Our selection
# Best whey isolate 🥇
> Native Whey Isolate – Nutri&Co
# Best value for money
> PURE Native Whey Isolate – PURE AM Nutrition
Like whey, whey isolate is produced from milk whey, but it has the particularity of having undergone an additional filtration and purification process allowing it to have a higher protein content.
As a result, it contains almost no fat or lactose. It is therefore particularly useful for people who are lactose intolerant or who want rapid protein absorption.
Among the many products on the market, it is not always easy to know which one to choose.
To help you, we tested and analyzed 9 whey isolates among the best-selling on the Internet. We then rated them according to 5 criteria and selected the 4 best.
Tested brands : Bulk, Eafit, Eric Fabre, Nutri&Co, Nutrimuscle, Optimum Nutrition, Pure AM Nutrition, Scitec Nutrition.
📚 Read also | Our buying guide dedicated to the best whey protein powders
Best whey isolates: our review
# BEST WHEY ISOLATE
My rating: 4.6/5
Nutri&Co: 4.6/5
Nutrition: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★★
Brand: ★★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
Packaging: ★★★★☆
Nutri&co is a French brand created in 2017. It specializes in selling dietary supplements intended to improve health, beauty, and athletic performance.
Nutri&co native chocolate-flavored whey isolate contains 84.7 g of protein per 100 g with 24.8 g of BCAAs. This composition is exceptional for a whey protein, which shows very good milk quality. In addition, this isolate is among the purest in our comparison. It contains no lactose.
Nutri&co whey isolate is native, so it does not come from cheese-industry whey but directly from milk. The proteins are cold-extracted by microfiltration, which preserves their full quality.
The milk used to make the whey comes from French pasture-raised cows; according to our analysis, this is the best possible quality for a whey isolate. It is produced by Lactalis, a French company.
What we appreciate about Nutri&co is the transparency; everything is crystal clear.The origin of each ingredient is clearly detailed. All analyses are listed online (heavy metals and other contaminants, microbiological quality).
Nutri&co whey contains only 2 additives: xanthan gum and sunflower lecithin. These additives are considered “acceptable” by the 2023 ranking of the magazine “Que Choisir”. They are not controversial and pose no risk to consumers.
The brand chose not to use any chemical sweetener. For sweetness, only steviol glycoside from stevia is used. In our opinion, this is currently the best alternative for a sweet taste without adding calories.
For taste and pleasure, Nutri&co whey isolate is well positioned. The powder mixes well and does not clump, its texture is a little too runny and lacks creaminess.
Its chocolate flavor is pleasant and has no chemical aftertaste.
The only minor drawback is that we regret that the packaging is plastic rather than paper.
The price of this whey isolate is among the highest on the market at €49.90 per kilo, but we believe this price is largely justified by the quality.
Advantages
- French milk, native quality
- Rich in protein and BCAAs
- Completely lactose-free
- Good cocoa flavor
- No controversial additives
Disadvantages
- Plastic pouch
# BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
My rating: 4.4/5
PURE AM Nutrition: 4.4/5
Nutrition: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★☆
Brand: ★★★★★
Taste: ★★★★★
Pack: ★★★☆☆
Pure AM Nutrition is a French brand created in 2017; it is specialized in dietary supplements for athletes.
AM Nutrition’s whey isolate contains 85 g of protein per 100 g, with 18.4 g of BCAAs. This whey is of excellent quality.
It contains little fat (0.9 g/100 g) and 10.4 g / 100 g of carbohydrates. That is uncommon for an isolate. This indicates a higher amount of lactose than some isolates. Warning, this may be problematic for people who are sensitive or intolerant.
AM Nutrition whey is native, meaning it does not come from a by-product of the cheese industry but directly from milk, so it is of superior quality because no heat treatment is used to extract the proteins. The milk used is French.
AM Nutrition whey isolate is the only whey in our test that contains no additives or texturizing agents, other than sweeteners. That is a very good thing!
Its sweet taste comes from a blend of sweeteners: steviol glycosides and sucralose. Sucralose is a sweetener classified as not very recommendable in the 2023 food additive ranking by the magazine “Que Choisir”.
The taste of AM Nutrition whey is one of our favorites. We loved its non-chemical, indulgent vanilla flavor. Its sweet taste is well balanced, just right.
