For healthy adults, it’s important to meet daily protein requirements through a combination of high-protein foods and supplements as part of a balanced diet and exercise program. While flavor preferences may vary among users, the overall consensus highlights the product’s effectiveness and benefits. Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder offers a range of flavors to suit different preferences, including the Double Rich Chocolate variant. Choose the companies with a smaller marketing budget that are using their resources for the highest quality whey. If people are using multiple vitamin and mineral fortified powdered products, bars, and supplements, they can start getting higher doses of certain minerals like copper, selenium and manganese that can be problematic. The French Vanilla Creme and Double Rich Chocolate fared well in their respective categories despite losing the top spot, but my real favorite was the limited-edition Fruity Cereal, which, yes, tastes exactly like the milk at the bottom of your bowl of Fruity Pebbles. I tried a handful of flavors from the line and found them all to be pretty enjoyable. If you're looking for an unflavored, straightforward option with no added junk, these are the powders for you. If you can stomach whey protein concentrate without any digestive issues, Nutricost wins in nearly every category. Here’s how Nutricost compares to the average protein powder. This could still be a great protein powder for runners and gym-goers, though. Chocolate and peanut butter are just a wonderful pairing and whey protein powder is no exception. Having the best-tasting protein powders makes a difference, and we’re here to find the best Optimum Nutrition flavor. Our top pick for the best whey protein flavor is XWERKS Grow Chocolate flavor, which tastes like a protein Yoo-hoo. They pride themselves in their broad selection of products at exceptional value, and they accommodate a range of dietary needs, such as vegan, dairy free, and gluten free. Myprotein fuels people all over the world in pursuit of their fitness goals. Founded in 2004 and based in New York City, Myprotein now operates in 70 different countries with the support of its dedicated staff, athletes, and brand ambassadors. We’ve tried Myprotein’s The Whey, and our pros looked at the science behind its formula. So it’s our mission to provide you with unbiased, evidence-based reviews. This is achieved by adding an instantising agent (the soy-derived lecithin emulsifier you saw in the ingredients list above). Gold Standard gets around this by using instantised powder, meaning it mixes instantly. It is less sugary but as the “low intensity” chocolate option, it is extremely bland when mixed with just water. The line includes Double Rich Chocolate, Extreme Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Malt, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Coconut, White Chocolate, and Rocky Road (that’s chocolate and marshmallow flavour). If mixing with cold water and ice there does tend to be a layer along the top but otherwise it blends nicely and even creates a little froth on top, for a delicious milkshake vibe. The product's taste profile, particularly in the Double Rich Chocolate flavor, is well-balanced and less sweet compared to similar products, enhancing its appeal. Its blend of different whey proteins offers varied absorption rates and nutrient profiles, making it highly effective for a broad range of fitness goals. Leanfit boasts 25g of protein per serving from grass-fed whey, low carbs, and the inclusion of digestive enzymes, catering to health-conscious consumers. Because we all have different fitness goals, the “best” protein powder isn’t really set in stone. When looking for a protein powder for your nutritional routine, you’ll want to focus on its macronutrient profile to ensure you’re getting enough protein, carbs, and fat per serving.The 24 grams of protein per scoop consistently delivers on muscle recovery, and I’ve noticed sustained energy during longer workout sessions.Each sample delivers the same premium formula as our full-size containers, so you never have to compromise on quality, even on the go.Whether you're aiming for muscle growth, recovery, or maintaining a lean physique, this protein powder offers a solid option.As you can see, Gold Standard is one of the more affordable whey protein powders on the market.As someone on a low-carb diet, this protein powder felt like a nice post-workout indulgence without the heaviness or bloating.When I compare this to premium brands that can cost $20-30 more for similar quality, my wallet definitely appreciates the value. In addition to supporting muscle growth, protein is an essential nutrient for weight management. Consuming protein helps repair these muscle fibers and promotes growth, leading to increased strength and performance. One of the standout features of Optimum Nutrition’s 100% Whey Protein is its incredible range of flavors—over 20 decadent options to satisfy every palate. A protein percentage of 75-84% is great, 65-74% is reasonable, and under 64% is poor.And on the other hand, you may prefer something more unique — like s’mores or cinnamon roll — if you’re just mixing it with water or milk.Xét về thành phần protein, Syntha 6 gồm Whey Concentrate, Isolate, Hydrolyzed và Casein.It also gives me the amount of protein that my body needs and is the healthiest”The best way to mix Ascent whey protein is with a shaker bottle or frother.Consumers should be aware, though, that these protein powders can have caffeine added to them. This is based on the fact that all