It would be hard to believe a protein supplement manufacturer who tells you its product is “protein done right.”
However, that’s what Animal Pak claims Universal Nutrition Animal Whey to be.
This is Animal Pak’s (a subsidiary of industry veteran Universal Nutrition) signature whey protein supplement. Does it live up to the hype?
We’re about to find out in this review.
Table of Contents
About Universal Nutrition Animal Whey
Animal Pak touts Animal Whey as “the ideal bodybuilding protein source, one worthy of the thirty-plus year Animal legacy” on its official website. Formula notes:
- Animal Whey Protein Blend. Twenty-five grams of whey protein concentrates and whey protein isolates.
- Great taste. One of the best-tasting proteins in the industry.
- Comes in 14 awesome flavors. Great variety here with Banana Cream, Brownie Batter, Chocolate, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Mint, Cookies & Cream, Frank’s Birthday Cake, Frosted Cinnamon Bun, Mocha Cappuccino, Pumpkin Pie, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, and Vanilla.
Universal Nutrition Animal Whey Supplement Facts (Cookies & Cream, 4 lbs.) |
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Serving Size 1 Scoop (31.97 g) Servings Per Container 56 |
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| Amount Per Serving / % Daily Value * | |
| Calories | 121 |
| Calories From Fat | 14 |
| Total Fat | 1.5 g 2% |
| Saturated Fat | .5 g 3% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 50 mg 17% |
| Sodium | 130 mg 5% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 3 g 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g 8% |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 25 g 50% |
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Ingredients: Animal Whey Protein Blend [Cross Flow Micro Filtered Whey Protein Isolate, Ultra Filtered Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk)], Natural and Artificial Flavors, Cookie Bits [Sugar, Wheat Flour, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Soybean and/or, Cottonseed)], Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Lecithin (Soy), Sodium Chloride, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, Animal Whey Digestive Enzyme Blend (Papain, Bromelain). |
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Directions For Animal Whey: Mix 1 scoop of Animal Whey™ with 4-6 ounces of skim milk or your beverage of choice. For best results, use a blender of Animal Shaker Cup. On training days, use 2 or more servings post-workout or whenever more protein is required. For more flavor, use slightly less liquid when mixing up Animal Whey™. |
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Universal Nutrition Animal Whey: Protein Done Right for the Serious Bodybuilder
Animal Whey is one of the signature products of Animal Pak, a subsidiary of Universal Nutrition, a major player in the bodybuilding supplement industry since 1977.
According to Animal Pak’s official website, each scoop of Animal Whey has 25 grams of protein (which keeps up with the likes of MusclePharm Combat 100% Whey Protein Powder). Each serving also has an emphasis on the company’s prized whey protein isolate formula.
Just so you know, whey protein isolate (WPI) is the purer form of protein (at least 90 percent) and has less carbs and fats than its whey protein concentrate counter part. Thus, WPI is the ideal choice for those who want to build lean muscle.
Guarding his Universal Nutrition Animal Whey with his life.
On the other hand, WPI is also the better option for those who are lactose intolerant or who have sensitive digestive systems. For its part, WPC is cheaper and tastier than WPC.
Animal Whey has both whey protein concentrates and whey protein isolates – it’s not at all uncommon to find this combination in most protein supplements. If top-notch manufacturers such as Optimum Nutrition produce great results with WPI and WPC, there’s no reason to believe Animal Whey can’t – it’s just a matter of the latter’s other ingredients measuring up.
Animal Pak puts a premium on Animal Whey’s taste. According to the manufacturer, “To be worthy of the Animal aegis, it would have to taste good as it worked. And once again, in this regard, Animal Whey is a triumph.”
Put it this way, folks: The number and quality of Animal Whey’s flavors are right up there with Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey. We have yet to come across a whey protein supplement brand with as many options as those two.
Now, let’s check out the formula ingredients:
- Total fat, 1.5 g: You can expect around two grams of fat or so per serving with a WPC/WPI blend. Animal Whey’s fat content per scoop is just a shade below that, which is fine. We’ll tell you what isn’t fine: The presence of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Any time you spot hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated in the ingredients list, watch out – it suggests the presence of trans fats, which is your cardiovascular system’s worst enemy. Even though Animal Whey’s trans fat content says “zero,” we believe the manufacturer threw in minuscule amounts (if you want to lose fat, check out our fat burner reviews here).
- Cholesterol, 50 mg: This is a pretty decent cholesterol amount for a whey protein supplement, although it’s not in the league of MyProtein Impact Whey Protein, which has zero cholesterol.
