Nutricost Whey Protein Powder Reviews: Our Experience Testing Two Options

How we test protein supplements

We began our process by researching the market: Which protein powders are popular and why? Which companies have positive reviews — and are those reviews legitimate? We also surveyed 300 adults ages 50-plus and convened a focus group with older adults who regularly take protein supplements. Their insights helped us pinpoint which factors matter most to older adults when choosing a protein powder and what drives overall satisfaction with these products. (We quote participants using pseudonyms to preserve their privacy.)

We consult with medical professionals to review the nutritional information and formulation of every supplement we test. Experts weigh in on each product’s active ingredients, potential additives and appropriateness for various age groups or health conditions. With the experts’ help, we ensure each supplement has independent third-party verification from organizations such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF International or the U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention. That’s especially important because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not typically evaluate supplements for safety or effectiveness.

Our lab team then purchases supplements that pass this initial screening. We recruit independent older adult consumer testers who prepare and evaluate the protein powders and answer questions about packaging, instructions, mixability, taste, texture and more. We also assess factors such as value and protein content per serving. For additional information, see our supplements testing methodology. 

How much do Nutricost supplements cost?

Nutricost protein powder prices vary depending on the formula, container size, flavor and where you buy them. To compare the two products fairly, it’s helpful to look at the cost per serving rather than the price of the container alone. 

On Amazon, Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate Powder costs $2.11 per serving, compared with $1.68 for the Nutricost Whey Protein Concentrate Powder. 

Another cost consideration: Although the concentrate costs 0.43 cents less per serving, the isolate provides 5 more grams of protein. Advice from your healthcare provider on how much protein you should consume can help inform your choice.

Prices can also vary depending on where you shop. Both products are also available on Amazon, where prices are lower than those listed on Nutricost’s website (we’ve included the Amazon prices here). It can be helpful to compare retailers for the most up-to-date pricing before buying. 

Larger containers may also offer a lower price per serving, but they aren’t necessarily the best choice for everyone. If you’re trying a protein powder for the first time, buying a smaller size may help you avoid spending money on a product with a taste or texture you don’t enjoy. 

Price isn’t the only consideration, though. If you prefer the isolate’s smoother consistency or need a lower-lactose option, paying a little more may be worthwhile. Container size also mattered to our consumer testers. One tester felt that the 5-pound tub of whey isolate would be more practical for two people sharing the powder than for someone using it alone. 

Before buying, compare serving counts, check for available discounts and consider how often you realistically expect to use the powder. You can also explore low-cost protein sources if you’d prefer to get more of your daily protein from food. 

Is Nutricost right for you? 

Both Nutricost whey protein powders performed well in our assessments, but the right choice depends on your protein goals, taste preferences, digestive tolerance and budget. 

Consider your health history, allergies, ingredient preferences and independent testing rather than choosing a powder based on brand recognition alone, says LeRitz, the Toronto-based registered dietitian. “So ultimately, I do not believe that there is one “best” protein powder for older adults,” he says. 

Do you need at least 25 grams of protein per serving? 

If you need a higher amount of protein, Nutricost may be a good option, as both powders had some of the highest protein per serving of any protein supplement we tested.

The amount you need depends on your weight, activity level and overall health. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of body weight per day. For someone who weighs 150 pounds, that’s about 82 to 109 grams of protein daily. 

People who participate in regular resistance training or are recovering from illness or surgery may have different needs. Those with certain medical conditions, including kidney disease, may require an individualized protein target. 

Is taste the most important factor to you? 

If you’re like the 77 percent of respondents to our survey who said “taste” was the most important factor when choosing a protein supplement, then Nutricost — specifically the concentrate — may be a good option. 

Our testers enjoyed both vanilla powders, but preferred the concentrate’s flavor. They found the isolate smoother and easier to mix, although shaking it created more foam. The concentrate needed extra shaking and sometimes left clumps behind. Some testers found the isolate tasted more strongly of sucralose, an artificial sweetener. 

If easy mixing is your priority, the isolate may be the better choice. If you prefer a sweeter vanilla flavor and don’t mind shaking your drink a little longer, the concentrate could be a good fit. 

Do you have a strict budget? 

If so, Nutricost has one of the lowest prices per serving of all the protein powders we’ve tested. 

