Remember the dilemma faced browsing through e-commerce pages like Lazada and Shopee, and there are extensive choices of whey proteins? Here are Nutrition Pro’s top five whey protein pick.
What Is Whey? And Where Do They Come From?
First, let’s discuss whey protein. According to healthline.com, whey protein is a mixture of proteins isolated from whey, which is the liquid part of milk that separates during cheese production. When cheese is produced, the fatty parts of the milk coagulate and the whey is separated from it as a byproduct. If you have ever opened a yoghurt container to see liquid floating on top, that is whey.
Taking whey protein is a convenient way to add protein on top of your daily intake. This can be important for bodybuilders, gym enthusiasts, athletes, as well as people who need to lose weight or are simply lacking protein in their diet.
Whey is generally well tolerated, though people with lactose intolerance need to be careful, and some people may even be allergic to it.
Types of Whey Protein: Concentrate vs Isolate vs Hydrolysate
There are several popular types of whey protein. Their main difference is in the way they have been processed:
– Concentrate: About 70% – 80 % protein; contains some lactose (milk sugar) and fat and has the best flavour
– Isolate: 90% protein or higher; contains less lactose and fat and lacks a lot of the beneficial nutrients found in whey protein concentrate
– Hydrolysate: Also known as hydrolysed whey, this type has been pre-digested so that it gets absorbed faster. It causes a 28 – 43 % greater spike in insulin levels than isolate.
Whey protein concentrate seems to be the overall best option. It is the cheapest and retains most of the beneficial nutrients found naturally in whey. Many people also prefer the taste, which is probably due to the lactose and fat.
If you have problems tolerating concentrate, or you are trying to emphasise protein while keeping carbs and fat low, whey protein isolate, or even hydrolysate, may be a better option.
Keep in mind that even though concentrate is the most popular form, most studies have examined whey protein isolate.
What Are Our Top 5 Whey Protein Pick?
5) BPI WHEY HD 4LBS
Type: Concentrate
Protein per serving: 25 grams
Price: $$
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
On a budget trying to find something affordable? The BPI Whey HD 4lbs is your perfect selection. Its well balanced list of ingredients alongside low amounts of carbohydrates, fat and sugar makes it perfect for beginners. Better still, it is highly affordable.
Shop Now: BPI Whey HD 4lbs
4) MUSCLETECH NITRO-TECH 100% WHEY GOLD
Type: Peptide & Isolate
Protein per serving: 24 grams
Price: $$$
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Looking for a 100% whey protein under RM200? Look no further because the MuscleTech NitroTech 100% Whey Gold is your choice.
MuscleTech researchers reviewed numerous clinical trials on whey peptides, and the science shows that whey peptides can promote rapid recovery from exercise and even support an insulinogenic response for improved nutrient delivery. This means you are getting an ultra-pure, rapidly absorbed and quickly digested whey protein powder that allows you to recover faster, build more lean muscle mass and get better results from your training sessions!
Shop Now: MuscleTech Nitro-Tech 100% Whey Gold
3) MYPROTEIN IMPACT WHEY ISOLATE
Type: Isolate
Protein per serving: 22 grams
Price: $$
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Impact Whey Isolate is the purest whey protein available under the MyProtein belt, containing over 90% protein with a low fat (0.25g) and carbohydrate (0.17g) content per serving. It also has a comprehensive amino acid profile providing all the essential amino acids (EAA’s) and has over 2g of Leucine per serving.
It contains 22 grams of protein per serving that will contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Shop Now: MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate
2) DYMATIZE ISO100 WHEY ISOLATE
Type: Hydrolysate & Isolate
Protein per serving: 25 grams
Price: $$$$$
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dymatize ISO100 is, according to the brand, the world’s best selling whey protein isolate powder. The difference between whey protein isolate and regular whey protein powder is that the former has been refined to remove carbs and fats, making it a purer form of protein.
Hence, the Dymatize ISO100 is a great choice if you are lactose intolerant or have problems digesting regular whey, but also makes it more expensive than regular protein powders.
In addition, the ISO100 combines regular isolate with hydrolysed isolate, allowing better absorption through its partially pre-digested protein, hence making it the closest thing to free-form amino acids. The super-fast absorption rate of hydrolysed protein allows for quicker recovery after exercise as your muscles can be ‘fed’ sooner.
Shop Now: Dymatize ISO100 Whey Isolate
1) MMX Muscle Metabolix Whey Protein
Type: Blend (Contains Whey Concentrate, Isolate & Hydrolysate)
Protein per serving: 27 grams
Price: $$$
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dubbed as the rising star in the industry, the MMX Muscle Metabolix Whey Protein is regularly used by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts due to its protein content.
Having one of the highest protein counts in the industry (27 grams), the whey protein is also equipped with 6 grams of BCAA per serving. With only 160 grams of calories per serving, the low fat and low sugar whey has been well received by the community since it hits the shelf.
Moreover, MMX Muscle Metabolix Whey Protein contains whey concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate, giving the body a sustained stream of protein over a period of time, making it the number one selection amongst all the other whey protein brands.
Shop Now: MMX Muscle Metabolix Whey Protein
