The Big Zone brand has only recently entered the Czech market, but it has gained many fans in such a short time. Big Zone usually relies on uniqueness, quality and maximum purity of their products, which makes their products among the absolute top.
That's why we decided to try their protein isolate, which they call Protein Juice, probably because it's supposed to resemble such a juice.
This of course intrigued us a lot and we thought we had to test it. Most people are mostly praising this protein. So let's do a good, detailed analysis of the product to see how the protein actually stood up to our review. The review is completely objective and is written the way we actually perceive the protein.
Content of the review
The manufacturer Big Zone is a relatively fast growing brand on our market and we can find many of their products on the market. In the past we have already tested their protein Battle Whey and a multivitamin Vita-min Inject, see also how these two products stood up in our review.
Now let's get down to the review of the much touted whey isolate itself.
Sample protein composition
At first glance, we can see that there are very few ingredients in the protein formula , which is much appreciated. Simply put, the fewer ingredients there are in a protein, the morethe more pure the protein is, the more natural it is for the body and the more easily it is digested. Which is a really big plus for us right from the start.
The main and only protein source here is whey protein isolate, which is processed using the ultrafiltration method (i.e. CFM). This method retains all the bioactive fractions found in the protein. This provides our body with various health benefits, which consist, for example, in improving immunity.
As an emulsifier added to the protein, there is sunflower lecithin, which is a changea change from competing companies that mostly use soya lecithin. There is no big difference here, both ingredients are perfectly safe for the body and can oftenyou may even hear that sunflower lecithin is better for the body than soy lecithin. However, this information is often unsubstantiated and we practically do not care which of the two ingredients is used. Both are perfectly fine.
In the ingredients we can also find added citric acid, which occurs naturally in citrus fruits. It can be added to the protein for the reason that citric acid regulates the acidity and alkalinity of the ingredients used.
The manufacturer has also used the natural colouring agent beta carotene, which can be found in the protein ingredients of Multivitamin and Mango-Maracuja flavours. In the Strawberry-Rhubarb flavour we find natural colouring beetroot powder. These dyes are the best possible variants that the manufacturer could have used. They are completely natural for the body, one could even say healthy. We definitely praise them. However, the Lemon Tea flavor uses ammonia dye, which is disputed because ammonia could be a carcinogen. However, these opinions have never been scientifically backed up, yet they are still appearing in the public domain. Even so, I do not think that they pose any danger to humans in the small quantities they are present in the protein.
The use of flavourings is mentioned in the ingredients , but it does not say whether these are natural or artificial flavourings. Either way, after tasting the protein, I would be more inclined to believe that artificial flavours have been used.
The whey isolate is sweetened with sucralose. For us, this is one of the best sweeteners a manufacturer could have used. Of course, one could argue that the manufacturer could have used steviol glycosides to sweeten it, which but I don't see the use of sucralose as a bad move, quite the opposite. Sucralose is a perfectly safe sweetener that is found in many products nowadays. Excessive consumption risks, for example, impaired digestion or retention water retention, but that is only a risk of overconsumption, which we do not even come close to.So don't worry about sucralose, it won't do anything to you.
Extremely high foaming power of the protein
The digestibility of Protein Juice is, in a word, absolutely flawless. I did not notice any sign of impaired protein digestion, bloating, stomach pain, or any other problems.I appreciate it very much, because I am a bit more sensitive to these things and I can tell when the protein is of good quality and when it is not. Here you can see that the manufacturer takes pride in the quality of the ingredients and the whey isolate used is really high quality.
When testing the protein I followed the manufacturer's instructions, I mixed 30g of protein in 300ml of water and the resulting consistency was beautifully watery, reminiscent of juice. Exactly as the manufacturer states. Unfortunately, when mixing the protein in the prescribed amount of water, the protein foamed up extremely and I had to wait several minutes before the foam subsided. At the same time, there were also minor solubility issues where I was left with lumps on the surface. However, longer stirring solves this problem, so it doesn't matter as much to me, but I had to mention it. For the next test, I stirred the protein in the jar with a spoon and everything was completely smooth. I don't recommend mixing the protein in a shaker or blender unless you want the protein to foam up a lot.
