TLDR here’s an overview of our top recommended grass fed whey protein powders, all available via Amazon. To find out more about each whey protein, scroll down for our detailed reviews and verdict. To read the Amazon reviews of these powders, just click through and scroll to bottom of the Amazon product page. All have 100+ positive reviews.
What is Whey?
Whey is one of those supplement products you regularly see in the health stores but what actually is it? Milk comprises two proteins known as casein and whey. Whey is an exceptionally good source of protein that is derived from milk as a by-product of the cheese-making process. Here, the solid curds are separated from the thin milky liquid whey. Whey is a 5% solution of lactose in water with minerals and lactalbumin. It is this lactalbumin that whey protein powder is made from.
Whey Protein Powder Amino Acids
Whey is considered to be a complete protein source as it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs to build tissue and muscle mass. These amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, threonine, methionine, histidine, lysine and tryptophan. Called ‘essential’, these amino acids can’t be created by the body from scratch – a process scientifically referred to as de novo – but must be ingested through diet.
Grass fed whey protein powder is a dried form of this treasure trove of beneficial nutrients and you usually add one or more scoops to a drink to take it. The processing of the protein powder often includes denaturing, a term that doesn’t sound that beneficial.
But denaturing is a straightforward heat treatment that helps make the protein more digestible. Denatured milk products are less likely to upset people with lactose intolerance. A trade-off though is that this can slightly reduce the overall level of amino acids present.
Milk issues today
The chances are that if you are reading this then you are likely to be clued up on health issues and what you put into your body. Considering that the source of whey is milk, it’s important to take into account that not all milk is created equal.
In the U.S. around 20% of all milk production is from dairy herds that are routinely given a growth hormone. This growth hormone is known as rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) or rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin). This artificial compound is synthesized and sold by controversial company Monsanto.
By giving cows this hormon, their milk production is unnaturally increased and this leads to unpleasant side effects including the painful udder condition, mastitis. To counter the infection, antibiotics are routinely given. Both the hormone and the antibiotics can make their way into the milk and then into the drinker, although 85%-90% is supposed to be removed by pasteurizing[efn_note]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2341916[/efn_note] .What’s of concern to many is that we live in an age of increasing antibiotic resistance and infections in humans we can no longer treat.
The jury is still out over the dangers posed by ingesting the growth hormones though instinct would tell us to err on the side of caution. Thirdly, there is the animal welfare issue to mull over. Little wonder then that milk from these herds is banned across the border in Canada and overseas in Europe.
Traditionally, cows always grazed on grass and converted the energy to muscle quite easily. Farmers wanted to speed up nature so ended up feeding them grains in feedlots, a food totally unnatural to the cow. Calf’s can be taken from 80 pounds to 1200 pounds in under year!! These grain pellets can actually harm cows, so they then have to be given large does on antibiotics to keep them healthy. All chemicals we do not want passed through to us. Grass fed cows are naturally reared and best for making whey protein.
Luckily, when you choose the right whey protein powder for you, there is a clear choice between growth hormone sourced and non growth hormone sourced. Regardless whether you feel the treated milk may be good or bad, the non-hormone sourced whey protein powders proudly proclaim their ‘natural’ credentials – always look for ‘grass fed’ on the labels to ensure the cows have been reared on grass and not pellets.
What is Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder?
‘Grass fed’ cows as you may already suspect, is used on packaging to tell you that the dairy source is free from rBGH/rBST. In fact the herd’s nourishment typically comes from year-round pasture feeding only and never given grain pellets. Other interesting tidbits of note to look out for are terms like additive free, gluten free, hormone free, GMO (genetically modified organisms) free. Certified organic is also a fine indicator of the natural provenance of the milk. If you’re after the purest whey protein powder then check the label for no soy, no artificial sweeteners and no artificial flavorings too.
Grass fed cows produce a pure whey protein powder
Benefits of Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
First and foremost, grass-fed whey protein powder is a natural product which is free from any kind of additives or hormones that may cause you harm. Whey protein has a number of benefits for aspiring and training athletes. Each scoop of grass fed whey protein includes the full range of essential amino acids that your body uses to build and maintain new muscle. In particular, the three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) of leucine, isoleucine and valine are so well known for muscle-building that they can be purchased separately!
