How to Find the Right Protein Powder
Trying to find the right protein powder to buy and use post workout? You came to the right place. Follow the below guideline to help you make better choices:
1. Whey isolate > whey blend > whey concentrate
2. > 20 grams of PROTEIN, < 6 grams of CARBS, < 3 grams of FAT - PER SERVING
3. NO added sugar or artificial sweeteners (sucralose, splenda)
4. NO artificial flavors. Natural flavors OKAY in this case.
5. NO preservatives (maltodextrin, carrageenan)
So what’s the difference between the different whey proteins? Without turning this caption into a college essay, it’s how the whey is processed. Whey protein is processed in a WHEY (pun intended) where liquid whey is collected as a by-product of cheese or yogurt production which turns it into a powder.
Whey concentrate is processed in a cheaper, more time efficient method which results in higher carbohydrate and fat content. Whey isolate is processed in a more expensive, more timely manner that results in HIGHER protein content with LESS carbs and fats. Whey blend is a combination of whey isolate and whey concentrate and why it’s a little bit better than buying a powder that is strictly whey concentrate.
Don’t worry - as always I included plant protein options as well that you can buy if you are dairy-free/vegan.
Why are natural flavors suddenly okay? You have to remember that protein powder is a PROCESSED food so getting an affordable protein supplement that has clean ingredients and is shelf stable is VERY hard to find. So you have to sacrifice something in this case.
Remember - protein powder is a SUPPLEMENT and it should not be used as a main source of protein. You should prioritize a well balanced diet eating PLENTY of protein and using protein powder to help fill in the missing gaps.
Watch the video below of what protein powders to buy and which ones to avoid.
