There’s plenty of options amongst the best protein powders, but for athletes wanting a protein-rich, fast-digesting formulation, a whey isolate protein supplement could be just the ticket. Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate delivers 30 grams of the valuable macronutrient in each serving, all while keeping costs more affordable than other options within the category.
Give its impressive flavor profiles and cost-effective price point, we think this Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate powder can be an excellent starting point for athletes considering whey isolate as an effective protein source. In this Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate review, we’ll go over the supplement’s formulation, third-party testing, and more. For more information on how we test supplements for BarBend content, be sure to read our BarBend supplement testing methodology page.
As a popular whey protein isolate, this Nutricost offering delivers 30 grams of protein per serving while keeping carb counts below 5 grams and total fats at just 1.5 grams. Additionally, the 10 available flavors can be excellent for switching up menus regularly in an effort to eliminate future flavor fatigue.
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Main Takeaways
- This whey isolate protein powder delivers 30 grams of protein per serving alongside up to 5 grams of carbohydrates and 1.5 grams of total fats.
- Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate is available in 10 different flavor profiles, making it perfect for defending against flavor fatigue.
- The flavored powders do use artificial sweeteners, which may lead to GI distress in some athletes. (2)
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Specs
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $1.23 |
| Protein Per Serving | 30g |
| Calories Per Serving | 130-160 |
| Protein Source | Whey protein isolate |
| Available Flavors | Cake Batter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies & Cream, Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Strawberry Acai, Unflavored, Vanilla |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (certifying lab not identified) |
One of the best protein powders on Amazon, Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate powder is available in tubs between 22 and 65 servings, depending on your flavor of choice. This equates to a price per serving beginning at roughly $1.23 — a far more budget-friendly makeup than other whey isolates, which typically cost around $1.70 per dose.
This high-quality protein relies on whey isolate as its main protein source. This differs from Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate, as the protein undergoes further refinement during processing, resulting in an end product with a higher protein content and fewer total carbohydrates and lactose. This can potentially lend itself to faster digestion rates, giving your body a quick hit of amino acids to support muscle growth, post-workout recovery, and other functions. (1)
Dosage-wise, you can expect 30 grams of protein per single-scoop serving along with up to 5 grams of carbs and 1.5 grams of fat. Additionally, the formulation is non-GMO but does contain artificial sweeteners in the flavored powder options. “This Nutricost includes sucralose within the flavored profiles,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian nutritionist and our expert reviewer. “Some studies suggest that sucralose can lead to GI distress and changes within your gut microbiota. (2) I’d recommend taking your personal sensitivities into question before rushing to add this protein to your cart.”
Given its use of whey isolate, Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate is a complete protein that features a full amino acid profile of both essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids. Unfortunately, the dosages across this amino acid profile are not listed within the ingredients list. While not a major dealbreaker, these measurements could be useful to have, especially for athletes already supplementing with some of the best BCAA supplements.
In terms of flavors, you can find this protein powder in 10 different tastes, including an Unflavored option for smoothies and other recipes. The available profiles tend to be your traditional sweet samples of Chocolate, Vanilla, Cookie & Cream, and other classics, but there are more adventurous options to choose from, too, including Strawberry Acai and Cake Batter. In my opinion, this high-quality whey protein isolate is one of the best-tasting protein powders available today, but I understand that taste can be a subjective matter.
Lastly, Nutricost claims that its Whey Protein Isolate is third-party tested, but there is no information online as to which accrediting lab performed these tests. That said, the protein powder is manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
Naturally, Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate is not the only protein powder to choose from. There are other best whey isolates on the market that could be a better fit for your fitness goals. Below are some camps we feel could benefit from adding this Nutricost protein powder to their regimen, along with some groups that may be better off with a formulation from a different sports nutrition brand.
Recommended for:
- Athletes looking for a fast-digesting protein powder without excessive fat or carb counts
- Individuals trying to defend against flavor fatigue
- Wallet-conscious athletes seeking a whey protein isolate under $1.70 per serving
Not Recommended for:
- Those trying to avoid proteins containing known allergens such as dairy or gluten
- Individuals that prefer a protein shake with identifiable third-party testing certifications
- Athletes averse to artificial sweeteners
Our Experience Using Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
We at BarBend have tested a plethora of protein powders (over 100 and counting), so we feel knowledgeable enough to separate the good from the bad, the best casein proteins from the less-than-stellar offerings, the … well, you get it. Borrowing lessons from these previous experiences, I personally tested Nutricost Whey Protein in criteria such as formulation, taste, solubility, cost, and more. I then rated my findings on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
Ingredients and Formulation
When it comes to the formulation of Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate, we’re happy to see an emphasis on protein content in relation to carbohydrates and fats. “This can be helpful for athletes looking to support their muscle-building, weight loss, and other fitness goals without fear of skewing other macronutrients,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, our expert reviewer.
