It can be tough to get enough protein, especially if you’re used to skipping breakfast, rushing through a quick desk lunch, or throwing together dinner at the last minute. Protein powders have made it easy to get a hefty dose of protein in just one glass, but there’s a lot of variety out there.
So, we asked our testing team to try a popular product in this category, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate, and report back. Here’s what we learned about its protein content, mixability, flavor, and more—and as always, we had our registered dietician review the product for safety.

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Transparent Labs Protein Powder
An impressive formula that tastes great, too

Transparent Labs Protein Powder

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Specs

SpecsDetails Protein per serving 28 grams Calories per serving 130 Third-party testing Yes Cost per serving $2.00 Serving per container 30 Protein per serving Details 28 grams Calories per serving Details 130 Third-party testing Details Yes Cost per serving Details $2.00 Serving per container Details 30

Our Experience with Transparent Labs Whey Protein

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is sourced from grass-fed cattle, and the company says the cattle are raised humanely and without growth hormones. The protein powder includes stevia extract as a sweetener, but doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners, dyes, or fillers. It’s also worth noting that whey protein isolate is different from casein protein or whey protein concentrate. That’s because whey protein isolate typically goes through additional processing to remove more lactose, fat, and carbohydrates—and it also results in a higher amount of protein in the finished product.

Transparent Labs Protein Powder Review

Pete, a certified nutrition coach, tested this product. He noted, “This protein powder contains 28 grams of protein, which is slightly above the usual 20 to 25 grams of protein in a protein powder. This provides a very high protein-to-calorie ratio, 28 grams of protein per 130 calories.”

He loved nearly everything about this protein powder, reporting only one minor drawback. Here’s what he had to say.

What We Liked 

Pete liked several things about Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate.

  • Mixability (5 out of 5): “The protein powder fully dissolved within 60 seconds and there were no visible chunks or clumping,” said Pete.
  • Taste (5 out of 5): Pete tested the French vanilla flavor and said, “I think Transparent Labs nailed the balance of sweetness and flavor for this protein powder.”
  • Sweetness (3 out of 5): While a rating of 3 would typically mean we docked points, in this case, it means the sweetness was just the right amount—not overly sweet or under-sweetened. “Transparent Labs doesn’t use any artificial sweeteners and only a moderate amount of stevia extract, giving the protein powder a natural taste and sweetness,” reported Pete.
  • Side Effects (5 out of 5): Pete said he didn’t experience any negative side effects or
  • digestive issues.

Transparent Labs Protein Powder Review

What We Would Change

Even though Pete liked the protein powder overall, he said there was one area where it could be improved.

  • Instructions (3 out of 5): Instructions were to mix each scoop of protein powder with 6 to 8 ounces of cold water (or any beverage of your choice), and adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the desired flavor and consistency. Given the lack of specificity, Pete rated these instructions as average—not excellent.

Transparent Labs Protein Powder Review

Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For

As with any supplement, make sure to check with a healthcare provider before adding this to your routine. Here’s who this product may be best suited for.

Transparent Labs Whey Protein is best for:Transparent Labs Whey Protein is not for: Adults Children People who eat dairy Lactose-intolerant individuals Those seeking more protein in their diet Folks who follow a vegan diet Adults Transparent Labs Whey Protein is not for: Children People who eat dairy Transparent Labs Whey Protein is not for: Lactose-intolerant individuals Those seeking more protein in their diet Transparent Labs Whey Protein is not for: Folks who follow a vegan diet

Comparing Transparent Labs to Other Protein Powders

Protein PowderProtein Per ServingCalories Per ServingSweeteners UsedProtein SourceThird-Party TestingCost per serving Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate 28 g 130-150 Stevia extract Grass-fed whey protein Yes $2.00 Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder Up to 30 g 140 Sucralose Instantized whey protein concentrate Yes $1.28 to $2.11 Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 20 g 120 Stevia extract, organic monk fruit extract Organic pea protein Yes $2.93 Legion Whey+ Certified Grass-Fed Irish Whey Protein Isolate 22 g 100 Stevia extract Grass-fed cattle Yes $2.17 Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate Protein Per Serving 28 g Calories Per Serving 130-150 Sweeteners Used Stevia extract Protein Source Grass-fed whey protein Third-Party Testing Yes Cost per serving $2.00 Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder Protein Per Serving Up to 30 g Calories Per Serving 140 Sweeteners Used Sucralose Protein Source Instantized whey protein concentrate Third-Party Testing Yes Cost per serving $1.28 to $2.11 Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Protein Per Serving 20 g Calories Per Serving 120 Sweeteners Used Stevia extract, organic monk fruit extract Protein Source Organic pea protein Third-Party Testing Yes Cost per serving $2.93 Legion Whey+ Certified Grass-Fed Irish Whey Protein Isolate Protein Per Serving 22 g Calories Per Serving 100 Sweeteners Used Stevia extract Protein Source Grass-fed cattle Third-Party Testing Yes Cost per serving $2.17

Frequently asked questions

What is the best brand for whey protein?

Given that everyone has different health goals and dietary needs and preferences, we wouldn’t say there’s one “best” brand for all individuals. Our tester tried Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate and reported that it was an excellent all-around product, but if you’re considering adding this to your routine make sure to check with a healthcare provider first.

Is Transparent Labs FDA-approved?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements for safety or efficacy, so when it comes to supplements, ingredients and their amounts may be different from what’s on the label. For this reason, we look for products that have been third-party tested to confirm safety and accuracy, and Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate has been third-party tested.

Is Transparent Labs high-quality?

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate is sourced from grass-fed cattle and made without using growth hormones, artificial sweeteners, food dyes, or fillers. Additionally, it’s been third-party tested. These are some of the key attributes we look for in a high-quality supplement.

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