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During my early days as a certified fitness trainer, my deeper exploration into sports nutrition revealed the diverse methods behind protein powder production.
My go-to options were protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. Still, when I started working with a dietitian, it quickly became apparent that hydrolyzed whey protein may be the better option for many of my clients.
Our team has extensively tested some of the more popular protein powder products over the past four months, to reveal – what makes these powders stand out among the rest?
Read on and discover the secret to unlocking your ultimate fitness potential.
The Best Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powders
- Best Overall Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powder: Dymatize ISO 100
- Cheapest Hydrolyzed Whey Protein: NAR LABS Hydrolysed Whey Protein Isolate
- Best Tasting Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powder: Syntha-6 Edge Protein Powder
- Best Hydrolyzed Whey Powder for Recovery: Optimum Nutrition
- Highest BCAA Content Hydrolyzed Whey: Dymatize ISO 100
- Hydrolyzed Whey With Highest Protein per Serving: BulkSupplements
- Best Grass-Fed Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powder: Muscle Feast
- Best Low-Carb Hydrolyzed Whey Protein: Sascha Fitness Isolate
- Best Gluten-Free Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powder: Dymatize ISO 100
Our Top Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powders (December 2024)
1 - Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Protein (Best Overall, Gluten-Free and BCAA Rich)
- Price per serving : $1.23
- Key ingredients : Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, BCAAs
- All flavors : Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Low in fat and carbs to not mess up your diet
- Provides good supply of BCAAs
- Tubs can be ordered up to 5 pounds for good discounts
- Available in tasty flavors for more diversity
Cons
- May need to be blended for the smoothest texture
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Athletes needing quick muscle recovery
- Those who prefer a variety of flavors
Who is it not for?
- People sensitive to artificial flavors
Final Verdict
Ideal for athletes due to its high BCAA content and protein. It's versatile in flavor, but might not suit all due to texture.
Dymatize ISO 100 was a dependable hydrolyzed whey protein supplement during my hands-on testing phase. Many of my clients consistently praised its taste and texture. It also ranks high in our list of recommended whey proteins.
The whey protein isolate content of 25 grams in each scoop is just right for most athletes to get some help with muscle recovery after some tougher training sessions [1].
While it does contain some carbs, it’s low enough not to pose issues for your diet.
2 - Sascha Fitness Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate (Best Low-Carb)
- Price per serving : $1.27
- Key ingredients : Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate, BCAAs, EAAs
- All flavors : Vanilla, Chocolate, Caramel
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Practically zero carbs, sugar and fat so it shouldn’t interfere with diets
- High dose of BCAAs that may help increase body mass
- Uses natural flavors for a tastier shake
Cons
- Some users report a slightly chalky texture
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Keto dieters due to low carb content
- Performance athletes for BCAA profile
Who is it not for?
- Those preferring non-chalky textures
Final Verdict
Great for serious trainers avoiding carbs; its high BCAA aids muscle growth. Some might find the texture slightly off.
Based on my observations, this hydrolyzed whey protein shake is a prime choice for those on a keto regimen due to its impressively low carb content. It just makes it a bit easier to keep track of your macro allowances for the day.
For performance athletes, there’s also a good profile of BCAAs, amino acids that may help build up some body mass in a bulking phase [2].
It’s also good to see that all whey protein isolate ingredients are natural to give it a better flavor.
We did hear from some of our clients that they found the protein powder just a little bit chalky at times, so make sure you give it an extra bit of a shake.
3 - Syntha-6 Edge Protein Powder (Best Tasting)
- Price per serving : $0.90
- Key ingredients : Whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed whey
- All flavors : Chocolate, Vanilla Milkshake, Cookies & Cream
- Third-party tested : Not specified
Pros and Cons
Pros
- One of the higher BCAA doses available
- Many reports that it doesn’t cause an upset stomach
- Positive comments about the flavors and smooth texture
Cons
- It’s not a sugar-free option
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those with digestive sensitivities
- Bodybuilders needing high BCAA intake
Who is it not for?
- Dieters needing low fat/carb options
Final Verdict
Excellent taste and digestive ease make it popular; not ideal for strict low-carb diets due to higher fat and carbs.