In studies[efn_note]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905294/[/efn_note] that were carried out since 2000, links have been found for a range of positive health improvements. We have to stress that these findings are not conclusive but they are compelling and we await new articles with bated breath.
1) Weight loss: A study of 160 people published in 2008 concluded that consumption of whey powder was linked to a significant loss of body fat and a greater propensity for ‘preserving lean muscle’. This is one of the main reasons why grass fed whey protein is such a favorite among weight trainers.
2) Lowering cholesterol: ‘Bad’ cholesterol or low density lipid (LDL cholesterol) is widely considered to be a major factor in heart disease and stroke. A 2010 report[efn_note]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19369377[/efn_note] studied 70 overweight men and women over a three-month period. Following a whey supplemented diet the subjects had significantly better LDL and insulin levels.
3) Reducing blood pressure: Another cause of heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure (hypertension), was found to be reduced among young men and women who had whey protein powder added to their diet.
4) Asthma alleviation: While not a general health benefit, for those who suffer from this condition, grass fed whey protein is linked to an improved immune response could mean all the difference for fitness fans. This finding was from a small sample of 11 children conducted in 2006.
Side effects of whey protein powder
Grass fed Whey protein powder is generally easily absorbed with few side effects if you follow the instructions. If you consume too much then you may experience stomach cramps and pains, nausea and reduced appetite.
This is typically due to your body not being able to handle such a high level of concentrated protein. Other reported side effects include fatigue and headaches. None of the side effects are usually serious, just uncomfortable and unlikely when the product is used correctly.
Three types of grass-fed whey protein powder
When you’re in your local store checking the shelves for whey protein powder it’s worth recalling that it’s available in three broad varieties.
1) Grass Fed Whey protein concentrate: Sometimes abbreviated as WPC, this product is processed to minimize its levels of fat and carbohydrate. Cheaper brands only have around 30% protein whereas higher end brands are around 90% protein.
2) Grass Fed Whey protein isolate: This product has undergone further processing compared to WPC so that it has all of the fat and lactose removed. Lactose removal aids in digestibility particularly in those with a mild intolerance. Protein levels typically start at 90% but can be higher.
3) Grass Fed Whey protein hydrolysate: The third product is one where the protein has been partially hydrolysed. Hydrolysis is a chemical and biological process that occurs naturally during digestion and is the first step towards breaking down the proteins into easier-to-digest essential amino acids. However it is difficult to find a grass-fed, organic brand.
Our grass-fed whey protein powder concentrates/isolates best buys
Our best buys are the concentrates or isolates as these offer the best value and quality for money and availability.
Levels Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder Review
The Levels Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder comes in no fewer than five delicious flavors: chocolate mocha, pure chocolate, vanilla cinnamon, vanilla bean, and unflavored. It’s one of the most versatile tasting whey supplements available today. Coming in 2 lb and 5 lb containers you can pick up supplies that will last you months.
Levels whey protein nutrition facts
Just one scoop of the unflavored variety has 25 g of protein, 5.9 g of which are BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) that will give you all the anabolic goodness your developing muscles need. This product will help you build lean muscle, enhance your fitness and lose weight. This whey protein is 100% sourced from grass fed cows who subsist on a diet of varied, nutrient-rich grasses. This yields a product that Levels boasts provide a high concentration of vitamins and minerals.
By now you’ll be expecting that this offering is free from those ingredients which are found in inferior products, and you’ll be right! This whey protein is free from gluten, soy, rBGH/rBST hormones, antibiotics, artificial flavors, fillers, and GMOs. It’s suitable for people on a paleo or keto diet like the Atkins Diet.
Due to its cold processing it’s undenatured which means that more of the amino acids survive intact. The Levels whey Protein isn’t bleached either which helps preserve its natural bioactivity.
