Introduction
This report takes a look at eight different brands selling an all natural whey protein powder.
- Designer Whey, Dymatize, EnergyFirst, Jay Robb, Natural Edge, NOW Foods, Optimum Nutrition, and UNI KEY
Keep in mind, the degree of “natural” may vary among the companies. Overall, these products do not have artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. Opposed to just comparing the powders based on the manufacturer’s information, this particular evaluation does a what if analysis, setting the serving size for each product at 30 grams. As a result, the standard serving size creates a fair playing field to match one against another.
Why the need to create a standard serving size for comparison?
Companies love to find ways to set themselves apart from the competition. If they can manage to confuse the consumer at the same time, all the better. One of their ingenious tricks involves using completely different serving sizes. As a result, the consumer would most likely need a calculator to make a fair assessment.
For instance, Product A claims to have 100 calories while Product B has 200. At first, Product A sounds better for the calorie conscious than Product B. However, if the 100 calories for Product A comes from a 25 gram serving size and Product B bases their calories on a 52 gram serving, then Product B actually has fewer calories per gram.
Confused? Take a look at how the two products break down
Product A Product B
Calories: 100, Serving Size: 25 grams Calories 200, Serving Size = 52 grams
Calories per gram = 100 cal / 25 g Calories per gram = 200 cal / 52 g
= 4 cal / g = 3.85 cal / g
Calories per 30 grams = 4 cal/g * 30g Calories per 30 grams = 3.85 cal/g * 30g
= 120 calories = 115.5 calories
Ø Product A (120 calories) > Product B (115.5 calories)