Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Review (2024): Expert-Tested and Approved by RDs (original) (raw)
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Choosing the right protein powder to meet your needs can make all the difference in your fitness journey. Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is a versatile protein supplement choice that’s suitable for various fitness and nutrition goals and stacks up against some of the best whey isolates. Our registered dietitians and certified personal trainer personally tested and evaluated this product using a multi-point supplement testing methodology to provide detailed reporting in this review.
As a registered dietitian, I personally think Transparent Labs offers an excellent nutritional profile, given its clean and all-natural ingredients, high-quality protein source, and great mixability and taste. Learn more as we give you the low-down in our Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Review.
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
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Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros. Transparent Labs is also offering 25% off sitewide from November 28 through December 3, and all orders over $150 will receive a free gift bundle including a gym bag, shaker bottle, and free samples of popular products.
Watch as _BarBend_’s Nick English outlines this Transparent Labs protein’s benefits, drawbacks, taste, pricing, ingredients list, and more.
Main Takeaways
- Transparent Labs contains 28 grams of grass-fed whey isolate, which means it contains more beneficial nutrients and is more digestible than standard whey powder.
- It has one of the cleanest labels among whey isolate powders, with clean credentials: no artificial sweeteners, no artificial colors, non-GMO, gluten-free, and virtually lactose-free.
- With 13 delicious flavors and a creamy, smooth texture, this powder makes for an enjoyable sip.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Specs
| Price Per Serving | 1.80to1.80 to 1.80to2.00 |
|---|---|
| Protein Per Serving | 28g |
| Calories Per Serving | 130-140 |
| Protein Source | Grass-Fed Whey Isolate |
| Sweeteners Used | Stevia Extract |
| Available Flavors | Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Mint Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Pancakes |
| Third-Party Testing | Informed Choice, Informed Protein |
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is ideal for those who prefer protein powder supplements with clean, natural ingredients. Sourced from 100 percent North American grass-fed cows and extensively third-party tested, this whey isolate protein powder offers a high-quality, easily digestible option without additives or fillers. It’s naturally sweetened with stevia and offers 13 delicious flavors that taste great in water or milk.
Our tester drinking Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
We’ve provided more details below in our testing notes, but we were very impressed overall. At BarBend, we trialed this product first-hand to share insights you won’t get from just looking at the label. Our tester, who is a certified personal trainer, states, “This is, without question, one of the best protein powders I’ve had in recent memory. You get the satiety you want from a mixed shake, there aren’t any negative side effects post-consumption, and the flavors are impeccable. I’d recommend this powder to anyone looking to switch up their supplement regimen. It’s a clear staple in my routine now.”
If you’d like to avoid unnecessary additives and seek a protein source with a clean label, Transparent Labs is an excellent option, although the price is slightly higher. It’s also a great fit for people with sensitive stomachs looking for something lactose-free. Also, if you are watching your sodium or sensitive to the taste of stevia, this product may not be for you.
Pros
Grass-fed, highly digestible whey isolate
13 delicious and decadent flavors, highly-rated taste
Virtually lactose-free with no artificial ingredients
Cons
Stevia extract can be bitter to some individuals
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all best whey protein powder that works for everyone. When considering Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate, it’s important to determine whether it’s well-suited for your individual dietary and fitness goals, and preferences.
Recommended for:
- Health-conscious athletes who seek clean and all-natural ingredients
- Overall health, as well as specific goals like muscle growth or weight loss
- Low-carb diets
- Sensitive stomachs
- Flavor enthusiasts
Not Recommended for:
- Restricted sodium diets
- High blood pressure
- Those sensitive to the bitterness of stevia
- Frugal budgets
Our Experience Using Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Overall, we loved testing out Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate. It’s highly rated for its clean formulation, featuring easily digestible whey isolate from grass-fed cows and all-natural ingredients. As a bonus, it comes in delicious flavors that athletes love and mixes well in various liquids. It’s also third-party tested to ensure quality and transparency.
Ingredients and Formulation
As registered dietitians, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., and I rated this product a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation. Its protein source is whey protein isolate, a highly digestible protein for those with lactose intolerance or gassiness after taking other protein supplements. (1) Since it’s a whey isolate, it’s virtually lactose-free, making it one of the best protein powders for sensitive stomachs.
Our tester, a certified personal trainer, noted the lack of side effects after trying this product. They state, “I didn’t experience any bloating or stomach rumbles, which was a pleasant surprise as I’ve had other proteins that caused serious GI distress.” Given its lack of gastrointestinal effects, we think it’s a great supplement to take with or without a meal post-workout.
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate nutrition facts
Moreover, the high protein amount in this product is commendable for meeting dietary goals. With 28 grams of protein, including all essential amino acids, it’s enough to meet most athletes’ requirements depending on how much protein is needed. For context, the USDA recommends 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram daily for sedentary individuals. (2) However, athletes who engage in high levels of physical activity and want to build muscle may need up to 1.6 grams per kilogram daily. (3) It also offers a good macronutrient balance with only 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of carbohydrates.
