Whey Concentrate vs Whey Isolate: Which One to Choose?

Whey protein concentrate and isolate whey protein are the tyrannous kings of the world of protein, with each one of these offering great benefits depending on your fitness goals. It is quite easy to get confused when deciding which one of them is the best choice for you. 

Broadly, there are two differences between these two protein types. Both of these are obtained from milk but have some differences and this is why you need to choose the best one for you wisely. Both of these whey proteins go through certain filtration processes, with whey protein isolate undergoing a rigorous filtration process to rule out excess fats, calories, carbs, and lactose and enhance protein content.

The lower lactose content of isolated whey allows it to be a perfect pick for people with lactose intolerance or those who want to avoid dairy products. Concentrated whey is also low in carbs, fats, and calories but it has a bit more of these when compared to the other one. However, it also provides quality protein at a lower rate to fuel your muscle-building goals. In this article, we have covered the main differences between the two to help you make an informed decision.

 

Whey protein concentrate vs whey protein isolate

Below are the differences between the two whey proteins that will help you develop a better understanding of the two and decide which one is the ideal choice for you.

 

Point of difference	Whey concentrate	Whey isolate
Processing	Micro-filtration process	Cross-flow Micro-filtration
Protein content	Less content per serving (Around 80%)	More protein content per serving (Around 90%)
Fats	More fats as compared to isolated whey	Low-fat
Lactose content	More lactose content	Very little lactose
Amino acids	Rich in all essential and non-essential amino acids	Rich in all essential and non-essential amino acids
Price	Quite affordable/Not expensive	Expensive
Ideal for	Individuals looking for building muscles and consume other nutrients alongside protein	Individuals looking to lose weight, build lean muscles, and having lactose intolerance

 

Which one should you choose?

Both, concentrated and isolated whey, are rich in protein content. The difference lies in the number of carbs and fats. If you are on a low-calorie diet and aim to lose weight, whey isolate is a better choice for you, whereas, if you want to pack muscle mass and weight loss is not your ultimate goal, whey concentrate is your best bet. However, whey isolate is expensive as compared to the concentrated whey. It swings and roundabout, with each one of them having its own set of pros.

 

Best whey protein powders in India

 Here is a list of some of the best whey protein supplements that you can choose from.

MuscleBlaze Biozyme Whey Protein Isolate

This isolate protein powder offers 25g protein and 5.51g BCAA per serving to support lean muscle growth, muscle recovery, and muscle protein synthesis. It is India’s first-ever clinically-tested protein that offers 50% more protein absorption and 60% higher BCAA absorption than other whey isolates as it is packed with Enhanced Absorption Formula. It doesn’t let you experience much stomach discomfort and eases out digestion and absorption of nutrients.

 

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein

This product comes in multiple delectable flavors and is undoubtedly a great supplement. It contains a blend of whey isolate and ultra-filtered whey protein concentrate to boost lean muscle development. It offers 5.5g BCAAs to support muscle recovery. It helps in enhancing metabolism, energy, and stamina.

 

Ultimate Nutrition Prostar

It contains a blend of whey isolate, concentrate, and peptides along with soy lecithin. It helps in boosting strength and workout performance and also supports faster muscle recovery. It also helps in reducing fatigue. It also helps in boosting stamina and energy and enhances your metabolism.

 

Dymatize Elite 100% Whey

Each serving of this product fuels you with 25g protein that comes from a blend of whey isolates, concentrates, and peptides. It is an unadulterated protein powder that contains BCAAs and L-leucine to support muscle protein synthesis and recovery.

 

Big Muscles Superior Whey

This is a great tasting protein supplement that offers explosive energy along with quality protein per serving. It has got all the essential nutrients required for muscle growth and enhanced overall health. It helps in preventing muscle breakdown and builds stronger immunity. You get 24g protein per scoop to promote muscle growth.

 

We hope that this article has helped you understand the differences between the two whey protein and decide which one is better for you. It doesn’t matter which protein you choose as per your goal, combining it with the right diet and a strict workout routine is the only key to get the best results.