While speaking with professional bodybuilders, BSN's whey protein powder frequently emerged due to its high-quality ingredients and meticulous manufacturing process.
Syntha-6 Edge has proven easy on the stomach in higher doses, as confirmed by my team and clients, making it suitable for those with digestive sensitivities.
This product seems to have an excellent amino acid profile, especially regarding BCAA in whey protein.
It's also rated as one of our recommended whey protein powders when mixed with water.
The main downside is that it’s not as pure as some of the other protein powder options. The fat and carb content may not make it a suitable option for certain types of diets.
4 - BulkSupplements Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate (Best Protein-Rich)
- Price per serving : $1.82
- Key ingredients : Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- All flavors : Unflavored
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- One of the strongest whey protein isolate per serving dose
- Independently tested for purity and quality
- Contains no fillers or additives
Cons
- Only available in quite small pouches with no bulk tubs available
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- High-frequency trainers
- People needing higher protein doses per serving
Who is it not for?
- Those preferring larger package sizes
Final Verdict
Best for those who train often and need strong doses, though packaging options are limited.
This hydrolyzed whey protein isolate is favored by several of my bodybuilder clients because of the higher protein dose in each serving.
It just makes mixing up the right amount of whey protein isolate after a training session a bit easier.
The company also claims that there are no fillers or additives that might otherwise mess up your diet.
That seems to be supported by the low fat and carb content.
My main concern with this is that the protein powder pouches are currently only available in quite small sizes. If you train every day of the week, then this whey protein product may not be the best option for you.
5 - Optimum Nutrition Hydrolyzed Whey (Best for Recovery)
- Price per serving : $2.70
- Key ingredients : Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate, BCAAs
- All flavors : Chocolate
- Third-party tested : Not specified
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The whey protein isolate macro profile makes it a suitable option for the majority of diets
- Provides a good dose of glutamine peptides
- Comes in tasty and easy to mix flavors
Cons
- Not available as an unflavored option
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Dieters looking for low-calorie options
- Those who need quick mixability and no residue
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for unflavored options
Final Verdict
Perfect for general dietary use and easy mixing, but lacks an unflavored version for purists.
Drawing from my extensive experience with sports supplements, I noticed that Optimum Nutrition stands out not just as a leading brand but also for its low-calorie protein powder. Many clients, including me, have noticed its exceptional mixability, ensuring no gritty residue.
Personally, that’s important to me as I dislike ending up with something clumpy out of a protein powder shaker.
According to the label, this whey protein powder also contains glutamine peptides that some studies have shown may reduce fatigue and speed up recovery times [3].
The only downside we noted was that this protein supplement isn’t available as an unflavored option, which could make it easier to mix with food.
6 - Muscle Feast Hydrolyzed Whey Protein (Best Grass-Fed)
- Price per serving : $1.41
- Key ingredients : Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
- All flavors : Chocolate
- Third-party tested : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or additives
- The unflavored option makes it a good choice to mix in with meals
- Sourced from grass-fed cows to reduce the risk of hormone exposure
Cons
- It’s not the easiest to mix in a shaker
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Health-conscious users avoiding hormones
- Meal preppers due to the unflavored option
Who is it not for?
- Those who prefer easy-mixing powders
Final Verdict
Excellent for health-conscious users, especially with dietary restrictions, though mixing could be better.
The reason I tend to stock some of this best hydrolyzed whey protein isolate is that it comes in an unflavored option, which might make it easier to mix in with some other foods throughout the day.
The other thing that stands out with Muscle Feast whey protein isolate is that the protein is isolated from grass-fed cows.
This is known to deliver higher quality with less of a risk of taking in some harmful hormones.
The only thing to keep in mind is that you may need to give it quite a long shake in order to make the whey protein isolate powder fully dissolve.
7 - Amazing Muscle Ultra Pure Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate
- Price per serving : $0.91
- Key ingredients : Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- All flavors : Chocolate
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Batches are third-party tested for quality
- Many reports that it mixes easily in a shaker
- Suitable for use in different meals
Cons
- Limited flavors available which reduces diversity
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- People integrating protein in meals
- Those avoiding soy and preferring unflavored options
Who is it not for?
