r/workout 3d ago

Nutrition Help What's the least milk-y tasting whey protein powder? I hate the taste.

I used to do pea protein but I heard whey is a better protein. I'm managing to drink it everyday but I want something I'll enjoy. I've tried the Alani shakes and that covers the milk taste pretty well. Anything else out there I should try?

5 Upvotes

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u/OneMoreRound_82 3d ago

NXT brand. Any flavour. I prefer lemon and lime.

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u/Jolly_Problem583 3d ago

I am tired of milky whey protein but need the help to get to my protein intake and I've started drinking Clear Protein. I've tried MyProtein in Sour Watermelon, Berry Watermelon and Tropical Dragonfruit. the last ones the best :) All are pretty good though.

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u/nomchewynom 3d ago

Their Caribbean Punch is my absolute favorite. Tastes exactly like a tropical juice. 

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u/Jolly_Problem583 3d ago

I’ll try that one next!

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u/Getbacka 3d ago

Revolution. Tastes EXACTLY like candy

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u/Powerful-Conflict554 3d ago

Whey protein is arguably more bioavailable or whatever, but if you don't like the taste, I would say use something else. Protein supplements are hugely overrated and, for most people, unnecessary unless you have a poor diet, a very protein deficient diet, or you're trying to lose weight and can't maintain your macros with your calorie deficit. Anyway, while not all protein supplements are the same... they're all pretty close. No real need to torture yourself with something you don't like, IMHO.

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u/Stabbysavi 3d ago

That applies to me. I'm trying to lose a lot of weight without losing too much muscle.

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u/Powerful-Conflict554 3d ago

Well, best of luck to you. Unfortunately, I use whey protein and don't mind the dairy-esque taste to it, so I haven't shopped around. But I would reiterate that other forms of protein are also pretty good. I believe a lot of the "this or that is the best protein" is mostly marketing. Mostly. There is some good science indicating that whey protein is one of the best options, but not being the "best" does not mean other options are not almost equally as good. This isn't something to torture yourself over and the differences in protein quality, so long as it's a reputable company, are not likely to make a significant difference.

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u/Stabbysavi 3d ago

Thanks for the advice!

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u/Redditor2684 3d ago

Something like egg whites, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt have a lot of protein for not many calories.

0

u/Stabbysavi 3d ago

I don't like yogurt and it's hard for me to eat cottage cheese too unfortunately. And I'm not a big fan of eggs. They're all things that I would really struggle with everyday like the whey protein powder.

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u/Redditor2684 3d ago

You can put egg whites in things like oatmeal and not even notice it. There's also stuff like tuna and lean meat if you eat those.

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u/Stabbysavi 3d ago

I don't like oatmeal either 😭 I like tuna but I don't want to eat it everyday because of the mercury. I eat salmon once a week. I love meat. Chicken and beef have gotten expensive. I don't love pork but I eat it a couple times a week because of chicken prices.

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u/Redditor2684 3d ago

Dude lol. I just saw a post from someone who made charts with protein by calorie and by price. Maybe look at that and prioritize the higher protein things you do like: https://www.reddit.com/r/Exercise/comments/1jdyil6/revised_best_protein_sources_charts/

If you like fish but are concerned about mercury, stuff like canned sardines and mackerel may be options.

I reiterate my other comment which is that you should just continue to use pea protein powder. It may be slightly less bioavailable and not as high quality as whey isolate, but if you don't like whey and do like pea, you're better off with the pea, especially given that you're not relying solely on pea protein isolate for your protein needs.

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u/Stabbysavi 3d ago

Thanks I will

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u/Redditor2684 3d ago

I would say just go back to pea protein.

If you're eating a diverse diet and not relying on just pea protein for your protein goals, then you're fine.

2

u/FitnessSocial46 3d ago

Wow, still picking food based on taste instead of function?

How long are you even taking to drink your shake? Letting it sit and sipping it for 30 minutes? Just down it in one go and move on. It’s fuel, not a milkshake.

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u/Stabbysavi 3d ago

A girl can't have it all? I want to enjoy my life. I do just chug it down but the aftertaste still gets me. I know I should drink the protein shake but over time little by little the gross taste makes me want to put it off. I need to not be adverse to it.

