Author: Oleksandr Maksymenko (5 years as FPA-Certified Nutritionist, MS in Sports Dietetics)
It might be challenging to consume an adequate amount of protein through food alone. If you want to put on muscle and get stronger, taking protein supplements, particularly whey protein, can be of tremendous help to you in achieving your goals.
We did extensive research and compiled the following list of the best hydrolyzed whey protein supplements for your needs. Check out the list below of our top picks of hydrolyzed whey proteins available on the market.
As you will see later we included different kinds of whey proteins – some fully hydrolyzed, some partially, and even protein mixes to address all kinds of possible needs.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Optimum Nutrition Hydro Whey.
This low-calorie protein powder, which many users have said is rather easy to combine, comes from one of the most well-known brands of sports supplements. Platinum is the finest type of whey protein available and is a 100% hydrolyzed whey isolate.
The reason we decided to do so is that determining which supplement is the best is difficult because it automatically raises the questions – for who and when? Some folks might want partially hydrolyzed or mixed because they count on that fast absorption etc while others want 100% hydrolyzed because of possible milk protein allergy…
For this article our team of certified nutritionists and professional athletes collected dozens of products reviewing them by 5 main parameters, and only 8 top products made it to the list.
We’ve spent hours testing most of the products and analyzing hundreds of user reviews online. We keep updating our list regularly so feel free to share your experience in the comments section.
Check the article to see more!
Top 8 Best Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Powders Reviewed
- Optimum Nutrition – Top Pick
- MYPROTEIN THE Whey – Runner-Up
- HYDROGOLD 90 – Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
- BSN SYNTHA-6 Edge
- Bodybuilding.com
- Sascha Fitness
- Muscle Feast
- BULK SUPPLEMENTS
1. Optimum Nutrition – Top Pick
- Diet Type (best for): Build Muscle, Recovery
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- Serving size: 39 g
- Price per serving: ~$2.1
- Protein By Weight Ratio (%): 77%
- Proteins: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Company Founded (year): 1986
- Recommended by Athletes: Tunde Oyeneyin, Clay Harbor
photo by @afsgcityhall
This low-calorie protein powder, which many users have said is rather easy to combine, comes from one of the most well-known brands of sports supplements. Platinum is the finest type of whey protein available and is a 100% hydrolyzed whey isolate. Enzymes were utilized to pre-digest the product for subsequent processing of this form. This enables your body to absorb amino acids soon after an exercise much quicker.
Hydro is one of the purest types of whey protein. The main advantage of hydrolyzate is that it has the lowest amount of lactose when compared to other forms of whey protein powders, which can be less stressful for you GI tract.
Because of the high concentration of pre-digested protein in hydrolyzed rapid assimilating whey protein, the flavor is not always pleasant but Optimum has done an excellent job of it because the bitterness isn’t noticeable. This product delivers efficiency and flavor at an affordable price, if we consider the amount of protein per one serving.
Positives:
Great for many diet types because of the great macro profile
Great dose of glutamine peptides
Very tasty and mixable
Informed Choice Certified (tested for banned substances and contaminants)
Could be better:
Contains soy (which is not suitable for people with soy allergy) and artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium (may not suit someone)
Only 2 flavors
2. Myprotein Whey – Runner-Up
- Best For: Increasing Protein intake, Muscle Growth
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate
- Serving size: 34.9g
- Price per serving: ~$1.3
- Protein By Weight Ratio (%): 71%
- Proteins: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 2g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Company Founded (year): 2004
- Recommended by Athletes: Christian Swole Ricketts, Zay Flowers
photo by @myproteinsg
If you don’t need fully, 100% hydrolyzed whey protein - this should be your option. As you can see and probably pay attention to it - the price is much better than the top pick Optimum Nutrition one.
Arguably the best protein supplement offered by the well-established brand MyProtein is their THE Whey™ premium protein blend with extra hydrolyzed whey.
Only 3 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein, are included in one 35g gram scoop of THE Whey™. The carb and fat content is quite minimal which makes it an excellent choice for many athletes. It is not a completely hydrolyzed product as it is a part of the Whey blend and “unfortunately” we don’t know how much it is.
For muscle growth that absolutely won’t be an issue and can be even beneficial. From some allergy or GI tract discomfort standpoint you may probably look for a fully hydrolyzed product if you still want to stick with whey.
Along with water, this powder also tastes fantastic mixed with milk. The drink has a smooth texture because of its excellent mixability profile and ability to dissolve entirely. Flavors like Fried Banana, Chocolate Fudge and Vanilla Ice Cream became favorite ones of many folks who tried them.
