Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate might not headline our best protein powders guide, but it’s quietly holding its own alongside the top contenders. Delivering 30 grams of protein per serving, it offers one of the highest doses on the market—surpassing many premium options that average around 25 grams.
So, don’t write it off just yet! In this Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate review, we’ll reveal why this underdog is a surprisingly strong contender—and what to consider before making it your daily protein pick.
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.
Scoop, Score, Repeat: Our Method for Testing 100+ Protein Powders
GGR’s expert team—which includes certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, nutrition coaches, and strength specialists—has tested (to date) over 100 types of protein powders, including high-quality dairy- and plant-based options. Each product is evaluated using our GGR Supplement Testing Methodology, which scores key factors such as:
- Price per serving: We evaluate cost per serving against industry standards, with products under $1.50 per serving receiving the highest scores. Higher-priced options should justify their cost with standout ingredients, testing performance, or other muscle-boosting extras.
- Ingredients and formulation: We prioritize protein powders that provide over 20 grams of high-quality protein per serving with minimal unnecessary additives. Top marks go to clean, well-balanced formulas that include beneficial extras—like digestive enzymes or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—without loading up on filler ingredients.
- Taste: Our testers and thousands of customer reviews help us rate flavor—whether it’s chocolate, vanilla, or something more adventurous. High scores go to powders that are enjoyable enough to drink daily with no weird aftertaste or bitterness.
- Solubility: We evaluate how well each powder dissolves in liquid, how it holds up over time, and whether the texture is smooth or gritty. Overall, a protein powder should mix easily and stay mixed—top marks reflect as such.
- Third-party testing: Because protein powders aren’t regulated by the FDA, we value brands that submit their products for third-party testing, especially those certified by trusted organizations like NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport, or BSCG. We also assess ingredient transparency, prioritizing products without hidden blends or vague claims.
- Side effects: Digestive distress or weird bloating? We factor in our testers’ experiences and verified customer reviews to assess whether a protein powder goes down easily or comes with unwanted side effects.
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate can be an affordable whey protein option with 30 grams of whey isolate per serving. There are a range of flavors to choose from, but be mindful that formulations do contain sucralose—an artificial sweetener.
What our tester says:
“Strawberry isn’t a flavor I’d usually go for, but I’ve been surprised by how much I like this.”
A Quick Look at Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
Nutricost is a go-to for dietary supplements, offering over 600 products across more than 20 categories ranging from antioxidants and multivitamins to creatine and electrolytes.
Amongst the extensive lineup is its whey protein isolate1—one of the most bioavailable protein sources, meaning your body can absorb and utilize it efficiently to support muscle recovery and repair. This protein powder is also non-GMO and gluten-free with manufacturing taking place in a Good Manufacturing Compliant (GMP)-compliant facility to ensure quality and consistency.
But before you decide if this isolate is the whey to go, there are a few things to consider.
Before You Buy
- The variety of container sizes and discounts across flavors can make it tricky to compare costs per serving, especially if you’re budgeting or comparing against other brands.
- Nutricost claims third-party testing but doesn’t disclose who conducts the tests or whether products are screened for banned substances—key considerations for competitive athletes as well as anyone seeking verified quality and label accuracy.
Is Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Worth It?
While Nutricost is widely recognized as one of the best vitamin brands—thanks largely to its affordable products and wide availability—its whey protein isolate isn’t the most budget-friendly pick. Prices can vary depending on flavor and tub size, typically ranging from $1.12 to $1.68 per serving.
That said, the ingredient quality, lean macro counts, and flavor variety may justify the cost for some users.
Great for:
- Athletes and strength trainers who want a fast-digesting protein shake to support muscle recovery and growth
- Individuals who may be sensitive to whey protein concentrate but can comfortably stomach a more refined whey isolate
- Dieters or bodybuilders in a fat loss or cutting phase who need a lean, macro-friendly protein
Not recommended for:
- People avoiding artificial flavors and sweeteners like sucralose
- Those seeking a plant-based or dairy-free protein supplement
- Individuals on a sodium-restricted diet—some flavors can contain up to 310 milligrams of sodium
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Specs
| Price per serving | $1.12 to $1.68, depending on flavor |
| Calories per serving | 130-160 cals, depending on flavor |
| Protein per serving | 30 g |
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate |
| Available flavors | Cake Batter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies N’ Cream, Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Strawberry Acai, Unflavored, Vanilla |
| Sweeteners used | Sucralose |
| Third-party testing | Yes (certifying lab not listed) |
Experience Using Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC, sampled the Strawberry flavor for this Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Powder review. She shares, “Strawberry isn’t a flavor I’d usually go for, but I’ve been surprised by how much I like this.”
Below are some other major findings from Amanda’s time with this tasty, balanced protein option.
Price Per Serving
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate is available in multiple flavors and container sizes, which can make cost comparisons a bit tricky. Current discounts show that certain flavors are priced more affordably than others, and differing servings per container will also generate cheaper costs per serving, depending on your bulk order preferences.
