Unbiased Pure Protein Powder Review

Pure Protein Powder is a budget-priced protein powder readily available at most physical locations. In this unbiased Pure Protein Powder review, I will examine whether it is worth your money. 

Buckle up. You’re in for a surprise. It’s not a good protein powder for building muscle. Yet, alone, it’s not a good protein powder.

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

👥 I choose products for review based on your requests, their relevance, and my genuine interest. Brand sponsorships don’t influence this review, allowing me to maintain impartiality.

💼 Transparency is a cornerstone of my reviews: I may use affiliate links, but 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. I believe in providing you with the most honest and unbiased information.

🔍 Rest assured, I focus on providing clear, honest reviews to help you make informed decisions. I delve into the details, examining each product’s ingredients, effectiveness, and value for money, so you can trust that you’re getting a comprehensive review.

📖 Pure Protein Powder Review Details

Pure Protein powder is a budget-friendly option for physically active individuals, offering a compelling alternative to overly expensive protein powders. Here’s what sets Pure 100% Whey apart when purchasing it.

• Two-source, mostly whey protein concentrate with isolate, fast digesting protein powder.
• Easy mixing and complete dispersion in liquid
• Supplies all the basics and essentials to support lean muscle growth, strength, and energy
• It contains electrolytes for hydration or rehydrating for workouts

Let’s get the basics out of the way.

Calories help with muscle growth, strength, and energy. Consuming protein-heavy foods and supplements will also promote muscle growth. 

Just like all other protein powders (Marketing hype).

What are the electrolytes necessary for the body to function?

Research suggests that electrolytes that help with bodily functions are (not limited to) sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium.

Electrolytes found in 100% Whey are the same as in other protein powders; Marketing hype. 

🏋️‍♂️  How to Use Pure Protein Powder

How should you use Pure 100% Whey? Should it be used as a post-workout, pre-workout, nighttime protein, or anytime protein?

Based on research, you should use Pure 100% Whey as a post-workout or anytime protein shake. That said, Pure Protein Powder is not an excellent post-workout protein or the best pre-workout protein due to potential bloating issues, and it’s not great as a nighttime protein due to the fast-digesting nature of whey protein concentrate and isolates. 

Numerous articles share that a high-protein diet will help you lose weight. Such articles as high protein diets are safe for healthy adults, consuming protein at 0.6 g/lb/bw lost more weight over six months, and high protein foods may help curb hunger.

If you’re someone like me who is ravishingly hungry post-workout, incorporating protein into your diet will keep you on track with your weight loss goals. In that article, I share some post-workout meal ideas you can incorporate after drinking your protein shake. 

Keep reading this Pure Protein review to find out how many Pure 100% Whey scoops you should take after a workout.

 💪How Many Scoops of Pure Protein Powder

As always, in these unbiased protein powder reviews, I reference “How Much Protein to Maximize Muscle Growth.” That academic article states that you should consume at least 25 grams of protein and up to 3 grams of leucine post-workout. 

I examined the protein sources in Pure 100% Whey. The label lists two fast-digesting protein powders and an amino acid profile with 2.3 grams of Leucine per serving. To stimulate muscle protein synthesis, you should use 1.5 scoops post-workout. 

🛒 Where is The Best Place to Buy Pure 100% Whey Protein

You can purchase Pure 100% Protein virtually anywhere. I snared a tub at Wisconsin’s Favorite Grocery Store for $28.99 in my area. Oddly enough, that’s the universal price regardless of where you purchase Pure 100% Whey Protein. 

Pure 100% Whey Protein offers different serving sizes depending on your flavor.

• Rich Chocolate 19 servings
• Vanilla Milkshake 20 servings

Examining all online outlets, most places charge $28.99 to $1.49 per serving. So, where is the best place to buy Pure Protein 100% Whey?

• Direct from Pure Protein: 10% S&S at $26.09, $1.33 per serving
  • Two-packs are exclusive at Pure Protein, with the base price of $57.98, $1.48 per serving (S&S $52.18, $1.33 per serving)
• Amazon, S&S at $27.54, $1.41 per serving

Based on the per-serving price, the best place to buy Pure Protein 100% pure protein whey is directly from Pure Protein. The 10% savings with their Subscribe & Save offers the best value, regardless of the size selected.  Amazon is second with its 5% S&S feature.

Purchasing directly from Pure Protein requires over $85 for free 1 to 3-day shipping. Amazon Prime members get free S&H. 

💸 Pure Protein 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Pure Protein 100% Whey does offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Here are the basics.

