Compare whey protein concentrate on the protein per scoop, the ingredients list and the cost per 25g of protein. Concentrate is the least filtered form of whey powder, so it keeps more of milk's lactose and fat than isolate, and it is the usual starting point when you compare protein powder on price.
All protein powder · All whey protein · Whey isolate · Protein blends · Mass gainers · Casein
Filters
Clear all
What is whey protein concentrate?
Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is whey that has been filtered and dried but contains less than 89.5% protein, the point at which the American Dairy Products Institute would call it an isolate. Under the ADPI specification, whey protein products below 89.5% protein are concentrates.
Some products in this collection are labelled as concentrate; others are "100% whey" products that may combine concentrate with other types of whey. The ingredients list confirms which type of whey is used.
What does WPC 80 mean?
WPC 80 means whey protein concentrate that is about 80% protein: the ADPI specification sets a minimum of 79.5% protein on a dry basis for WPC 80 (measured with the water removed). There is also a WPC 34 grade, with a minimum of 33.5% protein and up to 55% lactose, which is used more as a food ingredient than as a protein powder.
| Grade | Protein (minimum) | Lactose (maximum) | In plain terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPC 34 | 33.5% | 55% | About a third protein, more sugar than protein |
| WPC 80 | 79.5% | 13% | About four-fifths protein |
| WPI 90 (isolate) | 89.5% | 4% | About nine-tenths protein |
These are raw-ingredient figures. Your tub will show less protein per 100g once flavouring and sweetener are added.
Whey concentrate vs isolate: which is better?
Neither is better for everyone. The real differences are the protein percentage, the lactose content and the price per 25g of protein, and the protein in both is whey. Where a product is at least a source of protein, the same authorised claim applies to both: protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
If lactose bothers you, isolate has less of it. If it doesn't, concentrate often gives similar protein per serving for less money. See whey isolate to compare.
Does whey concentrate contain lactose?
Yes. The ADPI specification allows up to 13g of lactose per 100g of WPC 80, more than three times the 4g allowed in isolate. The NHS says lactose intolerance can cause symptoms such as bloating and diarrhoea, but does not cause severe reactions.
Concentrate is still a milk product, so it is not suitable for anyone with a milk allergy. If you think dairy disagrees with you, the NHS advises speaking to a GP or dietitian before cutting it out.
Why does protein per scoop vary between concentrates?
Because scoop sizes, flavour systems and added ingredients differ, even when the whey itself is the same grade. One tub might use a 25g scoop and another 33g, and chocolate or dessert flavours take up more room than an unflavoured powder. This collection includes a "natural" unflavoured concentrate alongside flavoured ones.
The ingredients list is in descending order of weight, so check that whey concentrate comes first. "I've noticed substantial differences in prices between brands offering similar ingredients and dosages," says Andy Arshad, who runs SupplementHQ.
What else is in a whey concentrate?
Usually flavourings, a sweetener, and sometimes a thickener or emulsifier to help it mix. In the UK, additives must be assessed for safety before they can be used in food, and sweeteners must undergo a safety evaluation before they are authorised.
The label must say what each additive does, followed by its name or E number, so you can see exactly what you're getting. Our guide to reading a supplement label explains the rest.
How do you compare whey concentrate on value?
Calculate the cost per 25g of protein rather than the cost per tub or per scoop. Bigger tubs often work out cheaper per gram of protein, but not always.
How to compare value (example figures, not real products): Tub A costs £25 for 1kg, with 21g of protein per 30g scoop: 33 servings, 700g of protein, about 89p per 25g. Tub B costs £40 for 2kg, with 24g of protein per 33g scoop: about 60 servings, about 1,450g of protein, about 69p per 25g. Tub B costs £15 more but about 23% less per 25g of protein.
"Concentrate, isolate and blends are marketed differently, and customers can end up paying considerably more without fully understanding what they're getting," says Andy. "A well-known brand isn't necessarily the best-value option, and a cheaper tub isn't necessarily the most economical." Compare every type in all protein powder.
We sell the products on this page. That's our commercial interest, and it's why we show the evidence alongside them. This page is general information for adults, not personalised medical advice. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet.
Written by Andy Arshad, SupplementHQ. Last reviewed 11 October 2026.