At the time of this writing, the price per serving ranges from $1.12 to $1.68, placing Nutricost on the higher end of the whey protein price spectrum. Due to the notable variation in cost across flavors and packaging, Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate earns a 3-out-of-5 rating for price per serving.
Formulation
We awarded Nutricost’s whey protein isolate a solid 4.5 out of 5 for its lean macros, complete amino acid profile, and cleaner ingredient list.
Each serving delivers 30 grams of whey protein isolate, a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids needed to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and optimize post-workout recovery for muscle growth.
Thanks to a specialized filtration process, most of the lactose and fat are removed, making this a leaner, more digestible option for many with lactose sensitivities. As a result, the macros stay impressively minimal, with no more than 1.5 grams of fat and 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
RELATED: Best Clean Protein Powder
That said, the formula does include sucralose, an artificial sweetener some users may wish to avoid. Other supporting ingredients include sunflower lecithin (for improved mixability), salt (for flavor), and beetroot powder (for natural coloring). If you prefer to keep it ultra-clean, the Unflavored version contains only instantized whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin with comparable macros.
The protein powder also provides essential minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. However, sodium levels vary significantly by flavor, from 85 to 310 milligrams per serving. This dosage may be something to consider if you’re monitoring sodium intake.
TL;DR: Nutricost’s whey isolate delivers 30 grams of protein per serving with minimal extras and additives. While most flavored options contain artificial sweeteners, the overall profile is still macro-friendly and effective. The Unflavored version is ideal for ingredient purists, and other flavors offer slight macro trade-offs.
Taste and Solubility
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate comes in several tempting flavors, and, according to Amanda, the Strawberry flavor delivers in the taste department. “I bought the Strawberry option and it’s pretty good! I’ve had it just mixed in water and like it that way, but I’ve also added it to overnight oats and put it in Greek yogurt—those are my favorite ways to have it,” she says, rating the powder at 4.5 out of 5 for flavor.
Amanda’s onto something, too, in terms of adding this powder to other food sources. Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD, shares, “One of the easiest ways to sneak in more protein is with protein powder that can be added to most foods—like oatmeal or yogurt—without even noticing a difference.” A flavorful protein like Nutricost’s can not only enhance your meals, but this practice may also help mask any solubility issues that may arise during traditional shake preparation.
Speaking of, while flavor earns high marks, Amanda rates this Nutricost offering at 3.5 out of 5 for solubility. She explains, “It’s not the best, but it’s tolerable. It does leave some clumps behind if I just use a shaker bottle, but because I like the flavor, it doesn’t bother me too much.”
Side Effects
Amanda reported no unwanted effects after using Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate for an extended period, giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 for the category. She adds, “I’ve also tried Nutricost’s Whey Protein Concentrate, which made me feel a bit bloated. The isolate is much easier on my stomach.”
That said, individual responses can vary. In our Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate review, Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, shared that she didn’t experience any digestive discomfort with the concentrate formula, highlighting how tolerance may differ from person to person.
It’s also worth noting that while whey isolate contains less lactose than concentrate, it may still lead to digestive issues for those with known lactose sensitivities. Additionally, some individuals may experience side effects—such as bloating or stomach discomfort—from the artificial sweetener sucralose.
RELATED: Best Lactose-Free Protein Powder
Third-Party Testing
Nutricost manufactures its supplements in NSF-certified facilities that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices, providing a strong foundation for quality and safety. The brand also stands out for its transparency with easy-to-read labeling, which we appreciate.
That said, while Amanda spotted a note on the container referencing third-party testing, neither she nor I found certifications from gold standard organizations such as NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport.
Due to the lack of these widely-recognized third-party verifications—and limited clarity on who performs the testing—Nutricost earns a 4 out of 5 in this category.
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate vs Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Our testers love Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate because we know exactly what’s in it, and almost every flavor we’ve tried is a 5 out of 5 on taste. Yes, it’s a little more expensive than other protein powders but you get what you pay for.
Like Nutricost, Transparent Labs offers a high-quality whey protein isolate that’s low-carb, low-fat, non-GMO, and gluten-free. But several important differences could sway your pick:
- Protein dose and sourcing: Both supplements use whey protein isolate, but Transparent Labs sources its protein from 100% grass-fed cows and delivers 28 grams of protein per serving. Nutricost offers 30 grams, though its sourcing isn’t clearly disclosed.
- Sweeteners and ingredients: Nutricost uses sucralose, while Transparent Labs opts for solely natural flavors and sweeteners such as stevia.
- Flavor options: Transparent Labs offers 17 flavors, from Cinnamon French Toast to Neapolitan, with basic flavors available in 55-serving tubs. Nutricost has 10 flavors, including Vanilla and Chocolate Peanut Butter, with a broader variety in larger containers.
- Third-party testing: Nutricost is made in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility and claims third-party testing, but doesn’t name the lab or confirm banned substance screening. Transparent Labs is Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified, giving athletes and consumers more peace of mind.
