Whey protein is a popular supplement for those looking to build muscle
There are different types of whey protein that are commonly found in supplements, with two of the most common forms being whey isolate and whey concentrate.
This article explains the benefits of choosing grass-fed whey and unpacks the differences between the two common forms of whey protein. Finally, this article will help explain if one type of whey protein is superior for muscle gains.
Benefits of choosing grass-fed
Whey protein comes from cow’s milk. It’s important to choose grass-fed whey protein – it’s not only better for the cows, but choosing grass-fed is better for the environment, and for your health.
Here are some of the main benefits:
There are several nutritional differences between the two, mainly due to variations in processing methods. Continue reading the next section to better understand the difference.
How are whey concentrate and whey isolate different?
Whey concentrate is the most common form of whey protein. It is formed as a by-product of milk, cheese, or yogurt production.
In the production of cheese or yogurt, there is a remaining liquid portion that undergoes several processing steps. The liquid is ultimately dried to form a protein-rich powder known as whey concentrate.
Whey concentrate typically contains between 70-80% protein.
Similar to whey concentrate, whey isolate is another form of whey protein. Whey isolate, however, is a highly filtered and purer form of whey protein.
Due to differences in processing, the production of whey isolate results in a product that is higher in protein, and lower in fat and carbohydrate compared to whey concentrate. Whey isolate typically contains about 90% protein.
The main difference between these two types of whey is that whey isolate is more processed, which leads to some nutritional differences.
The following section will explain some of the pros and cons of each type.
Pros and cons of whey concentrate
Whey concentrate is a high quality protein source, containing all necessary amino acids to build muscle.
It’s rich in branched-chain amino acids as well as glutamine, making it a great choice for those looking to increase muscle mass, or improve muscle recovery after a workout.
Perhaps one of the most common reasons to choose whey concentrate is that it’s generally much cheaper than whey isolate. While whey isolate is more concentrated, consuming a larger quantity of whey concentrate can provide the same amount of protein, while still being at a lower cost.
One downside of choosing whey concentrate is that it has a higher lactose content than whey isolate. People who are lactose intolerant may be better off choosing whey isolate, although both forms of whey are relatively low lactose products.
Pros and cons of whey isolate
Whey isolate is more concentrated than whey concentrate.
It’s also slightly lower in carbohydrates and fats, due to higher amounts of processing. Athletes who are aiming to limit their intake of fats and carbohydrates may choose whey isolate as their go-to protein option.
Unlike whey concentrate, which tends to have higher amounts of lactose, whey isolate is lower in lactose making it perhaps a more suitable option for those with lactose intolerance.
Because whey isolate is a purer and more concentrated form of protein, it tends to be more expensive.
Many people may wonder if this more concentrated and pricier version of whey protein is worth it.
Continue reading to better understand if there is a superior whey protein for muscle gains.
As previously explained, the main difference between whey isolate and concentrate comes down to how they’re processed.
Because whey isolate and whey concentrate are both high-quality proteins, it makes sense that they would result in similar effects in the body if the same amount of protein was consumed (3).
Despite the marginal differences in nutrition between the two types of whey, there is not enough evidence to suggest that these different forms of whey have different effects in the body. Plus, the amino acid profile between the two forms are essentially the same, meaning the quality of protein is equivalent.
When it comes to protein intake for building muscle, it’s important to not only consume enough protein, but to ensure it’s from high-quality sources. Some examples of high-quality protein sources include foods such as dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and poultry (4).
Whey protein of either kind can be an effective and convenient way to help meet protein needs, especially after a tough workout.
Regardless of which type of whey protein you choose, both forms of whey protein are high-quality protein sources that can help you meet your daily protein needs for muscle growth and recovery.
After all, whey is considered one of the superior protein sources for muscle growth. In fact, research shows that whey protein in particular can help produce new muscle proteins more rapidly than protein from plant sources (5).
Although the research is lacking to suggest that whey from grass-fed cows is beneficial for muscle gains, there is plenty of research to suggest the benefits of choosing grass-fed for health and for the environment.
One example of a high-quality, grass-fed whey protein concentrate is Naked Whey. In just one serving, Naked Whey provides 25 grams of protein and contains zero additives or sweeteners.
Key Takeaways
There are two main forms of whey protein: whey concentrate and whey isolate.
Although there are some differences between the two forms, both whey concentrate and isolate are high-quality sources of protein that can be helpful supplements for muscle gains.
It’s best to choose a whey protein supplement that is sourced from grass-fed cows to ensure the highest quality product.
Whichever type of whey you choose, it’s important to ensure you meet your daily total protein needs in order to support muscle growth and recovery.
There are different types of whey protein that are commonly found in supplements, with two of the most common forms being whey isolate and whey concentrate.
This article explains the benefits of choosing grass-fed whey and unpacks the differences between the two common forms of whey protein. Finally, this article will help explain if one type of whey protein is superior for muscle gains.
Benefits of choosing grass-fed
Whey protein comes from cow’s milk. It’s important to choose grass-fed whey protein – it’s not only better for the cows, but choosing grass-fed is better for the environment, and for your health.
