Find Your Whey to the Best Whey Protein (2023)

If supplements were ancient Greek gods, then whey protein would be Zeus—more powerful than the rest. Whey protein itself is simply a protein that’s extracted from cow’s milk that contains all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and can be found in cheese, soup stocks, and other products. 

Most people know about whey due to their quest of finding the best whey protein out there, and we’re here to tell you that this is where your search ends. 

Our expert product testers tried dozens of protein powders and consulted with Laila Ouldibbat, a New York City-based registered dietitian who’s pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, to find the best whey protein out there. 

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.

When It Comes to Product Reviews, We Go Whey Back 

Although our product reviews began in 2016 with things like kettlebells and exercise bikes, we’ve now expanded into the nutrition space because we know good exercise equipment is not much without a good diet and lifestyle. 

That’s why we’ll only recommend supplements that meet the standards of the certified personal trainers, nutrition experts, nutritionists, and competitive athletes who make up our team. 

Our Top 9 Picks for the Best Whey Protein 

• Best Whey Protein Overall: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Whey Protein for Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Natural Whey Protein: Legion Athletics Whey+ Whey Isolate Protein Powder
• Best-Tasting Whey Protein: XWERKS Grow
• Best Whey Protein for Digestion: Jacked Factory ISO
• Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Whey Protein for Athletes: Onnit Whey Protein
• Best Whey Protein for Recovery: 1st Phorm Phormula-1
• Best Budget Whey Protein: Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey

Best Whey Protein Overall: Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Good for: People looking for the highest quality whey protein 

Best Overall

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Whey protein isolate
• 25 grams of protein per serving
• Available in 5 flavors
• Third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Good macro profile
• Reviewers claim it's easy on the stomach
• Tastes good

Cons

• Clumpy when mixed
• Certain flavors out of stock frequently
• Only 5 flavors available

Bottom Line

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is a fast-digesting protein available in five flavors with 25 grams of protein per serving.

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate was our choice for best whey protein for two main reasons: It just contains whey protein (no protein blends or fillers) and contains a digestive enzyme called ProHydrolase that may enhance protein synthesis and help with muscle recovery.  

A January 2020 double-blind study¹, the lone publicly available research on the enzyme, actually shows ProHydrolase has a minimal effect on protein absorption but did cause elevated amino acid concentration in well-trained athletes.  

Amino acids, for those who don’t know, are the building blocks of protein molecules and there are two types: essential amino acids (EAAs) and non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are ones that must be obtained through diet because they’re not created in sufficient amounts by our body (we naturally make enough of the non-essential amino acids).

A December 2020 review² of studies conducted on EAAs proved these compounds improved overall protein absorption. Proteins that have all EAAs are called complete proteins, whereas plant-based proteins (with the exception of soy) are incomplete proteins because they’re deficient in some EAAs. This is why most vegan protein powders are a blend of different plant-based protein sources.

We also really like this particular whey protein because it comes with more than 40 servings per container (anywhere from 41 to 44, depending on the flavor). Most protein powders come with 25 to 30 scoops per container. Sure, the container might be a bit expensive at around $60 (before shipping), but it’ll last you longer. 

RELATED: Best Protein Powder

GGR editor and expert product tester Nicole Davis said the chocolate flavor reminded her of a Carnation Instant Breakfast mix, and that some clumps remained even after vigorous shaking and blending.

Best Whey Protein for Muscle Gain: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

Good for: People who want to use protein powder as part of a muscle-building plan

For Muscle Gain

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• High-quality whey protein isolate
• 28 grams of protein per serving
• 8 flavors to choose from
• $1.99 per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality protein
• No artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or preservatives
• Lots of flavors to choose from
• Good customer reviews
• Whey isolate may be easier to digest for some people

Cons

• Price per serving on the high end

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is a clean, high-quality protein powder that contains 28 grams of protein per serving.

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate has the largest protein content of any whey protein powder in our roundup with 28 grams, and while that number is impressive it’s not the only reason why this is our favorite protein powder for muscle gain. The other big factor is Transparent Labs’ commitment to using simple, proven ingredients.

Case and point, the first ingredient in this protein powder is grass-fed whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolate is one of the most bioavailable forms of protein³, meaning your body can use more of it.

Whey protein isolate has also had most of its lactose removed by a special filtration process so people with lactose sensitivities can consume it with little to no discomfort⁴ (most of the fat is also removed from the whey during this filtration, resulting in a “leaner” protein powder). 

