Whey Protein Powder FAQs

1. What is whey protein?

   Whey protein is considered one of the best sources of protein available as it contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It’s absorbed quickly in the body and therefore provides 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.

   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.

2. Are there different types of whey protein?

   Yes, there are different types of whey protein that vary in how they have been processed. The most popular type of whey protein is whey concentrate as it’s one of the most affordable, but it’s also considered the better tasting whey protein. Whey concentrate also maintains its nutritional value with the majority of the nutrients found in whey still present after processing.

   The three different types of protein are:

   Whey 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.

   Whey Isolate

   Whey 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. It’s good for people who are lactose intolerant being that it’s lower in fats and carbs which can make it easier to digest.

   Whey Hydrolysate

   This form of whey protein digests rapidly and is absorbed quickly into the body as it’s broken down during production with the help of enzymes and acids. Whey hydrolysate is ideal for those with digestive issues and for performing athletes as its quick absorption rate helps with muscle recovery and increasing stamina. Of the three, whey hydrolysate can tend to have a more bitter taste.

3. Is whey protein vegan?

   Being that whey protein is sourced from cows milk during cheese production, it is not considered vegan. For those that are looking for a vegan-friendly protein, there are many plant-based options available including pea, hemp, rice and soy protein

   To find out more about Happy Way’s vegan protein powders, check out our blog ‘Best Protein Powder Types & Flavours’ or see our selection of plant-based protein powders available here.

4. What does whey protein do?

   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 who are professional athletes, but it’s also beneficial for those that are focused on losing weight or are lacking protein in their daily diet.

   Because it absorbs into the body at a faster rate than casein protein, consuming whey protein allows you to gain its benefits quickly which can increase overall performance and recovery during workouts.

5. What is whey protein powder?

   Whey protein powder is a health supplement that provides great nutritional value and provides the body with many benefits. It’s a convenient way to ensure you’re getting the daily requirement of protein in your diet, as well as other vitamins and minerals that support healthy bodily function. Used in conjunction with a well-balanced diet and exercise program, whey protein powder can help you reach your fitness goals, boost your energy levels and support your general health and well-being.

   At Happy Way, our whey protein powders are made with the highest quality raw and organic superfood ingredients. They’re all-natural and full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, with no hidden preservatives, artificial flavours or additives.

   For more info on whey protein powder read our blog, ‘The 10 Best Whey Protein Powders’.

6. What ingredients are in whey protein powder?

   At Happy Way, our whey protein powders are all-natural and filled with high-quality raw superfoods as well as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients. They’re without any artificial flavours, preservatives or sweeteners, which means they provide optimal health benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. Made using a combination of certified organic and organically grown ingredients, they’re also considered gluten-free.

   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.

   Our whey 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. As with any health food supplement, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional before adding it to your daily diet.

   To find out more about the ingredients in our whey protein powders, check out our blogs, ‘The 10 Best Whey Protein Powders’ and ‘Best Protein Powder Types & Flavours’.

7. What are the benefits of whey protein powder?

   Incorporating whey protein powder into your daily diet provides a lot of benefits for your health and well-being. Some of these include:-

   Delivers high levels of protein

   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. Proteins are considered the building blocks of the human body and are vital for the development of the body and maintaining overall health.

   Boosts 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, making it a complete protein. Whey protein is high in BCAAs, or branched-chain amino acids, which are absorbed rapidly by the muscles in our bodies, making them a great source of energy when it comes to exercise and performance. For further info on BCAAs and their benefits, read our blog, ‘What Are The Benefits Of BCAA Powders’

   Assists with building muscle, recovery and repair

   Whey protein helps to build muscle in the body, which is why it’s so popular amongst athletes, fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking to increase their strength and muscle mass. It contains high levels of protein as well as BCAAs, in particular the essential amino acid leucine. Leucine stimulates further protein integration, allowing the body to develop and maintain lean muscle mass.

   Promotes weight loss

   Whey protein helps to maintain lean muscle as well as assist with weight loss because as it boosts your metabolism, it also reduces appetite and body fat without sacrificing muscle mass. Having whey protein as a meal replacement—in a smoothie for breakfast or a shake throughout the day—helps to create a feeling of fullness. This then minimises feelings of hunger and prevents overindulging or snacking throughout the day.

   Protects your immune system

   Boosting our body’s immunity is another great advantage of taking a whey protein supplement, as the essential amino acids in whey protein are necessary for the development of important antioxidants found in the body, which help to protect and fight against illness and disease. Whey protein has anti-inflammatory benefits and can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

   For more information on the benefits of whey protein powder, read our blog ‘The 10 Best Whey Protein Powders’.

