In the fitness world, one must understand that not all protein are created equal. Some type of protein works better as compared to others. Whey protein, for instance, is a well-known protein powder used by fitness enthusiasts around the globe.
Whether you only aim to improve your overall physique or build masses of muscles, whey protein can help you achieve both. Let’s dig deeper into what whey protein is and what are your possible options for cheap whey protein powder.
Last update on 2017-09-05 –detail
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What is Whey Protein?
Whey protein is a form of protein which is a byproduct of cheese production. It was first known to be a dietary supplement, but it is now used to strengthen and gain muscles, as well as lose excess fats in the body.
When the milk is hardened during cheese production, it usually produces some leftovers which we now call as whey. Whey protein usually comes in four basic forms, namely native whey, hydrolysate, isolate, and concentrate.
Types of Whey Protein
The following are the four basic types of whey protein on the market:
- Native Whey- This form of whey protein is actually extracted from milk (skim milk) at low temperature rather than a byproduct of cheese production. While some people consider isolate and concentrate as the most efficient form of whey protein, but I beg to differ.
Native whey protein is actually more efficient and healthier. This is because, native whey protein is pasteurized only once. What does it entails? This means that any secondary heat treatment, which can denature the CRPs (Cysteine-rich peptides), is unnecessary.
- Hydrolysate- As the name entails, this form of whey protein is partially hydrolyzed, a process wherein a substance is mixed with water and resulted to molecules being split into two.
It is also considered as the most expensive among the forms because the amino acids found in hydrolysate whey protein are purposely broken down. This process is believed to make the body absorb the amino acids better. However, some experts argue that the process has only little significance since amino acids can be absorbed by the body as is.
- Isolate- Isolate is a favorite type of whey protein because it undergoes a process wherein fats, lactose, and sugar are removed. Due to this, isolate whey protein is also low in bioactive compounds. Another characteristic of this form is that it has a mild milky taste to it.
- Concentrate- This is a form of whey protein known for its high and complete proteins. However, it also has a considerable amount of fats hidden in the form of lactose. These hidden fats are also packed with essential nutrients which are beneficial to our health.
Many individuals prefer this type of whey protein as it has higher bioactive compounds as compared to other forms. Moreover, whey concentrate has up to 89% of protein by weight.
Best Cheap Whey Protein Powder: 5 Choices For You
Now that we have established what whey protein is and how it works in our body, it is time to check out some whey protein products that you can purchase. Below are the 5 cheap whey protein powder on the market today!
Legion Whey+ Chocolate Whey Isolate Protein Powder
This all-natural whey protein powder is naturally sweetened. It is also considered one of the best yet cheap whey protein powder that is for weight loss. If losing some weight is your ultimate goal, then this low-fat protein with zero sugar will suit best for your preference. What’s more is that this whey protein powder is extracted from grass feed cows.
Via Amazon.com
PROs (What Will You Get)
CONs (Issues and Concerns)
- You will enjoy all-natural whey isolate powder that is sugar-free and zero artificial flavor.
- Legion Athletics offer their customer 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Although it is made in the U.S., the whey is exported from a small dairy farm in Ireland, a country known for its high-quality milk production.
- It is impressive when it comes to digestibility and has no issues about upsetting the stomach.
- It is safe for all individuals as it has no gluten, MSG (flavor enhancer), GMOs, or soy-based protein.
- It has low a level of carbohydrates, fats, and calories.
- It is recommended both for bodybuilding and weight loss.
- It is National Science Foundation (NFS) certified. Thus, you can guarantee its quality.
Jay Robb - Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Powder
This whey isolate protein powder by Jay Robb is one of the best deal on the market. The benefits you’ll get is quite amazing such as high-grade whey protein, no junk ingredients, and not to mention the low price.
It is indeed one of the cheap whey protein powder to date but doesn’t fall short on benefits. This product is totally worth the purchase. It even has an eco-friendly packaging to help save mother earth.
Via Amazon.com
- PROs (What Will You Get)
- PROs (What Will You Get)
- You will get a certified safe whey protein powder without GMOs and artificial flavor.
- It is also lactose-free, so people with lactose allergy are safe to use the powder.
- It has a wide range of flavors like vanilla. Chocolate, and strawberry.
- It also feature an unflavored version to accommodate customers who like their protein powder plain.
- Women who use the powder is impress as this is hormone-free.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
If you are a first-time user of whey protein, it is only understandable to be hesitant when buying products that are a bit expensive as you haven't tried its effectiveness yet. I would say that quality is above quantity, yet I also believe in practicality.
Hence, let’s settle somewhere in between. This protein powder from optimum nutrition is a cheap protein powder that works best for weight training and muscle building for an affordable price. It has a total of 24 grams of protein and no artificial flavors.
Via Amazon.com
- PROs (What Will You Get)
- CONs (Issues and Concerns)
- It has a whey protein microfractions from both isolate and concentrate.
- It contains no artificial and synthetic flavor; hence, you can guarantee that what you are getting is 100% natural vanilla flavor.
- It has 20 amazing flavors to choose from. If you have a sweet tooth, Optimum Nutrition also offers a birthday cake flavor which tastes sweet.
- It has low levels of lactose, fats, and cholesterol.
BSN SYNTHA-6 Protein Powder, Whey Protein, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate
If you are looking for a cheap whey protein powder but isn’t short on nutrients, then BSN SYNTHA-6 Whey Protein Powder is an excellent option. While it might not be the best protein powder out there, it is one of the most efficient and practical options, especially for a low price.
Via Amazon.com
- PROs (What Will You Get)
- CONs (Issues and Concerns)
- It has a total of 22 grams of protein per serving.
- This protein powder is also packed with essential nutrients such as: Fiber (5 grams per serving) and essential amino acids (10 grams per serving).
- It also has aminogen which helps your body absorb amino acids better.
- It's also one of the best-tasting whey protein out there. The creamy flavor is highly praised by most users. It also doesn’t have a sweetener aftertaste which is a plus point.
- It has an excellent mixability, meaning it blends perfectly with water and milkshakes.
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Powder
If you want to build muscle fast, then whey protein powder from Body Fortress is for you. It is very cheap but has an impressive amount of protein per serving. This is highly recommended for people who see a cheap whey protein powder but still able to provide 100% quality of nutrients.
Vai Amazon.com
- PROs (What Will You Get)
- CONs (Issues and Concerns)
- You will get 60 grams of protein per two-scoop serving. That is still a little bit higher as compared to most whey powder brands which only offer 20+ grams of protein per serving
- It mixes well with water and other milkshakes.
- It works great when mixed with your creatine powder.
- It has a total of 8 to 12 grams of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) per serving.
Conclusion
Whey protein has all the 9 essential amino acids and is considered as a complete protein. It offers a lot of benefits, but still, proper awareness such as possible allergy to any of the ingredients will help you avoid health risks.
Among this 5 cheap whey protein powder brands, I personally recommend the Legion Whey+. I love that the powder is GMO-free, MSG-free, and Gluten-free. Lastly, the price is really affordable which is great.
Hopefully, you’ve found this cheap whey protein powder review useful. Do you have interesting experiences to share? Let me know your whey protein powder brand through the comment section below!