03 Mar 10 Tips to Choose a Whey Protein Powder That’s Right for You
Whether casual workouts or serious bodybuilding, adding a protein supplement can give an edge to your efforts. However, the biggest hurdle in achieving goals is opting for the right supplementation. Most don’t know how to choose a whey protein powder.
As many protein drinks are kept under one category in the supermarket, whey protein powder is an umbrella term. In reality, there are multiple types of protein drinks, each suitable for particular goals.
Also, exploring the different aspects of a product is vital, because the different attributes of a protein drink are applicable to a specific outcome.
So, this blog acts as a buying guide to help you know how to choose a whey protein powder. Without wasting further time, let’s get started.
How to Choose a Whey Protein Powder?
Undoubtedly, a whey protein powder can transform your bodybuilding program, but it entirely depends on the product selected.
That’s why buying the best protein powder for beginners, which meets your requirements, becomes crucial.
On a broad aspect, mostly 10 factors are there, which matter while making your choice. Let’s get into them one by one.
#1: Types of Whey Protein Powders
Ask which type of whey protein powder would work.
The high-protein dietary supplement can be extremely beneficial for muscle growth, weight loss, and overall health. Derived from whey, the liquid part of milk obtained while producing cheese, whey protein powder is of three types.
Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)
The most popular and used type of whey protein powder is whey protein concentrate. It excludes the non-protein portion of whey (lactose and fat) to provide maximum protein through a process called ultrafiltration. In fact, it provides almost 70 to 80% of protein while providing nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, and B vitamins.
Undoubtedly, due to its exceptional protein content, it is popular for bulking as well as slimming goals. This is good for people with no lactose intolerance and digestive issues.
Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)
It goes through further processing to eliminate almost all non-protein content. Using a process called cross-flow microfiltration, it is possible to obtain whey protein isolate, which provides almost 90% of protein and is lactose-free.
For this reason, a whey protein isolate is a good option for lactose intolerants and people with dairy allergies.
Also, it is a great option for adding more protein without carbs and calories. The body rapidly absorbs WPI, making it excellent for maximum muscle growth and recovery as well.
There are many reputed brands manufacturing quality whey isolate, including PrimeGenix Whey Protein Isolate, which is one of the best options if you are looking for something with zero sugar and high protein in each serving.
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein (HWP)
This type of whey protein undergoes hydrolysis, a process breaking down protein into smaller peptides and amino acids. Eventually, it provides an easy-to-digest and quick-to-absorb powder than the rest whey protein powder. It improves muscle protein synthesis to further improve muscle development and repair, but it is comparatively expensive.
Evidently, this type of whey protein is more beneficial for people with digestive problems or disorders making it tough to absorb more protein.
#2: Dietary Pattern
What’s your current nutrition and dietary pattern?
Though whey is synonymous with bodybuilding, it doesn’t mean everyone needs it.
Whey protein powder is a fancy name in the fitness industry. Whether bulking or weight loss, people blindly supplement their bodies with fitness drinks.
Usually, trainers and dieticians recommend it to people consuming a low-protein diet. Of course, if your diet offers a sufficient amount of protein, there is no requirement for whey protein powder.
Again, the requirement for protein depends on fitness goals. Muscle development requires surplus protein consumption, whereas weight loss requires a high protein but calorie-deficient diet.
First, carefully observe your current dietary pattern and if it is enough to provide the protein required to achieve the goal. If not, add whey protein powder, in the amount applicable.
#3: Review Ingredients
What does it offer other than protein?
The next point in the guide on ‘how to choose whey protein powder’ is the blend. Most people judge a whey protein supplement based on the quantity of protein it offers per serving.
Well, it is one of the ways to analyze the product for your usage. However, digging further into the ingredients list can help understand the product better.
A quality whey protein powder drink may offer other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and growth peptides in a really good quantity.
So, you need to look out for two things:
- Observe if the product offers a sufficient amount of protein required,
- and explore what else it offers and in what quantity. Often the additives can be in a heavy dosage and you might not even need so many ingredients in your whey protein powder.
The key is to buy a protein powder ensuring the constituents are safe, present in safe dosages, and protein per serving really helps your need.
#4: Avoid Added Sugar and Fillers
Is it just sugar?
Fitness drinks are a huge market; every brand wants to rule over another to make a profit. And to achieve this task, manufacturers use sugar, which is a highly addictive substance.
Of course, rather than a sugarless flavorless drink, one would prefer a lip-smacking sweet protein powder.
Thus, most whey protein powder drinks contain 40 to 70% sugar. This is a lot to the generally allowed limit. Undoubtedly, taking such a drink would hamper your goals rather than helping achieve them by supplying protein.
Apart from the problem of sugar, several manufacturers, in order to make their products stand out, include fillers in the formula. This is done to make the taste a little more interesting, but it actually benefits nothing.
This makes it important to observe all the ingredients for unnecessary fillers and the quantity of sugar. It is best to go with a filler-less and zero-sugar protein powder drink.
If not, go for whey protein with less sugar and additives. Next, let’s explore what more to look for in a protein powder for muscle gain and weight loss.
#5: Calories to Protein Ratio Per Serving
How many calories does it offer for the amount of protein per serving?
The sole motive behind drinking whey protein powder is to get the dream physique. Ask, what’s your goal—weight loss or bodybuilding?
For weight loss, whey protein powder can help maintain a high-protein diet, but, getting slimmer, requires calorie deficiency as well.