I also tried the protein in yogurt or cottage cheese and here again I noticed a problem in the solubility of the powder, with lumps remaining inside. For this reason, I recommend mixing the protein carefully and for a longer period of time to avoid any lumps that might form.
Absolutely perfect nutritional values
Protein Juice from Big Zone has absolutely great nutritional values, the protein content per 100g ranges from 82.4%-83.4%, which are very acceptable values for an isolate. I would say that the protein content here is absolutely sufficient. When we compare this to competing isolates, the protein content is the same or very similar. On the market we can find isolates with lower protein content (80% or less), but also with higher (up to around 90%).
A very sovereign step on the part of the manufacturer is the publication of the amino acid spectrum of the proteins contained in the protein. This is Big Zone's way of confirming the quality they boast so much about. It should be mentioned here that the protein contains only a whopping 354 kcal per 100g of product, with the lemon tea flavour even at 352 kcal. At the same time, only 0.8g of fat and 2.2g of carbohydrates are contained in 100g of the product, which are absolutely amazing values that you just won't find.
Nutritional values (multivitamin flavor):
| 100 g | 1 serving (30 g) | |
| Energy value | 1503 kJ/354 kcal | 451 kJ/106 kcal |
| Fats | 0,8 g | 0,2 g |
| - of which saturated fatty acids | 0,4 g | 0,1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2,2 g | 0,66 g |
| - of which sugars | 1,4 g | 0,4 g |
| Fibre | ||
| Protein | 83,2 g | 25 g |
| Salt | 0,78 g | 0,24 g |
Unusual flavours that will surprise you
Finally, we come to the biggest draw that protein boasts, and that's the flavours. If you're interested in different unconventional protein flavours, watch out, you've definitely never tasted one before. We were surprised to find that they are all completely original and unlike any other competing protein on the market. If you need a change from the classic chocolate, vanilla, dairy flavours, Protein Juice is for you. Here we bring you an evaluation of each flavour:
- Mango-Maracuja (9/10) is one of the very unusual flavors you won't find in competing proteins. It's a shame because it tastes absolutely delicious. At first, I thought I would smell a big hint of artificial flavor, but with the first sip, those fears left me. If I didn't know what I was tasting, I'd say it was 100% mango juice with passion fruit. The taste is really believable, it surprised me a lot.
- Strawberry-rhubarb (9/10) is the flavour I was looking forward to the most. But after the first taste, I have to say that I was quite disappointed, as it left a very chemical aftertaste on my tongue. However, on the next taste I didn't feel this aftertaste anymore. It was as if it had transformed into a delicious strawberry aroma. I would describe this flavour in one word and that is perfection. I personally love this flavor the most when combined with Greek yogurt, which I put in the freezer to freeze. In short, the ice cream is delicious.
- Lemon tea (9/10) is one of the flavours that I wouldn't like with the protein at all, but it tastes absolutely delicious in the end. It can be likened to supermarket iced teas, but with a thicker consistency and of course better nutritional value. The protein is sweeter, but the slight hint of lemon still stands out. Plus, if you chill it in the fridge in summer, you'll find it absolutely refreshing. This flavor cannot be rated other than positively.
- Multivitamin (9/10) is another great flavor that I absolutely loved. The only negative is the higher foaminess, so after mixing the protein you have to wait for the foam to subside. Taste-wise, though, the protein really gets you excited. It can be compared to Caprisone or Tang multivitamin juices, but for me it tastes much better. Of course, the taste is only artificial, but the believability of this flavor is really perfect and you will enjoy it again very much after it cools down.
When is the best time to take protein?
