When you’re busy at work, it’s easy to skip lunch and turn to carb-heavy snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and chocolate. However, now it’s easier than ever to get a quick protein boost, as evidenced by the many protein powders and high-protein shakes on the market today.
We wanted to try one for ourselves, so our testing team used Nutricost Whey Protein Powder and reported back. This product delivers a hefty 25 grams of protein and mixes easily with milk or water, so, yes, you can have a protein-rich (and quick) work snack.
Our Nutricost Whey Protein Powder review will tell you what you need to know.
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Nutricost Whey Protein Powder
Get 25 grams of protein per serving at a reasonable price
Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate Powder Specs
SpecsDetailsProtein per serving25 gramsCalories per serving130Third-party testingYesCost per serving$1.83Serving per container18Protein per servingDetails25 gramsCalories per servingDetails130Third-party testingDetailsYesCost per servingDetails$1.83Serving per containerDetails18
Our Experience with Nutricost Protein Powder
Nutricost’s whey protein concentrate comes in three sizes, including a 1.5-pound container, a 2-pound container, and a 5-pound container. Flavors include milk chocolate, vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, strawberry milkshake, and more, and the protein powder is non-GMO and gluten-free. The product is also made in a GMP-compliant facility.
Note: We tested the whey protein concentrate, but the company also offers a whey protein isolate product. The difference? Whey protein concentrate is typically less processed than whey protein isolate, which goes through additional processing to remove more lactose, fat, and carbohydrates (and also results in a higher amount of protein in the finished product).
Our tester, Pete, who is also a certified nutrition coach, tried this whey protein powder and shared his thoughts. Here’s what he had to say.
What We Liked
Pete used this product as directed—mixing one scoop with water or milk—and found it to be a solid protein option. He thought it was especially good for those on a budget, saying, “It’s a straightforward and cost-effective protein powder providing 25 grams of protein per serving, which does the job.”
Instructions (5 out of 5): Pete said the instructions were simple and easy to understand.
Mixability (5 out of 5): The product was easy to mix and fully dissolved. Pete reported, “There were no visible chunks. It did not need additional mixing.”
What We Would Change
There were some things that needed improvement, though, according to Pete.
Taste (3 out of 5): According to Pete, the mixture “tastes like a sweet skim milk.” He also said that the vanilla flavor is “very subtle.”
Sweetness (5 out of 5): Pete rated this at the maximum level of sweetness, saying that overall the product is “pretty sweet, likely due to the sucralose.”
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
As with any supplement, we recommend checking with your healthcare provider before incorporating a new product into your routine. Here’s who this product may be best suited for.
Nutricost Protein Powder is best for:Nutricost Protein Powder is not for:Those looking for a protein boost on a budgetPeople who don’t need additional protein in their dietThose who eat animal productsFolks who adhere to a vegan dietFolks who prefer a high amount of sweetnessThose who dislike very sweet beveragesPregnant or breastfeeding women should check with a healthcare provider before using thisThose looking for a protein boost on a budgetNutricost Protein Powder is not for:People who don’t need additional protein in their dietThose who eat animal productsNutricost Protein Powder is not for:Folks who adhere to a vegan dietFolks who prefer a high amount of sweetnessNutricost Protein Powder is not for:Those who dislike very sweet beveragesNutricost Protein Powder is not for:Pregnant or breastfeeding women should check with a healthcare provider before using this
Comparing Nutricost to Other Protein Powders
Protein PowderProtein Per ServingCalories Per ServingSweeteners UsedProtein SourceThird-Party TestingCost per servingNutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder25 grams130SucraloseCowsYes$1.83Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake20 grams120Rebaudioside M (steviol glycoside derived from stevia), organic monk fruit extractOrganic pea proteinYes$2.93Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate28 grams100Stevia extractGrass-fed cowsYes$2.17Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate PowderProtein Per Serving25 gramsCalories Per Serving130Sweeteners UsedSucraloseProtein SourceCowsThird-Party TestingYesCost per serving$1.83Ritual Essential Protein Daily ShakeProtein Per Serving20 gramsCalories Per Serving120Sweeteners UsedRebaudioside M (steviol glycoside derived from stevia), organic monk fruit extractProtein SourceOrganic pea proteinThird-Party TestingYesCost per serving$2.93Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein IsolateProtein Per Serving28 gramsCalories Per Serving100Sweeteners UsedStevia extractProtein SourceGrass-fed cowsThird-Party TestingYesCost per serving$2.17
Frequently asked questions
Is Nutricost protein high-quality?
Nutricost says its whey protein is undenatured, meaning it’s processed in a way that’s meant to preserve more of the natural protein structure. It’s worth noting, however, that consumers generally can’t verify whether the whey protein has been denatured.
Is Nutricost a safe brand?
Nutricost Whey Protein is made in a GMP-compliant facility, meaning it is manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices. These are standards focused on quality control and sanitation, and they’re designed to improve consistency and reduce contamination. The company also says its products are made in the United States using globally sourced ingredients, and that products are tested by an independent, accredited lab “to help verify that what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle.”
Is Nutricost available at Walmart?
Nutricost products are currently available on Walmart’s website, but availability may vary depending on store location. To find out whether a specific Nutricost product is available at a Walmart near you, we recommend checking the store’s website.