While Catherine Kruppa, MS, RD, CSSD, LD states, “It can be preferable to obtain your daily protein counts from whole foods in order to consume additional vitamins and minerals,” a high-quality protein powder can be excellent supplemental help for fueling your workouts and achieving your nutritional aspirations. As one of the best whey isolates on the market today. Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is a versatile protein supplement choice that’s suitable for various fitness and nutrition goals thanks to its third-party tested formulation and rich variety of available flavors.
As a registered dietitian, I personally think Transparent Labs offers an excellent nutritional profile given its clean and all-natural ingredients, high-quality protein source, and great mixability. In this Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate review, our team of registered dietitians and certified personal trainers examine this popular powder’s full makeup and real-world effectiveness, using our supplement testing methodology to score the supplement in categories such as formulation, value, taste, and solubility, among others.
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
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.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Video Review
Watch as BarBend’s Nick English outlines this Transparent Labs protein’s benefits, drawbacks, taste, pricing, ingredients list, and more.
Main Takeaways
- Transparent Labs contains 28 grams of grass-fed whey isolate, which means it contains more beneficial nutrients and is more digestible than standard whey powder.
- It has one of the cleanest labels among whey isolate powders, with clean credentials: no artificial sweeteners, no artificial colors, non-GMO, gluten-free, and virtually lactose-free.
- With 14 delicious flavors and a creamy, smooth texture, this powder makes for an enjoyable sip.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Specs
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $1.82 |
| Protein Per Serving | 28g |
| Calories Per Serving | 130-150 |
| Protein Source | Grass-fed whey protein isolate |
| Sweeteners Used | Stevia extract |
| Available Flavors | 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 | Informed Choice, Informed Protein |
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is ideal for those who prefer protein powder supplements with clean, natural ingredients. Sourced from 100% North American grass-fed cows and extensively third-party tested, this whey isolate protein powder offers a high-quality, easily digestible option without additives or fillers. It’s naturally sweetened with stevia and offers 14 delicious flavors that taste great in water or milk.
We’ve provided more details below in our testing notes, but we’re very impressed, overall. At BarBend, we trialed this product first-hand to share insights you won’t get from just looking at the label. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, states, “This is, without question, one of the best protein powders I’ve had in recent memory. You get the satiety you want from a mixed shake, there aren’t any negative side effects post-consumption, and the flavors are impeccable. I’d recommend this powder to anyone looking to switch up their supplement regimen. It’s a clear staple in my routine now.”
If you’d like to avoid unnecessary additives and seek a protein source with a clean label, Transparent Labs is an excellent option, although the price is slightly higher with costs starting at roughly $1.82 per serving if you opt for a 4-pound container. It’s also a great fit for people with sensitive stomachs looking for something that’s easier to digest. Also, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois MS, RDN, LD adds, “I recommend paying close attention to your flavor of choice if you’re particular about your sodium intake. Some formulations can provide as much as 370 milligrams per serving.”
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
According to Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD, “Protein powders can be beneficial to athletes when it comes to building muscle, managing weight, and staying healthy.” (5) That said, though, the different types of protein on the market suggest that not every powder — Transparent Labs Whey Isolate, included — is effective for every need. Below, we’ve outlined some groups that may benefit from using Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate.
Recommended for:
- Health-conscious athletes who seek clean and all-natural ingredients
- Overall health, as well as specific goals like muscle growth or weight loss
- Low-carb diets
- Sensitive stomachs
- Flavor enthusiasts
Not Recommended for:
- Restricted sodium diets
- High blood pressure
- Those sensitive to the bitterness of stevia
- Frugal budgets
Our Experience Using Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
The BarBend team is composed of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. For this Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate review, we got hands on with the popular powder to rate its effectiveness, similar to how we’ve examined over 100 different protein supplements over the years — from the best vegan protein powders to the best formulations for runners, sensitive stomachs, and more.
