Whey protein isolate

What is whey protein isolate?

Whey is a by-product of cheese making. Whey protein is obtained from it and, depending on the filtration, sold as concentrate, isolate or hydrolysate. Whey protein isolate is filtered particularly thoroughly. As a result it usually contains around 85 to 90 % protein and less fat and milk sugar than concentrate.

Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass and to the maintenance of muscle mass.

Isolate, concentrate or hydrolysate?

• Whey protein concentrate: usually 70 to 80 % protein, creamy in taste.
• Whey protein isolate: a higher share of protein, less fat and lactose.
• Hydrolysate: isolate or concentrate whose protein has been broken down into shorter peptides – often with a slightly bitter taste.
• Clear whey: a special isolate that mixes with water into a clear, juice-like drink.

Isolate contains little lactose but is not automatically lactose-free. The exact figures are in the nutrition table.

Our range

• Classic isolate: Rule One Whey Protein Isolate (for example Fruity Cereal or Pistachio Ice Cream) and R1 Protein, Olimp 100% Natural Whey Protein Isolate and Pure Whey Isolate 95, OstroVit 100% Whey Protein Isolate with Digezyme, 6PAK Whey Isolate, Stacker2 Europe and Dorian Yates Shadowhey Isolate.
• Hydrolysed: Trec Nutrition Isowhey Hydro.
• Clear whey: Reflex Nutrition Clear Whey Isolate, Applied Nutrition Clear Whey Protein, OstroVit Clear Whey Isolate Lemonade, Rule One Clear Whey Isolate and Allnutrition Clear Whey Isolate, also with collagen.

What to look for

• Protein per serving and per 100 g: the most important figure for comparison.
• Amino acid profile: many brands state the BCAA or leucine content.
• Lactose and sugar: relevant if you do not tolerate milk sugar well.
• Sweeteners and flavour: unflavoured, classic creamy or fruity as clear whey.

Follow the serving size on the label. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet.

Frequently asked questions

Is whey isolate lactose-free?

Not always. It usually contains very little lactose; you will find the exact amount in the nutrition table.

What is clear whey?

A whey protein isolate that dissolves clear in water and tastes more like a juice drink.

How does it differ from whey concentrate?

Concentrate is less heavily filtered and contains more fat and lactose, while isolate provides more protein per serving.