proteins (whey, casein and egg) all have a similar ratio. Your protein intake should vary between 1.4-2g/kg body weight to support performance, going towards the higher end if you are aiming to build muscle. It has good macros, it has enzymes to smooth digestion, it has a blend of isolate and concentrate, and it tastes great with water. First of all you want to make sure what you are actually buying is whey protein and a good way to ensure this is to calculate the amount of protein in the protein shake. Although I don’t think that, it’s worth noting because I never heard anyone say this about other flavors. Now that you know which flavors taste the best, here’s the worst one of them all… When compared to other chocolate flavors, Extreme Milk Chocolate is legendary. What you can expect from this flavor is a very sweet milk chocolate. Purchase options and add-ons “It’s like indulging in a tasty snack while my body is using it to support muscle recovery.” Sounds like a 5 out of 5 to me. There are no artificial-tasting ingredients, which is a must-have with vanilla. According to registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, there’s a great spread of protein here to help you out. Otherwise, do your taste buds a favor with Extreme Milk Chocolate. No matter the base, Extreme Milk Chocolate maintains its decadent flavor, unlike some of the other flavor options. That is what I’m hoping to help you do by trying different protein powders one by one and offering some info on them as well as my own personal opinion. With its blend of quality and taste, it’s a treat that not only satisfies your nutritional needs but also your taste buds. One of the primary reasons for using whey protein is to support muscle recovery and growth. I’ve read many customer reviews that state the standard flavors are just as tasty. Transparent Labs’ website displays laboratory analysis of all of its products to show that it’s been tested for harmful substances like lead, arsenic, salmonella, and E. Transparent Labs protein comes out to $1.99 per serving if you’re ordering it on a one-time basis, or $1.79 if you place it on a monthly subscription. Artificial flavors, on the other hand, are flavors created in a laboratory to be used in foods. First, let’s take a look at the type of whey protein that each product uses. This is because whey protein is quite a simple and standard product and we feel that there is no need to do a detailed review of each individual product first. ON Gold Standard Whey Protein consists of various types of whey protein with amino acids that are important for muscle repair and building. NAKED Whey Protein is about $89 USD, and that comes out to roughly about $1.48 a serving. If money isn’t a big factor in your decision, I would recommend checking out NAKED Whey Protein, which is one of purest form of protein money can buy. ON Gold Standard 100% Whey runs about $50 USD to $60 US for a 5lb jug, which equates to roughly $0.79 per serving. You can take them minutes after working out or as a snack for a high-protein diet. Because of their unique flavors, some of the proteins have higher carbohydrate and fat content which means that the protein percentage ranges from 67-77%. Rule 1 has a slightly lower protein percentage than a pure isolate, with 74% to 80% protein per serving. If you’re looking to invest in a protein powder, this one isn’t worth a second glance. If you’re on the fence about which protein powder to choose, I genuinely feel that this one will not disappoint you. With its high-quality ingredients, great taste, and versatility, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether I’m looking to build muscle, recover faster, or simply boost my daily protein intake, this product fits seamlessly into my lifestyle. With its superior quality and delicious taste, this product is designed to help me and others reach our fitness goals more efficiently. If you’re looking for a reliable protein supplement that tastes great and delivers results, I encourage you to give this product a try. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Double Rich Chocolate, 2 Pound (Packaging May Vary) For these reasons, Ascent Whey markets itself as an athlete formula good for muscle health and workout recovery. This makes it likely that the product will be safe and effective for most individuals, including elite or drug-tested athletes. Legion Whey+ is third party tested in a state of the art facility and demonstrates commitment to the quality of life of the cows and sustainable farming practices. (If you’re in the market for organic proteins, check out offerings from Legion or Ritual.) We don’t love, however, that Jacked Factory uses sucralose to sweeten their powder, as it can cause digestive issues for some athletes. If you’re in the market for supps free of artificial sweeteners, we’d recommend products from brands like Ritual or Legion. They perform over 100,000 quality and food safety checks annually to ensure that their products meet the highest standards. Overall, a solid choice if you prioritize quality, taste, and affordability, and don’t mind the artificial sweeteners or soy content. Not every flavor hits the mark either—while Extreme Milk Chocolate and Natural Vanilla consistently please, flavors like Tropical Punch seem to divide the crowd. Since Gold Standard contains whey concentrate, it’s not suitable for everyone. Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder: Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey For a protein powder of such high quality, Ascent Native Whey has a competitive price. You can be confident that the protein powder doesn’t contain ingredients you don’t want to put in your body. Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder offers faster absorption, a complete amino acid profile, and higher bioavailability compared to most plant-based protein powders. With a rich amino acid profile, great taste and premium formula, Gold Standard Whey is in a class of its own and has been the world's best selling whey protein for decades. I tried “Delicious Chocolate” flavor and it tasted great — very creamy and closer to milk chocolate than dark chocolate, which meant that it was surprisingly palatable with water but a little too creamy tasting with whole milk. Every Ascent flavor except for Chocolate Peanut Butter falls into the great category. A protein percentage of 75-84% is great, 65-74% is reasonable, and under 64% is poor. There are no added sugars, artificial ingredients, or unnecessary fillers. And because it’s third-party verified by Informed Sport, you can rest assured that it isn’t contaminated with banned substances. The end result was worth it, though, because it produced an excellent mocha flavor. A product that falls below 75% is considered “reasonable” by Feastgood standards, and one that is greater than 85% is considered great. With 24g of protein in an average of 120 calorie scoop, Gold Standard Whey provides approximately 80% of its calories from protein. The first image (left) shows their old ingredient label which clearly indicates the amount of acesulfame potassium and sucralose (artificial sweeteners) in their product. Plus, it tastes like a yummy treat rather than a supplement. The packaging may vary, but the quality and results are always consistent. I always feel satisfied and energized after drinking this protein shake. And let’s not forget about the flavor – Extreme Milk Chocolate? ON whey protein powder is Informed Choice certified and is proven to help you stay on track with your fitness goals. Like Ascent Native Whey, Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard whey protein powder is third-party verified by Informed Sport. The customers who left 4 and 5-star reviews like the protein powder’s ingredient quality, how well it mixes in water, and that it doesn’t taste chalky. I already discussed my issues with getting Ascent whey protein powder to dissolve unless using a shaker bottle or spoon. At the time of writing, one kilogram of the standard whey protein powder cost just under £20, with the 2.5kg option coming in at £34 and the 5kg pack costing £62. The standard whey product blends different types of whey protein and peptides to make the most effective powder possible. Their premium whey product has 21 grams of protein per serving, allowing you to quickly and effectively up your daily intake. If you find that whey-based protein powders are too difficult to digest, leading to bloating or gas when consumed, try a brown rice-based protein powder or vegan powder instead. Syntha-6 vs Optimum Gold Standard The sodium content is relatively low at 190mg per serving, which is suitable for most users. The sweetener used in this product is sucralose, a zero-calorie artificial sweetener. However, it is worth noting that this product is not entirely lactose-free, so those with severe lactose intolerance should proceed with caution. These protein sources are renowned for their rapid absorption and high purity, making them ideal for post-workout recovery. Unless you’re an elite athlete with highly specific dietary needs, it’s certainly worth considering. ON sent us their Gold Standard Isolate in Chocolate Bliss, Rich Vanilla, and Strawberry Cream flavors. Optimum Nutrition ups the ante with a delicious whey isolate that's easy on the wallet. The wide range of flavors, excellent mixability, and versatility in use stood out as key benefits. While primarily designed for muscle support, Gold Standard Whey can be useful for fat loss when used as part of a calorie-controlled diet. This versatility made it easier to meet daily protein goals without relying solely on whole food sources. They experimented with adding it to oatmeal, yogurt, and even using it in baking recipes for protein-packed snacks. They noted that mixing it with water as opposed to milk seemed to work best for them, especially when consumed close to workout times. Supplement companies save a lot of money by using concentrate instead of isolate.Whether a powder uses an animal-based protein source (like whey) or one made from plants is a personal preference, but it should have a complete protein profile, meaning it contains all nine of the essential amino acids that your body needs to function.To sustain creatine muscle saturation, the suggested dose ranges between 3 and 5 g per day, and it can take up to 28 days to fully saturate the muscle .It supports muscle building and recovery by providing the body with high-quality protein and essential amino acids.For the purpose of this review and comparison, I took the time to look into each whey proteins’ nutritional profile.The comprehensive amino acid profile and the combination of whey protein isolate and concentrate provide a balanced and effective product.That is why it is important to saturate the muscle with creatine.One of my biggest gripes with protein powder is that I can always tell when that chalky whey flavor cuts through an otherwise delicious bowl of oatmeal, smoothie, or shake.With 24 grammes of protein, only 3–4 grams of carbs, and few ingredients at a reasonable price, this value proposition is excellent. MuscleTech Mix about one scoop (33-34g) of the powder into 8-14 fluid ounces of cold