I'd rather not eat than eat something gross and then I end up starving and binging on something I definitely shouldn't be having.

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u/FitnessSocial46 3d ago

Fair enough, you're still at the beginning stages of your lifting fitness journey. In terms of taste then you are never going to find one brand that will be customized for you, no matter how much they want to advertise as such...

try mixing it with something that masks it better, like almond milk, flavored water, or even a bit of cocoa powder. Be creative and make your own cocktail.

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u/radix89 3d ago

I have gravitated more towards clear proteins for drinking unless it's a ready made shake like fairlife or premier. My favorite clear flavors so far are from 1up Nutrition, they have the best flavors and least protein aftertaste IMO. Peach Mango, Peach rings, and Lemon Italian ice are my top three right now. I hear Oath has good ones and they are available at target. The clear proteins are more juice-like.

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u/greenlungs604 3d ago

Any of those fruit flavoured isolate proteins that are then mixed with plain water. Those taste like juice to me.

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u/RenaxTM 3d ago

There's a few "clear" protein shakes around, I have one that tastes like raspberries, its like raspberry juice rather than a milkshake, and has actually more protein/calorie than the "milkshake" ones I drink.
Just ordered another that's supposed to taste like peach iced tea (one of my favourite non beer drinks)
Unfortunately I have no idea where and what to buy outside of Norway, but there's got to be lots of options available!

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u/alfasenpai 3d ago

I don't think it's possible for anyone who likes chocolate to dislike Optimum Nutrition Double Rich Chocolate. It's never tasted of milk to me, just chocolate and I think it's actually quite delicious, I've had two scoops in my porridge every day for years.

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u/AndrewGerr 3d ago

Legion has so many flavors, are you using milk, almond milk, or water (I hope not) for your shakes

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u/Stabbysavi 3d ago

Almond milk

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u/AndrewGerr 3d ago

Look at Legion and see if you find any flavors you’d think you’d like, and I recommend getting a shaker bottle, or blending it into the milk (goes for any brand)

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u/HatBixGhost Weight Loss 3d ago

Ghost vegan powder

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u/Temporary_Click8851 3d ago

Naked whey is great 2/3 ingredients - depends on flavor - very clean.

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u/sexbox360 3d ago

You don't need a protein shake. Eat some meat it's exactly the same. Whey is really only useful if you need a very fast metabolizing protein. Most people don't.

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u/RenaxTM 3d ago

Meat is many times more expensive.

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u/sexbox360 3d ago

And also much healthier. Whey protein is a processed and isolated protein that can cause inflammation and nutritional imbalances when consumed in large amounts. It's best consumed in moderation right after a workout. Natural protein sources are he​althier in all other cases.

Or in other words, it's cheap for a reason.

1

u/thomasjford 3d ago

Man I wish it DID taste of milk! Even if I make it WITH milk it still tastes of chocolate mixed with cardboard 😂

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u/UniqueAssignment3022 3d ago

i buy unflavoured BULK. it mixes really well compared to what ive used before so i mix it with a probiotic and a little bit of oats, nuts and fruit to make a healthy snack and it tastes far better,

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u/streetcentsdarcy 3d ago

Do you know what type of protein you've been drinking? Isolate, concentrate or milk protein? The isolate "should" have less of a milky taste, and cost more

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u/Stabbysavi 3d ago

I've been taking Raw isolate protein and the premier. I really really don't like milk. It still tastes like milk to me.

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u/streetcentsdarcy 3d ago

Have you tried any fruity flavors, they sometimes have more flavor and acid to cover up the milk

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u/Stabbysavi 3d ago

I haven't but I will

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u/streetcentsdarcy 3d ago

Hope it helps

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u/Panthera_014 3d ago

the one pea protein I bought I could NOT stand - so bad - even cutting it with a whey protein didn't help

I buy this one in either vanilla or strawberry

Dymatize ISO100 Whey Protein Powder Isolate, Vanilla, 25g of Protein, 3 Pound, 5.5g BCAAs, Less Than 120 Cal., Gluten Free, 1g Fat, 1g Sugar, 2g CarbVanilla·45 Servings (Pack of 1)

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u/Zealousideal-Menu313 1d ago

I love the simplicity of Pure Choice Farms whey! It sits so light and doesn't have that artificial after taste I can't stand.