Whey Protein vs Isolate | 7 Big Factors To Help You Decide

Whey protein is a byproduct derived when milk is processed to make cheese or yogurt. Due to the high content of fast-digesting proteins, whey protein is a popular option for supplemental protein intake. This nutritionally complete protein is packed with all the amino acids you need to build muscle, lose weight, or accelerate recovery after a hard workout.

When separated from milk, whey can be processed into various protein supplements. The most common forms are whey concentrate and whey isolate. Both whey concentrate protein and whey protein isolate are often touted as the undisputed kings of the protein powder world due to their high-quality proteins, each having its own benefits depending on your health and training goals.

If you're comparing whey protein vs isolate, you might be wondering: What are the differences, and which supplement is the best choice for you? Keep reading to learn how whey protein vs isolate stack up, including their similarities, differences, and unique benefits.

What Is Whey Protein Concentrate?

Whey protein is produced during the cheese-making process. Whey protein concentrate can also be produced when milk is heated, and enzymes are added for the protein to coagulate. When separated from casein and dried, the resulting whey powder is a complete protein meaning it has all the nine essential amino acids.

When the whey protein is separated from the milk it is removed and micro-filtered to produce whey protein concentrate (WPC). Microfiltration ensures that the amino acid profile is maintained, creating an ultra-pure, ultra-refined high protein mix. If carefully done, this process delivers a protein powder that creates a silky smooth texture when blended with either milk or water.

Whey protein concentrate can have varying degrees of protein quality. A low-quality Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) may only contain 30 percent protein while better quality WPC can have 80 percent protein or more. This protein profile really varies from brand to brand.

Prolab Advanced Essential Whey is a multi-phase blend of Premium Whey Protein Concentrate and Ultra-Pure Whey Protein Isolate rich with BCAAs and natural enzymes. This unique blend can help pack on lean muscle mass, speed up recovery time, and accelerate protein synthesis.

What Is Whey Protein Isolate?

Whey protein isolate is an ultra-refined, high-quality protein produced from additional refining to ensure it maintains a rich nutrient profile with over 90% protein in every serving. Due to its unique filtration process, whey protein isolate is incredibly pure and contains little to no fats, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and lactose. Due to its negligible lactose amounts, whey protein isolate is a perfect choice for lactose-intolerant people.

What Is The Difference Between Whey Protein And Whey Protein Isolate?

The most significant difference between whey protein and whey protein isolate is the nutrient concentration. Whey protein isolate has high protein levels of over 90% and little fats, cholesterol, and calories. Whey protein concentrate has lower protein levels typically starting at 80%, and higher amounts of fat, lactose, and carbohydrates. The main difference between whey protein vs isolate is the amount of protein in every portion. Whey protein isolate provides a higher amount of protein per serving with little to no fats, carbohydrates, and sugar!

Whey Protein Vs Isolate Similarities

Whey Isolate and Concentrate proteins do have similarities. At first glance, the two whey protein options may not seem all that different until a more thorough inspection is used. Below is a brief overview of the shared similarities of whey concentrate and whey isolate:

• Whey Concentrate and Whey Isolate proteins are both derived from milk after the cheese or yogurt making process
• Isolate and quality Concentrate protein have high levels of fast absorbing proteins
• Both protein supplements undergo delicate filtration processes
• Whey Concentrate Protein and Whey Protein Isolate can support muscle growth
• Whey Isolate and Concentrate taste great when mixed with milk or water
• Both proteins provide important Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

Whey Protein Concentrate Benefits

Whey Protein Concentrate is a popular source of high-quality proteins for most athletes and bodybuilders. And rightly so! It has a high proportion of proteins and essential amino acids, that the body can quickly absorb to support muscle growth and ignite recovery after working out. From the sports field to the science lab, experts support whey as a nutritionally-complete protein source.