Transparent Labs is popular with consumers and dietary professionals like Laila because they live up to their name by having a transparent nutrition label and ingredients list, and provide certificates of analysis and composition on their website.

Laila also likes that the ingredient list is very short—only five ingredients. 

I purchased the limited-edition Peppermint Hot Chocolate flavor, which I felt could’ve had a little more peppermint, but I’m not going to complain much when I have a high-protein warm drink (yes, you can heat it up) to get me through the winter. 

RELATED: Best protein powder for women

Best Natural Whey Protein: Legion Athletics Whey+ Whey Isolate Protein Powder

Good for: Those who want a natural whey protein 

Au Natural

Legion Whey+

GGR Score: 4

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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
• Natural ingredients
• Money-back guarantee
• Made with ethically-sourced milk
• Lots of flavor options

Cons

• Comparably high cost per serving
• May be clumpy when mixed
• Some flavors have mixed reviews

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.

Whey protein powder often contains artificial flavors and ingredients used as sweeteners, preservatives, or fillers to help bulk up the product while providing little to no nutritional value. Legion Athletics Whey+ Whey Isolate Protein Powder uses all-natural, high-quality ingredients in more ways than one. 

Whey+ has a Truly Grass Fed certification, a mark that proves the cows that produce the dairy from which the whey protein isolate is extracted only eat grass (some companies add corn or soy to the cattle’s diet) and spend a high percent of the year outside on Irish pastures—as an O’Reilly, I’m a big fan of anyone who supports the Emerald Isle.

Even non-Irish people will love this protein powder. Each scoop comes with 22 to 24 grams of protein (depending on the flavor) and low amounts of carbs and fat. 

It also bears a Labdoor Tested for Purity certification, which shows that researchers have checked it for harmful substances such as heavy metals, banned substances, and THC (yes, it can be present in very small amounts in some protein supplements). 

Legion’s protein powder is expensive, at $1.99 per serving, but you can save 10% by placing it on a subscription order to receive a new one every month (you can pick different flavors and quantities). 

I went with Cinnamon Cereal and I think Legion should make this just a tad bit sweeter, but that just might be me. Try to remember your childhood cinnamon cereal (y’know, the one with crunch in its name) and recall how the milk tasted by the time you reached the bottom of the bowl and the cereal was soggy—that’s what this protein powder tastes like when mixed with milk. 

Best-Tasting Whey Protein: XWERKS Grow

Good for: People looking for the tastiest whey protein powder 

Yummy

Xwerks Grow

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Natural, healthy, convenient, and tasty way to get protein
• Uses a microfiltration process to preserve critical biological nutrients in raw whey
• Removes unwanted fats and carbohydrates
• All flavors are naturally sweetened
• Nicely flavored, easily digested, and low-carb protein powder
• Promotes muscle growth and repair

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Keto-friendly
• Naturally sweetened
• Sourced from naturally raised grass-fed cows
• Tastes great
• Soy- and gluten-free
• Convenient

Cons

• Expensive

Bottom Line

Xwerks Grow whey protein isolate provides a solid blend of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in a whey protein isolate. It comes in a widely-loved range of flavors which are naturally sweetened, so they’re easily digested.

Whey protein powders have come a long way from their early days of just coming in vanilla or chocolate, and there are quite a few tasty ones out there. But for our money, XWERKS Grow has some of the best-tasting protein powders on the market. 

The Chocolate flavor reminds me of a richer, more protein-packed version of Yoo-hoo, specifically the type you’d get in those glass bottles. It’s rich and creamy even when mixed with water, though it should go without saying that milk is the preferred beverage of choice.

XWERKS Grow doesn’t just taste good, it’s also good for you (we know that sounds like your parents trying to trick you into eating steamed broccoli, but we actually mean it). Each scoop has 25 grams of protein and very low carb and fat content (the exact amount varies by flavor). 

XWERKS utilizes a special filtration process that keeps certain nutrients intact, including alpha-lactalbumin, a nutrient found in human breast milk that can help with muscle growth⁵. 

Best Whey Protein for Digestion: Jacked Factory ISO

Good for: People looking for an easily digestible protein that won’t cause bloating 

Easy Digestion

Jacked Factory Authentic ISO Grass-Fed Whey Protein

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Three flavors
• 25g per scoop
• 110 calories per serving
• Under 1g of fat per scoop

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 25g of protein
• Only 110 calories per scoop
• No added sugars
• Under 1g of fat per serving

Cons

• Reviewers state the taste is not the best
• Doesn't mix well

Bottom Line

A protein powder that comes very close to being pure protein, at a reasonable price.

