The Complete Protein Guide
Whey concentrate vs. isolate vs. casein, and how to pick between them.
Whey concentrate
The most common and typically most affordable option. It digests relatively quickly and works well as a general-purpose protein source, particularly around training.
Whey isolate
More filtered than concentrate, so it is lower in lactose and fat for roughly the same protein content -- a reasonable option for people who find concentrate harder to digest.
Casein
Digests much more slowly than whey, which is why it is often used before bed -- a steadier release of amino acids overnight rather than the faster spike whey provides.
Picking one
For most people, the "best" protein is simply the one that fits their budget, digests comfortably, and actually gets used -- the differences between these forms matter far less than hitting a consistent daily intake.
