Whey Protein is considered a complete or purest form of protein as it contains all the 9 essential amino acids and is highly beneficial for those who regularly workout in order to build lean muscle mass.
The good thing about Whey protein supplements is that they contain nearly 25 to 30 grams of high quality protein per 1 scoop serving.
Above that, it contains fewer calories and negligible carbs, which makes it an ideal post or pre-workout protein supplement for many bodybuilding enthusiasts.
Also see: Best Multivitamins for Men and Women
What is Whey Protein?
It is a liquid byproduct which is left after milk is curdled and strained while making cheese.
When you try to make Cheese (Paneer) out of the boiled milk by adding Vinegar or Lemon juice, you’ll get a waste by-product, which is what we call as Whey protein.
Since not everyone can drink the whey directly, it is then made into a powdered whey supplement for easy consumption by all.
You’ll also find several flavored Whey protein supplements in the market, which enhance the taste of the Whey protein powder and it can be consumed without adding milk (with pure water), thereby reducing the consumption of more calories and carbs.
Who Should Consume Whey Protein?
- If you are unable to get your daily required protein from diet, then you can use the protein supplements.
- Bodybuilders and those who’re trying to lose fat can increase their protein intake by opting for Whey protein shakes.
Different Types of Whey Protein
There are mainly 3 types of whey protein, which include:
- Whey Protein Concentrate: Generally, the cheapest of the 3 and has the lowest amount of protein per 100 gms i.e., 29 to 89%.
- Whey Protein Isolate: More expensive than the WPC and has ~90% of weight from protein.
- Whey Protein Hydrolysate: It is easily digestible by the body and has ~99% of its weight from protein. And, hence it is the most expensive of the three and also the worst tasting.
Which is the Best Among the Three?
Well, it is self-explanatory. The Whey Protein Isolate is best of the three variants as it is easy on the pocket, has more protein percent and tastier too (flavored).
How Much Protein Should You Consume Per Day?
Here is a simple calculation to know how much protein you’ll need to consume per day based on your bodyweight and activity levels.
Protein Consumption = Grams % x Bodyweight in Kgs
- Desk Job: 0.8 gms per kg
- Moderately Active: 1.6 gms per kg
- Athletes: 2 gms per kg.
So, if you’re having a desk job and you don’t exercise at all, then you should aim to get at least 64 gms of protein per day (0.8 x 80 kgs), considering your weight is 80 kgs.
Likewise, you can calculate your daily protein requirement based on your activity level and current bodyweight.
Best Whey Protein Powders in India
Below are the top 10 whey protein powder brands available in India, with highest protein content per scoop.
1.Optimum Nutrition (ON) Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition is one of the best whey protein supplement brands in the market.
It has 24 grams of protein per serving (scoop) with whey protein isolate as its primary ingredient and just 1 gm each from sugar and fat.
Below is the nutritional information per serving of 1 scoop (30.4 g).
| Protein | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| 24 g | 120 | 1 g | 3 g |
It also contains 5.5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs, 4 grams of glutamine and glutamic acid in each serving.
Comes in different flavors such as Double Rich Chocolate, Rocky Road, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Mint, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla Ice Cream, Banana Cream, Chocolate Malt, Mocha Cappuccino, Delicious Strawberry, French Vanilla Creme and Extreme Milk Chocolate.
My personal favorite is the ‘Strawberry Banana’.
Suggested Use:
1 Scoop of Whey protein with a glass of water/skimmed milk before & after workout.
2.Ultimate Nutrition Prostar Whey Protein Supplement
Another good brand in the supplements industry, the UN Prostar contains 25 g of protein for 1 scoop (30 g) i.e., 83.33% per gram of the powder.
The powder is loaded with 6 g of BCAAs per scoop and has low fat content. You get around 1 g each of fat and sugar per serving.
It is available in different flavors like Strawberry, Chocolate Creme, Vanilla Creme, Rum Raisin and Delicious Raspberry.
Below is the nutritional information per serving of 1 scoop (30 g).
| Protein | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| 25 g | 120 | 1 g | 2 g |
This whey protein powder is ideal for both muscle building and fat loss.
Suggested Use:
Mix 1 Scoop of Whey protein powder in a glass of water/skimmed milk and drink it before & after workout for effective results.
3.Dymatize Nutrition Elite Whey Protein Powder
A single scoop of DN Elite Whey protein powder contains 25g i.e., 69.44% protein per gram of the powder.
It provides ideal ratio of essential and non-essential amino acids in their most easily assimilated form.
Below is the nutritional information per serving of 1 scoop (36 g).
| Protein | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| 25 g | 130 | 2 g | 4 g |
It is aspartame free, low in carbs and has 3.5 grams of glutamine and glutamine precursors along with 5 grams of BCAAs.
Available in different flavors such as Rich Chocolate, Chocolate Fudge and Gourmet Vanilla.
