as probably the most familiar face in the supplement crowd, whey protein is a common addition to most fitness regimes. There are countless whey protein variants available, but not all whey is created equal. Whether your goal is muscle gain, weight loss, or ensuring you reach your daily protein intake, we’re going to guide you to making the right choice for you and your goals. Understanding what whey protein is, the differences between its main types, and how to pick the perfect one for your goals can help you avoid a lot of trial and error.
What is Whey Protein?
Whey protein is derived from milk during the cheese-making process. It’s packed with essential amino acids—the building blocks of protein—that your body uses for muscle repair, energy production, and overall health. When you sip a whey protein shake, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to recover from workouts, stay satiated, and support general wellness.
Why choose whey? Beyond muscle repair, whey can provide a convenient protein source, help you feel full between meals, and ultimately support body composition goals by providing you with a macronutrient and calorie-smart addition to your lifestyle. Unlike slower-digesting proteins like casein or plant-based options, whey delivers amino acids quickly to ensure you tap into the benefits of a post-workout protein hit right when your body needs it the most.
The Three Types of Whey Protein
Whey protein comes in three main forms: concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. Each is processed differently, affecting its protein content, digestibility, and suitability for specific goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Type | Protein Content | Key Features | Best For | How It's Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whey Concentrate | 70-80% protein | Contains some fat and lactose; great amino acid profile | General fitness and muscle growth | Filtering whey to retain a solid protein content |
| Whey Isolate | 85-90% protein | Low in fat and lactose; highly purified; fast absorption | Lean muscle, weight loss, lactose-sensitive individuals | Further processed to remove most fats and lactose |
| Whey Hydrolysate | 80-90% protein | Pre-digested for ultra-fast absorption; easiest on digestion | Sensitive stomachs, rapid recovery needs | Pre-digested to break down proteins into smaller peptides |
Which Whey Protein is Best for You?
Choosing the right whey protein depends on your fitness goals, dietary needs or restrictions, and. It’s an added plus that many protein options also come in a large selection of flavors, meaning you get to make the best choice for both your body's needs and your tastebuds! Our selection of Women’s Best Protein range has something for everyone, helping you to make the best choice that aligns with your needs:
Best for Muscle Growth + Flavor Variety: Fit Pro Whey Protein
For those chasing muscle growth and looking for a wide choice of flavors, Women’s Best Fit Pro Whey Protein combines whey isolate and concentrate for 24g of protein per serving. It also includes lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose into easily digestible glucose and galactose, making it a great choice for those with dairy sensitivities. With a slightly higher carbohydrate and fat content, this option optimizes satiety and protein intake for those focusing on gains without the extra calories, with only 110kcal per serving.
Best for Lean Muscle: Iso Whey Protein
If you’re focused on building lean muscle, our creamy Women’s Best Iso Whey Protein is your go-to. With up to 25g of protein per serving and less than 110 kcal, it’s low in lactose, fat, and carbs. Thanks to the added lactase enzyme, it’s suited to those with lactose sensitivity. High in protein and low in calories, it’s a great addition to your routine, even on rest days. In fact, with high levels of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) that support muscle recovery and growth, this option supports your physique and performance goals inside and outside of the gym.
Best Refreshing Option: Clear Whey Isolate
Craving a fruity, refreshing alternative to creamy shakes? Women’s Best Clear Whey Isolate delivers 26g of protein per serving with a light, juice-like texture. Just like our creamy options, it’s low in lactose, fat, and carbs, easily digestible, fast absorbing, and packed with both BCAAs and EAAs for muscle recovery. Perfect as a refreshing boost of hydration after a sweaty session, with all the benefits of your favorite treat-flavored shake.
Best for Weight Loss: Shape Body Shake
A far cry from meal replacement shakes of the past that leave you lacking essential nutrition and just craving more, our Shape Body Shake is made with a premium blend of whey and caseinate protein, with Carnipure L-carnitine, green tea extract, and Nutriose premium fiber. It simultaneously supports muscle maintenance while keeping you satiated and filled with energy. Specifically designed to support your body-shaping and weight-loss goals with a balanced nutritional profile.
Best for Weight Gain: Complex Weight Gainer
Struggling to build muscle mass or gain weight? Our Complex Weight Gainer simplifies your caloric needs by packing 372kcal, 48.4g of complex carbs, and 29g of protein per serving. Made with finely ground oats and whey concentrate for a wholesome and balanced dietary supplement, it’s ideal for those needing a calorie and protein boost to support muscle growth.
Best for Plant-Based Diets: Vegan Protein
For the dairy-free and plant-based, we haven’t forgotten about you! Not only does our Vegan Protein shake deliver 22g of plant-based protein, but it is further enriched with bioactive B12 and DigeZyme® to ensure your immune, nervous and digestive systems are supported. DigeZyme® is a patented blend of five plant-based digestive enzymes that help break down carbs, proteins, fats, and other nutrients to support better absorption and digestion. It ensures your body is able to digest and absorb the EAA’s and BCAA’s available, so that you don’t miss any of the benefits of this creamy, soy-free, dairy-free, plant-based offering.
Debunking Whey Protein Myths
Let’s clear up some misconceptions about whey protein:
Myth: It’s only for bodybuilders. While often seen as a necessary addition to a fitness-focused lifestyle, you don’t need to be crushing deadlifts or sumo squats to take protein powder. Whey protein is for anyone looking to boost protein intake, whether for muscle growth, weight loss, or simply to ensure you are consuming enough protein to support your body at its best. It’s a convenient way to support an overall healthy lifestyle.
Myth: It’s bad for your kidneys. Decades of research show that whey protein is safe for healthy individuals when used as directed. It’s one of the most studied supplements, with no evidence of harm to kidney function in moderation. As with anything, it’s about balance, so ensure you are doing your best to eat a well-balanced selection of foods, not relying solely on the shakes for every meal.
Whey protein is a powerful tool for reaching your fitness and health goals, whether you’re building muscle, managing weight, or boosting daily nutrition. Making informed choices empowers you to take charge of your health and fitness journey. By choosing what aligns with your goals, you’re not just fueling workouts—you’re setting yourself up to thrive, stay strong, and perform at your peak, both inside and outside the gym.
Looking for more expert tips, educational content, and everyday support on your wellness journey? Follow our new account @womensbestwellness, a dedicated Instagram hub where women’s health isn’t a side note, but the main focus.
