Naked Whey Protein Review 2024, Personally Tasted and Tested

Whey protein powders are one of the most popular workout supplements, with a $22.6 billion market worldwide in 2024 – and it’s easy to see why. (1) From muscle gain to workout recovery, supplementing with whey protein can be a convenient and efficient way to meet your protein needs without eating so much food. (2)(3) 

If you’ve been on the search for some of the best whey protein powders, you may have heard of Naked Whey. At BarBend, our team of expert testers evaluated over 100 protein powders using our supplement testing methodology and against various criteria: formulation, taste, solubility, price per serving, and third-party testing. Overall, we think Naked Whey is a great protein supplement for athletes looking for an all-natural whey concentrate, clean ingredient list, and balanced macronutrient profile.

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

• Naked Whey is a clean and affordable protein powder supplement made from 100 percent grass-fed whey with concentrate and no additives or fillers. 
• It boasts 25 grams of high-quality protein per serving to help meet your protein needs, regardless of your fitness goals and nutrition needs.
• While only available in a few flavors, the flavors are rated highly based on taste, and the unflavored variety is versatile. 

Naked Whey Protein Specs

Price Per Serving	$1.00 to $1.25
Protein Per Serving	25 grams
Calories Per Serving	120 calories
Protein Source	Grass-Fed Whey
Available Flavors	Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate
Third-Party Testing	Yes – Informed Choice, Gluten Free Certification Organization, Independently Tested for Heavy Metals

Naked Whey is an excellent choice for those prioritizing clean, minimally processed nutrition. Sourced from 100 percent grass-fed, hormone-free cow’s milk, this whey protein concentrate boasts a clean ingredient profile, making it a standout among highly processed sports nutrition supplements.

Overall, Naked Whey offers a balanced macronutrient profile with 25 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, and 3 to 8 grams of carbohydrates. This equates to 120 calories per serving and an excellent protein-to-calorie ratio. Given the low carb and fat content, it’s a great protein option for athletes who are looking to lose some weight. That being said, it may not be the best choice for bodybuilders and powerlifters looking to bulk (or you may just need to blend with whole milk, nut butter, and other calorie-dense foods to bulk up the protein shake).

This formula is free from additives and is third-party tested so you don’t have to worry about the fluff of ingredients added to popular protein supplements. Moreover, it’s non-GMO, which aligns well with a natural lifestyle. However, it contains some lactose, so it may not be the best choice for those with allergies or who are sensitive to cow’s milk when comparing whey protein vs. plant protein (or even whey isolate). 

From a practical standpoint, it mixes well with various liquids for a lump-free shake, and you can add the unflavored option to various recipes beyond protein shakes. While limited in flavors, it rates highly on taste. The price is also very reasonable compared to popular whey options. Read on for the full scoop on Naked Whey, including the pros and cons, who should take it, our expert testing experience, what to consider when buying this product, and comparisons to other protein supplements. 

Pros

High-quality, grass-fed whey protein

No artificial ingredients or fillers, non-GMO, hormone-free

Economical

Cons

Limited flavor options

Contains some lactose

Slight aftertaste

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Naked Whey Protein

When considering Naked Whey as your protein supplement, you should evaluate whether it aligns with your dietary needs and preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown of who should and shouldn’t use this product.

Recommended for:

• Athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are looking for a clean protein
• Those who prefer non-GMO and natural ingredients
• Tighter budgets

Not Recommended for:

• Those who seek a more digestible form of protein like whey isolate or casein
• Severe lactose intolerance or milk allergy
• Bulking
• Flavor enthusiasts who might get bored of the limited flavors 

Our Experience Using Naked Whey Protein

In this section, our team of certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, and athletes tested all the products first-hand to provide in-depth reporting on using Naked Whey Protein while training for various fitness goals, from muscle gain to cross-training.

Overall, athletes considering Naked Whey Protein to support their training goals will be pleased with its simplicity and purity. Despite being offered at an affordable price, Naked Whey boasts an excellent macronutrient profile for athletes looking for muscle gain without the fluff of ingredients you find in many other protein supplements. It also mixes well and tastes great — although it may be better suited for smoothies and baking than mixing directly into your blender bottle.