So, a protein powder with fewer calories per serving would be great.
In contrast, for muscle development, one requires surplus calories to supply muscle tissues with additional protein for muscle repair, healing, and rebuilding. In this case, one would question—What protein powder should I use to gain muscle? Clearly, a whey protein powder with more calories per serving would be more suitable and would also help fuel your workouts.
Check the product’s ingredient label to find calories and protein per serving. This would help decide if it fits your fitness routine.
#6: Do You Have Any Intolerance Or Allergies?
Are you intolerant to any ingredients?
People can be intolerant to whey protein powder because of difficulty in digesting its specific constituents. Mainly, lactose intolerance is a common problem with whey protein powder, particularly with Whey Protein Concentrate.
Lactose intolerance occurs due to the inadequacy of the enzyme, lactase, required for breaking down lactose. This leads to digestive problems like bloating, diarrhea, gas, and flatulence.
Apart from that, one can face allergy or sensitivity to the protein itself.
Well, whey protein consists of different forms of proteins like alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin. They can trigger different kinds of allergic reactions like hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis.
In general, it is safe to use whey protein powder as intolerance rarely occurs. However, if you have prior intolerance to certain constituents, avoid whey protein.
For lactose intolerance, it is best to go for whey protein isolate, whereas for minor protein intolerance, Hydrolysed Whey Protein works great as it contains an easily digestible form of protein.
#7: Protein Source
What type of protein do you require for fuelling muscles?
The source of protein impacts the overall nutritional value of the whey protein powder.
Usually, whey protein powder derived from grass-fed cows and organic milk offers a higher level of particular nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
On top of that, organic milk has lower levels of pesticides and other impurities than traditionally produced milk.
In contrast, commercially produced whey protein powders often have artificial fillers or sweetening agents. This decimates the overall quality of the product.
Apart from that, some whey protein powders are made out of heavily processed milk, reducing the nutritional value of protein. This leads to the inclusion of unrequired additives.
Given the facts, when opting for a whey protein powder, it is necessary to look into the source of the milk and the processing methods used to manufacture the protein powder.
It is best to go for grass-fed and organic whey protein products for maximum advantages. Plus, explore the label to avoid the possibility of artificial fillers and other useless additives.
#8: Review the Dosage Instructions
Read the dosage instruction to know if it suits your routine and lifestyle.
Whey protein powder isn’t just a casual protein drink; evidence suggests it can meet different fitness objectives.
Whether wanting to fuel muscle after a strenuous workout session or energize the body for extreme training, it is possible with a whey protein powder drink.
However, not all brands would offer such versatile efficacy. Some may work for pre or post-workouts or both, while others may be suitable for non-workouts like a casual fitness drink.
First, understand what you expect from a protein powder. Whether you want to use it for pre or post-workout benefits or as a regular fitness drink.
Based on your requirements, explore the dosage instructions. Also, the dosage of whey protein powder may vary for pre or post-workout effects or other fitness objectives. Depending in your goals, you may also have to try protein loading phase.
#9: Flavors
Is the protein powder available in your favorite flavors?
Whey protein powder is usually available in many flavors according to the versatile tastes and preferences of people. Chocolate-flavored whey protein is a classic pick but its sweetness comes from cocoa powder or chocolate flavoring.
The second popular choice is Vanilla-flavored whey protein, the sweetness of which is due to the presence of natural or artificial vanilla flavoring. Moreover, strawberry is another popular option, its fruity taste comes from natural strawberry extract or artificial substitute.
Apart from them, other popular flavors are cookies and cream, peanut butter, coffee, mint chocolate, and more. Not all whey protein powder brands offer every flavor but go for one with maximum choices to switch when bored with the taste.
At the same time, select a whey protein powder with natural flavors that come from plant-based sources. There are too many protein powders laden with artificial flavors and dyes, and you don’t want that!
#10: Affordability
How many servings does it contain per container?
The affordability factor for whey protein drinks matters a lot because it is expensive.
Your decision should account for how many servings it offers per container for how much price.
In general, the number of servings per container of whey protein powder varies from brand to brand. A standard pack comprises almost 20 to 30 servings, while a large container contains almost 50 servings.
Because you’re going to be consuming whey protein regularly, getting more servings per container offers the most bang for your buck.
Clearly, buying a whey protein powder depends on one’s budget, personal preference, and nutritional requirements.
However, I suggest putting more emphasis on nutritional value. Using a quality whey protein powder with the required nutritional value may be a bit expensive, but in the long run, it is better.
Now, remember to keep this checklist the next time you’re shopping for a whey protein powder. Stay back and go through the final summary of the blog before making your purchase.
Conclusion
Whey protein powder can be a game-changer for achieving your fitness goals. However, it is going to be possible only when you’re using the right product.
Its nutritional chart should meet your fitness objectives, whether fat loss, muscle gains, or just having more endurance for your workouts.
Prefer to make your purchase from exclusive health stores like GNC or the official website of the supplement for an authentic selection of products and better customer support.
Moreover, look for saving options like bulk buying rebates, savings over subscriptions, sales, and promotional discounts.
Shopping during the sale season saves more. It would provide additional savings over the best whey protein powder for muscle growth and weight loss.
So, when asking how to choose a whey protein powder, do compare all the saving options available on them.
We hope this whey protein buying guide will be useful for you in making the right decision. For more help, write to us in the comments section.
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