Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder Review

Ascent Native Fuel Whey protein powder requires an indepth review.

Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder has been turning heads, but is it the muscle-building marvel it’s made out to be?

Ascent’s Native Fuel Whey isn’t just another tub on the shelf. It’s a concoction that’s stirred up quite the buzz. But before you commit your cash, let’s break it down, ingredient by ingredient. Does it pack the protein punch you need, or is it all just fancy packaging?

The label’s a bit of a teaser, not spelling out if it’s an isolate. But worry not, we’re here to clear the haze. Let’s cut through the marketing fluff and see if Ascent Native Fuel Whey is really worth your workout and your wallet.

🌟 As a certified expert in strength, conditioning (NSCA), nutrition (Precision Nutrition, CISSN), I bring a hands-on, unbiased approach to my protein reviews. My insights come from personal use, not just research, ensuring you get real-world feedback on each product.

👥 I choose products for review based on your requests, their relevance, and my genuine interest. This isn’t influenced by brand sponsorships, allowing me to maintain impartiality.

💼 Transparency matters to me: while I may use affiliate links, they don’t cost you extra. Purchases made through these links might earn me a small commission, but they don’t sway my opinions or the integrity of my reviews.

🔍 Rest assured, my focus is on providing clear, honest reviews to help you make informed decisions.

Unlocking the Benefits of Native Whey Protein

I know nothing about native whey. I have some questions that I would like answered in this review.

1. Is Native Whey Effective for Muscle Protein Synthesis?
2. Comparing Native Whey vs. Whey Protein for Muscle Building
3. Understanding the Science Behind Native Whey’s Muscle-Building Potential

🛍️ Is Ascent Whey Protein Powder Worth Your Money?

eyeing up Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein, weighing up whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash. Here’s the breakdown to help guide your decision:

Amazon’s knocking it out with a $39.75 tag for a 2-pound tub, serving up 29 scoops at $1.34 each. The 4-pound heavyweight comes in at $64.99, breaking down to $1.20 per serving.

But before you hit ‘Add to Cart,’ let’s not overlook AscentProtein.com. They’re in the ring with a 2-pounder at $41.99 ($1.44 per serve) and a 4-pounder at $69.99 ($1.30 per serve). Feeling loyal? Subscribe and shave off 10%, dropping your costs to $1.30 and $1.17 respectively.

But here’s the twist – I took a different route. Amidst the pandemic pandemonium, I stumbled upon Ascent Native Fuel squatting on the shelves at my local Target. Initially, I passed it over for Premier Protein, but curiosity got the better of me. I snagged the Vanilla Bean 2-pounder for $38.99, breaking down to $1.34 per scoop.

Target, though, that’s where the real deal’s at. Free shipping on orders over $35, a 20% Target Circle discount, and a storewide 20% off at the time of purchase meant I walked away with Ascent Native Fuel for a steal at $24.95 – a mere $0.86 per serving!

But here’s the kicker – the value isn’t just about price tags. This protein has its quirks, and they’re not all sweet. So, is Ascent Whey Protein Powder your budget’s best buddy?

Keep reading to find out.

Value: 2.5. It’s clear this isn’t just about snagging a bargain. There are issues tucked away in this protein powder’s closet – from protein spiking concerns to other hiccups I’ll be diving into. It might just be if you play your cards right. But keep those eyes peeled – it’s not all sunshine and muscle gains with this one.

🔬 Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein: A Deep Dive into Amino Acids and Muscle Building?

When it comes to building muscle and aiding recovery, the amino acid profile of your protein powder is king. Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein steps up with a blend boasting 5.7g of BCAAs and 12.1g of essential amino acids per serving, making it a strong contender in the protein game.

But the real star is the 2.7g of leucine, known for its muscle protein synthesis prowess.

Native Proteins Unveiled: What Sets Ascent Apart?

Native proteins, the heart of Ascent Native Fuel Whey, are touted as the gold standard in protein purity. Unlike regular whey proteins that are a by-product of cheese production, native whey is directly filtered from high-quality milk, retaining more of its natural nutrients and boasting higher leucine levels.

But does this make it the ultimate muscle-building formula? Let’s delve into the science and real-world applications to find out.

Effectiveness of Native Whey: Unpacking the Research

A 12-week study pitted native whey against regular whey and a placebo, measuring their impact on muscle recovery and strength in young, active men.

The native whey group showed promising signs of enhanced muscle power and recovery, but the study’s unique methodology – using electrostimulation and jump training – raises questions about its applicability to conventional weight training routines.

🌅 Native Whey vs. Whey Concentrate: The Showdown

The International Society of Sports Supplementation conducted a riveting study comparing native whey and whey protein concentrate (WPC-80). While native whey spiked blood leucine levels more effectively, it didn’t translate to superior muscle-building results compared to WPC-80.

Another study echoed these findings, showing no significant advantage of native whey over WPC-80 in promoting muscle growth in elderly individuals post-resistance exercise.