Ingredients and Formulation

You won’t find many products cleaner than Naked Whey Protein. As a registered dietitian, I’d give this formulation a 5 out of 5 across all flavors for its simple, high-quality ingredients with no fillers. The benefits of whey protein are plentiful – whey protein concentrate (which you’ll find here) is a clean protein from cow’s milk and contains essential amino acids to support muscle growth and recovery. (2)(3) Supplementing with whey may even support weight loss in athletes when paired with a calorie deficit from diet and exercise. (4) Moreover, Naked Nutrition lists the quantities of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in each serving. BCAAs are helpful for athletes because they may help support muscle recovery and soreness after exercise. (5)

This product contains all-natural ingredients. For the Unflavored variety, the only ingredient is 100 percent grass-fed whey protein from small, non-GMO dairy farms in California. All other flavors contain organic coconut sugar, cacao powder (for the chocolate varieties), and natural flavors — and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. According to Naked Nutrition, these cows get more roaming time than most dairy farms and are free from growth hormones.

With 3 to 8 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein, Naked Whey offers a balanced macronutrient profile and high protein-to-calorie ratio for athletes looking to build muscle without getting too much fat and carbs from their protein supplement. The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. (6) Still, some studies suggest that athletes need up to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight daily to gain muscle. (7) Our tester commended the nutritional profile and states, “I didn’t experience any side effects from taking this product, but I did feel satiated post-beverage.” 

From a micronutrient standpoint, Naked Whey is a good source of calcium to provide 98 milligrams or 10 percent of the daily value, which is naturally derived from the whey concentrate. It also supplies 90 milligrams of potassium (2 percent of the daily value) and 0.2 milligrams of iron (1 percent of the daily value). 

Taste

While taste can be highly subjective, our team gave Naked Whey a score of 4 out of 5, which ranks among the top products for taste. We especially gave the Unflavored product high marks for its versatility since you can mix it into various bases for smoothies and use for baking. Given its versatility, Naked Whey is one of the best protein powders for smoothies. Our tester, who is a certified personal trainer, states, “I tried the Unflavored Naked Whey, and it has zero taste… in a good way! I didn’t experience a weird aftertaste, either.” 

However, this product lost marks for its aftertaste, which is understandable since it doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners or stevia to make it appeal to our taste buds. Instead, the flavors (except Unflavored, which includes no sweeteners) are sweetened with coconut sugar. “I think the Unflavored variety would be great in smoothies where you’re trying to avoid flavor contamination. I also experienced some aftertaste that I can only compare to what I’ve had with greens powders, although (naturally) less earthy,” our other tester adds.

Solubility

A protein shake that mixes well in water or a base like whole milk or oat milk is essential to reap the benefits of a supplement. After all, clumps at the end of a shaker bottle aren’t doing anyone favors. Our team rated this product’s solubility at 4 out of 5. Our tester, who is a certified personal trainer, states, “The protein powder dissolved easily for me in a shaker bottle, but there was an abnormal amount of foam that looked as if the whey had separated again. A unique byproduct, but nothing I’d raise a flag over.” 

Our other tester recommended mixing the product with a portable electric mixer rather than a shaker bottle or cup to avoid clumps. Pro tip: If you take your protein shakes in water, you may also want to mix the product at room temperature over cold water. “I thought the texture was a little gritty, but there wasn’t any residue left at the bottom of my cup which is a definite plus,” our tester explains.

Price Per Serving

Many athletes consider price when choosing a protein powder. At $1.00 to $1.25 per serving, Naked Whey is one of the more economical options for a whey concentrate, especially given that it should command a premium for grass-fed and non-GMO credentials. For context, the cost for most whey concentrates range from $1 to $3 per serving (with some being over $4 to $5 per serving to meet special diet needs), so this product is on the lower end of the range. Each serving is 30 grams or two scoops, and contains 25 grams of 100 percent grass-fed unflavored protein.

Third-Party Testing

While the FDA does not regulate supplements, protein powders like Naked Whey are sold as food, so they have to meet the FDA’s rigorous standards. However, aside from the ingredient labeling accuracy piece, it’s still lovely to see third-party certifications on protein powders to ensure their purity and safety.

Naked Whey is third-party tested through Informed Choice, a program that checks for banned substances and impurities. Informed Choice is a reputable third-party organization that athletes often rely on to ensure they don’t accidentally take banned substances when they compete in a sport. It’s also certified gluten-free through the Gluten-Free Certification Organization and independently tested for the presence of heavy metals. Overall, we think Naked Nutrition went above and beyond to deliver a trustworthy product.

