Transparent Labs Whey Protein ─ Is it the perfect whey protein option?
Overview
Transparent Labs offers a wide range of nutritional supplements with quality ingredients minus the unnecessary stuff.
Well, their whey protein isolate is no exception and if you’re serious about achieving your fitness goals; then it’s a must-have. Protein is essential for many bodily processes from tissue growth, to immune function and even hormone regulation.
So, incorporating a quality protein powder in your diet is a no-brainer. Whey is proven to aid in muscle growth and performance but you don’t want just any product. Quality matters and we’ve got your back when it comes to good protein selections.
A Quick Look at the Transparent Labs Protein
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein contains 28 grams of protein per scoop and has a low-to-moderate amount of carbs and fat—the exact number varies by flavor, but it can be anywhere from 0 to 2 grams of carbs and 0 to 3 grams of fat.
Note that Transparent Labs is a “clean” protein powder free of any artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or dyes, but it should be noted that it also doesn’t contain any creatine or other post-workout additives that you see in some protein powders. Some might like this, but others may want something that has a little extra kick.
The only major callout is it’s a little higher in sodium and cholesterol than other protein powders due to the addition of Himalayan rock salt.
Before You Buy
- You can save 10% per order if you subscribe to monthly delivery
- Transparent Labs protein is higher in sodium than other protein powders, which may be a problem for those at risk of heart disease
Is Transparent Labs Protein Worth It?
If you’re willing to pay $1.99 per serving, then we think Transparent Labs protein is worth it. That’s not the highest cost we’ve seen in a protein powder, and it’s on par for the higher-end products that don’t contain artificial ingredients, but there are more budget-friendly options.
Cost isn’t the only factor when deciding whether a protein powder is right for you. Here are a few people we think would enjoy Transparent Labs protein powder and who might want to check out some of our other favorite whey protein powders.
Great for:
- Bodybuilders, powerlifters, or anyone else looking for a lean protein powder to build muscle
- Anyone looking for an easily digestible, high-quality protein powder
- People who prefer protein supplements that don’t contain artificial ingredients
Not recommended for:
- Anyone who’s worried about their sodium intake
- Those on a budget
- People who live a plant-based lifestyle
Transparent Labs Protein Specs
| Price per serving | $1.99/$1.79 (with subscription) |
| Flavor(s) | Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, Strawberry, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, French Vanilla, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 0-2 g (varies by flavor) |
| Fat | 0-3 g (varies by flavor) |
| Artificial ingredients? | No |
Experience Using Transparent Labs Protein
I’ve been taking Transparent Labs protein for about a month, and overall I have to say I’m a big fan! I haven’t experienced any stomach or digestive issues after drinking it as I sometimes do with other whey protein powders—several customer reviewers said the same thing. It mixes incredibly well with milk or water, and I can say that I feel full for quite a while after downing a protein shake.
While Transparent Labs isn’t the only company that shows all of its ingredients, it’s probably the first and only one I’ve seen that actually shows the weight of each ingredient. Now that’s transparency.
Miguel a big fan of this protein powder. He notes that the 34-36-gram scoop (the number varies by flavor) is mostly whey protein isolate, so it has a high protein-to-weight ratio. In other words, it’s a clean product that’s mostly protein with very few additives.
While that means it’s free of artificial ingredients that some people may want to steer clear of, it also means it doesn’t contain creatine or other ingredients commonly added to protein powders.
It does contain all the essential amino acids needed for muscle gains and muscle protein synthesis (or protein absorption). A November 2021 review found that BCAAs support improved muscle growth and recovery in those who engage in resistance training (such as weightlifting). However, the product label doesn’t break down the ratios of each amino acid like many brands do, so it’s unclear if they’re in the preferred muscle-building ratio of 2:1:1.
That said, there are many ways to obtain BCAAs from whole food sources (such as chicken and eggs). We don’t think the lack of listed ratios of the BCAAs is a bad thing, but we understand why some people may want a protein powder that includes them on the label.
Formulation
The ingredients in Transparent Labs protein vary by flavor, but there are four that show up in just about every offering: whey protein isolate, natural flavors, Himalayan rock salt, and stevia.
Whey Protein Isolate
Whey protein isolate is one of the three main types of whey protein used in protein powders—the other two being whey protein concentrate and whey protein hydrolysate.
Whey protein isolate goes through a filtration process that removes a lot of the natural carbs, fats, lactose, and sugar found in cow’s milk. This not only results in leaner, higher-protein products, but could also make it safe for those with dairy sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance, due to the fact that much of the lactose has been removed.
People with extreme lactose intolerance and other dairy sensitivities should consult a physician or nutritionist before taking whey protein isolate.
Transparent Labs also uses cows that are hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and grass-fed. Grass-fed cows produce milk that contains more phytonutrients than grain-fed cows.
Natural Flavors
Simply put, natural flavors are natural essences or extracts that have been extracted from plant or animal sources and used to flavor food products. Artificial flavors, on the other hand, are flavors created in a laboratory to be used in foods.
Natural flavors contain no nutritional value and have zero calories.
Himalayan Rock Salt
Himalayan rock salt is salt that comes from the Himalayan mountains and is believed to have more nutritional value than most table salts found in grocery stores. It’s unclear if Transparent Labs uses it to flavor its protein powders or uses it as a preservative.
In any event, people at risk for high blood pressure or heart disease should know that Transparent Labs has a higher sodium content than most protein powders, although it’s still only 12% of the Recommended Daily Value so should be fine for most people. Check with your physician or nutritionist if this is right for you.
Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from stevia leaves and is used as a sugar substitute. People sometimes avoid stevia because it’s more bitter than sugar, but I found that Transparent Labs uses just the right amount.
Price Per Serving
Transparent Labs protein comes out to $1.99 per serving if you’re ordering it on a one-time basis, or $1.79 if you place it on a monthly subscription. That’s about average for higher-end proteins and is more cost-efficient than other protein sources (especially eggs), but there are many protein powders that are more affordable.
Third-Party Testing
Transparent Labs’ website displays laboratory analysis of all of its products to show that it’s been tested for harmful substances like lead, arsenic, salmonella, and E. coli.
Taste and Mixability
Transparent Labs protein comes in the following flavors:
- Milk Chocolate
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Cinnamon French Toast
- Strawberry Milkshake
- Mocha
- Vanilla Peanut Butter
- French Vanilla
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Blueberry Pancakes
- Dark Chocolate
- Peanut Butter
- Unflavored
So which one did I go for? Well, I grabbed the limited edition Peppermint Hot Chocolate around Christmas time and I recommend you put this in your stocking if they offer it again around the holidays. It tastes as if you dropped a candy cane into a cup of hot chocolate and added protein to it, and makes for a great high-protein holiday treat when topped with whipped cream and marshmallows.
I’ve read many customer reviews that state the standard flavors are just as tasty.
The powder easily mixes into the liquid of your choice and leaves behind no clumps—this is one of the smoothest protein powders I’ve ever had.
Wrapping Up
Transparent Labs offers an excellent whey isolate option with a completely “transparent” (pun intended) label that hides no ingredients. It’s a simple, yet effective formula that provides quality protein to support your muscle gains and nothing else.
Now, if you’re looking for the cheapest option possible, then you’re not going be thrilled. But like mentioned previously; quality costs a little more.
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