Whey protein is undoubtedly the favorite protein powder of bodybuilding enthusiasts. However, this success, which represents an opportunity for manufacturers, has led to the emergence of a wide variety of products. Not all products are available at the same price, and some are particularly affordable. But will a low-cost whey be as beneficial as a high-quality one? It's difficult to answer this question without going into too much detail. So we suggest you read on to make the right choice for your whey protein.
How much does whey cost and what explains the price differences?
Don't hesitate to come back to our article on what is whey if it's still a little unclear to you. Whey is a dietary supplement that varies widely in price. A kilogram of whey protein sells for around 20 to 60 euros. Contrary to popular belief, the most expensive protein powders are not necessarily the most suitable for supplementation, nor are they necessarily the highest quality.
Among all the brands and types(isolate, concentrate, hydrolysate, raw...), choosing your whey is no easy task. To make an informed choice, the athlete or body-builder needs to consider a number of factors, such as composition, certifications, labels, the origin of raw materials and the brand's values and commitments. You can also rely on the recommendations and opinions left by buyers and athletes.
That said, you need to be extra vigilant when faced with a whey that's especially inexpensive. In many cases, these protein powders are produced outside the EU, without thorough controls by the competent authorities. As this study1 of over 600 nutritional supplements shows, you are potentially exposing yourself to the risk of doping. What's more, these dietary supplements are systematically loaded with additives, making them less digestible and exposing you to metabolic disorders.
With this type of whey, the milk from which the proteins are extracted is very often milk from intensive livestock farms. These farms are criticized for their environmental impact and the living conditions of the animals. There is no guarantee of the origin of raw materials. Outside the EU, dairy cows can be fed GMOs and even animal meal. The composition of the final product, directly linked to the production of the primary ingredients, is thus negatively impacted.
Sometimes, this low price is also linked to the manufacturing process and the quality of the filtration equipment. With whey that is not properly filtered, whey protein could therefore contain lactose, lipids and other undesirable substances. Consumption of cheap whey can therefore be counter-productive for the athlete.
Finally, it should be pointed out that not all whey brands produce their own protein powders. Most entrust milk filtration and dehydration to subcontractors, often the giants of the dairy industry. The finished product is then formulated in other production plants, which are pooled for many types of nutrition product. This is why you may find on the pack "may contain traces of soya, egg, nuts...". Inadequate production procedures can quickly lead to cross-contamination, particularly with doping products, whether authorized in certain countries or manufactured illegally.
Cheap whey: what are the risks?
As mentioned above, one of the risks is contamination by undesirable substances, particularly doping substances. Beyond the potential regulatory risks for top-level athletes, these substances are highly harmful to the body. To leave nothing to chance, we recommend choosing a whey with anti-doping certification, which may cost a little more.
The presence of additives must also be taken into account. Although these compounds are authorized for use in the food industry, their long-term effects are largely unknown.
In this respect, many specialists are calling for vigilance, particularly when it comes to sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose and steviol glycosides. These "fake" sugars have a higher sweetening power than ordinary sugar. Over the long term, repeated consumption of these substances alters our perception of sweetness. They habituate the brain to excessively sweet tastes and, paradoxically, lead to a search for ever more sugar in the rest of the diet. Intense sweeteners are also increasingly implicated in metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity.
The risk of consuming more additives is increased by choosing an inexpensive whey. These protein powders often correspond to raw whey of average quality. The producer will use numerous additives to improve the finished product, whether to give it a better flavor, an attractive color, or increased miscibility.
Can whey be taken during breastfeeding and pregnancy?
Cheap Whey: our tips
While whey has many virtues, it's clear that you shouldn't go for a whey with an extremely attractive price tag. On the other hand, don't forget that an expensive whey is not necessarily synonymous with quality, and may even be mediocre. To make the right choice, we encourage you to opt for a whey priced between €35 and €45 per kg, or between €26 and €34 per 750 g. A demanding athlete won't have to pay €60 for a kg of quality protein powder, and will be able to train in the best possible conditions, without jeopardizing his or her health. To save a few euros, some people try to make their own homemade whey, but this solution requires a great deal of time and investment for quantities that are often very small.
In any case, buyers need to consider a number of other factors. First and foremost, they should look at the composition of the products, and prefer whey without additives. Also, take the time to visit the brand's website to find out about its values.
On the other hand, find out about the origin of the raw materials (milk in particular) and the location of the production site. In conclusion, with a whey made in France, directly manufactured by the brand and certified additive-free, you're sure not to go wrong.
Need help choosing the right whey for your goals? Check out these articles:
- Beginners: what type of whey to choose?
- Is whey environmentally friendly?
- Whey native: our pharmacists' opinion
- Which whey should you choose if you're a top-level athlete?
- Which whey should you choose for your weight gain?
- Which whey should you choose to optimize your lean?
- How to choose your whey?