- Price and value: Nutricost is more affordable, at $1.12 to $1.68 per serving depending on flavor and container size. Transparent Labs costs $1.99 per serving, but its clean-label ingredients and certifications may justify the premium expense.
Check out the comparison table below and our Transparent Labs Protein Review for more details and a deeper breakdown.
| Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate | Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate | |
| Price per serving | $1.12 to $1.68, depending on flavor | $1.99 |
| Calories per serving | 130-160 cals, depending on flavor | 130-150 cals, depending on flavor |
| Protein per serving | 30 g | 28 g |
| Protein source | Whey protein isolate | Whey protein isolate |
| Available flavors | Cake Batter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies N’ Cream, Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Strawberry Acai, Unflavored, Vanilla | Blueberry Pancakes, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, French Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Chip, Mocha, Neapolitan, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Salted Chocolate Caramel, S’mores, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored, Vanilla Peanut Butter |
| Sweeteners used | Sucralose | Stevia |
| Third-party testing | Yes (certifying lab not listed) | Yes, Informed Choice and Informed Protein |
Customer Experience
Nutricost earns points for its Accessibility Adjustment, which is activated by a blue and white stick figure icon located in the bottom-right corner of the site. Users can select preset profiles like “Vision Impaired” or “Cognitive Disability,” or customize text size, contrast, and fonts for a more inclusive browsing experience.
Nutricost offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, as well, with refunds or exchanges processed through a self-service return portal. Amanda adds, “The shipping and return policies also state that products must be unopened to be eligible for a refund.” Due to this limitation, Nutricost’s customer experience earns a 4 out of 5 for the customer experience category.
Ordering Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
Ordering directly from Nutricost’s website is simple: Select your preferred product, add it to your cart, and follow the checkout prompts.
Orders typically ship within 1 to 2 business days with free shipping available on purchases of $59 or more. A flat $7 shipping fee will be applied to smaller orders. For additional savings, you can opt for a subscription at checkout and receive 20% off recurring shipments scheduled to your preferred cadence.
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate is also widely available through third-party retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Just note that when ordering from these platforms, shipping times and return policies are subject to the retailer’s terms.
Customer Reviews
With a 4.4-out-of-5-star rating on Amazon—based on over 9,100 reviews—Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate has become a go-to choice for many fitness enthusiasts. Users frequently highlight that its high protein content supports many fitness goals, such as building muscle and fat loss. The variety of flavors and overall value also receive consistent praise.
That said, some reviewers point out that the powder can become very frothy when blended, and others caution about the higher sodium content compared to similar whey isolates. The larger container size is also a drawback for some, as it can be bulky and challenging to store.
Final Verdict of Our Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Review
Nutricost provides a whey protein isolate that’s generally more budget-friendly than many competitors, making it a solid choice for everyday lifters or anyone aiming to boost protein intake without breaking the bank. Consider these final takeaways before adding this tasty, high-quality protein option to your supplement routine:
- Each serving packs 30 grams of whey protein isolate, ideal for muscle building, recovery, and meeting daily protein needs.
- The formulation is low in carbs and fat, with gluten-free, non-GMO ingredients and lower lactose content than whey concentrate—making it easier to digest for many people with lactose sensitivity.
- With multiple flavor and container options, costs per serving can differ significantly. Always check the price per serving—not just the sticker price—for the best value.
- Flavored options use sucralose, which may not appeal to those avoiding artificial ingredients. The Unflavored version is a simpler, two-ingredient formula.
- Nutricost states its products are third-party tested but the certifying lab isn’t disclosed, and there is no mention of banned substance screening—a key consideration for competitive athletes.
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate can be an affordable whey protein option with 30 grams of whey isolate per serving. There are a range of flavors to choose from, but be mindful that formulations do contain sucralose—an artificial sweetener.
Product Brand: Nutricost
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 41.95
Product In-Stock: InStock
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Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate: FAQs
Is Nutricost a good brand of protein powder?
Nutricost offers a wide range of protein powders—including whey, casein, plant-based, and USDA-certified organic options—that are often more affordable than competitors. However, some formulas contain artificial sweeteners, and a lack of transparency around third-party testing may be a drawback for certain users.
Is Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate third-party tested?
Yes, Nutricost supplements are third-party tested and made in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility. However, the brand doesn’t disclose who conducts the testing or whether products are screened for banned substances, which can be an essential detail for competitive athletes subject to drug testing.
How much does Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate cost?
The cost of Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate depends on the flavor and container size, with the price per serving typically ranging from $1.12 to $1.68.
Does Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate contain lead?
It’s unclear whether Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate contains detectable levels of lead. However, the company includes a California Proposition 65 warning on its product page: “This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.” For more details, they direct consumers to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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
- Garba, U., Kaur, S. (2014). Protein Isolates: Production, Functional Properties and Application. International Journal of Current Research and Review. 6(3):35-45. doi:https://doi.org/10.31782/2231-2196
