Whey protein isolate vs concentrate: what is the difference?

Walk down any protein aisle and you will see two words over and over: isolate and concentrate. Both are whey, and both come from milk. Here is the general difference, and what our own whey isolate labels actually say.

Where whey comes from

Whey is the liquid that separates from milk when milk is made into cheese. It is dried into a powder, and that powder can be processed to different levels. Concentrate and isolate are two of those levels.

Concentrate vs isolate: the general difference

In general, whey protein concentrate is processed less. Whey protein isolate is processed further, so protein makes up a larger share of the powder and there is typically less of the other milk components, such as fat and lactose.

The exact numbers vary from one product to the next, which is why the Supplement Facts panel matters more than the name on the front. "Isolate" tells you how the protein was processed. It does not tell you how many grams of protein you get per serving, so check that line too.

What our whey isolates list

All four of these list whey protein isolate as the protein source, and each label states that it contains milk:

• Pure3 100% Whey Protein Isolate (Chocolate), $90: 18 g protein and 90 calories per scoop (25 g), about 28 servings.
• Pure3 100% Whey Protein Isolate (Vanilla), $90: 19 g protein and 90 calories per scoop (24.4 g), about 28 servings.
• Advanced Whey Protein (Chocolate), $85: 22 g protein and 120 calories per two-scoop serving (35 g), 24 servings.
• Advanced 100% Whey Protein Isolate (Vanilla), $85: 22 g protein and 120 calories per two-scoop serving (34 g), 24 servings.

Whey protein isolate supplies protein that helps support muscle growth and repair after exercise.*

Serving sizes differ, so compare on cost per serving as well as protein per serving. At list price, Pure3 works out to about $3.21 per serving ($90 across 28 servings), and Advanced to about $3.54 ($85 across 24 servings).

Which one fits you?

Neither type is automatically the right pick. It comes down to the serving you prefer, the price per serving and the flavor. Pure3 uses a single scoop. Advanced lists 22 g of protein per two-scoop serving.

Because all whey comes from milk, anyone with a milk allergy should not use these products. Our labels do not make a lactose-free claim, so if lactose is a concern for you, ask your health care professional. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, under 18 or have a medical condition.

Quick questions

Is isolate always the better choice?

Not necessarily. A higher protein share in the powder is the general difference, but the right choice still depends on the serving size, price and flavor you want. Read the panel for the exact grams.

How do I mix these?

Per the labels, mix one scoop of Pure3, or two scoops of Advanced, with 6-8 oz of water or a favorite beverage daily. The labels also suggest taking it 20-30 minutes before a meal with 8 oz of water, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Where can I compare more options?

Take the 60-second quiz or see our bundles, which pair protein with other products that each keep their own label.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.