Its texture is unusual, with a foamy layer on the surface and a more liquid layer. This must come from the absence of a texturizing agent.
AM Nutrition whey isolate can be purchased at a fair price for its quality, the origin of its milk and its texture-free formulation. Its price is 42.71 euros per kg.
Advantages
- French milk
- Native quality
- Good amount of protein and BCAAs
- No texture agent
- Excellent vanilla flavor
- Attractive price
Disadvantages
- High lactose content
- Presence of sucralose
- Plastic pouch
# BEST CONCENTRATION
My rating: 4.4/5
Nutrimuscle: 4.4/5
Nutrition: ★★★★☆
Safety: ★★★★☆
Brand: ★★★★★
Taste: ★★★★★
Pack: ★★★☆☆
Nutrimuscle is a French brand created in 1993, and it claims to be the first French brand of supplements for bodybuilding.
Nutrimuscle whey isolate contains 85.3 g of protein with 25.5 g of BCAAs; it is the isolate in our test that contains the most. This shows excellent milk quality. In addition, it contains 4.8 g of carbohydrates with only 0.6 g of lactose.
Nutrimuscle whey isolate is native, so the quality of the protein is optimal. Unfortunately, we were unable to find out where the milk used to make it comes from.
However, the brand is transparent and makes the certificates available on its website, showing that the product is safe (milk testing, absence of toxins, absence of GMP… ) .
Nutrimuscle whey isolate has the particularity of containing prebiotic fibers such as inulin, probiotic bacteria, and lactase, which promote digestion and provide better digestive comfort.
The taste of this isolate is pleasant thanks to a balanced flavor and a good cocoa taste.
Its dissolving is good and gives a smooth, liquid texture.
The only downside is that the sweet taste comes from sucralose, a controversial chemical sweetener. One study highlights that it could be harmful to our gut microbiota and could play a negative role in long-term weight management.
At a price of €43.3 per kg, Nutrimuscle whey isolate is one of the cheapest in our comparison. Despite the presence of sucralose, it offers very good value for money given its protein content.
Advantages
- Native quality
- Rich in protein and BCAAs
- Low in lactose
- Good cocoa flavor
- Attractive price
Disadvantages
- Unknown milk origin
- Presence of sucralose
- Plastic container
Full comparison
| Note | Nutrition | Sécurité | Marque | Plaisir | Pack | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutri&Co | 4.6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Pure AM Nutrition | 4,4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Nutrimuscle | 4,4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Bulk | 4,4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Optimum Nutrition | 4,0 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| Eric Fabre | 3,6 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Eafit | 3.4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Scitec Nutrition | 3,2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
→ Access our full comparison table here (Google Sheet)
Methodology
The product ranking is established by our editorial team, based on objective criteria (nutritional value, safety, and brand) and subjective criteria (taste and packaging). The methodology and FAQ were prepared by Maxime Mességué, a dietitian-nutritionist who serves as a scientific expert. Product data were collected in January 2024 from the brands’ websites. Prices and characteristics may change.
To create this comparison, I defined 5 qualitative criteria based on the characteristics of each of the whey isolates tested.
Each criterion is scored out of 5, and the average of the 5 criteria determined the final selection.
→ Access our full comparison table here (Google Sheet)
1. Nutritional value
To assess the quality of whey isolate, it is important to base it in particular on the amount of protein. The more protein a whey contains, the purer it is and the faster it is absorbed.
I also suggested taking into account the amount of BCAA, essential amino acids for muscle building that indicate good milk quality when present in sufficient quantities.
Finally, I recommended basing it on the presence of carbohydrates, especially sugar. In whey isolate, sugar is never added, so the presence of sugar in the nutrition facts table indicates the presence of lactose. The higher the amount of lactose, the less pure the whey isolate is.
2. Safety
- Geographic origin of the milk
It is always important to know where what we consume comes from, so I recommended choosing French milk over European milk or milk from outside the EU.
- Native or non-native quality
When whey is native, the isolate comes directly from milk and is not a by-product of the cheese industry. The proteins are extracted cold and are not denatured by heat treatment. They are often easier to digest and of better quality.
