If you are new to the protein supplement world, choosing the best protein powder for yourself can sometimes be a difficult and daunting task. With a multitude of brands and types of protein out there, it’s important to know what will not only help you achieve the results you want physically but also what’s best for your body nutritionally.

In this post we are going to look at whey protein and uncover where whey protein comes from, look at the different types of whey protein, discuss any side effects and also the benefits of whey protein. In summary, some of these benefits include:

  • Promotes muscle growth
  • Assists with weight loss
  • Helps to boost the body's immune system
  • Can increase strength and performance
  • A source of quality protein

There are 3 different types of whey protein powder, which we will discuss in detail later in this post, but each contains different levels of protein, are processed differently and have varying benefits.  

  • Concentrate – made up of roughly 70-80% protein, the most popular whey protein.
  • Isolate – has a higher level of protein (roughly 90% or more) good for people with lactose intolerances or sensitivities. 
  • Hydrolysate – absorbs rapidly and is easy to digest, great for high performing athletes.

HAPPY WAY WHEY PROTEIN POWDER

At Happy Way, our whey protein powders are 100% natural and filled with high-quality raw superfoods, natural vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They’re also made without any artificial flavours, preservatives or sweeteners, which means they provide optimal health benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. Our whey protein is sourced from NZ pasture-fed cows, using a combination of certified organic and organically grown ingredients and is also considered gluten-free.

Viewed as a complete protein as they contain all of the 9 essential amino acids, Happy Way whey protein powders are also known to be high in BCAA’s (branched-chain amino acids) like leucine, which is the most efficient growth promoting amino acid. Our protein powders are proud to have a certified five-star health rating and are ideal for men and women of all ages, including pregnant women and breastfeeding mums.

An example of the ingredients we use in our whey protein powders are:

  • NZ pasture-fed whey protein concentrate – for increased muscle strength, growth and recovery. 
  • Coconut flour – for better digestion and heart health.
  • Chia seeds – for antioxidant goodness. 
  • Psyllium husk – for weight control and general intestinal health.
  • Maca powder – for increased libido, boosting energy and endurance.
  • Stevia leaf – for plant-based sweetness.
  • Himalayan rock salt – for increasing strength.

Check out our range of whey protein powders here

BEST WHEY PROTEIN POWDER IN AUSTRALIA

At Happy Way, we have created a nutritious range of whey protein powders that are bound to satisfy your tummy and taste buds!!

New to the range? Why not try our Rocket Protein Travel Packs where you get 6 x 60g whey flavours—the perfect sample size to help you find your favourite! Each flavour has been tried and tested to ensure that it not only provides all the benefits that a protein powder should, but that it also delivers a flavour that is out of this world delicious!

Check out our list of available flavours below.

1. Vanilla Ice Ice Baby Whey Protein Powder

Happy Ways Vanilla Whey Protein Powder is made with natural vanilla bean, for that extra sweet taste we know you’ll love. Perfect to enjoy as part of your protein shake or smoothie, our vanilla protein powder is also great to add to any recipe. We use chia seeds for antioxidant goodness and Himalayan rock salt to boost strength.

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happy way vanilla whey protein powder

2. Ashy Bines Triple Choc Fudge Whey Protein Powder

Happy Way has teamed up with long time friend and fan, Ashy Bines, to create this decadent and rich flavour. Together we worked for months to create something that you will be absolutely addicted to and will never have you craving a real chocolate bar or cake again! Made with our superfood mix of chia seeds, psyllium husk and maca powder, this one is great to add to many of your favourite recipes.

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ashy bines triple choc fudge whey protein powder

 3. Top Of The Choc Whey Protein Powder

Here’s an all-natural solution to satisfy your afternoon chocolate cravings! Happy Way’s Top Of The Choc Whey Protein Powder is made with NZ pasture fed whey, coconut flour and maca. To help with weight control and general intestinal health we use psyllium husk and for awesome antioxidants, we use chia seeds. And for our fellow chocoholics, only the best cacao.

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4. Ashy Bines Choc Caramel Whey Protein Powder

As Ashy suggests, you’ll want this flavour in your kitchen cupboard to enjoy after every workout or as a healthy snack! Following our first collaboration with Ashy Bines on her hugely popular Triple Choc Fudge protein powder, we have been working hard with Ashy to create another delicious flavour to add to your Happy Way stash! 100% natural and packed with vitamins and nutrients your body needs to power through the day, we’re sure you’ll be reaching for this instead of that Mars Bar!