We rate the ingredients at 4.5 out of 5, given the rather short list of key ingredients. There aren’t many compounds to list, with sunflower lecithin being a common addition across the different flavor profiles. However, we did dock some points given Nutricost’s use of artificial sweeteners in flavored varieties. “Some athletes can experience GI distress after consuming artificial sweeteners, so it may be advisable to proceed with caution if you fall into that group,” Bourgeois adds. If you are someone with such sensitivities, we recommend opting for one of the best clean protein powders.
From my experience, I experienced no unwanted side effects and felt satiated enough between whole-food meals. I will note, though, that my particular formulation (Cookies & Cream) did contain wheat, making it an ill-advised option for gluten-sensitive individuals. There are flavor options that are gluten-free, though, so be sure to read through the entire roster of compounds before finalizing your purchase.
Taste
As stated above, I chose to sample the Cookies & Cream variety for this Nutricost protein review, and I am pleasantly pleased with the profile of this whey protein isolate. When mixed with milk, it reminds me of those last bits of melted ice cream at the bottom of your bowl or cone, highlighted by the cookie crisps that give you some enhancing texture and mouthfeel.
In terms of when the taste was most enjoyable, I’d say I preferred the sweetness in the evening as I returned home from the gym to begin my muscle recovery sessions. However, I wouldn’t be shocked to find myself taking down a blended shake mid-day. As someone that traditionally avoids sweet treats, this is saying a lot about the palatability of this protein powder.
I score the taste of Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate at 4.5 out of 5, too, because of the robust flavor assortment available. You can choose from 10 total options, meaning you have room to explore if you become bored with a specific profile. This accessibility to different flavors can help defend against flavor fatigue while still keeping a sense of consistency within your diet when it comes to macronutrients.
Solubility
Another found perk to this Nutricost offering is its quick and simple mixability. I had no issues in blending my protein powder to my desired consistency, and the texture was smooth and consistent without any unwanted clumps or residue (aside from the cookie crisps contained within the powder itself). I also feel the ratio between the serving size (41 grams of powder) and recommended liquid (6-10 fluid ounces) is proportional, creating a good equation for an appealing drink.
I rate Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate’s solubility at a 5 out of 5 because I was able to replicate the consistency across different shaker bottle varieties. Traditionally, my best shaker bottle is my BlendJet — a sort of portable countertop blender. However, I had no issues with clumps or “floaties” in a standard blender bottle, either. Whichever stirring and mixing method you prefer is up to you, but from my experience, there’s plenty of ways to shake up a proper protein shake with this powder.
Price Per Serving
With costs per serving starting at roughly $1.23, Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate falls into the budget-friendly category amongst some of the best whey protein powders. I rate the supplement at 4 out of 5 for the category because you have the option of purchasing your powder of choice in multiple container sizes, giving you the opportunity to buy in bulk for longer stretches in-between orders.
I also want to highlight the fact that you can opt into “Subscribe & Save” services for Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate on the brand’s retail site and with third-party retailers like Amazon. This purchasing platform can help lower the price per serving even further and can be a convenient way to ensure your stockpile of supps never runs dry. Repeat deliveries are set to your scheduling preferences, too, so you can control how much protein powder you receive in a given month.
Third Party Testing
Catherine Kruppa, MS, RD, CSSD, LD tells BarBend, “Protein powders are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore you should purchase brands that have third-party certification, which ensures their quality and safety.” Nutricost does label Whey Protein Isolate as being third-party tested, but there are no identifiable seals of approval from recognizable organizations such as Informed Choice, Informed Sport, or Labdoor.
Having the claim itself is a step in the right direction, but we’d appreciate more clarity on the subject to ensure these tests are as accurate and trustworthy as possible. As such, we rate Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate at a conservative 2.5 out of 5 for the category.
What to Consider Before Buying Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
Whether looking for some of the best protein powders for weight loss, best for beginners, best for weight gain, and more, there are a few key factors worth considering during your shopping spree. Below are some recommended categories to think through when looking to add a high-quality protein to your cart.
- Protein Type: There are a handful of different types of protein to choose from beyond your typical whey, each with their own perks and benefits related to your personal sensitivities and nutritional habits. Look at your dietary needs and preferences and choose a protein source that aligns with your goals.
- Training Goals: Your training tendencies can also affect your protein of choice. For example, if you’re embarking on a weight loss journey, it may be beneficial to opt for a protein powder with fewer calories per serving size.
- Available Flavors: You’re more inclined to maintain a consistent supplement schedule if you actually enjoy consuming your protein powder, so make sure to choose a flavor that appeals to your taste buds. It can also be helpful to opt for a protein powder with a robust flavor variety, as this can allow you to change up tastes down the road to prevent flavor fatigue without dramatically altering the powder’s formulation.
