What Types of Protein Powders are There and Which Protein Powder is Right for Me?

Protein Powders are the Most Popular Way for Athletes to Supplement their Protein Intake, but there are Several Different Types of Protein Powders Available and Each Protein Type has its Own Benefits and Weaknesses.

Protein Powders are amongst the Best-Selling Sports Nutrition Supplements in the US and around the World and Protein Powders are the Most Popular Way for Athletes to Supplement their Protein Intake.

However, there are Several Different Types of Protein Powders Available and Each Protein Type has its Own Benefits and Weaknesses.  Let’s take a look at each of the Most Popular Sports Nutrition Protein Powders and see What Each Protein Powder is and How it Works.

Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)

Popular and Cost Effective

Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) is usually 70-80 percent protein, but it can be much lower with the remainder consisting of carbohydrates, fats, etc…  Whey Protein Concentrate is widely used in US Sports Nutrition because of its availability, low cost and reputation as a generally good all-around protein source. 

Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)

Whey Protein Isolate is Extremely Low Calorie

Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) is around 85 percent protein leaving little room for anything else, like carbs and fats.  Having little to no fat and carbohydrate, WPI is one of the lowest-calorie protein powders available.  In addition to being extremely low calorie, Whey Protein Isolate is also absorbed extremely quickly, meaning that it reaches your muscles much faster than some other forms of protein.

Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH)

Extremely Fast Digesting

Whey Protein Hydrolysate is partially broken down before consumption, making it the fastest digesting protein on our list.  However, WPH can, and often is, made from Whey Protein Concentrate, so check the quality and contents of any potential hydrolysate protein choice first.

Casein Protein

Slow Digesting Protein Great for Nighttime

Casein Protein is the slowest digesting protein powder option on our list, making it a great choice for a bed time snack.  General digestion times for Casein Protein is several hours, while Most Whey Proteins digest in 20 minutes or less.  

Milk Protein Isolate

Milk Protein Isolate (MPI) may be the most diverse protein source available today because it contains both Slow-Digesting Casein Protein and the Fast-Digesting Whey Protein since both are found in Milk.  Milk Protein Isolate, taken in the right amount, can fuel your muscles in both the short and long term.