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ashy bines choc caramel whey protein powder 

5. Banana Bonanza Whey Protein Powder

Providing you with a great boost of energy, our Banana Bonanza Whey Protein Powder is creamy, delicious and tastes like a homemade banana smoothie, but better! It’s loaded with even more superfoods like maca powder and chia seeds. We also include stevia leaf for plant-based sweetness, Himalayan rock salt for strength and psyllium husk for weight control and general intestinal health.

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happy way banana whey protein powder

 6. De Ja Brew Coffee Whey Protein Powder

Instead of that second or third coffee to satisfy those caffeine cravings try this delicious, all-natural, coffee flavoured protein powder energy hit! With maca, Himalayan rock salt and natural sweetener, Happy Ways De Ja Brew Coffee Whey Protein Powder offers a healthy whey to get that caffeine fix and flavour!

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happy way coffee whey protein powder 

7. Smooth Operator Salted Caramel Whey Protein Powder

With a natural caramel flavour for that smooth deliciousness, combined with a salty touch we know you will love, this whey protein powder will provide that sweet satisfaction minus the guilt. Includes chia seeds for all those antioxidant benefits and stevia leaf for that added plant-based sweetness.

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happy way salted caramel whey protein powder 

8. I Love You Berry Much Whey Protein Powder

The all-natural goodness of acai berries is included in this berry delicious protein powder to help you power through those tough afternoons. We’ve also added maqui berry to help with smooth skin and pomegranate to provide natural colouring to this flavoursome protein powder.

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happy way berry whey protein powder

 9. Rocket Protein Travel Pack

As mentioned above, the Rocket Protein Travel Pack is perfect for those that are new to the brand and even those that are always on the go or travelling—it’s a great little pack for all those times when you simply can’t be without your favourite protein powder! Happy Way’s Travel Pack consists of 6 x 60g packs of our whey protein powder including Vanilla, Coffee, Berry, Salted Caramel, Banana and Chocolate—designed to give you that boost of energy and hit of delicious flavour that will leave you wanting more.

happy way rocket protein pack

 10. Chocolate Hazelnut Whey Protein Powder

Like true partners in crime, chocolate and hazelnut come together in one of our most popular flavours, to deliver your Nutella fix in a protein powder! With all-natural sweetener, chia seeds to provide antioxidants and maca powder to give us those “sexy time” feels, this one is perfect in a shake, smoothie or snack!

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happy way chocolate hazelnut protein powder

For further information on our whey protein powder range and other Happy Way products, check out our website.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROTEIN POWDER

There are many variations of protein powder available and the first thing to consider is what your dietary requirements are and if you’re looking for an animal or plant-based protein supplement. 

Protein powders available include:

  • Whey 
  • Casein
  • Collagen
  • Rice
  • Pea
  • Hemp
  • Soy 
  • Egg

To get a further breakdown of each protein powder variety, check out our previous blog post on Best Protein Powder Types & Flavours.

WHAT IS WHEY PROTEIN POWDER?

Whey protein is considered one of the best sources of protein available as it not only contains high levels of quality protein, but it also provides the body with a range of essential amino acids, which are absorbed quickly into the body, therefore providing rapid benefits. Casein and whey are the two proteins that are found in milk, with casein being 80% and whey, 20%. Whey is sourced from the watery part of milk that’s found during cheese production when the solid parts (casein) separate from the liquid. When the whey is separated during this process, it goes through a development period where it’s broken down and essentially becomes whey protein in a powder form.

Before this liquid part was discovered to be of value, it was often discarded during cheese production. You can see whey when you open up a tub of yoghurt and the watery liquid is sitting on top of the yoghurt—that’s whey. Once the whey is converted into a powder it’s then often flavoured into popular vanilla or chocolate type flavours, amongst others, which then make it ideal to mix into shakes, smoothies, or snacks and other meals. 

Check out Happy Ways delicious range of whey protein powder flavours. 

whey protein boosts energy

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WHEY PROTEIN?

As mentioned above, whey protein is sourced during the process of cheese production. There are, however, different types of whey protein that vary in the way they’ve been processed.

