Types of Whey Protein

There are three main types of whey protein currently on the market: Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, and Whey Protein Hydrolysate (also known as Hydrolysed Whey Protein Isolate).

All three are made from whey, which is the liquid left over during the cheese-making process. This used to be an unwanted byproduct, until people realized they could sell people stuff to make their muscles bigger.

Whey Protein Concentrate

is the cheapest and most common form of whey protein on the market: we essentially remove a good part of the non-protein content of whey, and dry it into a powder.

Whey protein concentrate contains more carbohydrates and fats compared to isolate or hydrolysate. It also retains more lactose, which might not be suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or have sensitive stomachs. For those comparing whey protein isolate vs concentrate, it's important to note that concentrate offers a more affordable option, but may not be ideal for everyone.

Whey Protein Isolate

is made after passing Whey Protein Concentrate through a special filtering process, like Cross Flow Filtration (basically just a fancy pipe with holes poked inside it). This gets rid of most of the fats and lactose.

Because most of the lactose is removed, whey protein isolate is a top choice for people with lactose intolerance or digestive sensitivities looking for the best protein for sensitive stomach. If you're looking for low lactose protein in HK, isolates are often recommended.

Whey Protein Hydrolysate

goes a step further, "digesting" the protein isolate first. We pass it through heat or acid to break down the amino acids further, which can result in a slightly bitter taste that is often masked by sweeteners and commonly mixed with sour ingredients - think orange or lemon.

The differences in processing levels means that whey protein hydrolysate is the fastest-absorbing powder: this may or may not be what you want, but the more processed a powder is, the quicker it gets into your bloodstream after consumption.

The benefit of hydrolysed whey protein is its rapid absorption, making it popular for athletes who want quick recovery post-workout. Additionally, because the proteins are already broken down, it’s often the best protein for sensitive stomachs or those with trouble digesting regular whey. 

Future development

The advancements of processing techniques has allowed us to start developing clear proteins: we're getting rid of the "milky" part of the whey, leaving us with just the protein to work with. Although the exact techniques are unique to each manufacturer, we've done our best to combat the issues of foaming, acidity, and questionable tastes on the way to developing a great product.

Ultimately, choosing the right protein depends on your individual needs.: if you have a sensitive stomach, are lactose intolerant, or follow a specific diet, the type of protein you choose matters. Whey protein isolate and hydrolyzed whey protein are generally lower in lactose, making them better options for those seeking low lactose protein in HK or the best protein for sensitive stomach. For others, taste, price, or dietary requirements might play a bigger role. Always check labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Wondering which type suits you? See our chart below for a breakdown of the types of protein powder and their key features, including absorption speed and who should use each.