There's more than one kind of whey protein. Concentrate, isolate, whey and collagen blends... they all come from milk and they're all high in protein, so what's the difference?
The main difference is filtering. Whey isolate is filtered further, so it has more protein and less fat, carbs and lactose. Whey concentrate usually costs less and comes in more flavours. Both are complete proteins that help you build and maintain muscle.
Jump to:
- Whey protein vs whey isolate: the key differences
- What is a whey and collagen blend?
- Which whey protein should you choose?
- Frequently asked questions
Whey protein vs whey isolate: the key differences
Whey concentrate and whey isolate are made from the same thing. Whey is the liquid left over when milk is made into cheese. It's filtered to separate the protein from most of the fat and lactose (milk sugar), then dried into a powder.
- Whey concentrate is filtered once and is usually around 70-80% protein. The rest is a small amount of fat and lactose.
- Whey isolate is filtered further, using a process such as cross-flow microfiltration, to remove more of the fat and lactose. It's usually 90% protein or more.
The extra filtering doesn't damage the protein's amino acids, which are what your muscles need. Both forms are complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids, and both are digested quickly.
What is whey concentrate?
Whey concentrate is the most popular type of whey protein. It's high in protein, low in fat and carbs, and usually the more affordable option. Because it keeps a little more fat and lactose, it has a creamy, milky taste, which is one reason it comes in so many flavours.
Impact Whey Protein is our whey concentrate, with up to 23g of protein per serving.
What is whey isolate?
Whey isolate is the more refined option. With more of the fat and lactose filtered out, you get more protein per scoop and fewer calories from fat and carbs. It's a good choice if you're tracking your macros closely.
Whey isolate is lower in lactose than concentrate, so some people who are sensitive to lactose find it easier to digest. It isn't lactose-free, though, so check the label if you have an intolerance.
Impact Whey Isolate gives you up to 26g of protein per serving, with zero fat and 0.5g of sugar.
Whey protein vs whey isolate at a glance
- Protein: isolate has more protein per serving (up to 26g in Impact Whey Isolate vs up to 23g in Impact Whey Protein).
- Fat and carbs: isolate is lower in both.
- Lactose: isolate contains less.
- Taste and texture: concentrate is creamier; isolate is lighter.
- Price: concentrate usually costs less, because it needs less processing.
- Muscle building: both work. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and both are high-quality sources of it.
Nutrition varies by flavour, so check the label on the one you choose.
What is a whey and collagen blend?
A whey and collagen blend combines whey protein with collagen peptides, usually with added vitamin C. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, forming the building blocks of your skin, hair, nails, joints and connective tissue. Production naturally declines as you get older, which is why hitting your protein and vitamin C goals is a smart daily habit.
Impact Whey Protein + Collagen gives you 20g of protein per serving (10g of whey protein and 10g of bovine collagen peptides), plus 52mg of vitamin C (65% of your daily reference intake) and 89 calories.
- Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass and normal bones.
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage, and to the normal function of the immune system.
It's worth knowing how a blend compares with whey alone. Collagen isn't a complete protein, as it's low in some essential amino acids, including leucine. So 20g of protein from a whey and collagen blend isn't the same as 20g from whey alone when it comes to building muscle. If muscle growth is your main goal, whey concentrate or isolate is the more direct choice. A blend suits people who want their daily protein and vitamin C in one shake.
Prefer something lighter? Clear Whey Protein + Collagen is a fruity, juice-style version, with 21g of protein per serving, including 10g of collagen peptides.
Which whey protein should you choose?
The best whey protein for you depends on your goals, your budget and how you like your shake.
Choose whey concentrate if...
You want a great-value, everyday protein with the widest choice of flavours. Whey concentrate is high in protein and low in fat and carbs, so it suits most training goals, from building muscle to simply getting more protein into your day.
Choose whey isolate if...
You want the most protein per scoop with the least fat, carbs and lactose. It's a good fit if you're tracking calories or macros closely, or if you find concentrate a little heavy. It usually costs a bit more, because of the extra processing.
Choose a whey and collagen blend if...
You want your protein and vitamin C in one shake and muscle building isn't your only goal. For the most muscle-building protein per scoop, stick with concentrate or isolate.
Not a fan of milky shakes?
Clear Whey Protein is made with hydrolysed whey protein isolate and mixes into a light, fruity drink, with 20g of protein per serving.
All whey products are made from milk, so they're not suitable for a vegan diet. If you avoid dairy, try our vegan protein powders instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is whey isolate better than whey protein?
Not necessarily. Whey isolate has more protein and less fat, carbs and lactose per serving, but whey concentrate is still high in protein and usually costs less. Both are complete proteins that support muscle growth.
What's the difference between Impact Whey Protein and Impact Whey Isolate?
Impact Whey Protein is a whey concentrate with up to 23g of protein per serving. Impact Whey Isolate is filtered further, giving up to 26g of protein per serving with zero fat and less lactose.
Which is better for building muscle, whey or isolate?
Both work well for building muscle. They're complete proteins with all nine essential amino acids, so the best choice is the one that fits your budget, taste and daily protein target.
Is whey isolate lactose-free?
No. Whey isolate is much lower in lactose than whey concentrate, but it isn't lactose-free. If you have a lactose intolerance, check the label or speak to a healthcare professional.
Is whey and collagen as good as whey for building muscle?
Not gram for gram. Half the protein in a whey and collagen blend comes from collagen, which is low in some essential amino acids. Whey concentrate or isolate gives you more muscle-building protein per serving.
When should you take whey protein?
Whenever it helps you reach your daily protein target. Many people have a shake after training, but your total protein intake across the day matters most.
Take home message
Whey concentrate and whey isolate are both high-quality, complete proteins, and both will help you build and maintain muscle. Isolate gives you a little more protein with less fat, carbs and lactose, while concentrate is the great-value, flavour-packed all-rounder. A whey and collagen blend adds collagen and vitamin C, but for the most muscle-building protein per scoop, stick with whey.
Shop the full range of whey protein.
Founded in 2004, Myprotein has a long history of fuelling people’s fitness journeys. As the UK’s No. 1 Sports Nutrition Brand and Europe’s No. 1 Sports Nutrition Brand*, our mission is to provide you with reliable, evidence-based information, and our blog features articles from a trusted network of experts across fitness, nutrition and wellness. *Source Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Health 2026 edition, retail value sales (RSP), all retail channels, 2025 data
