Drinks & liquids · Powders
Whey protein powder
Powdered whey protein from milk, blended into shakes and smoothies or added to pancakes and baking.
Also called: protein powder, whey powder
What it is
A powder made by filtering and drying whey, the liquid left over from cheese-making. Concentrate contains some lactose and fat; isolate is more refined. Most products are flavoured and sweetened, and they differ widely between brands. It is not a direct swap for flour in baking.
How it’s used
- Shakes and smoothies
- Protein pancakes and waffles
- Stirring into porridge or yoghurt
- Energy balls and bars
Characteristics
- Taste
- Mild milky or flavoured (vanilla, chocolate).
- Texture
- Fine powder; can be chalky.
- When cooked
- Clumps in hot liquid and dries out baked goods; add gradually and keep bakes moist.
- Sold as
- powder
- Cooking uses
- Usually eaten raw, Suitable for baking
- Common in
- International, American
Storage
Cool, dry and dark. Keep sealed and dry; clumping or off smells mean moisture has got in.
Diet, allergens and safety
Contains Milk. May contain Soy — check the label.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Egg-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free (check label)
- Caffeine-free
- Contains milk (whey); may contain soy (lecithin) and other allergens depending on flavour. Not suitable for milk allergy.
Nutrition per 100 g
- Energy
- 352 kcal
- Protein
- 78.13 g
- Carbohydrate
- 6.25 g
- Fat
- 1.56 g
- Fibre
- 3.1 g
- Sugars
- 0 g
USDA FoodData Central: Beverages, Protein powder whey based.
Substitutes
Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.
- Plant protein powder — Dairy-free; texture is often grittier.
- Milk powder — Lower protein but similar in some bakes.
Related ingredients
Recipes with whey protein powder
Banana cocoa whey protein shake
International · 4 min · 380 kcal · Vegetarian