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We can’t stress the benefits of optimum nutrition and eating plenty of high-quality protein enough. Protein powders are an easy way to get more protein, but which type of protein powder should you go with? Most consider whey protein the gold standard for fitness, but it’s not your only option.
Casein is another type of milk protein that can also be found in protein powder form. Like whey, casein protein can support muscle growth and weight loss, counteract age-related muscle loss, and improve workout recovery.
Transparent Labs Casein Protein is pricey, but it’s one of the best caseins on the market. In fact, it’s included on several of GGR’s best protein powder lists, including our roundup of best casein proteins. Keep reading our Transparent Labs Casein Protein review for the standout features of this protein and whether it’s worth the splurge.
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.
Transparency Is the Name of the Protein Review Game
Type “protein powder” into your search engine and you’re going to find more options than there are hours in the day to check out. Talk about overwhelming! Luckily, you don’t have to spend precious time or money researching, comparing, and taste-testing the best protein powders because we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
At GGR, we have product testers who have made exercise and sports nutrition their personal and professional business. Our testers include pro athletes, competitive weightlifters, certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, and certified nutrition coaches who personally try every protein powder we review. To date, our testers have used and reviewed over 100 protein powders so we can recommend the best protein by dietary need, budget, and fitness goals.
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CNC, CES, CF-L1, tried Transparent Labs and rated it on a scale of 1 to 5 for a variety of categories, including:
- Price per serving
- Taste
- Solubility
- Formulation
- Customer Service
- Third-Party Testing
Transparent Labs Casein Protein
Transparent Labs Casein Protein
Product Highlights
- 100% grass-fed casein protein
- 3rd-party lab tested
- Chocolate flavor
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Subscribe and save 10%
- No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives
- 3rd-party lab tested
- Transparent ingredients
- Extremely positive reviews on taste
Cons
- Only available in 1 flavor
- May be sold out
- Comparably expensive
- Limited reviews
Bottom Line
Transparent Labs Casein Protein provides 25 grams of protein per scoop and is extremely popular among users. Unfortunately, it may be sold out when you try to buy it, but you can sign up to be notified when it is available again.
A Quick Look at Transparent Labs Casein Protein Powder
Transparent Labs makes natural, third-party tested fitness supplements and is committed to label transparency. Both their casein and whey protein powders are high-quality options. Both contain minimal ingredients, are sourced from grass-fed dairy, and contain zero artificial ingredients, fillers, or preservatives.
Transparent Labs grass-fed whey protein isolate is available in 14 flavors, plus unflavored, while the casein only comes in chocolate. Both proteins provide similar amounts of calories and grams of protein. The casein is slightly higher in carbohydrates, with 4 grams per serving versus 1 gram. Casein is also an excellent source of calcium, providing 60% of your daily needs per serving.
Before You Buy
- Casein is digested slowly1 compared to whey, so it’s more likely to cause digestive upset for individuals sensitive to dairy or if consumed pre-workout.
- Bodybuilders and other fitness pros prefer casein shakes and puddings before bed to keep muscles fed during sleep.
- This protein is pricey, but if you like it, get it on a subscription to save 10% and score free shipping.
Is Transparent Labs Casein Protein Worth It?
This protein is a good option for anyone looking to increase total daily protein intake or add the benefits of casein to their current supplement lineup. It’s sweetened with stevia and free from artificial ingredients, so it’s a solid choice for natural product lovers.
Top-notch quality doesn’t come cheap. At roughly $2 per serving, this product is priced on the high end for protein powders. If you’re on a budget and looking for a daily protein this might be more than you want to spend. On the other hand, if you’re already using whey protein and would like to add casein occasionally, such as on rest days or before bed, the cost may be more feasible.
Great for:
- Those looking for “clean” protein ingredients
- Anyone trying to supplement protein intake from food
- Athletes and fitness pros who need third-party tested supplements
Not recommended for:
- Anyone with a milk allergy or severe lactose intolerance
- People who want protein in a variety of flavors
- Individuals following a plant-based diet
Transparent Labs Casein Protein Specs
| Price per serving | $1.99 |
| Serving Size | 1 scoop (35 g) |
| Flavors | Chocolate |
| Type of protein | Casein |
| Protein content | 25 g |
| Carb content | 4 g |
| Fat content | 0.5 g |
| Notable ingredients | Grass-fed casein protein, cocoa powder, stevia |
| Third-party Tested? | Yes |
Experience Using Transparent Labs Casein Protein
Our tester, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CNC, CES, CF-L1, tried the Transparent Labs chocolate casein protein. Casein powders often turn out clumpy after mixing, but not this one. Amanda made both shakes and protein pudding with smooth results. As for taste, Amanda reports the chocolate flavor is decidedly crave-worthy.
