Cleanest Whey Protein in Australia: The 4-Check Label Test

TL;DR: The cleanest whey protein is the one with the shortest ingredient list you can read in one breath. Look for whey protein isolate as the first ingredient, no artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives, and the protein per serve printed clearly. Our Pure Whey has three ingredients and 25.1 g of protein per 30 g serve.

Pick up a tub of protein and turn it around.

Count the ingredients.

Ten? Fifteen? Thickeners, gums, artificial sweeteners, colours, "flavour enhancers"?

That is what "clean" means to most people. Fewer things you did not ask for.

What makes the cleanest whey protein

Four checks, all on the label:

• Whey protein isolate first. The first ingredient is the biggest one.
• A short list. Every extra ingredient is something else to read up on.
• No artificial sweeteners, colours, flavours or preservatives.
• Protein per serve printed clearly, so you know what you are paying for.

Your action: put any tub you are considering to the four-check test.

Isolate or concentrate

Whey protein isolate is filtered further than concentrate, so it carries more protein per gram and less fat and lactose.

Concentrate is cheaper per tub. Isolate is usually better value per gram of protein.

Your action: compare price per 100 g of protein, not price per tub.

Where the whey comes from

"Clean" also means knowing the source.

Australian grass-fed whey comes from cows raised on pasture. It is a simple thing to check, and the label should say it.

Your action: look for the country of origin on the label, not just the brand's home.

Our Pure Whey: three ingredients

Pure Whey Protein Isolate is Australian grass-fed whey protein isolate, natural vanilla flavour and organic stevia. That is the whole list.

• 25.1 g protein per 30 g serve
• 1.4 g sugars per serve
• No artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, and no preservatives
• Gluten free and non-GMO
• No plastic scoop, to cut plastic waste

It contains milk.

Your action: mix 30 g (about 4 heaped tablespoons) into water, milk, a smoothie, oats or yoghurt. Want more detail on choosing? Read how to choose a whey protein isolate in Australia.