Unbiased Whey Six Star Isolate Protein Powder Review

I’m going to do a Six Star Protein Isolate review! I was walking through the supplement aisle at Walgreens. I told myself, “Today is the day.” I’m going to buy it.

Can a budget protein powder on the market compare the premium branded $30 “Gold Standard.” This is how I ended up with Six Star’s Whey Isolate!

I want to answer two questions with this Six Star protein review

• Can a budget WPI  be as bad as everyone claims it to be?
• Is Six Star a good brand?

Let’s get into the review and find out.

As a reviewer with credentials including NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Precision Nutrition Nutritionist, and CISSN certified by the ISSN, my aim is to provide you with an accurate and unbiased review.

Every product I review is tested personally. I don’t just rely on online research; I use these products in my daily routine. This hands-on experience ensures that my reviews are based on real, practical usage, not just specifications and claims.

The products I choose to review are selected based on reader requests, market relevance, and personal interest. I’m not sponsored by any of the brands featured, which allows me to provide impartial evaluations without any external influence.

I believe in transparency. It’s important to note that my posts may contain affiliate links. Rest assured that these links won’t cost you any extra, but if you choose to make a purchase through them, we may receive a commission.I am also not affiliated with any protein company.

Best Place to Buy Six Star Whey

Of all the big-box retailers that I purchased this isolate, you would never guess where…

Walgreens.

Walgreens had Six Star WPI priced at $24.99. Direct from Six Star is $26.99. What about Walmart or Amazon? Both places have it priced at $19.28.

• 20 servings at $24.99, $1.25 per serving.

There is no bulk value container. This is the only container that Six Star Nutrition is offering.

Value: 8. $1.25 per serving is above average pricing for an isolate. I’ve seen some company’s charge more for a multi-use/mixed protein. Heck, some companies charge close to $2 for a concentrate. If you’re on a budget and need protein, this is a great value.

Now, let’s get real for a sec – I know you’re wondering if this is just another overhyped protein powder. I was skeptical too, but here’s what I found out…

Is Six Star Pro Nutrition Whey Protein Spiked?

Reading the ingredient list doesn’t read anything out of the ordinary. Like all quality protein supplements, protein is the first ingredient.

The label states these facts

• 26g protein per scoop
• 5.7g BCAAs*
• 2g Carbs

The asterisks state that 5.7g is from protein.

Protein Spiking: 10, it’s not spiked with this label. I contacted Six Star to see an amino acid profile of their product, they never responded.

How Does Six Star Whey Protein Isolate Mix?

You ever drink Carnation Instant Breakfast? It’s in the breakfast aisle. Marketed for kids or high schoolers who “don’t have time for breakfast” and for the parent who wants their kid to eat.

Six Star protein mixes similar to Carnation’s Instant Breakfast. Milk clumps the protein. Using water, it’s okay. Using a blender is the best.

Mixability: 7. Isolates usually mix easy with water. This one does well sometimes. It does mix well with milk. It’s average. If I had to pick between water or milk to mix. Mix with water. Drink with milk to improve the flavor.

Six Star Protein Powder Ingredients

Here is the ingredient list for Six Star whey isolate protein powder.

Hey, I get it – details matter, especially when it comes to what we put in our bodies. So here’s a closer look at what’s inside this tub of Six Star.

Six Star Whey Protein Ingredients

1. Whey Protein Isolate: The primary ingredient, whey protein isolate is a highly purified form of protein that contains a minimal amount of fat and lactose. It’s included for its high protein content, which is essential for muscle building and recovery.
2. Natural and Artificial Flavors: These are added to enhance the taste of the protein powder, making it more palatable and enjoyable to consume.
3. Salt (Sodium Chloride): A small amount of salt can improve the overall flavor of the protein powder and may also be used to balance the sweetness.
4. Xanthan Gum: This is a thickening agent used to improve the texture of the protein shake. It helps to give the shake a more consistent and smooth consistency.
5. Sucralose: A zero-calorie artificial sweetener used in place of sugar to provide sweetness without adding additional calories or impacting blood sugar levels.
6. Protease and Bromelain (listed as components of ProHydrolase): These are digestive enzymes. Protease helps in breaking down protein into amino acids, making it easier to digest, while bromelain, found in pineapples, also aids in protein digestion. The inclusion of these enzymes can enhance the efficiency of protein absorption in the body.
7. Soy Lecithin: Often used as an emulsifier, soy lecithin helps to ensure that the protein powder mixes well with liquids without clumping, improving mixability.
8. Maltodextrin: This is a carbohydrate that can be added as a filler or to improve the texture and mouthfeel of the protein powder. It can also provide a quick source of energy.