8. Are there any side effects of using whey protein powder?

   Whey protein is safe for most people to use and is a great way to ensure you’re getting your necessary daily intake of protein. Whey protein can affect those who are lactose intolerant or have problems digesting protein. Some side effects include stomach cramps, bloating or diarrhea, especially when high dosages are consumed. For these individuals, it’s best to try a plant-based protein supplement. Check out our plant-based protein powders here.

   If you’re unsure if whey protein powder is right for you, ensure you speak with your healthcare professional to help determine what’s best for you and your body.

9. Will whey protein help me lose weight?

   Using a whey protein powder as a part of your daily diet can help you lose weight. Protein is considered the most hunger reducing macronutrient and can reduce your cravings and need for snacks quite significantly. Having a whey protein powder before exercise also helps to boost energy levels and therefore allows you to burn more calories. The benefit of using a whey protein powder is that whilst it helps you to lose weight, it also helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass.

10. Is protein powder safe for children?

    Whilst children should be able to get a sufficient amount of protein through their diet, it is safe to give children protein powder. Some reasons why you might look at including protein powder in your child’s diet is if they’re underweight, fussy with food, have issues with their metabolism or are vegan or vegetarian.

    Of course, you want to ensure that the protein powder you’re giving your child is filled with lots of healthy vitamins, nutrients and no hidden nasties such as any artificial flavours, sweeteners or preservatives.

    The daily protein recommendations for kids are:

    • Children aged between 4-9 years – 19 grams
    • Children aged between 9-13 years – 34 grams
    • Adolescent boys aged between 14-18 years – 52 grams
    • Adolescent girls aged between 14-18years –46 grams

    Before giving children any health supplement, we highly recommend speaking with a healthcare professional for advice and to answer any questions or concerns.

    At Happy Way, our whey protein powders are 100% natural and packed with tonnes of goodness! They’re perfect for your kids to enjoy in a smoothie, or to add to snacks like protein balls or baked goods for a delicious yet healthy treat.

    For a bunch of great recipe ideas check out our YouTube channel, our recipe page on our website or @happywayrecipes on Instagram.

11. Can I have whey protein powder if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

    We’re often asked if our protein powders are safe for use during pregnancy. Happy Way’s protein powders are safe to enjoy if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding but we recommend speaking with your doctor or healthcare professional before adding any health supplement to your daily diet. Not only do you want to ensure that you’re using a product with great nutritional value for you and your baby, but you also want to be confident that it’s made with all-natural ingredients and no hidden additives that can affect your health or that of your baby.

    According to experts, pregnant women or women who are nursing should add an extra 25 grams of protein per day into their diets. This can present a challenge for some—that’s where Happy Way’s protein powders come in handy. By including Happy Way protein powders into their diets, pregnant women can get the extra protein that’s needed with minimal fuss. It’s easy to do—just add your favourite protein into smoothies, shakes, bliss balls and more.

    For some recipe inspo, subscribe to our YouTube channel, or check out our recipe page on our website. So what should you look out for when choosing a protein powder? See our list below.

    • Choose a protein powder that’s made with natural and organic ingredients.
    • Avoid protein powders containing any artificial ingredients including preservatives, sweeteners and flavours as well as any harmful chemicals.
    • Ensure that it’s filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are all important to add to your diet

    Happy Way’s whey protein powder comes from NZ pasture-fed cows and is hormone-treatment-free, GMO-free and pesticide-free. We use very minimal processing to ensure that it retains the maximum nutrition, whilst keeping within food safety laws.

    For more information, please read our blog, ‘Choosing the best protein powder for pregnancy’.

12. 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. It has a good consistency which allows it to mix well and when flavoured it has a delicious taste, making it ideal in shakes, smoothies and snacks.

    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/ your 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 you to enjoy on the go.

    For tonnes of delicious recipes, subscribe to our YouTube channel or check out our recipe page on our website

13. How often can I have whey protein powder?

    There are no strict rules as to how many protein shakes or smoothies you should have per day. However, it’s important to understand that taking more whey protein each day than what’s recommended won’t 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.

    It’s recommended that women 19 years and over have 46 grams of protein daily and 56 grams for men of the same age. Happy Way protein powders offer approximately 21 grams of protein per 30 gram serve and around 70 grams of protein per 100 gram serve.

    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 or smoothie, 45 minutes before your workout, will help to increase your energy and improve performance during your training.

    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.

14. Where do I buy whey protein powder?

    Here of course! At Happy Way, we have a fantastic selection of delicious whey protein powders, there’s bound to be a bunch that become your new favourites!

    Besides satisfying the taste buds, our whey protein powders are all-natural and packed 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.

    Check out our range of whey protein powders here.

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