Price Per Serving
Transparent Labs casein protein sells for $59.99. Each tub contains 30 servings, which translates to $1.99 per serving. Getting this protein on a subscription will save you 10%, which is $6 off, bringing the per-serving price to $1.79.
Either way, this stuff costs more than most whey proteins but is on par with other high-quality casein proteins, like Legion Casein+. Casein is notoriously pricey, and considering the ingredient quality and third-party testing, the price isn’t a dealbreaker. Still, if you plan to use this protein daily, costs can add up quickly.
Formulation
The simplicity of the ingredients in Transparent Labs Casein Protein earned it a 4.5 out of 5 for formulation, according to the GGR supplement testing methodology. With no proprietary blends, fillers, added sugars, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or artificial sweeteners, the ingredients are about as clean as you can get. It’s also gluten-free.
RELATED: Best Clean Protein Powder
You get 25 grams of micellar casein protein per serving. The casein is sourced from grass-fed American cattle. Research shows milk from grass-fed cows is more nutritious2 and may contain higher concentrations of amino acids than milk from grain-fed cows. The International Society of Sports Nutrition3 endorses the use of casein protein before bed for supporting muscle protein synthesis.
The chocolate casein also contains cocoa powder, natural flavor, Himalayan rock salt, and stevia extract.
Taste and Solubility
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Casein Protein only comes in chocolate, although a vanilla flavor has been available in the past. Our tester, Amanda, used the chocolate flavor to make protein shakes and pudding.
Casein protein powder clumps when added to liquid, but Amanda found the clumps were easy to break up with this protein. Just be aware your countertops may get dusted with protein every time you mix it. “It’s way easy to make a mess with this protein powder,” says Amanda. “It’s extremely soft and it just poofs everywhere with any movement of the scoop.”
Like other reviewers who tried the chocolate casein protein, Amanda raved about the flavor and rated it 5 out of 5 for taste. She says, “Let me tell you: This stuff tastes damn near like Jell-O chocolate pudding out of the little plastic tubs when mixed to mimic pudding. It’s so good! I actually crave this.” To make pudding, just mix a scoop of casein with less liquid than usual.
Side Effects
It’s unlikely for healthy adults who consume dairy to experience any side effects with this protein. Anyone with a milk allergy should avoid casein protein and try an egg or vegan protein powder instead. If cow’s milk-based products are hit or miss for you, use caution and be aware of potential side effects, like bloating and gas, after sipping your protein shake.
Third-Party Testing
Transparent Labs submits all of its supplements for independent third-party testing to ensure their ingredients meet the criteria for safety and purity. They share the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Certificate of Composition (CoC) for each supplement on their website. The CoA includes the results of contaminant and heavy metal testing, while the CoC lists the percentage of each ingredient in the product.
Transparent Labs Casein vs Kaged Casein
Kaged Casein
Kaged Casein
Product Highlights
- 100% slow-releasing isolate micellar casein
- Includes 14 g of EAAs and 7 g of BCAAs
- Cold-process microfiltered
- Third-party tested and banned substance free
- Available in milkshake flavors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pure 100% casein for slow absorption
- Easily mixed, but rich and creamy
- Good option to take at night for overnight recovery
- Third-party tested and banned substance free
- Can be used when baking
Cons
- Has sucralose and other artificial sweeteners
- Some find it too sweet
- Very thick texture (as casein usually has)
Bottom Line
Kaged Casein Protein is a high-quality micellar casein protein powder that is great for taking before bed or at other times when you want a slow-digesting protein.
Kaged Casein costs less than Transparent Labs Casein, but is it a good choice? At first glance, the nutrition for both casein proteins looks the same. However, Kaged doesn’t use grass-fed casein and contains more ingredients, including a coconut creamer that contains non-GMO maltodextrin and several gums. Kaged is sweetened with both stevia and sucralose, and some reviewers say it’s overly sweet with an unpleasant aftertaste.
Both products are third-party tested, which ensures they’re free from harmful levels of contaminants and banned substances. Kaged is also Informed Sport Certified. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind artificial sweeteners in your supplements, Kaged is probably a better fit. If ingredient quality is a top priority, go with Transparent Labs.
| Transparent Labs Casein Protein | Kaged Casein | |
| Price per serving | $1.99 | $1.59 |
| Serving Size | 30 g scoop | 36 g scoop |
| Type of Protein | Grass-fed micellar casein | Micellar casein isolate |
| Protein Content | 25 g | 26 g |
| Carb Content | 4 g | 4 g |
| Fat Content | 0.5 g | 0.5 g |
| Notable Ingredients | Cocoa powder, stevia | Cocoa powder, coconut creamer, stevia, sucralose |
| Flavors | Chocolate, Vanilla | Chocolate Shake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Vanilla Shake |
| Third-Party Tested? | Yes | Yes |
Customer Experience
Transparent Labs will accept returns for a full refund or store credit. Only unopened products are eligible for a refund and the return window is 30 days from delivery. An exchange or store credit may be granted if you want to return a product that’s been opened, which is generous considering many brands offer nothing for opened products.