  • Concentrate – made up of roughly 70-80% protein, whey concentrate is often considered to have the best flavour and consistency. It also consists of some lactose, carbs and fats as it’s been through less processing than whey isolate, which can often make it a more affordable protein. Whey concentrate is also believed to contain more nutrients which help to boost immunity.
  • Isolate – has a higher level of protein (roughly 90% or more) with lower levels of lactose and fat, however, it’s not as high in nutrients as whey concentrate. Whey isolate is good for people with lactose intolerances as during its processing stage a lot of the carbs and fats are removed, which can make it easier for those with lactose sensitivities to digest.
  • Hydrolysate – this form of whey digests rapidly and is absorbed quickly into the body as it’s broken down during production with the help of enzymes and acids. Hydrolysate is good for people with digestive problems and for performing athletes as its absorption rate helps with muscle recovery and stamina. Whey hydrolysate is considered the most expensive of the three whey proteins and can also tend to have more of a bitter taste compared to whey concentrate and isolate.

Whey concentrate is generally the most popular as not only is it one of the most affordable and considered the better tasting option of the three, but it also maintains its nutritional value, with most of the nutrients found in whey still present in whey concentrate. 

WHY CHOOSE WHEY PROTEIN POWDER?

Incorporating whey protein powder into your diet is a great way to ensure you’re getting the necessary nutrients and recommended daily intake of protein needed to live a healthy way of life. Using a whey protein supplement is not only ideal for those individuals that frequently work out, want to build muscle or are professional athletes, but it’s also beneficial for those that are focused on losing weight or are lacking protein in their daily diet.

Whey protein has a good consistency which allows it to mix well, and when flavoured it has a delicious taste, making it ideal in shakes and smoothies. Because it absorbs into the body at a faster rate than casein, consuming whey protein allows you to gain its benefits quickly which can increase overall performance and recovery during workouts.

As with any health food supplement, it’s important to check the ingredients list of any whey protein powder to ensure there are no hidden nasties like artificial flavours, preservatives or sweeteners. 

whey protein helps build muscle

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WHEY PROTEIN POWDER?

  • Provides high levels of protein

    Proteins are considered the building blocks of the human body and are vital in our body’s growth process as well as maintaining healthy bodily functions. Taking a whey protein supplement in the form of a protein powder is a convenient way to get your daily intake of protein as it’s absorbed quickly, not only providing nutritional benefits but performance advantages also. Athletes, bodybuilders, weightlifters and even those who suffer from chronic illness may need to increase their intake of protein. It’s recommended that women 19 years and over have 46 grams of protein daily and 56 grams for men of the same age.
  • Can help increase our intake of BCAAs

    Whey protein powder is packed with vitamins and nutrients as well as all 9 essential amino acids that provide protein to our bodies through external sources (see our previous blog – What Are The Benefits Of BCAA Powders). Whey protein is high in BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, which are made up of three essential amino acids:- leucine, isoleucine and valine. BCAAs are absorbed rapidly by the muscles in our bodies, which means they’re a great source of energy when it comes to exercise and performance. Whey protein has high levels of leucine as well as cysteine, which helps produce the powerful antioxidant glutathione.
  • Helps to build muscle and aid in muscle repair

    Whey protein helps to build muscle in the body, which is why it’s so popular amongst athletes, gym-goers, bodybuilders and anyone looking to increase their strength and muscle mass. As mentioned above, it provides high levels of protein and BCAAs which are absorbed rapidly into the body—in particular, the essential amino acid leucine that stimulates further protein integration, allowing the body to develop and maintain lean muscle mass. Whey protein also stimulates the release of hormones in the body (insulin) that aid in increasing muscle growth and strength. To see the best results, it’s important to incorporate whey protein into your diet daily, especially if your diet is already lacking in protein. Another advantage of whey protein is that it helps with recovery after exercise. Consuming whey protein post-workout will assist with repairing any muscle or tissue damage, enabling a boost in performance and the continued development of muscle.
  • Assists with weight loss