• Eligible for a return within 90 days of purchase
• Reason for return
• Send to one of three appropriate addresses listed on the Pure Protein Satisfaction Guarantee page

Here’s what Pure 100% Protein doesn’t share upfront

• Inclusive to only purchases through the Pure Protein website
• You pay the return S&H

It’s a nice touch knowing that if you don’t enjoy Pure Protein’s 100% Whey, you can return the product, even after opening it. 

Value: 2.5 out of 10. Pure Protein 100% Whey is marketed as a budget-priced protein. That’s a decent value, especially when purchasing Pure 100% Protein for less than $1.50 per serving. But here’s the question: Does a budget protein powder consistently deliver a high-quality product? 

Keep reading this unbiased Pure Protein Powder review to see where Pure Protein is skimping on quality.

⚛️ Is Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein Amino Spiked?

Yes, Pure 100% Whey is amino spiked. How do I know?

The amino acid profile is printed at the bottom. What is also lovely about Pure Protein 100% Whey is that a bullet list shares the typical amount of BCAAs per serving. I created a table showing the typical amino acid per serving vs. BCAAs from protein per serving.

	Typical Amino Acid Profile per serving (39.6g scoop)	5g BCAA profile from protein
Leucine	2.6 grams	2.3 grams
Isoleucine	1.5 grams	1.5 grams
Valine	1.4 grams	1.4 grams

There is a difference between .3 grams of leucine per scoop and the BCAA profile per protein. The reality is that Pure Protein is 100% Whey, closer to 23 grams of protein per serving. 

Then again, Pure Protein 100% Whey adds .3 grams of leucine per serving. Where does it stop?

This is another tale of amino spiking. With protein powders, the average amount of leucine falls between 10% and 11%. 20 grams of protein usually equates to 5 grams of BCAAs.

Either Pure 100% Whey uses low-quality protein powder from an internationally sourced provider. Or is the label still covering up for amino spiking?

📜 Is Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein 3rd Party Tested

Pure Protein 100% Whey is not 3rd party tested. No information is shared on the website on who does independent testing for the protein. 

As we learned in the previous section, you’re purchasing protein powder closer to 23 grams per serving. The supplement facts may contain up to a 20% error without a third-party seal to verify the nutrition facts. 

Here’s the reality about Pure 100% Protein: It’s an amino-spiked protein. Without that third-party seal, it verifies the nutrition facts (and potentially banned substances for athletes).

The amount of protein could be 18 grams of protein per serving.

Amino Spiking: 5 out of 10. We found out that Pure Protein 100% Whey is an amino spiked protein. It’s also very possible that the actual amount of protein could be 18 grams per scoop. Keep reading this Pure Protein Powder review on where you’re not getting a high-quality protein powder. 

🥤 How to Mix 100% Pure Protein Powder

The instructions to mix 100% Pure Protein Powder are as follows

1. One scoop into your favorite beverage

No amount of fluid is shared. Due to the higher weight of 100% Pure Protein Powder, I recommend using 8 to 10 ounces. It is advertised you can prepare Pure Protein Powder with a blender, shaker, and glass & spoon. 

If you don’t regularly exercise, you can mix Pure Protein Powder with a glass and spoon. 

⚖️Powder Scoop Size

A standard scoop is 39.6 grams for Vanilla Milkshake. The majority of budget-priced protein powders usually weigh more when compared to other high-quality protein brands.

Shakability Test: 8.5 out of 10. Some trace powder specs are on the shaker walls and under the lid. Is it a near-perfect shaking experience? No. However, it is painless. The lack of fluid amount is mildly infuriating. 

📋 What Are the Ingredients in Pure Whey Vanilla Milkshake Protein Powder?

Here is a table of the ingredients found in Pure Whey Vanilla Milkshake Protein Powder. The ingredient list isn’t 100% truthful of what is being used as an emulsifier.

Ingredient	Purpose
Protein Blend (Ultrafiltered Whey Protein Concentrate, Microfiltered Whey Protein Isolate)	The source of the protein powder
Maltodextrin	A carbohydrate that acts as a quick source of energy and improves texture.
Natural and Artificial Flavors	It enhances the taste, giving the powder its vanilla milkshake flavor.
Cellulose Gum	A thickening agent that improves texture
Lecithin	An emulsifier that helps mix the powder smoothly with liquids.
Xanthan Gum	Stabilizes and thickens the powder to improve consistency.
Calcium Carbonate	A source of calcium that supports bone health and acts as an antacid.
Calcium Phosphate	Provides additional calcium and phosphorus, supporting bone and dental health.
Acesulfame Potassium	A calorie-free sweetener that enhances sweetness without adding sugar.
Sucralose	A non-caloric sweetener used to provide sweetness without extra calories.