Positives:
Tested for banned substances and contaminants
Great flavors
Good amount of EAA
Include MyZyme™ - enzymes complex to help with digestion
Could be better:
Natural & Artificial Flavoring
Blend of protein sources - if you are looking for pure hydrolyzed protein
3. Hydrogold 90 – Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
- Best For: Increasing Protein intake, Muscle Growth
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- Serving size: 30g
- Price per serving: ~2.65$
- Protein By Weight Ratio (%): 90%
- Proteins: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 1g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Company Founded (year): 2001
- Recommended by Athletes: Julie Pauline Rodriguez
HYDROGOLD is on our list for a few reasons. First of all they provide an awesome protein by weight ratio with an outstanding 90% - in each 30g serving you are getting 27g of protein.
Second reason is most of the time - not always tho, and that’s why we have different options in our list - folks who are looking for hydrolyzed protein, they are looking for whey protein in “purest” form. As I will mention probably more than once in this article - hydrolyzed protein does not automatically mean lactose-free.
In this case tho you are getting really nice tasting protein powder with LESS than 0.2% of lactose which can be even a great option for some of you who are lactose intolerant (not all tho unfortunately - depend on your sensitivity and lactase enzyme levels)
With that nutrition breakdown HYDROGOLD is basically a great option for any athlete (unless you are Vegan…) looking to add extra protein during the day, regardless of diet followed.
Positives:
Great for many diet types because of the macro profile
Solid dose of EAA
Very tasty and mixable
Less than 0.2% lactose
Optipep® 90 DH4 Instant hydrolyzed whey
Could be better:
Price
Only 2 flavors
- Diet Type (best for): Build muscle
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- Serving size: 38-40 g
- Price per serving: ~$1.27
- Protein By Weight Ratio (%): 60-83%
- Proteins: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 6-7 g
- Fat: 4-4.5 g
- Added Sugar: 1-2 g (based on flavor)
- Company Founded (year): 2001
- Recommended by Athletes: Dr. Teddy Willsey, Lizzie Martinez, Scott Herman
photo by @kw_fitness89
With its iridescent crimson tub and dazzling metallic label, BSN Syntha-6 Edge looks very flashy. Although BSN sells a wide variety of powders and protein bars, its Syntha-6 Edge protein powder is on of their best-known product.
A respectable 24 grams of protein and 6-7 grams of carbohydrates are included in one scoop. A scoop contains 4-4.5 grams of fat as well. This product has a much higher content of carbs and fat compared to other protein powders on the market but it’s great for people who are struggling to gain weight.
This product's protein blend incorporates a variety of ingredients which are combined in a protein matrix. Whey Concentrate, Whey Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate, are all components of its protein matrix.
The combination of whey and casein provides a protein that is quickly absorbed as well as a longer-lasting delayed release protein through the casein component. This would make it the ideal supplement for use after an evening workout!
Among protein powders, the BSN Syntha-6 Edge has one of the finest flavors and mixes easily with both water and milk.
Positives:
Excellent flavor and mixability
Reasonable price per serving
Solid amount of protein in one serving
Great option for muscle growth
3rd party tested for banned substances
Could be better:
A bit higher on carbs and fats than other products on our list
Artificial sweeteners if that is what you like to avoid
- Diet Type (best for): Cutting Weight, Recovery, Build Muscle
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate
- Serving size: 30 g
- Price per serving: ~$1
- Protein By Weight Ratio (%): 83%
- Proteins: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Company Founded (year): 1999
- Recommended by Athletes: Jodie Yuncker, Maggy Kheir Thistlethwaite, Rebecca Rouse
BodyBuilding.com, which is the largest fitness website in the world, also offers customers a wide variety of dietary supplements to choose from. If you are interested in fitness and have ever looked for supplements or advice on food and exercise online, then you are definitely already familiar with them.
BodyBuilding.com's Signature 100% Whey Protein comes in at the upper end with 25 grams of protein per serving, which is excellent to see because a reasonable range of protein per serving that you want to focus on is about 20-25 grams per scoop.
In addition, this product has an excellent balance of carbohydrates and fat, which is sometimes rather difficult to achieve.
The flavor of the product is also determined by the amount of carbohydrates and fat that it contains, and this particular one has a wonderful flavor. They did an excellent job with the overall flavor, and the five-pound container of powder will be used up pretty fast because it is really simple to make wonderful muscle-building smoothies and other snacks using it.
While the powder in certain products clumps together, the worst thing that can happen is that you wind up having to chew your protein drink because you get these enormous pieces of protein when you are trying to guzzle down a shake. The Signature 100% Whey Protein powder, on the other hand, is not like that at all. It has a good capacity to mix, and all you need to do to get it to combine in cold water is shake it for about ten to fifteen seconds.
