Our ReviewOptimum NutritionPlatinum Hydro Whey

Platinum Hydro Whey provides a perfect 30 grams of protein in a 39 gram serve with just 3 grams of net carbs and 1 gram of fat.

Platinum is a 100% Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate which is the purest form of whey protein you can get your hands on. This pure form has undergone further processing where enzymes are used to pre-digest the product. This allows the amino acids to be more rapidly absorbed by your body right after a workout. In addition to the whey component, BCAA’s have also been added which include L-Leucine, L-isoleucine and L-Valine.

In addition to these is a blend of digestive enzymes which include Aminogen, Amylase, Protease, Lactase, and Lipase. We are a little surprised at the addition of Lactase as this is normally added to help digest the lactose content of whey, but with a hydrolyzed whey there should be negligible to no lactose content. Regardless, digestive enzymes are a welcome addition to this product.

Cocoa is included along with Natural and Artificial Flavor to give the chocolate taste. Salt is also included as a flavor enhancer. As there is virtually no fat in this product, a creamer is also used to help provide a creamy texture. This includes Sunflower Oil, Maltodextrin, Modified Food Starch, Dipotassium, Tricalcium Phosphate, Tocopherols, and Cellulose Gum. Interestingly they have included a single mineral supplement, being Potassium Chloride. Potassium is lost easily during exercise when you sweat, and plays an important role in your body as an electrolyte and is also critical for proper muscle function.

That brings us to the products artificial sweetener which includes Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium. These are unfortunately two of the artificial sweeteners we generally prefer to avoid. However, to be honest, all the best value hydro whey products do all seem to include one or both of these sweeteners. Hopefully, in time this will change.

Given that hydro is the purest form of whey protein, you can expect excellent results when platinum is consumed at optimal times, ideally directly after an intensive workout. This is when your body is craving a supply of amino acids for the repair and growth of muscle tissue.

This is a highly effective product when used correctly as part of a vigorous training routine. Keep in mind that a simple whey concentrate or isolate is probably more appropriate as a morning protein supplement or for weight loss.

Hydrolyzed whey can often be quite bitter due to the protein purity. Masking this bitterness can be a challenge for manufacturers, but Optimum has done well. We tried both the Turbo Chocolate and Velocity Vanilla and didn’t taste a hint of bitterness.

We were especially surprised that we didn’t notice it with the vanilla, however, it was a bit too sickly sweet for us. This is probably to try and mask this bitterness. The chocolate was great however and the flavor is pretty much identical to Optimum’s popular Gold Standard product.

This product comes in pretty cheap! In fact, it works out to be around the same price as a mid-priced whey isolate, which makes it extremely good value.