As we mentioned earlier in this list, increased protein intake can cause some rumblings down under, and we’re not talking about Australia. This is especially true if you have dairy sensitivities or are lactose intolerant (and yes, that’s two separate things).

Jacked Factory ISO is our best whey protein for digestion because it’s a whey protein isolate, which means most of the lactose has been removed. People with dairy sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance, should still consult their physician and use caution before taking this protein powder, but it’s less likely to cause any digestive issues⁴.

While we haven’t tried this specific Jacked Factory protein powder before, we’ve had success with some of their other offerings and found they were easier on the stomach than their competitors. Several customer reviews also claim the same.

With 25 grams of protein and minimal carbs and fats, it’s also a great pick for anyone who needs a protein supplement to keep them full while cutting.

Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein: Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

Good for: People looking to add muscle mass to their physique 

Building Muscle

Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• 26 g of cold-pressed whey protein isolate per serving
• Derived from rBGH-free, grass-fed cows 
• Unusual honey cinnamon peanut butter flavor
• 10 mg of papain and protease digestion enzymes 
• Can be subscription based to unlock savings

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dissolves well
• Clean ingredients
• Free from rBGH
• 26 grams of whey protein
• No added sugar

Cons

• Expensive
• Flavor is very mild (some buyers felt there was little taste)
• Texture is really thin when shaken with water

Bottom Line

Swolverine whey protein features 26 grams of pure whey protein isolate as well as digestive enzymes for optimal absorption, making it a solid choice for most people.

Right off the bat, Swolverine Whey Protein Isolate wins some major points for being mostly protein—a 30-gram scoop contains 26 grams of whey protein isolate. The carb and fat content vary by flavor, but generally, you can expect just 1 gram of carbohydrates and up to 5 grams of fat. 

It gets bonus points for using grass-fed cows. Before we get any questions, yes using grass-fed dairy makes a difference. One study⁶ found that grass-fed dairy had a better ratio of omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids than grain-fed cows, which can help with joint and heart health and even reduce the frequency of certain headaches.

RELATED: Best organic protein powder

Grass-fed dairy also has a higher antioxidant content than grain-fed dairy, which can be beneficial to your overall health⁷.

We’re also happy to see a short ingredient list made mostly of natural ingredients and sweeteners (there are some artificial ingredients there, but you shouldn’t listen to the influencers who try to demonize them as it’s really a matter of personal preference). 

For those who have never gone on a bulking journey before, you should know that increased protein intake can cause some digestive issues (like the kind you really don’t want to happen on a date, if you catch my drift). Swolverine fixes that problem by including a digestive enzyme blend to assist with digestion, which includes the enzymes protease and papain. An October 2022 study⁸ on mice concluded that protease and papain were beneficial in improving gut health. 

RELATED: Best protein powder for men

Amanda Capritto, GGR writer and expert product tester, went with the chocolate flavor. “The flavor of this protein is good,” she says. “It’s very rich and, indeed, very chocolatey. With milk, it tastes great, but with water it’s so ultra-thin that it’s off-putting. It was like drinking chocolate water, which I didn’t enjoy.”

Best Whey Protein for Athletes: Onnit Whey Protein

Good for: Athletes or anyone else looking for a banned substance-free protein powder 

Sporty

Onnit Whey Protein

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Sourced from New Zealand grass-fed cows
• Made with whey protein isolate to filter out fats and carbs
• Offers a complete amino acid profile
• Website offers a subscription option to save money and auto-ship

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Low in carbs
• High in leucine
• Whey isolate gets to muscles faster
• Non-GMO

Cons

• High cost per serving
• Can cause digestive issues for some people
• The Mexican Chocolate flavor has mixed reviews

Bottom Line

Onnit Whey Protein is a great protein option for those looking for a grass-fed protein, however there are cleaner grass-fed protein powders on the market that are lower in cost.

Onnit Whey Protein has the Informed Sport certification, meaning it meets the quality standards of several regulatory, sports industry, and consumer organizations. Essentially, the certification proves that it’s free of any banned substances that could potentially cause an athlete to fail a drug screening test.

The drug testing at the CrossFit Games differs from drug testing in the MLB or NHL, and different governing bodies may prohibit different substances sometimes found in protein powders, pre-workouts, and other supplements. Third-party certifications give athletes the peace of mind that they can take that supplement without fear of ingesting something that may get them in trouble with their sport (though it’s best to always double check).

