As one of the foundational supplements taken by athletes of all walks, the best protein powders can be excellent for promoting muscle growth, muscle recovery, and overall satiety. (1) Of course, though, some powders can price themselves out of effectiveness, especially when it comes to wallet-minded athletes. Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate, on the other hand, offers multiple container sizes with costs per serving beginning at roughly $0.87 — less than half the cost of other high-quality protein supplements.
If you’re looking for a tasty, cost-effective protein option with a high protein content per serving, we feel Nutricost is well worth your time. We do note, though, that there are leaner powders available for different fitness needs, and the presence of artificial sweeteners may not agree with every athletic stomach. In this Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate review, we’ll examine this protein shake’s complete formulation as well other specs like third-party testing results. Our team of experts also weigh in on real-world factors, using our supplement testing methodology to rate this protein supplement in categories like taste, solubility, and overall value.
Need a protein powder that’s light on cost yet heavy on flavor? Available in four traditional tastes — Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, and Vanilla — this Nutricost offering is available for less than $1 per serving, which can be ideal for athletes looking to build a well-rounded supplement regimen on a budget.
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 protein powder’s 25 grams of protein is sourced from whey concentrate — a form of whey most similar to whole milk with 70-80% pure protein and the remaining makeup being dispersed between carbs and fats. (2)
- Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is sweetened with sucralose, which studies have linked to potential GI distress in some athletes. (3)
- While budget-friendly, you have just six flavor options to choose from — a factor worth considering if you routinely suffer from flavor fatigue.
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Specs
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $0.87 |
| Protein Per Serving | 25g |
| Calories Per Serving | 120-140 |
| Carbs Per Serving | 1-4g |
| Fat Per Serving | 2-3g |
| Protein Source | Whey protein concentrate |
| Sweeteners Used | Sucralose |
| Available Flavors | Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Unflavored, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, Pineapple Whip |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (certifying lab not listed) |
As the name suggests, Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate uses whey concentrate as its protein source. Unlike whey isolate or whey hydrolysate, this different type of protein is the least processed form of whey protein which results in lower costs but does lend itself to higher calorie counts per serving. (2) If you’re really keeping an eye on your macros or looking to use whey protein for weight loss, it may be best to opt for a more refined protein powder such as isolate or hydrolysate.
Each serving of Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate delivers 25 grams of protein, which is right on-par with other high-quality supplement options. “Given that this is a complete protein with a full amino acid profile, you can expect a 2:1:1 ratio of BCAAs with each dose, as well,” notes Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. In terms of other macronutrients, each serving of this Nutricost protein can deliver between 1 and 4 grams of carbohydrates alongside 2 to 3 grams of fat, depending on your flavor of choice.
Additional ingredients can also differ between flavors — you have choices of Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Unflavored, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, and Pineapple Whip — but you can always expect sucralose as a main sweetening agent. “Sucralose can be hard to digest for some athletes, so those with recognized sensitivities may want to opt for an alternative along the lines of the best clean protein powders that typically use natural flavors and sweeteners instead of artificial additives,” adds Bourgeois. (3)
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate, according to the brand, is third-party tested by an independent lab for impurities and label accuracy. While this is a definite plus that can be a beacon of reassurance for athletes looking to avoid banned substances, the information online is limited in regards to which independent lab conducted the tests and what the actual results were. Yes, it’s a nice stamp of approval, but we’d like to see further details to fully put our minds at ease.
Finally, we rate this dietary supplement as one of the best protein powders on Amazon given its affordable price per serving and multiple container size options. You can choose tubs containing up to 5 pounds of powder, which can be helpful for individuals that prefer to buy in bulk. Plus, with costs starting at roughly $0.87 per serving, this protein is well below the average $2 price point of other good protein supplements.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
Naturally, athletes can benefit from matching their protein of choice to their specific fitness needs. For example, the best protein powders for weight loss aren’t necessarily going to have the same makeup and perks as, say, the best proteins for bulking. Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is no different. Below are a few groups we feel could flourish with this whey protein along with some that may fare better with an alternative protein supplement.
