Should You Mix Whey Protein Powder with Milk or Water?

Comments
9
Should You Mix Whey Protein Powder with Milk or Water?
Table of contents
Show Hide

Whey protein is the most widely used dietary supplement in the fitness world. Even though many of us have it at home, there are still a lot of unresolved questions surrounding it. One such question is how to prepare it - is it better to mix protein with water or milk?

How is whey protein made?

The basic raw material for whey protein is cow's milk, which contains about 80% casein and 20% whey protein. The precipitation of casein (e.g., in the production of cottage cheese and cheese) produces whey (also called milk serum), which contains whey protein. These proteins must then be carefully separated from the whey. This can be achieved in several ways, which determine the quality of the resulting protein:

  1. Membrane filtration. Membrane methods use a semi‑permeable membrane as a filter. The most commonly used methods are the so‑called cross‑flow micro or ultrafiltration, which do not damage the contained proteins and thus the resulting product is of high quality. This way, we can obtain both classic whey protein concentrate and isolate can be obtained (if filtration is carried out for a longer period of time).
  2. Ion‑exchange chromatography. This method, now considered  inferior and somewhat obsolete, separates substances in solution based on their charge. In ion‑exchange chromatography, denaturation and degradation of some protein fractions occurs, thus reducing the quality of the resulting product.
  3. Hydrolysis. The whey concentrate already formed can be further processed by hydrolysis, a process in which proteins are broken down into shorter peptides and individual amino acids. The advantage of this processing is that the resulting product is digested more quickly.

What is the protein content of whey protein or whey powder?

Dried whey is often incorrectly confused with whey protein. In whey powder, carbohydrates are the most abundant nutrient, comprising almost 80% of its composition, whereas whey protein is predominantly protein. The following table provides a comparison of the energy and macronutrient content of cow's milk, whey powder and whey protein (concentrate).

Semi‑skimmed milkWhey powderWhey protein
Energy198kJ/47kcal1532kJ/361kcal1683kJ/398kcal
Carbohydrates5g76g6g
Protein3g13g78g
Fats2g0,5g7g

Grass‑Fed Whey Protein Powder

Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder with Stevia

What should you mix the protein with? After training, opt for water 

1. When should you mix whey protein with milk?

It's true that milk often gives a better and fuller flavour to protein due to its fat and lactose (milk sugar) content. If you just want to have it "to taste" or as a substitute for a daily meal (such as a snack in the form of protein with a piece of fruit), combining it with milk is perfectly fine.

Similarly, adding protein to porridge, desserts or other foods with milk is not a bad idea.

2. When should you mix whey protein with water?

Immediately after exercise, however, the situation changes. Thanks to the above‑mentioned processes, during which the resulting product is deprived of most of the fat and lactose, whey protein boasts excellent availability and rapid absorption of the contained proteins. Especially after training, a rapid supply of amino acids to the muscles is highly desirable, as it temporarily increases the body's ability to synthesize (form) muscle proteins.

However, by mixing protein with milk, we reintroduce laboriously removed fat and lactose to our post‑workout drink, thus slowing its absorption. For this reason, it's much better to mix whey protein with plain water after a workout.

Bottom line

The production of whey protein from cow's milk primarily involves gentle filtration and the removal of other milk components such as casein proteins and, to some extent, fat and lactose. This is what makes whey protein highly usable and quickly absorbed, providing your muscles with a quick supply of amino acids necessary for building muscle mass.

The process of muscle protein formation is especially increased after training. Therefore, it is preferable to consume whey protein in combination with water post‑exercise to avoid slowing down the absorption of the contained proteins.

However, in no way does this mean that adding milk will devalue the whey protein. Because of the fat and lactose content, milk does slow down the absorption of the protein, but it often gives the protein a better and fuller flavor. If you drink protein as a replacement for a daily meal or just to "taste" it, combining it with milk is perfectly fine.

How and When Should You Use Protein for Weight Loss or Muscle Gain?
How and When Should You Use Protein for Weight Loss or Muscle Gain?
Protein can ease our way to losing weight as well as gaining muscle. However, it's not an all‑powerful wizard and must be handled with skill. Learn how to use protein relative to your goals and master the protein magic.
Which Lactose Free Protein Powder Should You Choose?
Which Lactose Free Protein Powder Should You Choose?
Are you lactose intolerant and wondering what protein is right for you? After reading this article, you will be more informed.
How to Calculate and Set Your Calorie Deficit?
How to Calculate and Set Your Calorie Deficit?
A calorie deficit is the basis of successful weight loss. But what do we mean by this concept, and how do we put this knowledge into practice?
Which Nuts are the Healthiest?
Which Nuts are the Healthiest?
When choosing nuts, we often ask which type is actually the healthiest. Is it even possible to say? What makes each type of nut nutritionally superior and which is the most nutritionally valuable?
Oats and Health: Why Include Them in Your Diet?
Oats and Health: Why Include Them in Your Diet?
Oatmeal has been known as a fitness food for quite a long time. Such a breakfast cereal will provide your body with plenty of energy in a tasty and easily digestible form. One is then almost not hungry until lunchtime, or just a small snack will do the trick.
Chelated Minerals: The Most Absorbable Supplement Form
Chelated Minerals: The Most Absorbable Supplement Form
The chelated form of minerals is not a well‑known quantity in our country. The reason is simple: it is easier for the dietary supplement manufacturer to prepare a dietary supplement for customers when the mineral is bound in an organic or inorganic form.
Granola vs Muesli: What Are The Best Breakfast Cereals?
Granola vs Muesli: What Are The Best Breakfast Cereals?
Imagine you have 2 bowls of cereal in front of you. One has chocolate balls with milk, and the other has granola with milk. Which one do you choose? Is the difference in these foods really that great? And does it really matter?
How to Stimulate Bowel Movement?
How to Stimulate Bowel Movement?
Although gastroenterological disorders affect a significant proportion of the population, they are not talked about very often. It can also be a taboo topic (even among close friends or family members). To help you, this article will answer as many questions as possible about healthy digestion!
How is Whey Protein Powder Made?
How is Whey Protein Powder Made?
Among athletes, almost everyone knows whey protein. But do you know how it is made?
How to Make the Perfect Pre- and Post-Workout Porridge
How to Make the Perfect Pre- and Post-Workout Porridge
Still wondering how to prepare the perfect pre‑workout or post‑workout porridge? You don't have to! We've got a handy guide on what such porridge should look like and what it should contain. Of course, I'll advise you on how to make it photogenic too.
Adaptogens for Anxiety and Stress Relief
Adaptogens for Anxiety and Stress Relief
Adaptogens are known for their support for more effective stress management. What are the mechanisms behind which they work in the body, and which substances are actually backed by research?
Micellar Casein: an Overlooked Protein of Superior Quality
Micellar Casein: an Overlooked Protein of Superior Quality
Micellar casein is one of the highest quality protein drinks you can find on the market. What are its main benefits?
How to Choose The Best Protein Bar
How to Choose The Best Protein Bar
There are candy bars everywhere! Plus, a lot of them call themselves "protein" bars. But how many of them have the right to say that, and how can we tell?
Intra Workout Supplements for Better Performance
Intra Workout Supplements for Better Performance
Intra Workout is a sports drink designed to be sipped during training. The main goal is to improve performance, delay fatigue and promote muscle recovery. Discover the effects of Intra Workout and take your progress to the next level.