A 2-pound container of Nutricost Whey Protein Isolate costs $52.95 on Amazon, or approximately $2.11 per serving. The same size of Whey Protein Concentrate costs $41.95, or about $1.68 per serving.

Comparing prices is important, as cost was the most commonly reported barrier to consistent supplement use in AARP’s 2026 protein supplements survey, selected by nearly 33 percent of respondents.

Do you have milk allergies or sensitivities? 

Both Nutricost products we tested contain whey protein derived from cow’s milk, so neither is suitable for someone with a milk allergy. 

However, whey isolate generally has less lactose than concentrate, so some people may tolerate it better. Filtration removes much of the lactose from whey isolate, although individual tolerance varies, says LeRitz, the registered dietitian in Toronto. 

Other ingredients can contribute to digestive discomfort, says Melanie Murphy Richter,* a registered dietitian nutritionist in Los Angeles. “Sometimes added ingredients, like sugar alcohols and certain fibers, cause more trouble than the protein itself,” she says. 

If you regularly experience digestive discomfort after consuming dairy products, a lactose-free or plant-based protein powder may be worth considering instead.

Benefits of protein powders for older adults 

Protein powders can help older adults meet daily protein needs when appetite is low or it's hard to get enough protein from food. 

For older adults, getting enough protein may help: 

• Preserve muscle mass and reduce age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) 
• Support muscle growth and strength, particularly when combined with resistance training
• Maintain bone health 
• Support immune function 
• Promote tissue repair and recovery after illness, injury or surgery 

“Protein powders aren’t essential for older adults, but they can be an easy, convenient way to help meet protein needs,” says Cynthia Sass, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Los Angeles. 

Sass recommends using protein powders to complement, not replace, nutrient-rich foods that provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. For ideas on how to increase your protein intake through foods, see AARP’s high-protein meal plans.

Potential side effects of whey protein powder 

Whey protein powders are generally well tolerated, but some people may experience side effects, especially if they have lactose intolerance or sensitivities to certain ingredients. Possible side effects include: 

• Bloating and gas
• Stomach cramps 
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Allergic reactions 

People with chronic kidney disease should talk to their healthcare provider before using protein powder. Their protein needs may differ depending on kidney function and whether they receive dialysis.

Protein supplements may also interfere with certain medications due to any added vitamins, minerals or botanicals the powders may contain. If you take prescription medications or have an underlying health condition, ask your health care provider or pharmacist whether a protein supplement is appropriate for you.

FAQs

Where can you buy Nutricost protein powder?

The powders are available through the company’s website and online retailers, including Amazon. Before purchasing, compare container sizes, serving counts, flavors and return policies. The lowest container price doesn’t always mean the lowest cost per serving. 

What’s the difference between whey isolate and whey concentrate? 

Whey isolate and whey concentrate are both high-quality proteins derived from cow’s milk. 

Whey isolate is filtered more extensively to remove more lactose and fat, leaving a higher proportion of protein by weight. Whey concentrate undergoes less processing and typically costs less per serving. 

In our testing, the isolate mixed more smoothly, while the concentrate received especially positive flavor feedback. Both are complete proteins that can support muscle maintenance and repair. 

Is whey protein good for adults over 50? 

Whey protein can help adults over 50 meet protein needs. It supplies all nine essential amino acids, including leucine, which may help protect against age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia). 

Getting enough protein, especially when combined with resistance training, can help older adults maintain muscle mass and strength. Whey is not the only option. Soy is another complete protein, and appropriately formulated pea protein or other plant-based protein blends can also help meet protein requirements. 

Can you take whey protein every day? 

Many healthy adults can use whey protein daily as part of a balanced diet. A shake can be convenient, but it is not necessary for everyone. 

You can take protein powder with breakfast, after exercise or at another time that works for you. Meeting your daily protein target is more important than taking it at a specific time of day. If you’re unsure how much protein you need, a registered dietitian or your doctor can help you determine an appropriate daily target.

*Melanie Murphy Richter is the director of communications for L-Nutra. The company’s flagship brand, L-Nutra, sells “longevity nutrition” such as protein supplements and personalized nutrition coaching

Questions or feedback? Email us at AARPSmartPicks@aarp.org