What Is Vanilla Whey Protein Powder?

Whey protein powder is a nutritional supplement derived from milk. You mix protein powder into beverages, smoothies, cereals or baked goods. Most protein powders come in a variety of flavors to make them more palatable. Vanilla is a versatile flavor because it blends with fruit, milk, nut or chocolate flavorings.

Manufacture

Whey protein comes from the leftovers of the cheese-making process. Boiling milk creates curds, which are removed, leaving a liquid behind. This liquid is whey. To make the powder, manufacturers strain the liquid, purify and dehydrate it.

Protein

Whey protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the amino acids your body must absorb from food. A scoop of vanilla whey protein powder contains between 15 and 25 g of protein, depending on the brand you choose. The protein in whey is easily digested by the body and is often used by athletes post-workout to encourage muscle repair and growth.

Benefits

The protein in vanilla whey powder helps athletes build muscle and recover from tough workouts. It also can help you add more protein to your diet without adding fat, carbohydrates or significant calories. Pure protein powders contain 80 to 110 calories per serving. Eating a diet higher in protein can help you feel fuller so you eat fewer calories overall -- assisting with weight management. Whey protein powder has immune-boosting properties. It is also being studied for its potential impact on curbing cancerous tumor growth.

Types

Vanilla whey protein may come in isolate, concentrate or a combination of the two. Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey and contains 90 percent or more protein. It is highly refined and contains almost no fat or lactose. Whey protein concentrate costs less than isolate does, but varies widely in quality. It contains between 29 and 89 percent protein, but, because it is less refined, it retains more of the positive immune-boosting properties. Combination products use a mix of both isolate and concentrate so you get the benefits of both types at a lower cost. In addition to vanilla-flavored whey protein, you can purchase unflavored, natural protein powder or other flavors such as chocolate, berry, caramel and creamsicle.

Sweeteners

Vanilla whey protein powder is usually sweetened with sucrose, fructose or artificial sweeteners. Those treated with sugar or fructose contain extra calories. The artificial sweeteners used depend on the brand. The most common artificial sweeteners used are aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame K or stevia.