Best 10 Whey Proteins

We are not saying you should stop hitting the gym, but if you are looking to build muscles, be stronger and have a lean muscle mass, we are definitely saying you should do more. First, increase your protein intake.

Of course, protein-based foods like white meat, nuts and red meats are excellent protein sources to start with. But to reach your ultimate goal, these will need a boost, which does not necessarily include increasing your intake of proteins from these foods. In fact, it is advisable to not overindulge in protein-based foods because some are oversaturated in fats and contain other ingredients like salt, which could be harmful to your overall health.

The solution; adding workout supplements to your workout plan. This is where whey protein steps in, as the extra protein components that take care of all that the food-based proteins cannot offer. The market for whey proteins is not shallow and comes with numerous options. While this is a good sign that you will most definitely get what you want, it also means an overwhelming amount of weight options.

From unflavoured to flavoured options, the different types of whey protein to the amounts of carbs, lactose, fats and proteins for each kind. With the myriad of choices to consider, buying the wrong product is not really a far off chance for anyone. This is why we have a precise guide with recommendations on what to keep in mind when shopping for the best whey protein. With the best whey protein and the best protein shaker, you are good to go! 

What is whey protein?

It is a protein component in whey, which is the watery component in milk. It separates from curds during the processing of cheese. Whey protein is a primary source of increased strength and performance for most athletes. The body absorbs whey protein faster than it does the other protein powder, casein. Thus, it is the best option for those looking for a protein supplement for their pre and post-workout. 

But whey protein is not just used in muscle growth and getting leaner mass around your muscles. Did you know that studies show whey protein can be useful for weight gain, muscle building, and lean muscle gain? Plus, whey protein is used in preventing allergic conditions in infants.

Why should you buy Whey Protein?

Whey protein is a regular component in workout routines for bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness models. You do not need to be in this group to benefit from whey proteins. If you are hitting the gym and hoping to do more than lose weight, here is why you should consider adding whey protein to your routine:

• Building Muscle Blocks 

Whey protein has more than proteins. It also includes amino acids, an excellent component that builds blocks that ultimately increase your muscle growth. 

• Leucine

Whey protein has high quantities of amino acid leucine, which stimulates the synthesis of muscle proteins at the genetic and molecular levels. 

• Hormones

Whey protein also increases the discharge of anabolic hormones, like insulin. These are in charge of stimulating the growth of muscles. 

• Absorption

Perhaps the most important factor of all that makes whey protein; this famous is the fact that the body absorbs it faster than it does food-based proteins. Its absorption and utilization after intake are much faster than that of other available proteins.

What Should You Look For When Buying Whey Protein?

When searching for whey protein, there are certain features that you need to consider to make the best choice for you. Here is our list: 

1. Amount of Ingredients 

First and foremost, check the number of proteins in the whey powder you will get in each serving, with the ideal number being 20g to 30g. Next is the content level for carbohydrates, calories and fats to ensure you are always keeping in line with your fitness goals. If you are edging towards leaner muscles, the lower the calories in each serving, the better your training goals.

2. Nutritional Bonuses

A few brands are incorporating other nutritional incentives, like vitamins and fibre. While these offer some added benefits, your primary goal is the protein component in your whey powder. Besides, it would help if you were getting these additional nutritional bonuses from your foods and not the supplement. 

3. Natural Ingredients 

For lactose-intolerant individuals, vegans and other eco or sustainable users, whey protein made from animal-based milk protein might not be on your radar for muscle gain. Fortunately, there are vegan protein powders that you should consider.

These are made using plant-based protein, including bean protein, brown rice protein, quinoa flour protein, and peanut butter protein. To ensure you do not end up with an animal-based protein supplement, read through the ingredients list for your buying supplement.

4. Other Ingredients

Elements like creatine, L-carnitine, caffeine and artificial sweeteners could be part of the protein blend. But, not every additional ingredient is of benefit to you, especially artificial sweeteners. These are full of calories and will do more harm than good to your workout goals, especially if you are working towards weight loss.

Caffeine is an energy booster, while creatine helps in boosting your performance when doing high-intensity routines. If you are looking to get lean muscles, a whey protein powder with L-carnitine could be ideal as it helps your body use fats for the workouts.