Here are the pros and cons of the Pure 100% Whey Protein ingredient list: Pro, minimal ingredient list. 

Cons

• Soy lecithin is the actual emulsifier
• “Bioengineered” is another term for GMO
• Not all information is transparent about the ingredient list
• Artificial sweeteners (if you’re in that camp)

Using internationally sourced protein is a commonly used cost-saving technique for budget protein powders. However, such information is kept private when the label and website are examined. 

Keep reading this Pure Protein Powder review, which I found speaking with a representative from Pure Protein. 

🌍 Does Pure Whey Protein Use USA-Sourced Protein Powder?

I sent an email requesting information on where the protein powder is sourced. However, I am still waiting to receive a follow-up.

What did I do and something all introverts hate doing… I contacted Pure Protein at the listed phone number: 1-800-854-5019. Surprisingly, I was put on a brief hold and got a representative in less than 60 seconds.

I spoke with Luke. He had this to share about Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein Supplement:

“The protein powder is manufactured stateside. If the product is manufactured in Canada, the product will be shared as ‘manufactured in Canada.’ However, due to the extensive nature of ingredients, we don’t have a complete list of where the ingredients are sourced.”

Enough said.

This is the first of my unbiased protein reviews. Internationally sourced ingredients indicate “domestic and internationally sourced ingredients.” Plus, the website and the label state that the product meets cGMP. 

Nothing of that nature is shared on the website. However, you get a subtle statement of internationally sourced ingredients on the label. “Carefully Manufactured for 1440 Foods Company, New York, NY 10018.”

As shared, that slightest cue of a protein powder with internationally sourced ingredients.

Ingredients List: 2.5 out of 10. The label doesn’t share the standard “internationally sourced ingredients” label. Pure 100% Whey uses internationally sourced protein. Plus, the emulsifier isn’t properly labeled. Soy is used in this Pure 100% Whey Protein.

Have you used Pure Protein 100% Whey? Leave a comment below on your thoughts on my Pure Protein Powder review. 

🥗 Pure Protein Whey Powder Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts in Pure Protein Whey Powder’s Vanilla Milkshake.

Serving Size is about one scoop, 39.6 grams

Calories 160

• Total Fat 2.5g
• Total Carbohydrate 9g
  • Total Sugars 2g
• Protein 25 grams
• Sodium 110mg

🍗 How Much Protein Does Pure Protein 100% Whey Offer Per Serving?

The label states 25 grams of protein. Taking the label is 100% truthful (it’s not). Here is the amount of protein offered per serving.

• 25 grams of protein per serving / 39.6 gram scoop = 63% protein per serving

Let’s go down the rabbit hole. Remember, we discovered that Pure 100% Protein is amino spiked and not certified by an independent 3rd party. 

• 23 grams of non-spiked protein per serving / 39.6 gram scoop = 58% protein per serving
• 18 grams of protein (accounting for mislabeling) / 39.6 gram scoop = 46% protein per serving

The truth is always somewhere in the middle. The last calculation is based on a 20% error in the supplement facts. At most, there are 23 grams of protein per serving. 

🍨 Do Pure Protein Shakes Have Dairy

The primary protein source is dairy.

Based on research, Pure Protein is a dairy-based protein shake. Drinking the protein powder will cause GI issues. Furthermore, soy lecithin, used in Pure 100% Whey, may cause more GI issues. If you are lactose tolerant, you may still experience GI issues. 

Numerous gluten-free statements certify Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein Supplement as gluten-free if you deal with gluten issues. However, that doesn’t mean the product is processed in a facility with peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, sesame, shellfish, and fish.

The ingredient profile is gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts: 6 out of 10. I’m unsure if 100% Whey offers 18 grams of protein per serving. However, we do know that it’s a spiked protein. The whole protein offered is around 23 grams of protein per serving. 

👌Pure Protein Powder Vanilla Review

Full disclaimer: Vanilla protein powder is not my usual go-to choice. If a protein company offers different flavors, why choose their generic flavor? 

100% Whey is only offered in Vanilla Milkshake and Rich Chocolate. Based on personal experience, chocolate tends to be the worst when a supplement company offers a limited flavor variety.

I’m surprised with 100% Whey’s Vanilla Milkshake!

Take vanilla ice cream. Let it melt to a liquid state. That is what 100% Whey’s Vanilla Milkshake tastes like. Where does Vanilla Milkshake rank to previous protein brands I’ve reviewed?