Protein Juice from Big Zone contains very easily and quickly absorbed protein. It' s best taken immediately after a workout to ensure the fastest delivery of amino acids to your muscles.
You can also use it at any time of the day as a refreshing drink. Personally, I recommend mixing it with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and freezing it for a while. It will make an amazing fruity ice cream.
Since it is a very high quality whey isolate, again, it is generally not recommendedIt is not recommended to cook the protein in any way if you want to preserve all the health benefits of the protein.
The price corresponds to the quality
The manufacturer sells the protein in only one size and in a 1 kg pack. For a kilo pack you pay , which corresponds to per dose. Here a lot of people will say that the protein is very expensive, but I personally do not think so. Everyone knows that you have to pay extra for quality and it is no different here.
In my opinion, the price is adequate to the quality of the product that Big Zone offers. As a nice bonus, the flavors here seem to be very unusual and pleasant. But we have to admit that Iso Whey Zero of similar quality, which we recently tested, can be found at a price of per serving. That's already a big difference and it's a pity that Big Zone doesn't make a 2 kg pack, which would then be priced much better.
Protein Juice vs. Battle Whey
We have two whey proteins, both from the same brand. Both can be used for the same purpose and are perfectly digestible. They both taste perfect and are very popular with the public. But how do these two products actually differ?
- Big Zone Protein Juice is better suited for people who want the purest source of protein on the market. It is more suitable for those of you who are on strict diets, for those who don't want to consume an ounce of excess fat or sugar. I would also choose it as a much better option for use after a workout, when your body is starving for nutrients and the isolate will deliver those nutrients to your muscles much faster. It's more suitable for people who love fruit flavours or want a healthier alternative to plain juices.
- Battle Whey from Big Zone, on the other hand, is a whey concentrate that is more suitable foruse at any time of the day, as it will digest a little slower than a pure isolate like Protein Juice. The protein content here is around 73-75.5%, which is absolutely average, but perfectly acceptable for the average exerciser. This is a very high quality protein, which has a great advantage in that you can use it in a variety of recipes and you don't have to worry about heat processing either. Compared to Protein Juice it also has diametrically different flavours, which in my opinionI think you'll enjoy it a lot more if you like a more traditional protein flavour. Battle Whey has a big advantage in price, because one dose will cost you about .
BigZone Battle Whey - Top protein available in non-traditional flavours (Review)
Both proteins are quite different in taste, but you can't go wrong with either of them. If you like fruity flavors, choose Protein Juice, if you prefer classic "dairy" flavors, choose Battle Whey. Otherwise, they can both be taken in exactly the same way.
Final rating
Again, we come to the most important question. Is it worth investing in Protein Juice? In our opinion, yes. With its exceptional nutritional values, its composition and its taste, it will surely win many fans. The only problem is that some people overdrink it very soon, so it would be advisable to have more flavours on hand so that you can vary the protein. However, if you're investing money in a quality whey isolate, taste probably won't be the first priority for you, but functionality and quality is what you're after. And you definitely don't have to worry about that with the Big Zone brand.
My final feeling about the protein is quite positive. Sure, there are some bugs, for example in solubility and foaminess, but this is found in almost allAll proteins and after you try as many as I did, you won't worry about such trivial things. Bad solubility and foaminess are very easy to get around, so I don't take them as a big minus. And the flavor? That's very subjective, you just have to try it for yourself.
I think that Protein Juice is an exceptional product that has no competition on the market. You won't find any similar tasting proteins and for that reason alone it will secure a lot of its fans and we have no choice but to recommend the protein to you.
Comparison with competitors
Other expert reviews
- GymBeam [review]: low quality protein True Whey, Just Whey
- Biotech Iso Whey Zero [review]: the best isolate on the market?
- Scitec 100% Whey Professional [review]: one of the most popular proteins
- Nutrend Protein [review]: just another lure for money?
- Optimum Nutrition Whey Gold Standard [review]: the gold standard among whey proteins