Whey protein is wildly popular in the fitness community for its ability to support muscle growth and repair. Whether you’re a novice weightlifter or a seasoned bodybuilder, whey protein powder can be used as a tool to boost your protein intake and help you crush your gym goals. Jacked Factory Authentic Whey is one of many in-demand protein powders on the market today, but does it stack up against the rest? We’re here to help you find out in this Jacked Factory Authentic Whey review.
In this assessment, our team of knowledgeable experts share their analysis of the formulation, flavor, solubility, and pricing of Jacked Factory Authentic Whey. We disclose the product’s strengths and weaknesses so you know everything there is to know about Authentic Whey. As a registered dietitian, I dissect the ingredients and their benefits to help you determine whether Authentic Whey is for you.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
We Know Our Way Around Whey
Our experienced testers have sampled hundreds of protein powders in our pursuit of identifying the best options. These dedicated personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, nutrition experts, and weightlifting competitors prioritize providing candid feedback. They aim to offer firsthand insights that guide you in choosing protein supplements tailored to your individual preferences and needs. They know the difference between the best protein powders and those that fall short and particularly appreciate products with research-backed ingredients, superior mixability, great taste, and proven effectiveness.
Using the GGR Supplement Testing Methodology, our testers rated Jacked Factory Authentic Whey on a scale of 1 to 5 for categories such as:
- Price per serving
- Taste
- Formulation
- Solubility
- Customer service
- Third-Party Testing
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
Product Highlights
- 24 g of protein per serving
- Low-fat and low-carb
- Costs $1.50 per serving
- Five flavors
- Artificial aftertaste
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low-carb
- Five flavors
- 24g of protein per serving
- No fillers or thickening agents
- Customers say the vanilla flavor tastes great, even when mixed in water
- Customers appreciate the versatility of the vanilla flavor
Cons
- Some artificial ingredients
- Has an artificial aftertaste
Bottom Line
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey is a low-carb, high-protein supplement that comes in five flavors at an affordable price.
A Quick Look at Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
Jacked Factory, founded in 2015, is committed to creating supplements that work without compromise. Their products, including Authentic Whey, contain research-supported ingredients in effective doses, without artificial dyes or fillers.
Authentic Whey is one of Jacked Factory’s three available protein powders, the others being Authentic Vegan and Authentic Whey Iso. It combines whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate to offer a high-quality, complete protein source for those looking to increase their protein intake and muscle growth.
Each serving contains enough quick-absorbing protein to activate muscle protein synthesis, which is needed to recover after a workout and gain lean muscle mass. The branched-chain amino acids in Authentic Whey, especially leucine, are available to help you achieve muscle building when combined with regular resistance training and a healthy diet.
Jacked Factory suggests stacking Authentic Whey with Nitrosurge Pre-Workout for energy and Growth Surge Post-Workout for a dose of creatine.
RELATED: What Is Creatine?
Before You Buy
- Authentic Whey contains both whey isolate and whey concentrate.
- There is a low carb and fat content, making it appropriate for those on a Keto diet.
- Jacked Factory Authentic Whey is not third-party tested.
Is Jacked Factory Authentic Whey Worth It?
At the moderate price of $1.17 per serving, Jacked Factory Authentic Whey is likely worth it for most people. Each serving contains 24 grams of protein and only 1 gram of carbs, making it an affordable low-carb protein powder option that comes in several unusual flavors.
Great for:
- Athletes wanting to improve muscle recovery and gain lean mass
- Those who struggle to eat enough protein through food alone
- Protein shakes between meals or post-workout
- Athletes following a low-carb or Keto diet
Not recommended for:
- Anyone with a milk allergy or those who are lactose intolerant
- Vegans who want a product free from animal-derived ingredients
- Those who prefer not to consume artificial sweeteners
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey Specs
| Price per serving | $1.17 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop |
| Type of protein | Whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate |
| Protein content | 24 g |
| Carb content | 1 g |
| Fat content | 2 g |
| Notable ingredients | Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Stevia Extract |
| Flavors | Vanilla, Chocolate, Snickerdoodle, Salted Chocolate Caramel, Fruity Cereal Splash |
| Third-party tested? | No |
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey Video Review
Experience Using Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
According to Jacked Factory, Authentic Whey works well mixed with water, milk, or almond milk. Consider blending the one-scoop serving in a shake or mixing it with oatmeal or Greek yogurt for variety. You can take it post-workout or between meals to enhance your overall protein intake. Authentic Whey should be used to supplement a well-balanced diet of whole foods.
RELATED: High-Protein Foods
Our product tester, GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, tried the Fruity Cereal flavor of Authentic Whey. He thought the flavor was alright, but it didn’t quite live up to his expectations and he would have liked to try the other flavors.
