Protein “Dry Basis” vs “As Is”: Understanding Whey Protein Efficacy

Protein is one of the most important nutrients for muscle development, recovery, and fat loss. But not all protein is created equal.

Whey protein has been shown to be one of the most effective sources of protein for muscle growth and fat loss. But not all whey proteins are created equal.

The best whey protein is made from high-quality ingredients, without fillers or artificial flavours, and is 100% pure with no artificial sweeteners or colours.

Continue Reading to find out which whey protein will give you the best results.

If you are a fitness freak and wish to perpetuate a good physique for a lifetime, whey protein would definitely be a vital ingredient of your regime. Regardless of your target, whey proteins are essential for muscle building, fat loss as well as healthy living. But there are thousands of brands available in the market-leading to endless confusions.

Even after numerous uncertainties, you end up trusting some brand which you are not completely sure about; relying upon user reviews available online which may be highly opinionated or going by the recommendation of some random person.

Yet, are you sure about the efficiency of the picked whey protein powder? Have you ever been able to find out the reason for drastic variation in the result of whey proteins from different brands that provides almost the same amount of protein in a specified serving?

Another question that often comes to the mind of whey protein users, that if their selected protein supplement is 100 % available to the body or not! If not 100 %, then what percentage of the protein present in the supplement is utilizable for the body?

Therefore, to choose the most effective whey protein which gives you satisfying results, it is very essential to know about the key components of whey protein which make it more effective.

As a matter of fact, whey protein supplements are produced by the expulsion of non- protein elements from whey, resulting in a product that holds more than 25 % of protein. According to a report of American Dairy Products Institute, whey protein concentrates can have different protein concentrations higher than 25 %. The most common being:

Whey Protein Concentrate (34 %): which consists of 34- 36 % Protein, 48- 55 % Lactose, 3- 4.5 % Fat, 6.5- 8 % Ash and 3- 5 % Moisture content.

Whey Protein Concentrate (80 %): which consists of 80- 82 % Protein, 4- 10 % Lactose, 4- 8 % Fat, 3- 5 % Ash and 3.5- 5 % Moisture content.

But when it comes to assessing the better protein, very few people know about the real indicators which apprise the efficiency of a whey protein supplement and help people find out the real good brands of whey proteins.

What does “As is” and “Dry basis” mean?

What is As Is in Protein?

“As is” refers to the actual amount of “usable protein” present in a protein supplement. If you take 30 g of a good whey protein supplement and it provides you approximately 25-26 g of available protein, this value is referred to as protein “as is”, i.e. the actual amount of protein which the body can utilise.

All protein brands contain some amount of water or moisture. The more the moisture content of the supplement, the lesser the percentage of protein will be. “As is” is the most authentic way of assessing the purity of protein and the sincerity of the brand. 

But because of this, very few brands mention this measurement on their protein containers as it gives the true idea of what exactly you are going to consume and how much you are spending on it.

What is Dry Basis in Protein?

Dry Basis: refers to the percentage of “pure protein” present in a supplement after the water in it is completely removed through heat.

More precisely, if a protein with “as is” value of around 88% is heated at a high temperature for a specific duration, the left out will be a pure protein with no moisture in it. Definitely, this value is known as protein “dry basis” will be higher than the “as is” (approximately 93-94%) because the water content is being removed.

Similar to the Nutrition fact table given above, in some brands, you might see the measurement of protein “dry basis” on the label, but it is not the actual amount of available protein it provides. Rather it is the percentage of remaining protein after the moisture in the supplement is completely removed by heating it.

“As Is” versus “Dry Basis”

It must be very clear from the description above that both “as is” and “dry basis” specifies the percentage of protein in a particular supplement, but protein “as is” is the real indicator of the actual amount of protein present in it.

Whereas “dry basis” is just mentioned by the brands to delude the users and make them believe a higher presence of protein in the supplement than it actually contains. Remember, you’ll never heat a supplement before consumption to remove its moisture. You consume the supplement as it is and hence the amount of protein it actually contains should be the marker for you to buy a supplement.

