Know the difference between Whey Protein vs Isolate

Whey Protein vs Isolate

In the world of dietary supplements, whey reigns supreme. Alongside casein, whey is among of two proteins that encompass milk. Once it segregates from milk, whey further processes into several whey protein supplements, and in this article, we will tell you all about the whey protein vs isolate showdown.

You will get a deeper insight into what these two have to offer.

Whey Protein

Whey protein stems from milk. As the whey protein is extracted, it is then micro-filtered instead of getting heated.

This delivers an extremely pure and super refined high protein blend to your muscles. Whey protein is a highly popular, remarkably efficient, and surprisingly inexpensive protein on the market.

The reason for whey protein getting micro-filtered is solely to retain its amino acid profile as healthy and powerful as possible.

It also implies that when mixed with milk or water, it maintains its smooth texture.

Benefits of Whey Protein


Isolate undergoes a procedure called ‘cross-flow mico-filtration.’ This segregates the protein from fat, lactose, and cholesterol, lending it ultra-pure properties.

This implies that isolate has extensively less fat, carbohydrates, and lactose than any of the protein shakes on the market.

While it is not 100% free from lactose, it encompasses a very meager amount, which is why it is a good option for athletes struggling with dairy products.

Benefits of Isolate

  • Ideal dairy substitute
  • Better consumption
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Good for diabetic people

Whey Protein vs. Isolate

Simply put, both of these types undergo a filtration procedure, with isolate getting subjected to an intense version.

This enables isolate to be less in calories than whey protein while retaining its protein contents and nutritional benefits.

However, there remain some differences, and we have explained them below.

Protein Percentages Vary

The main disparity between whey protein and isolate lies in the percentage of protein per scoop of the protein powder.

Isolates contain nearly 90% protein per scoop, with the majority of the lactose and fat removed.

Whey protein has around 25-85% protein, including fat and carbohydrates.

Lactose Difference

Isolate is for folks with an aversion to dairy products and is a great option for giving them all the necessary nutrients with the least amount of lactose.

Therefore, it has more low lactose content than whey protein and is pricier than whey protein.

Identical Muscle Benefits

Both whey protein and isolate work wonders in building muscles and ensuring they stay lean.

Although they have little difference in their nutrient range, they both can still give enough muscle health.

Comparison Table

NutrientsWhey ProteinIsolate
LactoseAround 3.5g1g
Filtration ProcessLessIntense


While both forms contain plentiful carbohydrates and ample nutrients, some minor variances differentiate these two based on their filtration processes.

We hope this article simplified the whey protein vs. isolate debate for you.

Written by Siddhesh Jain
