When it comes to protein, you have a lot of options. Walk into any supplement store without a plan and you might feel overwhelmed by all of your protein choices.
One of the biggest decisions you need to make is whether you want whey protein concentrate or whey protein isolate. Once you understand the difference between the two, you can choose the right product for your workouts and gains. By looking at a comparison of whey protein concentrate vs isolate, you can resolve your internal dilemma and make the right decision!
What is Whey Protein?
Before looking at the difference between types of whey protein, you should know more about whey itself. Whey is a form of protein that comes from milk. The only other type of protein found in milk is casein. If you scour the shelves of a supplement shop, you’ll find some protein powders that contain casein.
To get whey or casein from milk, manufacturers must heat the milk. Then, they add special enzymes to it. This allows the protein to separate from the liquid in the milk. When they separate the protein, manufacturers can dry it to make the protein powder that you know and love.
People use whey protein for many reasons. Some individuals incorporate it into their diet as a meal replacement. More commonly, people use it to improve the results of their workouts. It promotes muscle growth, which could give you the gains you want. In research, it was found that whey outperformed casein and soy protein when it came to muscle protein synthesis.
Other benefits to supplementing with whey protein include the following:
- Lower blood pressure
- Treat heart disease
- Reduce inflammation
What are the Differences When it Comes to Whey Protein Concentrate vs Isolate?
The difference between whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate comes down to two things. To understand those differences, you need to know where the two come from.
Both proteins are made from milk. However, each form of protein goes through a different filtration process. For isolate, the process is much more thorough. This gives isolate protein fewer calories, fats, and carbohydrates than concentrate. The intense process does not do much to affect the protein content.
Isolate also has a lower content of lactose. Therefore, people who are on a dairy-restricted diet can opt for isolate. That said, whey protein concentrate comes with its own benefits. It is low enough in calories, fats, and carbohydrates that it won’t affect a normal diet or waistline. And it tends to be more affordable than isolate, which could keep you from busting your budget.
The differences between protein concentrate and isolate are pretty straightforward. But some people want to know all of the facts before finding the perfect supplement. Let’s delve into what each type has to offer.
Whey Protein Concentrate
After whey protein is removed from the milk, it needs to be processed. To make concentrate, the protein goes through a micro-filtering process. The result is a protein powder that is pure and effective.
Because the protein is filtered and not heated, the amino acids in it remain strong and intact. It also makes the powder smooth and easy to blend in with the other ingredients of your protein shakes.
The percentage of protein you can get per serving varies depending on the quality of the product. However, it typically varies from 30% to 80%. Even the higher quality protein tends to be more affordable than whey isolate.
Whey Protein Isolate
Although whey protein isolate supplements are less common than concentrate, they aren’t any less effective. In fact, isolate contains about 10% more protein than concentrate.
This is all a result of the manufacturing process. Whey isolate goes through a cross-flow microfiltration process. The protein is separated from lactose, fat, and cholesterol. By ingesting fewer carbs and calories, you don’t have to worry about your protein shakes hurting your diet. Athletes who are on a strict diet usually favor whey isolate. While some athletes can spare a few calories or carbs, some count every one.
There’s also the issue of lactose. If you’re sensitive to lactose, your stomach might not react well to whey protein concentrate. Unfortunately, this doesn’t only cause discomfort. It can also impact your workout.
Pros and Cons of Whey Protein Isolate and Concentrate
This break-down of whey protein concentrate vs isolate makes it easy to see where each type excels.
Whey Isolate Pros
- Pure form of whey protein
- Very few carbs, calories, and fats
- Low in lactose, making it a great option for people who are sensitive to lactose
- Excellent source of protein
- Comes in many great flavors
Whey Isolate Cons
- More expensive than concentrate
- Not as popular, so not as many brands or options as concentrate
Whey Concentrate Pros
- Effective source of protein
- Relatively low in calories and carbohydrates
- Smooth texture when mixed in shakes
- Available in many flavors
- Affordable
Whey Concentrate Cons
- Contains more carbs and calories than isolate
- Has lactose in it
The Best Whey Protein Concentrate and Isolate on the Market
If you want to reap all of the benefits from your supplemental protein, you need to use a high quality product. The comparison of whey protein concentrate vs isolate means nothing if your protein is ineffective. Check out these two products and you can know you’re getting a quality product that does what it’s supposed to:
Opportuniteas Grass Fed Whey Protein Concentrate
This product only contains one ingredient, and that ingredient is whey protein concentrate. It comes from milk that originates from hormone-free cows in Wisconsin. Even more importantly, your purchase comes with a money-back guarantee.
[amazon box=”B07CT8TBRP”]Native Promix Whey Protein Isolate Powder
The Native Promix protein isolate is processed in a way that gives you more bioactive ingredients. It’s made with grass-fed cows and contains no hormones or additives.
[amazon box=”B01F7JQGI8″]Optimum Nutrition Performance Whey Protein Powder
This is a hydrolized whey protein isolate, which means it was treated with acid and high heat. The treatment makes it easier for your body to absorb the protein. Because of this, the product can get you great results. It’s made by a reputable company, so you can trust that the company has high standards.
[amazon box=”B002QZN8JW”]
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