The 9 Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders of 2023

If you’re serious about your protein intake, whey protein isolate may be a better option than whey concentrate for a few reasons. For one, thanks to a more thorough refinement process, each scoop is 90 percent protein compared to whey concentrate, which has 80 percent per scoop. It’s also typically void of unwanted extras and fillers and has less lactose than whey concentrate. Whey protein isolate is considered by many to be the purest form of whey protein on the market.

When sifting through all the different whey isolates on the market, you’ll want to pay attention to additives and sweeteners, as well as allergens (like soy) that some protein powders contain. The protein isolates on this list are high in protein and low in fat, carbs, sugar, and lactose, so you’ll get as much protein as you can out of each scoop. But with different additives — like digestive enzymes, for example — some of these picks may offer varying benefits for things like weight loss, digestion, and muscle growth. After testing dozens of protein supplements, these are the best whey isolate protein powders we tried in a number of popular categories.

Best Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powders

• Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
• Best Whey Isolate for Weight Loss: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Tasting Whey Isolate: Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder
• Best Whey Isolate for Building Muscle: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
• Best All-Natural Whey Isolate: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
• Best Whey Isolate On a Budget: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Whey Isolate for Recovery: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
• Best Whey Isolate for Digestion: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Whey Isolate for Athletes: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Best Whey Isolate Protein Video Review

Looking for a video detailing the best whey isolates on the market? You’re in luck. Follow along with BarBend‘s Nick English as he breaks down our top picks for 2023.

Best Whey Isolate Protein Powder

If you’re looking for a whey protein isolate, you likely want a product with little to no fat or carbs. This pick is not only low in both fat and carbs but it’s also made with all-natural ingredients and 100 percent grass-fed protein. 

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate

We’re big fans of this protein from Transparent Labs because it packs in one of the largest doses of protein of all the products we’ve tried — 28 grams per serving. It also has added electrolytes like calcium and potassium, which can aid muscle contractions — perfect if you’re hitting the gym hard. 

We also really like that Transparent Labs uses grass-fed protein, which has been shown to have less cholesterol and more healthy omega fatty acids. Plus, it’s generally considered a more humane way of raising dairy cows. Sadly, this doesn’t have any digestive enzymes or probiotics, which might have been helpful if you have digestive issues with protein. This powder is also on the more expensive side, though we think the cost is worth it.

Specs

• Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
• Protein: 28 grams
• Carbs: 1 gram
• Fats: 0 grams
• Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Strawberry, Unflavored, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Mocha, Cinnamon French Toast
• Price: $59.99
• Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

• The protein-by-weight ratio is very high at 82%. Most of the calories are directly from protein
• There are tons of flavors to choose from and even an unflavored option, which is helpful if you intend on using this for baking or mixing with other supplements. 
• Not all cholesterol is bad, but if you need to watch your cholesterol, there’s only 15mg of cholesterol in here. Compare that with non-grass-fed proteins, which can have up to 70mg per serving.

Cons

• Some of the flavors are higher in sodium, which might not be ideal if you’re trying to cut weight and water.
• Since this is sweetened with stevia, it may leave a bitter aftertaste for some people.
• There are cheaper options on this list. 

Available in eight different flavors with a lean nutrition profile, this whey protein isolate from Transparent Labs is a great choice for anyone looking to add more (and higher-quality) protein to their diet without a ton of extra calories. You’ll only get 150 calories per scoop with 112 of those calories coming from high-quality whey isolate.

Read our full review of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.

Best Whey Isolate for Weight Loss

Since many whey protein isolates can be similar, it’s important to look at the ingredients and macros in detail to see which product can help you meet your personal fitness goals. We think the macro profile in this pick makes it a great isolate protein powder for those who are looking to lose weight.

Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

This protein powder is a great choice because of its macro-friendly nutrition profile. It packs in 26 grams of protein with no sugar added and a calorie count of 110 per scoop (most of which come from protein), which should be quite helpful for aiding in fat loss by improving satiety and reducing snacking between meals. With one gram of carbs and only half a gram of fat, it’s hard to go wrong with this choice.