water, milk, or other beverage. Good quality product The final product is a fast digesting complete protein containing no more than 1 gram of carbohydrates, less than a gram of fat and more than 80% pure protein per Serving. For the most part, many of the flavors offered by the brand aren’t too hard on the palate. So regardless of your milk preference – I enjoy whole milk myself – I recommend having a good stock of milk in your fridge.You also cannot purchase this Transparent Labs option in multiple container sizes, so the $2 per serving is what you’ll always pay.There’s a good amount of beta alanine, l-carnitine, and the other ingredients, so I do believe that this product can have a positive effect on endurance and alertness during your workout.That having been said, there is one supplement that I always consistently use and that is the basic whey protein powder.This is a product that distinguishes itself purely based on the overall quality of the experience.This protein has a high protein percentage (around 93%) with a ton of flavor variety (I actually tested all of them) and has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.Thus, we cannot distinguish the effects of increased protein consumption from the effects of possible decreased carbohydrate consumption in the WPI group.It's perfect for those with a sweet tooth, offering a taste so good that it feels more like a treat than a supplement. Each serving of this product delivers 24g of protein, which plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Whey peptides, often considered pre-digested forms of protein, are absorbed even faster than isolates, delivering essential amino acids swiftly to muscles in need. This works, I still use it as my main protein powder and plan to continue doing so. Additionally, there is no need to limit yourself to just milk – experiment by adding vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or even a drop or two of flavored liqueur into your protein shake. But for a multifaceted approach to muscle building with an added edge in fat burning, MuscleTech Nitro Tech Ripped confidently leads the way. For a straightforward, reliable muscle recovery and growth supplement, Optimum Nutrition stands strong. MuscleTech Nitro Tech Ripped takes the trophy in this matchup, aligning perfectly with goals centered around muscle enhancement and a ripped appearance. This biological process is crucial for muscle growth, repair, and adaptation to training stimuli. Understanding the nutritional profile of Gold Standard Whey Protein helps explain why it has maintained its position as the industry leader. Optimum Nutrition has perfected their formula over more than 20 years, creating a product that consistently delivers exceptional results for users across all fitness levels. Best Whey Protein Powder: Momentous Grass-Fed Whey Protein No time to read the entire review and just want to find out what the best whey protein powder for weight loss is? Most protein powders can last between 9-18 months depending on how it’s stored (whether there’s a tight seal), the temperature (humidity can cause it to clump), and the powder itself. Casein is another byproduct of the cheese-making process, and while it’s not nearly as popular as whey protein, it contains just as much protein and micronutrients. Though studies have shown that the amount of lead found in protein powders isn’t enough to impact your health on its own13, it’s still something you’ll want to research before making a purchase. A common flavor of protein powder now is based on coffee, with Cappuccino, Mocha, or Latte flavors being prevalent in many brands. Whey protein isolate does contain lactose, as it's derived from milk. As a result, you can experiment with different flavours and ways of serving up your whey to find the perfect powder for you. One of the key differences between a whey concentrate and an isolate is that the protein yield is higher in an isolate due to the processes used to prepare it. Both being whey products, you can expect many of the same benefits, including them being complete proteins. Banana Cream is also one of the most versatile flavors ever. But what it really tastes like are those banana popsicles and banana flavored candies. Chocolate Coconut takes the #5 spot for one reason — it’s not a strong flavor. It’s refreshing, not too sweet, and tastes great in both milk and water. So without further ado, here’s the top 5 best Optimum Nutrition flavors… With my experience, it’s easier to screw up the taste of chocolate than it is on vanilla.Gold Standard Whey Protein is a high-quality protein supplement that has been used by bodybuilders and athletes for years.Me, John “I’ve gotta say, this Optimum Nutrition protein powder is pure gold!In my experience, I’ve enjoyed how simple the ingredients are with Gold Standard Whey Protein.From muscle-building whey to recovery-boosting amino acids, ON has science-backed solutions to optimize your workouts and results.You want to grab a protein powder you’ll keep coming back to day in and day out, something that will fuel you to keep up with your routine both fitness and nutrition-wise. See nutrition information for saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium content. