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Is Isagenix Whey Protein Isolate? A Look at Isagenix's Protein Sources

3 min read

Over 65% of people worldwide are affected by lactose intolerance to some degree. This makes understanding the type of protein crucial, especially when asking: Is Isagenix whey protein isolate? The answer is nuanced, depending on the specific product.

Quick Summary

Isagenix incorporates both whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate across its product line. While IsaLean shakes primarily use a concentrate blend, other products like Clear Protein specifically feature isolate.

Key Points

  • Isagenix uses both concentrate and isolate: The protein type depends on the specific Isagenix product, so consumers should check the label.

  • IsaLean Shakes contain a concentrate blend: The IsaLean and IsaLean Performance shakes use a proprietary blend featuring whey protein concentrate, along with other nutrients.

  • Clear Protein is made with isolate: For those seeking pure whey protein isolate, the Clear Protein drink from Isagenix is the appropriate product.

  • Isolate is lower in fat and lactose: Whey protein isolate is more heavily filtered, resulting in a higher protein percentage and significantly less fat and lactose compared to concentrate.

  • Isagenix protein is undenatured and grass-fed: The company states its dairy protein is sourced from grass-fed cows and uses a low-heat, undenatured process to preserve its quality.

In This Article

Is Isagenix Whey Protein Isolate? A Product-by-Product Breakdown

The question of whether Isagenix protein is an isolate is a common one, and the answer is that it varies by product. Isagenix uses different protein formulations to achieve specific nutritional goals for its various supplements. Understanding which protein type is in your chosen product is key to aligning it with your dietary needs and fitness goals.

IsaLean Shakes: A Whey Protein Concentrate Blend

For products like the flagship IsaLean Shake and IsaLean Performance Protein, Isagenix primarily uses a proprietary blend of undenatured whey and milk protein concentrates. This blend, known as the Myo-IsaLean Complex, is designed to be a complete meal replacement, providing a balance of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Whey protein concentrate is less processed than isolate, which means it retains more natural fats and lactose along with its protein content, typically ranging from 70% to 80%.

Clear Protein: Featuring Whey Protein Isolate

In contrast, Isagenix also offers products that contain pure whey protein isolate. For example, the Clear Protein drink explicitly states that it contains '20g of grass-fed whey protein isolate'. The isolate undergoes further filtration to remove almost all fat and lactose, resulting in a product with a much higher protein percentage (90% or more). This makes Clear Protein a suitable option for those who are sensitive to lactose or require a higher protein intake with fewer calories.

Whey Isolate vs. Concentrate: What's the Difference?

To better appreciate why Isagenix uses different protein types, it's helpful to understand the key distinctions between whey protein isolate and concentrate. Both are derived from the liquid whey that separates from milk during the cheese-making process. The primary differences lie in the amount of processing they undergo, which impacts their nutritional profile and cost.

Key Differences in Whey Protein

Feature Whey Protein Isolate Whey Protein Concentrate
Processing More extensive filtration to remove fat and lactose. Minimal processing, retaining more fats and lactose.
Protein Purity Higher; typically 90% protein or more. Lower; typically 70-80% protein.
Carbohydrate/Lactose Very low to almost zero. Higher content of carbs and lactose.
Fat Content Very low. Higher fat content.
Taste Generally more neutral. Often creamier and sweeter due to fat/lactose.
Cost More expensive due to extra processing. More affordable due to less processing.
Lactose Intolerance Better suited for those with sensitivity. May cause digestive issues for sensitive individuals.

The Isagenix Quality and Sourcing Promise

Beyond the type of protein, Isagenix emphasizes the quality of its sourcing and processing. The company states that its dairy protein is undenatured, meaning it is processed with lower heat to protect its nutritional integrity and keep the amino acid chains intact. Isagenix sources its undenatured whey from grass-fed cows in New Zealand and other regions, which it claims are committed to exceptional quality and sustainability. This focus on quality is a key part of the brand's identity.

How to Choose the Right Isagenix Protein for Your Needs

Given that Isagenix offers both whey protein concentrate and isolate, your choice should align with your specific health and fitness goals:

  • For high-protein, low-carb needs: If you are watching your carbohydrate and fat intake closely or have a mild lactose sensitivity, a product containing whey protein isolate, like Clear Protein, would be the most suitable option.
  • For a complete meal replacement: The IsaLean Shake, with its blend of concentrates, is formulated to provide more than just protein. Its combination of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and carbs makes it an appropriate choice for replacing a full meal.
  • For added protein without a full meal: IsaPro, which contains whey protein concentrate, is marketed as a versatile protein boost to add to shakes or use between meals for extra protein.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Isagenix does not use a single type of whey protein across its entire product line. While popular products like the IsaLean Shakes are built around a high-quality whey protein concentrate blend, more specialized options like Clear Protein are formulated with whey protein isolate for higher purity and lower lactose content. Consumers should check the specific product's ingredients to determine if it is isolate, concentrate, or a blend, and choose based on their personal dietary needs, goals, and sensitivity to lactose. Isagenix's emphasis on undenatured, grass-fed sourcing remains a consistent brand element, regardless of the protein type used.

Whey Protein: Health benefits, side effects, and dangers

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have lactose intolerance, you should opt for an Isagenix product made with whey protein isolate, like Clear Protein, as it contains significantly less lactose than products using concentrate. Some products also contain added digestive enzymes, but isolate is the safest bet.

IsaLean Shake is a complete meal replacement designed to provide balanced nutrition, including protein, carbs, fats, and vitamins. IsaPro is a protein powder supplement designed to simply boost your protein intake between meals or post-workout.

Yes, Isagenix states that its dairy protein is sourced from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows. This applies to both the whey protein concentrate and isolate used in their products.

Undenatured refers to a processing method that uses lower temperatures and gentler filtration. This is done to preserve the integrity of the protein and its bioactive compounds, which some claim offer additional health benefits.

As a high-quality, complete protein source rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), Isagenix protein can support muscle building and recovery, especially when combined with resistance training.

Not necessarily. Isolate offers a higher percentage of protein with less fat and lactose, making it ideal for low-calorie diets or those with lactose sensitivity. Concentrate, while less pure, is more affordable and retains more beneficial bioactive compounds and nutrients.

For weight loss, a product like the IsaLean Shake is designed as a complete meal replacement to control calorie intake, while the lower-calorie Clear Protein (isolate) is suitable for boosting protein without extra carbs and fat.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.