Recommended for:
- Budget-conscious athletes looking for a good protein option below $1 per serving
- Those wanting a protein with bulk order options
- Individuals whodon’t mind the extra lactose and calories that come with whey protein concentrate
Not Recommended for:
- Individuals sensitive to sucralose
- Those wanting a larger flavor roster beyond six available tastes
- Competitive athletes needing more detailed information on third-party testing results
Our Experience Using Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
The BarBend testing roster is composed of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. Like the over 100 protein powders we’ve trialed before, we examined Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate using our supplement testing methodology, rating the protein solution on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in categories such as formulation, listed ingredients, taste, solubility, side effects, and more. Read below to discover how this budget protein powder performed.
Ingredients and Formulation
Given that this protein powder uses whey concentrate, we expected the calorie, carb, and fat counts to be higher than some of the best whey isolates we’ve tested previously. However, Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is still fairly lean with up to 4 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fat per serving. “It does a fairly decent job of prioritizing the 25 grams of protein per dose,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. “This hearty serving can be great for athletes looking to hit their daily protein goals.”
For reference, the recommended daily allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, although studies report that active individuals may be better served with daily protein intakes between 1.4 and 2 grams per kilogram of body weight. (4)(5)
While we enjoy the macro counts of this whey concentrate powder, we do rate the formulation at 3.5 out of 5 given Nutricost’s use of sucralose as a sweetener. Artificial sweeteners can potentially cause GI distress in some athletes, so it can be good practice to take your personal sensitivities into question before ordering a protein powder containing such ingredients. (3) “I also question the validity of the third-party testing since there’s little information on the lab results,” Bourgeois adds.
Taste
While the sucralose inclusion may be disheartening to some, we cannot say that it’s a detriment to the flavor profile of Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate. Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, rates the taste at 5 out of 5 and compares this supplement to some of the best tasting protein powders she’s had in recent memory.
“I tested the Chocolate Peanut Butter variety,” Meier explains. “Admittedly, I’m not in love with peanut butter snacks, but this protein powder packs in the perfect blend of peanuts and chocolate. I compare it to a melted milkshake, especially if you upgrade the creaminess by mixing it with a milk of your choice.”
I, myself, have also tried Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate and agree with Meier on this protein’s balanced, yet enjoyable profile. The flavors aren’t aggressive or thin, and the listed flavors are exactly what you experience in each sip.
Solubility
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate also earns a 5-out-of-5 rating for mixability, according to Meier. “I had no issues with clumpy residue or separation — just a few shakes of my best shaker bottle and I was good to go.”
Meier also notes that this whey protein powder fares well with water or milk, although the creaminess of a milk-based shake can be more enticing for flavor enthusiasts. We also appreciate that Nutricost offers Whey Protein Concentrate in an Unflavored form, which can be ideal for adding protein to your morning smoothies or other recipes. Be mindful, though, that added ingredients like nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables can make for more challenging blending. If you’re thinking of using Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate for smoothies, we recommend mixing your beverages with a countertop blender.
Price Per Serving
With costs per serving beginning at roughly $0.87, Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is one of the best budget protein powders we’ve trialed. We rate the value at 5 out of 5, too, since Nutricost offers this whey protein concentrate formulation in multiple container sizes, giving you the opportunity to purchase your dietary supplements in bulk.
Third Party Testing
Like other products from the brand, including Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate, I appreciate the inclusion of some third-party testing certification. However, there are minimal details online as to what these tests entailed and what the findings were.
According to Catherine Kruppa, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, “It’s important to choose protein powders with recognizable or detailed third-party certification since these supplements aren’t reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.” Unlike other proteins carrying approval from established organizations like NSF or Informed Choice, there simply is too much mystery surrounding the independent lab testing with Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate. Accordingly, I rate the third-party testing at 2.5 out of 5.
