and soy free
  • NSF Certified for Sports
  • No artificial ingredients
  • All-natural
Transparent Labs Whey Protein
  • Improves energy level
  • Comes from grass-fed dairy cows in USA
  • Gluten-free
  • Many unique flavors
  • No added chemicals
Ghost Lifestyle Whey
  • Soy and gluten free
  • 100 percent whey protein blend
  • Full-disclosure labels
  • Includes natural digestive enzymes
Onnit Whey Isolate Grass Fed
  • No preservatives
  • Improves recovery
  • High in amino acids
  • Increases muscle gains
  • No additives
Legion Whey Isolate
  • No added sugars or trans fats
  • Clean formula
  • Gluten-free
  • High BCAAs

Top 7 Whey Protein Powder: Reviews

When it comes to whey protein, you have many options. But it can be overwhelming and frustrating to settle on the most effective one out there. We are trying to help by listing the best protein powders to help you reach your personal goals.

XWERKS Grow

Best Whey Protein Powders on the Market: What Fitness Experts Recommend (2)

XWERKS Grow is a 100 percent whey isolate sourced from grass-fed dairy cows on New Zealand farms. This is a pure protein that has gone through an advanced filtration process, which removes fat, carbs, and lactose.

This makes it easy for you to digest and absorb, and you don’t have to worry about gas and bloating.

Each serving of XWERKS Grow has this nutrient profile:

  • 25 grams protein
  • 0 carbs
  • 0 fat
  • 6 grams BCAAs

XWERKS Grow comes in four flavors:

  • Chocolate
  • Strawberry
  • Peanut butter
  • Vanilla
Type of proteinWhey isolate
Nutrition Profile25 grams protein, 0 fat and carbs, six grams BCAAs
Highlights
  • Soy-free
  • No bloating/gas
  • Gluten-free
  • Easily absorbed
  • Reduces inflammation
Satisfaction Guarantee30 days
Flavors
  • Chocolate
  • Strawberry
  • Vanilla
  • Peanut butter

Click here to learn more and purchase XWERKS Grow

Steel Supplements WHEY-PRO

Best Whey Protein Powders on the Market: What Fitness Experts Recommend (3)

Steel Supplements WHEY-PRO is a relative newcomer. With this one, you get high quantities of essential proteins, with ingredients like “pure whey derivatives” and other protein isolates designed to enhance muscle mass development. Some benefits of Steel Supplements WHEY-PRO include:

  • Muscle development
  • Yummy flavor
  • Performance
  • Recovery
  • Energy

This is made from whey protein isolate as well as whey protein concentrate, with each serving providing 25 grams pure protein.

It comes in these fun flavors:

  • Hot Cocoa
  • Milk Chocolate
  • Banana Pancakes
  • Snickerdoodle
  • Peanut Butter
  • Butter Pecan
  • Strawberry Cheesecake
  • Blueberry Muffin
  • Vanilla Cream Pie
  • Cookies and Cream

The only negative is the company’s satisfaction guarantee policy. They will only take new, unopened or undamaged packages for returns, charging a 15 percent restocking fee. But they do give you sample packages of their products, so you don’t have to buy the full container until you’re sure.

Type of ProteinWhey isolate and Whey concentrate
Nutrition profile25 grams protein
Highlights
  • Meal replacement
  • Enhances antioxidants
  • Promotes muscle growth
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Backed by science
Satisfaction Guarantee30 days for new, unopened products
Flavor
  • Hot Cocoa
  • Milk Chocolate
  • Strawberry Cheesecake
  • Snickerdoodle
  • Peanut Butter
  • Vanilla Cream Pie
  • Cookies and Cream
  • Blueberry Muffin
  • Banana Pancakes
  • Butter Pecan

Click here to learn more and purchase Steel Supplements WHEY-PRO

Whey Protein by Transparent Labs

Best Whey Protein Powders on the Market: What Fitness Experts Recommend (4)

Whey Protein by Transparent Labs is 100 percent whey isolate, with each scoop containing 28 grams of pure protein. It is sourced from U.S. grass-fed cows that were not given supplements or hormones. Also, there is nothing added to their products during the manufacturing process, so you know you’re getting a clean and pure protein supplement.

Every serving contains:

  • 28 grams protein
  • One gram carbs
  • Up to 120 calories (depends on flavor)
  • Less than one gram sugar

Not only does Whey Protein by Transparent Labs have a great macronutrient profile, it’s budget friendly as well.

