Whey isolates vs whey concentrate

**Beethoven** · 07-01-2014, 08:20 PM

I use a whey protein that is 80% whey concentrate and 20% whey isolate. It tastes good and is not too expensive. So I go to a nutrition store to buy a casein powder, the guy says how much better this other blend is compared to the one I get from Costco. So I look at the package carefully and guess what, it's also 80/20. He has a 100% whey isolate that is outrageously expensive. Is there really that much of a difference?

**almostgone** · 07-01-2014, 09:17 PM

The only benefit I visibly saw was WPI seems to mix better. I usually buy WPI...think there's only a couple of dollars/ lb. difference, though.
There may be a nutritional benefit, but I'm not at the level that it would make a difference.

**Sebastia** · 07-02-2014, 01:14 AM

Originally Posted by Beethoven

I use a whey protein that is 80% whey concentrate and 20% whey isolate. It tastes good and is not too expensive. So I go to a nutrition store to buy a casein powder, the guy says how much better this other blend is compared to the one I get from Costco. So I look at the package carefully and guess what, it's also 80/20. He has a 100% whey isolate that is outrageously expensive. Is there really that much of a difference?

Not really except WPC contains lactose which many people are allergic to (apparently) and WPI is said to be absorbed a little quicker although no one knows the exact estimate.

The reason WPI is more expensive is because it goes through a further purifying process thus costs more to produce.

**Beethoven** · 07-02-2014, 07:42 AM

I thought so. I don't know at what level it would really make a difference. I usually only use it once a day. (Pwo). Thanks

**Times Roman** · 07-02-2014, 11:03 AM

for awhile there, the isolate, for me, was less gaseous

**Doctimus** · 07-15-2014, 09:41 AM

sportsnutritioninsider.insidefitnessmag.com/3771/show-me-the-whey-concentrates-vs-isolates-vs-hydrolysates

BOTTOM LINE

So to wrap it all up: if you’re lactose intolerant, chose whey protein isolate. If you can tolerate small amounts of lactose, don’t bother too much with whey protein isolates; they are not worth the premium price. Instead choose a whey protein powder that is based on whey protein concentrate (containing at least 80-85% protein). Whey protein concentrates are not only cheaper than whey protein isolates but also contain more bioactive and health promoting substances.

Try to find a whey protein concentrate powder that has some hydrolysates mixed in it. It is true that hydrolysates are more expensive than concentrates, but they (in contrast to isolates) are worth their price. Hydrolysates will not only simultaneously increase amino acid availability and insulin to your muscles (and thereby maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis and inhibit muscle protein breakdown), but will also make the powder easier to mix without causing lumps in your shaker. Practical and effective! Also, pick a product that is low in carbs and sugar.

**kelkel** · 07-15-2014, 09:46 AM

I'd be interested in hearing exactly what products some of you guys are using. I currently use ON Gold Standard Whey but looking to try something else as the price is ridiculous at this point.

Whey Protein - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects | Examine.com

**jimmyinkedup** · 07-15-2014, 09:55 AM

The best thing I have ever done is started using protein powder with a protease complex (digestive enzymes) included in it. Its a mix but the mix isnt really important. I get milk protein and whey conc but thats not the point as I have tried super expensive isolates and hydrolized wheys and super cheap concentrates ad the ultimate difference in muscle was...well zero. This digestive enzyme complex has made the protein, whatever blend i get, so much more easily digested. No bloat, no gas, no nothing. Its great and well woorth the couple bucks it costs.

**kelkel** · 07-15-2014, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by jimmyinkedup

The best thing I have ever done is started using protein powder with a protease complex (digestive enzymes) included in it. Its a mix but the mix isnt really important. I get milk protein and whey conc but thats not the point as I have tried super expensive isolates and hydrolized wheys and super cheap concentrates ad the ultimate difference in muscle was...well zero. This digestive enzyme complex has made the protein, whatever blend i get, so much more easily digested. No bloat, no gas, no nothing. Its great and well woorth the couple bucks it costs.

Brand Jimmy?

**Darkness** · 07-15-2014, 10:21 AM

Yeah I'd like to know the brand too, been taking the same ON gold standard for 10 years now and its doubled in price since, at 55 bux now is getting to rub me off.

**kelkel** · 07-15-2014, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by Darkness

Yeah I'd like to know the brand too, been taking the same ON gold standard for 10 years now and its doubled in price since, at 55 bux now is getting to rub me off.

Exactly. It's the point of it to me now, not so much the cost. Just pisses me off. Then add in shipping....

**Darkness** · 07-15-2014, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by kelkel

Exactly. It's the point of it to me now, not so much the cost. Just pisses me off. Then add in shipping....

I get my stuff through a local guy so no shipping but still nuts when you compare to say 10mils of prop at 45!!!

**jimmyinkedup** · 07-15-2014, 11:00 AM

I order it through truenutrition.com

**almostgone** · 07-16-2014, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by jimmyinkedup

I order it through truenutrition.com

Same here, but the last time I was on their site, I couldn't find the drop down box for selecting the options for the vitamin mix, electrolytes, protease enzyme, etc. The only options I saw were for double flavor and the sweetener options.... aspartame, stevia, sucralose, etc.