Your guide to the different types of whey protein powder

Whether you're looking to fuel your wellness, sustain energy or improve your health, understanding the three different types of whey protein - concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate - is crucial. With so many options on offer, you might find yourself wondering which type of whey protein is really best for your health and wellness journey.

We’re here to demystify whey protein, helping you to make mindful choices that impact everything from your muscle health to your holistic well-being. We'll guide you through the different types, their benefits and why our organic whey protein powders are the best option for you.

The power of protein

When it comes to your health and wellness, it might seem like protein shakes, bars and supplements are always in the spotlight. That’s because protein is the cornerstone of overall well-being and whether you’re always on the go or simply aiming for better holistic health, the significance of protein is universal. Protein has a huge part to play in:

• Muscle health: It plays a key part in the overall maintenance and health of your muscles, keeping them functional for an active lifestyle. (1)
  
  
• The body’s building blocks: It’s the essential building block of not just muscles, but also skin, bones and even hormones. For instance, collagen, a type of protein, provides elasticity to our skin and strength to our bones. (2,3,4)
  
  
• Biological processes: Protein plays a pivotal role in numerous biological processes that keep you ticking, such as boosting your immune system. (5)
  
  
• Satiety and metabolism: It helps you feel full and also boosts your metabolism, aiding in weight management. This is because protein has a higher thermic effect, meaning the body expends more energy to digest it than fats and carbohydrates. (6)

Understanding the role that protein plays can give you the upper hand in your wellness journey. The more you know about protein - especially the types available in whey protein powder - the better equipped you'll be to make decisions that fuel your body in the most effective way.

What’s the deal with whey protein?

If you’ve delved into the world of health and nutrition, whey protein is a term you’ve likely come across. For others, it’s something they’ve never stumbled upon before.

At its core, whey protein is a high-quality protein that is a by-product of milk during the cheese-making process. Whole milk contains two primary proteins – casein and whey – and the latter is often celebrated for its impressive nutritional profile and outstanding benefits, such as:

• Easily digested and absorbed: Being at the top of the bioavailability scale, whey protein is a go-to source for quick, quality protein. The same protein that’s present in human breast milk, it’s easily broken down and readily absorbed to be used in the body for a variety of biological functions and processes.
  
  
• Rich amino acid profile: Whey protein is what’s known as a complete protein. This means it boasts all nine essential amino acids, as well as the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) - valine, leucine and isoleucine - ensuring comprehensive muscle support.
  
  
• Versatility: Its easy solubility makes whey protein a versatile ingredient in the kitchen - a favourite for shakes, bakes and more. This flexibility makes it a breeze to incorporate high-quality protein into your daily routine with very little prep or hassle.
  
  
• Nutrients beyond protein: Three of the amino acids present in whey protein - glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid - aid the body’s production of the ‘master antioxidant’, glutathione. (8) This means that the benefits of whey go far beyond increasing your protein intake, working to enhance the body’s antioxidant defences.

Understanding the different types of whey protein

You don’t have to be a nutritionist or dietitian to understand the different types of whey protein. Once you scratch beneath the surface, it becomes clear that each type of whey protein has its unique offering, both for beginners and protein aficionados.

Whey protein concentrate (WPC)

As with all whey protein, concentrate is derived from the by-product whey of milk during cheese production. It’s the least processed form of whey and therefore retains a higher amount of beneficial compounds, such as minerals and nutrients. This protein-packed powerhouse is known for its comparatively high fat and lactose content, making it creamier and more flavourful than its counterparts.

Rich in immune-boosting factors and beneficial nutrients, WPC often boasts a fuller, more natural flavour profile, perfect for those who prefer a tastier shake. It's also typically more affordable, providing excellent value for money.

WPC’s slightly higher fat and lactose content can sometimes be a downside for those sensitive to dairy or lactose. Additionally, it generally offers a slightly lower protein percentage compared to whey protein isolate.

Whey protein isolate (WPI)

Distinguished by its pure, refined nature, whey protein isolate is additionally processed to remove more of the fat and lactose. This process results in a protein content that often exceeds 90%. Originating from the same cheese production process as WPC, the extra filtration steps make WPI a more concentrated protein source.

WPI is appealing to those who seek a higher protein intake with minimal calories from fats and carbohydrates. Its low lactose level makes it a friendlier option for those with dairy sensitivities or lactose intolerance and its mild taste and smooth texture allow it to blend into the background of various foods and beverages.

Its higher protein purity comes at a price, making WPI often more expensive than WPC. Some of the beneficial nutrients and immune-boosting compounds present in WPC are reduced as a result of the more intensive processing.

Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH)

Whey protein hydrolysate stands out as the ‘pre-digested’ form of whey protein. This involves breaking down the protein into smaller peptide chains, simulating the initial stage of digestion. This means when you consume WPH, your body has to do less work to assimilate and use the protein.

The primary benefit of WPH is its rapid absorption rate, making it the fastest-acting among all whey protein forms. This is especially beneficial for moments when the body craves rapid nutrition. The hydrolysis process also reduces allergenic properties, making it a suitable option for those who might react to other forms of whey.

The pre-digested nature of WPH can give it a bitter taste, making it less enjoyable as part of your daily routine. Its advanced processing also makes it the priciest among the three whey protein types.

Our verdict on which type is best

The Organic Protein Co. has always been about balancing natural nutrition with taste, quality and integrity. While all of the whey protein types have their benefits, when it comes to our organic powders, we believe whey protein concentrate is the best type on offer:

• Natural and minimally processed: By undergoing minimal processing, WPC is as close to its natural state as possible. With our chemical-free, purely mechanical filtration process, we ensure that our whey protein concentrate is nutritious and natural, preserving the essential minerals and nutrients which are innate to whey.
  
  
• Taste matters: We don’t think that great taste should suffer for the sake of nutrition. While hydrolysate is more rapidly absorbed by the body, it often has an unpalatable bitterness to it. With WPC, we’re able to provide a creamier, more enjoyable taste balanced with high-quality nutrition, making your protein journey both beneficial and delicious. 
  
  
• Easy to mix: In contrast to whey protein isolate, WPC is far easier to mix with liquids like water or milk. Isolates tend to resist blending, meaning some brands choose to add emulsifiers. This can be the case with other whey protein concentrates too - but our whey protein powders contain no emulsifiers or any other artificial additives.
  
  
• No hidden ingredients: It's not uncommon for isolates to use additives like sodium citrate e331 in the spray drying process and, given its classification as a mixing aid, this typically won’t make it to the ingredient list. Our stance is absolute transparency; with a slightly lower protein content, WPC spray dries perfectly without any external, artificial assistance.

Making the ethical choice

At The Organic Protein Co., our commitment goes beyond just delivering high-quality whey protein. We believe in fostering a connection between nutritional excellence and ethical choices.

Choosing the best whey protein for your needs is about more than just understanding nutritional profiles. With higher ethical standards on offer, choosing your whey protein source can also be about aligning with your values.

Our whey protein concentrate is sourced sustainably from the milk of grass-fed, organically-reared cows, resulting in organic protein powders that adhere to more ethical farming standards. It also means that our whey protein is completely free from nasties such as pesticides, antibiotics and GMOs. This emphasis on transparency and ethical sourcing ensures you always know what's going into your body and exactly where it's coming from.

Effortlessly add organic WPC to your diet

Alongside consuming a wide variety of whole food protein sources such as lean meat, fish, beans, and legumes, whey protein concentrate can be an easy way to increase your overall protein intake, whatever your reasons or goals. 

Embracing the benefits of whey protein powder doesn't mean compromising on taste or convenience. With our premium whey protein concentrate, you can enjoy the natural, creamy taste of WPC while effortlessly boosting your protein intake:

• Morning smoothie: Start your day with a power-packed smoothie. Blend a scoop of our whey protein with almond milk, a handful of berries, a banana and a dash of honey. It’s a delightful mix of nutrition and taste.
  
  
• Protein pancakes: Give your pancakes a protein twist. Add a scoop of our whey protein to your usual pancake batter and top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for a wholesome breakfast.
  
  
• Protein-packed oats: Elevate your oats by stirring in a scoop of our whey protein and add nuts and fruits for extra texture and flavour.

Get the benefits of our whey protein bundles

We recognise that each individual's protein needs are unique, and that's why we offer the 'build a bundle' feature. Customise your own whey protein concentrate protein combo, mixing and matching in line with your preferences and nutritional targets.

With our subscription options, you can ensure consistent protein intake without the hassle of reordering. It’s our way of ensuring you harness the full potential of whey protein concentrate seamlessly, ensuring optimal health and wellness at every step.

Your protein, your choice

The world of whey protein is vast and filled with choices, and it’s important to ensure you’re informed about the options you’re taking. We’ve shed light on the essentials of whey protein, the different forms and the importance of aligning your choice with both your health goals and ethical values. Be it the neutral creamy flavour of whey protein concentrate, the higher protein content of isolate or the faster-absorption perks of hydrolysate, there's a fit for every health aspiration.

Ready to change up your protein intake? Committed to transparency, quality and ethical choices, we're here to champion your health journey. Browse our delicious, high-quality organic whey protein concentrate powders today.