Although I have not reviewed the brand’s vanilla flavor, I have purchased it. I’ll even post the article about the protein powder review in order from best to least favorite. 

1. BSN Syntha 6 Unbiased (re)Review
2. Unbiased Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Isolate (re)Review
3. Unbiased Pure Choice Farms Review
4. Unbiased Protein Review of Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey
5. Unbiased Isopure Protein Review
6. Pure Protein Powder
7. Unbiased Nutricost Grass Fed Whey Isolate Protein Review
8. MyProteins The Whey Unbiased Protein Review
9. Unbiased Rule 1 Source 7 Protein Review
10. Body Fortress Super Advanced Isolate Review

⭐️ Highest-Rated Protein Flavors Based on Amazon Reviews

As of the writing of this article, there are almost 22,500 on Amazon, offering a 4.5 out of 5-star grade. Both flavors are highly raved and are routinely shared as favorites by users. 

Pros offered by 100% Whey are that it’s affordable, tastes great, mixes great, is not overly sweet, and mixes well with almost anything. 

The negatives shared by 6% of reviews echo the same things I’ve shared throughout this Pure Protein Powder review: it is a bioengineered product made with GMO ingredients and not made in an entirely gluten-free facility. 

Plus, this protein used to be priced between $15 and $20. There is no denying it. Prices have gone through the roof these last four years. 

Flavor: 8.5 out of 10. When you open the 100% Whey Vanilla Milkshake powder container, you’re in for a lovely Vanilla Milkshake. You are getting what the picture offers: a Vanilla Milkshake. 

What are your thoughts on my Pure Protein Power Review of Vanilla Milkshake?

🏁 Is Pure Protein A Good Protein Powder? (Final Thoughts)

I started this review by sharing that budget-priced protein powders always look to shave on costs. They want to offer a “high-quality” protein powder without you paying an arm and a leg. 

So, what does Pure Protein Powder get right?

• Tastes great
• Mixes great
• Affordable

This is starting to read like every protein powder on the market. Do those three things well, and people will buy the product without second-guessing. Don’t worry—I took the second-guessing out of this Pure Protein Powder review. I did the homework so you can be an informed buyer. 

What does Pure Protein Powder get wrong?

• Improperly labeled ingredient list
• Low-quality ingredients
• GMO ingredients are used
• Amino spiked protein powder
• Not processed in a gluten-free facility
• Internationally sourced protein powder
• Improperly and misleading label

Pure Protein 100% Whey is an excellent purchase if you’re on a budget. 

However, at the same price point, Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey is a superior protein that is entirely transparent and cares about quality for its buyers.

Pure Protein may be a good choice for adding more protein daily. Then again, if you’re using Pure Protein 100% Whey Protein Supplement for post-workout nutrition, you’re wasting your money and time with this product. 

Do you agree with my Pure Protein Powder Review? Leave a comment below and tell me what I got wrong—Are you looking for more protein reviews? Here are all the unbiased protein reviews.

🧐 Pure Protein Powder Review Score

Value: 2.5 out of 10
Amino Spiking: 5 out of 10
Shakability Test: 8.5 out of 10
Ingredients List: 2.5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 6 out of 10
Flavor: 8.5 out of 10

Overall Score 33/60, 55%, Don’t Buy

📚 Sources

100% satisfaction guarantee. (n.d.). Pure Protein. https://www.pureprotein.com/pages/100-satisfaction-guarantee

Campos-Nonato, I., Hernandez, L., & Barquera, S. (2017). Effect of a High-Protein Diet versus Standard-Protein Diet on Weight Loss and Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Obesity Facts, 10(3), 238–251. https://doi.org/10.1159/000471485

High-Protein diet for weight loss. (2023, March 23). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/high-protein-diet-weight-loss

Kremmer, J. (2023, December 6). Post-Workout hunger pangs? Learn how to stop being hungry after exercise. JKremmer Fitness. https://jkremmerfitness.com/post/how-to-stop-being-hungry-after-exercise/#Incorporating_Protein_Into_Your_Diet

Moon, J., & Koh, G. (2020). Clinical evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome, 29(3), 166–173. https://doi.org/10.7570/jomes20028

Shrimanker, I., & Bhattarai, S. (2023, July 24). Electrolytes. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/#:~:text=Electrolytes%20are%20essential%20for%20basic,calcium%2C%20phosphate%2C%20and%20bicarbonates.

Stark, M., Lukaszuk, J., Prawitz, A., & Salacinski, A. (2012). Protein timing and its effects on muscular hypertrophy and strength in individuals engaged in weight-training. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-9-54