Last month, we received this question via email:
"Dear FLUID, I've been using a different post workout recovery drink that contains whey protein concentrate. What's the difference in concentrate protein vs. the isolate protein in your product?"
Well, we're glad you asked!
There is a significant difference between whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. Plain & simple, whey isolate is more pure, approximately 90-92% protein by weight, with the remainder consisting of moisture. It is lactose, fat and cholesterol free and will not cause gas, bloating or stomach discomfort with individuals who are lactose sensitive or intolerant.
Concentrate whey is available in three forms: 30%, 50%, and 80% protein by weight. The remaining percentage consists of lactose, milk fat, and cholesterol. The more pure, the more filtering & thus the more expensive. The kicker is that a manufacturer can use the ingredient term "Whey Protein" or "Whey Protein Concentrate" at any of the three levels of purity to save cost while the end user would not know the difference. Sometimes manufacturers use the term "Whey Protein Blend", which means concentrate and isolate whey have been mixed together to bolster the value on the label, but to lower the cost of production.
Another form of whey protein available is called Whey Protein Hydrolysate. Hydrolysates are predigested, partially hydrolyzed whey proteins that may be more easily absorbed, but their cost is generally higher and they are very bitter in taste.
FLUID uses exclusively Whey Protein Isolate in all our recovery products, and would advise our friends, family, and fans to do the same. Whey isolate is more expensive than whey concentrate, but it is a cleaner, more pure product that will not cause digestive issues like concentrate.
Cheers!
Richard Smith
Founder/CEO
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