Whey proteins of different origins are now available on the market.
The product's origin should be one of the first criteria to consider when choosing your protein powder.
There are considerable differences in legislation and practices between the world's producer countries. In this respect, France seems to be well placed.
Whey produced outside France vs Whey made in France
Whether in France or elsewhere, producers use more or less the same type of process to prepare whey. They use state-of-the-art equipment to filter the milk.
Microfiltration and ultrafiltration are used to obtain a dry whey powder rich in protein, with maximum removal of lactose and lipids.
To obtain the finished product, this protein powder is mixed with various ingredients and/or additives such as flavorings, thickeners, sweeteners...
Outside the European Union, whey and protein powder production is not particularly regulated. In many countries, there are no authorities controlling whey quality and production processes, which sometimes results in low-cost whey by cutting back on production rigor.
Indeed, some protein powders may contain traces of biological and/or chemical contaminants. Despite their high amino acid and BCAA content, which is conducive to muscle mass gain, these protein powders can be potentially harmful to bodybuilding and endurance sports enthusiasts.
A study1 demonstrates the extent of such contamination, showing that on average 15% of products tested for sale on the market were contaminated with steroids. It is therefore crucial to monitor the origin and traceability of dietary supplements, and to choose a whey without sweeteners or other additives which unnecessarily denature the product.
In France, the production of milk and whey proteins is relatively well regulated, with numerous controls. The competent authorities monitor the whey put into circulation and the conformity of production facilities and procedures. They also carry out unannounced checks on production sites. The purpose of these audits is to ensure that facilities are properly maintained and hygiene is upheld.
On the face of it, all the conditions are right for Made in France to be a guarantee of quality whey. The composition of protein powders is controlled to identify undesirable ingredients that could be harmful to sports enthusiasts or those seeking to build muscle mass. Health claims on packets are also strictly controlled.
The whey produced and marketed in France will therefore be rich in amino acids, without exposing you to potential health problems. To help you with this aspect, we've prepared an article on which whey to choose for your mass gain and which protein powder to choose for a lean body.
Good to know
Contamination with steroids and doping substances is said to be linked to the state of the facilities and unsuitable production procedures.
In large sports nutrition production plants, protein powder, pro-hormones (synthetic derivatives of testosterone, authorized in some countries) and other synthetic derivatives are produced in a single factory.
If production lines have not been properly cleaned, undesirable compounds can cross-fertilize and end up in whey protein at the end of the production cycle.
In France, the ban on hormone derivatives and on-site controls minimize this risk. The quality of the ingredients used in whey and protein powders will therefore be preserved.
Nevertheless, the choice of whey for top-level athletes must be made with all the more care, preferring products with as few additives as possible.
A more environmentally-friendly whey
Industrial whey and the dairy industry release a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. At a time when the majority of French people are concerned by ecological issues, this aspect of protein powders deserves to be studied.
Indeed, choosing whey produced outside France increases greenhouse gas emissions. By making this choice, we encourage the importation of protein powders. And transporting them involves a significant consumption of fossil fuels.
This point does not only concern whey produced outside France. It should be noted that some brands may manufacture their whey in France ("made in France" label), but source their milk or raw whey powder from the other side of the planet, often from New Zealand.
Irrespective of the quality of milk from New Zealand, this practice is also harmful to the environment. This time, the raw material has to travel thousands of kilometers before being used.
In addition to the pollution caused by transport, we must also take into account the energy expended to keep the milk at the right temperature, if not filtered before transport.
France is a major milk-producing country. Protein powder manufacturers can choose to source their whey isolate locally, in order to produce good quality whey isolate that may also be produced in a more eco-responsible way.
Protéalpes has chosen to avoid the large dairy groups by sourcing directly from a union of producers. The milk from which whey is produced comes from extensive, traditional mountain dairy farms.
The cows graze in the open air, on Alpine pastures, to produce top-quality milk. These animals are special breeds, with lower milk yields, and have been adapted to this environment for generations.
They are more resistant to the sometimes harsh climate, and are not subjected to systematic drug treatments (substances that can end up in the milk).
Whey protein
100% made in France 🇫🇷
- Made in-house at Albertville
- No additives, no sweeteners
- Naturally rich in BCAAs (5 to 6 g/serving)
Available in packs of 3 to 4.5 kg
Choosing a whey protein made in France: our advice
Choosing your whey when you're a beginner isn't always easy. If you do a little research on the net, you'll easily find brands offering protein powders produced in France. But we encourage you to be cautious.
Not all brands are completely transparent. Watch out for greenwashing, and make sure that, in addition to "made in France", the main raw materials actually come from France, and that the producer has a physical address in France.
On the other hand, whether whey is produced in France or not, steer clear of products containing a long list of additives. These additions can be harmful to long-term health, and increase the risk of contamination with doping substances. A whey without additives will be of better quality, notably more digestible and healthier.
If you're having trouble choosing, don't hesitate to ask around on forums or blogs written by nutrition specialists. If you suffer from a physiological disorder, it's best to ask your doctor for advice before making your choice.
To find out more :
- Whey protein, whey isolate, vegetable proteins... How to choose?
- Whey or casein, how to choose between the two?
- What is hydrolyzed whey and is it more effective?
- Buying whey made in France is great, but knowing why you should take whey is even better!
- Why not forget carbohydrates with your whey?
- Is alcohol so bad for athletes?