6 Benefits Of Whey Protein Concentrate

• Promotes muscle growth
• Lowers blood pressure
• Supports weight loss
• Reduces bad cholesterol in the body
• Preserves lean muscle
• Enhances metabolism

ProLab's Advanced Essential Whey is a high-standard protein with superior quality. Advanced Essential Whey Protein is a dual-action blend of premium whey concentrate protein and high-end whey protein isolate designed to deliver ultimate muscle support for athletes and bodybuilders.

The premium whey concentrate in Advanced Essential Whey provides energy, robust muscle repairing nutrients, and fuels lean muscle growth. The ultra-pure whey isolate immediately supplies the body with fast-absorbing protein to quickly ignite protein synthesis. This two-phased blend supports the immediate and ongoing muscle-building needs by supplying essential amino acids that help preserve, maintain, and construct lean muscle.

Whatever your health goals, you can reap numerous benefits from ProLab's Advanced Essential Whey:

• Multi-Stage Delivery of 21 Grams of Protein Per Serving
• 22 Grams of Muscle Repairing Amino Acids
• 5 Grams of BCAAs To Support Lean Muscle Growth
• Natural Digestive Enzymes for Improved Protein Absorption
• Superior Mixability for a Smooth and Refreshing Shake
• Amazing Taste and Delicious Flavors
• Only 1 Gram of Sugar Per Serving

Whey Isolate Protein Benefits

Whey protein isolate contains little to no fat, lactose, and carbohydrates making it an excellent low-calorie option for bodybuilders, those watching their weight, or even lactose intolerant. The carefully refined process ensures that high-quality, dense protein is produced.

10 Benefits Of Whey Protein Isolate:

• Promotes Muscle Growth and repair
• Low fat
• Low sugar
• Low carbohydrates
• Ideal for weight loss
• Boosts metabolism
• High absorption rate
• Rich in amino acids
• Delivers higher amounts of clean protein
• Superior taste

Properly processed whey isolates such as ProLab Whey Isolate can support muscle growth and weight loss without triggering pesky lactose intolerance or adding unnecessary calories to your diet from carbohydrates and fats.

ProLab Whey Isolate has plenty of benefits to support your goals:

• 23 Grams of Ultra-Pure, Premium Protein Per Scoop
• 21 Grams of Muscle Repairing Amino Acids
• 7 Grams of BCAAs To Support Lean Muscle Growth
• Zero Fat and Sugar with Only 100 Calories Per Serving
• Superior Mixability for a Smooth and Refreshing Shake
• Amazing Taste and Delicious Flavors
• Hunger Reducing Supplement

Which Is Better Whey Isolate Or Concentrate?

While whey isolate and concentrate protein share some similar health benefits, whey protein isolate is ultra-premium grade due to its high protein and amino acid content. It also has fewer carbs, fats, and lactose, making it an excellent choice for bodybuilders, lactose-intolerant individuals, and people looking to lose weight sustainably.

However, because it a higher-quality protein, whey isolates can be slightly more expensive than concentrates. It's important to understand, you are paying for a higher protein concentration per serving with fewer calories from less fats, carbohydrates, and sugars. Depending on your goals and your budget whey protein concentrate or whey protein isolate may be best for you.

Keep in mind, Advanced Essential Whey is a unique blend of both proteins for those who do not prefer an isolate but want a high-quality, healthy whey protein concentrate.

Is Whey Protein Concentrate Or Whey Isolate Right For You?

When choosing between whey protein vs isolate, you'll want to consider the following factors to help you decide which whey protein is best for you so that you can get a supplement that is ideal for your health, lifestyle, budget, and training goals.

• Difference in price
• Protein quality
• Amount of protein per serving
• Amino acids provided
• Lactose sensitivity
• Workout regimen
• Weight loss goals

For people who are particularly sensitive to lactose or are looking for a supplement that will support their weight loss goals, a whey protein isolate is a great option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative that is still packed with quality protein, then whey protein concentrate could be right for you.