This protein mixes seamlessly with water, but when we mixed the Chocolate flavor with water it was very thin and tasted sort of like chocolate water. We’d suggest mixing it with milk to add some richness to the texture (our editors have forbidden us from using the term “mouthfeel”).

Swolverine also includes an enzyme blend of papain and protease that may help increase bioavailability and assist in muscle recovery, muscle growth, and digestion. This protein cost per serving is somewhat high, but the excellent macro profile and digestive enzymes included make it worth the price.

Specs

• Protein Type: Whey Isolate
• Protein: 26 grams
• Carbs: 1 gram
• Fats: 0.5 grams
• Flavors: Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter
• Price: $62.99
• Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

• The added enzymes make this a fast-digesting protein to feed muscles quickly while working to prevent bloating, according to Harvard’s chief medical editor. (1) 
• This formula packs 26 grams of protein for 110 calories, allowing folks in a caloric deficit to reach their protein goals at little “caloric loss”.
• Even if you’re not looking to lose weight, this protein is still solid and great for recovery or a pre-workout snack. 

Cons

• The low-calorie count means this isn’t a good candidate for meal replacement or for anyone looking to bulk up.
• This product is a little higher in price than other, similar proteins on the market.

You should speak with a dietitian before starting a weight loss regimen. Once you’ve done that, this product offers four delicious flavors, contains 26 grams of protein per scoop, and has little to no carbs, fat, or sugar, making it ideal if you’re trying to lose weight. 

Read our full review of Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate.

Best Tasting Whey Isolate

When it comes to the taste of protein powder, sometimes less is more. The versatility of Chocolate and Vanilla gives you the ability to cater your protein intake in a variety of ways as long as they’re done well. And Onnit’s protein does these two flavors extremely well.

Onnit Whey Isolate Protein Powder

Onnit Whey Isolate only comes in Mexican Chocolate and Vanilla flavors, but they are delicious. What we love about these flavors is that they are tasty without having to mix them with milk to add richness. When we mixed them with water, we could taste that they were creamier than other options due to the MCT oil powder Onnit includes in this mix. Plus, these flavors can easily be blended with other ingredients, like greens, fruits, and even puddings.

Mexican Chocolate tastes a bit different from any other chocolate protein we’ve tried and it’s hard to put our finger on, but it is good nonetheless. While the taste is indeed great, the protein content is on the lower side. This also has more carbs than most other whey isolates because of the natural flavorings. One thing that makes this protein stand out is its third-party certification from Informed Sport. This means that it is certified to be free of banned substances, which is key for competitors in tested sports.

Specs

• Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
• Protein: 20 grams
• Carbs: 3 or 5 grams
• Fats: 2 grams
• Flavors: Vanilla, Mexican Chocolate
• Price: $59.95
• Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

• This product’s Mexican Chocolate and Vanilla flavors are objectively tasty, making it less of a chore to drink your protein shakes. 
• The added MCT oil allows the powder to retain creaminess when mixed with water. It may be a bit thin, but it still has a creamy consistency similar to oat or almond milk.
• Third-party testing ensures that only what’s on the label is actually in the powder.

Cons

• Each serving only has 20 grams of protein, which is on the low end. Many protein powders are in the mid-to-high 20s.
• This protein is higher in carbs and, to a lesser extent, fat than other similar products. 
• You may become bored of only two flavor options with no other choices to select from. 

When it comes to delicious proteins, Onnit Whey Isolate is tough to beat. With two tasty flavors and a creamy texture even when mixed with water, it’s easier than ever to ensure you’re hitting your protein goals for the day. Even if the protein content is lower than some other shakes, it’s worth that trade-off because you’ll actually look forward to drinking it.

Best Whey Isolate for Building Muscle

When you’re looking to pack on muscle, you want to absorb as much protein as possible. With just five ingredients, Swolverine has a streamlined formulation that packs a punch with a solid 26 grams of protein per scoop, and it packs in digestive enzymes that may help you absorb more of that protein and put it to work.

Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

This protein blend Swolverine has a rather high dose of 26 grams of protein per scoop (87 percent protein by weight). That means nearly all of the calories in each scoop come directly from muscle-building protein. Each scoop also includes 10mg of the digestive enzymes papain and protease to aid in digestion. Both work to break down protein so you can more efficiently absorb the amino acids and more quickly make use of them to repair muscles broken down by hard lifting (and build new ones for harder lifting).

The enzymes may also help to prevent bloating, which we appreciate, especially when on a muscle-building diet when you might already be feeling more full than you want. We also like the electrolyte blend with potassium, calcium, and phosphorus because they may help aid in workout performance so you can pack on more lean muscle mass.

Specs

• Protein Type: Whey Isolate
• Protein: 26 grams
• Carbs: 1 gram
• Fats: 0.5 grams
• Flavors: Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter
• Price: $62.99
• Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

• The added digestive enzymes may work to help you absorb more protein per serving. 
• The protein content is higher than average and almost all of the calories in each scoop are from protein.
• Swolverine uses grass-fed whey which may be more humanely sourced and have a higher omega fatty acid content.

Cons

• You might want to look for a more calorically dense protein if you’re looking to bulk up and add a lot of general mass rather than only lean muscle.
• Whey Isolates are more expensive than whey concentrates in general, but this one is on the higher end of Isolates. 

With clean, all-natural ingredients and a high level of protein and electrolytes, this whey protein isolate puts no additives between you and your muscle gains. The added digestive enzymes may also help you absorb as much protein as possible per scoop.

Best All-Natural Whey Isolate

If you’re looking for a protein powder that’s as close to nature as possible, look no further. This pick has a high protein content from 100-percent grass-fed cows, has very few additives, and contains zero artificial ingredients. 

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate

Transparent Labs sources their protein from 100 percent grass-fed American cows. This is a plus, because protein from grass-fed cows may have more omega-3 fatty acids, less cholesterol, and more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Studies show that CLA might help with reducing fat storage and improving immune function, which makes us even bigger fans of grass-fed dairy cows. (2) Plus, each scoop provides a large dose of 28 grams of protein with nearly all the calories in every serving coming from protein alone.

Transparent Labs also boasts that this whey contains no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten, or preservatives and is non-GMO. For those who like short ingredient lists, there are only four ingredients here — grass-fed whey isolate, natural flavor, salt, and stevia. That said, there aren’t any thickening agents in the formula, so it is very thin when mixed up. We suggest mixing it with milk for a more full-bodied drink.

Specs

• Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
• Protein: 28 grams
• Carbs: 1 gram
• Fats: 0 grams
• Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Strawberry, Unflavored, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Mocha, Cinnamon French Toast
• Price: $59.99
• Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

• This grass-fed whey contains no artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten, or preservatives and is non-GMO.
• The company gets its name “Transparent Labs” from transparency in labeling and disclosure of ingredients and dosing. You know the exact amounts of every ingredient and the nutrition label is easy to read. 
• In terms of protein content, this has one of the highest amounts per serving on the market. 

Cons

• Such a simple formula does leave out some ingredients (like thickening agents) that might make this product more palatable.. 
• There are some similar protein powders that are cheaper on the market.
• Since this is sweetened with stevia, it may leave a bitter aftertaste for some people. 

When it comes to natural proteins, Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate is tough to beat. With no additives, whey from 100 percent grass-fed cows, only four ingredients, and 28 grams of protein, you can soak in all the nutritional value of this product without any extras you may not want.

Read our full review of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.

Best Whey Isolate On a Budget

Pick up any weight isolate off the shelf, and you’re more or less getting a similar amount of protein (20-28 grams per serving). The total cost is what’s going to really turn some folks’ heads, and you can find a relatively affordable and effective whey isolate. This pick keeps protein high, is naturally flavored and colored, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg for a high-quality supplement.