Price Per Serving
On the Jacked Factory website, a tub of Authentic Whey costs $34.99 for a one-time purchase at the time of writing. There are 30 servings per container, meaning each serving costs $1.17. We rated the price per serving a 4 out of 5 considering serving size prices generally range between $1 to $2 for most protein supplements.
If you want to save even more, Jacked Factory offers a subscribe and save 15% option. You can choose to receive a new order of protein every 30, 45, or 60 days and shipping is free within the USA. When you subscribe, each tub costs $29.74 and the price per serving is just $1.
Formulation
This Jacked Factory whey protein boasts a high protein content and low levels of carbs and fat, earning it an excellent formulation rating of 5 out of 5.
Each serving contains 24 grams of protein from whey concentrate and whey isolate. Whey concentrate and whey protein isolate are both considered high-quality proteins1, though whey concentrate contains more lactose and fat, and whey protein isolate undergoes additional filtration to reduce these components. Despite their differences, they contribute minimally to the overall carb and fat content of the product.
RELATED: What is Whey Protein?
Twenty-four grams of protein is enough to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, a process required for the repair and rebuilding of muscle mass. Research indicates2 that consuming between 20 to 40 grams of protein every three to four hours is ideal for muscle growth.
With only 2 grams of fat and 1 gram of carbohydrates, Authentic Whey makes it easy to increase your protein intake without significantly affecting your other macros. This is ideal for individuals aiming to minimize changes in body fat while building muscle and boosting metabolism.
Authentic Whey is free from added sugar and is sweetened using sucralose and stevia extract. Sucralose, an artificial sweetener, is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals experience abdominal pain and gas. Stevia extract is a zero-calorie natural sweetener that’s approximately 250 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar. Furthermore, Authentic Whey contains no fillers or dyes.
Taste and Solubility
Our GGR expert product tester Anthony O’Reilly, certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, tried the Fruit Cereal Splash flavor of Authentic Whey and rated the taste a satisfactory 4 out of 5. Anthony says, “It tasted like Froot Loops but with a slight medicinal aftertaste.” While it wasn’t anything that turned him off from the product, it’s worth mentioning.
The protein powder is white until mixed with liquid where it then turns red. Anthony rates the product’s solubility a solid 5 out of 5 and says, “It mixes easily but there’s some separation that was spotted when I accidentally spilled this on my counter.” Had he not spilled it, the separation likely wouldn’t have been noticeable.
Side Effects
Anthony didn’t experience any whey protein side effects after taking Authentic Whey. As previously mentioned, some individuals who consume sucralose complain of abdominal pain and bloating, however, there’s a lack of research3 linking these symptoms directly to artificial sweeteners.
Additionally, lactose is the main carbohydrate in whey protein and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in consumers who are lactose intolerant. Side effects like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can occur in these individuals when lactose is ingested.
Furthermore, anyone with a milk allergy should avoid consuming whey protein, since whey is extracted from cow’s milk. An allergic reaction could result in hives, facial swelling, rashes, or throat swelling. In serious cases, anaphylaxis could occur.
Before incorporating a new dietary supplement into your routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider. They can ensure its safety in conjunction with your medications and any existing health conditions.
Third-Party Testing
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey is not third-party tested. We highly encourage seeking third-party tested supplements to ensure quality and safety, especially if you are an athlete who gets tested for banned substances. As the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements, opting for third-party tested products is ideal to verify label accuracy and to confirm they do not contain harmful levels of heavy metals or other contaminants.
GGR collaborated with third-party accredited lab Ellipse Analytics to test 150 protein powder samples, including Jacked Factory Authentic Whey, to test for heavy metals, pesticides, label accuracy and purity, and more. Overall, Jacked Factory ranked in the top 50% of all samples tested. It earned an Excellent rating when tested for bisphenols (chemicals found in plastics that could cause health complications), pesticides, and label accuracy.
We explain our testing processes and these terms in our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey vs Legion Whey+
Legion Whey+
Legion Whey+
Product Highlights
- Sourced from small dairy farms in Ireland
- Over 5 g of BCAAs per serving
- Non-GMO and animal welfare approved
- Third-party tested for banned substances
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low in carbs and fat but high in protein
- Natural ingredients
- Money-back guarantee
- Made with ethically-sourced milk
- Lots of flavor options
- Subscribe and save 10%
Cons
- Comparably high cost per serving
- May be clumpy when mixed
- Some customers thought flavor was too sweet, or in some cases lacked flavor
Bottom Line
Legion Whey+ is a clean, sustainable protein powder that also is macro-friendly and a great option for anyone looking for a clean protein supplement. Many of our testers have bought this with their own money because they love the taste and easy mixability.