- The number of food additives and texturing agents
The presence of controversial additives is not acceptable in 2023. Texturing agents are not controversial, but the fewer there are, the better it is for greater naturalness.
- The sweeteners used
To improve the taste of whey isolate, sweeteners are used. Natural, non-controversial sweeteners, such as steviol glycosides, are preferred over chemical sweeteners that can have an impact on the microbiota, such as sucralose and acesulfame K.
3. Brand reputation
To assess the brand’s reputation, we can rely on this data:
- The brand’s founding date, since longevity is often a sign of quality.
- The number of followers on Instagram, which reflects its popularity.
- Reviews on rating sites such as Trustpilot, as well as Amazon reviews.
- French companies were prioritized.
4. Taste pleasure and texture
The taste of a protein supplement is essential so that it is taken regularly and effectively. I therefore recommended rating the different isolates according to their taste, the balance of sweetness, and their texture.
A wide range of flavor choices was a plus.
For fairness, each whey should be mixed according to the proportions given on the packaging in tap water, then each shaker should be shaken vigorously for 20 seconds.
Since taste is very subjective, I recommend favoring natural, lightly sweetened flavors and foamy textures without lumps.
5. Packaging
Because reducing waste and plastic use is important, the environmental impact of packaging is essential.
I therefore advised favoring products containing as little plastic as possible and/or using recycled materials.
The packaging’s aesthetics and practicality must also be taken into account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is whey isolate?
Whey isolate is one of the three main forms of whey protein derived from milk (the other two being whey concentrate and whey hydrolyzed). It is obtained through a more advanced filtration process than whey concentrate to remove most of the fat and lactose, making it a very pure protein source. As a result, whey isolate generally contains a higher protein content, often above 90%.
What are the benefits of whey isolate?
Whey isolate is preferred by athletes, bodybuilders, and people looking to increase their protein intake while minimizing their calorie and carbohydrate intake. It has the advantage of being digested and absorbed quickly by the body, making it an ideal choice for muscle recovery after exercise. Finally, whey isolate is better tolerated by people sensitive to lactose because most of the lactose is removed during the filtration process.
When should whey isolate be taken?
It depends on the reason you are taking whey isolate. If you take whey to support muscle recovery, studies show that it is preferable to take whey isolate after your workout, ideally within the hour that follows. If the purpose of taking whey is only to increase your daily protein intake, the time you take whey does not really matter. However, increased protein intake in the morning at breakfast may be useful to help reduce cravings.
What is the difference between whey isolate and native whey?
In classic (non-native) whey, the whey comes from by-products of the dairy industry. The separation between casein and whey is done by heat treatment. This degrades protein quality. So-called “native” whey therefore comes directly from milk, extracted cold without heat treatment, using a microfiltration process. The proteins are undenatured, easier to digest, and of optimal quality.
Can whey isolate help with weight loss?
Whey isolate does not make you lose weight by itself. It helps optimize protein intake. This helps maintain good muscle mass and a healthy basal metabolism. In addition, a study from 2008 shows that whey proteins promote good satiety, which can make it easier to establish a calorie deficit that allows weight loss.
How much whey isolate should be taken per day?
The recommended amount of whey isolate depends on several factors: the individual’s specific protein needs based on their weight and height, their level of physical activity, their goals, and the amount of protein in their diet. A person who does strength training and wants to increase their protein intake can consume 30 g of whey isolate on training days.
Sources and scientific studies
Food additive evaluation “Que Choisir” 2023 – https://www.quechoisir.org/comparatif-additifs-alimentaires-n56877/
Sucralose, A Synthetic Organochlorine Sweetener: Overview of Biological Issues. Sept 2023 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3856475/
The influence of carbohydrate and protein ingestion during recovery from prolonged exercise on subsequent endurance performance. Nov 2007 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17852694/
Exercising before protein intake allows for greater use of dietary protein–derived amino acids for de novo muscle protein synthesis in both young and elderly men. Feb 2011 – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523020828
The influence of whey protein and glycomacropeptide on satiety in adult humans. Oct 2009 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18948128/
A randomized crossover, pilot study examining the effects of a normal protein vs. high protein breakfast on food cravings and reward signals in overweight/obese “breakfast skipping”, late-adolescent girls . Aug 2014 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25098557/
