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Finding whey protein foods

Finding whey protein products is one thing, but making sure that they are high quality is another

Whey protein is derived from cow’s milk. It is sold in tablet, capsule and powder form, and is a key ingredient in protein drinks. Since it’s easy to digest and it provides the body with a high quality protein, taking whey protein supplements is becoming increasingly popular, not just for athletes but the average person on the street, too.

Before you buy any whey protein foods you should think about what you want to achieve by taking it. Is it to help you in your exercising or strength training? Is it to combat the effects of aging? Or is it to boost your immune system? The type you take and how often will depend on the reason for taking it, so it’s essential to get this straight.

There are 3 types of whey protein:
  • Whey protein concentrate
  • Whey protein isolate
  • Hydrolysed whey protein
Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein, containing 90% or more protein and very little (if any) fat and lactose. Whey protein concentrate has anywhere between 29% and 89% protein depending upon the product. As the protein level in whey protein concentrate decreases, the amounts of fat and/or lactose usually increase. Hydrolysed or pre-digested proteins have been treated with enzymes to break the proteins down into smaller peptides and amino acids. If a whey protein supplement does contain hydrolysed protein it should state both the degree of hydrolysis and a table listing the molecular weight of the peptides present.

High street health food shops should sell whey protein supplements along with the usual vitamins and minerals. You’ll also be able to find them in some pharmacists. It’s online, however, that you should be able to find some of the best deals. Just make sure that wherever you buy your whey protein products from, it is a reputable company which can guarantee the quality. You’ll also find whey protein foods in supermarkets, because it is incorporated into ice cream, bread, canned soup, infant formulas, and other food products.

It’s useful to compare the percentage of different components of the whey protein supplements between brands, so that you can see that you are buying a good quality supplement.

The typical specifications for a protein isolate are:

Protein 90%
Fat 0.5%
Lactose 0.5%


The typical specifications for a high quality protein concentrate are:

Protein 80-85%%
Fat 5-8%
Lactose 4-10%


Reflex Nutrition Limited is a first class manufacturer of sports nutrition supplements, weight loss supplements and supplements for healthier living. To find out more about whey protein, call us today on 0870 757 3353.