Isolate vs. Concentrate

Difference Between Isolate and Concentrate

If you are a fitness freak, especially into bodybuilding, you must be familiar with the whey protein. The whey protein is a staple in the industry of fitness, as it  has proven to be an excellent supplement to both physical fitness and for  physical aesthetic purposes.

We all know that protein is essential nutrient needed for muscle repair, growth and weight loss. This is one of the three micronutrients needed by our body to grow and function to its fullest potential. We need protein in our bodies, especially when we do regular exercise and the most effective way to receive an adequate amount of protein in our bodies is by supplementing our diet with whey.

Whey is a very popular protein available  in the market today. It’s cheap and contains many amino acids nutrients. Whey comes from milk, as it is, in fact, 20 percent of all milk protein. The whey protein is also fast and easy to digest.

The whey protein is available in the Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) or the whey Protein Isolate (WPI). Today, these two are hugely popular in the physical fitness market and the consumers are so confused as to which to consume or buy.


The Whey Protein Concentrate is the more common of the two types. First, the concentrates are significantly less expensive. To acquire them, the source of whey “which is in dairy products like milk” is filtered to separate the protein from water and other organic material. The protein obtained is then made into powder, or whey protein concentrate.

Protein concentrates contain about 70 to 80 percent and may be about 5 percent lactose. So, lactose intolerant individuals can not consume large amounts of this protein source.


The whey protein isolates are significantly more expensive when compared to concentrates. This is mainly because they are ‘purer’, as they consist of the protein of about 95 percent. Isolates also have little to no content of lactose, the fat content significantly lower than concentrates.

Basically, Isolates are preferred by  people with lactose intolerance. Isolates also makes it easy for individuals who keep a close watch on micronutrients they consume. They are also great for people who are on a diet, because of their fat free and cholesterol free content.

The source of isolate  is the same as concentrate, but acute  filtration and separation of protein is done, apparently, to obtain a ‘purer’ form of protein.

The Verdict

There is a  constant debate on which  of the two types is the best option. Although, the protein always remains protein, whether  you receive it from concentrate, isolate, or food. If you do not really pay attention to other content of concentrates, such as fat and lactose, concentrate is better and cheaper option. However, if you are lactose intolerant and want only the protein in your diet whey isolates are for you. It does make a hole in your pocket though!

Note that there are available mixtures of isolates and concentrates on the market. This is another option for consumers to think about.



1. Both Isolates and  Concentrates (whey) come from the same source of protein -dairy products.

2. To acquire these supplements, the source of protein (milk / whey) is subject to the process of separation and filtration. Isolates, however, are filtered and separated to produce a purer form of protein.

3. The Concentrates are more common and are significantly less expensive than the expensive Isolates.

4. Isolates are a purer form of protein. They consist of the protein of about 95 percent, while the  Concentrates contain about 70 to 80 percent protein only.

5. Concentrates still contain fat and lactose, while Isolates have little to none of the fat content.

6. Concentrates are probably not for lactose intolerant people, Isolates are more suited for them.

7. There are now mixtures of Concentrates and Isolates available in the market.



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