Premium Whey Protein Powders - Look No Further, Your High Quality Fitness Fuel Has Been Found!
Dietary Supplements / Mar 2, 2024 / Comments
Premium Whey Protein Powders (Review)
Whether you’re trying to build some lean muscle or shed off some extra layers of fat, embarking on a journey to optimal fitness often requires the support of reliable supplements. In the realm of protein powders, a few stand out as a beacon of quality and innovation. In this review, we’ll go over three premium whey protein powders that cater to the different needs of the individual depending on their preference. As we dive into this comprehensive review, we unravel the unique features and benefits that set these products apart from the rest in the competitive world of fitness nutrition.
Designer Whey Protein 1000g Pouch
Kicking things off is the Designer Whey that is available in an attractive looking 1000 grams pouch. As they say though, looks aren’t everything right? What makes it stand out from its competition? Manufactured in Germany, ESN Desiger Whey is a testament to German quality and precision. It is renowned for its quick absorption, making it one of the best whey protein mixes globally.
One notable aspect is its versatility, serving as a protein-rich shake for fitness enthusiasts and those mindful of nutrition, but also a great choice for cooking and baking. With low fat and carbohydrate content (each 5%), it proves to be an ally for successful weight management. Not to mention that this protein blend has gained notable recognition on Amazon as an “Amazon’s Choice” and “Best Seller” product, boasting an impressive 4.4/5 stars from over 37,500 reviews.
ESN’s commitment to quality is evident in their gentle cold processing method, preserving the biological effectiveness of sensitive protein building blocks. The high bioavailability is further enhanced by the inclusion of essential amino acids (EAA content 48%) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA content 23%). On average, in 100g, it contains about 78g of protein and a low count of carbs and fat at 4.5g and 5.4g respectively. The numbers may vary slightly depending on which flavor you opt for.
Designer Iso-Whey Hardcore Protein
If your protein cravings are insatiable, then this is the product for you! With similar qualities to the above mentioned protein pouch, the ESN IsoWhey Hardcore differs in that it is meticulously crafted with top-notch, micro-filtered whey isolate, boasting high protein content and minimal fat and lactose. Employing a cold-friendly production method ensures the integrity of protein fractions, peptide chains, and amino acids. An added perk of this product lies in its reduced fat content, allowing you to save on calories while keeping your protein intake high. With its high bioavailability of 44.7% EAA and 21% BCAA, it’s a great choice for those with lactose intolerance, as it emerges as an excellent alternative to other versions of ESN’s protein powder products.
On average, in a 100g, the high protein content comes in at 85g with 3.2g of carbs and a mere 0.7g of fat. It has great reviews on Amazon, with 4.5/5 stars from over 16,000 reviews. Can be purchased in a 1kg or 2.5kg pouch and is available in a variety of flavors such as Blueberry Cheesecake, Chocolate, and Vanilla Caramel.
That's All Good, But What About ESN's Taste?
Regardless of how good the performance/quality of such a product is, the truth is most people won’t buy it if they can’t drink it due to it tasting bad or not mixing well with the solvent. We are glad to tell you that this is not the case with this product as the product developers aimed for perfection in taste, smell, and mouthfeel, achieved through a unique combination of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey protein isolate (WPI). Now let’s be clear, nothing is really perfect as there’s aways room for improvement, but the manufacturers did do a pretty good job at getting the absorption and taste right.
ESN’s wide array of delectable flavors includes Chocolate Fudge Cookie Dough, Cinnamon Roll, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Vanilla Caramel to name a few (the complete list can be found in the table below). This diverse flavor profile transforms each shake into an enjoyable experience, making fitness nutrition less of a hassle. Directions for both products are straightforward – mix 30g with 200ml of water or low-fat milk and enjoy pre- or post-workout! We do recommend using a shaker as typically come with a blender ball or mixing mechanism, ensuring thorough and efficient blending of protein powder with liquids. This helps in achieving a smoother and clump-free consistency. If you’re unsure what shaker to get, don’t worry, we got you covered, just take a look at our shaker recommendations in this Protein Shaker product review.
