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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.
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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 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
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.
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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
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Kaged Whey Protein Isolate Specs
| Price per serving | $1.46 |
| Serving size | 31-33.4 g |
| Type of protein | Whey protein isolate |
| Protein content | 25 g |
| Carb content | 2-4 g |
| Fat content | 0-0.5 g |
| Notable ingredients | Whey protein isolate, natural flavor, sea salt, gum blend, ProHydrolase, steviol glycosides, sucralose |
| Flavors | Vanilla, 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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 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
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.
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 Isolate | Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate | |
| Price per serving | $1.46 | $1.99 |
| Serving size | 31-33.4 g | 32-38 g |
| Type of protein | Whey protein isolate | Grass-fed whey protein isolate |
| Protein content | 25 g | 28 g |
| Carb content | 2-4 g | 1-3 g |
| Fat content | 0-0.5 g | 0-1 g |
| Notable ingredients | Whey protein isolate, natural flavor, sea salt, gum blend, ProHydrolase, steviol glycosides, sucralose | Grass-fed whey protein isolate, natural flavors, stevia extract |
| Flavors | Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, S’mores | Milk 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? | Yes | Yes |
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
4.5
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
- 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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