Are you getting enough protein from your protein shake?
Well, you probably are, but getting big and bulky isn’t about guessing.
So, let’s take a closer look at how much protein powder is in 1 scoop of whey protein powder.
Quick Answer: How Much Protein is in 1 Scoop of Whey Protein?
In most cases, there is about 25 grams of protein in 1 scoop of whey protein powder.
That said, that isn’t always true.
Depending on the brand of whey protein, you might look at 20 or 30 grams per scoop. Sometimes even less than that if the product is aimed at women, which is usually a BS marketing move, so don’t fall for that one, ladies.
On the other hand, you can always double-scoop to meet your protein goals. Just remember that double-scooping will also mean you’ll burn through your product quicker, which is important because…
Why does the Amount of Protein Per 1 Scoop of Whey Protein Matter?
The amount of protein per 1 scoop of whey protein matters because getting the most protein for your money is key.
Supplements aren’t cheap.
If your goal is to maximize your gains and not spend ungodly amounts of money on supplements, you should definitely strive to get the best bang for your buck when shopping for whey protein powder.
Why spend twice as much if you don’t have to? It just doesn’t make any sense.
Also, there’s the issue of calories and other ingredients in there.
If you have to double-scoop to meet your get enough protein in one shake, you’ll also double the amount of calories you ingest.
And in the case of something like whey protein concentrate, you’re also doubling your intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, which is arguably something you shouldn’t do.
How Many Calories are in 1 Scoop of Whey Protein Powder?
There are about 90-140 calories in one scoop of whey protein powder, but on average, you’re probably looking at a 120-calorie scoop.
Now, this will vary on a number of factors.
In most cases, the determining factor will be the quality or purity of the protein powder.
For example, a 30-gram scoop of whey protein isolate will amount to 110 calories and 26 grams of protein, while the same scoop of whey protein concentrate will contain just 23 grams at 120 calories.
Why the Number of Calories Per 1 Scoop of Whey Protein Matters
The number of calories per 1 scoop of whey protein matters because it affects weight, which is why athletes and/or bodybuilders are very mindful of their calorie intake – as they should be.
Whether it’s the perfect summer beach body or being the fastest person on track, if you’re eating more calories than you burn – you will gain extra weight, whether that’s fat or muscle. [1]
And sure, most people won’t mind more muscle mass.
However, if you’re a bodybuilder or an athlete that has to weigh in before an important competition, even a gram over the limit could result in disqualification, rendering all your efforts futile.
Does Bulking or Cutting Affect How Many Calories You Want Per Scoop of Whey?
Absolutely. Bulking or cutting affects how many calories you want per scoop of whey.
It’s as we said, if you’re set on meeting a particular weight, it’s all about calories in, calories out.
You will gain weight if you feed your body more than it needs. If you feed it less than it needs – you will lose some.
That said, you shouldn’t drop your protein intake if you’re cutting.
That one’s a myth.
In fact, we’d argue that you must maintain your protein intake through the cutting process to prevent losing lean muscle mass due to caloric deficit.
Should You Be Concerned with Carbs and Fat Content Per 1 Scoop of Whey?
You really shouldn’t be too concerned with carbs and fat content per 1 scoop of whey if you’re buying a premium product.
For example, if you simply glance over a whey protein isolate powder label, you’ll notice that it contains 0 grams of carbs and less than a gram (virtually 0 grams) of fats. So, no cause for concern there.
And with whey concentrate, you’ll get around a gram of carbs and less than 3 grams of fats, on average, which is a negligible amount for most gym-goers.
Finally, if you decide to grab yourself a bottle or a bag of flavored protein powder, the carb content could jump to 2, maybe 3 grams per scoop, but that also isn’t a cause for concern.
Now, we’re not saying it doesn’t matter. It matters. But it matters in the sense of “getting the best possible product” rather than “Ooh, fats and carbs will murder my gains”.
Does the Amount of Sugar Per 1 Scoop of Whey Protein Matter?
Once again, you shouldn’t beat yourself up over the sugar content of whey protein powder.
The amount of sugar per 1 scoop of protein powder is rarely above 3 grams (it’s usually a bit under 2 g) per scoop, and that’s less than 5% of your RDA. [2]
So, if you’re particularly mindful of your sugar intake, we’d suggest watching what you eat and drink throughout the day rather than obsessing over a whey protein supplement.
What Does it Mean When the Label Says to do 1 Heaping Scoop of Whey?
What it means when the label says to do 1 heaping scoop of whey is that you should probably look at another product.
The “heaping scoop” might appear as the “easiest way” to get more protein into your shaker and then into your muscles. But in reality, it is nothing more but a marketing ploy designed to get you to burn through your product faster and get another one sooner.
So, just do it as it’s supposed to – with a level scoop.
That way, you actually know how much protein you’re getting, and you’re not playing any guessing games.
What’s a Good Cost Per 1 Scoop of Whey Protein Powder?
A good cost per 1 scoop of whey protein powder is about $1 per scoop.
A great cost would be anything below 70 cents per scoop, but this usually involves buying 20 or 40-pound bags of whey protein powder, which could prove to be a bit difficult to store and keep in good shape.
Instead, we’d suggest going with 10-pound products that are about a dollar per scoop.
Those are great deals, are easy to store, and would last you about 6 months.
Conclusion
There you have it – an average scoop of protein is about 25 grams.
And if that scoop is around or below a dollar’s worth – you’ve got yourself a good product!
So, you might as well give it a try!