Beyond the nutrients, we also loved the ingredients in Transparent Labs. It’s slightly sweetened with stevia extract, flavored with natural flavors, and contains no artificial flavors, artificial colors, or low-grade filler ingredients that don’t contribute nutritional value. Bourgeois states, “I love that Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is free from artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and preservatives. You get 28 grams of high-quality protein per scoop without unnecessary fluff.”
And last but not least, it comes from 100 percent grass-fed American cows. Studies show that grass-fed whey is higher in beneficial ingredients that support muscle recovery and overall wellness, like immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, omega-3 essential fatty acids, CLA, and antioxidant vitamins A and E. (4)
Our tester grabbing a scoop of Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
The only major downside in this product’s formulation is that certain flavors are high in sodium compared to USDA recommendations of up to 2300 milligrams per day. (2) “Some flavors contain up to 370 mg of sodium per scoop, higher than many other protein powders on the market. Those who are watching their sodium intake may not enjoy the amount of sodium per scoop,” Bourgeois adds.
Taste
Our tester, who is a certified personal trainer, gave Transparent Labs Whey Protein a 5 out of 5 for its excellent taste. They state, “I enjoyed the flavor of this protein powder. I got my hands on a limited-edition flavor, Peppermint Hot Chocolate. While there wasn’t as much peppermint as I’d hoped, I was pleased with its mouthfeel and taste. All I needed were some mini marshmallows to complete the scene.” Plus, this product comes in 13 different flavors, so if you don’t find a flavor you like, you have plenty of alternatives.
Our tester enjoying a shake of Transparent Labs Whey Isolate
However, we noticed it contains stevia (a natural sweetener), which can taste bitter to some people who are sensitive to it. Overall, compared to other protein shakes we’ve tried, we felt that the other ingredients masked the bitterness of the stevia pretty well.
Solubility
While other protein powders may not mix well, Transparent Labs received a sparkling 5 out of 5 for solubility. Our tester states, “No issues here. I easily mixed the powder in my shaker cup, and the consistency wasn’t gritty. It’s a very smooth protein powder with no clumps or residue.” So, mix this into water, whole milk, or oat milk in a shaker bottle or a blender for creamy and smooth protein shakes every time.
Price Per Serving
If there’s one area that Transparent Labs Whey Protein Powder doesn’t get stellar ratings on, it’s the price per serving. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., states, “For what you get, it’s a slightly hefty price tag at around $2 per serving.”
However, through the Transparent Labs website and Amazon, you can get discounts for signing up for regular shipments, bringing the price down to $1.80 per serving. Transparent Labs also has some sales throughout the year, so consider signing up for their newsletter to stay in the loop.
Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing is helpful to ensure a product’s purity, quality, potency of ingredients, and presence of harmful components like metals. Transparent Labs excels in this area by offering live testing results from third-party labs on the product page. Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is also Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified.
What to Consider Before Buying Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Knowing what to look for when choosing a protein supplement can be challenging, with many options. In a nutshell, Transparent Labs Whey Isolate stands out for its high-quality, natural ingredients and excellent taste and texture, though its premium quality comes with a higher price tag.
Our team tested over 100 supplements, including Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate. We believe these are the top considerations to keep in mind before your purchase.
- Type of Protein: This product contains whey protein isolate. Depending on your dietary preferences, lifestyle, and budget, this protein type may or may not work for you. For example, if you’re vegan, whey is animal-based, so you’ll want to choose a plant-based option from the best vegan protein powders.
- Macronutrient Balance: With 28 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbs, and 1 gram of fat, Transparent Labs is a lean protein supplement that can support various fitness and nutrition goals. However, if you need more carb and fat macros or want to use this supplement as a meal replacement, you may need to bulk up this protein shake with other ingredients that supply those macros (or look for another choice, such as one of the best mass gainer supplements).
- Ingredient Quality: Compared to other whey choices, this product offers no artificial additives, making it ideal for natural enthusiasts. It’s also non-GMO, gluten-free, and third-party tested.
- Taste and Texture: While these factors aren’t related to nutritional value, we think they’re important to address when considering a protein supplement. Transparent Labs mixes well and tastes great.
- Value: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly protein option, this isn’t it. Whey isolates usually cost a little more than standard whey protein powders, and Transparent Labs is no exception at 1.80to1.80 to 1.80to2.00 per serving.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Vs. Competitors
This section highlights how Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate compares to its key competitors, Jacked Factory Authentic ISO and Legion Whey+. We’ve based the comparisons on protein amount and source, calories, price per serving, flavors, sweeteners used, and third-party testing.
| Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate | Jacked Factory Authentic ISO | Legion Whey+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Per Serving | 1.80to1.80 to 1.80to2.00 | 1.13to1.13 to 1.13to1.33 | 1.80to1.80 to 1.80to2.00 |
| Protein Per Serving | 28 grams | 25 grams | 22 to 23 grams |
| Calories Per Serving | 130 to 140 calories | 110 calories | 100 to 110 calories |
| Protein Source | Grass-Fed Whey Isolate | Grass-Fed Whey Isolate | Grass-Fed Whey Isolate |
| Sweeteners Used | Stevia Extract | Sucralose, Stevia Extract | Stevia Extract |
| Available Flavors | Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Milkshake, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Mint Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Pancakes | Chocolate Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Blueberry Muffin, Cinnamon French Toast, Unflavored, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Vanilla, Peanut Butter | Dutch Chocolate, French Vanilla, Coconut Cream, Peanut Butter Fudge, Cinnamon Cereal, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Hazelnut, Cookies & Cream, Birthday Cake, Banana Bread, Strawberry Banana, Cocoa Cereal, Unflavored, Mocha Cappuccino, Fruity Cereal, Apple Pie, Honey Cereal |
| Third-Party Testing | Informed Choice, Informed Protein | No | Labdoor |
We’ve compared these supplements to help you make informed choices and determine which product aligns best with your goals and lifestyle. We chose to compare Transparent Labs Whey Isolate to Jacked Factory Authentic ISO and Legion Whey+ because Jacked Factory and Legion are comparable grass-fed whey isolate choices that are also popular among athletes. All three brands claim to offer practical, high-quality, and clean protein powder supplements.
While all three products contain a high amount of protein, we noticed some key differences. Jacked Factory offers the most bang for your buck with an affordable price starting at $1.13 per serving, but it isn’t third-party tested and includes artificial ingredients. Legion Whey+ and Transparent Labs are similar, with the differences being who did their third-party testing, the amount of protein, and the presence of digestive enzymes.
Legion Whey+ is tested by Labdoor, whereas Transparent Labs is tested by Informed Choice and Informed Protein. Transparent Labs has 5 to 6 grams more protein per serving than Legion. Legion contains digestive enzymes to support digestion for those with more sensitive stomachs, while Transparent Labs does not. The flavor choices and solubility are varied among the three brands, which could also be factors to consider.
Places to Buy Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
You can buy Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate on their website, Amazon, or The Vitamin Shoppe.
Amazon and Transparent Labs offer subscription discounts if you sign up for regular shipments. Transparent Labs has a 10 percent off your first purchase coupon for providing your email and fitness goals. Transparent Labs also has hefty sales throughout the year, so watch for those if you’re on a tighter budget. Meanwhile, if you’re a member at The Vitamin Shoppe, the loyalty program might make it better to buy there.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
The customer experience is pretty smooth through the Transparent Labs website, as someone who’s ordered from there before. Standard shipping takes about 5 to 7 business days following confirmation of your order, while expedited options like USPS Priority Mail and Fedex Two-Day can ensure your order gets to your home quicker than that. If you aren’t satisfied with your product, Transparent Labs offers full refunds or store credit within 30 days of delivery, so the financial risk of trying this product is minimal.
Transparent Labs is well-regarded in the sports nutrition community for its no-fluff formulations. In addition to protein powder supplements, the company offers other supplements, including pre-workouts, creatine HMB, mass gainers, natural fat burners, Protein+ Bars, and more.
Our Final Verdict on Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent choice for overall wellness and athletes with specific goals. It’s clean, offers delicious flavors, mixes well, and delivers high-quality and digestible protein without unnecessary additives. We recommend pairing this protein supplement with a nutrient-dense diet to maximize its benefits and tailoring its use to your specific health goals.
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate FAQs
How much does Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate cost?
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate costs 1.80to1.80 to 1.80to2.00 per serving, with the lower end of the price range if you sign up for subscription discounts. It’s a whey isolate with clean ingredients, so it tends to be pricier than other options.
Does Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate taste good?
Yes, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is highly rated on taste. We rated it a 5 out of 5 for its excellent taste. It’s offered in 13 delicious flavors to choose from. Note: It does contain stevia extract — a natural sweetener — which may add a hint of bitterness depending on how sensitive you are to it.
Is grass-fed whey protein isolate healthy?
While what’s considered healthy is highly subjective, grass-fed whey protein isolate is pretty healthy. Research shows that grass-fed whey protein isolate retains more nutrients like omega-3s and immunoglobulins than grass-fed whey. (4) Compared to standard whey, whey protein isolate is better absorbed in the body due to its processing.
Is Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate third-party tested?
Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is extensively third-party tested. It’s Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified, and you can view the certificates of analysis and live testing data directly on the Transparent Labs website.
References
- Foegeding, E. A., & Luck, P. J. (2002). Milk Proteins: Whey Protein Products. Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences, 1957-1960.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.
- Nunes, E. A., Colenso-Semple, L., McKellar, S. R., Yau, T., Ali, M. U., Fitzpatrick-Lewis, D., Sherifali, D., Gaudichon, C., Tomé, D., Atherton, P. J., Robles, M. C., Naranjo-Modad, S., Braun, M., Landi, F., & Phillips, S. M. (2022). Systematic review and meta-analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 13(2), 795–810.
- Alothman, M., Hogan, S. A., Hennessy, D., Dillon, P., Kilcawley, K. N., O’Donovan, M., Tobin, J., Fenelon, M. A., & O’Callaghan, T. F. (2019). The “Grass-Fed” Milk Story: Understanding the Impact of Pasture Feeding on the Composition and Quality of Bovine Milk. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 8(8), 350. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8080350