Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder Review (2024)
Whey isolate protein powders and BCAAs are two popular supplement options among fitness enthusiasts for their beneficial effects on muscle protein synthesis when dietary intake is inadequate.
With 50% more BCAAs than most whey protein products, we’ve performed a detailed Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder review below to see how it compares to other whey protein products.
Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder Review Quick Summary
Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder
- Main Purpose: Muscle Building, Recovery, Cutting
- Suitable for Vegans: No
- Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
- Serving Size: 32.4 – 35.9 grams
- Price per Serving: $1.20 – $1.33
- Protein percentage of Calories (%): 70 – 77%
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3-4 grams (Depending on flavor)
- Fat: 0-1 gram (Depending on flavor)
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Company Founded: 2004 (As Scivation)
- Recommended by Athletes: Thoren “Thor” Bradley, Leigh Laurel, BODY BEE FIT
Scivation is committed to delivering excellent results by focusing on high-quality research and manufacturing processes at every production stage. The brand remains focused on science and innovation, looking to produce new and innovative product formulations as research develops.
The Scivation Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder contains 25 grams of whey protein isolate per 32.4 – 35.9 gram serving. This gives it a protein percentage of approximately 70-77%. Other ingredients include 7 grams of BCAAs and some added electrolytes. No artificial flavors, colors, or dyes have been used in the formulation. This gives you approximately 120 calories with 3-4 grams of carbs, 0-1 grams of fat, and no sugar depending on the flavor.
The Xtend powder is NSF tested and informed choice certified, meaning that it has conformed to strict regulations regarding ingredient quality. Scivation offers three flavor options, including chocolate lava cake, vanilla ice cream, and cookie butter. A small 800-gram and big 2.2kg tub are available to purchase, costing approximately $1.20-$1.33 per serving.
The Scivation Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder contains 25 grams of whey protein isolate per 32.4 – 35.9 gram serving.
Positives:
Could be better:
Who and What is the Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder For?
Protein is an essential macronutrient which means our body requires it from dietary intake to function. It’s classed as one of the big three macronutrients alongside carbohydrate and fat and can be found in many food sources such as meat, fish, nuts, and eggs.
Protein powders provide a convenient source of protein that can be mixed with different liquids and foods to help hit daily protein intake targets when the consumption of whole foods isn’t possible or feasible during certain sporting and dietary situations.
The whey isolate contained in the Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder is considered the highest quality out of the different whey types as it has been further processed to remove the lactose and fat. This gives it a protein content of approximately 90% or above in some cases.
To maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) to gain muscle mass, both an acute exercise stimulus and abundant protein intake are needed. This makes the Xtend Pro Whey Isolate a versatile option for multiple uses which include:
- Recreational to elite-level gym goers and athletes looking to gain muscle mass
- Recreational to elite-level gym goers and athletes looking to suppress muscle protein breakdown during periods of dieting
- For recovery when performing regular or multiple daily training sessions
- Those who are looking for a high-quality protein source with less lactose and fat
- Those looking for a protein source with a large amount of added BCAAs
- Those who struggle to hit their overall daily protein intake targets via whole food sources
- Those looking for a convenient source of protein when the consumption of enough protein via whole food source isn’t possible due to lifestyle habits
In any of the cases above, the Xtend Whey Isolate Protein powder should only be used as a convenient protein source to supplement a well-balanced dietary intake containing a good balance of the key macronutrients and micronutrients. Focus should be placed on adequate dietary intake from whole foods, with the Xtend Powder used in the conditions above when appropriate.
Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder Review
Our Xtend Pro Whey Isolate review has been done following an in-depth review and testing process using our team of in-house professionals. We’ve focused on the main points below to give you a complete breakdown of the things to look at when choosing a suitable powder.
1. Macronutrient Breakdown
With 25 grams of high-quality whey isolate per serving, Xtend has hit the mark nicely in terms of protein quantity and quality. This gives you approximately 70-77% of calories as protein which is pretty good as far as protein powders go. With minimal carbohydrates, zero sugars, and little to no grams of fat, the Xtend powder offers a clean source of protein.
Additionally, the powder contains no soy, no cholesterol, and much more electrolytes than most other protein brands.
2. Other Ingredients
With 7 grams of added BCAAs, Xtend has included almost double the amount of BCAAs as most other brands. If you need a high-quality protein source with added BCAAs, this is where Xtend shines.
In situations where dietary BCAA intake may be inadequate, this would make the Xtend powder extremely useful to add to your daily intake. With Xtend, you’re getting a 2-for-1 powder that doesn’t compromise on ingredient quality or quantity.
Whilst Xtend states that the whey isolate powder is proudly made with natural flavors, it does contain artificial sweeteners.
3. Taste/ Flavor
Xtend offers three flavor choices which are chocolate lava cake, vanilla ice cream, and cookie butter. Whilst these are rather unique and exciting flavors, the lack of more choices is something for Xtend to work on for future formulations.
In terms of taste, most users report liking the taste of the flavors. Some do report that the chocolate lava cake has a rather sweet taste which is something to bare in mind when purchasing.
4. Nutrition Label Transparency
Xtend offers excellent nutrition label transparency, with the amount of each ingredient clearly listed on the nutrition label on the back of the tub. Xtend also provides usage instructions and clearly states the main ingredients on the front of the tub.
The Xtend Whey Isolate Protein Powder is NSF and informed-choice certified which ensures there are no banned substances. This is a huge plus for competitive athletes who are regularly tested and looking to add a protein supplement to their stack.
5. Mixability
Xtend has used instantized whey isolate which is a mixture of whey isolate and sunflower lectin which helps with overall mixability. Due to this, the powder mixes pretty well with either water or milk according to the usage instructions on the tub.