Never make a decision to buy a protein supplement on the ground of high protein “dry basis” value. It may be much higher in some brands with low protein “as is” value because of the higher amount of water content present in the supplement. Ultimately, investing in such supplements will not help you achieve your fitness goals timely and you might end up spending more than what is actually justified.

A Quick Comparison Between “Dry Basis” & “As Is” Protein

Type of Whey Protein	Protein “Dry Basis”	Protein “As Is”
Definition	Percentage of protein after removing all non-protein components (e.g. fat, lactose, moisture) from the whey powder.	Percentage of protein in the whey powder with all non-protein components included.
Calculation Method	(Weight of protein / Total weight of powder) x 100%	(Weight of protein / Weight of powder sample) x 100%
Protein Content	Higher protein content (usually 80-90% protein by weight)	Lower protein content (usually 70-80% protein by weight)
Cost	More expensive due to higher protein content	Less expensive due to lower protein content
Usage	Often used by athletes/bodybuilders for higher protein intake and faster muscle recovery.	Commonly used in food products as an ingredient for flavor, texture and nutritional benefits.
Taste and Texture	Usually has a bland taste and texture due to the absence of other components.	Can have a more desirable taste and texture due to the presence of other components, such as lactose and fat.
Digestibility	Higher digestibility due to the absence of non-protein components.	Lower digestibility due to the presence of non-protein components, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
Shelf Life	Longer shelf life due to the absence of moisture and other components that can spoil.	Shorter shelf life due to the presence of moisture and other components that can spoil.
Nutritional Profile	Higher protein content means a higher concentration of amino acids and BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids).	Contains other nutrients and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D, that are naturally present in milk.
Manufacturing Process	Requires additional processing steps to remove non-protein components, such as microfiltration or ion exchange.	May undergo less processing or different processing steps, such as spray drying or ultrafiltration, to preserve other components.

Now How to Choose the Right Type of Whey Protein for You?

Choosing the right type of whey protein can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few key factors to consider when making your decision, and understanding these factors can help you choose the right protein powder for your needs.

1. Consider The Protein Content

Firstly, it’s important to consider the protein content of the whey protein you’re considering. This will depend on your fitness goals and how much protein you need to consume in order to achieve them. 

If you’re looking to build muscle mass, for example, you may want to opt for a whey protein with a higher protein content. On the other hand, if your goals are more focused on maintaining your current muscle mass and overall health, a lower protein content may be sufficient.

2. Consider The Purity

Another important factor to consider is the purity of the whey protein. Whey protein isolate is generally considered to be the purest form of whey protein, as it contains less lactose and fat than whey protein concentrate. This makes it a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or looking to minimise their fat intake.

3. Consider The Price

Price is also a consideration when choosing a whey protein. Whey protein concentrate is typically less expensive than whey protein isolate, which may be a deciding factor for those on a budget. However, it’s important to note that the higher price tag of whey protein isolate often reflects its superior quality and purity.

4. Consider The Taste And Texture

Also, taste and texture are personal preferences that can influence your decision. Some people prefer the taste and texture of whey protein isolate over whey protein concentrate, while others may not notice a significant difference. Experimenting with different types of whey protein can help you find the one that tastes best and is most enjoyable for you to consume.

Conclusion

So if you are a fitness enthusiast looking to maximise your gains with whey protein. Then pay close attention to this. You might be surprised to learn that not all whey proteins are created equal, even if they boast the same amount of protein per serving. So why the disparity in results?

Well, the answer lies in the “as is” and “dry basis” content of the protein. This is why it’s crucial to check the label and ask the brand for clarification before purchasing your next protein supplement. You don’t want to end up with a product that claims to provide 90% protein, but in reality, your body can only utilise a measly 83-86% of it.

And let’s face it, no protein supplement is 100% utilisable for the body. So, it’s imperative to do your research and invest in a high-quality protein powder that is transparent about its protein content. Brands that prioritise purity will mention the protein “as is” value on their packaging, giving you the assurance you need to make an informed decision.Don’t let a marketer’s sales pitch sway you into buying a subpar protein supplement. Always check the actual amount of available protein in the product and make sure it aligns with your fitness goals. With a little bit of knowledge and research, you can maximise your gains and get the most out of your whey protein supplement.