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There’s no shortage of whey protein isolates on the market, so choosing the right formula can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve developed a supplement testing methodology to objectively rate and review as many protein powders as we can to help you make an informed decision.

In this Kaged Whey Protein Isolate review, I’ll be taking a closer look at what makes this protein so good, including high-quality ingredients, third-party testing, and great customer service. This protein has a few flaws, but, as you’ll see, scored very highly where it matters the most. 

RELATED: Best Protein Powder

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.

Transparent Reviews from Real Protein Testers

We’re constantly testing as many protein powders as we can get our hands on, and to date, our testers have reviewed and scored over 100 types of protein powder

As personal trainers, nutrition coaches, dietitians, and high-level athletes, we pay close attention to every detail to make sure we’re only using and recommending the best formulas. Each protein powder we test is scored based on the following criteria:

  • Price per serving
  • Formulation
  • Taste
  • Solubility
  • Side effects
  • Third-party testing
  • Customer service
  • Customer reviews

Let’s see how Kaged Whey Protein Isolate scored in our testing. 

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

product image
GGR Score: 4.5

Product Highlights

  • Whey protein isolate
  • 25 grams of protein per serving
  • Available in 3 flavors
  • Third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Good macro profile
  • Reviewers claim it's easy on the stomach
  • Tastes good
  • Subscribe and save 10%
  • Chocolate flavor described as the best chocolate protein powder by our product tester

Cons

  • Clumpy when mixed
  • Certain flavors out of stock frequently
  • Only 3 flavors available

Bottom Line

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

A Quick Look at Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Kaged Supplements, formerly known as Kaged Muscle, is a company known for high-quality supplements designed for athletes, with a heavy focus on optimal dosing, transparent labels, patented ingredients whenever possible, and strict third-party testing to make sure there are no banned substances. 

They’re known for their protein powders, as well as pre-workouts like Pre-Kaged, which we’ve previously reviewed. Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is one of five protein offerings from the company, and the only pure isolate they offer. They also have casein protein, protein blends, meal replacement shakes, and more.

RELATED: Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Review

Whey protein isolates are a type of fast-digesting protein filtered to remove excess fat, cholesterol, and lactose. The final product is a micropure whey protein isolate that’s high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and easy to mix and digest. Isolates can be used pre-workout, post-workout, mixed into food, or used whenever you need a protein boost. 

RELATED: What is Protein Isolate?

A shaker cup half-full of mixed Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Two of our testers used Kaged Whey Protein Isolate, and I’ve gone through several tubs myself in the past. They both agreed that the solubility left something to be desired, but the flavors were good and the quality was very high. I had a similar experience when I bought a tub a few years ago. 

The solubility and price bring the overall score down a little bit, but overall, this is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a whey protein isolate to help you build muscle, recover from training, and reach your fitness goals.

Before You Buy

  • Kaged Supplements uses Informed-Sport third-party testing, so you can rest assured that your products contain what’s on the label. 
  • Even though this is a whey isolate, it doesn’t dissolve in liquids very well, which is a bit unusual for an isolate. 
  • It’s a bit pricey, but if you’re an experienced athlete, bodybuilder, or fitness enthusiast who wants a high-quality protein powder you can trust, Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is a good choice. 

Is Kaged Whey Protein Isolate Worth It?

At $59.99 for a 3-pound tub, Kaged Whey Protein Isolate may seem expensive, but the quality is high, and third-party testing is always great to see. However, that doesn’t mean this is the best whey protein isolate for everyone, so you need to make sure this is aligned with your goals before you buy it. 

Great for:

  • Athletes looking for a protein with transparent labeling and third-party testing
  • Anyone looking for a low-carb protein powder to use on a diet
  • People sensitive to dairy who want a product that’s easy to digest

Not recommended for:

  • Bodybuilders or athletes looking to gain weight who want more calories per serving
  • Those who want a perfectly smooth, lightweight whey protein isolate
  • Vegans who need to avoid all dairy products

RELATED: Best Whey Protein

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate Specs

Price per serving$1.46
Serving size31-33.4 g
Type of proteinWhey protein isolate
Protein content25 g
Carb content2-4 g
Fat content0-0.5 g
Notable ingredientsWhey protein isolate, natural flavor, sea salt, gum blend, ProHydrolase, steviol glycosides, sucralose
FlavorsVanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, S’mores
Third-party tested?Yes

Experience Using Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

GGR Senior Editor Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, was one of the testers who tried Kaged Whey Protein Isolate. I’ve also used this product several times in the past, so I have personal experience as well.

