Whey Isolate and Whey Concentrate are two acknowledged rulers of the protein world, with each containing some exceptional benefits based on your body goals. Hence, which is the right option and which is the best?

When it comes to differentiating whey isolate and whey concentrate, two primary differences come up, although both proteins are derived from a similar raw ingredient, i.e. milk. In short, both proteins undergo a filtration procedure, with isolate being subject to a deeper procedure.

This enables isolate to be reduced in calories, fats, and carbs than concentrate while keeping up with its high protein contents. Moreover, it has lower lactose content, so is a suitable protein for people who abstain from dairy items. Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply that concentrate is not the right option for you.

Whey concentrate also has a lower fat, calories, and carbs content, and comprises pure protein content, and generally, it is less costly. Let’s discuss the most important areas of these proteins to help you make a detailed decision of which is the better option for you!

What is Whey Protein?

Two proteins are found in milk: whey and casein. At the time of making cheese or yogurt, whey protein is the remaining liquid. In milk, casein makes up 80% of the proteins, while whey makes up the 20% remaining. The body can absorb whey faster than casein.

Whey is pondered a complete protein, comprising all nine essential amino acids and is low in lactose content. Several types of whey protein are utilized in supplements. The 2 most general types are whey concentrate and whey isolate.

Whey Concentrate vs. Whey Isolate

The biggest distinction between whey concentrate and whey isolate should do with the filtering amount that each undergoes. Whey isolate undergoes necessarily more processing than whey concentrate, which implies that every scoop of isolate finally comprises more actual protein.

1. Whey Isolate Has Lower Lactose Content

Due to the additional processing it undergoes, whey isolate has lower lactose content than concentrate. Lactose is sugar – it’s a carbohydrate – and most of the carbs get extracted amid processing. Many individuals who cannot tolerate lactose can consume whey isolate with no problem.

Nevertheless, although it doesn’t undergo as much processing, whey concentrate has lower lactose content, implying that it possibly will not impact people with less extreme cases of lactose intolerance.

A few whey protein items also have digestive enzymes included, which additionally help in absorption and promote breaking down regardless of lactose amount.

2. Whey Isolate Contains Higher Protein Content

After its separation from milk, whey is not only made up of proteins but also comprises fats and carbs. Since it undergoes less processing, whey concentrate finally contains more carbs and fats in comparison with isolate – more carbs and fats imply less protein every scoop.

Albeit it is necessitous to mention that among various concentrates the processing amount varies, and as an outcome, so does the entire protein content. Generally, the protein content of various whey concentrates can range from 30% to almost 80%.

On the other hand, usually, whey isolates are almost 90% pure protein, with the most authentic forms coming closer to 95%.

3. Whey Concentrate Contains a Little Lower Biological Value

Biological Value is a general technique used by scientists to calculate a protein’s quality. BV assesses the amount of the protein your body uses while producing new tissues. If the biological value is higher, the protein source is better.

Both whey concentrate and whey isolate contain high biological values. Whey concentrate has the same biological value of an egg, which contains the highest biological values of any natural whole food item – whey concentrate contains a biological value of 104 in comparison with the BV of an egg of 100.

Although the biological value of whey concentrate is great, the BV of whey isolate is higher. And with a BV of more than 140, presently whey isolate contains the highest BV of any source of protein that has been measured by scientists.

4. Whey Isolate Is Costlier

Price is one of the proven differences between whey concentrate and whey isolate. Since there is more processing engaged, it finally costs more for forming isolate, which implies that items comprising just pure isolate will generally be costlier. Nevertheless, many whey protein items comprise a blend of both concentrate and isolate.

5. Whey Concentrate Accelerates the Muscle Protein Synthesis

MPS (Muscle Protein Synthesis) is the primary process through which your muscle tissues are redeveloped. In general terms, MPS is an organized procedure through which your body makes plans for delivering nutrients to muscle cells for repair.

Although both concentrate and isolate accelerate the MPS process following consumption, studies showcase that whey concentrate speeds up MPS to a greater extent than whey isolate.

6. Whey Isolate Is Absorbed In a Quicker Rate

Although your body is effective with both types of protein, it absorbs them at various rates. Following consumption, whey isolate is absorbed fast, generally reaching the blood flow in nearly an hour. On the other hand, whey concentrate generally takes 2 to 3 hours before the body can begin using it.

7. Whey Concentrate Comprises Bioactive Peptides and Immunoglobulins

At the time of extra processing that it undergoes, bioactive peptides and immunoglobulins are removed from whey isolate. Maybe it sounds bad but BPs and IGs play a pivotal role in bone, heart, lipid, and liver health.

Which One Is Better Between Whey Concentrate and Whey Isolate?

When it comes to differentiating 2 primary forms of whey protein, ponder why you will take the protein before deciding something. Whey isolate contains a higher percentage of protein and hence, more protein per serving. Moreover, it comprises less fat, carbs, and lactose.

Whey isolate is the better choice for sports nutrition and for people who are worried about weight loss, and also for people who are sensitive to dairy products. The inadequacy of lactose in whey isolate is perfect for people who cannot tolerate lactose. Albeit in these cases whey altogether and pondering a plant-based protein may be a better choice.

For some individuals, whey concentrate is a better choice, due to its affordability and retention of more nutritional fats and carbs. A few nutrients are lost in the longer filtration procedure that the whey protein isolate goes through.

Extra fat, carbs, calories are not bad for everybody. People seeking a meal replacement in the type of whey protein powder must opt for whey concentrate. And in case you are a competing athlete and only require a high-quality protein after intense exercise, whey concentrate is better.

Our Recommendation

Anyway, when selecting a whey protein supplement, you should select a high-quality item with properly sourced ingredients. Search for sustainable, grass-fed whey sources. Abstain from non-nutritive sweeteners like Sucralose and aspartame, and sugar.

Also, ask your friends or trainer for their preferred brands – anybody who utilizes a whey protein supplement daily can tell you their experience. The best thing is that both forms of whey are available in many amazing flavours that make post-workout protein shakes more amazing to have.

About the Author

Vikash is sales and marketing manager at Pigi – India’s top online protein supplement store to buy 100% genuine and authentic whey protein & bodybuilding health supplements at best prices. He does blogging as a hobby and loves to write on health, fitness, and nutrition.