🥇🥈🥉 Ranking Protein Powders: Where Does Native Whey Stand?

Here’s the rundown:

1. Whey Protein Isolate: The frontrunner for muscle building, thanks to its high protein concentration and rapid absorption.
2. Whey Protein Concentrate: A close second, rich in leucine and essential amino acids.
3. Casein: The slow-digesting dark horse, ideal for prolonged muscle recovery and anti-catabolism.
4. Native Whey: Although high in quality, its muscle-building benefits are on par with standard whey protein.
5. Milk: A natural blend of whey and casein, offering a balanced protein source but less concentrated than isolated forms.

In the end, while native whey stands out for its purity and nutritional profile, it’s essential to weigh its benefits against its cost and your specific fitness goals. As the research suggests, sometimes a glass of milk or a scoop of whey concentrate may be more effective than native protein.

🆚 Amino Acid Profile Comparisons

Let’s put Ascent’s amino acid profile against other brands I’ve reviewed.

• Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
• Pure Choice
• Canadian Protein (premium & standard)
  

When compared to other protein brands, Ascent Native Whey has the least favorable amino acid profile.

Protein Spiking: 10 (it’s not spiked). There is a lot of marketing hype behind Ascent’s Native Whey. If you examine the heirarchy of protein powders, most to least effective: isolate, concentrate, casein, native whey, milk.

🤝 Does Native Whey Mix Well With Water?

Blended protein powders never mix well. Ascent protein powder is a blended protein: Native whey protein isolate, whey protein isolate, and concentrate. The direcations are to use 4 to 8 ounces of water. Clumps happen with

• Water
• Skim and any milk
• Juice
• Nut Milk

Mixability: 6. Ascent Protein showcases properties of a low-quality protein concentrate. Ascent Protein Powder clumps no matter what you use.

🍽️ Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder Ingredients

There hasn’t been much love given by my about this product. It’s time to give some love up!

Ingredient list of Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder

Ingredient	Description
Whey Protein Isolate Blend	This blend includes both Native Whey Protein Isolate and regular Whey Protein Isolate. Whey Protein Isolate is a high-quality protein source with a high protein content and minimal lactose and fat. Native Whey Protein Isolate is processed differently to retain more of the natural protein structure. Both are easily digestible and provide essential amino acids for muscle support.
Whey Protein Concentrate	Whey Protein Concentrate is a less processed form of whey protein compared to isolates. It contains slightly more fat and lactose but retains more of the beneficial nutrients found in whey. It’s still a valuable source of protein for muscle recovery.
Natural Flavors	Natural flavors are added to enhance the taste and provide a pleasant flavor to the protein powder. These flavors are derived from natural sources.
Lecithin	Lecithin is often used as an emulsifier in protein powders to improve mixability and texture. It helps the protein powder dissolve more easily in liquid. In this case, it’s likely derived from soy, considering the “Contains: Milk and Soy” statement.
Stevia Leaf Extract	Stevia leaf extract is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant. It adds sweetness to the protein powder without adding calories, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce sugar intake.
Sea Salt	Sea salt is used to enhance the overall flavor profile of the protein powder. It provides a subtle salty taste that can balance the sweetness from other ingredients.
Contains: Milk and Soy	This statement serves as an allergen warning, indicating that the protein powder contains ingredients derived from milk (whey protein) and soy (likely from lecithin). Individuals with milk or soy allergies should be cautious when consuming this product.

The first 3 ingredients are protein. Followed by flavoring, thickeners, and the no-calorie sweeteners. Stevia or monk fruit extract are the natural noncaloric sweeteners. Free of artificial sweeteners. 

This protein is two isolates and a concentrate. Ascent trying to save money by and not giving you a 100% native whey protein. THANK YOU FOR NOT DOING THAT (as we learned above)!

Ingredient Profile: 10. Outside the protein, you only have 4 ingredients. 3 are for flavoring, one for thickening the product. Contains no artificial flavors and sweeteners. I LOVE IT!

📋 Ascent Native Fuel Whey Nutrition Facts

2-pound container of Vanilla Bean Ascent Native Fuel Whey
About 29 servings per container, 1 Rounded Scoop (31g)

Contains 120 calories

• 1 gram of fat
• Sodium: 65mg
• Total Carbs: 2g
• Dietary Fiber <1g
• Total Sugars 1g
• 25 grams of protein

Ascent Native Fuel is 80% protein per serving.

🍨 Is Ascent Whey Lactose Free?

Diving into Ascent Native Whey, let’s clear the air: it’s not your lactose-free hero.

If you’re lactose-intolerant, tread carefully; this one might stir up a mini storm in your stomach. But hey, if you’re dodging gluten or need a protein that’s been given the third-party thumbs-up for quality, Ascent’s got your back.

⌛ What’s The Best Time to Use Ascent Protein?