What are the different types of Whey Protein?

If you are not familiar with protein supplements, there is a high chance of getting confused when you learn different whey protein types.

No one is faulting you; we all learn something new every day. Today is your day to learn and ensure you get the best type of whey protein that meets all your needs. Each of these has its uses, pros and cons. Some bands are now combining to ensure their users reap each of the combined products' benefits.

Whichever option you settle for, here is what you need to know about the main types of whey protein:

• Hydrolysate Whey Protein

It is considered the purest form of whey protein with a spike of at least 28% to 43% in insulin levels. As such, you can expect to dig a little deeper in your pocket to afford it. It makes up for that except with the fact that it is an already pre-digested protein that your body absorbs much quicker than it does with the other types. Thus, whey protein hydrolysate is mainly used as a medicinal supplement for individuals in need of a high protein diet.

• Isolate Whey Protein 

Whey protein isolate is a highly processed protein supplement with a higher amount of protein concentration while reducing the carbohydrates, lactose, and fat content level. It has a 90% concentration in proteins. This ensures your body absorbs it quickly and that it's also fast-acting. In fact, isolate whey protein is the most common ingredient in most premium brands. 

• Whey Protein Concentrate

Whey protein concentrate is just the opposite of isolate whey protein. The protein content is lower, about 70% to 80%, while the higher content levels of carbs and fat.

If you are looking for flavour and a bit of delight from whey protein, this is the best choice to have in your corner. It comes in a range of flavours, allowing one to choose their preferred one.

How Much Whey Protein Should You Take?

General Dosage

The recommended dosage for whey protein is one to two scoops of 25g to 50g daily. Manufacturers will always give you instructions on how many scoops you should consume every day or with every meal, so ensure you read the instructions label. Consuming too much whey proteins can lead to side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, cramps and flatulence. 

Current Protein Intake

If you are currently consuming a high protein-based diet, it is best to disregard adding whey proteins to your plan. It might take longer for your body to process and absorb these proteins from foods, but it will happen. But if you are looking for quick results from your workouts, maybe consider lowering the amounts of food-based proteins you consume and use whey protein.  

Underlying Medical Condition 

We advise you to always talk to your doctor before adding any whey proteins to your diet, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. Individuals with a liver or kidney diagnosis should seek medical counsel or avoid consuming whey proteins entirely. 

Should you take whey protein before or after a workout? 

Welcome to the big debate: should you consume your protein shake pre-workout or post-workout? 

Because protein plays a vital role in rebuilding and repairing your muscles after a workout, some people prefer taking their protein milkshake after their workout. But research shows it really does not matter when you decide to take your whey proteins. Those who took their protein shake pre-workout had no difference in muscle size and strength with their counterparts from the study.  

The bottom line is you take your proteins religiously around your exercise time, whether it is pre or post-workout.  

What’s the price of a whey protein tub?

Whey proteins are not that expensive, although this is also a relative word depending on one's budget. For a kg of protein tub, you should expect to spend about £10 - £80.

Regardless of your price point, we recommend checking how much each tub offers in terms of servings. It could be a cheap option, but the manufacturer recommends more services for you to get the optimum nutrition level. That simply means you will be running out of the tub faster than you would with a more expensive tub. 

Affordable

The affordable options will range anywhere from £10 to £30. These will mostly have high protein contents or come in smaller containers. 

Mid-Range

For a mid-range whey protein, you can expect to spend above  £30 to about £50. These come in higher quantities in any container, mainly over a kg per tub.

High-End

High-end brands are the most expensive options with prices ranging from over £50 to about £80. Even if they come in smaller containers, the whey protein will be purer than what you would get from the affordable or mid-range types. 

Closure

Incorporating workout supplements in your routine can help you build muscle blocks, increase muscle strength and get lean muscles. The best option for that is whey protein; regardless of what type of whey protein or your price point, there is a whey protein that will help you meet your fitness goals. Ensure that you check the levels of other ingredients, like carbs, fats and sweeteners, that might stand in the way of your progress.

Now, buy yours and hit the gym! Time to build those muscles and own the body you so much want!