With a solid 4.3 out of 5, Sports Research has established itself as a top contender for not only protein, but supplements in general. However, this review will be strictly discussing their protein formula. Spoil alert, it is worth the price!
The quick summary of the Sports Research protein is that it is a U.S‑sourced isolate fortified with extra leucine, vitamin D, and MCTs that mixes clean and tastes like a dark‑cocoa milkshake. The resealable pouch travels better than a tub, though the stevia‑sweetened profile leaves a faint after‑taste and the 150‑calorie serving is heavier than ultra‑lean competitors. Still, Informed Sport batch testing and a gum‑free formula make this a smart pick for athletes who prize purity without sacrificing flavor.
Why It Hits the Mark
- Muscle‑Centric Macro Stack — Each 36 g scoop supplies 25 g protein, 6.9 g BCAAs, and an added gram of free L‑leucine to spike muscle‑protein synthesis post‑workout.
- Clean Label, Clean Taste — Non‑GMO, gluten‑ and soy‑free, with no xanthan gum or artificial sweeteners; steviol glycosides keep sugar under 1 g while MCT powder lends a creamy mouthfeel.
- Pro‑Grade Testing — Every batch carries Informed Sport certification, verifying it’s free of banned substances—an edge for collegiate and competitive athletes.
- Versatile Dutch Chocolate — Dissolves in 14 shakes of room‑temp water, stays smooth in hot coffee, and folds into brownie batter without drying it out.
Label & Mixability
| Spec | Athletic Insight’s Measurement* |
|---|---|
| Serving size | 36 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Calories | 150 |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
*Average of three weighed scoops.
Mix Test
– 8 oz water (70 °F): minor foam cap, no clumps, deep cocoa aroma.
– 8 oz iced almond milk: thicker body; flavor shifts toward dark chocolate mousse.
– Cold‑brew coffee (12 oz, 120 °F): zero curdling, turns into a café‑mocha with 24 g protein.
Real‑World Performance
- Recovery & Satiety
Testers logged reduced DOMS and a solid 3‑to‑4‑hour hunger curb—likely the combined effect of leucine and the higher fat content from MCTs. - Digestibility
No bloating or gastric distress across lactose‑sensitive panelists; the absence of xanthan gum appears to help. - Cooking Flexibility
One scoop swapped seamlessly for flour in protein brownies, adding lift without a rubbery texture.
Trade‑Offs
- Calories & Fat — At 150 kcal and 3.5 g fat, it’s richer than lean isolates like Dymatize ISO100 (110 kcal, 0.5 g fat).
- Stevia After‑Taste — A subtle herbal finish lingers for ~10 seconds; not a deal‑breaker but noticeable.
- Bag Logistics — The zipper‑seal is travel‑friendly, yet scooping from a soft pouch can get messy once the level drops.
Head‑to‑Head Snapshot
| Product | Protein Type | Third‑Party Tested | kcal / Serving | Price / Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Research Whey Isolate | Isolate + Leucine + MCT | Informed Sport | 150 | $1.68 |
| Wellah Protein Your Whey | 100 % Isolate | ISO‑accredited | 110 | $1.73 |
| Dymatize ISO100 | Hydrolyzed Isolate | Informed Choice | 110 | $1.95 |
Sports Research offers the most nutrient‑dense scoop, trading a modest calorie bump for leucine, vitamin D, and MCTs.
What do Amazon Reviews Say?
Amazon product reviews tend to rank this protein as favorable. Below is the general consensus.
Pros: rich chocolate taste, clump‑free mixability in milk or water, high protein per serving, smooth creamy texture, and strong value for money.
Cons: a minority report stomach distress—cramping, diarrhea—and mixed views on bloating.
Bottom Line
For lifters who want a chocolate isolate that does more than just hit protein macros, Sports Research Whey Protein Isolate delivers added anabolic support and batch‑tested peace of mind. Expect a slightly richer shake and a hint of stevia, but if purity, mixability, and flavor rank top on the checklist, this pouch earns a firm spot in the gym bag rotation.