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.2. For best results, mix up your shake 30 to 60 minutes after your workout or use as an anytime snack in your balanced diet.For healthy adults, consume enough protein to meet your daily protein requirements with a combination of high protein foods and protein supplements throughout the day as part of a balanced diet and exercise program. Folona runs its SoLo Organic protein isolate through a proprietary, water-based sodium-removal process, resulting in the only vegan protein powder I encountered with less than 100 milligrams of sodium per serving (it has 73 milligrams), so it’s good that it happens to be well liked and affordable.The front of the tub advertises 40g of protein per serving, but the back of the tub mentions that one “serving” is actually two scoops.This product embodies the essence of high-quality protein supplementation, and it’s specifically crafted for individuals who are serious about building and maintaining muscle.Other proteins of this caliber can often cost between $1.50 and $2, so while it’s not an excessive amount of savings, those pennies and dimes can begin to add up over the course of a regular supplement schedule.Optimum also has a number of artificial ingredients and fillers, and some flavors have a small amount of added sugars.In terms of amino acid content, as Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey has 25% more protein per serving, by comparison, it will also naturally have higher amino acid content.Optimum Nutrition’s whey protein stands out in the crowded market due to its high-quality ingredients, excellent taste, and reliable performance.“I’ve been using Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard since I got into fitness,” says our tester, a certified nutrition coach. Flavor Each great tasting serving contains 24 g of premium whey protein to support muscle growth and 5.5 g of naturally occurring BCAAs. It’s as simple as looking for a pure whey protein isolate blend that has as clean of a nutritional profile as possible, such as our top ranked option on this page. Unflavored protein powder is also an option, but I must warn you that unflavored protein powder tastes very bad. Chocolate and vanilla protein powder products mix in very easily with pretty much any beverage in terms of flavor. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it came off as rather mild; this one I’d recommend you take with milk. I was less impressed with this flavor, which was less like real strawberries and closer to a strawberry-flavored candy. It’s extraordinarily difficult to come up with a vanilla flavor that’s strong and full enough to work well with water, but Rich Vanilla might be the best vanilla we’ve tried. It’s not creamy, but it’s quite reminiscent of dry Cocoa Puffs® — just the right balance of sweet and earthy. In this article, we will discuss what whey protein powder actually is, the different types of whey protein powders, what its health benefits are, and how to choose the best whey protein supplement.For most active adults, the original double-rich chocolate or vanilla ice cream variants offer proven mixability and taste without digestive discomfort.Tossing a pack or two of these protein supplements into my work bag has been a game-changer for adding in some extra protein while I'm in the office.Optimum Gold Isolate is priced as a premium protein powder, reflecting its high-quality protein formulation.This protein powder provides 24g of premium whey protein per serving to support muscle growth, recovery, and performance.One of the typical issues with whey protein powders is that they often clump up when added to water or another liquid and do not mix/dissolve very well – particularly at cold temperatures.Each serving of the world’s best-selling whey protein powder provides 24 grams of high-quality whey protein primarily from Whey Protein Isolate, which has had excess carbohydrates, fat, and lactose ‘isolated’ out using sophisticated filtering technologies. Indubitably, its accolades are well and truly deserved, and the quality of this product speaks for itself. This nutritional make-up makes it ideal for a protein injection between meals, before bed or as a post-workout fix. It also contains amino acids (enzymes to help break down the protein), including three of the most valuable BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine), in addition to other muscle-building goodies such as glutamine. Our Transparent Labs protein review will let you know whether this protein powder is worth the cost and what’s really inside each container.Whey protein is a high-quality, fast-absorbing protein derived from dairy-based sources, packed with essential amino acids.Whole foods like lean meats, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of protein and provide additional vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health.It’s comparable to other protein powder in the market.The GGR testers are a group of protein fanatics, including certified nutrition coaches, registered dietitians, certified personal trainers, and even an Olympian.While protein often takes the spotlight, carbohydrates also play a vital role in post-workout recovery.Perhaps even worse than that though is the 400 milligrams of sodium per serving (4x the amount of sodium compared to our top rated protein powder).The flavor we’ve been using is double chocolate (because what kind of loser restricts themselves to single chocolate?).It's ranked #1 more than any other whey. Trusted by athletes worldwide and consistently recognized for quality and results, it’s an ideal choice for serious performance and portability. Perfect for busy schedules, travel, or just keeping things simple, these sachets are available in delicious flavors like Double Rich Chocolate or Vanilla Ice Cream. Whey protein is a high-quality, fast-absorbing protein derived from dairy-based sources, packed with essential amino acids. With more than 20 different