Is your whey protein working with you or against you?

After more than 40 years as a personal trainer through my Leanmuscle.com brand, I have had thousands of conversations about supplements. And one thing continues to surprise people:

Some of the most popular protein powders on the shelf are not mostly protein.

In fact, one of the top ingredients in many of these cheaper blends is maltodextrin. It is a low cost filler that does very little for your recovery and can actually work against your goals.

Let us break it down.

What is Maltodextrin and Why Is It in Protein Powders?

Maltodextrin is an ultra processed carbohydrate with a glycaemic index of 95. That is even higher than sugar.

It is often added to protein powders to bulk up the serving size or improve the texture, especially in cheaper, supermarket style blends or mass produced formulas.

But here is the problem:

• It spikes blood sugar rapidly
• It triggers a strong insulin response
• It signals your liver to store more fat

Not exactly what you want from your post workout shake.

The Hidden Impact of Poor Quality Whey

Not all whey protein is created equal. Highly processed, low grade whey isolates with no fat, fibre or digestive enzymes can cause sharp insulin spikes.

One study in 2009 showed that this type of whey spiked insulin levels more than white bread.

That is why formulation matters.

High quality whey, like Next Generation Supplements’ Hydro-Iso or Protein Delicious, is carefully crafted to support recovery and muscle repair without overloading your system.

How Overprocessing Can Strip Away the Benefits

Whey protein is made by separating it from milk using heat, acid and filtration. When done poorly or without precision, this process strips away fat and fibre, leaving an unbalanced formula that digests too quickly and can disrupt your metabolic balance.

Over time, these rapid insulin spikes may contribute to:

• Low energy levels
• Increased belly fat
• Disrupted blood sugar control
• Hormone imbalances
• Strain on liver function

So while a protein powder label might look clean, if the product is overly processed or padded out with fillers, it may not be supporting your health the way you expect.

Not All Whey Is the Same. Here Is What to Look For

This is why I confidently recommend Next Generation Supplements to my clients and community.

Their Hydro-Iso Whey Protein Isolate is a high performance formula backed by science and created with care. It contains hydrolysed whey protein isolate, which supports fast digestion and muscle recovery without the metabolic issues seen in poorly made products.

Even better, it is fortified with digestive enzymes to help reduce bloating and improve nutrient uptake, which my clients love.

Why I Choose Hydro-Iso for My Clients

• No fillers or cheap additives like maltodextrin
• Low lactose, low carb and keto friendly
• High purity WPI for lean muscle recovery
• Digestive support from added enzymes
• Clean taste, smooth texture, easy to mix
• 100 percent Australian owned and made

A Brand That Backs What It Sells

I only partner with supplement companies that reflect my values, and Next Generation Supplements ticks every box.

From clean Australian made products to high performance formulations, they are leading the way in quality, taste and transparency. You can feel the difference with every scoop. No weird aftertaste, no gritty texture, and none of that bloating that people often assume is just part of the shake.

A Final Thought
What is one supplement you have used for years but never stopped to question why it tastes chalky, upsets your gut or separates in your shaker?

Most people do not compare brands. They just assume that is how supplements are supposed to be.