It can be tough to get enough protein, especially if you’re used to skipping breakfast, rushing through a quick desk lunch, or throwing together dinner at the last minute. Protein powders have made it easy to get a hefty dose of protein in just one glass, but there’s a lot of variety out there.
So, we asked our testing team to try a popular product in this category, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate, and report back. Here’s what we learned about its protein content, mixability, flavor, and more—and as always, we had our registered dietician review the product for safety.
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Transparent Labs Protein Powder
An impressive formula that tastes great, too
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Specs
SpecsDetailsProtein per serving28 gramsCalories per serving130Third-party testingYesCost per serving$2.00Serving per container30Protein per servingDetails28 gramsCalories per servingDetails130Third-party testingDetailsYesCost per servingDetails$2.00Serving per containerDetails30
Our Experience with Transparent Labs Whey Protein
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is sourced from grass-fed cattle, and the company says the cattle are raised humanely and without growth hormones. The protein powder includes stevia extract as a sweetener, but doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners, dyes, or fillers. It’s also worth noting that whey protein isolate is different from casein protein or whey protein concentrate. That’s because whey protein isolate typically goes through additional processing to remove more lactose, fat, and carbohydrates—and it also results in a higher amount of protein in the finished product.
Pete, a certified nutrition coach, tested this product. He noted, “This protein powder contains 28 grams of protein, which is slightly above the usual 20 to 25 grams of protein in a protein powder. This provides a very high protein-to-calorie ratio, 28 grams of protein per 130 calories.”
He loved nearly everything about this protein powder, reporting only one minor drawback. Here’s what he had to say.
What We Liked
Pete liked several things about Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate.
Mixability (5 out of 5): “The protein powder fully dissolved within 60 seconds and there were no visible chunks or clumping,” said Pete.
Taste (5 out of 5): Pete tested the French vanilla flavor and said, “I think Transparent Labs nailed the balance of sweetness and flavor for this protein powder.”
Sweetness (3 out of 5): While a rating of 3 would typically mean we docked points, in this case, it means the sweetness was just the right amount—not overly sweet or under-sweetened. “Transparent Labs doesn’t use any artificial sweeteners and only a moderate amount of stevia extract, giving the protein powder a natural taste and sweetness,” reported Pete.
Side Effects (5 out of 5): Pete said he didn’t experience any negative side effects or
digestive issues.
What We Would Change
Even though Pete liked the protein powder overall, he said there was one area where it could be improved.
Instructions (3 out of 5): Instructions were to mix each scoop of protein powder with 6 to 8 ounces of cold water (or any beverage of your choice), and adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the desired flavor and consistency. Given the lack of specificity, Pete rated these instructions as average—not excellent.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
As with any supplement, make sure to check with a healthcare provider before adding this to your routine. Here’s who this product may be best suited for.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein is best for:Transparent Labs Whey Protein is not for:AdultsChildrenPeople who eat dairyLactose-intolerant individualsThose seeking more protein in their dietFolks who follow a vegan dietAdultsTransparent Labs Whey Protein is not for:ChildrenPeople who eat dairyTransparent Labs Whey Protein is not for:Lactose-intolerant individualsThose seeking more protein in their dietTransparent Labs Whey Protein is not for:Folks who follow a vegan diet
Comparing Transparent Labs to Other Protein Powders
Protein PowderProtein Per ServingCalories Per ServingSweeteners UsedProtein SourceThird-Party TestingCost per servingTransparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate28 g130-150Stevia extractGrass-fed whey proteinYes$2.00Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate PowderUp to 30 g140SucraloseInstantized whey protein concentrateYes$1.28 to $2.11Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake20 g120Stevia extract, organic monk fruit extractOrganic pea proteinYes$2.93Legion Whey+ Certified Grass-Fed Irish Whey Protein Isolate22 g100Stevia extractGrass-fed cattleYes$2.17Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein IsolateProtein Per Serving28 gCalories Per Serving130-150Sweeteners UsedStevia extractProtein SourceGrass-fed whey proteinThird-Party TestingYesCost per serving$2.00Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate PowderProtein Per ServingUp to 30 gCalories Per Serving140Sweeteners UsedSucraloseProtein SourceInstantized whey protein concentrateThird-Party TestingYesCost per serving$1.28 to $2.11Ritual Essential Protein Daily ShakeProtein Per Serving20 gCalories Per Serving120Sweeteners UsedStevia extract, organic monk fruit extractProtein SourceOrganic pea proteinThird-Party TestingYesCost per serving$2.93Legion Whey+ Certified Grass-Fed Irish Whey Protein IsolateProtein Per Serving22 gCalories Per Serving100Sweeteners UsedStevia extractProtein SourceGrass-fed cattleThird-Party TestingYesCost per serving$2.17
Frequently asked questions
What is the best brand for whey protein?
Given that everyone has different health goals and dietary needs and preferences, we wouldn’t say there’s one “best” brand for all individuals. Our tester tried Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate and reported that it was an excellent all-around product, but if you’re considering adding this to your routine make sure to check with a healthcare provider first.
Is Transparent Labs FDA-approved?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements for safety or efficacy, so when it comes to supplements, ingredients and their amounts may be different from what’s on the label. For this reason, we look for products that have been third-party tested to confirm safety and accuracy, and Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate has been third-party tested.
Is Transparent Labs high-quality?
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is sourced from grass-fed cattle and made without using growth hormones, artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or fillers. Additionally, it’s been third-party tested. These are some of the key attributes we look for in a high-quality supplement.
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