Protein Powder Comparison: Making Informed Choices for Optimal Results

Welcome to our comprehensive protein powder comparison guide, where we break down the popular products on the market and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed choice when it comes to selecting the right protein powder for your needs. Protein has become a very popular product in recent years. Often however, the reason for its popularity is questioned.

When it comes to protein powder, there are lots of questions that can be asked:

• Is it only a glorified product that bodybuilders require?
• Is it necessary for the everyday gym goer?
• Why are there so many different types and variations?
• Is it just a bunch of chemicals in a tub that comes in different flavours?

Today we try to break down some if the relevant information around protein powder, as well as compare some of the products on the marker so you can make an informed choice if you are looking to buy. Read on for the full protein powder comparison so you can make an informed choice.

What exactly is protein powder?

Protein powder is a dietary supplement which is commonly used by individuals who want to increase their protein intake. This may be done for muscle building, recovery, and overall health.

It is made by processing protein-rich sources such as:

• whey
• casein
• soy
• pea
• hemp
• rice or
• egg into a powdered form.

Whey protein

Whey protein powder is made from fresh milk. Essentially, the milk is acidified and coagulator is added. Following this process, curds will separate from the whey or the liquid portion of the milk. This liquid whey is then removed and dried which goes on to make whey protein powder, while the curds are used for cheesemaking.

Think of whey protein powder just like cheese, a by-product of milk. Whey protein powder contains a complete profile of all amino acids, including branched-chained amino acids which are important for muscle growth and repair.

It has a higher Biological Value than milk and other protein sources. Digested quickly, it can be useful for promoting post exercise recovery. There is a higher concentration of essential amino acids (around 50%) than whole milk about half of which are BCAA’s which may help minimise muscle protein breakdown during and immediately after high-intensity exercise.

Casein

Casein, is also derived from milk. However, it does provide a slower-digested protein, as well as high levels of amino acids. It compromises larger protein molecules which are digested and absorbed more slowly than whey. It also has a high biological value and a high content of the amino acid glutamine which may help to spare muscle mass during intense exercise. As it is a slow acting protein, it may be beneficial to take it before sleep for promoting overnight recovery.

Plant Proteins

Soy, Pea, Rice and hemp protein are other forms of protein powder which can be added to the diet.

• Soy protein is made from soybeans and is the optimal option for vegetarians and vegans as it contains all amino acids.
• Pea protein is another plant-based option with a good amino acid profile that is easy to digest.
• Hemp protein which is made from hemp seeds contains a mix of essential and non-essential amino acids along with omega-3 fatty acids.
• Rice protein derived from brown rice may be beneficial for people with soy or dairy allergies however may have a slightly lower amino acid profile compared to whey or soy protein.

Its important to note that while protein powder can be a convenient way to boost protein intake at an easily absorbed level, it should not be considered a replacement for whole -food sources. Protein sources such as lean meats, eggs, fish legumes and dairy products which also contain and array of vitamin and minerals essential for optimal health and performance.

Protein Powder Comparison – WHEY VS ISOLATE

My Protein Impact Whey

What kind of protein is it?

This is a 100% whey protein, means it contains only whey protein concentrate as the protein source – as discussed above, quickly absorbed and contains all essential amino acids required for muscle stimulation.

Nutritional Information per 25g serving:

Energy = 103kcal

Protein = 21g

Fat = 1.9g

Saturated fat = 1.3g

Sugars = 1g

Average price per 25g serving = $2.40

Additional information: My Protein along with many other brands use Sucralose as a sweetener. Although this may not be an issue for most people, a large proportion of people will find gastric upset when taken in large amounts from this sweetener, and may be advised to look for natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit.

My Protein Impact Whey Isolate

What kind of protein is it? I know what you’re thinking, there both whey? The difference is that this is an isolate whey. This is created from Whey protein which then undergoes a series of filtration processes to essentially ‘isolate’ out excess fat, cholesterol and sugar. This is then broken down into smaller chains of amino acids for easier digestion.