What to Consider Before Buying Naked Whey Protein

It can be overwhelming to know how to choose the right protein to meet your needs and whether protein shakes are good for you. Here are the most important considerations we think you should know before buying Naked Whey Protein.

• Macronutrient profile: Choosing a suitable protein powder with a balanced macronutrient profile is vital for meeting your nutrition needs since bulking athletes need more carbs, and those on a diet require fewer carbs. Naked Whey is low in fat and carbs for those looking for a lean and clean protein.
• Protein content and source: Consider what type of protein and how much is appropriate for your dietary needs and fitness goals. For example, opt for casein rather than whey if you prefer slower-digesting protein. As for Naked Whey, it contains 25 grams of whey protein per serving, sourced from grass-fed cows.
• Ingredient list: The ingredient list for Naked Whey is exceptionally clean – it consists of only whey protein concentrate, organic coconut sugar, and natural flavors. 
• Flavors: This product is available in a natural, unflavored option that’s versatile for those who like to bake, cook, or mix protein into smoothies. Naked Nutrition also offers some basic flavor options with minimal added ingredients. 
• Lactose tolerance: Whey is generally well-tolerated for those with mild lactose intolerance, but if you have severe intolerance or are allergic to cow’s milk, you may want to look at plant-based or vegan protein options like pea protein powder or a lower lactose protein source like isolate.
• Solubility: Finding a protein powder that mixes well is essential for a pleasant experience, especially when busy and on the go. Naked Whey mixes pretty well with liquids to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Value: Sports nutrition can be expensive, especially if you also invest in pre-workout supplements like creatine and fitness equipment. At a cost of $1.00 to $1.25 per serving, Naked Whey is an economical option for those on a tight budget since it’s on the lower end of the range for the typical cost of whey protein concentrate, which ranges from $1 to $3 per serving. However, some whey concentrates can cost as much as $5 per serving.

Naked Whey Protein Vs. Competitors

Can’t decide what whey protein powder to go with? In this section, we’ll give you a rundown on Naked Whey Protein compared to other popular options – Transparent Labs Whey Isolate, XWERKS Grow, and Onnit Grass-Fed Whey. Understanding the pros and cons of each option can help you identify a product that best aligns with your priorities and goals. We chose these alternatives to Naked Whey since they’re well-regarded as some of the best whey isolates for athletes. 

	Naked Whey Protein Powder	Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate	XWERKS Grow	Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Price Per Serving	$1.00 to $1.25	$2.00	$1.97	$1.80 to $2.00
Protein Per Serving	25 grams	28 grams	23 to 35 grams	20 grams
Calories Per Serving	120 calories	130 to 140 calories	110 calories	110 calories
Protein Source	Grass-Fed Whey	Whey Protein Isolate	Whey Protein Isolate	Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Available Flavors	Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate	Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate, Unflavored, Strawberry Milkshake, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Pancakes, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Sugar Cookie, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie	Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Strawberry	Vanilla, Mexican Chocolate
Third-Party Testing	Yes – Informed Choice, Gluten Free Certification Organization, Independently Tested for Heavy Metals	Informed Choice, Informed Protein, Various Laboratories	No	No

Naked Whey Protein Powder is the cheapest option compared to these popular alternatives. While Naked Whey consists of whey concentrate, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate, XWERKS Grow, and Onnit Grass-Fed Whey contain whey isolate as the protein source. While more expensive than standard whey, whey isolate is slower digesting, higher in protein, and lower in lactose content to support better digestion. (8) Whey isolates are typically among the best protein powders for sensitive stomachs, given their lower lactose content. However, Naked Whey’s protein is sourced from 100 percent grass-fed cows from small dairy farms, offering a sustainable and high-quality option. Onnit Grass-Fed Whey also uniquely includes probiotics like Lactobacillus Acidophilus for digestive health. (9)

Regarding macronutrient profiles, all four options are comparable in protein and calories per serving to help meet your fitness goals. However, Naked Whey and Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein are the only third-party tested choices to verify their purity, safety, quality, and accurate ingredient labeling. 

