Whey Protein Vanilla: why 1 kg is not 1 kg of protein

The pack weight is the whole powder

A 1 kg pouch holds one kilogram of finished powder. That total includes the protein source and everything mixed in with it, such as flavouring, a sweetener, a thickener and any flow agent.

So the pack weight is a logistics figure. It tells you how much powder you are buying, not how much of the powder is protein.

Protein per stated portion is the comparable figure

The only number that lets you line up two protein powders is the protein content of one stated portion, read off the nutrition declaration. That figure accounts for the flavouring and the rest of the mix.

Portion sizes are set by the manufacturer and are not standardised, so always read the grams per portion next to it. A bigger portion figure is not the same thing as a better pouch.

Three numbers, in order

When you have a finished label in front of you, pull these out before anything else. Together they make a price comparison possible.

• Pack weight: total powder in the pouch, here 1 kg
• Stated portion: the grams the nutrition declaration is based on
• Protein per portion: grams of protein in that stated portion
• Portions per pack: pack weight divided by stated portion

Whey is a milk protein

Whey comes from milk, so a whey powder carries a milk allergen declaration. That single fact decides whether the product is a candidate for you before any other comparison starts.

The ingredients list names the whey form as well, and the words used there are the source description rather than a quality grade.

Vanilla is a flavouring decision

Vanilla is one of two flavours we list on the same whey base. The flavouring, the sweetener and any colour are declared in the ingredients list, which is also where the two flavours diverge.

Because the flavouring differs, the allergen statement can differ too. Read the allergen line on the exact flavour you are buying rather than assuming it carries across the pair.

What the label tells you

The full ingredients list, the amount per portion, allergens, dietary suitability, directions and storage are printed on the pack.

Read the label before you take any supplement, and check the product page for the format, pack size and price before you buy.