Six Star Whey Isolate Amplified with ProHydrolase

When reading the label, Six Star whey isolate is amplified with ProHydrolase. It’s a marketing spin for a couple of enzymes.

Protease and Bromelain (listed as components of ProHydrolase): These are digestive enzymes. Protease helps in breaking down protein into amino acids, making it easier to digest, while bromelain, found in pineapples, also aids in protein digestion. The inclusion of these enzymes can enhance the efficiency of protein absorption in the body.

What can ProHydrolase do for you?

• Boost your protein intake
• Help build lean muscle
• Accelerate workout recovery

What Is Prohydrolase?

You’re wondering what is Prohydrolase and what are the ingredients?

Prohydrolase are two digestive (Protease and Bromelain) enzyemes to improve protein digestion and effectiveness of protein. Research suggets that protein absorption is increased by 20%.

Is that true?

Does Prohydrolase Work?

Since it’s on the label, “Six Star whey isolate is amplified with ProHydrolase.” Six Star was nice enough to include the research study.

Prohydrolase is added to whey protein and how it affects amino acids in the body and muscle building signals after resistance exercise in trained guys. Here’s what researchers did.

What Researchers Did

Ten guys performed leg exercises. Guys drank one of three things: ProHydrolase with whey protein, just whey protein, or a fake drink with no nutrients. They took blood samples and muscle pieces before and after exercising to see what happened inside their bodies.

What Researchers Found

• Amino Acids: When the guys drank ProHydrolase with whey, their blood had more amino acids (the building blocks for muscles) than when they drank the fake drink, especially 30 minutes and 3 hours after drinking it. But, compared to just whey protein, the difference wasn’t big.
• Muscle Building Signals: They checked things in the muscles that tell us if the body is building muscle. These signals were mostly the same no matter what the guys drank.

Shortfalls of the Prohydrolase Study

• Small Group: They only tested ten guys, so it’s a small group.
• No Big Difference with Just Whey: The enzyme mix didn’t make a huge difference compared to just drinking whey protein.
• Limited Testing: They only tested certain things in the blood and muscles, so there might be other effects they didn’t see.

Is Prohydralse Effective at Building Muscle?

In summary, adding ProHydrolase to whey protein might help get more amino acids into the blood quickly after exercising, but it doesn’t make a huge difference compared to just whey protein in terms of muscle building signals.

This is a bit like saying adding a special ingredient to a superhero’s drink might make him a tiny bit stronger, but not enough to notice a big change.

Ingredient List: 8. The ingredient list is extensive. Some people may hate seeing soy on the list, I don’t mind. Others might hate seeing an artificial sweetener, it’s fine.

Six Star Protein Isolate Nutrition Facts

32g per one scoop, 20 servings per container

• Calories 120 calories per serving
• Total fat .5g
• 2 grams of carbohydrate
• 26 grams of protein per serving

Protein content per serving is 81%, 19% is filler.

In appearcne, Six Star whey isolate protein powder appear to be a good quality protein. Then again, I never received an amino acid profile from Six Star.

I’m questioning is Six Star whey the best protein powder for people on a budget.

Is Six Star Protein Powder Lactose Free?

DIgestive enzyes are found in Six Star whey isolate protein powder. Unfortunately, lactose is not one of the digestive enzymes.

I experienced some digestive issues drinking Six Star whey isolate protein powder.

Six Star Whey Protein, How To Use?

I would recommend getting 2 scoops with Six Star whey isolate protein powder. Six Star whey isolate protein powder is best taken post-workout, within 30 minutes to help aid in recovery time.

Six Star whey isolate protein powder could be used as an anytime snack option.

I wouldn’t use Six Star whey isolate protein powder as a meal replacement. There is no fiber and very low fat, making this protein powder leaving you wanting more food in 45 minutes.

