Whey isolate vs concentrate: is WPI worth the extra?
Isolate (WPI) has more protein per scoop; concentrate (WPC) is cheaper per bag. Here is what that means per kg of protein, using live prices. Prices updated 7 Nov 2026
The numbers (medians from today's prices)
| Country | Isolate: protein / cost | Concentrate & blends: protein / cost |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 82% · A$122/kg protein (n=6) | 72% · A$107/kg protein (n=7) |
| United States | not enough data yet | not enough data yet |
| United Kingdom | 75% · £51/kg protein (n=2) | 70% · £29/kg protein (n=3) |
What's actually different
- Processing: both come from the liquid whey left over from cheese making. Isolate is filtered further, removing more fat and lactose.
- Protein per 100 g: isolate is higher, so a 30 g scoop gives a few more grams of protein.
- Taste and texture: concentrate keeps more fat, so it is often creamier; isolate is thinner.
- Lactose: isolate is usually lower. Neither is guaranteed lactose-free unless the label says so.
Our take
Buy on price per kg of protein, then pick the format you like. If the cheapest isolate is within about 10% of the cheapest concentrate, the isolate is usually the better buy, because you get more protein per scoop for nearly the same money.
Cheapest isolates and concentrates in Australia
| # | Product | A$ per kg of protein | Price | Protein | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bulk NutrientsWhey Protein Isolate | A$95A$2.86 per 30 g protein | A$79.001 kg | 83%label | View Bulk Nutrients Whey Protein Isolate at Bulk Nutrients |
| 2 | Bulk NutrientsHASTA Whey Protein Isolate | A$96A$2.89 per 30 g protein | A$82.001 kg | 85%label | View Bulk Nutrients HASTA Whey Protein Isolate at Bulk Nutrients |
| 3 | Bulk NutrientsNatural Whey Protein Isolate | A$99A$2.96 per 30 g protein | A$80.001 kg | 81%label | View Bulk Nutrients Natural Whey Protein Isolate at Bulk Nutrients |
| 4 | Bare BlendsBare Whey Protein Isolate | A$146A$4.38 per 30 g protein | A$94.99750 g | 87%label | View Bare Blends Bare Whey Protein Isolate at Bare Blends |
| 5 | Pillar PerformanceGrass Fed WPI | A$169A$5.06 per 30 g protein | A$134.951 kg | 80%label | View Pillar Performance Grass Fed WPI at Nutrition Warehouse |
Top 5 of 6. Prices checked 7 Nov 2026 (daily), cheapest flavour and best-value size in stock, before shipping and discount codes. Protein % is from each label. How we calculate.
| # | Product | A$ per kg of protein | Price | Protein | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bulk NutrientsThermowhey Weight Loss Protein | A$76A$2.28 per 30 g protein | A$62.001 kg | 82%label | View Bulk Nutrients Thermowhey Weight Loss Protein at Bulk Nutrients |
| 2 | Bulk NutrientsWhey Protein Concentrate | A$82A$2.46 per 30 g protein | A$59.001 kg | 72%label | View Bulk Nutrients Whey Protein Concentrate at Bulk Nutrients |
| 3 | Bulk NutrientsNatural Australian Whey Protein Concentrate | A$85A$2.55 per 30 g protein | A$61.001 kg | 72%label | View Bulk Nutrients Natural Australian Whey Protein Concentrate at Bulk Nutrients |
| 4 | Musashi100% Whey Protein Powder | A$107A$3.20 per 30 g protein | A$154.992 kg | 73%label | View Musashi 100% Whey Protein Powder at Musashi |
| 5 | Genetix NutritionPure Whey | A$109A$3.28 per 30 g protein | A$69.95900 g | 71%label | View Genetix Nutrition Pure Whey at Nutrition Warehouse |
Top 5 of 7. Prices checked 7 Nov 2026 (daily), cheapest flavour and best-value size in stock, before shipping and discount codes. Protein % is from each label. How we calculate.
For the US and UK, switch country on the WPI and whey rankings.
FAQ
Which has more protein, isolate or concentrate?
Isolate. Labels for whey isolate typically show 80–92 g protein per 100 g; concentrates and blends typically 65–80 g. Our table above shows the medians from the products we track.
Which is cheaper?
Concentrate is usually cheaper per kg of powder. Per kg of protein the gap is smaller, and the cheapest isolate can beat many concentrates. Compare the medians above.
Which should I buy if I am lactose intolerant?
Isolate is usually lower in lactose than concentrate, but not always lactose-free. Check the label, or choose a plant, beef or egg protein. This is general information, not medical advice.
Related guides
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- Protein cost per gram calculator
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General information only, not medical or dietary advice. Check the label for allergens and talk to a doctor or dietitian if you are pregnant, have a medical condition or take medication.