Raw Protein vs. Whey Protein? The Key Differences

Having used whey protein for quite a while now, you would have noticed that it has served you well. Or as a newbie, you would have been recommended to consume a certain amount of whey protein to supplement your diet and exercise. However, you might have come across a group of people claiming that raw protein is a lot better. So, which one wins – whey protein or raw protein?

Whey Protein

Whey is the liquid part that remains after the coagulation of milk. What was once a waste product of the cheese manufacturing procedure is now a raw material that is used to make a highly researched protein supplement used by anyone who wishes to have a toned body. For those in doubt, it is whey protein.

One massive advantage whey protein has over other supplements is that it is a fast absorbing protein, which makes it the go to shake for workouts. There are different types of whey protein – concentrate, isolate, hydrolysate, etc.

Related Article: 3 Different Types of Whey Protein

Why Whey Protein?

Whey protein is often cited as a powerhouse of nutrients when it comes to bodybuilding and fitness industry. Here are the advantages in brief:

• It builds muscles, period. And the more muscles you have, the more better your metabolism.
• As stated in the previous point, it increases metabolism. This in turn burns fat, which leads to weight loss.
• It also aids you by accelerating the recovery rate of your muscle tissues.
• Controls food cravings – and that will keep you from grabbing that extremely tasty (and unhealthy) snack.
• Promotes better bone health.
• It also has the added benefit of improving your sugar levels, immunity and strengthens your heart.

Related Article: 10 Benefits about Whey Protein you didn’t know

Raw Protein

Raw protein, or raw whey protein, is the product you obtain right after separating the whey from the solid part. The whey protein obtained is in concentrate form, and contains other nutrients apart from amino acids. To put it in simpler words, raw protein is whey protein concentrate that has none of the lactose and fats removed, and neither additives nor artificial flavours are added into it.

When raw protein is processed further (to increase the concentration of amino acids in it), it strips it off of many vital nutrients. The methods applied usually involve high heat and a lot of chemicals, which results in the presence of heavy metals and acids among other unsavoury components. To mask the damage done, manufacturers add additional components back – such as sugar. This is marketed as whey protein isolate.

Why Raw Protein?

If we are to compare raw whey protein with the heavily processed whey isolate (a practice followed by many companies), you might be better off with the former. Even though the concentration of protein may not be as high, it is loaded with many vital nutrients that would help in your muscle building objectives. It has all the advantages of whey protein, plus the bonus of it being closer to its original source.

It might seem counter intuitive to a few of you to consume raw protein due to its fat content, but the fat in it is trivial. On the other hand, the removal of the fat also results in the subtraction of glutamine and cysteine. And it is common knowledge that not all fat is bad – take for example the fat found in nuts, seeds etc.

Another thing to bear in mind would be the goals that you have set for yourself. If you want to build muscle size and make it more toned, raw whey protein would be ideal. Considering that it has ample amounts of BCAA and Glutamine, it will help you meet your nutritional needs.

If you don’t find raw whey protein in the stores, or don’t trust the manufacturers that claim to sell it, whey protein concentrate would be the ideal replacement.

Difference between Whey Protein and Raw Whey Protein

Let us look at the difference between whey protein and raw whey protein. Here the isolate form of whey protein is taken for comparison.

What Do I Choose?

If you are lactose intolerant, whey protein isolate would be better for you. Lactose is removed in the making of isolate, and would hence be more palatable. Additionally, with lesser amounts of fat, cholesterol and lactose guarantees that you have protein, and nothing else. This comes in handy when you are in the cutting phase, or are trying to cut down on the fat.

However, exercise caution with regards to the manufacturer you buy from, as a certain number are involved in the malpractices mentioned above. If possible, check for certification of the processes involved in its production, as well as the ingredients.

Related Article: Best Supplements for Cutting

In the battle between whey protein vs. raw whey protein, we would endorse raw protein. If you cannot find any trusted manufacturers of raw protein (and there are a lot of unscrupulous companies out there that set out to make a quick buck by selling inferior products), go for whey protein concentrate. Like we mentioned earlier, they are almost the same. Moreover, since it is not heat treated, the protein you get will be in the purest form – making certain that it gives you the smoothest blend of protein shake and the purest form of protein you can consume.

For those of you searching for a product that would meet these requirements (and you should be very particular about this – your health is never, under any circumstance, to be trifled with), we would recommend MFF Whey Protein 80™. Since the product is 80% concentrate which has not been stripped of its essential amino acids and BCAA, its consumption will ensure that your nutritional needs are met.

At the end of the day, it all depends on your objective and the budget you have in mind. Also, ensure that the product you choose is from a trusted manufacturer, and if possible, try getting your hands on their certification. If you enjoyed the article, please don’t hesitate to share your comments or experiences below.