We all agreed that the flavors were quite good, although the protein didn’t dissolve as well as many other isolates on the market. 

A woman scoops Kaged Whey Protein Isolate out of the container.

Nicole said, “It’s a bit chunky when mixed with cold milk or water in a shaker bottle, even when using a shaker ball. I’ve also blended it in a shake with ice, and that ends up fine. I had the same experience with both chocolate and vanilla.”

She still enjoyed the flavors, especially chocolate, but this is worth noting if you’re someone who doesn’t like the texture of protein shakes. Aside from that, none of us experienced any side effects, though anyone with dairy sensitivities may have issues with this product. 

RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs

Price Per Serving

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate scores a 4 out of 5 when it comes to pricing. 

A 3-pound tub costs $59.99, but that provides 41 to 44 servings depending on the flavor, for an average price per serving of $1.36 to $1.46 depending on the flavor. Vanilla provides the best value at 44 servings per container, while chocolate is the worst with only 41 servings per container. This is a little weird, and I’m not sure why the serving sizes aren’t standardized across all the flavors. 

You can also purchase a 1.8-pound tub for $39.99, but this is the more expensive option at $1.60 per serving. 

Formulation

For the formulation, we give this protein powder a 4 out of 5. 

Each scoop contains 25 grams of protein, with carbs ranging from 2 to 4 grams depending on the flavor. There are no added supplements, like BCAAs, EAAs, creatine, or other ingredients that would boost your performance. The protein is gluten-free, non-GMO, and Informed-Sport certified.

Looking down into an open container of Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

However, Kaged Whey Protein Isolate does contain Prohydrolase, a patented digestive enzyme to aid digestion, a gum blend of thickening agents, and sucralose, an artificial sweetener that may leave an aftertaste for some. 

RELATED: What to Look for in Protein Powder

Taste and Solubility 

For flavor, we give this a 4.5 out of 5 rating, but for solubility, only a 3.5 out of 5.

Nicole said the chocolate flavor was one of the best chocolate proteins she’s ever tried, and she enjoyed it so much that she bought another tub. However, she said the vanilla wasn’t as good and had a bit of an aftertaste.

She also noticed that both flavors were clumpy even when using a blender ball in a shaker cup. I noticed the same thing when I used the protein myself, which is a bit strange for a protein that’s meant to be easy to mix and digest. Some reviewers mentioned the same thing, though many reviews also said it mixed very smoothly, so it may depend on the batch you get.

The protein does include a blend of guar gum, gum acacia, and xantham gum, which are traditionally used to add thickness and texture1 to foods, so this may be a reason it doesn’t mix very well. 

Looking down on a hand that's holding a scoop of Kaged Whey Protein Isolate above the container.

I asked Sydney Lappe, RD, if there were any particular benefits to including these types of gums in a protein powder, and she said they might be intended to add a richer, creamy texture. She said they can also act as dietary fiber sources, with potential health benefits—like reducing blood sugars and appetite for weight control—related to their slow gastric emptying properties.

Side Effects

Neither of our testers noticed any side effects, so we gave this a 5 out of 5 rating. That said, if you do experience digestive issues from dairy, or the gum blend used in this formula, you may experience bloating. Several of the negative user reviews I found mentioned an upset stomach and indigestion from this protein powder. 

RELATED: Whey Protein Side Effects

Third-Party Testing 

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate also earns a very strong 5 out of 5 for third-party testing. Each formula is tested by Informed Sport, one of the major testing organizations. 

Third-party testing ensures that your product contains what’s actually on the label, with no banned ingredients that have snuck into the manufacturing process. This is a big deal for any athlete who competes in a tested sport, or anyone who simply wants to be careful with the supplements they consume. 

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate vs Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

product image
GGR Score: 4.2

Product Highlights

  • High-quality whey protein isolate
  • 28 grams of protein per serving
  • 15 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
  • Subscribe and save 10% plus free shipping

Cons

  • Price per serving on the high end
  • Some reviews complain that it's too sweet

Bottom Line

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.

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is quite popular, but so is Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate. Depending on your goals, both may work, but they have a few notable differences.