- Price Per Serving: Take a look at your finances to confirm that you can comfortably afford your new protein powder. If you’re looking to keep costs per serving as low as possible, consider opting into a “Subscribe & Save” service (if available). These purchasing models can help you stay well-stocked on protein powder with scheduled repeat deliveries and often offer discounted prices.
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Vs. Competitors
Naturally, there are multiple protein options available to you beyond Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate. Further, many of these powders can seem fairly similar unless you’re looking closely at the major metrics. Below, we’ve compiled statistics for two comparable whey protein options that we feel match up well to Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate — Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate and Optimum Nutrition’s 100% Whey Gold Standard Whey Protein.
| Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate | Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate | Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard Whey Protein | |
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $1.23 | $2 | Starting at $1.06 |
| Protein Per Serving | 30g | 28g | 24g |
| Calories Per Serving | 130-160 | 130-140 | 120 |
| Protein Source | Whey protein isolate | Grass-fed whey protein isolate | Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein) |
| Available Flavors | Cake Batter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies & Cream, Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Strawberry Acai, Unflavored, Vanilla | Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Mint Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Pancakes | Banana, Banana Cream, Chocolate, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Malt, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Roll, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Double Rich Chocolate, Extreme Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla Creme, Fruity Cereal, Mocha Cappuccino, Rocky Road, Strawberries & Cream, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla Ice Cream, White Chocolate |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (certifying lab not identified) | Yes (Informed Choice, Informed Protein) | Yes (Informed Choice) |
As one of our favorite protein powders at the moment, Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate earns high marks for its variety of available flavors, substantial 28 grams of protein per serving, and concise formulation free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, dyes, and preservatives. This TL offering also boasts third-party approval from both Informed Choice and Informed Sport. However, Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate remains a go-to for its budget-friendly cost per serving — $1.23 as opposed to Transparent Labs’ $2.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein is another popular protein option due to its affordability, rich flavors, and third-party testing. This powder uses a protein blend of whey concentrate, whey isolate, and hydrolyzed whey, though, which can potentially lead to slower digestion rates and issues such as bloating and GI distress in some.
Places to Buy Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate is available online directly from the brand’s retail site. You can also find this powder at other popular third-party retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more.
[Related: Nutricost Discount Code]
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
As a brand, Nutricost is a major manufacturer of some of the best pre-workout supplements, protein powders, BCAAs, creatine, and other sports nutrition supplements. The brand’s aim is to help athletes take control of their health by providing high-quality supplements composed of the best ingredients available. To reach Nutricost with any inquiries, email support@nutricost.com or call (866)-438-3694.
In terms of customer testimonials, Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate holds a 4.4 out of 5 rating on Amazon based on nearly 8,200 reviews. “Very transparent nutritional breakdown and no-nonsense ingredients. I will definitely be buying again,” notes one positive customer response.
Our Final Verdict on Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate
With an emphasis on protein, impeccable taste, simple solubility, and an approachable price point Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate can be a great addition to any supplement regimen. Plus, the low-carb, low-fat formulation places it amongst some of the best low-carb protein powders on the market. While we’d appreciate further clarity on the third-party testing claims and wish the makeup included fewer artificial sweeteners, we still believe this can be an excellent starting point for any athlete’s protein journey.
No matter which protein source you end up going with, it’s always important to remember that supplements are just that — supplements. A majority of your macronutrient intake (including protein) throughout the day should come from whole-food sources. These impressive powders, while tasty, should serve as an add-on to help you reach your goals rather than a sole contributor to your daily totals.
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate FAQs
Is Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate third-party tested?
Nutricost does advertise Whey Protein Isolate protein powder as being third-party tested, but we do not have information on which independent lab provides this verification. That said, Whey Protein Isolate is manufactured in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility.
How much does Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate cost?
Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate is available in multiple container sizes (depending on flavor) with costs per serving beginning at roughly $1.23.
Is whey protein isolate as good as whey protein concentrate?
Both whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate can be beneficial supplements for supporting your nutrition goals. The main difference is that whey isolate undergoes further refinement during manufacturing, resulting in an end product with fewer carbs and lactose counts. This extra step also better explains the often higher cost of whey isolate when compared to whey protein concentrate.
References
- dos Santos, E. M., Moreira, A. S., Huguenin, G. V., Tibiriça, E., & De Lorenzo, A. (2023). Effects of whey protein isolate on body composition, muscle mass, and strength of chronic heart failure patients: A randomized clinical trial. Nutrients, 15(10), 2320. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37242203/
- Ruiz-Ojeda, F. J., Plaza-Díaz, J., Sáez-Lara, M. J., & Gil, A. (2019). Effects of sweeteners on the gut microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials. Advances in Nutrition, 10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6363527/