Positives:
Lowest price per serving protein on our list
Over 50% of proteins are hydrolyzed - which is big
Very tasty and flavorful
Easily mixable
Could be better:
Hard to get because it’s often unavailable
Has artificial flavors if you would like to avoid them completely
- Diet Type (best for): Cutting weight, Recovery, Build Muscle
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Grass-Fed Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- Serving size: 33-34 g
- Price per serving: ~$1.55
- Protein By Weight Ratio (%): 73.5-76%
- Proteins: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: <1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Company Founded (year): 2016
- Recommended by Athletes: Sascha Barboza
photo by @saschafitness
This product is a protein powder of the highest possible quality, and it has a fantastic taste and is simple to combine. It assists in the growth of muscle and complements your diet.
If you want to improve your body composition, Sascha protein isolate is the perfect hydrolyzed protein powder to use. It includes less than 1g of carbohydrates, which makes keeping track of your daily carb consumption much simpler. If you follow a keto diet, this protein can be considered as one of the suitable options. The flavor of this whey protein is definitely the nicest thing about it.
Positives:
7 flavors including an unflavored option
Zero fat and less than 1 g of carbs in serving
100% isolate and hydrolyzed
Lactose and Gluten free
Could be better:
Missing some info about 3rd party testing - which would be great
Only 2.17lb container available
7. Muscle Feast
- Diet Type (best for): Recovery, Build muscle, Weight loss
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
- Serving size: 28 g
- Price per serving: ~$1.17
- Protein By Weight Ratio (%): 82%
- Proteins: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 1.6 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Company Founded (year): 2009
- Recommended by Athletes: Jake Brog, Greg Wayne
photo by @musclefeast
People have a tendency to store up on some of this finest hydrolyzed whey protein isolate since it is available in two of the most wanted flavors on the market, chocolate and vanilla.
Muscle Feast hydrolyzed whey protein isolate is compliant with GMPs and the FDA regulations. Their hydro whey isolate does not include fillers and does not contain gluten. Stevia is used to add sweetness to it.
The only thing that you need to keep in mind is that in order to properly dissolve the whey protein isolate powder, you might need to give it quite a lengthy shake.
Positives:
Good price
High protein content with zero lactose
No additives, sweeteners and no artificial flavors (for those who prefer such products)
Higher percentage of hydrolyzed proteins - 12-15%
Short ingredient list
Could be better:
Only 2 flavors available
Harder to mix in a standard shaker
- Diet Type (best for): Cutting, Recovery, Build Muscle
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- Serving size: 30 g
- Price per serving: ~$1.45
- Protein By Weight Ratio (%): 87%
- Proteins: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fat: <1 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Company Founded (year): 2012
- Recommended by Athletes: Holly Hines, Nick Darrow, Chandler Shroll
photo by @bulksupplements
Bulk Supplements isolate has a total of 110 calories, with 26 grams of protein, zero carbs, and a negligible amount of fat. You are responsible for determining how much 30 grams are because the package doesn’t include a scoop.
Since it is a hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, this product has no carbs and almost zero lipid content. Isolates go through a greater amount of processing than whey concentrate, which is produced at a lower cost but has more fat and carbohydrates. And hydro whey contains even less fat than isolate.
This product is made with the cGMP standards which ensures that the manufacturing process including the packaging, labeling and holding operations are of the highest quality.
It is an unflavored hydrolyzed whey protein kind of whey protein, so it is perfect for mixing in with other foods in order to increase the amount of protein you consume throughout the day.
Positives:
Versatile MACRO breakdown, suitable for any goal or diet
Good price for protein per serving
One of the best hydrolyzed whey protein isolate doses per serving
Made without any additives
Could be better:
Doesn’t come with a 30g scoop
Subscribe!
Get more reviews about training equipment, special offers and discounts from different stores.
What is Hydrolyzed Whey Protein?
Hydrolyzed whey protein is a type of processing method that is undertaken to break down the proteins found in Whey Protein Concentrate or Whey Protein Isolate into short chain peptides (often described as ‘pre-digested’) with claims of faster uptake.
Hydrolyzed whey protein is often used by athletes and bodybuilders to help build and repair muscle tissue after strenuous exercise, who also wish to avoid problems with lactose digestion. The whey concentrate usually contains a significant amount of lactose, the isolate - less or zero lactose, and the hydrolyzed protein - the least or zero lactose.
Whey Hydrolyzate is the purest, most bioavailable and easily absorbed form of whey protein. (although the most expensive).
4 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Benefits
✅ Absorption and Digestion
The key feature of the hydrolyzate protein is alleged faster speed of its absorption. Because the protein has been broken down into smaller peptides, it does not require the same level of digestion.