The only additive is 1% of non-GMO sunflower lecithin which increases nutrition and also makes it mix more thoroughly to your chosen beverage or food. This helps prevent it forming clumps so it looks better and more appetizing whether in smoothies, cookies, bars or oatmeal.
Levels Whey Protein Amino acids:
Alanine (1200mg), Arginine (600mg), Aspartic Acid (2700mg), Cystine (600mg), Glutamic Acid (4500mg), Glycine (500mg), Histidine (400mg), Hydroxyproline (250mg), Isoleucine* (1400mg), Leucine* (3000mg), Lysine (2100mg), Methionine (600mg), Phenylalanine (800mg), Proline (1950mg), Serine (1400mg), Threonine (1600mg), Tryptophan (600mg), Tyrosine (800mg), Valine* (1200mg)
Pure Whey Grass Fed Protein Powder
Pure Whey is one of the most popular brands on the market today. Their whey protein is 100% Californian grass fed dairy that they are proud to say gives a clean, pure protein source. It’s hormone free, rBGH free, GMO free, gluten free, and soy free. Boosting its credentials, the Pure Whey supplement contains zero additives and no added sugar so it is unflavored allowing you to mix it with whichever drink you prefer.
Each serving is 24 g that comprises 2.5 g of fat, 1 g of carbs and only 122 calories. 1g of carbs makes is a good powder for the keto diet.
It comes in two sizes; a 2 lb and a 5 lb and also in three flavors. So you can opt for the unflavored powder, chocolate or vanilla.
Pure Whey believes in their product and offer a money back guarantee if you aren’t completely satisfied with it.
Raw Grass Fed Whey Cold processed undenatured protein powder
This premium grass fed protein powder product comes from sustainably farmed Jersey cows right here in the States. Although we can’t be sure, we are still fairly certain that these less intensively farmed cows that graze on lush green pasture are going to be healthier and happier than those in other conditions. This can be an important buying consideration if animal welfare is high on your agenda. Due to the grass fed diet the milk has the added benefit of being rich in omega 3 and CLAs.
Raw whey protein certified as being free from GMO, gluten, hormones, heavy metals, soy and rBGH. The processing procedure involves no environmentally damaging bleach or acid. The product contains no fillers, additives (including colorants or dyes) or sweeteners.
It’s supplied in several size containers ranging from 12 oz to 5 lbs.
> Best value protein powders for the price
Amazon Elements Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
Amazon markets its own brand of grass fed protein powder manufactured by Glanbia, a global nutrition company. This is whey protein isolate that contains 25 g of protein per 31 g serving. It comes in two tasty flavors: natural chocolate and natural vanilla, both available in 2 lb containers. Amazon’s product is premium quality, and free from the usual suspects like rBGH, GMO, artificial colors, preservatives and sweeteners.
This whey protein blended right here but sources some ingredients abroad. First among these is the milk that comes from a cooperative of dairies in Ireland. The liquid whey is ultra-filtered for purity and then dried before it is shipped over to Illinois.
Amazon is keen to proclaim its safety and quality standards, going so far as to allowing you to check your own batch’s certificate of analysis on its mobile app. The tests are run by an independent ISO (International Organization for Standardization) accredited lab which also examines the potency and purity of each batch.
Verdict: Which 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein is Best?
In this article we’ve covered the benefits of grass fed whey protein powder and suggested our selection of the best products. We have to give our standard legal disclaimer when looking at products and their labeling: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
If we had to choose the best option, Levels 100% grass fed whey protein wins.
SFH — Recover Whey Protein Powder (100% Grass Fed)
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These convenient whey protein pouches from SFH are a fantastic way to soothe saw muscles after a tough workout session. A set of 10 disposable pouches, rather than a large tub, makes taking your whey protein powder to the gym that much easier. Each sachet holds one serving of Recover Whey Protein Powder or 30% of your daily recommended protein needs.