Additionally, Onnit comes from grass-fed cows so the protein may come with additional benefits for your joints and heart⁶, and it’s a whey protein isolate so it’s easy to digest⁴.

“The Mexican Chocolate actually tastes different from other chocolate protein powders, which I honestly wasn’t expecting,” GGR staff writer and expert product tester Amanda Capritto says. “It’s rich when mixed with whole or oat milk.”

Best Whey Protein for Recovery: 1st Phorm Phormula-1

Good for: Anyone who’s looking to prioritize recovery 

Recover

1st Phorm Phormula-1

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Premium-sourced whey protein isolate intended to promote muscle repair and growth
• Available in a ton of flavors: Cherry-lime, chocolate milkshake, chocolate mint cookie, CTC, loop D fruit, fruit punch, watermelon, magical charms, root beer float, vanilla milkshake, key lime pie, orange creamsicle
• Depending on flavor, this provides approximately 20 grams of protein per serving
• Recommended to pair this with 1st Phorm Ignition

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tons of flavors
• Good tasting
• Hydrolyzed and predigested whey protein
• Use before or after workout
• Mixes well

Cons

• Contains sugar
• Expensive
• Too thick for some

Bottom Line

If you like variety in flavors and don’t mind paying top dollar, Phormula-1 is a high-quality and good-tasting whey protein powder.

A protein powder following an intense kettlebell workout for glutes goes together like milk and cookies, and we’re reaching for 1st Phorm Phormula-1 to wash down our next strength-training session. 

Phormula-1 is a hydrolyzed protein powder, meaning it is more easily digestible than traditional whey protein isolate⁵. This is important because a May 2014 review⁹ found that people who regularly engage in intense exercise were more likely to have gastrointestinal and digestive issues, so easily digestible foods and supplements should be a high priority for anyone who’s focusing on post-workout recovery. 

Some also claim it leads to improved protein synthesis, but there’s little to no evidence supporting that.⁵

There’s also five grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which a November 2021 meta-analysis¹⁰ linked with improved muscle recovery and muscle endurance. 

GGR editor and expert product tester Nicole Davis went with Chocolate Mint and said it tasted like a Thin Mint. “Delicious mixed with milk,” she says. “Mixed great, not clumpy at all.” 

Best Budget Whey Protein: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard

Good for: Anyone who’s on a budget or beginners who don’t want to spend very much trying protein powder

Budget Protein

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Contains 3 different kinds of whey protein
• Tested for banned substances
• Over 5 g of BCAAs per serving
• Instantized to help prevent clumping

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High in protein
• Plenty of flavor options
• Low in carbs

Cons

• Some users say it's overly sweet
• Contains artificial flavors
• Most flavors contain sucralose

Bottom Line

With plenty of flavor and size options to choose from, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey is a great basic choice in protein powder.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard continues to be one of the most affordable protein powders, with some options coming out to just $1.08 per scoop. That’s a much more budget-friendly protein source than eggs, though we recommend going for a larger container to get the best deal (psst, did you know that protein powder can last a surprisingly long time if properly sealed).

Usually, budget home gym equipment and budget supplements come with plenty of downsides but the only con of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is the fact that there are some artificial sweeteners. The protein itself is actually high-quality and rivals much more expensive supplements. 

For starters, you get some fun flavors: our pick for the best Optimum Nutrition flavor goes to Double-Rich Chocolate, but Mocha Cappuccino, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Chocolate Mint are also near the top of our list.

Optimum Nutrition contains whey protein concentrate, which may be harder for some people to digest, along with some additives and artificial sweeteners, but it’s still high quality and one of the best protein shakes.   

Other Whey Protein We Researched 

The whey proteins in our top 10 only represent a small fraction of the protein supplements available today. Here are a few others we came across in our research: 

RELATED: Muscle Milk review

Simply Tera’s Whey: This protein powder actually has some good macros (21 grams of protein, four grams of carbs, and one and a half grams of fat) but it’s geared toward bakers more than athletes. So if you’re looking for a way to bulk up your next batch of cupcakes with some protein, this might be the solution. Amazon customer reviewers loved the taste. 

Natreve MOOLESS Animal Free Whey Protein Powder: Natreve claims to have created a man-made whey protein without milking cows. It’s an interesting concept, and one that plant-based followers might be curious about, but we haven’t tried it. There also appears to be no scientific studies on this animal-less whey protein powder. Its nutritional value, however, is quite good—20 grams of protein, five grams of carbs, and 0.5 grams of fat. 

