What is Whey protein?Updated a year ago

Whey is the liquid component of cows’ milk, which is separated from the solid component, curd, during the cheese-making process. Natural whey contains water, protein, fat, minerals and lactose.

Whey products are produced when the protein elements are separated through special filtering processes or by ion exchange. This process removes the lactose and fat and leaves a highly concentrated protein that is dried into a highly functional protein powder. The ion exchange process isolates the protein from the lactose and fat due to its electrical charge.

The two main types of whey protein on the market are whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. Whey concentrate ranges from 19-89% protein, typically 80% in nutritional foods, 34% in infant formula, and whey isolate contains at least 90% protein. Whey protein is the highest quality product. It's a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks of healthy muscles, skin, nails and other body tissues.