Here are some of the main benefits:
- It’s more nutritious: Grass-fed milk is richer in omega-3 fatty acids which helps reduce inflammation in the body. Whey protein from grass-fed cows is higher in antioxidants and vitamin D compared to whey protein from conventional cows (1).
- Higher branched chain amino acids: Grass-fed whey protein contains higher levels of branched chain amino acids. Branched chain amino acids – leucine, isoleucine, and valine – play an important role in muscle growth and recovery after exercise (2).
- It’s hormone-free: Unlike conventionally-raised cows, grass-fed cows have received no antibiotics or hormones. Therefore, the protein sourced from these cows is healthier and more natural for us to consume.
- Produces a smaller carbon footprint: Not only is grass-fed whey protein better for the cows and for us, but pasture-raised cows produce a smaller carbon footprint, largely due to the fact that their feed does not have to be packaged and transported.
There are several nutritional differences between the two, mainly due to variations in processing methods. Continue reading the next section to better understand the difference.
How are whey concentrate and whey isolate different?
Whey concentrate is the most common form of whey protein. It is formed as a by-product of milk, cheese, or yogurt production.
In the production of cheese or yogurt, there is a remaining liquid portion that undergoes several processing steps. The liquid is ultimately dried to form a protein-rich powder known as whey concentrate.
Whey concentrate typically contains between 70-80% protein.
Similar to whey concentrate, whey isolate is another form of whey protein. Whey isolate, however, is a highly filtered and purer form of whey protein.
Due to differences in processing, the production of whey isolate results in a product that is higher in protein, and lower in fat and carbohydrate compared to whey concentrate. Whey isolate typically contains about 90% protein.
The main difference between these two types of whey is that whey isolate is more processed, which leads to some nutritional differences.
The following section will explain some of the pros and cons of each type.
Pros and cons of whey concentrate
Whey concentrate is a high quality protein source, containing all necessary amino acids to build muscle.
It’s rich in branched-chain amino acids as well as glutamine, making it a great choice for those looking to increase muscle mass, or improve muscle recovery after a workout.
Perhaps one of the most common reasons to choose whey concentrate is that it’s generally much cheaper than whey isolate. While whey isolate is more concentrated, consuming a larger quantity of whey concentrate can provide the same amount of protein, while still being at a lower cost.
One downside of choosing whey concentrate is that it has a higher lactose content than whey isolate. People who are lactose intolerant may be better off choosing whey isolate, although both forms of whey are relatively low lactose products.
Pros and cons of whey isolate
Whey isolate is more concentrated than whey concentrate.
It’s also slightly lower in carbohydrates and fats, due to higher amounts of processing. Athletes who are aiming to limit their intake of fats and carbohydrates may choose whey isolate as their go-to protein option.
Unlike whey concentrate, which tends to have higher amounts of lactose, whey isolate is lower in lactose making it perhaps a more suitable option for those with lactose intolerance.
Because whey isolate is a purer and more concentrated form of protein, it tends to be more expensive.
Many people may wonder if this more concentrated and pricier version of whey protein is worth it.
Continue reading to better understand if there is a superior whey protein for muscle gains.
As previously explained, the main difference between whey isolate and concentrate comes down to how they’re processed.
Because whey isolate and whey concentrate are both high-quality proteins, it makes sense that they would result in similar effects in the body if the same amount of protein was consumed (3).
Despite the marginal differences in nutrition between the two types of whey, there is not enough evidence to suggest that these different forms of whey have different effects in the body. Plus, the amino acid profile between the two forms are essentially the same, meaning the quality of protein is equivalent.
When it comes to protein intake for building muscle, it’s important to not only consume enough protein, but to ensure it’s from high-quality sources. Some examples of high-quality protein sources include foods such as dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and poultry (4).
Whey protein of either kind can be an effective and convenient way to help meet protein needs, especially after a tough workout.
Regardless of which type of whey protein you choose, both forms of whey protein are high-quality protein sources that can help you meet your daily protein needs for muscle growth and recovery.
After all, whey is considered one of the superior protein sources for muscle growth. In fact, research shows that whey protein in particular can help produce new muscle proteins more rapidly than protein from plant sources (5).
Although the research is lacking to suggest that whey from grass-fed cows is beneficial for muscle gains, there is plenty of research to suggest the benefits of choosing grass-fed for health and for the environment.
One example of a high-quality, grass-fed whey protein concentrate is Naked Whey. In just one serving, Naked Whey provides 25 grams of protein and contains zero additives or sweeteners.
Key Takeaways
There are two main forms of whey protein: whey concentrate and whey isolate.
Although there are some differences between the two forms, both whey concentrate and isolate are high-quality sources of protein that can be helpful supplements for muscle gains.
It’s best to choose a whey protein supplement that is sourced from grass-fed cows to ensure the highest quality product.
Whichever type of whey you choose, it’s important to ensure you meet your daily total protein needs in order to support muscle growth and recovery.
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