Whey protein powder has long been a staple in the supplement cabinet.

That’s because we needprotein to surviveandthrive.

It’s a well-known building block of our muscles, bones, and tissues.

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But protein also plays a critical role in our metabolism, brain function, and immune system.

Ideally, we’d be cooking up protein-packed meals every day.

But first: Why whey?

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Wheyis one of the two main proteins found in milk (casein is the other).

Whey is considered a source of high-quality protein (especially when it’s a grass-fed product).

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No doubt, whey protein is a powerhouse.

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But there’s a caveat: Not all whey protein powders are created equal.

Of all the brands and products out there, how do you know which one to choose?

It’s all about reading labels and knowing where your whey came from.

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This list will give you the gist:

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Start with nutrients

Naturally, you’ll want to choose a product that’s packed with protein.

*Levels Whey Proteincontains 24 grams of protein from whey concentrate (the least processed form of whey).

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But it also offers 5.4 grams of BCAAscheck and check.

Look for real (and minimal) ingredients

Real ingredients taste better, but they alsofeelbetter.

When you choose a whey protein, be mindful of artificial flavors, fake sweeteners, and fillers.

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Go for grass-fed

The source of your whey protein matters.

A grass-fed whey product (hello again,Levels) comes from grass-fed cows.

Cows with a higher quality of life yield a high-quality product, simple as that.

But in this busy and modern world, it’s hard to stay on top of those grams.

Thankfully, we can always count on whey protein to help wrap up the gap.

There’s no shortage of whey options out there, but some words of wisdom: Keep itreal.

This is the philosophy that inspiredLevels Whey Proteinor as they say,nothing fake, ever.