To help make our findings more digestible (get it?), we scored this whey isolate powder on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in categories related to our supplement testing methodology.
Ingredients and Formulation
As registered dietitians, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, and I rate this product at 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation. Its protein source is whey protein isolate, a highly digestible protein for those sensitive to lactose or athletes that normally experience GI distress with other whey proteins. (1) Since it’s a whey isolate, it’s virtually lactose-free, making it one of the best protein powders for sensitive stomachs.
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, also noted a lack of unpleasant side effects after trying this product. “I didn’t experience any bloating or stomach rumbles, which was a pleasant surprise as I’ve had other proteins that caused serious GI distress,” they said. Given its lack of gastrointestinal effects, we think it’s a great supplement to take with or without a meal post-workout.
Moreover, the high protein amount in this product is commendable for meeting dietary goals. With 28 grams of protein, including all essential amino acids, it’s enough to meet most athletes’ requirements depending on how much protein is needed. For context, the USDA recommends 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram daily for sedentary individuals. (2) However, Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD states, “Athletes who engage in high levels of physical activity and want to build muscle may need upwards of 1.6 or even 2 grams per kilogram daily.” (3)
Beyond the nutrients, we love the product’s ingredients. It’s slightly sweetened with stevia extract, flavored with natural flavors, and contains no artificial flavors, artificial colors, or low-grade filler ingredients that don’t contribute nutritional value. Bourgeois states, “I love that Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is free from artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and preservatives. You get 28 grams of high-quality protein per scoop without unnecessary fluff.”
Last but not least, it comes from 100% grass-fed American cows. Studies show that grass-fed whey is higher in beneficial ingredients that support muscle recovery and overall wellness, like immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, omega-3 essential fatty acids, CLA, and antioxidant vitamins A and E. (4)
The only major downside in this product’s formulation is that certain flavors are high in sodium compared to USDA recommendations of up to 2300 milligrams per day. (2) “Some flavors contain up to 370 milligrams of sodium per scoop, higher than many other protein powders on the market. Those who are watching their sodium intake may not enjoy the amount of sodium per scoop,” Bourgeois adds.
Taste
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate at 5 out of 5 for its excellent taste. They state, “I enjoyed the flavor of this protein powder. I got my hands on a limited-edition flavor, Peppermint Hot Chocolate. While there wasn’t as much peppermint as I’d hoped, I was pleased with its mouthfeel and taste. All I needed were some mini marshmallows to complete the scene.” Plus, this product comes in 14 different flavors, meaning there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to this best-tasting protein powder.
As impressive as this protein’s flavor profiles are, we do point out that Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate uses stevia extract as its main sweetening agent. Studies report that stevia can leave a bitter aftertaste with some palates, so be sure to take your personal tastes and preferences into consideration before ordering a tub of your own. (6)
Solubility
While other protein powders may not mix well, Transparent Labs received a sparkling 5 out of 5 rating for solubility. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, notes, “No issues here. I easily mixed the powder in my best shaker bottle, and the consistency wasn’t gritty. It’s a very smooth protein powder with no clumps or residue.” So, mix this into water or your milk of choice for creamy and smooth protein shakes every time.
Price Per Serving
Naturally, whey protein isolate is expected to be more expensive than other types of whey protein since its more refined during manufacturing to remove excessive lactose. (1) However, this justification doesn’t eliminate the sting at checkout with Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate costing between $1.82 and $2 per serving, depending on your container size of choice. Accordingly, we score the protein supplement at a conservative 3.5 out of 5 for the category.
All is not lost, though, as there are ways to potentially save on your protein powder purchases. In addition to Transparent Labs discount codes, you can also opt into the brand’s ‘Subscribe & Save’ service that can help you save $10 and score free shipping on repeat orders. This could be a feasible solution for regular customers that know they’ll have future orders and want to avoid running out of protein stocks in-between shipping times.
Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing is helpful to ensure a product’s purity, quality, potency of ingredients, and presence of harmful components like metals. Transparent Labs excels in this area by offering live testing results from third-party labs on the product page. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is also Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified.
We also rate Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate at 4 out of 5 for third-party testing given its performance in our independent lab examinations with an accredited organization. The powder scored in the top 10% of all tested protein supplements for label accuracy as well as the presence of pesticides, phthalates, and bisphenols.
What to Consider Before Buying Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD states, “Your protein powder needs can vary based on factors such as age, gender, dietary preferences, and activity level. Naturally, then it’s vital to understand what you should consider when choosing a protein supplement for your own routine.” Below, we’ve outlined some recommended points of focus to be mindful of when purchasing your next tub of powder, whether that be Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate or another top supplement.
- Type of Protein: One of the first factors to consider is your protein powder’s protein source. While whey protein is one of the most popular picks for dietary supplements, there are plant-based and dairy-free protein powders available, too, that can cater to specific dietary needs. Think about your diet and choose a protein supplement that matches your nutritional goals and preferences.
- Macronutrient Balance: Yes, protein is the star of the show with this supplement category, but its important to remember your other macronutrients, as well. Try to look at the full nutritional facts of your powder and determine whether the carb and fat counts support your fitness goals. For example, athletes looking to gain weight may prefer a high-calorie mass gainer, whereas individuals on a keto diet may prefer a low-carb protein powder to fit within the diet.
- Ingredients: Take a gander at the ingredients list and ensure your protein powder is composed of ingredients you actually recognize. Common natural ingredients include stevia and monk fruit for sweetening, Himalayan rock salt for sodium, and more. It can also be advisable to look for protein powders with no listed artificial sweeteners, dyes, or flavoring agents, if you want to keep formulations as clean as possible.
- Taste and Texture: These can be difficult factors to determine through your computer screen, but we do recommend choosing a protein powder with appealing flavor options. We also suggest choosing a protein supplement with multiple flavors that you may find enjoyable, as this can help you switch up your tastes down the road and help defend against flavor fatigue.
- Value: The best protein powder for your needs is the one you can comfortably afford. Look at your budget and try to find a supplement that you can reasonably purchase on a regular schedule. We also suggest looking at potential savings avenues like ‘Subscribe & Save’ services that offer discounted totals in exchange for repeat orders.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Vs. Competitors
This section highlights how Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate compares to its key competitors, Jacked Factory Authentic ISO and Legion Whey+. We’ve based the comparisons on protein amount and source, calories, price per serving, flavors, sweeteners used, and third-party testing.
| Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate | Jacked Factory Authentic ISO | Legion Whey+ | |
| Price Per Serving | Starting at $1.82 | $1.33 | Starting at $1.54 |
| Protein Per Serving | 28g | Up to 27g | Up to 23g |
| Calories Per Serving | 130-150 | 110-130 | 100-130 |
| Protein Source | Grass-fed whey protein isolate | Grass-fed whey isolate | Grass-fed whey isolate |
| Sweeteners Used | Stevia extract | Sucralose, stevia extract | Stevia extract |
| Available Flavors | 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 | Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Cookies & Cream, Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Peanut Butter | Dutch Chocolate, French Vanilla, Cinnamon Cereal, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, S’mores, Oatmeal Cream Pie, Peanut Butter Fudge, Coconut Cream, Cookies & Cream, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Hazelnut, Unflavored, Mint Chocolate, Banana Bread, Mocha Cappuccino, Strawberry Banana, Cocoa Cereal, Fruity Cereal, Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Honey Cereal |
| Third-Party Testing | Informed Choice, Informed Protein | No | Labdoor |
We’ve compared these supplements to help you make informed choices and determine which product aligns best with your goals and lifestyle. We chose to compare Transparent Labs Whey Isolate to Jacked Factory Authentic ISO and Legion Whey+ because Jacked Factory and Legion are comparable grass-fed whey isolate choices that are also popular among athletes. All three brands claim to offer practical, high-quality, and clean protein powder supplements.