- Flavor variety seekers
Final Verdict
Ideal for meal integration and soy avoiders; however, the lack of flavor variety could be a downside.
Here’s another one of the whey protein powders that is popular because it’s not loaded with fat and carbs to help you keep your macros in order. It's also a soy-free protein powder.
This whey protein isolate is also available as unflavored, which I tend to mix in with my breakfast.
But even for a protein powder shake, I find that it generally mixes easily without needing a blender to get a smooth texture.
The company also claims that each protein powder batch is independently tested to ensure high-quality standards.
The only thing I would point out, though, is that there are quite limited whey protein powder flavor options available. Personally, I tend to get bored with flavors easily, so a few more options would be great.
8 - NAR LABS Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate (Best Budget-Friendly)
- Price per serving : $1.47
- Key ingredients : Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- All flavors : Banana Deluxe
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides a strong dose of whey protein and practically nothing else
- Suitable for people with lactose intolerance
- Formulated with added BCAAs (amino acids)
Cons
- Some of the flavors are a bit fake tasting
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Lactose-intolerant individuals
- Athletes needing high BCAA and protein intake
Who is it not for?
- People sensitive to artificial flavors
Final Verdict
Great for high-intensity trainers and lactose-intolerant users, but the artificial flavors might be a turn-off.
This is one of the latest whey protein isolate products to hit the market, and some of my clients like it because of the high amino acid content.
With 27 grams in total, it may be suitable for those doing regular high-intensity training.
With no fat and carbs only in the form of fiber, it’s one of the whey protein products that I often see recommended in keto diet groups.
With the added BCAAs, this protein powder is also likely to be a suitable option for many performance athletes.
One thing I did see quite a few comments about is that due to some artificial flavors, it might be a bit fake tasting on some of the whey protein powder flavor options.
9 - Muscle Food Labs Muscle Isolate Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
- Price per serving : $1.68
- Key ingredients : Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
- All flavors : Vanilla
- Third-party tested : No
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The strongest per serving dose we were able to find
- Not mixed with any artificial ingredients
- Many positive reviews that it’s easy on the stomach
Cons
- It’s just missing an unflavored option
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Heavy trainers such as CrossFitters
- Those who prefer easy stomach processing
Who is it not for?
- Those who prefer flavored varieties
Final Verdict
A powerhouse for heavy lifters, offering the highest protein per serving; lack of flavor variety may limit appeal.
This hydrolyzed whey protein tends to be quite popular with my clients that do a lot of CrossFit and resistance training with very heavy weights.
We weren’t able to find another product offering 30 grams of protein per serving with high-quality standards.
While the whey protein flavors are tasty and easy to mix, I’m just missing an unflavored option to use with other meals as well.
10 - VitaXtrong Iso-Pro 100% Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate
- Product currently unavailable
- no further details provided
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Claims to be very easy on the stomach allowing you to take it several times a day
- Lactose and gluten-free makes it more widely suitable
- Can be ordered in large bulk bags for some good savings
Cons
- Unfortunately, it does contain artificial flavors
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Frequent large dose users
- Those needing gluten and lactose-free options
Who is it not for?
- Those who avoid artificial flavors
Final Verdict
Suitable for those requiring frequent, substantial supplementation, though the artificial flavors might deter some.
The final product on this best hydrolized whey protein powder list is from VitaXtrong, and I’ve seen a lot of comments that support the company’s claim that it’s easy on the stomach.
None of my clients reported issues, even when taking larger daily doses. Probably because it's a gluten and lactose-free protein powder.
If you tend to have quite large whey protein requirements, then this could be a suitable option as it’s available in large bulk order bags.
The main downside of this whey protein powder is that it partially relies on artificial flavors and might end up tasting a bit fake to some users.
How We Picked the Best Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powders
In our comprehensive evaluation of hydrolyzed whey protein powders, my team and I focused on several key factors to ensure optimal quality and effectiveness:
- Protein content. Dymatize ISO 100 was notable for its high protein content, offering 25 grams per serving. This concentration is beneficial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts as it aids in muscle recovery and growth. The high protein content, combined with hydrolyzation, makes it an efficient choice for post-workout nutrition, facilitating quicker absorption and utilization by the body.
