Our ReviewLevels100% Grass Fed Whey
Levels Grass-Fed Whey may just be the cheapest grass-fed whey on the market, but how does it stack up on performance? Each serving of this whey protein, a scoop of 32g, provides 24g of protein with only 2.5g of total fat and 3g of carbohydrates, making it a suitable choice for those keeping an eye on their macros. Notably, Levels emphasizes the use of grass-fed whey, which aligns with its commitment to quality and natural sourcing.
Ingredients
When exploring the ingredients in Levels Grass Fed, I found a commendable emphasis on quality and natural sourcing. The key component, Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate, is a superior choice for protein supplements. Sourced from grass-fed cows, it's not only environmentally friendly but also typically higher in certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) compared to its grain-fed counterparts. This makes it a more nutrient-rich option for muscle recovery and growth.
The addition of Cacao Powder not only contributes to the flavor but also brings in antioxidants, which can aid in recovery and overall health. Sunflower Lecithin is an excellent choice for mixability, making the protein powder easy to blend without the use of soy lecithin, which some people prefer to avoid due to allergies or concerns over GMOs. It's noteworthy that the product avoids any artificial ingredients, sticking to natural sweeteners like Stevia Leaf Extract and Monk Fruit Extract. These choices align with a growing preference for natural over artificial sweeteners, providing a hint of sweetness without added sugars or the potential side effects of artificial sweeteners.
However, while the ingredient list is clean and focused on quality, it lacks certain added benefits that some other protein powders offer. For instance, the inclusion of digestive enzymes could enhance absorption and gut health. Though this would of course detract from a simple yet effective ingredient list.
Effectiveness
Levels protein offers 24 grams of protein per 32-gram scoop, which is an impressive protein-to-scoop ratio providing 80% protein content. This high protein content is crucial for muscle repair and growth, making it particularly effective for those engaged in regular physical activity or looking to increase their muscle mass.
The protein source, grass-fed whey protein concentrate, is not only a high-quality source of protein but also contains a rich profile of naturally occurring amino acids. This includes BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), which are essential for muscle recovery and growth. The grass-fed source ensures a higher quality of whey, often linked with a better nutritional profile compared to grain-fed alternatives. The high level of BCAAs and essential amino acids present in whey protein concentrate makes it a highly effective protein source for muscle synthesis and recovery.
The product also maintains a low net carb content, with only 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving. This low-carb content, combined with a modest fat content of 2.5 grams per serving, aligns well with those looking to maintain or reduce body fat while building muscle. It’s a balanced composition that supports lean muscle growth without unnecessary calorie intake. We were impressed by these figures which are more commonly seen in more highly processed isolates.
Taste
The Pure Chocolate flavor of Levels Protein Powder is pleasantly natural and subtle. This is likely due to its simple use of cocoa, with the monk fruit extract likely mellowing out some of the bitterness that straight cocoa can sometimes cause. It's sweetened with monk fruit extract and stevia, which contribute to its sweetness without being overly sugary or leaving an artificial aftertaste. Compared to other chocolate-flavored protein powders, it stands out for its more authentic chocolate flavor, likely due to the use of real cacao powder.
The texture of this whey protein is smooth and finely milled. When mixed with water, it blends easily, resulting in a shake that’s neither too thick nor too watery. There’s no graininess or chalkiness, common pitfalls of many powders. This smooth texture enhances the overall drinking experience, making it something to look forward to post-workout.
Levels Whey Protein excels in its mixability. Whether shaken in a bottle or blended, it dissolves effortlessly into liquids without clumping.
Value
Levels Whey Protein positions itself in the mid to premium segment of the market. This is primarily attributed to its commitment to high-quality, natural ingredients, such as grass-fed whey protein concentrate and natural sweeteners like monk fruit extract and stevia. The use of grass-fed whey is a key differentiator, often associated with a higher nutritional profile and ethical sourcing practices. These aspects are likely to appeal to health-conscious consumers who prioritize ingredient purity and ethical considerations in their supplements.
However, we think this product is suprisingly great value. Even though it uses a less processed whey concentrate, it still pulls through with impressive protein purity (at 80%) which makes it a competitive choice against grass-fed isolates. This demonstrates a focus on quality that often comes with a higher price point, positioning Levels as a product for those who are seeking better quality ingredients and ethical sourcing for an affordable price.
Conclusion
Levels 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein stands out for its quality ingredients, effective muscle recovery support, and balanced taste. Its commitment to natural ingredients, including grass-fed whey, positions it as a premium option. This product is best suited for those who prioritize natural ingredients, and ethical sourcing, and are willing to invest what is a very reasonable price for a higher-quality protein supplement. For individuals focused on clean eating and effective muscle recovery, this protein powder is a commendable choice.
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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