Our ReviewAscent100% Native Whey
Ascent 100% Native Whey offers a clean and straightforward protein option. This product focuses on delivering high-quality protein through a blend of native whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. Each 31g serving provides 25g of protein, making it ideal for supporting muscle recovery and overall fitness goals. The formulation is minimalistic, free from artificial flavors and sweeteners, and uses natural ingredients like stevia and sea salt. With only 2g of net carbs and 1g of fat per serving, it's designed for those looking for a pure, effective protein source without unnecessary additives. Whether you're post-workout or simply supplementing your daily protein intake, this product aims to meet your nutritional needs efficiently.
Ingredients
The Ascent 100% Native Whey boasts a minimalistic and clean ingredient list, making it appealing to those who prioritize natural and simple products. The primary component is the Whey Protein Isolate Blend, which includes both Native Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Isolate. Native Whey Protein Isolate is derived directly from milk, not from cheese production, which allows it to retain a higher level of protein structure integrity. This form of whey is often praised for its purity and high protein content, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and recovery. The inclusion of regular Whey Protein Isolate further supports this, as it offers a high protein-to-fat ratio with minimal lactose content, which is beneficial for those with mild lactose intolerance.
Whey Protein Concentrate is also part of the blend. While it contains slightly more fat and lactose than isolates, it provides a more complete profile of beneficial nutrients found in whey, such as immune-boosting compounds. The addition of Whey Protein Concentrate ensures a richer nutrient profile, contributing to overall health and wellness beyond just muscle recovery.
Natural flavors, lecithin, stevia leaf extract, and sea salt round out the ingredient list. The use of natural flavors and stevia leaf extract as a sweetener helps maintain the product's clean label, free from artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. This is particularly beneficial for those sensitive to artificial additives or looking to reduce their intake of synthetic ingredients. Lecithin, often derived from soy, is used as an emulsifier to improve mixability, although it may be a point of concern for those with soy allergies.
One potential drawback is the lack of additional functional ingredients like digestive enzymes, which could aid in protein absorption, especially for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
Overall, Ascent 100% Native Whey provides a high-quality protein source with a focus on purity and natural ingredients. The blend of isolates and concentrate ensures a balanced profile, though the absence of certain functional additives might be a missed opportunity for a more well-rounded offering.
Effectiveness
Ascent 100% Native Whey is designed to deliver high-quality protein, primarily targeting those looking for muscle recovery and support post-workout. With 25g of protein per 31g serving, it provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The blend includes Native Whey Protein Isolate, which is processed to retain more of its natural protein structure. This type of whey is known for its high bioavailability and rapid absorption, making it ideal for post-exercise recovery. The presence of regular Whey Protein Isolate complements this by also offering a quick absorption rate, ensuring that amino acids are rapidly available to the muscles.
The product's protein sources provide a complete amino acid profile, including essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). These are critical for muscle protein synthesis, reducing muscle breakdown, and supporting overall recovery. While the product does not specify the BCAA content, the inclusion of both isolates suggests a robust amino acid profile that should be effective for most users' recovery needs.
The inclusion of Whey Protein Concentrate adds another layer to the product's effectiveness. Although it digests slightly slower than isolates, it still provides a valuable source of protein and retains more bioactive compounds found in whey, which can support immune function and overall health.
In terms of macronutrient content, Ascent Native Whey is very low in carbs and fats, with only 2g of net carbs and 1g of fat per serving. This makes it suitable for those following low-carb or low-fat diets, or for those who want a protein supplement without additional macronutrients. The low carb content, combined with a lack of added sugars, makes it a good option for those looking to manage their calorie intake while still getting a significant protein boost.
Taste
Ascent 100% Native Whey has a surprisingly natural and neutral vanilla flavor. It's also not overly sweet and given its natural ingredients, it has no artificial taste or aftertaste. Whether mixed with water or milk, the flavor maintains its integrity, though it's a bit richer and creamier with milk.
In terms of texture, the powder had a fine consistency that seems promising at first. However, the mixability was a mixed bag. In cold water, it takes a bit longer to dissolve fully. With milk, it mixes more easily but still requires a thorough shaking. The texture is generally smooth once fully mixed, but when mixed with water you can sometimes notice a slight grittiness which is surprising given its fine consistency. This is less of an issue with milk of course, where it seems to blend more seamlessly with the powder.
Despite the minor issues with mixability, the overall experience was positive, especially if you're willing to put in a bit of extra effort to ensure a smooth drink.
Value
Ascent 100% Native Whey falls into the more premium category of protein powders, largely due to its high-quality ingredients and clean formulation. The inclusion of Native Whey Protein Isolate, along with regular Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Concentrate, positions it as a product focused on delivering a high protein content with minimal processing. The careful selection of ingredients, free from artificial flavors and sweeteners, caters to those who prioritize a clean, natural supplement.
In comparison to other premium protein powders on the market, Ascent actually offers competitive value. It doesn't have any value-added ingredients such as digestive enzymes, but the price for such a high-quality protein source is more reasonable than we expected.
The quality of the ingredients also justifies the cost. The use of Native Whey, which preserves more of the natural protein structure, and the avoidance of artificial additives, suggests a commitment to purity and effectiveness.
In terms of overall value, Ascent 100% Native Whey provides a good balance of quality and price. It offers a clean and effective protein supplement that caters to health-conscious individuals without breaking the bank. While there may be cheaper alternatives, the premium ingredients and thoughtful formulation make it a worthwhile investment for those willing to pay a bit more for quality. However, for those looking for more comprehensive formulations or additional functional ingredients, it might be worth exploring other options within the same price bracket.
Conclusion
Ascent 100% Native Whey offers a compelling option for those seeking a clean and effective protein supplement. Its use of Native Whey Protein Isolate and regular Whey Protein Isolate ensures a high-quality protein source with minimal processing, appealing to the health-conscious. The product's low carb and fat content, along with its natural flavoring and lack of artificial additives, further enhance its appeal. While it may not include additional functional ingredients like digestive enzymes, it still provides an excellent option for muscle recovery and daily protein supplementation. Compared to competitors, Ascent stands out for its focus on natural, high-quality ingredients, making it a worthy choice for those prioritizing these aspects. It is recommended for anyone looking for a premium protein powder without unnecessary additives, though those seeking more comprehensive formulations may want to explore other options.
Where to buy?
The protein matrix includes the primary protein components included in this product. These protein sources are listed in order of volume from greatest to least in the product.
This diagram provides the digestion profile for the protein types contained within this product. The chart plots the digestion of the included protein types over an hourly timeframe. All profiles have their advantages depending on your goals. More information regarding digestion and timing can be found in our guides.
The cost indicators provide a relative cost comparison with all protein products. The lower the score the better!
The "Product Cost Indicator" provides the comparative product cost, as a whole.
The "Protein Cost Indicator" provides a comparative cost based on only the protein component. While this can be useful for comparing products excluding fillers, many additional ingredients can provide additional benefits and value.
Note: Products that serve a dual purpose, such as mass gainers and ketogenic powders don't include the "Protein Cost Indicator".
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