There’s no whey you haven’t heard about whey protein - especially if you’re a part of the keto community.

Whey protein is isolated from whey, which is the liquid part of milk that separates during cheese production. Milk contains both casein (80%) and whey (20%), and when cheese is produced, the fatty and watery parts separate, and whey forms as a byproduct.

As a liquid, whey is a mix of water, protein, fat, carbs, and lactose. After being separated, whey is processed into what people know as whey protein -  the powder that is frequently added to smoothies, shakes, protein bars, and more. Whey is processed in different ways - Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, and Whey Protein Hydrolysate, all containing a different percentage of protein, with Whey Protein Hydrolysate being broken down the furthest for rapid absorption.

Why Whey?

Whey is typically used in keto products due to the fact that it is low in carbs and helps to build muscle mass. It’s a convenient way to get in extra protein, as it can be added seamlessly into many meals. Additionally, because of how it’s processed, it’s already broken down into small molecules, allowing your digestive system to absorb it quickly.

You’ve heard the good, so you may be wondering, why doesn’t Mammoth include whey protein in their ketogenic ice cream? Sounds like a win, right? Not exactly.

We’re Against Whey

Whey protein adds extra (unnecessary) calories to your diet. If you’re getting an ample amount of protein from your regular diet, adding whey protein can just tack on the calories that you should be getting from whole foods that are high in protein such as, grass-fed beef, eggs, fish, nuts, and more.

Consuming whey in high doses can be known to cause stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and headaches. Because of the digestive harm whey can cause on the body, it can also make people feel fatigued, sluggish, and weak. Studies have also shown that whey protein can increase blood sugar levels.

Whey lacks the nutrients that can be found in whole foods, which is why we choose to make our healthy ice cream with whole ingredients like grass-fed butter and high-quality cream. We are what we eat, and we want to make sure our ingredients reflect that. Which is why we skip on these type of filler ingredients that provide no real nutritional value.

The cherry on top — because protein powder is a dietary supplement, it’s up to the manufacturer to determine the safety and labeling of the products. This means it’s not FDA regulated, which is enough to steer us a-whey.

The next time you’re choosing a keto product, be mindful of the ingredients on the label. While whey protein may seem like an easy, convenient way to get your necessary intake, there are healthier, more reliable ways to consume protein without the risks, (and the bloat).

If you’re looking for some whey-free options, order our keto ice cream online on our website or use our store locator to find the closest Mammoth Creameries keto ice cream near you.