Related: Best pre-workout for women

How We Picked and Tested the Best Whey Protein 

Here are a few things we kept in mind when creating our list for the best whey protein: 

• Protein content: How much protein did each scoop contain? Does it come from easily digestible whey protein isolate or whey protein concentrate, the latter of which contains more lactose and may cause digestive issues.
• Carb and Fats: How much of the other macronutrients were present and were they in low and/or moderate amounts? 
• Digestibility: Did the whey protein cause any digestive issues such as bloating?  
• Dairy quality: Is the whey protein sourced from cows who are hormone-free, pesticide-free, and antibiotic-free?  
• Solubility: How well does this product dissolve in the suggested amount of liquid? Are there floaties? Is it grainy? Is it super thick or super thin? Does it separate after a few minutes?
• Flavor: How was the taste? 
• Transparency and third-party testing: Since dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA, having an independent third-party lab verify that what’s on the label is what’s in the protein powder is super important, especially for athletes. Transparency also plays a part in this—does the company provide COAs, not use proprietary blends, and generally seem very upfront about what’s used in their protein powder and why?
• Price: How much did the container cost and what was the cost per serving? 

RELATED: Best protein chips

Benefits of Whey Protein  

Wondering why you should consider purchasing or using whey protein? Here are just a few reasons: 

• Convenience: It’s much easier and quicker to drink some whey protein than it is to make an entire meal with the same protein content. 
• Shelf stable: Whey protein can last quite a while if its container is properly sealed. 
• Builds muscle: Whey protein along with a good strength-training program can help the body create muscle and preserve lean muscle mass³.
• Lose weight: Protein powder can also benefit those looking to lose weight by placing themselves in a caloric deficit³.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Whey Protein  

Here’s what you should look for when you’re trying to purchase the best whey protein for your fitness and wellness goals:  

• Caloric content: Are you looking to add muscle mass and want a high-calorie protein powder or are you on a weight-loss journey and want a low-calorie option? 
• Protein content: Regardless of your goal, you’ll want at least 25-30 grams of protein per serving, but servings as low as 20 grams can support muscle building activities and weight loss³.
• Dairy quality: Are the cows well taken care of or are they pumped full of hormones?  
• Taste: Do you enjoy drinking it? Some companies also offer unflavored products if you’re looking to just add protein to your morning smoothies.
• Price: Shouldn’t have to be explained, but find a whey protein that agrees with your wallet. 
• Protein source: Does the protein source just contain whey protein or is it mixed with casein or plant-based proteins?  
• Additives: Did the company put in added sugars, probiotics, or anything else that might alter your experience with this whey protein? Check the ingredients. 

RELATED: Best protein bars

Protein Powder Subscriptions: What Are They and Are They Worth It? 

You might find the option on some of the best whey proteins to “subscribe and save.” This refers to putting your whey protein powder on a subscription basis so you always have protein on hand, which can be set up on most companies’ websites and on Amazon.

The delivery frequency can be anywhere from two weeks to six months. 

Companies will often knock a few bucks off a container’s price since they know you’ll be a repeating customer next month. 

Types of Whey Protein

There are three main types of whey protein: whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolysate. All three come from whey, which is a byproduct of cow’s milk. The whey is then processed and filtered and can become one of the three types of protein.

Whey protein concentrate

Made up of 30 to 89 percent protein, with the rest of the calories coming from carbohydrates (lactose) and fats.

Whey protein isolate

A more filtered form of whey protein that’s made up of at least 90 percent protein. Much of the lactose has been removed from whey protein isolate (WPI), so those with dairy sensitivities may be able to drink it.

Whey protein hydrolysate

A pre-digested form of whey protein that’s undergone partial hydrolysis.

Potential Side Effects

Most people won’t experience side effects when taking whey protein powder, but if it’s consumed in excess you may experience changed bowel movements, acne, bloating, reduced appetite, fatigue, headaches, and nausea.

