Review: Biggest Loser whey protein powder

New to the growing Biggest Loser empire is the addition of whey protein powders from Designer Whey.

The 10-ounce cans are adorned with season 5 winner Ali Vincent’s fit image and come in four flavors: chocolate, vanilla, blueberry and raspberry. You also can get the fruit flavors in single-serve packets to bring with you to the gym or keep in a desk drawer.

Designer Whey has long been known for its high-quality whey protein supplements, and these are just as tasty as their other varieties. A big difference with the Biggest Loser line is that not only are they low in calories (40-50 calories a scoop) but they’re also high in protein (6 grams per scoop) and low in sugars (1 gram). If you’re lactose intolerant and shy away from dairy products, you don’t have to worry about whey protein, since the lactose has been removed. (Take it from one who knows.)

The chocolate and vanilla flavors are sweetened with stevia and don’t have any artificial ingredients. The blueberry and raspberry flavors are sweetened with a sucralose-acesulfame-K blend as well as FruitWellfruit concentrate, which adds antioxidants. I can do without the artificial colors but that’s what gives them their berry colors.

I tried the chocolate flavor in a smoothie and found that a couple scoops are needed for flavor and body. Still, two scoops are only 100 calories — the scoops are small. The sweetness isn’t as pronounced as a lot of protein powders but then again, it’s only sweetened with stevia compared to the buckets of sugar other protein powders have.

I tried the blueberry simply mixed with a cup of cold water. I didn’t use any blender or smoothie maker and found that the powder dissolved really well in a water bottle with no residue. And I was surprised at how good it was. I’ve tried other “protein waters” and they’ve been pretty disappointing. The protein-water blend is a great post-workout recovery drink and also makes a great 40-calorie appetite killer between meals.

The line is available at most grocery, drug and supplement stores. You also can click HERE to find a store near you.