What to Consider Before Buying Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
Whether searching for the best protein powder for runners or looking for a calorie-dense meal replacement shake, there are multiple factors to consider before adding a high-quality protein supplement to your online cart. Below are a few considerations we recommend thinking through as you begin your purchase journey.
- Fitness Goals: Your protein powder should, ultimately, support your training and wellness goals. If you’re looking to build muscle or gain weight, a high-protein, high-calorie formulation may be more ideal, for example. Take a look at your current eating habits and see which protein formulation can help you achieve your fitness aspirations best.
- Protein Source: You should also consider where your protein is coming from. Austin Bou, RD, CDCES, ACE-CPT states, “Whey protein can be a great, fast-digesting option that can be great for supporting muscle protein synthesis and muscle recovery post-workout, while casein can be good for improving satiety given its slower-digesting tendencies. (1)(6) Plant-based proteins can be suitable for plant-based athletes, as well.”
- Protein Content: On average, most high-quality protein supplements can deliver roughly 25 grams of protein per serving. Consider your current macronutrient counts and whether this serving size will support your overall goals. As Catherine Kruppa, MS, RD, CSSD, LD notes, “It’s important to remember that a majority of your protein consumption should come from whole foods, but protein powders and supplements can be worthwhile if you’re targeting specific goals or routinely fail to meet your daily protein requirements.”
- Available Flavors: You can’t expect to maintain a healthy protein schedule if you’re displeased with your powder’s taste. Take a look at the available flavor options and make sure your protein of choice is offered in an appealing variety. It can also be wise to opt for a protein powder with more than one enticing flavor. This can be beneficial if flavor fatigue sets in after regular use.
- Third-Party Testing: Kruppa notes that protein powders, along with other dietary supplements, aren’t regulated by the FDA. To reassure yourself that your protein’s supplement facts are accurate and there are no banned substances within the makeup, we recommend seeking out protein powders carrying third-party approval from independent organizations. Established entities include NSF and Informed Choice, among others, and their seal of approval can be quickly identified across an approved protein’s packaging.
- Value: The best protein powder for your needs is going to be the one that fits your budget best. Crunch some numbers and determine how much you’d like to spend per serving on your dietary supplements. If you’re looking for more discounts, consider protein powders available with ‘Subscribe & Save’ services that can knock specific percentages off your order total in exchange for autoship subscriptions.
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Vs. Competitors
As you can (likely) expect, there are tons of whey protein options on the market today, and comparing them on your own can be a bit of a challenge. Rather than having multiple tabs open at once, we’ve outlined two popular whey protein powders below we feel compare well to Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate — Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard and Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate.
| Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate | Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard | Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate | |
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $0.87 | Starting at $1.08 | Starting at $1.81 |
| Protein Per Serving | 25g | 24g | 28g |
| Calories Per Serving | 120-140 | 120-130 | 130-140 |
| Carbs Per Serving | 1-4g | 2-5g | 0-3g |
| Fat Per Serving | 2-3g | 1-2g | 0.5-1g |
| Protein Source | Whey protein concentrate | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, hydrolyzed whey protein) | Grass-fed whey protein isolate |
| Sweeteners Used | Sucralose | Sucralose | Stevia extract |
| Available Flavors | Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Unflavored, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Strawberry Milkshake, Pineapple Whip | Caramel Macchiato, S’Mores, Banana Cream, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Malt, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Roll, Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Delicious Strawberry, Double Rich Chocolate, Extreme Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla Creme, Fruity Cereal, Girl Scouts Thin Mints, Mocha Cappuccino, Rocky Road, Strawberries & Cream, Strawberry Banana, Vanilla Ice Cream, White Chocolate | Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Strawberry Milkshake, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Mocha, Cinnamon French Toast, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Blueberry Pancakes, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Coconut |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes (certifying lab not listed) | Yes (Informed Choice) | Yes (Informed Choice, Informed Protein) |
Serving as one of the most recognizable protein supplements available today, Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard earns high marks for its third-party certification and wide range of available flavors. However, Nutricost does offer more protein per serving at 25 grams, and the costs are cheaper per dose.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate has long been our go-to for whey protein isolate powders thanks to its protein-forward makeup delivering 28 grams of the vital macronutrient without excessive carbs or fat. Plus, the flavor variety helps defend against flavor fatigue more so than Nutricost’s six available tastes. Since this Transparent Labs protein uses whey isolate, though, it is more expensive with costs starting at roughly $1.81 per serving.