Their flavors include:

  • Milk chocolate
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter
  • Vanilla
  • Cinnamon Pastry
  • Salted Caramel
  • Mocha
  • Cereal Splash
Type of ProteinWhey protein isolate
Nutrition profile
  • 28 grams protein
  • Up to 120 calories (varies with flavor)
  • Less than one gram sugar
  • one gram carbs
Highlights
  • No additives
  • Sourced from U.S. grass-fed dairy cows
  • Gluten-free
  • Improves energy levels
  • Cool flavors
Satisfaction Guarantee90 days
Flavor
  • Milk chocolate
  • Vanilla
  • Cinnamon Pastry
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter
  • Salted Caramel
  • Cereal Splash
  • Mocha

Click here to learn more or to purchase Whey Protein by Transparent Labs

Ladder Whey Protein

Best Whey Protein Powders on the Market: What Fitness Experts Recommend (5)

Several well-known and respected names support Ladder Protein: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lebron James, Cindy Crawford and Lindsey Vonn. Ladder Whey Protein will:

  • Improve recovery
  • Increase endurance
  • Support muscle development

The macronutrient profile is:

  • Seven grams BCAAs
  • 14 grams amino acids
  • 2 billion CFUs of probiotics
  • 26 grams protein

However, it doesn’t have a lot of flavors. They only offer:

  • Chocolate
  • Vanilla

Ladder is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it has to go through a lot of testing to ensure it is free of ingredients that have been banned from competitions.

Type of Protein
  • Whey protein isolate
  • Milk protein isolate
Nutrition profile
  • 26 grams protein
  • Seven grams BCAAs
  • 2 billion CFUs probiotics
  • 14 grams amino acids
Highlights
  • Gluten and soy free
  • NSF Certified for Sport
  • No artificial ingredients
  • All-natural
Satisfaction Guarantee30 days
Flavor
  • Chocolate
  • Vanilla

Click here to learn more and purchase Ladder Whey Protein

Ghost Lifestyle Whey

Best Whey Protein Powders on the Market: What Fitness Experts Recommend (6)

Ghost Lifestyle Whey protein is comprised of whey isolate, whey concentrate and whey hydrolysate. This one uses “lecithinated” protein, which means it is ultra-purified.

Each serving has:

  • 12.5 grams whey isolate
  • 2.5 grams whey hydrolysate
  • 10 grams whey concentrate

Ghost Lifestyle offers these flavors:

  • Coffee Ice Cream
  • Milk Chocolate
  • Fruity Cereal Milk
  • Cereal Milk
  • Marshmallow Cereal Milk
  • Cinnamon Cereal Milk
  • Peanut Butter Cereal Milk

The satisfaction guarantee is only 15 days, with the product returned unopened in original packaging.

Type of ProteinWhey isolate, Whey hydrolysate and Whey concentrate
Nutrition profile
  • 12.5 grams whey isolate
  • 2.5 grams whey hydrolysate
  • 10 grams whey concentrate
Highlights
  • Soy and gluten free
  • 100 percent whey protein blend
  • Natural digestive enzymes included
  • Full-disclosure labeling
Satisfaction Guarantee15 days, unopened
Flavor
  • Coffee Ice Cream
  • Milk Chocolate
  • Fruity Cereal Milk
  • Cereal Milk
  • Peanut Butter Cereal Milk
  • Cinnamon Cereal Milk
  • Marshmallow Cereal Milk

Click here to learn more or to purchase Ghost Lifestyle Whey

Onnit Whey Isolate Grass-Fed Protein

Best Whey Protein Powders on the Market: What Fitness Experts Recommend (7)

Onnit Whey Isolate Grass-Fed Protein powder comes from grass-fed New Zealand dairy cows, with each serving containing the following:

  • 20 grams protein
  • 100 calories
  • 0 sugars

It only comes in these flavors:

  • Chocolate
  • Vanilla

Onnit Whey Isolate Grass-Fed Protein powder hastens recovery time after an intense workout, leading to increased muscle gains.

Type of ProteinWhey Isolate
Nutrition profile
  • 20 grams protein
  • 100 calories
  • 0 sugars
Highlights
  • Increased muscle gains
  • High in amino acids
  • Improved recovery
  • No additives
  • No preservatives
Satisfaction Guarantee90 days
Flavor
  • Chocolate
  • Vanilla

Click here to learn more or purchase Onnit Whey Isolate Grass-Fed Protein Powder

Legion Whey Isolate

Best Whey Protein Powders on the Market: What Fitness Experts Recommend (8)

Legion Whey Isolate, sourced from dairy cows raised in Ireland on family owned farms, is a brand that only works with farmers adhering to SDAS, short for Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme. These are strict regulations governing farming practices.