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is the more affordable option, although there are only five flavors and slightly less protein per serving. Transparent Labs has a little more protein per serving, 16 flavors, and fewer added ingredients, but they use a grass-fed whey isolate, which drives up the cost a bit. 

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is the better choice if you’re on a budget and want Informed-Sport third-party testing, while Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is the better choice if you want fewer additives and grass-fed whey protein. 

Kaged Whey Protein IsolateTransparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Price per serving$1.46$1.99
Serving size31-33.4 g32-38 g
Type of proteinWhey protein isolateGrass-fed whey protein isolate
Protein content25 g28 g
Carb content2-4 g1-3 g
Fat content0-0.5 g0-1 g
Notable ingredientsWhey protein isolate, natural flavor, sea salt, gum blend, ProHydrolase, steviol glycosides, sucraloseGrass-fed whey protein isolate, natural flavors, stevia extract 
FlavorsVanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, S’moresMilk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Cinnamon French Toast, Sugar Cookie, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Blueberry Pancakes
Third-party tested?YesYes

Customer Experience 

Kaged Supplements has a fantastic customer service experience and return policy. You can reach their team via chat, email, or phone call, and they offer a 60-day return policy if you’re not satisfied with your order. You may need to cover return shipping if they want you to send back the product, but a 60-day policy is much better than the 30-day policy we often see.  

Ordering Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

Ordering directly from Kaged Supplements is very easy, and they offer free shipping on orders over $79, or subscriptions. 

If you set up a subscription, you’ll automatically receive a new tub every four, six, or eight weeks, and receive a 10% discount on your purchase. Finally, Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is available on Amazon with free Prime shipping, and it’s sold in many health and wellness stores. 

Customer Reviews

On the Kaged Supplements website, the average review is 4.8 out of 5, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon. 

Most users love the taste, mixability, and quality, though a few negative reviews report a bad taste from the sucralose, along with bloating and diarrhea. 

Final Verdict of Our Kaged Whey Protein Isolate Review

Overall, Kaged Whey Protein Isolate is a good choice for anyone looking for a quality protein powder to help build lean muscle, recover from hard workouts, and reach your fitness goals. 

We found that the protein didn’t always mix very well, but the great taste made up for it, especially the chocolate flavor. You’re paying a small premium for high-quality ingredients and third-party testing, but if you’re an athlete who receives regular testing, the strict quality control makes this a great choice to use. 

  • A little pricey at first glance, though the cost per serving is still less than the average cost per serving of the 100+ powders we’ve tested
  • Mixability isn’t great, but the flavors are good and the Informed Sport testing makes up for this
  • Thanks to the popularity of Kaged Supplements, this protein is very easy to find at multiple retailers

Full Rating

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate

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

Product Brand: Kaged

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 39.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.5

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate Rating

Price per serving – 4
Formulation – 4
Taste – 4.5
Solubility – 3.5
Side effects – 5
Third-party testing – 5
Customer service – 5
Customer reviews – 4.8
Buy Now

Kaged Whey Protein Isolate: FAQs

Is Kaged a good protein brand?

Yes, Kaged Supplements uses high-quality ingredients to formulate dietary supplements designed for athletes, and their products are third-party tested to ensure they are free of banned ingredients. They have five different types of protein in total, with the Kaged Whey Protein Isolate being one of the most popular options. 

Is whey isolate as good as whey protein?

Yes. Whey isolate is simply whey protein that’s gone through extra processing to remove fats, cholesterol, and lactose, resulting in a protein that’s easier to digest and contains fewer calories per serving. 

Why is isolate protein better than whey?

It’s not necessarily better, as the amino acid profile is the same. It simply has fewer fats, carbs, and lactose in each serving, which can make it lower in calories and easier to digest. Some people prefer whey isolates if they get bloating from traditional whey proteins, but both can be very helpful in reaching your daily protein goals. 

Does isolate protein burn fat?

While whey protein isolate can be a useful part of a calorie-restricted diet, helping you reach your protein goals, simply adding a whey protein isolate won’t cause fat loss on its own. It can be part of a balanced nutritional plan, but it’s not a fat burner. 

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

  1. Mudgil D, Barak S, Khatkar BS. Guar gum: processing, properties and food applications-A Review. J Food Sci Technol. 2014;51(3):409-418. doi:10.1007/s13197-011-0522-x

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