Like most powders, you do see a little bit of clumping at the bottom sometimes but this is much less than other products due to the added sunflower lectin.
6. Value for Money
The Xtend Pro powder offers excellent value for money, costing just $1.20 - $1.33 per serving depending on the flavor. For a protein powder with 25 grams of high-quality isolate and a large amount of BCAAs, this is a fantastic price point in our opinion.
7. Brand Awareness
Since being formed in 2004, Scivation became popular through its intra-workout BCAA product lines. Following this, they were acquired by Nutrabolt in 2017. Nutrabolt is a globally recognized leader in the sports nutrition industry, with a brand portfolio that also includes the well-known company Cellucor.
All the Nutrabolt brands are heavily featured in popular stores such as Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and Target.
How Do You Use the Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder?
To maximize MPS, an overall daily protein intake of 1.6-2.2g/kg body mass (0.7-1.0g/lb body mass) is suggested. An even higher protein intake of up to 3.0g/kg body mass may even be warranted in some situations.
Let’s take an 80kg male as an example. This would mean they need to consume 128-176 grams of protein each day. The Xtend Pro Whey contains 25 grams of isolate per serving which would equal 14-20% of their daily intake with one serving.
This would provide a good amount of their daily overall protein intake without taking away from the consumption of whole food sources. For these reasons, consume the Xtend Pro Whey Isolate as follows:
- Mix 1 scoop (1 serving) of Xtend Whey Isolate into 1 cup of water or chosen liquid
- Shake well and consume when appropriate throughout the day
- Different carbohydrate and fat sources such as oats and nuts can be added to bulk up the shake if desired.
- The Xtend Whey can also be added to different dessert recipes depending on the flavor combinations.
Bare in mind that the Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder may be consumed as required according to the situations listed in the section above. The right consumption frequency can also depend on the individual which is why it’s important to consult with a sports nutritionist when forming a well-organized supplement routine.
Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder Alternatives
1. Xtend Pro vs Kaged
Kaged Whey isolate
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (31 g)
- Servings per Container: about 44
- Calories per Serving: 110
- Protein per Serving: 25 g
- Recommended By Athletes: Andrea Somer, Colt Nichols, Kris Gethin
oth products contain 25 grams of high-quality whey protein isolate per serving with no added sugars. The Kaged Whey isolate contains 0-0.5 grams of fat and 2-4 grams of carbohydrates which is slightly less than the Xtend Pro flavors.
Where the Xtend Pro differs is the 7 grams of added BCAAs compared to none in the Kaged Whey. The Kaged Whey does however contain digestive enzymes to help with absorption. It’s important to note that the whey contained in both products is also a source of BCAAs.
Both products are third-party tested, with the informed sport certification logo on the front of the tubs. The Kaged powder offers four flavor options compared to the three from Xtend and comes in slightly larger tub options.
In terms of which to choose, both offer excellent high-quality protein options, with Xtend being better value for money with the added BCAAs.
2. Xtend Pro vs Transparent Labs
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
- Serving Size: 32.96 grams
- Price Per Serving: ~$1.8
- Protein Percent Of Weight (%): 85%
- Proteins: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram (depends on flavor)
- Fat: 0.5 gram (French Vanilla only)
- Added Sugar: 0 gram
- Calories Per Serving: 120
- Recommended By Athletes: Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, Terron Beckham, Paul Sklar
In terms of macronutrient composition, the Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate contains 28 grams of whey isolate per serving which is 3 grams more than the Xtend whey. Transparent labs also state that their whey is from 100% grass-fed cattle whereas Xtend doesn’t specify the source.
Like the Kaged whey, the Transparent Labs whey doesn’t contain any added BCAAs like the Xtend one does. It’s also more expensive than Xtend but still offers good value for money in our opinion.
Both products are informed choice certified and contain no artifical colors or flavors. Transparent Labs offers a much larger range of flavor choices, with 14 to choose from including an unflavored option.
In terms of which to choose, if you’re looking for value for money and added BCAAs go with the Xtend. If you’re happy to spend more and want different flavors then choose Transparent Labs.
Conclusion
The Xtend Pro Whey Isolate Protein Powder contains a good amount of high-quality whey isolate in each serving with a huge amount of added BCAAs. All ingredients have been NSF and informed choice certified, making the Xtend whey an excellent value protein powder for normal and tested athletes looking for a good source of protein with added BCAAs.
What do you think of the Xtend Pro Protein powder? When do you use it and why? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Also read:
References:
- Anon, Certified Dietary Supplements, Informed Choice, https://choice.wetestyoutrust.com (Accessed February 5, 2024)
- Andrew LaPelusa, Ravi Kaushik, “Physiology, Proteins,” PubMed. Published November 14, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555990/
- D. A. Goulding, P. F. Fox, J. A. O’Mahony, “Chapter 2 - Milk proteins: An overview,” ScienceDirect. Published January 1, 2020. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128152515000025
- P. J. Atherton, K Smith, “Muscle protein synthesis in response to nutrition and exercise,” Journal of Physiology no.5 (2012):1049-1057. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2011.225003
- Brad J. Schoenfeld, Alan A. Aragon, “How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution,” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2018). doi:10.1186/s12970-018-0215-1
Why Trust Us?
With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.
All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.
The product testing process is described in more detail here
Camila has worked as a Nutritionist for 7 years. In addition to being a nutritionist, she is an amateur weightlifting athlete for 2 years. Camila has experience at Flamengo’s football base and in a food supplement company and currently provides services at a clinic. At the moment she is coursing a postgraduate study in Sports Nutrition.