Alpha Food's Vegan Protein
We most certainly haven’t forgotten about the vegan lovers out there! In the vast landscape of vegan protein powders, Alpha Foods emerges as a standout with its 600g offering that has garnered a remarkable 4.3 out of 5 stars from a substantial 13,121 reviews on Amazon.
One of the defining features of Alpha Foods’ Vegan Protein Powder lies in its optimal blend of vegetable proteins sourced from soy, wild rice, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, amaranth, and yellow peas. This meticulous combination results in a complete essential amino acid (EAA) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) profile, rivaling the nutritional prowess of whey protein. A significant point of pride for Alpha Foods is their local production, with all products fully certified in Germany. The vegan proteins used are 100% plant-based, derived from a variety of germinated seeds and beans, ensuring optimal bioavailability and tolerability.
By sprouting seeds and legumes, Alpha Foods dismantles natural plant toxins, making their vegan protein powder easily digestible – a natural and unique process that sets their product apart. This protein product is a testament to Alpha Foods’ commitment to vegan, honest, and sustainable nutrition.
Notably, Alpha Foods takes a commendable step towards environmental responsibility by eliminating the inclusion of a measuring spoon in their packaging. This eco-friendly move aligns with their commitment to sustainability, and users are encouraged to explore alternative dosing methods. Now this might be a bit inconvenient for some people, but let’s be honest, if you want to get proper measurements, a measuring scale is needed anyways.
Vegan Protein Shake Tastes Just As Good
Delving into the sensory experience, Alpha Foods ensures an authentic and impeccable treat with a wide flavor profile. From Raspberry Yogurt to its creamy chocolate flavor, enriched with real cocoa and a touch of the finest Ceylon cinnamon. This protein powder transcends the conventional vegan protein standards, proving versatile enough for both culinary experimentation and baking adventures. Suitable for both pre- and post-workout, just mix 15g with 200ml of water, plant-based milk, or soy yogurt and enjoy!
Side By Side Comparison
Here’s an overview of the above mentioned products in a side-by-side comparison view:
| Content | Designer Whey | Designer Iso-Whey Hardcore | Vegan Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESN | ESN | Alpha Foods |
| Fat (in 100g) | 5.4g | 0.7g | 5.1g |
| Carbohydrate (in 100g) | 4.5g | 3.2g | 7.8g |
| Protein (in 100g) | 78g | 85g | 69g |
| EAA/BCAA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Package | 1kg Pouch | 1kg/2.5kg Pouch | 600g Tin |
| Allergens Info | Milk/Lactose | Traces of Milk/Lactose | Soy |
| Catered for | Adults | Adults | Adults |
| Storage | Store in a cool and dry place and close the bag well after use. | Store in a cool and dry place and close the bag well after use. | Store in a cool and dry place and close the bag well after use. |
| Serving Recommendation | Mix 30g with 200ml water or Milk | Mix 30g with 200ml water or Milk | Mix 15g with 200ml water or plant-based Milk |
| Flavors | Almond Coconut Blueberry Cheesecake Cherry Yogurt Chocolate Chocolate Fudge Cookie Dough Chocolate Nut Dream Cream Double Chocolate Cookies & Cream Cinnamon Roll Strawberry Haselnut Iced Latte Coconut Strawberry White Chocolate Vanilla Ice Cream Vanilla Natural Cream Natural | Banana Blueberry Cheesecake Strawberry Hazelnut Chocolate Vanilla Caramel Vanilla Natural | Banana Blueberry Cookie Dough Strawberry Peanut Butter Hazelnut Raspberry Yogurt Coconut Mango Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Snickerdoodle Vanilla White Chocolate & Macadamia Neutral |
What Do The Studies Say About Whey Protein?
