Whey protein

Whey protein (whey protein) is the indispensable classic for every athlete. It provides you with quickly available protein to optimally support muscle building and maintenance, especially important after training.

Discover our huge selection of high-quality protein powders. Whether classic concentrate, pure isolate or refreshing clear whey: we have the perfect shake for your goals and every taste.

What is whey protein?

Whey is originally produced during the cheese-making process. The milk separates into solid casein and liquid whey, which contains around 20 % of the total milk protein. Special filtration processes are used to obtain the high-quality protein powder.

Definition & origin:

• Origin: Whey comes from 100 % cow's milk.
• Concentration: Depending on the manufacturing process, the powder provides between 70 % and 96 % pure protein.

Nutritional values & bioavailability: With a biological value of 104, your body utilizes whey protein more efficiently than any other natural source, even better than chicken eggs (100) or beef (80). It also provides a complete amino acid profile: all essential amino acids(EAAs) are included. The high proportion of BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine) in particular makes it the ideal support for your muscle building.

What types of whey protein powder are there?

The choice depends on your training goal and budget. Here is a quick overview:

1. concentrate (the all-rounder)

The standard for daily needs and muscle building. It provides you with approx. 70-80% protein, tastes particularly creamy and offers the best price-performance ratio. Ideal for beginners and post-workout shakes.

Our bestseller: GN Laboratories 100% Dairy Whey

2. isolate (for diet & definition)

Are you counting calories or sensitive to lactose? Isolate is more heavily filtered, contains over 79% protein and hardly any fat or carbohydrates. The perfect choice for the cut or competition preparation.

Premium quality: GN Dairy Whey Isolate

3. hydrolysate (high-end performance)

Here the protein chains are already enzymatically "pre-digested" (broken down). The result: the fastest absorption into the muscle. Often a little more expensive and slightly bitter in taste, but highly effective.

Fruity alternative: Hydro Clear Whey Isolate

Whey in comparison: Which protein do you need?

Not sure if whey protein is right for you? Here's a quick check:

How does whey protein support muscle building?

This is where the magic happens: your training provides the stimulus (microtraumas in the fibers), but the shake provides the building material for hypertrophy (muscle growth).

The key factor is the mTOR signaling pathway. Think of mTOR as the light switch for muscle growth. The amino acid leucine (highly dosed in whey protein) is the finger that presses this switch. The faster leucine is in the blood, the faster protein synthesis starts.

Why whey is unbeatable here:

• Fast ignition: The amino acids are already in the blood 30-60 minutes after the shake.
• Leucine peak: With approx. 2.5g leucine per serving, you crack the threshold for maximum mTOR activation.
• Optimal profile: The natural BCAA ratio (2:1:1) corresponds exactly to the requirements of your skeletal muscles.

Regeneration: using the "anabolic window"

Recovery doesn't just mean "no sore muscles". It's about stopping the catabolic (catabolic) state immediately after training. Fast protein turns the tables and protects your hard work.

The Gigas practical tip for maximum recovery: Combine your post-workout shake with fast carbohydrates (e.g. cluster dextrin or a banana).

• The aim: to release insulin and fill glycogen stores.
• The stack: 30g powder + 40g carbs straight after the gym is the gold standard for rapid strength recovery.

Production & quality: What does CFM mean?

Whey used to be just a by-product of cheese production. Today we know: It's liquid gold for muscle building. The journey from the farm to your shaker makes a huge difference to the quality.

The process in fast-forward:

• Separation: the whey is separated from the curd (casein).
• Filtration: Water, lactose and fats are removed.
• Spray drying: The liquid is gently dried into powder.

The game changer: CFM (Cross-Flow Microfiltration)

You will often see the abbreviation CFM in our premium products (e.g. from GN Laboratories or Gods Rage). This is not marketing hype, but the quality feature par excellence.

While cheap protein powder is often "denatured" (damaged) by heat or acid, the CFM process works purely mechanically with ceramic filters at low temperatures.

Your advantages with CFM:

• Native structure: the proteins remain biologically intact ("not denatured").
• Bioactive peptides: Valuable fractions such as lactoferrin, which support your immune system, are retained.
• Maximum purity: Fat and lactose are almost completely removed, ideal for competitive diets and sensitive stomachs.

If you want to get the most out of your money, look for the CFM seal or go for a high-quality Whey Isolate.

How to use: intake & optimal timing

In the end, the total amount of protein per day is crucial for your gains. But the right timing brings out the last percentages. Here are the sweet spots:

1. the classic: post-workout

The science is clear: after training, your body is like a sponge.

• The plan: Treat yourself to 30g of powder within 60 minutes of the drop set.
• Pro tip: Combine the powder with carbohydrates (e.g. maltodextrin or a banana). This fills the glycogen stores and sends the amino acids into the cells even faster with an insulin kick.

2. the start of the day

After 8 hours of sleep, your amino acid pools are empty. A shake straight after getting up immediately ends the catabolic phase of the night.

Water or milk?

• With water: maximum absorption speed and fewer calories. The choice for post-workout and diet.
• With milk: Tastes creamier, but provides more calories and slows absorption slightly due to the fat. Ideal as a snack or in bulk.