Lastly, Transparent Labs Whey offers the most flavor options from a taste and flavor perspective. In contrast, the other three options, including Naked Whey, are limited to standard flavors like vanilla and chocolate. You can’t go wrong with any of these options, but Naked Whey is ideal for those looking for an economical choice that’s third-party tested and offers a balanced macronutrient profile.

Places to Buy Naked Whey Protein

Ready to buy Naked Whey Protein? If you prefer the convenience of shopping online, check out Amazon, which offers various sizes, prices, and flavors, along with helpful customer reviews if you’re on the fence about a particular flavor or whether this product is right for you. Or, head straight to the Naked Nutrition website, where you can purchase directly from the manufacturer, sometimes with subscription promotions, for additional savings.

If you prefer to shop in-store, head to Walmart or your local vitamin and supplement specialty store. However, Naked Nutrition does most of its business online, so Naked Whey won’t be as readily available at your local supermarket or grocery store as mainstream protein brands like Orgain or Vega.

Customer Experience and Brand Reputation

If you’re buying Naked Whey on the Naked Nutrition website, they offer free shipping for orders over $99. If you set up autoship, you get 20 percent off your first order and 10 percent off all your recurring orders. You can customize your autoship period for every 1, 2, or 3 months and cancel anytime. For standard orders, you can expect to receive your order in 5 to 7 business days, while expedited orders arrive in 2 to 3 business days. Naked Whey is also available on Amazon, where Prime Members get free shipping and additional savings for subscribing. Pro tip: You can purchase this item with your HSA/FSA account.

Many manufacturers often offer a trial period for new customers to try the product without being stuck with a product they don’t like. Unfortunately, with Naked Nutrition, there isn’t a trial period where you can try the product and return it if you don’t like it or see the results you’re looking for. However, you can return any unopened and unused products for a full refund or exchange minus shipping fees.

Overall, Naked Nutrition has a positive reputation based on customer reviews across Amazon and the Naked Nutrition website. In addition to its vast portfolio, which features simple and clean ingredient lists, the brand is known within the health and fitness community for its transparency around its production processes and ethical considerations, such as sourcing from grass-fed cows. As part of their portfolio, they also offer casein, some of the best dairy-free protein powders, and other clean sports supplements.

Our Final Verdict on Naked Whey Protein

Overall, we think Naked Whey is one of the best protein powders for health-conscious individuals seeking a clean, high-quality whey option. It offers a clean ingredient list free from additives and prioritizes naturally sourced ingredients. With 25 grams of protein per serving, its formula can seamlessly support your fitness goals — but if you’re lactose intolerant, be sure to proceed with caution as whey concentrates like this may cause a bit of digestive upset. 

Naked Whey Protein FAQs

References

1. Statista. (2023). Value of the whey protein market worldwide from 2022 to 2023. Available at https://www.statista.com/statistics/728005/global-whey-protein-market-size/
2. Hulmi, J. J., Lockwood, C. M., & Stout, J. R. (2010). Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutrition & Metabolism, 7(1), 1-11.
3. Pearson, A. G., Hind, K., & Macnaughton, L.S. (2023). The impact of dietary protein supplementation on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage: A systematic review with meta-analysis. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 77(8), 767-783. 
4. Moon, J., & Koh, G. (2020). Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. Journal of obesity & metabolic syndrome, 29(3), 166–173.
5. Khemtong, C., Kuo, C. H., Chen, C. Y., Jaime, S. J., & Condello, G. (2021). Does Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) Supplementation Attenuate Muscle Damage Markers and Soreness after Resistance Exercise in Trained Males? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 13(6), 1880.
6. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.
7. Nunes, E. A., Colenso-Semple, L., McKellar, S. R., Yau, T., Ali, M. U., Fitzpatrick-Lewis, D., Sherifali, D., Gaudichon, C., Tomé, D., Atherton, P. J., Robles, M. C., Naranjo-Modad, S., Braun, M., Landi, F., & Phillips, S. M. (2022). Systematic review and meta-analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 13(2), 795–810.
8. Foegeding, E. A., & Luck, P. J. (2002). Milk Proteins: Whey Protein Products. Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences, 1957-1960.
9. Scarpellini, E., Basilico, M., Rinninella, E., Carbone, F., Schol, J., Rasetti, C., Abenavoli, L., & Santori, P. (2021). Probiotics and gut health. Minerva gastroenterology, 67(4), 314–325.