Whey Protein Isolate

Whey protein isolate is a highly purified form of protein derived from milk. It is a byproduct of cheese production, where liquid whey is filtered to remove most of its fat, lactose (milk sugar), and water, resulting in a product that is very high in protein.

Manufacturers add whey protein isolate to foods primarily to boost their protein content. It is also used to improve the texture and mouthfeel of products. It is commonly found in protein bars, nutritional shakes, ice cream, and certain baked goods.

In the United States, whey protein isolate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is a common dietary supplement and food ingredient. For most healthy individuals, consuming whey protein isolate at typical levels is considered safe. As a food ingredient and macronutrient, it is not typically evaluated by bodies like JECFA or EFSA for an acceptable daily intake (ADI).