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Whey protein isolates can be quite expensive, oftentimes costing around $30 more per container than their whey protein concentrate counterparts. Not only is this whey isolate from Kaged a high-quality isolate, but it will only cost you around $1.36 per serving. If you choose to subscribe and save, you may save some additional money, as well, and pay about $1.23 per serving. But it doesn’t skimp on the macros — Kaged Whey Protein Isolate contains 25g of protein per serving and 12g of essential amino acids (EEAs). 

EAAs are protein peptides that your body uses for essential functions (like building muscle and recovering from exercise) and can’t make on its own, so it’s important to ensure you’re eating the right foods to get them. Kaged also includes a digestive enzyme blend to potentially help you extract the most nutrition from each scoop and ease the digestive issues (the dreaded protein gassiness) that might arise from high-protein meals. The only qualm we have is that the powder didn’t always mix very well and often left clumps in both water and milk, so you may want to run this one through the blender for mixing.

Specs

• Protein Type: Whey Isolate
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbs: 4 grams
• Fats: 0.5 grams
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, S’mores
• Price: $59.99
• Servings Per Container: 44

Pros

• The price per serving is less than most other proteins of comparable quality. 
• You might be able to digest this protein easier and absorb more of the protein thanks to the included digestive enzyme blend.
• Third-party testing for quality, purity, and sport safety gives peace of mind that the only ingredients in this protein are those on the label.

Cons

• It may be annoying to have to blend or mix the powder vigorously to prevent clumps.
• The added EAAs in here might be redundant if you’re already taking an amino acid supplement.
• This is sweetened with stevia as well as sucralose, and stevia can cause a bitter taste. Plus, people who want to avoid artificial sweeteners won’t like the added sucralose.

Though whey isolates are typically more expensive than other types of protein, this isolate sports a reasonable price tag for its solid ingredient lineup and high 25g dose of protein. At $1.46 per serving, you can make gains and build muscle without compromising your bank account.

Best Whey Isolate for Recovery

This whey isolate is a great source of leucine — a BCAA that can help with recovery — and it delivers a large dose of 28 grams of whey isolate per serving. If you want to kickstart your recovery, then we think Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate is the best option.

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate has 28 grams of whey isolate protein per serving without any lactose, carbs, or sugars. Many whey isolates are low in these categories, but this one stands out because most of the flavors also contain zero fat. This means you won’t lose precious digestive resources breaking down fat. Instead, your digestive system can focus solely on bringing protein into your system. Leucine, a BCAA, can be key in muscle recovery, and it is ample in whey isolates — with such a high 28g dose of protein per serving, this powder offers a great potential boost in recovery.

In addition, each serving has a moderate amount of calcium and potassium — electrolytes which are important for muscle contractions. They’re spent in high amounts during workouts and ingesting them in a post-workout shake may help replenish them for the next lifting session.

Specs

• Protein Type: Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
• Protein: 28 grams
• Carbs: 1 gram
• Fats: 0 grams
• Flavors: Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Strawberry, Unflavored, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Mocha, Cinnamon French Toast
• Price: $59.99
• Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

• The 28 grams of protein per serving can provide a large dose of much-needed amino acids to potentially spark recovery. 
• The included electrolytes may be very helpful for ensuring you have the needed micronutrients to crush subsequent workouts. 
• You can select from a variety of flavors, so you won’t become bored or tired of the same protein shake and start skipping doses. 

Cons

• The lower calories in this powder might not be ideal for bulking and adding a lot of mass if that’s your goal. 
• Transparent Labs is a bit pricier than similar options. 

This product is ideal for those who potentially want to enhance their recovery process and adapt to hard training, thanks to its 28 grams of protein with minimal carbs, fats, and sugars. Plus, its BCAAs can help you speed up your recovery as well.

Best Whey Isolate for Digestion

Protein powders and protein bars can sometimes be difficult to digest, whether that’s due to artificial ingredients, trace lactose, or the nature of high protein supplements in general. This protein supplement from Swolverine has key enzymes that can make it more digestible than other whey isolates on the market.

Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

With digestive enzymes and an ultra-filtered whey isolate, Swolverine clearly kept digestibility in mind while designing the formula for this protein. This protein powder’s 10mg of digestive enzymes are split evenly between protease and papain, both of which can help with digestion and absorption. Some people report gastric discomfort when consuming artificial sweeteners, so this protein’s use of natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit may make it easier to digest as well.

It’s also ideal if you’re looking for a lean protein powder, since nearly all of its calories come from protein. Each scoop provides 26 grams of whey isolate to help fuel your recovery and hit your protein and macro goals for the day. One thing that we didn’t love was how thin this protein mixes up. It doesn’t clump, which is great, but the flavor we tried ended up being more like chocolate water rather than a protein shake. You may want to mix yours with some sort of milk instead of plain water.

Specs

• Protein Type: Whey Isolate
• Protein: 26 grams
• Carbs: 1 gram
• Fats: 0.5 grams
• Flavors: Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter
• Price: $62.99
• Servings Per Container: 30

Pros

• The added digestive enzymes can help to prevent bloating and aid in preventing digestive discomfort.
• Swolverine’s whey undergoes a special filtration process to make it easier to digest and absorb.
• There aren’t a ton of extra calories and no added sugars, so the formula ends up being very lean, making it ideal for athletes who are cutting. 

Cons

• The consistency when mixed with water isn’t as rich as some other protein powders.
• Swolverine prices this on the higher end of the whey isolate spectrum. You can find more cost-effective options.
• Flavors are often out of stock and take a while to become available again.

The inclusion of digestive enzymes means you’ll have some potential help with digestive health, and this protein may be easier to process than others on the market. Also, this pick is lean with minimal extra calories or added ingredients, and it’s naturally sweetened. 

Best Whey Isolate for Athletes

Though this is actually a great choice for anyone who wants a solid whey isolate protein with lean macros, it’s our top pick for athletes because its dose of branched-chain amino acids gives it the potential to help athletes recover from hard workouts.

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate packs 25 grams of protein and 12 grams of essential amino acids to fuel your muscles and help you hit your macro goals. But what makes this really stand out is the addition of six grams of branched-chain amino acids in each scoop. The BCAAs, specifically leucine, may help kick start recovery from workouts. One study found that supplementing with BCAAs was beneficial for the recovery rate and increased the rate of muscle protein synthesis (repairing muscles after lifting) as well as preventing muscle breakdown when resting. (3)

Another reason this protein is our go-to for athletes is the Informed Sport Certification. That means each batch of Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is third-party tested for purity and quality so it only contains the ingredients that are not banned by most sport governing boards. If you compete in a drug-tested sport, that certification is crucial for any supplements you take. The only major flaw we found was that the powder doesn’t mix very well and often leaves clumps with both milk and water, but that’s nothing a blender or frother can’t fix.

Specs

• Protein Type: Whey Isolate
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbs: 4 grams
• Fats: 0.5 grams
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, S’mores
• Price: $59.99
• Servings Per Container: 44

Pros

• Kaged has BCAAs and EAAs included to potentially speed up recovery for sore muscles. 
• The Informed Sport Certification makes it safe for athletes competing in drug-tested sports. 
• This has a blend of digestive enzymes for potentially better digestion and improved absorption. 

Cons

• Clumpy mixing can be off-putting. No one wants random bits of powder to surprise them when drinking a shake. 
• This formula is light on micronutrients and electrolytes. 
• Kaged uses sucralose as a sweetener in addition to stevia, so you might not be thrilled if you’re trying to avoid artificial sweeteners. 

This protein powder can be a great option for anyone looking for a high quality whey isolate, but we think its BCAA content makes it one of the best options for athletes who have recovery at the top of their priority list. The third-party testing gives yet another reason that it’s the ideal protein for anyone who competes in a drug-tested sport.

