My Whey Protein Trials
Let's be honest, nobody enjoys choking down a chalky protein shake that tastes like cardboard.
Which is why for years, I'd been loyal to this specific whey protein brand pictured
here. 
It was a costly affair, but I
justified it as a necessary investment in my fitness goals.
However, the rising prices (no thanks to absurd custom import tariffs) started to pinch
recently. And that got me thinking if there were worthy Indian alternatives that
wouldn't break the bank.
Thus began my experiment. I procured four different Indian whey protein brands, each a 1kg bag, costing me a total of Rs. 9600. It was a mixed bag, literally! While two brands - Amul and TheWholeTruth were palatable, the other two were a struggle to choke down. But hey, experimentation comes with its casualties.
The two winners were clear. They tasted great and had minimal artificial ingredients. PLus they gave me no digestibility issues. The whole truth's first sip was a revelation. It was smooth, creamy, with a subtle hint of dark chocolate that didn't assault my taste buds like a chemical factory explosion. The best part? The 2kg variants of both of these cost significantly less than my previous import - approximately Rs. 3500 and Rs. 5400 respectively.
But what about the rejects? I gave away Avvatar because someone in my gym fancied trying the flavor which I found way too sweet.
The other was Nutrabay's Pure Isolate. While its protein content was impressive, it was loaded with artificial flavors (Nature Identical Flavour, Stabilizer (INS 407, INS 415), Emulsifier (INS 322 (i)), Sweetener (INS 955) and Anti-Caking Agent (INS 551)) that left a lingering aftertaste.
This isn't to say it's all bad, in fact most of these ingredients are common in branded whey blends out there and are perfectly edible, safe and industry standard. The ratio in this isolate just didn't produce a taste that was of my liking.
But, I wasn't about to let my investment go to waste. So, I devised a plan.
Amul saved the day with its raw whey concentrate pack. I decided to mix the Nutrabay isolate with Amul in a 1:1 ratio. The goal, now is to mask the unpleasant taste and finish it off quickly. I plan to ramp up my intake, closely monitoring my digestion (so far, so good!).
Pro Tip! 💡
If you find yourself stuck with a protein powder you dislike, try mixing it with yogurt, smoothies or even baking it into healthy cookies.
Key Takeaways from this adventure:
- Don't shy away from experimenting: You might discover hidden gems that offer better value and taste.
- Indian brands can be just as good: Don't discount local options; they often deliver quality comparable to imported brands at a fraction of the cost. Just make sure the ingredients are of your liking, nutrition profile aligns with your current goals and the brand is reputed.
- Don't let "failures" go to waste: Get creative and find ways to utilize products you don't entirely enjoy. Mixing, baking, repurposing or even sharing can minimize waste.
- Prioritize taste and ingredients: Your protein shake shouldn't be a chore to consume. Find options that align with your taste preferences and have minimal artificial additives.
- Listen to your body: Monitor your digestion and adjust your intake based on how your body reacts to different protein sources and quantities.
My whey protein experiment continues, but I regard this somewhat a success. I not only found delicious and affordable Indian alternatives but also learned a valuable lesson in resourcefulness.