- Digestibility and side effects. For four weeks, we focused on the digestibility of these proteins. Given their pre-digested form, hydrolyzed proteins generally offer better digestibility and fewer side effects. We conducted tolerance tests and monitored any adverse effects to ensure the products were gentle on the digestive system.
- Ingredients quality. Over a two-month period, we scrutinized the ingredient lists of each product. Our priority was to find products with natural, high-quality ingredients and minimal additives. This ensured a cleaner and more beneficial protein source. We employed lab tests and expert consultations to verify the quality of the ingredients.
- Flavor and taste. We sampled various flavors, noting their palatability and mixability. Our team conducted blind taste tests and gathered feedback to evaluate the overall appeal of the flavors. Products that offered a range of appealing flavors without compromising on health benefits were highly rated.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powders
There are 3 important factors that you need to consider before you make decisions on which product to buy. And it’s these factors that we heavily relied on to determine whether a product made it onto our list or not.
Amount Of Whey Protein Per Serving
The bigger your overall muscle size is and the more intense you train, the more you’ll be reliant on a large volume of whey protein per day.
For that reason, it’s important to have a good picture of how much protein you get with each scoop.
The whey protein source might be something to consider, too. Typically, there is higher protein content per serving in whey vs plant-based protein powders.
It’s also a vital factor when comparing the prices of different products. Some companies out there make a big deal out of how many servings they provide while making it less obvious that it’s quite a small scoop size. So keep that in mind.
Overall Macro Combination
My first tip is to avoid whey protein powder products with more than 5 or 6 grams of carbs. Unless it’s mainly dietary fiber, you’ll find that it’s most often some added sugar or other completely unnecessary carbs.
What this could end up doing is completely messing with your diet, especially if you’re on a very carb-restricted meal plan. In my opinion, a protein supplement should be as pure as possible, and there really is no excuse to do otherwise.
Quality Vs. Cost
One mistake many people make is they start to increase their whey protein powder intake and then decide to save by getting some of the cheaper products out there or making their own protein powder at home. In some cases, that could actually have a less than beneficial effect.
This is because muscle protein synthesis depends on high-quality amino acids that have not been damaged during the manufacturing process [4]. Don’t let price become too big a deciding factor when picking hydrolyzed whey protein powder products.
If you're really on a tight budget, whey protein concentrates will work, but isolates are the most preferred type of milk protein for building muscle
- Bodybuilding.com
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FAQ
Is Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Better?
Yes, hydrolyzed whey protein is better than whey protein concentrate. The former's manufacturing process makes it easier on the stomach and possibly faster to absorb, which is especially beneficial to performance athletes who may need to take large quantities.
What Does Hydrolyzed Mean in Whey Protein?
"Hydrolyzed" in whey protein means that the whey has gone through the “enzymatic hydrolysis" process, wherein the amino acids have been broken down into smaller segments for easier digestion.
Is Hydrolyzed Protein Safe?
Yes, hydrolyzed protein is safe. In fact, it significantly reduces the chances of side effects because it's easier to digest. While your digestive system is quite effective in absorbing whey protein, it could become overwhelmed with large volumes of protein shakes.
What Happens When a Whey Protein Is Hydrolyzed?
When a whey protein is hydrolyzed, it is exposed to enzymes that gradually break down the protein molecules. Rather than using heat, which may actually break down the amino acid structure, this process aims to maintain its integrity and effectiveness.
Our Verdict on the Best Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powder
We had a quick vote after we completed our test and we all agreed Dymatize ISO 100 is our top hydrolyzed whey protein pick.
This whey protein offers limited fat and carbs. With 25 g of protein in each scoop, BCAA’s are included in the formula aiding in muscle recovery.
All our clients who take it also reported that they liked the flavor options available to them as there is more than one. Get your order in today, and report back to us on how it works for you.
Our #1 Recommendation
Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Protein (Best Overall, Gluten-Free and BCAA Rich)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Low in fat and carbs to not mess up your diet
- Provides good supply of BCAAs
- Tubs can be ordered up to 5 pounds for good discounts
- Available in tasty flavors for more diversity
- May need to be blended for the smoothest texture
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