Each serving contains:

  • 22 grams protein
  • 0 added sugars
  • 6 grams BCAAs
  • 120 calories
  • 2 grams carbs
  • 5 grams fat

Legion Whey Isolate protein powder comes in 12 unique flavors, as well as an unflavored version:

  • Dutch Chocolate
  • French Vanilla
  • Cookies & Cream
  • Mocha cappuccino
  • Mint Chocolate
  • Salted Caramel
  • Mint Chocolate
  • Strawberry Banana
  • Fruity Cereal
  • Birthday Cake
  • Cocoa Cereal
  • Cinnamon Cereal

This protein powder is clean and natural with many benefits and lots of flavor varieties.

Type of ProteinWhey isolate
Nutrition profile
  • 22 grams protein
  • 0 added sugars
  • 6 grams BCAAs
  • 2 grams carbs
  • 5 grams fat
  • 120 calories
Highlights
  • No added sugars or trans fats
  • Clean formula
  • Gluten-free
  • High BCAAs
Satisfaction Guarantee365 days
Flavor
  • Dutch Chocolate
  • Mocha cappuccino
  • French Vanilla
  • Birthday Cake
  • Cookies & Cream
  • Salted Caramel
  • Fruity Cereal
  • Strawberry Banana
  • Cocoa Cereal
  • Cinnamon Cereal
  • Mint Chocolate

Click here to learn more or purchase Legion Whey Isolate

FAQs: Whey Protein Powder

Here is a list of the most common questions regarding whey protein powder.

Why should I add protein powder to my diet?

There are many benefits that come with protein powder. It helps you get your recommended daily requirement of protein, helps with weight management, and is a great meal supplement for people on the go. Protein keeps you feeling fuller for longer, with long-lasting energy.

Can I mix protein powder with other recipes?

Yes, you can mix it in shakes, sprinkle it on your cottage cheese or yogurt, and add it into your cookie, pizza or muffin dough. There are tons of ways to include protein powder in your diet.

Can I use protein powders if I’m on prescription medications?

It’s best to ask your doctor this question. They can tell you if your meds would interact with the protein. Unfortunately, it’s unclear just how safe protein powder is when consumed in conjunction with prescription medications.

When should I use protein powders?

Generally, you should consumer a protein powder before or after your workout. If you’re an elite athlete, you can take it both times. It doesn’t really matter when you take the protein, just that you are getting the recommended daily requirement of protein. When you work out, you don’t want to feel too full, but you also don’t want to feel too hungry. After your workout, give your body the fuel it needs to recover.

Can I take whey protein as a vegan or vegetarian?

Whey protein comes from dairy, meaning it comes from animals. Vegans don’t eat anything sourced from animals, so in this case you may want a plant-based protein. Vegetarians only avoid meat, so they are usually fine consuming milk products. You may want to avoid whey protein if you have a dairy allergy. You should be OK if you are lactose intolerant because the lactose is removed.

Are there any other benefits associated with whey protein?

Whey, the most common type of protein on the market, is considered a complete protein due to the fact that it has the nine essential amino acids your body needs but can’t produce on its own. Whey protein is water soluble, but whey protein hydrolysate has even better water solubility due to being processed further with smaller particles.

What are amino acids?

Your cells are created from amino acids, and there are 21 total amino acids, 11 of which your body makes. Whey protein boasts the nine essential amino acids your body needs. Whether through your diet or through supplementation, you need to make sure you are getting enough protein each day.

Does whey isolate make you gain weight?

Protein by itself doesn’t cause weight gain. If you gain weight, it’s because you are consuming more calories than you are burning, leading to a caloric surplus. Whey protein can actually facilitate weight loss through the use as a meal replacement that keeps you fuller for longer. This way, you won’t be as likely to snack all day or make other unhealthy choices, which would lead to a caloric deficit.

Is whey protein just for athletes?

No, but you should be active in some way. Whey protein powder shakes do contain calories, so if you are taking protein powder but not burning any calories, you will end up with a caloric surplus and gaining weight.

In Conclusion

There are many different types of protein powders, with whey protein powder being the most popular. The three kinds of whey protein include: concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. You probably want to go with an isolate or hydrolysate. Concentrate may be the cheapest, but it’s also the most dangerous due to the unknown fillers.

Whey protein has a lot of health benefits but there are also some risks. Always stay under the recommended dosage.

When choosing which supplement to go with, it can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s why we created this list of the best whey protein supplements. Experiment with each one till you hit on the best one for you.

Best Whey Protein Powders on the Market: What Fitness Experts Recommend (2024)
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