We have already covered this in-depth in our “Understanding Protein Powders” article, if you are interested in learning more about this topic, we encourage you to give it a read! But we’ll give you a small gist of it here 😊. Beginning with the study done by Bandara et al. (2020) that addressed concerns over heavy metal presence in protein powders, finding that concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead did not pose an increased health risk, with ‘mass gain’ protein powders showing higher levels than whey protein powders.
In another scientific article by Jooyandeh (2016), it explored the impact of whey protein supplements on the immune system, suggesting potential benefits such as immune system strengthening, wound healing in diabetes patients, and antioxidant activity. These findings propose the potential positive effects of whey protein in various health conditions.
Ambulkar et al. (2023) published an article in an aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of protein supplements in promoting health and well-being in healthy adults. Conducted as a double-blind, multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 60 participants over 90 days, the research found that the protein supplement significantly enhanced quality of life, aerobic capacity (VO2 max), and distance covered in six minutes. Moreover, it led to a reduction in body weight, waist circumference, body mass index, hip circumference, and body fat. Notably, improvements in digestive and sleep quality scores were observed, with no clinically significant changes in hematological, biochemical, and vital parameters, confirming the safety and efficacy of the protein supplement. The results are displayed below:
Now you may be wondering what is GHQ-28? All participants completed the GHQ-28 questionnaire, a validated tool assessing psychosomatic symptoms and offering insights into overall quality of life. The questionnaire covered four domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and depressive symptoms. Participants self-scored responses on a scale from 0 to 3, representing lower to higher disability. Mean scores for all questions, as well as the four sub-sections and the total GHQ score, were calculated. The treated group exhibited significantly greater enhancement in general health and overall well-being across all four domains compared to the placebo group. A decrease in scores from baseline indicated an improved quality of life, with the treatment group showing an incredible 85.76% improvement in the total quality-of-life score, while the placebo group demonstrated a 28.47% improvement.
Keep in mind that the results for the anthropometric parameters did not include any proper focus on what the participants ate, but with that being said, we can clearly see an improvement in the test group, while the placebo group stayed pretty much the same.
Couple that with a proper catered diet and you got yourself a recipe for success whether it’s in muscle building or in fat loss.
Benefits of Whey Protein Powder Recap
– Muscle building
– Weight management
– Fast absorption in the body
– Complete protein profile
– Boosts immune system
– Combats oxidative stress & inflammatory effects
– Versatile (can be used in shakes or baking)
Safety
An excess intake of any supplement can lead to health problems. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet as well as a healthy lifestyle. Keep closed, cool, dry and out of reach of children. If you have any health issues, please consult your doctor or nutrition professional.
Our Take
Whey protein stands out as a versatile and high-quality nutritional supplement with a myriad of benefits. Its rapid absorption, rich amino acid profile, and ability to support muscle growth make it an excellent choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Beyond its role in muscle health, whey protein has shown promise in weight management, immune support, and even as an antioxidant.
ESN Designer Whey is more than just a protein supplement; it’s a testament to the manufacturer’s dedication to quality. For the vegans out there, elevate your plant-based protein journey with Alpha Foods’ protein powder — a brand that embodies the essence of vegan, honest, and sustainable nutrition. Both brands are manufactured in Germany with daily quality control and high-quality raw materials.
We are aware that the prices are a bit over the average line as you’ll see below, but there is a very good reason why we chose these products. When it comes to protein powders, quality is key! High-quality and well processed whey protein powder contains a higher concentration of protein per serving, it ensures optimal bioavailability, and it undergoes rigorous processing to minimize impurities, contaminants, and heavy metals. Moreover, the taste and texture as well as the performance of protein powders are definitely superior when dealing with reputable brands. They prioritize quality and often source their whey from trusted suppliers and use transparent manufacturing processes.
Pricing
Please note that the prices below are taken on average, as they may vary depending on whether there are deals active.
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