Facts:
Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
RDA per Serving: 90 Calories, 11% Protein, 2% Fat
Servings: 10 Sachets (1.09 Oz. per Sachet)
Dietary Concerns: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Non-GMO, Soy-Free, rBST-Free
Origin: Australia, New Zealand
These are low carbohydrate packs — with each pouch, you get a 90-calorie serving. The sweetness in the powder is sugar-free and comes from stevia leaf extracts. The sachet also holds 11% dietary fiber to slow the body’s metabolism of the carbohydrates in the drink. You can add this chocolate-flavored pouch to 8 ounces of water or any other drink that you prefer. SFH also makes a vanilla flavor.
Key Supplements:
BCAAs — Contains branched-chain amino acids for faster recovery times. These BCAAs combat sore muscles and fatigue.
FruiteX-B — This is a complex that has an association with reducing the pain from sore joints after a workout. The supplement behaves as an anti-inflammatory, and it also helps to improve bone density.
Acetyl L Carnitine — A compound that improves the metabolization of body fat for use as energy.
Co-Enzyme Q10 — An essential compound for your heart, which improves heartbeat rhythm.
Leucine — A BCAA with anti-muscle aging properties, while also promoting muscle growth.
D-Ribose — Another compound that helps improve the function of your heart.
Recover Whey Protein Powders contain green grass-fed cow whey. Grass-fed whey means that it comes from ethical farms, where the cows graze on natural pastures, and not grain. Both the pastures and the cows are free from GMOs, hormones, and antibiotics. This natural process of raising cattle translates into better flavors and a purer taste. Those with food intolerances will also find that they have fewer issues with organic whey.
Garden of Life — Certified Organic Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder
Garden of Life makes a range of flavors for this organic grass-fed whey protein, so you should be able to find one to your taste. And it is even better if you like all the flavors since you can chop and change throughout the week. Two scoops of the powder make up a serving, which works out to 130 calories and a negligible amount of fat.
Facts:
Flavors: Chocolate, Choc-Peanut Butter, Vanilla, Strawberry, Sweet Light
RDA per Serving: 130 Calories, 42% Protein, 3% Fat
Servings: 12 Serving, 13.96 Oz Tub (1.16 Oz. per Serving)
Dietary Concerns: Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, rBGH & rBST-Free
Origin: USA
A serving will supply you with up to 42% of your daily recommended allowance of protein. The organic whey protein comes from cows feeding on open pastures that are also free from hormone treatments. Furthermore, both the cocoa and the stevia extracts are from organic and fair-trade farms. This drink also has natural sea salt — to help replace the sodium you lose while sweating.
Key Supplements:
BCAAs — A group of 18 different Branched-Chain Amino Acids in the drink helps to rebuild and relieve sore muscles.
Calcium — A simple supplement that is lacking in many protein shakes. Calcium helps to keep your bones strong.
Iron — Another simple supplement that you need for blood production.
Cholesterol — The grass-fed whey protein can help to reduce the build-up of harmful cholesterol in the body.
On top of the many muscle supplements, this powder from the Garden of Life also contains traces of CFU probiotics. These probiotics improve the absorption and digestion of high-protein muscle-building diets. Some supplements help to improve brain function, such as glutamic acid and tyrosine.
Opportunitess — Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
Protein shakes vary on the amount of protein they contain to better suit the diet of the consumer. This shake from Opportuniteas contains a high, 54% protein, concentrating on those looking to build muscle. This shake also contains a range of amino acids with health benefits that go beyond weight training.
Facts:
Flavors: Chocolate, Iced-Coffee, Unflavored
RDA per Serving: 114 Calories, 54% Protein, 0 Oz. Fat
Servings: 15 Serving 1 Pound Bag (1.06 Oz. per Serving)
Dietary Concerns: Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, rBGH & rBST-Free
Origin: USA
You can get this grass-fed whey protein in either a 1-pound bag or a 2.5-pound bag that will get you over 37 servings. Since many people like to mix their protein shakes, you can choose from coffee to unflavored, so that you can make it taste the way you prefer. To make it easier to mix, the powder contains non-GMO sunflower lectin.
Key Supplements:
BCAAs — Twenty amino acids that help to replenish the body with energy and muscle rebuilding goodness.
Sunflower Lectin — Helping the powder to mix in with water or other drinks.