Warning
Take 2 scoops of Six Star whey isolate protein powder is going to wreck your GI tract.

Ingredient Profile: 8.5. With these budget isolates, carbs are important for the flavor profile. I’m questioning the amount of protein per serving. Sitting at 81%, that’s a high number from a budget protein. A (re)review is in order.

Okay, let’s talk taste – because we all know that no matter how good the protein stats are, if it tastes like cardboard, it’s a no-go, right?

How Does Six Star Whey Protein Powder Taste?

I’m happy to report that the 20 serving container I purchased is almost gone. I didn’t mind Six Star’s Decadent Chocolate flavor.

I told myself, “Okay, this is okay.” To improve the flavor, use low-fat milk. I’m going to be honest with you…

I can’t drink six star whey isolate protein powder with water anymore.

Are There Different Flavors of Six Star Protein?

You only have two choices: Chocolate or vanilla.

Currently, on Amazon, Six Star has earned a 4.4 out of 5 stars. The majority of reviewers were lukewarm, some positive, on vanilla. Majority of users echoed my chocolate issues. PASS! 

Flavor: 6.5. Six Star isolate isn’t as bad as some budget-branded protein. I can’t do it anymore. Milk makes everything taste better. Don’t use water, you’ll regret it.

Is Six Star Whey Isolate Protein Good?

Wrapping up the Six Star Whey Isolate Protein Powder review, let’s get real for a moment.

Is Six Star whey isolate protein powder good?
Here’s the scoop: while this protein powder has some solid perks like its budget-friendly price and decent mixability, there’s a big question mark hanging over it – the missing amino acid profile.

I reached out to Six Star for the deets on this, but guess what? Crickets. Nada. No response.

The signs are all there that this protein could be a money grab…

This silence speaks volumes. Without this crucial piece of info, I’m left wondering if we’re really getting the protein bang for our buck. It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with a missing piece – you can see the big picture, but you’re just not sure it’s complete.

The signs are all there that this protein could be a money grab…

So, here’s my take: if you’re pinching pennies and need a protein fix, Six Star might do the trick. But, if you’re all about maximizing your gains and knowing exactly what you’re fueling your body with, you might want to hold off until Six Star steps up with that amino acid profile.

For now, I’m filing Six Star under “could be a great budget option, but the jury’s still out.” Stay tuned for a possible re-review if they ever get back to me with that amino acid profile.

Until then, keep lifting, keep sipping, but maybe keep an eye out for other options too.

Budget Priced Alternatives to Six Star Nutrition Protein

Six Star Whey Protein vs Gold Standard

Best blended protein you can buy. Earned a 92%. My only knock is that Gold Standard is a blended protein. Priced point is very reasonable for the best. Buy direct from Amazon.

MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate

If you’re on a budget, the number of serving you get with MyProtein is the best. Sitting at a 75% final score, there are some issues. The big one is MyProtein is a spiked protein. If that doesn’t bother you, you can get MyProtein from Amazon.

Alani Nu Protein Powder

Great value protein, with a 78%. The only knock on this protein is I wasn’t able to get an amino acid profile. Alani Nu is the only powder that has a digestive enzyme to avoid any sort of discomfort. Alani Nu can be purchased in store at Walmart or through Amazon.

PEScience Select Protein

PEScience Select protein is on this list to inform you to stay away. The typical misdirect of the facts: free samples and content. The information is provided to buy their products. Don’t get me started on the customer service offered by PEScience. If you like the price point, buy it from Amazon.

Insane Labz Insane Whey

Offering ridiculous value AND an insanely high amino acid profile. It’s on this list to inform you to stay away. If you’re not fettered by my words. Stay away from the birthday flavor. Buy direct from Amazon.

Six Star Protein Review Round Up

Sources

Townsend, J. R., Morimune, J., Jones, M., Beuning, C. N., Haase, A. A., Boot, C. M., Heffington, S. H., Littlefield, L. A., Henry, R., Marshall, A., VanDusseldorp, T. A., Feito, Y., & Mangine, G. T. (2020). The effect of ProHydrolase® on the amino acid and intramuscular anabolic signaling response to resistance exercise in trained males. Sports, 8(2), 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports8020013