Benefits of Whey Isolate Protein Powders

There are a variety of potential benefits to taking protein powders, whey isolates stand out from the pack. The thorough refining process takes more carbohydrates and fats out than other whey’s processes, providing a product that is more pure protein. Whey isolates — more than other types of protein powder — are meant as a supplement to help increase protein intake to hit macronutrient goals, aid in recovery and growth, or potentially aid in decreased snacking. (4)

Recovery from Exercise and Stimulation of Muscle Protein Synthesis

Whey isolate is the protein of choice for bodybuilders supporting recovery from exercise — especially over other whey products such as whey concentrate — due to the increased filtration and decreased number of carbs and fats. Whey isolate has been shown to improve muscle protein synthesis (the building up of muscles after being broken down from resistance exercise) better than carbohydrates or placebos. (5)

Research has also shown that whey isolate elicits higher levels of muscle protein synthesis than casein or whey concentrate. (6) In short, whey isolate is better at helping to jumpstart muscle recovery after a hard workout than most other protein sources. With fewer carbs and fats to get in the way and take up precious digestive effort, the whey isolate can potentially be broken down more quickly, and use more of the digestive tract’s resources to get amino acids that are needed for recovery to the muscles. (6)

Increased Satiety

Another big benefit of whey isolate is the role it plays in feeling full (also known as satiety) and supporting healthy body weight. High protein meals, specifically with protein powder, have been shown to result in eating fewer calories in the hours following. But due to whey isolate’s quick-digesting nature, the effect is shorter-lived than with other proteins. (7) To that end, if you’ve got a few hours until your next meal and you’re feeling peckish and don’t want to snack, then a whey protein isolate may be just what you need to hold yourself over until meal time rolls around.

These studies have been replicated for both women and men. (8) However, it’s worth noting that whey isolates likely cannot keep you satiated enough to be a full meal replacement. For that, you’ll need a protein supplement that’s higher in carbs and fats. It’s also important to know that some whole foods have other nutrients, like creatine in red meat, that protein powders often lack.

How Much Do Whey Isolate Protein Powders Cost?

Whey protein supplements can range in cost, with whey isolates being generally pricier than their whey concentrate counterparts. That’s likely due to the additional refinement and manufacturing efforts that go into purifying the protein and removing extra carbs and fats. (9) While whey concentrates can range from $20 to $50 per tub (depending on the brand, additional ingredients, and other factors) whey isolates generally range from $40 to $80 per container. On average, you can expect to pay around $2.00 per serving for a whey isolate.

Some ingredients that can increase the cost of a whey isolate are added digestive enzymes, BCAAs, or electrolytes. Formulas can range in price based on the type of milk used to get the whey isolate as well, such as grass-fed (more expensive) versus grain-fed (less expensive) dairy cows.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders

There’s a lot of protein powder on the market these days, which means there are also a lot of pundits claiming they make the best one out there. We know that the best product will vary from person to person, so we considered factors like macros, digestibility, flavor, and more during our testing to create a comprehensive list that appeals to a wide range of consumers looking to add more protein to their diet.

Macro Splits

There are three commonly accepted macronutrients (macros): protein, fat, and carbs. The balance between these three is the macro split. When it comes to whey isolate, most people are looking to keep the macro split heavily in favor of protein, while keeping the carbs and fat very low. If you don’t know what your daily macro split is and you’d like to figure it out, you can use this handy calculator to dial it in based on your goals.

The picks on this list are aligned with what we think most consumers are looking for in a whey isolate: a low-carb, low-fat, high protein powder. If you’re looking for a protein supplement geared more towards bulking, you probably want a whey concentrate protein powder, or maybe even a mass gainer. It may also be important to consider macronutrients in addition to micronutrients.

Protein Amount

The average amount of protein per serving is 20 grams, and all of the picks on this list contain at least that amount. In addition, they have around 90 percent protein by weight to make sure you’re getting the most protein possible with each scoop.

Digestibility

While whey protein isolates are lower in fat and carbs than whey concentrates, they may also contain additives like digestive enzymes that help with absorption. For example, some options include ProHydrolase®, which breaks down protein powder into smaller particles. It also allows your body to absorb nutrients better since it’s sometimes more challenging for our bodies to digest certain ingredients, like lactose, that are found in whey protein.

We paid close attention during our testing to how each powder made us feel, whether we noticed any bloating, how long we felt full for, and if we experienced any gastric discomfort. We tried to keep close tabs on how well each of the proteins worked its way through our system so we could give the best context for each option.

