The Types of Whey Protein

Choosing the Right Whey Protein

There are different types of whey protein powders, each with their own qualities.  But how do you choose the whey protein powder that’s right for you?  Before we take a look at each of the types of whey protein, just remember that they all will have great nutritional values and are beneficial in reaching your weight loss goal.

If you’ve already read the “What is Whey” article, then you’ve learned that whey comes from the cheese making process.  The protein liquid is gathered, as milk is processed into cheese, and is used by some manufacturers to make great protein drinks and other delicious foods.  Other whey protein is obtained from milk in a controlled process, not derived from the cheese making process and without heat.  Much of the whey protein is processed into a dry powder form, which is most commonly used at home in making extra nutritional shakes, smoothies, baked goods, and more.  The way that this whey is processed results in the different types of whey protein powders that are available.

Whey Protein Concentrates - Manufactured by using ultra-filtration or micro-filtration processes, whey concentrates contain 25-89% protein.  The whey is filtered using membranes and pressure to concentrate the proteins.  This process uses no chemicals and preserves the attributes of the proteins, leaving them with their natural properties.  Whey protein concentrates are usually less expensive but also have less protein content per serving than isolates.

Whey Protein Isolates - This type of whey protein has 90% or greater protein content per serving.  Isolates have a higher purity, less fat and less lactose, than concentrates.  Isolates can be made using the same membrane filtration as concentrates or by an isolation method called ion exchange.

Ion Exchange Whey Protein - The process of ion exchange separates and purifies the whey proteins and provides a high protein content.  The select protein components (mainly betalactoglobulin and alphalactalbumin) are isolated using an electrical charge and chemical reagents.  In this way, the bioactive and nutritional properties of the selected proteins and subproteins are able to be maintained.  However, there may be a loss of some of the other subproteins during this process.  An ion exchange whey protein contains very little, fat, lactose, or cholesterol.  Some ion exchange whey protein products contain added sodium which you’ll want to avoid if your goal is to lose weight.

Hydrolyzed Whey Protein - Available as either a concentrate or isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein is processed using enzymes to break the peptide bonds between amino acids.  This results in a whey protein that is more easily and rapidly digested and absorbed.  Unfortunately, the hydrolysis process makes the whey taste quite bitter.  Most hydrolyzed whey sold is only as a percentage of the total volume of the product, because of this undesirable taste as well as a higher production cost.

You’ll also find many whey protein blends.  These contain concentrates, isolates, and hydrolysates or peptides, along with many other variations of added ingredients, including milk and soy.  So which whey protein should you choose?  Unless you have specific needs, such as lactose intolerance or a sodium restricted diet, all whey protein supplements can work well for you in shrinking your appetite, losing weight, and providing extra nutritional values along the way.  Just check labels and compare for fat, cholesterol, and sugar content, calories per serving, and the amount of protein per serving.  Whey protein powders also are available in a variety of delicious flavors that you’re sure to enjoy.