About Whey
Whey is a protein derived from milk and is commonly used in protein supplements and food products.
Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It is typically found in two forms: whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate. Whey is popular in the fitness and health industry due to its high protein content and fast absorption rate, making it a common ingredient in protein powders and nutritional supplements.
Other names on labels
- Whey protein
- Whey protein concentrate
- Whey protein isolate
Commonly found in
- Protein shakes
- Protein bars
- Yogurts
- Baked goods
- Infant formulas
Why people avoid it
People avoid whey primarily due to dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, as it is a milk-derived protein. Additionally, those following a dairy-free or vegan diet exclude whey from their diets. Whey can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with a milk allergy, and it may cause digestive distress in those with lactose intolerance, although whey protein isolate is typically lower in lactose.
Common questions
Is whey suitable for a dairy-free diet?
No, whey is derived from milk and is not suitable for a dairy-free diet.
Can lactose-intolerant individuals consume whey?
Some lactose-intolerant individuals may tolerate whey protein isolate, which has lower lactose levels, but others may still experience symptoms.
What is the difference between whey protein concentrate and isolate?
Whey protein concentrate contains more lactose and fats compared to whey protein isolate, which is more processed to remove most of the lactose and fats.
About this information
The diet note and ingredient information come from Spoonful’s dietitian-reviewed ingredient library. The note above is for Dairy-free; the overview and FAQs provide additional ingredient information.
An ingredient guide does not assess every ingredient in a finished product. Check the current package and your individual dietary needs.
Our sources, note attribution and corrections processFurther reading
Official resources for understanding this diet and food labels.