Quality Control

Each of the picks have been third-party tested for heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, and mycotoxins. Since these ingredients can be toxic for humans, the FDA ensures that companies test for impurities in their products before they hit the market. All of the companies in this list perform ongoing third-party testing, so you won’t have to worry about quality control when you grab one of these supplements off the shelf.

We also took care to notice how well each product was packaged and how fresh everything seemed when we popped a tub open. Since the testing took place over time, we could see if there were any issues that arose over the course of normal use like clumping in the container.

Flavors

All of the picks on this list have a variety of flavors. As companies grow, they can add more flavors to their repertoire, so in addition to Chocolate and Vanilla, there are now flavors like Cinnamon Roll or Cafe Latte on the market.

When it comes to the flavors themselves, rest assured that none of these are objectively bad. We’re not picky, but we know a good protein flavor from a bad one when we taste it. Subjectively, everyone has flavor preferences, so each person will like or dislike different flavors. However, when it comes to a baseline for flavors, all of these picks exceed it — after all, we wouldn’t want you to be drinking a flavor comparable to those in Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.

What to Consider Before Buying Whey Protein Isolate Powder

Whey protein comes in various forms. The most popular kinds of whey you’ll find on the market are concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. There are also plant-based proteins and vegan proteins, but we didn’t consider them for this because the list only consists of (milk-derived) whey isolates. 

While the type is a consideration, you’ll also want to think about price, along with flavor availability. Something else to keep on your radar when considering a whey isolate is the macro split and digestibility of the protein supplement you’re purchasing.

Whey Isolate, Whey Concentrate, and Whey Hydrolysate

When it comes to whey protein, there are three options: Whey concentrate, whey isolate, and whey hydrolysate.

Whey hydrolysate is the most processed — to the point where it may be called “pre-digested” — as the enzymes that break it down have already done part of the digestion for you. Like whey isolate, it contains around 90 percent protein by weight and very few fats or carbs, but since it’s already broken down, it’s absorbed faster than isolate or concentrate. It’s also more expensive than both.

Similarly, whey isolate is processed — though a little less so than hydrolysate — and contains the same 90 percent protein by weight and little to no carbs or fat while it doesn’t absorb as fast as hydrolysate, it’s also more affordable and considered by many to be the best bang for your buck.

Whey concentrate is the more basic, less concentrated form. It’s only up to 80 percent protein by weight, with the rest of the product being fat and carbs. Since whey concentrate is less concentrated and not filtered, it’s also cheaper than whey isolate and whey hydrolysate (which is the most expensive).

Whey concentrate is typically higher in calories and better for those who want to gain weight, while isolate and hydrolysate are trimmed down in fat and carbs (as well as lactose and sugar) for those who are more conscious of those macros. And if digestion is of particular concern, whey hydrolysate allows for optimal processing and absorption — more so than either concentrate or isolate.

Even though hydrolysate and isolate are leaner versions of whey, that doesn’t mean they aren’t good for muscle building and bulking up. Since whey isolate and hydrolysate both have a higher concentration of protein, they do contain more grams of protein per scoop, and can also be used for leaner muscle gains.

Price

Whey isolate is (typically) considerably more expensive than whey concentrate. Isolate is more refined and goes through additional processing to give it a higher percentage of protein per serving with fewer carbs and fats. The higher protein concentration and added manufacturing steps are likely what increases the price. Generally, whey isolates range from $40 to $80 per tub depending on other factors such as added digestive enzymes, probiotics, specialty diet formulas, and other variables. If you’re not looking to drop that much on protein powder, you’re better off opting for a cheaper formula, like a whey concentrate.

Flavor Availability

Most protein powders on the market will come in some form of chocolate and vanilla flavor though some companies may make it sound more exciting with names like ‘Dutch Chocolate” or “French Vanilla Ice Cream.” Things have come a long way in the past decade with many proteins now available in fruit flavors now rather than just rich flavors — but if you can dream it, there’s likely a protein flavor of it somewhere out there.

