Whey Protein: What It Does and Why You Should Consider It

Whey protein is one of the most common forms of protein powders on the market and a popular choice for many people who are into fitness. But what exactly is whey protein, and how does it differ from other types of protein powders? Keep on reading to learn more about its benefits and how it can fit into your fitness routine. 

What Is Whey Protein?

When making cheese, the milk undergoes a process that separates the liquid from the solid parts. The liquid, known as whey, contains a bioavailable form of protein. This liquid is then processed into a powder that can be used to make protein shakes, blended into smoothies, added to pancake batter, mixed into meals, or even used in baking to increase protein content.

Types of Whey Protein Powders

There are three common forms of whey protein:

• Whey Concentrate: contains approximately 70-80% protein and retains slightly more of the natural fats and lactose. It’s the least processed form of whey protein, which helps preserve its natural creamy taste and texture..
  

• Whey Isolate: contains around 90% protein and has most of the fat and lactose removed. It’s more processed than whey concentrate, has a lighter taste, and fewer calories.

• Whey Hydrolysate: contains about 90%+ protein and has very low fat and lactose content. The protein has been partially broken down into smaller peptides for faster absorption, making hydrolyzed whey the most processed form. It may be easier to digest, though it tends to have a slightly bitter taste.

What Makes DENSE Whey Protein Different?

DENSE Whey Protein Powder is organic and comes from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows that graze in the Austrian Alps. It’s available in three varieties: Unflavored, Vanilla and Chocolate. The unflavored version contains only one ingredient: organic whey protein concentrate — the least processed form of whey protein. The flavored options are sweetened with stevia and include natural vanilla or chocolate flavor, plus cocoa powder in the chocolate version.

Unlike many other protein powders, DENSE Whey Protein contains no fillers, emulsifiers, seed oils, or other unnecessary additives — just clean ingredients and quality you can trust.

👉 SHOP DENSE WHEY PROTEIN POWDER

Why Choose Grass-Fed Whey Protein?

You may be wondering if it really matters whether you choose grass-fed or conventional whey. The answer depends on what you’re looking for.

Grass-fed whey comes from cows that graze on pasture, which means they’ve had a more natural diet and living conditions. This can result in a better nutritional profile, with higher levels of certain nutrients like anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), compared to conventional whey. It also means that it doesn’t contain any hormones or antibiotics — something people often appreciate when choosing protein powders. 

On top of that, grass-fed whey is usually produced with more care for animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. 

So, if those factors matter to you, choosing Grass-Fed Whey Protein might make more sense for you.

The Difference Between Whey and Other Protein Powders

There are other protein powders besides whey, but how do they differ? We’ve already gone through the differences between whey and beef protein in another article. If you’re sensitive to dairy but still want to use a bioavailable, animal-based protein powder, Beef Protein might be a better option for you.

When comparing whey to other protein powders, it’s important to not only consider the source, but also how they perform in terms of digestion, absorption, and nutritional profile. For example, casein — another protein derived from dairy — digests more slowly than whey. This results in a gradual, sustained release of amino acids, which is why casein is often taken before bedtime.

Whey, which is quickly digested and absorbed, is more ideal post-workout recovery when your muscles need amino acids fast. It’s also naturally rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, isoleucine, and valine — amino acids that are commonly found in muscle tissue. 

Plant-based protein powders — made from sources like pea, rice, or hemp — are a good choice for people who want a vegan option. These types of protein powders may have different amino acid profiles and may not be as easily absorbed as whey. However, for people who are sensitive to dairy, these protein powders may be easier to digest.

The table below includes a summary of the key differences between common types of protein powders. Which one you choose will depend on your dietary preferences and how you plan to use it.

Conclusion

Whey protein is a versatile, bioavailable option with a high-quality amino-acid profile. If you’re looking for a minimally processed source with a better nutritional profile, grass-fed whey concentrate — like the one from DENSE — is a simple and natural choice.

👉  SHOP DENSE GRASS-FED WHEY PROTEIN