Pre-workout or post-workout?

Honestly, if you've eaten well 2-3 hours before training, you don't need a shake before the gym. Your body is still nourished. Concentrate fully on the post-workout shake, this is where the effect on regeneration is greatest.

Dosage: The standard portion ("scoop") is usually 30g of powder. This provides you with approx. 20-25g of pure whey protein.

Weight loss & diet: Your support in the cut

Whey protein is not a fat burner, but it is your insurance in the diet. Without a calorie deficit, you won't lose weight no matter how many protein shakes you drink. But as a strategic part of your diet, whey protein makes the difference between 'getting thin' and 'looking defined'.

Why athletes swear by protein when dieting:

• Muscle protection: in a deficit, the body likes to turn to muscle tissue. Sufficient protein signals: "The muscles are here to stay!"
• Thermogenesis: Digesting protein uses more energy than fats or carbohydrates. You burn calories while you eat.
• Satiety: A shake satiates better and longer than a chocolate bar, with significantly fewer calories (approx. 110 kcal per serving with water).

Practical tips & use

Use whey protein products smartly to kill cravings:

• Snack substitute: drink a shake in the office instead of going to the canteen.
• Fitness quark: Stir 30g of the powder into low-fat quark. The perfect dessert.
• Power pancakes: Replace some of the flour with whey.

Recipe idea "Summer Shred": Mix 30g egg whites (fruit flavor) with 150g frozen berries and water. Few ingredients, maximum taste.

Pro tip for the night: Whey protein is quickly digested. Before going to bed, we recommend Casein, as it provides you with a constant supply overnight. The classic is your partner for the day and after training.

Who is whey protein suitable for?

Whey protein is the most versatile classic supplement, but is it right for you? Here's a quick check:

The perfect match for:

• Strength athletes: For maximum muscle building and maintenance.
• Diet phases: As a low-calorie filling food and muscle protection during a deficit.
• Endurance athletes: To support regeneration after long units.
• High performers: When there is no time for cooking in stressful everyday life, a protein shake provides a quick supply.

Not suitable for:

• Vegans: Whey is animal-based (milk). In this case, Vegan Protein is the solution.
• Cow's milk allergy sufferers: Please switch to plant-based alternatives or beef protein.

Myths & facts: Women & intolerances

Whey for women? Absolutely. The fear of becoming a mountain of muscle overnight is unfounded (there's no testosterone for that). Instead, the shake helps you to build firm, defined muscles. The dosage is identical for men and women.

Vegetarians: As whey is made from milk, it is suitable for vegetarians without restrictions and is a great supplement if fish or meat are not on the menu.

Lactose intolerance: You need to look carefully here.

• Caution: Classic whey protein concentrate still contains lactose (milk sugar).
• The solution: Go for a pure Whey Isolate or Iso-Clear. Due to the strong filtration, the lactose content here is so low (< 1g) that it is usually tolerated without any problems. Your protein shake can therefore be enjoyed without stomach pains.

What does whey taste like & how to use

Forget boring powder. At Gigas you have the full choice: From creamy "milkshake classics" (perfect in milk/oat drink) to refreshing Clear Whey, which tastes like iced tea and is ideal with water.

More than just a shake - your application ideas:

• The classic (post-workout): 30g powder + 300ml water. Shake briefly, drink straight away. Maximum absorption.
• Pimp your breakfast: Stir a scoop into your rice semolina pudding or low-fat quark. This way you start the day with 30g of protein.
• Power smoothie: Mix your powder with frozen berries and a banana. The perfect snack for on the go.
• Baking hack: Replace approx. 20-30% of the flour with whey protein when baking pancakes or waffles. This saves on carbs and increases the protein content without making the batter dry.

Checklist: How can you recognize good whey?

The supplement market is huge. Don't be dazzled by colorful cans, but check the facts on the back. This is what matters when buying:

• The protein content: always look at the values per 100g (not per serving).
  • Good concentrate: 70-80g protein.
  • Good isolate: 80-95g protein.
• The ingredients: The list should be short. High-quality products do without cheap fillers or "amino spiking" (stretched protein).
• Taste & solubility: Our range offers you countless flavors. Whether classic vanilla or unusual variants such as white chocolate and salted caramel, the powder must taste good and not clump.

Which whey for which goal?

Use this table as a guide to make sure your order is a hit:

Conclusion: Quality pays off. A cheap protein with poor values is ultimately more expensive than a premium product that gives you real results.

Conclusion: Is whey protein worth it for you?

The answer is simple: yes, if you want results. Whey may not be a miracle cure, but it is the most efficient tool in your bag. It is the highest biological quality protein source to ensure your daily protein intake without stress.

The deal: you train hard, the shake provides the building blocks. Whether you are building up or want to protect your muscle mass from breakdown in the cut, whey protein guarantees you a quick supply of protein exactly when your body needs it.

Your next step: don't make a science out of it.

• Build-up & value for money? Reach for the concentrate.
• Diet & highest purity? Take the isolate.

Choose your favorite from the top brands now, fill the shaker and get the gains!