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How do I Choose the Best Whey Protein Isolate Powder?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

Selecting a whey protein isolate powder is all about purity. While there are many different powders on the market, only a handful of these products will provide you gain the results you are looking for. To begin looking for the right whey protein isolate powder, search for a product that does not contain a large amount of sugar.

Many different powders include a large helping of sugar, which is one thing that you don't want to consume too much of. As a general rule of thumb, purchasing a product that contains a lesser amount of carbohydrates is a wise idea. Since sugar is often lumped into the carbohydrate category, you can find this information by looking at the back of any whey protein isolate powder package.

It is important to consider purity when it comes to whey protein isolate powder.
It is important to consider purity when it comes to whey protein isolate powder.

It is also important to seek a product that does not contain a lot of fat. While all products contain some percentage of fat, choosing a whey protein isolate powder with a small amount of fat is ideal. As with sugar, consuming too much fat is not a good idea.

If possible, avoiding any product that contains a vast number of chemicals is wise. While it may be nearly impossible to find a powder that does not have any chemicals, purchasing a powder that has very few chemicals will ensure purity. That said, you do not have to purchase the most expensive product on the market just to find a whey protein isolate powder that is free of most chemicals.

Price-wise, protein powders tend to range from very expensive to inexpensive. Yet, keep in mind that buying an expensive protein powder does not necessarily ensure purity. Instead, you will have to look closely at each product prior to purchase.

Whey protein isolate powder is often used by body builders.
Whey protein isolate powder is often used by body builders.

When purchasing any kind of protein powder, make sure that you are buying this product from a reputable retailer. Even though there are many different retailers that sell this type of powder, stick with reputable brands and sellers. Otherwise, you may end up ingesting something that could cause an allergic reaction or other medical problem.

Protein powders come in many different flavors as well as sizes. Generally, purchasing a smaller package is the best option, since larger packages may become rancid if not used fast enough. The flavor of a whey protein isolate powder that you choose is largely up to you, though asking a retailer for various samples of products prior to purchase is a wise idea.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

The most important thing to look for when purchasing whey protein isolate powder is the amount of protein per serving. Mine has 22 grams of protein and I think that's as good as it gets.

Of course, flavor is important too. Unfortunately, it's difficult to know what a whey protein powder tastes like without actually trying it. I suggest reading customer reviews of a product to make sure that it tastes okay. There is no point in buying something that one can't bear drinking.

bluedolphin

@ysmina-- They may or may not be the same thing. Whey protein isolate is whey protein without the fat, carbohydrates and lactose. So regardless of what other descriptions a product has, make sure that it says "whey protein isolate" rather than just "whey protein"or something else. Of course, if it also says pure, the product is probably free of unnecessary additives and preservatives and that's good.

I personally prefer purchasing unflavored, whey protein isolate powder. I like this type because it doesn't have any food coloring or sugar. Of course, it's difficult to consume unflavored whey protein isolate. So I do add my own flavoring (like cocoa powder) and sugar-free natural sweetener.

ysmina

I've never purchased whey protein powder before and there seem to be a wide range of products on the market. There are products labeled "pure whey protein" and products labeled "whey protein isolate." Are these the same then? I don't know why it's so confusing and difficult to select a whey protein powder.

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    • It is important to consider purity when it comes to whey protein isolate powder.
      By: lculig
      It is important to consider purity when it comes to whey protein isolate powder.
    • Whey protein isolate powder is often used by body builders.
      By: ArenaCreative
      Whey protein isolate powder is often used by body builders.