Places to Buy Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
In addition to the brand’s retail site (where you can utilize Nutricost discount codes for additional savings) Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate can be found at popular third-party retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Target, among others.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
As a brand, Nutricost has grown a large following thanks to its supplement offerings which include some of the best BCAA supplements, pre-workouts, creatine powders, and (of course) proteins. The brand also offers pet-based supplements to help support your furry training partner’s healthy lifestyle. To reach Nutricost with any inquiries, you can email them at support@nutricost.com or call (866)-438-3694. Operating hours, per the brand, are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm MST.
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate currently holds positive feedback online with a 4.4-out-of-5 Amazon rating based on over 7,600 customer responses. The popular whey protein supplement also boasts over 190 5-star reviews from nutricost.com “The taste is spot-on – it genuinely reminds me of a creamy strawberry milkshake,” states one positive Amazon review.
Our Final Verdict on Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate
For those wanting a wallet-minded protein powder that tastes good and features a high-quality macronutrient profile, Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate should be up for consideration. While the included sucralose can be detrimental to some, we do appreciate the enjoyable flavors and cost-effective pricing. “It’s quickly become one of my go-to protein supplements,” adds Kate Meier, certified personal trainer and our expert tester.
With any protein powder, it’s important to think about how much protein you’re getting each serving and how the rest of the formulation can affect your macro counts and general wellness. Find a makeup that suits your tastes and preferences, grab your trusty shaker, and upgrade your nutrition with a convenient, tasty tool for better workouts ahead.
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate FAQs
Is Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate third-party tested?
While the brand does state that Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is third-party tested by an independent lab, there is limited information on the lab’s identification, as well as the findings of the tests themselves.
Is Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate a good whey protein?
Saying whether a protein powder is “good” can be subjective depending on your fitness goals and preferences. We feel Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is a great budget option for wallet-conscious athletes, and we enjoy the flavor, solubility, and protein-forward formulation.
How much does Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate cost?
Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is available online from multiple retailers. Costs per serving start at roughly $0.87 with fluctuations based on your container size as well as which retailer you’re purchasing from.
Where is Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate made?
Contact information links the Nutricost headquarters to Utah, but there is no confirming information on whether this is the same location of protein powder manufacturing. That said, though, Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate is manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility.
References
- Ambulkar, P., Hande, P., Tambe, B., Vaidya, V. G., Naik, N., Agarwal, R., & Ganu, G. (2023). Efficacy and safety assessment of protein supplement – micronutrient fortification in promoting health and wellbeing in healthy adults – a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Translational and Clinical Pharmacology, 31(1), 13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10079511/
- Summers, W. (2024, April 9). Protein powder: The what, why, & how to choose. University Health Center. https://healthcenter.uga.edu/protein-powder-the-what-why-how-to-choose/
- del Pozo, S., Gómez-Martínez, S., Díaz, L. E., Nova, E., Urrialde, R., & Marcos, A. (2022). Potential effects of sucralose and saccharin on Gut Microbiota: A Review. Nutrients, 14(8), 1682. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458244/
- Wu, G. (2016). Dietary protein intake and human health. Food & Function, 7(3), 1251–1265. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26797090/
- Campbell, B., Kreider, R. B., Ziegenfuss, T., La Bounty, P., Roberts, M., Burke, D., Landis, J., Lopez, H., & Antonio, J. (2007). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Protein and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 4(1). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2117006/
- Antonio, J. (2017). Casein protein supplementation in trained men and women: Morning versus evening. International Journal of Exercise Science, 10(3), 479–486. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5421981/