    Whilst whey protein does encourage muscle growth in the body, it’s important to remember that just because you drink a protein shake pre and post-workout, it doesn’t mean you’re gonna end up looking like a pumped up Arnie or Stallone—this is a stereotype that’s not accurate! Whey protein helps to maintain lean muscle mass as well as assist with weight loss because as it boosts your metabolism, it also reduces appetite and body fat without sacrificing muscle mass. Using your whey protein as a meal replacement, such as having a smoothie for breakfast or a shake throughout the day, helps to create a feeling of fullness. This, in turn, lowers our appetite and feelings of hunger, and prevents overindulging or snacking throughout the day. Whey protein, in particular, seems to be more appetite-reducing than other proteins. Whilst it will still give you the necessary vitamins and nutrients needed, it’s important to not use protein powder as a substitute for all meals in your diet. To gain the appropriate amount of vitamins, minerals and fibre needed for a healthy lifestyle it’s important to still consume whole foods regularly, not just for your physical well-being but your mental health also. Creating healthy eating habits is essential!
  • Protects your immunity

    Because whey has high levels of vitamins, nutrients and essential amino acids, it provides many health benefits. Whey protein can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure in individuals with higher than normal levels, even helping to reduce chronic inflammation that may be a result of health problems or unhealthy habits. Boosting our body’s immunity is another great advantage of taking a whey protein supplement, as the essential amino acids found in whey protein are necessary for the development of important antioxidants found in the body that help to protect and fight against illness and disease.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF WHEY PROTEIN POWDER?

Whey protein is safe for most people to use and as discussed, is a great way to ensure you’re getting your necessary daily intake of protein. However, it’s important to understand that taking more whey protein daily than what is recommended will not help you build more muscle or lose weight faster. Your body can only use a limited amount of protein at any given time, the rest will be naturally excreted from the body or stored as glycogen and fat. 

For those individuals who are lactose intolerant or have problems digesting protein, having whey protein concentrate may cause symptoms of stomach cramps, bloating or diarrhea, especially if taken in high dosages. Alternatively, they could try a plant-based protein supplement or even whey isolate rather than whey concentrate, as it contains a smaller amount of lactose.

It’s important to be mindful that you are maintaining a well-balanced diet and getting the necessary vitamins and nutrients from whole foods when using whey protein. Fruits and vegetables provide the body with the necessary fibre and nutrients needed to maintain healthy bowel movement, so you should never sacrifice these in favour of a protein supplement. If you become constipated when taking a whey protein supplement, ensure you’re including enough fruits and vegetables into your diet.

It’s important to take the recommended dosage on the packaging or seek advice from a healthcare professional if you’re unsure if whey protein is suitable for you and your diet. 

happy way protein powder smoothies

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HAVE WHEY PROTEIN POWDER?

The best time to have your protein supplement will depend on your health and fitness goals.

Using protein as a part of a pre-workout shake will help to increase your energy and improve performance during your training. Having a smoothie or shake roughly 45 minutes before your workout is ideal, to ensure you gain the benefits within the appropriate time.

Consuming a shake, smoothie or snack within 30 minutes post-workout will provide the body with essential amino acids that will help promote muscle growth, as well as aid in muscle repair. This will allow your body to rest and recover well, which is perfect for athletes and those that want to train frequently. 

HOW DO I USE WHEY PROTEIN POWDER?

Whey protein is a super simple supplement to use and can be easily added to your daily diet. To make a protein shake, combine 30 grams of your favourite protein powder in a shaker, adding 250 ml of water or your milk of choice and shake well to mix. Alternatively, add 30 grams of protein with water/milk of choice into a blender and include your favourite fruits, oats or even yoghurt to create a delicious smoothie. Both options are convenient ways to get the nutrients you need for your day and are perfect for enjoying on the go. 

Here are some handy tips to ensure your protein shakes and smoothies are always in tip-top shape and taste!

  • Always ensure you add your liquid (water, milk or even yoghurt) before including the protein powder.
  • Use a blender, bullet or protein shaker bottle to mix your smoothie or shake well. Don’t just mix your protein powder into a liquid with a spoon.
  • If using a shaker bottle, choose one with a mesh screen or a metal ball whisk as this will help keep out the lumps.
  • You can also use protein powder in smoothie bowls, chia puddings, baked goods or even sprinkled over yoghurt and fruit!
  • Get adventurous with ingredients! At Happy Way, we love adding nuts, fruits, oats and superfoods with our protein powders to create nutritious and more importantly, DELICIOUS recipes to enjoy at home, at work or on the run.

For great smoothie, snack and other recipe ideas check out @happywayrecipes on Instagram or our page of yummy recipes on our website.

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