Should I buy Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) or Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)? Is one better than the other?

This is in fact a common question asked by many experienced or beginning exercise enthusiasts looking to supplement with whey protein.

This is a warranted question, because, without a good comparison of the nutrition label, not much else gives you a clue as to the difference between whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate.

It may even make you scratch your head as to why whey protein isolate carries a higher price tag, which we cover in greater detail here.

Let’s dive in.

What is Whey Protein?

Are you familiar with the process of making cheese? No? Well, imagine you are.

When cheese is pressed through one of its many cheese-making stages, the liquid by-product strained from the cheese is called whey.

This whey is then dehydrated into a fine powder through low-temperature, ultra-filtration processes, which protects the protein content and retains nutrients.

Once all these super technical processes are done, the end result is raw whey protein powder, and when you buy unflavoured whey protein concentrate, this is what you’re generally buying.

Whey Protein Concentrate

Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) is the cheaper of the two, containing 80-85% of protein content, and the rest containing carbohydrates and fats.

WPC generally has a better flavour profile due to the higher carb and fat content, although due to the presence of lactose, makes it unsuitable for lactose intolerant individuals.

For lactose intolerance, WPI is generally the recommended option.

Read more on Whey Protein isolate: Can You Drink Whey If You’re Lactose Intolerant?

Whey Protein Isolate

Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) is the expensive counterpart of the two, containing approximately 90% protein content, and the rest being trace carbohydrates and fats.

WPI is generally more expensive due to the extra filtration it goes through during the manufacturing process.

This extra filtration process makes WPI extremely low in lactose, and is generally recommended for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Fun fact: Designer Physique WPI contains less than 1% lactose!

Read more on Whey Protein Isolate: Why is WPI So Expensive? Is it Worth It?
 

Should I Buy WPC or WPI?

Honestly, both WPC and WPI are great sources of highly digestible, rapidly absorbing whey protein powder.

To make it easier, we’ve created this comparison chart for you to help you decide (and bookmark for later).

If you’re lactose intolerant, WPI is the option for you, due to its low presence of lactose when it’s

If you’re looking for a high protein source, WPC and WPI are both good options, although you will find WPI to contain a higher amount per serve.

If you’re looking to maximise on taste, WPC is a great option, although contains higher levels of carbohydrates and fats.

If you’re working with a tight budget, WPC is going to be the cheapest, although keep in mind WPI can be still fantastic value, read more here.

Whey Protein Concentrate [fusion_button link=”https://tonysfeir.com.au/5″ text_transform=”uppercase” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment_medium=”” alignment_small=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”single_add_to_cart_button” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]BUY NOW[/fusion_button] Whey Protein Isolate [fusion_button link=”https://tonysfeir.com.au/8″ text_transform=”uppercase” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment_medium=”” alignment_small=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”single_add_to_cart_button” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]BUY NOW[/fusion_button]   Conclusion Buying whey protein doesn’t have to be a complicated process, and honestly, if you buy WPI or WPC, you’re still bound to get a good whack of highly digestible protein. What it really boils down to is your specific goals, select taste profile, and whether or not you can tolerate the amount of lactose in WPC. If neither sits well with you, perhaps you may have a whey protein allergy? We write a great article on this here. Next time you’re shopping for whey protein concentrate or whey protein isolate, know that Designer Physique some of the purest, ultra-quality extracted protein, using some of the best, natural flavouring available. All Designer Physique whey protein uses premium ingredients sourced from grass-fed cows. If you have a story on your experience with WPC or WPI, why not leave it in the comments? We want to know about it!