Both Legion Whey+ and Authentic Whey contain comparable amounts of protein in the 22- to 24-gram-per-serving range. This protein content is adequate for bodybuilders wanting a post-workout protein supplement to activate muscle growth and aid in repair.
Legion Whey+ includes slightly more carbohydrates with 2 to 6 grams per serving depending on the flavor. That said, carb content from sugar is consistent between both options, with only 1 gram of sugar and zero grams of added sugar per serving for each.
Unlike Authentic Whey, Legion Whey+ only contains natural sweeteners and flavors. It’s also third-party tested for purity and potency. Furthermore, Legion Whey+ offers many more flavor options. These factors contribute to the more expensive price per serving, making Authentic Whey the more budget-friendly option.
Learn more in our full Legion Whey Protein review.
| Jacked Factory Authentic Whey | Legion Whey+ | |
| Price per serving | $1.17 | $1.99 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop | 1 scoop |
| Type of protein | Whey protein concentrate, Whey protein isolate | Whey protein isolate |
| Protein content | 24 g | 22-24 g |
| Carb content | 1 g | 2-6 g |
| Fat content | 2 g | 1-2 g |
| Notable ingredients | Natural & artificial flavors, Himalayan rock salt, sucralose, stevia extract | Natural flavors, stevia, sea salt |
| Flavors | 5 | 15 |
| Third-party tested? | No | Yes |
Customer Experience
Jacked Factory offers a full refund for unopened items if returned within 30 days of the delivery date. For opened products, the company may offer an exchange or online store credit for the cost of the item. If you receive a damaged item and customer service is notified within 10 days of the delivery date, you may be eligible for a replacement product.
Ordering Jacked Factory Authentic Whey
You can choose to make a one-time purchase or subscribe and save when ordering Authentic Whey off the Jacked Factory website. All orders made within the U.S. typically arrive within three to five business days. Limited flavor options of Authentic Whey can also be purchased off Amazon.
Customer Reviews
Customers who ordered from the Jacked Factory website gave the product an average 4.8 out of 5 star rating. One customer review says, “I love my Whey Protein from Jacked. I have only bought chocolate and salted caramel. But I love those flavors. I like this protein because it has limited carbs, as well as great taste, and mixes well.” The few customers who rated the product low experienced issues with receiving their orders on time.
Amazon customers rate Authentic Whey a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most customers love the taste, but some mention it’s too sweet. One customer writes, “I love sweet stuff and this is too sweet even for me.” Another says, “This protein powder has a great flavor. It dissolves fairly easily compared to other protein powders and doesn’t leave a lot of the sludge in the bottom of the cup like other brands.”
Final Verdict of Our Jacked Factory Authentic Whey Review
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey provides a protein blend of whey concentrate and whey isolate, delivering 24 grams of protein per serving. With low carbs and fats, many customers appreciate its excellent macronutrient breakdown. While it may not suit those seeking all-natural ingredients due to artificial sweeteners and flavors, it remains a budget-friendly option for individuals looking to supplement protein intake without compromising taste and solubility.
- Made with 24 grams of high-quality protein
- Customer-approved taste and solubility
- Contains artificial sweeteners and flavors
- Budget-friendly option
Full Rating
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey: FAQs
What is whey protein powder?
Whey is the liquid component of milk that separates from the curds in the cheesemaking process. After collecting the liquid, carbohydrates, fat, and water are extracted, leaving behind the protein, which is then dried into a powder. Whey is a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. It may support muscle growth, satiety, weight loss, and blood sugar regulation.
How much does Jacked Factory Authentic Whey cost?
At the time of writing, a 36.50-ounce bottle of Authentic Whey costs $34.99. Each serving costs $1.17, which is relatively low compared to many other protein powders that cost closer to $2 per serving.
Is Jacked Factory third-party tested?
Jacked Factory products are not third-party tested. According to the company’s website, product labels are transparent, and the products are formulated with research-backed ingredients. Even so, it’s ideal to find third-party tested protein powders that have been tested for purity and potency.
What are the flavor options for Jacked Factory Authentic Whey protein powder?
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey protein powder is available in five flavor options, including chocolate, snickerdoodle, vanilla, salted chocolate caramel, and fruity cereal splash. Our product tester liked the fruity cereal splash flavor but noticed it had a medicinal aftertaste.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Madureira AR, Pereira CI, Gomes AMP, Pintado ME, Xavier Malcata F. Bovine whey proteins – Overview on their main biological properties. Food Res Int. 2007;40(10):1197-1211. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2007.07.005
- Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:20. Published 2017 Jun 20. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8
- Spencer M, Gupta A, Dam LV, Shannon C, Menees S, Chey WD. Artificial Sweeteners: A Systematic Review and Primer for Gastroenterologists. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2016;22(2):168-180. doi:10.5056/jnm15206
