Updated 2026-10-03 · 5 min read
Whey protein guide: isolate vs concentrate and how much you need
By the UnReal Supplements team. Sources and catalog last checked: 2026-10-03.
Short answer
Whey isolate is about 90%+ protein with under 1% lactose, while concentrate is about 70 to 80% protein with 4 to 6% lactose, so isolate suits lactose sensitivity and concentrate is the better-value all-rounder. Most training adults need roughly 1.4 to 2.0 g of protein per kg of bodyweight per day, in 20 to 40 g servings. The table below ranks what is on our shelf today by cost per 25 g of protein.
Isolate vs concentrate
Whey isolate is filtered to roughly 90% or more protein and under 1% lactose, so it digests fast and clean and suits anyone sensitive to dairy. Whey concentrate is around 70 to 80% protein with 4 to 6% lactose, costs less per gram of protein, and is the better-value everyday choice for most people. Both build muscle, the difference is purity, lactose, and price, not effectiveness.
How much protein do you actually need?
Most people who train need roughly 1.4 to 2.0 g of protein per kg of bodyweight per day, according to the ISSN position stand, in servings of about 20 to 40 g. Protein powder is a convenient way to hit that number, not a magic ingredient. Food first, shake to fill the gap.
The how much protein per day guide has a bodyweight table, the when to take whey guide covers timing, and the whey for weight loss guide covers eating less while you lift.
Picking the right one
- Lactose sensitive or want it fast and lean post-workout: isolate (for example Dymatize ISO100, ON Gold Standard Isolate).
- Best value all-rounder: concentrate (ON Gold Standard 100% Whey).
- Slower release between meals or before bed: casein, or a multi source blend that includes casein.
- Struggling to eat enough to grow: a mass gainer adds carbs and calories around the protein base.
- Always buy genuine: check the seal and the brand's authenticity code.
| Product | Type | Pack | Price | Protein per serving | Per 25 g protein | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rule 1 Whey Protein Blend 5 lb3 flavours | Whey | 5 lb | ฿2,940 | 24 g | 47.1 | On the shelf |
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey 5 lb5 flavours | Whey | 5 lb | ฿3,710 | 24 g | 54.4 | On the shelf |
| Rule 1 Whey Protein Blend 2 lb2 flavours | Whey | 2 lb | ฿1,370 | 24 g | 54.9 | On the shelf |
| Dymatize Elite 100% Whey 5 lb2 flavours | Whey | 5 lb | ฿3,550 | 25 g | 59.2 | On the shelf |
| Rule 1 Whey Protein Blend 1 lb2 flavours | Whey | 1 lb | ฿780 | 24 g | 62.5 | On the shelf |
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey 2 lb3 flavours | Whey | 2 lb | ฿1,780 | 24 g | 63.9 | On the shelf |
| Rule 1 Whey Protein Isolate 2 lb2 flavours | Isolate | 2 lb | ฿2,150 | 25 g | 76.8 | On the shelf |
| Dymatize ISO100 5 lb4 flavours | Isolate | 5 lb | ฿5,530 | 25 g | 81.3 | On the shelf |
| Rule 1 Whey Protein Isolate 1 lb2 flavours | Isolate | 1 lb | ฿1,180 | 25 g | 84.3 | On the shelf |
| Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydrowhey 3.5 lb2 flavours | Hydrolysed | 3.5 lb | ฿4,320 | 30 g | 90.0 | On the shelf |
Cost per serving is the pack price divided by the servings on the label. Cost per 25 g of protein scales that by the grams of protein in one serving. Only rows where the catalog pack weight and serving count agree are shown. The price and shelf flag are read from the shop and refreshed every few minutes. 15 more product types are listed in the catalog but not on the shelf today. Browse the category.
Frequently asked
- Isolate or concentrate, which should I buy?
- Isolate is about 90%+ protein with under 1% lactose, ideal if dairy upsets you or you want a fast, lean post-workout shake. Concentrate is about 70 to 80% protein with more lactose and costs less, the better value for everyday use. Both build muscle equally.
- How much protein should I take per day?
- The ISSN recommends 1.4 to 2.0 g of protein per kg of bodyweight per day for most training adults, in servings of about 20 to 40 g (around 0.25 g/kg) every 3 to 4 hours. Higher intakes of 2.3 to 3.1 g/kg can help retain muscle while dieting.
- Which whey protein brand should I buy in Bangkok?
- It depends on your priority, not a single "best" brand. Lowest lactose and fastest digesting: an isolate. Best everyday value: a standard whey or whey blend. Slower release between meals or before bed: casein or a multi source blend. The table on this page ranks what is on our shelf today by cost per 25 g of protein, and it changes when the shelf does.
- Where can I buy genuine whey protein in Bangkok?
- At UnReal Supplements inside UnReal Gym on Sukhumvit Soi 24, two minutes from Phrom Phong BTS. We list genuine Optimum Nutrition, Dymatize, Rule1, BSN and Ultimate Nutrition whey, with pickup at the gym and free delivery anywhere in Bangkok for whatever is on the shelf that day. Each product page shows Add to cart or Notify me.
Keep reading
Sources
How we keep this guide honest
We check this guide against the sources listed below. Prices, pack sizes and shelf status in the tables are read from our shop catalog and refreshed every few minutes, never typed into the text. We deliver free within Bangkok only, and only what is on the shelf is for sale.