- Sodium, 130 mg: We’re thankful Animal Whey has a decent amount of sodium – neither too high nor too low. We feel just the right amount would assist in post-workout recovery (you lose a lot of electrolytes after a tough workout) without shooting your blood pressure levels through the roof.
- Total carbohydrate, 3 g: At just three grams of carbs per serving, you can still build lean muscle mass with Animal Whey. However, we became a bit perplexed when the manufacturer says each serving has two grams of dietary fiber and two grams of sugars. That equals four, doesn’t it? Then why did Animal Pak say each serving only has three grams of carbs? Confusing.
Formula Analysis
This product’s vaunted Animal Whey Complex has 25 grams of protein per serving. The combination of whey protein concentrates and whey protein isolates ought to help boost muscle growth and recovery.
We like the fact Animal Whey is low in calories, fats, and cholesterol. Having said that, we’re confident it’ll be a tremendous asset for individuals who want to put on lean muscle mass. Plus, it’s a great source of calcium (15 percent of the required daily value).
It’s also great the product has digestive enzymes – namely papain and bromelain – which help absorb the nutrients faster and more efficiently.
“I gotta have the Animal in me!”
In fact, the manufacturer says these enzymes allow Animal Whey to live up “to the lofty standard for and set by Animal, making it worthy to bear the unmistakable iconic imagery on its front label.”
Awesome.
What isn’t so awesome is the inclusion of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil and carrageenan. Like we already pointed out, trans fats are the enemy. If you want a healthy cardiovascular system, avoid them at all costs.
On the other hand, carrageenan is an additive which has received a lot of flak. It has been linked to several ailments. Moral of the story: Never consume trans fats and carrageenan. Ever.
It’s just a shame Animal Whey has both ingredients. Had the manufacturer done away with both of them, it would even be more formidable.
Universal Nutrition Animal Whey Benefits
Animal Pak enumerates three important benefits of Animal Whey:
- The right kinds of protein
- Easy digestion
- Great taste
We agree with the manufacturer – a potent WPC/WPI combination which tastes great and digests easily should be on any active individual’s supplement stack. Just about the only regret we have is the inclusion of several crappy ingredients. Such a shame.
Who Takes It?
Based on Animal Whey’s profile on the manufacturer’s official website, the product is geared toward bodybuilders and serious lifters. However, we feel Animal Whey™ is also suited for recreational athletes and active individuals who are at least 18 years of age who want to build muscle mass, boost recovery, and meet their daily protein requirements.
Any Side Effects?
The presence of trans fats presents a serious red flag, folks. According to The American Heart Association, trans fats decrease good cholesterol levels and increase bad cholesterol levels. As a consequence, it increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.
Animal Whey’s trans fat content is minuscule, but the bottom line is it still has trans fats. Not good at all.
Why did the manufacturer include trans fats? Well, trans fats “give foods a desirable taste and texture,” per the American Heart Association.
We already pointed out carrageenan has been linked to several ailments. The inclusion of trans fats makes Animal Whey a double whammy.
Nonetheless, we give props to the manufacturer for being transparent on the warning label:
All things considered, we encourage you to be a smart consumer. Be one step ahead of everybody else (for a comprehensive guid on how to buy a good supplement, check this out).
Universal Nutrition Animal Whey Summary
Pros
- Animal Whey Complex Twenty-five grams of whey protein concentrates and whey protein isolates.
- Papain and bromelain. Digestive enzymes for better nurtrient absorption.
- Low-calorie, low-fat, and low-cholesterol. Always a good thing.
- Great source of calcium. Fifteen percent of the required daily value.
- Great taste. Lots of flavors to choose from, too.
Cons
- Inclusion of crappy ingredients. Beware: Product has trans fats and carrageenan.
Pricing & Buying Info
- 1 four-serving container (Four-Day Supply): $7.13
- 1 1-lb. container (14-Day Supply): $16.99
- 1 2-lb. container (28-Day Supply): $29.57
- 1 4-lb. container (56-Day Supply): $48.95
- 1 10-lb. container (135-Day Supply): $109.99
- Available online and in retail
Final Word on Universal Nutrition Animal Whey
Was Universal Nutrition Animal Whey protein done right?
We say yes – but mainly for the protein component. Twenty-five grams of WPC and WPI ought to give you great results in conjunction with training, rest, and good nutrition.
Other ingredients such as papain and bromelain as well as the low-fat and low-cholesterol content fared well.
We just can’t help but cringe at the addition of crappy ingredients such as trans fats and carrageenan. They ruined a beautiful thing. Literally.
If Animal Pak can come up with a re-formulated version without those two, we’d give Animal Whey a higher mark. For now, we stand pat on our grade.
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