flavors – including naturally flavored options – there’s no doubt this is the GOLD STANDARD 100% WHEY Protein. However, it tastes great when mixed with other foods like oatmeal or flavored Greek yogurt. Gold Standard Vanilla Whey Protein is often reasonably priced for the quality it offers, making it a budget-friendly option for my protein needs. Gold Standard Vanilla Whey Protein has a smooth, creamy taste that mixes well with water or milk. It supports muscle growth and repair after workouts, aids in weight management by keeping me feeling full, and provides a convenient protein source for busy days. In today’s market, where the integrity of nutritional supplements can vary significantly, it is comforting to know that Optimum Nutrition prioritizes safety and quality. Moreover, I appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing this product has undergone banned substance testing and adheres to the highest quality control measures. Promix Grass-Fed Whey (67 servings, $1.19 per serving, 25 grams protein) All whey protein in the United States is flash pasteurized. While you can maintain and repair with proper protein from fish, meat, and eggs, my opinion is that grass-fed whey protein gives you a distinct advantage for recovery and results. From my own experimenting, I have continually gone back to using whey protein because I can physically see the difference in my body. For something called Double Rich Chocolate, and for the most popular protein powder on Earth, and for something with artificial flavors and sweeteners, I was pretty underwhelmed with the flavor. The world’s most popular whey protein powder versus the top selling bodybuilding supplement company in the United States. Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein powder supports muscle and post-workout recovery with 24g of quality protein and 5.5g of naturally occurring BCAAs per serving¹. Performance Protein + Recovery In addition to its popularity for On Standard Whey, this world’s best-selling supplement company is also popular for other innovative products like slow digestion Gold Standard 100% Casein. Part of an Irish global nutrition organization, Glanbia global nutrition group, Optimum Nutrition, Inc. (ON), was established in 1986. However, for those looking for a more budget-friendly option with a blend of protein types, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard remains a strong contender. You can get 10% off each Transparent Labs protein by placing it on a monthly subscription, which also guarantees you’ll never run out of protein powder. It tastes as if you dropped a candy cane into a cup of hot chocolate and added protein to it, and makes for a great high-protein holiday treat when topped with whipped cream and marshmallows. GGR also collaborated with Ellipse Analytics, a third-party accredited lab that analyzed more than 150 protein powder samples for the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and label accuracy and purity. Natural flavors contain no nutritional value and have zero calories. Despite the label boasting 24 grams of protein, skepticism hints at a more realistic 20 grams per serving figure. Looking for an unbiased R1 protein whey isolate/hydrolysate review? Ascent whey makes for a great post-workout recovery protein shake since it’s quickly absorbed, but it’s also beneficial for increasing protein intake anytime. Ascent’s formula includes natural flavors, the natural sweetener stevia leaf extract, soy lecithin to enhance mixability, sea salt, and cocoa in chocolate options. While I don’t completely avoid added sugar or artificial sweeteners, I’m not too fond of food or supplements loaded with those ingredients. Transparent Labs costs about $2 per serving, and Legion costs about $1.38 – $2.00 per serving, depending on where you buy it. While this is especially important for athletes in drug-tested sports, it’s also reassuring for the general public. Winner: Optimum Nutrition Casein Our study adds to a growing literature noting favorable vascular effects of whey protein with two RCTs discovering improved endothelial function with WPI in prehypertensive adults 22,38. Considering arterial stiffness may represent a novel modifiable target for cognitive impairment in older adults, whey protein supplementation could serve as a beneficial nutraceutical strategy to stave both cardiovascular and cognitive decline in older adults. Indeed, whey protein is encrypted with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides (i.e., lactokinins) and is a notable source of l-arginine, the precursor for nitric oxide. ANCHORS A-WHEY was a 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to examine the effect of whey protein on large artery stiffness, cerebrovascular responses to cognitive activity and cognitive function in older adults. Alcohol is not added or used at any stage during production of our proteins and powders. Additionally, the product provides essential micronutrients like calcium, iron, and potassium. The carbohydrate content is also pretty good, with 2 grams of dietary fiber and zero sugars, making it a good option for those following low-carb diets or aiming to avoid added sugars. Brown rice protein, while slightly lower in lysine, is easily digestible and contributes additional BCAAs, making the blend more balanced and effective. For those looking for a low cost protein shake, My Protein is our winner! One way you might have noticed this is that in MP use pouches over tubs for their powder supplements. MyProtein supplements are typically considered a more budget friendly sports nutrition brand.