Suggested Use:
This powder mixes instantly in both water and skimmed milk or you can even add bananas to the blender. Have 1 scoop before & after workout for effective results.
4.Muscleblaze Whey Gold 100% Whey Isolate
Another well-known US brand which delivers 25 grams of protein per 30 gm serving or 1 scoop.
It has whey isolate with the highest protein digestibility corrected amino acid (PDCAA) score of 1.
Below is the nutritional information per serving of 1 scoop (30 g).
| Protein | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| 25 g | 110 | 0.46 g | 1.83 g |
You also get 5.5 g BCAAs, 1.83 g carbs and 0.46 g of fat per each serving.
Available flavors: Rich Milk Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, Mocha Cappuccino
Suggested Use:
Mix 1 scoop protein powder in 200 ml or a glass of water & drink it post or pre-workout for best results.
5.MuscleXP 100% Whey Protein
It is the fast-acting whey protein isolate & concentrate combo in the market with 25 grams of protein per scoop i.e., 88.45% of protein content per gram of powder.
No sugar is added. Enriched with Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Amino acids.
Below is the nutritional information per serving of 1 scoop (33 g).
| Protein | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| 25 g | 116 | 0.85 g | 2.3 g |
It has 5.84 g of BCAA’s and 4.13g of L-Glutamic Acid.
Available Flavors: Double Rich Chocolate, Cafe Mocha
Suggested Use:
Mixes instantly in water or skimmed milk. Have a scoop before/after workout.
6.Grizzly Nutrition 100% Virgin Whey
It is 100% pure potent natural whey protein powder (whey concentrate) which is manufactured using Triple Cold process (Cross Flow Micro Filtered, Non Acid Treated Whey).
You get 25 grams of protein per serving and has no preservatives, artificial flavors, sweeteners or fillers in the product.
There is also no soy, creatine, aspartame, acesulfame potassium used in this powder and is ideal for fat loss and muscle growth.
Below is the nutritional information per serving of 1 scoop (31 g).
| Protein | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| 25 g | 120 | 1.5 g | 2 g |
It also comes with digestive enzymes and pre & pro-biotics for a healthy gut.
You get 5.3 grams of BCAAs and 4.5 g of glutamine and glutamic acid.
Suggested Use:
Mix 1 scoop in a glass of skimmed milk or water. For best results, drink this before/after working out.
7.Arms Nutrition Sniper Whey Protein
This Sniper Whey protein powder is fortified with multi-vitamins and digestive enzymes (bromelain & papien), both help in 100% absorption of the protein and gives effective results.
It contains 23.5 grams of protein per serving and also has 6.75 g BCAAs and 5 g Glutamine.
It is gluten-free and soy-free.
Below is the nutritional information per serving of 1 scoop (30 g).
| Protein | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| 23.5 g | 120 | 1.5 g | 3.5 g |
Available Flavor: Chocolate Ice Cream
Suggested Use:
Mix 1 scoop of powder in 200 ml of water, milk or desired beverage and have it twice a day.
8.Muscle Pharm Combat 100% Whey
It is an ultra-filtered, low carb high protein supplement that gives 25g of protein per each serving.
The protein obtained from Whey Protein Isolate & Concentrate and hence it is fast digesting. It is free of gluten and contains no artificial colors.
Below is the nutritional information per serving of 1 scoop (33 g).
| Protein | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| 25 g | 130 | 1.5 g | 3 g |
Available Flavors: Cream, Chocolate Milk, Strawberry and Mocha Capuccino
9.Muscle Tech Premim Whey Protein Plus
A single serving of this Whey protein Plus powder gives 20 grams of protein i.e., 60.6% protein per gram.
It provides 2 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fat per serving and includes 4.5 g BCAAs, glutamine and essential amino acids.
Below is the nutritional information per serving of 1 scoop (33 g).
| Protein | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| 20 g | 110 | 1 g | 3 g |
No aspartame is used in this product.
Available Flavors: Deluxe Chocolate
Suggested Use:
Regular gym goers can use 1 scoop while professional athletes should have 2 scoops either in water or milk or desired beverage.
10.MyFitFuel Whey Protein Powder
It contains 24.3 g of protein per single scoop i.e., 71.87% protein per gram.
It has zero sugar and includes 5.6 gm BCAA & 4.1 gm Glutamine.
Below is the nutritional information per serving of 1 scoop (32.8 g).
| Protein | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| 24.3 g | 133 | 2.6 g | 1.7 g |
The only ingredient used is Whey Protein Concentrate. No aspartame or soy protein is used in this product.
Available Flavors: Unflavored, Vanilla Creme, Coffee Caramel, Rich Chocolate Delight
Suggested Use:
Mix 1 scoop of MFF powder in 250 ml of water or milk into a shaker and shake for 15-20 seconds. Drink this twice a day for best results.