Whey Protein: Concentrate, Isolate and Hydrolysate Compared
Whey protein is sold in three processing grades that differ in protein per scoop, and in tubs measured by pounds, grams and servings simultaneously. Getting to a fair comparison means converting everything to protein per serving and cost per serving first.
The three grades
Concentrate carries the most carbohydrate and fat alongside the protein and is typically the least expensive. Isolate is processed further, raising the protein proportion per scoop and lowering lactose. Hydrolysate is partially broken down and sits at the top of the price range. The grade is named on the panel and usually on the front. See isolate vs concentrate.
The figure that actually compares
Grams of protein per serving, read against the scoop size. A tub advertising “25 g protein” on a 35 g scoop is a different product from one delivering 25 g on a 30 g scoop, and neither is described by the tub weight on the front. Divide the price by servings per container, not by pounds. Our cost per serving guide works through it.
Lactose and suitability
Whey derives from milk, so it is not suitable for a vegan diet and is a dairy product for anyone avoiding one. Isolate contains less lactose than concentrate but is not lactose-free unless stated. Vegetarians can generally use whey, though rennet sourcing is a question some people want answered — see is whey protein suitable for vegetarians. For plant alternatives, see whey vs plant protein.
Third-party testing
Protein powders are a category where third-party certification is meaningfully common — Informed Sport and NSF Certified for Sport among them — and it matters particularly for anyone subject to drug testing. Where a manufacturer states a certification we record it as their claim.
Comparing products
Our whey protein comparison filters by brand, pack size and servings per container. For the plant-based range see vegan protein.
References
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance
- NSF Certified for Sport — certified product search