FAQs About Best Whey Protein

References

1. Townsend JR, Morimune JE, Jones MD, Beuning CN, Haase AA, Boot CM, Heffington SH, Littlefield LA, Henry RN, Marshall AC, VanDusseldorp TA, Feito Y, Mangine GT. The Effect of ProHydrolase® on the Amino Acid and Intramuscular Anabolic Signaling Response to Resistance Exercise in Trained Males. Sports (Basel). 2020 Jan 22;8(2):13. doi: 10.3390/sports8020013. PMID: 31978998; PMCID: PMC7077235.
2. Church DD, Hirsch KR, Park S, Kim IY, Gwin JA, Pasiakos SM, Wolfe RR, Ferrando AA. Essential Amino Acids and Protein Synthesis: Insights into Maximizing the Muscle and Whole-Body Response to Feeding. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 2;12(12):3717. doi: 10.3390/nu12123717. PMID: 33276485; PMCID: PMC7760188.
3. Kadam,  B., Ambadkar, R., Rathod, K., &  Landge, S. (2018). Health Benefits  of Whey- A Brief Review. International Journal of Livestock Research, 8(5), 31-49. doi: 10.5455/ijlr.20170411022323
4. A Castro LH, S de Araújo FH, M Olimpio MY, B de B Primo R, T Pereira T, F Lopes LA, B S de M Trindade E, Fernandes R, A Oesterreich S. Comparative Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Concentrated, Hydrolyzed, and Isolated Whey Protein Supplementation on Body Composition of Physical Activity Practitioners. Nutrients. 2019 Sep 2;11(9):2047. doi: 10.3390/nu11092047. PMID: 31480653; PMCID: PMC6769754.
5. Layman DK, Lönnerdal B, Fernstrom JD. Applications for α-lactalbumin in human nutrition. Nutr Rev. 2018 Jun 1;76(6):444-460. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy004. PMID: 29617841; PMCID: PMC5934683.
6. Benbrook, C. M., Davis, D. R., Heins, B. J., Latif, M. A., Leifert, C., Peterman, L., Butler, G., Faergeman, O., Abel-Caines, S., & Baranski, M. (2018). Enhancing the fatty acid profile of milk through forage-based rations, with nutrition modeling of diet outcomes. In Food Science & Nutrition (Vol. 6, Issue 3, pp. 681–700). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.610
7. van Vliet, S., Provenza, F. D., & Kronberg, S. L. (2021). Health-Promoting Phytonutrients Are Higher in Grass-Fed Meat and Milk. In Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (Vol. 4). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.555426
8. Kostiuchenko O, Kravchenko N, Markus J, Burleigh S, Fedkiv O, Cao L, Letasiova S, Skibo G, Fåk Hållenius F, Prykhodko O. Effects of Proteases from Pineapple and Papaya on Protein Digestive Capacity and Gut Microbiota in Healthy C57BL/6 Mice and Dose-Manner Response on Mucosal Permeability in Human Reconstructed Intestinal 3D Tissue Model. Metabolites. 2022 Oct 26;12(11):1027. doi: 10.3390/metabo12111027. PMID: 36355110; PMCID: PMC9696696.
9. de Oliveira EP, Burini RC, Jeukendrup A. Gastrointestinal complaints during exercise: prevalence, etiology, and nutritional recommendations. Sports Med. 2014 May;44 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S79-85. doi: 10.1007/s40279-014-0153-2. PMID: 24791919; PMCID: PMC4008808.
10. Arroyo-Cerezo A, Cerrillo I, Ortega Á, Fernández-Pachón MS. Intake of branched chain amino acids favors post-exercise muscle recovery and may improve muscle function: optimal dosage regimens and consumption conditions. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2021 Nov;61(11):1478-1489. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.21.11843-2. Epub 2021 Feb 15. PMID: 33586928.
11. Stokes T, Hector AJ, Morton RW, McGlory C, Phillips SM. Recent Perspectives Regarding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training. Nutrients. 2018 Feb 7;10(2):180. doi: 10.3390/nu10020180. PMID: 29414855; PMCID: PMC5852756.
12. Bian X, Chi L, Gao B, Tu P, Ru H, Lu K. Gut Microbiome Response to Sucralose and Its Potential Role in Inducing Liver Inflammation in Mice. Front Physiol. 2017 Jul 24;8:487. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00487. PMID: 28790923; PMCID: PMC5522834.

Anthony O'Reilly, CPT

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

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Gazelle Freestyle Review (2023): Does this Cult-Favorite Cross Trainer Stack Up Years Later?

by Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Our Gazelle Freestyle review will help you determine if this cardio machine is a thing of the past or a great budget purchase for your home gym. Read more

Best Workout Sandbag in 2023: Ruck, Throw, and Slam Your Way to Fitness

by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CNC, CES, CF-L1

Sandbags are a versatile weight training tool for building full-body strength. Find the best workout sandbag for your home gym with our guide. Read more

Landice Treadmill Reviews: Residential and Commercial Machines

by Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Dive into these Landice treadmill reviews to see what we really think about this brand’s six offerings. Read more