Doesn't Mix Well (Need a Blender), Foams Excessively (Fixable Issue), Great Neutral Taste
UPDATE (after going through a 5lb bag): I decided to upgrade my review to 5 stars despite mixing issues, which only exist because there are no additives (mainly no lecithin of any kind, for which I'm grateful), because the protein tastes so neutral both on its own and in smoothies. It also has the best individual protein profile I've seen and has a nice thin consistency when mixed, which is probably what gives it a more neutral taste over other proteins. Lastly, the protein sits really well with me (other proteins will give me acid reflux/make me feel bloated). As long as you don't drink it while it's foamy (see mixing tips below), you shouldn't feel bloated. This is probably the least bloating protein I've tried since it's thin when mixed and the only ingredient is whey.<br /><br />Mixing Tips: a large blender that allows you to drop the protein in from the top while you have the water moving is the best, but any will do.<br />I've found that pressing the stir/mix button on the blender gently while dumping an entire scoop of the protein into half a cup of water while the water is just moving is good enough to mix it (it takes a few seconds). There is still quite a bit of foam, but enough of it will settle in a few minutes to make it drinkable. I separate any remaining foam and put it in the fridge to settle so I can drink it later (it doesn't amount to much but probably still a few grams of protein). Alternatively, I'll mix the protein a few hours before I want it and let it sit in the fridge until the foam settles. SMOOTHIE TIP: to make a smoothie, I mix the protein, let it settle as I just mentioned, and set it aside. Then, I blend all the smoothie ingredients in the blender, pour the smoothie mix into the shaker with the protein, and stir with a spoon to combine. Stirring the rest of the smoothie into the mixed protein ensures that no foam is created. You end up with a smooth shake. I find that thick fruits, like a full banana, in the smoothie work the best to neutralize any remaining whey flavor over thinner fruits like watermelon.<br />______________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />Previous Review (after a few days of trying the protein):<br /><br />The reason why I gave this protein four stars instead of five is because it should really come with a warning that it requires a blender to mix. If you try to stir it, it will clump and stick to the side of your glass. If you try to shake it, it will foam like crazy but still be clumpy. Both of these methods of mixing make the protein undrinkable. You have to mix it in a blender ever so slowly to get it to mix well enough to drink. However, despite mixing it intermittently on the slowest speed, you will still end up with 50% foam. I use this blender method and reduce the foam by putting the mixture through a fine mesh strainer. I discard the strained foam.<br /><br />I mix the protein with water. To make a fruit/vegetable shake, I would use the method I described above with water or milk, strain out the foam, then mix it in by hand to the rest of the shake (if you use a blender to mix the protein with the rest of your shake ingredients, it will foam too much to be drinkable. Although if you have a very small blending container, it may work as there wouldn't be as much air circulating within it to make it foam).<br /><br />Other than the issue of mixing, the protein has a great neutral taste and the best amino acid profile I've seen. It's also nice that it's from grass fed cows and is not a byproduct of the cheese making process as most other proteins are. For these reasons, I think I can deal with the mixing issue.
Rating: 5 stars