How to Choose the Best Whey Isolate? A Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Right Choice

Before we get into the details, let's lay the groundwork. What is whey isolate ? With its high protein content and infinitesimal amounts of fats and carbohydrates, whey isolate seems like THE ideal dietary supplement.

But is that really the case? Spoiler: yes, provided you choose the best one... for you!

More common and less expensive, why not simply opt for concentrated whey, which is more accessible and just as widespread?

💡 Good to know : Whey protein concentrate isn't usually labeled that way on the package or jar. It's easy to spot! Just turn the product over and read the label. You'll usually see "whey protein concentrate" or "whey/milk protein concentrate," often accompanied by emulsifiers and other ingredients.

Hold on tight: the major difference lies in the protein content, quality and assimilation:

👉 Whey isolate offers over 90% high-quality protein, while whey concentrate only contains 70-80% on average;

👉 Whey isolate is more digestible, as it contains almost no traces of lactose, which is a clear advantage for intestines sensitive to dairy products;

👉 Whey isolate is purer, and generally free of unnecessary additives and ingredients to improve palatability (sweeteners, emulsifiers, colorings, etc.).

If you're as convinced as we are that whey isolate is right for you, you still need to know how to choose the best one. And between you and me, not all whey isolates are created equal! Here are the essential criteria to consider.

The first thing to check on the label is the protein content. A good whey isolate should contain at least 80% protein, ideally more than 90%.

☝️Beware of products that display lower percentages: they often contain more sugars and fats than you think.

“Let food be thy medicine” provided that you are on the lookout for its origin (it’s a gift, it’s for us!)

You care about what you put in your body, and that's normal: ingredient traceability is a determining factor in quality.

👉 Our advice: choose whey made from milk from cows raised outdoors and fed on grass. This type of production guarantees a purer protein and often richer in amino acids. Not to mention that it is a responsible and ethical choice, which supports environmentally friendly agricultural practices! 🌱

You may be wondering what the AFNOR EN 17444 standard is?

This is a certification relating to “foodstuffs intended for athletes and food supplements, with a view to limiting the risk of the presence of substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency”.

This labeling on a product ensures the absence of doping substances. Whether you're a professional athlete or simply a serious sportsperson, this certification is a guarantee of safety, especially when you consider the risks associated with doping.

BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) are essential for muscle recovery and protein synthesis.

A good whey isolate should contain a significant amount of BCAAs, at least 5 to 6 g per serving. BCAAs are very useful for gaining mass , especially if you do bodybuilding or endurance sports, because they help repair muscle fibers damaged during exercise.

The famous sweeteners that bring that delicious side that we appreciate so much... If some manufacturers use artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose, it is better to choose a whey isolate flavored with natural alternatives like stevia.

👉 Not only are these safe to use, but they also avoid that unpleasant chemical aftertaste. Purists among you will want to opt for the neutral versions!

With so many options available, mistakes can easily happen. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them to ensure you only stock the best whey on your shelves!

Do you know the adage “if it’s free, you’re the product” ? 😒

Sad but true: A cheap whey isolate may seem like a good deal, but it often hides quality flaws. Cheap brands compensate for the low cost by using protein from questionable sources and/or the presence of unnecessary additives.

The product may not meet nutritional needs or even slow down your athletic progress!

Have you ever tried reading a whey isolate label? It can be a bit of a decoding exercise!

👉Take the time to check the origin of the ingredients, the protein content, and the presence of additives. A good whey isolate should be clear about its composition. If the label is too complicated, move on!

Some amateur athletes think that this standard does not apply to them. Wrong!

👉Even if you're not preparing for the next Olympic Games, the Afnor standard ensures that your whey is free from banned and potentially dangerous substances.

With all this information, you now know what to look for in a good whey isolate. At Novoma, we offer:

Novoma whey isolate is obtained through gentle microfiltration to preserve protein integrity and provide optimal absorption.

✅ With a concentration of 90.07% protein on dry matter (i.e. 25g per 30g serving), it is the ideal choice for demanding athletes!

Certified by the Afnor standard, Novoma whey isolate guarantees the absence of doping substances and their potential adverse effects, and an analysis of the finished product.

Amylase, protease and lactase: These three enzymes aid digestion and maximize nutrient absorption.

✅ No more bloating or discomfort after your protein shake, you asked for it, we did it!

➡️ Discover Novoma Native Whey Isolate

✅ Produced from milk from cows raised on French pastures, our whey isolate guarantees optimal traceability and responsible sourcing : two core values ​​of our commitments !

When and how should you consume whey isolate to reap its benefits? This is where the difference between an effective supplement and a simple boost lies.

Whey isolate is a fast-absorbing protein: it should be consumed at strategic times when the body requires a rapid protein intake, particularly after a sports session .

💡 Before or after training?

The best time to consume whey isolate is after training. Whey protein, rich in essential amino acids, helps rebuild these fibers and speed recovery. If you're looking for fast results, this is the place to start.

However, some athletes choose to consume it before exercise to ensure a consistent supply of amino acids during their session. This may be an option if your last meal was several hours ago.

You can also incorporate whey isolate into your daily routine as a snack between meals. The goal? To maintain a high protein intake to promote muscle building, or simply to fill a gap in your diet.

☝️Our tip: when you're on the go or don't have time to cook, a whey isolate shake combined with a carbohydrate snack will help prevent a drop in energy.

Another interesting option is a dose of whey isolate upon waking to provide quickly assimilated proteins after a night of fasting.

This kind of reflex helps avoid the rush on the cookies brought by your colleague at 10:30 a.m.! 😅

Nothing could be simpler. Mix a dose of whey isolate (usually between 20 and 30 grams) with about 200-300 ml of water or milk in a sports shaker, shake vigorously and it's ready!

Water is often preferred for faster absorption and lower calorie count. The milk version will add a creamy texture (and extra calories if desired).

The most creative among you will improvise smoothies, yogurts, and even homemade baking recipes using whey! Who said supplements had to be boring? 🍪

It seems that the whole process has been done to help you choose the best whey isolate. In other words, the one that meets your needs, but above all, your values.

Any questions? Don't hesitate to write to us, we're here to help!