Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

Whey Protein Isolate vs. Concentrate: What's The Difference & Is One Better?

Adam Meyer
Author: Expert reviewer:
February 28, 2023
Adam Meyer
Certified holistic nutritionist
By Adam Meyer
Certified holistic nutritionist
Adam Meyer is a health writer, certified holistic nutritionist, and plant-based athlete
Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, M.S., RD
Expert review by
Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, M.S., RD
Registered Dietitian
Lauren Torrisi-Gorra, MS, RD is a registered dietitian, chef, and writer with a love of science and passion for helping people create life-long healthy habits. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Fordham University, a Grand Diplôme in Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and master's degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University.

While many of us have heard of whey protein, few know the differences between its two primary forms: whey protein isolate and concentrate.

In this article, protein research experts compare the benefits and potential side effects of taking whey protein isolate vs. concentrate. They also cover whether whey protein isolate or concentrate is better for muscle gain and how much to take as a beginner.

What is whey protein?

Whey protein is the remaining liquid portion of milk that separates from curds when milk is processed to produce cheese, casein, or yogurt. This watery substance contains fast-digesting, high-quality whey proteins.

Whey protein is considered a complete protein since it has all nine essential amino acids1, including the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—for optimal muscle growth.

What are whey protein isolate and concentrate?

Whey protein isolate is made by removing fats, carbohydrates, and other nutrients from whey protein. This process creates a highly filtered form of whey protein comprised of 90 to 95% protein and less than 1% lactose2.

Whey protein concentrate is similar, but it's less highly processed. It's made by drying the liquid substance left over from dairy production and stripping it of some fats and carbs. As a result, whey protein concentrate can have a wide range of protein3 but typically contains 70 to 80% protein and slightly more lactose than isolate.

"Concentrates are the most basic form of protein supplement. They have few additional steps, are lower in cost, and are spray-dried, making them safe for human consumption," David Church, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, explains to mindbodygreen. "Isolates, on the other hand, have additional manufacturing steps that remove most carbohydrates and fat and are at least 90% protein."

Similarities:

whey isolate vs concentrate venn diagram
Image by mbg Creative
1.

Both are made from milk protein.

As detailed above, both whey protein isolate and concentrate are derived from milk protein and are byproducts of the cheese and yogurt manufacturing process. They're not suitable for vegans, who will want to look for plant-derived protein powders instead.

In addition, both whey protein isolate and concentrate are processed to remove other nutrients like fats and carbs for increased protein content.

2.

They're easily digestible.

Regardless of the form, whey protein is considered a "fast-acting" protein with an estimated absorption rate of roughly 10 grams per hour4. That means it would take only two hours on average to absorb a 20-gram serving of either whey protein isolate or concentrate.

"Both whey protein isolate and concentrate are easy to digest," says Stuart Phillips, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Kinesiology and research director of the Protein Metabolism Research Laboratory at McMaster University. While whey concentrate is slightly higher in lactose than whey isolate, it still won't cause digestive upset in most people.

The one exception is if someone is lactose intolerant, "then they may experience gas, bloating, and gastrointestinal distress with concentrate," Phillips adds. "But [they'll feel it] less than if they drank the volume of milk to get the same amount of protein."

3.

They're complete proteins.

Whether you choose isolate or concentrate, whey protein is a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a high-quality protein source. This is a main difference between whey protein and plant proteins, most of which are considered incomplete on their own.

This is important because humans must acquire essential amino acids5 through diet since our bodies don't produce enough.

4.

Both are beneficial for training adaptations from exercise.

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness6 found that whey protein isolate and concentrate had similar benefits on cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle protein synthesis (MPS), overall strength, physical performance, and fitness outcomes.*

"If you take 20 to 30 grams of protein from a whey protein isolate or a whey protein concentrate, your training adaptations will be the same," states Church.

Summary

Whey protein isolate and concentrate are both derived from milk protein, so they're both complete protein sources with all the amino acids your body needs to facilitate muscle growth and recovery. They're both easy to digest, though whey isolate is lower in lactose and will be better for those with sensitivities.

Differences:

1.

Concentrate is more affordable.

Whey protein isolate is considered a more premium product. It tends to be more costly since it undergoes a longer manufacturing process, resulting in higher protein content. "Generally, isolates are more expensive since they have a higher protein concentration," says Church.

2.

Isolate has a higher protein concentration.

As mentioned above, whey protein isolates have higher protein content than concentrate. Typically, whey protein isolate contains 90 to 95% protein, while concentrate contains 70 to 80%.

3.

Concentrate has a higher lactose content.

Since whey protein isolate is more processed, it contains less lactose and fewer carbohydrates and fats. As a result, whey protein isolate tends to have less than 1% lactose, making it a safer (but still not entirely lactose-free) option for those with lactose intolerance.

4.

Concentrate is more satiating.

Since whey protein concentrate is more calorically dense and contains other nutrients, it can be more filling than isolate. "Due to the higher total product needed, lactose, carbohydrate, and fat content, whey protein concentrate can be more satiating than whey protein isolates," says Church.

Summary

There are a few differences between whey concentrate and isolate: Isolate is higher in protein and it contains less lactose, fat, and carbs than concentrate. This makes it better for those with lactose sensitivities and those looking to get more protein with fewer calories. However, it's less filling than concentrate, and it might be less effective for fat loss. Isolate is also more expensive.

Is one better?

So which is better, isolate or concentrate? Both are readily absorbable, easy to digest, and good for boosting physical performance.* Ultimately, the answer boils down to individual needs, how they're used, and personal preferences.

If you're lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, consuming an isolate is a better choice since it contains less lactose. Those who are looking to hit a certain daily protein goal will also find that an isolate product helps them do so more than a concentrate.

Your health and fitness goals might also impact which one you choose. "If someone is trying to gain mass and eat in a caloric surplus, ingesting whey protein isolate might be preferred since you won't feel as full due to the lower lactose, carbohydrate, and fat content," explains Church.

How to find high-quality versions of each

When searching for a high-quality whey protein, choose a product that is sugar-free, contains as few extra ingredients as possible, and is sustainably sourced and packaged.

"Find a whey protein with all the essential amino acids in the required range," adds Church. Ideally, the product should provide 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving7 with 2.5-3 grams of leucine for optimal MPS8.

Whey protein checklist:

FAQ

Should I take whey isolate or concentrate as a beginner?

If you're new to whey protein, you can take either whey protein isolate or concentrate. Both will help you optimize physical performance and build muscle. However, isolate is a better option for those sensitive to dairy, and concentrate may help you feel fuller longer since it contains more carbs and fats. Also, isolate tends to be more expensive, which may be a deterrent for beginners.

Are there any whey protein isolate side effects?

Whey protein isolate is safe to consume. However, it should be taken in conjunction with a regular exercise routine that includes strength training.

The takeaway

Whey protein is a fast-digesting, easily absorbed dietary protein supplement. The two most common forms are whey protein and isolate. Both are beneficial for recovery and physical performance but differ in protein concentration and how they're processed. Regardless of your health and fitness goals, supplementing whey protein in its isolate or concentrate form can help you meet your daily protein needs.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Health
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.