This means that the amino acids from the protein are available to the body very quickly, which can be helpful for muscle building and recovery. The thing is that there is no real evidence that it will be significantly more beneficial for muscle growth than simple whey protein isolate.
The real benefit would be for people who may experience problems with protein digestion like some milk protein allergies etc. Hydrolyzed protein powder is kind of “pre-digested” and may be beneficial for such conditions although you can find protein powders not derived from milk easily these days…
✅ High Quality Protein Source
✅ Promotes Lean Muscle Mass
✅ Help Support Weight Loss
How to Find the Best Hydrolyzed Whey Protein?
1. Protein Per Serving
Your need for an amount of protein per day will increase as your total muscle mass increases and your activity is higher, so the amount of protein you get per serving is one of the main things to look at when buying a hydrolyzed protein powder. Another thing to take into account is the protein source.
Whey protein powder typically has more protein per serving than plant-based protein powders and more BCAA, basically whey is superior to other forms of proteins in terms of muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth of course.
2. Protein Per Serving
Like I already said above - protein hydrolysis is the process that can be done to basically any protein source and it affects proteins only.
So to make sure you get the best protein supplement look for Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, or Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate to get high protein content that will have very small or zero amounts of carbs and fats - sometimes labeled as lactose free (just like some Isolates as you can already expect and know why).
If you decided to avoid dairy - feel free to check other protein sources!
FAQ
Which is Better Whey Isolate or Hydrolyzed?
As always - it depends 🙂 For what and for who? Healthy folks who are looking to optimize muscle growth? WPI will be enough for sure! If you need extra “pre-digestion” and protein breakdown - might check the hydrolyzed one and see how it works.
Also don’t expect your HWPI will be fully hydrolyzed - it will be most likely only partially hydrolyzed. It seems that our top pick is made from 100% Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate tho!
When should I take hydrolyzed whey protein?
Anytime that is convenient for you. Adequate protein intake is the most important thing. You consume enough protein in a day - you’re good!
Once you have it all, have time and will to do it, you can think about some optimization - timing, spreading your protein intake throughout the day, and then at the end - specific time of protein intake like post workout etc but first be sure you get all you need, otherwise timing will be pointless.
Conclusion
Overall, hydrolyzed whey protein is a useful supplement for athletes and bodybuilders, especially for people with severe lactose intolerance.
It is easily absorbed by the body and can help support muscle growth and recovery as well as help you with weight management. One of the best hydrolyzed whey proteins and our top pick for this list is the Optimum Nutrition Hydrolyzed Whey Protein and we recommend it for your daily protein needs.
Let us know your thoughts about these hydrolyzed whey proteins in the comment section below. Do you like any of them or do you have a completely different “go to” protein that you love?
References:
- Bikash C. Ghosh,corresponding author1, L. N. Prasad, and N. P. Saha "Enzymatic hydrolysis of whey and its analysis" J Food Sci Technol 2017 May; 54(6): 1476–1483. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc /articles/PMC5430178/
- Meghan A Brown, Emma J Stevenson, Glyn Howatson "Whey protein hydrolysate supplementation accelerates recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in females" Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2018 Apr;43(4):324-330. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /29106812/
- Layne E Norton, Gabriel J Wilson, Donald K Layman, Christopher J Moulton & Peter J Garlick "Leucine content of dietary proteins is a determinant of postprandial skeletal muscle protein synthesis in adult rats" Nutrition & Metabolism Published: 20 July 2012 https://nutritionandmetabolism. biomedcentral.com/articles /10.1186/1743-7075-9-67
- S.J.S. and D.R. "Protein appetite as an integrator in the obesity system: the protein leverage hypothesis" Published:04 September 2023 https://royalsocietypublishing.org /doi/full/10.1098/rstb.2022.0212
- Meng Thiam Lim, Bernice Jiaqi Pan, Darel Wee Kiat Toh "Animal Protein versus Plant Protein in Supporting Lean Mass and Muscle Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials" Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 661 https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/661
- Raoua Triki Hassane Zouhal Hamdi Chtourou "Timing of Resistance Training During Ramadan Fasting and Its Effects on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy" Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2023 Apr 17;18(6):579-589. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /37068775/
- All Photos made by Torokthiy Media Team.
Why Trust Us?
Experience: 7 years
Specializing in: Weight management, Fitness / Sports nutrition
Oleksandr is a professional fitness nutritionist, certified by FPA (Fitness Professional Association). Oleksandr adheres to the principles of evidence-based dietetics and instills in his clients a healthy relationship with food - without strict prohibitions on favorite foods and regular disruptions. His main task – not only get a result for you, but also maintain it for many years, enjoying tasty and delicious food.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.
Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.