Packed with a trio of protein powerhouses – native whey isolate, regular whey isolate, and whey concentrate – it’s like the Avengers of recovery fuel. This blend’s prime for kick-starting muscle repair and growth. Think of it as your gym session’s best follow-up act.

But here’s the twist – nestled in Denver, Ascent’s lineup begs the question: Why lean on native whey when the protein world’s your oyster? With a spectrum ranging from isolate to good ol’ milk, it’s about picking what packs the most punch for your muscles.

Curious about whey concentrate vs. the grass-fed league? Grass-fed’s often the VIP in the amino acid club. But here’s the kicker: Ascent’s blend is 80% protein, keeping things lean and clean, yet it leaves us pondering the price for what’s essentially a pumped-up glass of milk.

Macro Composition: 8. 80% of this protein powder is protein and it’s low sodium. The other 20% of this product is flavoring and thickening agent.

🍦 Taste Test: Ascent Native Fuel Whey – Vanilla Bean or Vanilla Blah?

When it comes to Ascent Protein, specifically their Vanilla Bean flavor, let’s just say it’s a mixed bag. If you’re like me, and stevia isn’t your cup of tea, brace yourself.

This sweetener tends to elbow its way into every sip, overpowering what could’ve been a delightful taste experience. Sure, stevia might be the sweetheart of the health-conscious crowd. But for me, it feels more like a third wheel on a date with your taste buds.

So, does it live up to the enticing ‘Vanilla Bean’ label? Eh, not quite.

Imagine a vanilla that’s done a budget cut – that’s what you get here. It’s the kind of vanilla that reminds you of those bargain-bin candles that promise gourmet scents but deliver something… less. However, it’s not all bad news. There’s no medicinal aftertaste to wrestle with, which is a plus in the protein powder playbook.

Flavor: 6. There are hints of vanilla in the flavor profile. There are better tasting vanillas in the market. Servicable, yes. Sensational, no.

Is Ascent Native Fuel Whey Good?

This bring us to the conclusion of this review. We need to ask this question,
is Ascent Native Fuel Whey Worth the Hype?

Ascent Native Fuel Whey steps into the protein game with some bold claims. It touts itself as a pure, fast-digesting isolate, boasting a high protein content per scoop and zero artificial nasties.

The label brags about “protein purity,” “least-processed protein,” and a hefty dose of naturally occurring leucine. But when you dig into the details, things get a bit murky.

Let’s cut through the marketing fluff. The hard truth? Research suggests you might be just as well off chugging a glass of milk as you would be spooning Ascent protein into your shaker. That’s right, despite the fancy label and high leucine promises, native whey might not be the muscle-building miracle it’s made out to be.

It’s not all doom and gloom.

Ascent Native Fuel Whey does have its perks. The ingredient list is clean and straightforward – a big plus in a world of overcomplicated supplements. And a whopping 80% protein content per scoop is nothing to scoff at.

Yet, let’s not get carried away by the native whey hype train. While it parades around as an “elite” protein, the science begs to differ, pointing out that you might be paying premium for what essentially boils down to milk’s overlooked cousin.

In conclusion, if you’re pinching pennies but still want a quality scoop, Ascent might just fit the bill. But remember, it’s a jungle out there in the protein world, and sometimes the loudest roar comes from the one with more bark than bite.

So, take the “Elite Protein at its Purest” claim with a grain of salt. Or, in this case, a scoop of skepticism.

Ascent Protein Powder Round Up

Sources

García-Vicencio, S., Ratel, S., Gryson, C., Masgrau, A., Piponnier, E., Brasy, J., Ruyet, P. L., Bucas, M., Barachon, N., Visseaux, V., Connan, Y., Montel, F., Lahaye, C., Boirie, Y., & Martín, V. (2018). A moderate supplementation of native whey protein promotes better muscle training and recovery adaptations than standard whey protein – a 12-Week Electrical Stimulation and plyometrics training study. Frontiers in Physiology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.01312

Hamarsland, H., Handegard, V., Kåshagen, M., Benestad, H. B., & Raastad, T. (2019). No Difference between Spray Dried Milk and Native Whey Supplementation with Strength Training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 51(1), 75–83. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0000000000001758

Hamarsland, H., Nordengen, A. L., Nyvik, S., Holte, K. T., Garthe, I., Paulsen, G., Cotter, M., Børsheim, E., Benestad, H. B., & Raastad, T. (2017). Native whey protein with high levels of leucine results in similar post-exercise muscular anabolic responses as regular whey protein: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0202-y

Roots, A. (2020, April 21). Native Whey – Facts & Fiction. Sourced the Right Whey^TM. https://agnroots.com/blogs/faq-the-best-unflavored-grassfed-whey/native-whey-facts-fiction

What is the difference between whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate? (n.d.). Ascent Protein. https://www.ascentprotein.com/blogs/nutrition/what-is-the-difference-between-whey-protein-isolate-and-whey-protein-concentrate