Nutritional Information per 25g serving

• Energy = 93kcal
• Protein = 23g
• Fat = 0.1g
• Sat Fat = 0.1g
• Sugars = 0.6g
• Average price per 25g serving = $2.80

Additional information: As you can see, isolates contain less fat, sugar and in turn calories, and often more protein per serve. Both will provide you with the beneficial protein boost, however the extra isolating means it will come at a slightly higher cost.

Protein Powder Comparison – Popular Brands 

(Only isolates will be used for the purpose of comparison)

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate

Nutritional information per 31g scoop serving

• Energy = 110kcal
• Protein = 25g
• Saturated fat = 0g
• Sugars = 0g
• Price per serving= $2.58

Additional Information: As with my protein sucralose is used in these products as a sweetener which some people may need to avoid. Despite this, it has a decent protein serving.

International Protein Whey Protein Isolate

Nutritional Information per 40g serve

• KCAL = 152kcal
• Protein = 35.3g
• Sugar = 0.5g
• Fat = 0.3g
• Sat fat = 0.1g
• Average price per serve = $2.57

Additional information: Most amount of protein found per serve at a similar price! This may be beneficial but depending on your goals, it may be too much. Sucralose is present to be aware of. Produced with New Zealand whey which tends to be of better quality due to strict feeding and manufacturing laws = all grass-fed cows with is minimal hormonal interaction. No vegetable gums or soy proteins are present while digestive enzymes are allowing for ease of digestion and no bloating.

True Whey Protein Isolate

Nutritional Information per 30g serve

• KCAL= 114kcal
• Protein = 25.8g
• Fat = 0.3g
• Sat fat = 0.2g
• Sugars = 0.5g
• Average price per serving = $2.50

Additional notes: New Zealand whey again. This time with all natural sweeteners and flavourings, making this the most natural and ‘clean’ I have found on the market. Also contains 5g creatine – most researched supplement that improves muscle mass and endurance with effective training!

Muscle Nation Whey Protein Isolate

Nutritional Information per 33g serve

• Energy= 124kcal
• Protein = 25.3g
• Fat = 0.4g
• Saturated fat = 0.1g
• Sugar= 0.9g
• Average cost per serving = $2.66

Additional Information: Also contains artificial sweeteners sucralose, acesulfame and potassium and xanthan gum. The presence of gums may slow digestion making paying for isolate questionable.

Switch Nutrition Protein:

Nutritional Information per 30g serve

• Energy = 110kcals
• Protein = 22.1g
• Fat = 2.3g
• Saturated Fat = 0.8g
• Sugars = 0.7g
• Average price per 30g serve = $2.50

Additional Information: Containing 5 digestive enzymes and using stevia as sweetener makes this brand the next best to true in terms of cleanliness of sweeteners. Also free from artificial sweeteners. Vegan protein blend making it a great choice for vegans!

Which protein should I buy then?

This protein powder comparison are only a fraction of what you have seen on the market. Hopefully this has given you some insight on what to look out for when making the protein powder purchase. As mentioned, whey protein would be the recommended protein type to purchase to start.

It is fast acting and contains all the essential amino acids required for optimal muscle gain. Generally, isolates will be slightly more expensive than whey concentrates, but will be free from fat and sugar. Some proteins may be ‘cleaner’ than others and if that is something you are looking for. Avoiding artificial sweeteners and gums along with searching for whey from grass fed New Zealand cows may be something you want to prioritise.

Another consideration for some people is to avoid the sweetener sucralose which may leave negative gastric effects. Recent research has shown aspartame to be carcinogenic which is found in some protein types (especially many protein waters) and may wish to be avoided in large doses.

At the end of the day, after all this, it will come down to personal preference based on dietary requirements, flavours, texture etc, so getting samples of protein in nutrition stores and seeing what works for you may be your best bet.