There are even corporate partnerships that offer certain breakfast cereal flavors of protein powder — some examples are Fruity Pebbles®, Thin Mint Cookies®, and Nutter Butter® flavors. If you’re looking to spice things up, be sure to look at the list of flavor options just as seriously as you look at the macros before you buy. 

Macro Splits and Digestibility

The macro split of a protein isolate and its digestibility go hand in hand. (10) Generally, thanks to the further refinement and removal of most lactose in whey isolate, it can potentially be more easily digested. Whey isolates typically have fewer carbs and fats in the way to slow down the digestive process, which may contribute to the quicker absorption and digestion that whey isolates are known for. (11) Macro splits on whey isolates are usually very lean and even keto diet-friendly with low fat and low carbs (generally less than two grams of fat and less than five grams of carbs in many whey protein isolates).

Some whey isolate formulas even come with digestive enzymes to help digestibility even more. If macros and better digestion are two factors you’re concerned with, a whey isolate is likely for you. But for optimal digestion, be sure you’re leaning toward those formulas with digestive enzymes, even though the isolate should be fairly easy for the body to digest on its own. (12)

Final Word

Whey protein isolate is a leaner alternative to whey concentrate and could help with muscle gain and hypertrophy, digestion, weight loss, and much more. Many options on this list contain additives like digestive enzymes and amino acids that can aid in the processing of lactose that’s found in whey protein isolates. These products are also cleaner and more concentrated than other proteins on the market, which make them an excellent option for anyone who wants to boost their nutritional intake.

When you’re considering which protein to pick, know all of these picks will hit the mark with quality ingredients. All you have to do is pick your flavor and price point, and add to cart.

FAQs

References

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-taking-enzyme-supplements-help-soothe-my-bloating
2. Whigham, L. D., Watras, A. C., & Schoeller, D. A. (2007). Efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid for reducing fat mass: a meta-analysis in humans. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 85(5), 1203-1211.
3. Blomstrand, E., Eliasson, J., Karlsson, H. K., & Köhnke, R. (2006). Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. The Journal of nutrition, 136(1 Suppl), 269S–73S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.1.269S
4. Morr, C. V., & Ha, E. Y. (1993). Whey protein concentrates and isolates: processing and functional properties. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 33(6), 431–476. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408399309527643
5. Hulmi, J. J., Lockwood, C. M., & Stout, J. R. (2010). Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutrition & metabolism, 7(1), 1-11.
6. Tang, J. E., Moore, D. R., Kujbida, G. W., Tarnopolsky, M. A., & Phillips, S. M. (2009). Ingestion of whey hydrolysate, casein, or soy protein isolate: effects on mixed muscle protein synthesis at rest and following resistance exercise in young men. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 107(3), 987–992. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00076.2009
7. Luhovyy, B. L., Akhavan, T., & Anderson, G. H. (2007). Whey proteins in the regulation of food intake and satiety. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(6), 704S–12S. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2007.10719651
8. Chungchunlam, S., Henare, S. J., Ganesh, S., & Moughan, P. J. (2017). Effects of whey protein and its two major protein components on satiety and food intake in normal-weight women. Physiology & behavior, 175, 113–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.03.044 
9. Morr, C. V., & Ha, E. Y. W. (1993). Whey protein concentrates and isolates: processing and functional properties. Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition, 33(6), 431-476.
10. Capuano, E., & Janssen, A. (2021). Food Matrix and Macronutrient Digestion. Annual review of food science and technology, 12, 193–212. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-food-032519-051646
11. Dangin, M., Boirie, Y., Garcia-Rodenas, C., Gachon, P., Fauquant, J., Callier, P., Ballèvre, O., & Beaufrère, B. (2001). The digestion rate of protein is an independent regulating factor of postprandial protein retention. American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism, 280(2), E340–E348. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.2001.280.2.E340
12. Lönnerdal B. (1985). Biochemistry and physiological function of human milk proteins. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 42(6), 1299–1317. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/42.6.1299

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