To initiate the return process, you have to contact their customer support team by email, but they’re quick to respond and provide good customer service.
Ordering Transparent Labs Casein Protein
You can order directly from the Transparent Labs website. When you purchase, you’ll need to choose between a one-time order and a subscription. The subscribe option will save you 10%, as well as get you free shipping. Subscriptions can be changed at any time and you can choose to receive a delivery every 30, 45, or 60 days. From there, you simply add the protein to your cart and check out.
Customer Reviews
This casein protein has been rated 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 139 reviews on the Transparent Labs website. One reviewer wrote, “The caseins I tried in the past don’t dissolve well and are hard to digest, but love the Transparent Lab Casein. It’s smooth and not lumpy at all.” The majority of reviewers agree, saying it’s the best tasting casein they’ve had, mixes easily, and is easy to digest.
Most reviewers say they use this protein before bed to curb late-night hunger and support muscle recovery overnight. The negative reviews are from customers who found the protein too expensive or didn’t care for the taste, which is a matter of personal preference.
RELATED: Best-Tasting Protein Powder
Final Verdict of Our Transparent Labs Casein Protein
Transparent Labs Casein Protein is a top-notch protein made with high-quality ingredients and utilizing third-party testing. If your budget is tight, there are more affordable casein proteins but they’ll likely have less “clean” formulations.
- Transparent Labs Casein Protein contains 100% grass-fed casein and is third-party tested, which results in a higher price tag.
- This protein is sweetened with stevia, making it an excellent choice for people who prefer natural ingredients.
- Because casein digests slowly, this protein is highly satiating and ideal for between meals or a bedtime snack.
Full Rating
Transparent Labs Casein Protein
Transparent Labs Casein Protein provides 25 grams of protein per scoop and is extremely popular among users. Unfortunately, it may be sold out when you try to buy it, but you can sign up to be notified when it is available again.
Product Brand: Transparent Labs
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 59.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.18
Transparent Labs Casein Protein: FAQs
Which brand is best for casein protein?
If you’re looking for high-quality casein, look for grass-fed casein that’s been third-party tested, such as Transparent Labs. You’ll also want to consider the amount of protein per serving and ingredients to choose the best casein for your needs.
Is Transparent Labs trustworthy?
Transparent Labs creates high-quality sports nutrition products. All of their products are third-party tested to ensure safety and purity. The third-party testing reports are available on the Transparent Labs website.
Which is better, casein or whey protein?
Both are sourced from cow’s milk and are complete proteins, meaning they contain all of the essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own. Whey is digested faster and contains more branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) than casein, making it more popular for post-workout shakes. Despite these differences, research shows both proteins benefit muscle mass4 and workout recovery.
Is it worth taking casein protein?
If you tolerate dairy and want to increase your protein intake, a casein protein supplement can help. Casein is a natural protein source found in cow’s milk. Casein is a quality protein that can help you build muscle and improve body composition when combined with exercise.
Does casein vs whey really matter?
Eating more protein is linked to improved body composition, faster muscle gains, enhanced satiety, speedier metabolism, and healthier aging. Research shows the amount of protein you eat per day5 is more important for wellness than the source of protein. That being said, both casein and whey can help you increase protein intake.
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
- Wilborn CD, Taylor LW, Outlaw J, et al. The Effects of Pre- and Post-Exercise Whey vs. Casein Protein Consumption on Body Composition and Performance Measures in Collegiate Female Athletes. J Sports Sci Med. 2013;12(1):74-79. Published 2013 Mar 1.
- Alothman M, Hogan SA, Hennessy D, et al. The “Grass-Fed” Milk Story: Understanding the Impact of Pasture Feeding on the Composition and Quality of Bovine Milk. Foods. 2019;8(8):350. Published 2019 Aug 17. doi:10.3390/foods8080350
- 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
- Tipton KD, Elliott TA, Cree MG, Wolf SE, Sanford AP, Wolfe RR. Ingestion of casein and whey proteins result in muscle anabolism after resistance exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004;36(12):2073-2081. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000147582.99810.c5
- Hevia-Larraín V, Gualano B, Longobardi I, et al. High-Protein Plant-Based Diet Versus a Protein-Matched Omnivorous Diet to Support Resistance Training Adaptations: A Comparison Between Habitual Vegans and Omnivores. Sports Med. 2021;51(6):1317-1330. doi:10.1007/s40279-021-01434-9
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