Whey protein powder is heralded for its exceptional nutritional profile and has become a staple of many diets and lifestyles. But among its many forms, undenatured whey protein – which preserves a full spectrum of bioactive protein fractions – can be seen as the superior choice.

Curious about what this entails? You’re in the right place. Below, we explore the many benefits of undenatured whey protein and why our organic, undenatured whey protein powders in particular are your answer to unlocking these advantages.

Organic, undenatured whey protein from The Organic Protein Co.

We’ve gone the extra mile to ensure our whey protein stands out for its quality and integrity. With third-party testing, we’re happy to confirm that an impressive 80% of the proteins in our organic whey protein powders remain completely undenatured. This means that our customers reap the health benefits of pure, potent protein in every shake.

Read on to find out why this makes such a difference to your protein intake.

Denatured vs. undenatured whey protein: what’s the difference?

Whether or not you’ve come across these terms before, understanding the benefits of undenatured whey protein starts with knowing exactly what it is and how it differs from denatured whey protein:

Undenatured whey protein: In undenatured proteins, the natural 3D structure and bioactive compounds of the proteins are maintained. They are ‘pure’ proteins in their original state, completely intact with all bioavailable nutrients and fractions.

Denatured whey protein: Denaturation occurs when whey protein – in fact, any protein – has its structure altered, for example by excessive heating, acidic environments or even physical manipulation. This is because the protein’s weak bonds are broken down, essentially changing its shape. (1) 

What are the benefits of undenatured whey protein?

So, with this in mind, why is undenatured whey protein superior to denatured whey? There are a number of advantages to whey protein that retains its natural structure, including enhanced immunity and muscle support.

Bioactive protein fractions

One of the primary reasons a non-denatured whey protein has the edge over denatured whey protein is down to what are known as “bioactive” protein fractions or peptides. (2)

Whey protein is a fantastic source of these protein fractions, many of which are also found in human breast milk. These include:

• Alpha Lactalbumin: The primary protein found in human breast milk and the second in whey protein. It is an excellent source of the essential amino acids tryptophan and cysteine, which are important for cognitive functions. (3)
• Beta Lactoglobulin: The main protein in cow’s milk, not found in human breast milk. It’s a rich source of essential and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and plays a role in supporting immune function. (4)
• Immunoglobulin G (IgG): IgG is the most abundant type of antibody in our bloodstream and plays a vital role in the body’s immune response by binding to pathogens like bacteria and viruses and immobilising them. (5)
• Lactoferrin: Lactoferrin is found in human breast milk and whey, and is part of the body’s immune system being both antibacterial and antiviral. (6)

While these protein fractions are present in both denatured and undenatured whey protein, our bodies in fact cannot utilise them if the proteins have been denatured. (7)

This means that if your whey protein powder has been denatured during processing, you’ll be missing out on all of the fantastic health benefits of these bioactive proteins, from helping to reduce the likelihood of the common cold (8) to protective effects against some types of cancer. (9)

We’ve also had testing conducted into the bioactivity of our organic whey protein powders, which you can read all about here.

Higher bioavailability

Another excellent reason for choosing an undenatured whey protein powder is its higher bioavailability. This term refers to how quickly our bodies can digest and absorb protein, utilising the essential amino acids and BCAAs in biological processes and for maintaining tissues, like our muscles, skin, and hair. (10)

Whey protein is a fantastic source of all nine essential amino acids and BCAAs such as leucine, lysine, and cysteine. (11) Yet some studies have shown that denatured whey can be lower in quality, with the unfolding of the proteins altering their digestion and physiological impact. (12,13,14)

With this in mind, to make sure you’re receiving the full benefits for muscle support, hormone synthesis, and more, choose a protein powder which is as close to undenatured as possible, ensuring it can be utilised and absorbed more quickly and efficiently by your body.

The impact of processing methods

The key to denatured protein powders and non-denatured protein powders lies in how they’re processed. The journey from liquid whey to the protein powder in your tub or pouch makes all the difference. Here’s how:

1. Use of heat: Many whey proteins undergo excessive heat, such as during ultra-pasteurisation of the milk (UHT) or during filtration and drying stages. Just as when we cook whole food sources (such as meat or eggs) this denatures the protein, altering its structure. (15)
2. Acidic conditions: Some processing environments expose whey to acidic conditions, such as if fermentation goes on for too long during, or indeed after, the cheese-making process. Again, this will disrupt and change the natural structure of the proteins, denaturing them. (16)

More gentle methods, on the other hand – such as those which use lower temperatures and avoid excessive heating or fermentation – are more likely to retain the natural structure of the whey proteins, resulting in quality undenatured whey protein powder and all the health benefits this brings.

Our gentle production methods

At The Organic Protein Co., we prioritise the preservation of our whey’s natural integrity. Our careful processing methods – what’s known as the ‘cold-pressed’ method – are what keep the fragile protein compounds in our whey intact. Here’s a quick look at how we do it:

• Low-temperature pasteurisation: Organic milk from primarily grass-fed cows is carefully pasteurised at 70°C for just 15 seconds, eliminating harmful bacteria while preserving the milk’s all-important nutritional value.
• Controlled fermentation: We work with experienced organic cheese-makers who gently ferment the milk using friendly bacteria. This is diligently overseen to reduce the likelihood of acidic conditions lowering the quality of the resulting liquid whey.
• Ceramic filtration: We use cutting-edge, purely mechanical techniques to filter out our whey protein, separating it from lactose and fats without using heat or chemicals.
• Gentle heating: Our whey also undergoes a gentle, low-temperature evaporation process to reduce liquid content, minimising heat exposure.
• Spray drying: The final step is spray drying, which exposes the whey to 200°C heat for just a fraction of a second, protecting the vital essential and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), as well as key protein fractions.

Learn more about our gentle manufacturing methods, which bring you fresh, creamy whey protein powder direct from grass to glass.

Nourish your body with undenatured whey protein

By choosing an undenatured whey protein powder, every scoop will be packed full with essential amino acids, BCAAs, and bioactive protein peptides in a highly usable form for your body. From bolstering your immune system to supporting your muscles, the benefits offered by an undenatured whey protein are unparalleled.