Calcium — 11% of your recommended daily allowance; for stronger bones.
Sodium and Potassium — To help replenish a few of the electrolytes you lose while working out.
This shake from Opportuniteas contains glutamic acid for the brain and nerve receptors. Valine is an essential amino acid that improves your endurance and energy. Valine also helps to repair and grow muscle fibers after exercise. And aspartic acid helps with hormone production and distribution through the body to help build muscle mass.
Built by Strength — Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Built by Strength offers a protein powder that gives you what you need, and it tastes good. Large 2-pound tubs, in either Belgian chocolate or vanilla, holds up to 25 servings. Each serving comes with a low 120 calories and 1% of fat, allowing you to focus on the protein benefits, and making fat and calorie counting easier.
Facts:
Flavors: Belgian Chocolate, Vanilla
RDA per Serving: 120 Calories, 48% Protein, 1% Fat
Servings: 25 Serving 1.8 Pound Tub (1.16 Oz. per Serving)
Dietary Concerns: Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Hormone-Free
Origin: USA
This shake will provide you with up to 48% of your recommended daily allowance of protein. The protein comes from a blend of grass-fed cow whey concentrates and isolate. Sunflower lecithin prevents lumps and helps the powder mix into drinks. The sweetness comes from natural stevia extracts — the flavorings are also natural.
Key Supplements:
BCAAs — A concise mix of three amino acids, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Calcium — Up to 8% of your RDA of calcium to strengthen your bones.
Cholesterol — 7% of cholesterol. Adding the right type of whey to your diet can help reduce the build-up of bad cholesterols in your blood.
Sodium and Potassium — 7% sodium and 4% potassium help to bring back healthy levels of electrolytes to your blood after a session of sweating.
Both leucine and isoleucine help with the production of protein chains in your body. Isoleucine is fantastic at rebuilding muscle while improving your endurance during exercise sessions. And leucine helps the fight against muscle degradation with age and promotes muscle growth. Valine also helps with repairing and preserving muscles.
Naked Whey — Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
Naked Whey Grass-Fed Whey is what it promises — a no-compromise organic protein powder. The core ingredient is 100% whey protein concentrate. Whey protein concentrate goes through less processing than whey isolate and has high levels of protein in it. Though, whey isolate does tend to carry more fats and lactose, which is an issue for some.
Facts:
Flavors: Natural, Strawberry, Chocolate, Vanilla
RDA per Serving: 120 Calories, 50% Protein, 3% Fat
Servings: 76 Serving 5-Pound Tub (1.06 Oz. per Serving)
Dietary Concerns: Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Acid and Bleach-Free, Hormone-Free
Origin: USA
The higher fat content can be beneficial if the person using it is trying to take on slower-burning calories. This Naked drink provides you with all the amino acids and proteins you need throughout the day. Naked Whey powders are additive-free and free from artificial products that boost sweetness or flavor. You also get some minerals like magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium for stronger bones.
Key Supplements:
Glutathione — This is a natural antioxidant that reduces the level of free radicals in the body.
Vitamin A — Though not in great quantities, this vitamin is present.
Amino Acids —This powder holds 18 AAs, including a range of essential AAs and a selection of Branched-Chain AAs.
Aspartic Acid — An amino acid to do with hormone production that helps your nervous system to function as normal.
Cystine — This is another amino acid that this shake has in small doses. Scientists think that cystine improves recovery times after surgery, improving immunity. Cystine is also one of the building blocks of hair and skin.
Though not to everyone’s taste, this natural whey powder means that you get to choose how you take it and what you mix it with. The whey comes from cows that live on Californian pastures — these cows spend most of the year on open farmlands. The cows feed on non-GMO grass and are not given hormones. And the whey does not go through the usual bleaching process as with other protein shakes. This is a serious whey protein for those looking for a healthier lifestyle.
You might also like our guide to the best protein waters available on Amazon. These are super convenient and easy to drink if you get bloating like me. If you prefer ready-made shakes, read our ultimate face-off between Premier Protein Milk and Muscle Milk.