While all three products contain a high amount of protein, we noticed some key differences. Jacked Factory offers the most bang for your buck with an affordable price starting at $1.33 per serving, but it isn’t third-party tested and includes artificial ingredients. Legion Whey+ and Transparent Labs are similar, with the differences being who did their third-party testing, the amount of protein per serving, and the presence of digestive enzymes within the Whey+ formulation.
Legion Whey+ is tested by Labdoor, whereas Transparent Labs is tested by Informed Choice and Informed Protein. Transparent Labs has 5 to 6 grams more protein per serving than Legion, depending on your chosen flavor. Legion contains digestive enzymes to support digestion for those with more sensitive stomachs, while Transparent Labs does not. The flavor choices and solubility are varied among the three brands, which could also be factors to consider.
Places to Buy Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is available online directly from the brand’s retail site. We’ve also found this popular protein powder available through select third-party retailers such as Amazon and The Vitamin Shoppe, among others.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
The customer experience is pretty smooth through the Transparent Labs website, as someone who’s ordered from there before. Standard shipping takes about 5 to 7 business days following confirmation of your order, while expedited options like USPS Priority Mail and Fedex Two-Day can ensure your order gets to your home quicker than that. If you aren’t satisfied with your product, Transparent Labs offers full refunds or store credit within 30 days of delivery, so the financial risk of trying this product is minimal.
Transparent Labs is well-regarded in the sports nutrition community for its no-fluff formulations. In addition to protein powder supplements, the company offers other supplements, including pre-workouts, creatine HMB, mass gainers, natural fat burners, protein bars, and more.
Our Final Verdict on Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent choice for overall wellness and athletes with specific goals. It’s clean, offers delicious flavors, mixes well, and delivers high-quality and digestible protein without unnecessary additives. We recommend pairing this protein supplement with a nutrient-dense diet to maximize its benefits and tailoring its use to your specific health goals.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate FAQs
How much does Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate cost?
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate costs $1.82 to $2.00 per serving, depending on your chosen container size. It’s a whey isolate with clean ingredients, so it tends to be pricier than other options.
Does Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate taste good?
Yes, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is highly rated on taste. We scored it at 5 out of 5 for the category. It’s offered in 14 delicious flavors to choose from, as well. We do note, though, that the formulation does contain stevia extract — a natural sweetener — which may add a hint of bitterness depending on how sensitive you are to it. (6)
Is grass-fed whey protein isolate healthy?
While what’s considered healthy is highly subjective, grass-fed whey protein isolate is pretty healthy. Research shows that grass-fed whey protein isolate retains more nutrients like omega-3s and immunoglobulins than grass-fed whey. (4) Compared to standard whey, whey protein isolate is better absorbed in the body due to its processing.
Is Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate third-party tested?
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is extensively third-party tested. It’s Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified, and you can view the certificates of analysis and live testing data directly on the Transparent Labs website.
References
- Foegeding, E. A., & Luck, P. J. (2002). Milk Proteins: Whey Protein Products. Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences, 1957-1960.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.
- 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.
- Alothman, M., Hogan, S. A., Hennessy, D., Dillon, P., Kilcawley, K. N., O’Donovan, M., Tobin, J., Fenelon, M. A., & O’Callaghan, T. F. (2019). The “Grass-Fed” Milk Story: Understanding the Impact of Pasture Feeding on the Composition and Quality of Bovine Milk. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 8(8), 350. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8080350
- Antonio, J., Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., Ormsbee, M. J., Saracino, P. G., & Roberts, J. (2020). Effects of dietary protein on body composition in exercising individuals. Nutrients, 12(6), 1890. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32630466/
- Muenprasitivej, N., Tao, R., Nardone, S. J., & Cho, S. (2022). The effect of steviol glycosides on sensory properties and acceptability of Ice Cream. Foods, 11(12), 1745. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9223086/
