I wanted to trySelect Protein from PEScience for quite a long time, but it was often a problem to get one pack for testing, because this protein is usually bought up on all e-shops literally at the snap of a finger. Still, I finally managed to get a few samples and I can finally give you a review of this much praised protein.
Most people praise Select Protein primarily for its taste, so that's what I want to focus on in this review. However, I will also carefully discuss all other aspects of the protein, as is customary with us. In today's review, you'll find out how the protein stood up to our taste tests, how good its ingredients actually are, how the protein digested for us, and whether it's worth investing in.
Content of the review
- Quality composition of the protein
- Very good digestibility and perfect solubility
- Nutritional values that everyone will appreciate
- We weren't too impressed with the flavour of the protein
- A versatile protein for every situation
- A very high price that may put you off
- Cheaper and at least as good quality alternatives
- Final Review
PEScience is a well-known brand internationally, backed by many scientists who are trying tousing the latest research to create the best nutritional supplements for our bodies. According to the published studies, they redesign and innovate the composition of their products so that everything runs like clockwork. You could say that they are mainly guided by their own opinions and studies when making supplements. For this reason, their brand is often significantly more expensive than others, but this should be compensated by the maximum quality and functionality of their products.
Now, let's get down to the review of the much-touted protein from PEScience.
Quality composition of the protein
As the most represented source of protein in the protein there is milk protein isolatet, which naturally consists of 80% micellar casein and 20% whey protein. Thus, milk protein isolate ensures a slower release of protein into the body, which is useful at any time of the day. This protein source is further supplemented with separately added whey protein concentrate, which is included for faster absorption of the protein into the body. However, the manufacturer does not state in what proportions these protein sources are contained in the product, so it cannotWe cannot estimate exactly how many grams of whey and micellar casein are actually in the product.
In addition, leucine peptides are added to the protein, which have their justification if you are taking the protein after exercise. In this case, the leucine peptides should more effectively kick-start the body's recovery processes while also supporting proteosynthesis (muscle growth) as much as possible. However, the addition of these peptides will probably not be felt by the average exerciserbut for more experienced advanced exercisers this addition is definitely helpful.
Guar gum, a form of soluble fiber, is used as a thickener. Guar gum is a great choice. It can help with digestion, increases our feeling of satiety after eating protein, and helps the consistency of the protein when used in porridges for example. In addition, it has countless health benefits for our body.
The manufacturer states that both natural and artificial colours are used in the product. Presumably they are combined in some proportion, but unfortunately the manufacturer does not specify which ones specific dyes have been used in the manufacturing process, so we can't evaluate them.
The protein is sweetened for the most part with sucralose, which is supplemented with Acesulfame K. I don't see any problem with sucralose, it is a perfectly safe sweetener that is commonly used abroad. However, Acesulfame K is a slightly worse choice. It is a controversial sweetener that is labelled as safe, but there have been studies in the past that claim it could be toxic or carcinogenic. There are various debates about this sweetener, but from my personal experience I can say that in small amounts there is absolutely no risk to humans.
The big plus with protein is that the manufacturer adds ingredients to the formula to guarantee the authentic flavour of the final product. These include peanut flour, ground vanilla beans, cocoa powder or salt in very small amounts.
Very good digestibility and perfect solubility
The digestibility of the product is absolutely seamless. After consumption, I did not notice any indication of poor digestion of the protein. Despite the fact that there are no digestive enzymes in the protein, you can see that the manufacturer has used really high-quality ingredients, after which the digestion is absolutely fine.
When testing the protein I followed the manufacturer's instructions, 31 to 34 grams of protein per 240 ml.After mixing the protein in the prescribed amount, a beautifully creamy consistency was formed, reminiscent of a milkshake. The solubility was also seamless and the protein shake was ready to consume in seconds.
I further tried the protein in yoghurt, cottage cheese or porridge and never noticed any solubility issues and the consistency was always very creamy.
Nutritional values that everyone will appreciate
With Select Protein, the nutritional values vary considerably, it all depends on the flavour you choose at the moment. According to the manufacturer's label, the protein content ranges from 72% (for the chocolate flavor) to 78% (for the vanilla flavor). The other flavors are always within this range in protein content, which from my perspective is a perfectly acceptable value that I'm happy with.
A big bonus is that the manufacturer publishes on its official website the individual tests of their products, from which we can glean a lot of interesting information. One of them is just the protein content of the product. I have carefully looked through these tests and I was pleasantly surprised, because according to independent tests, the protein content of the product is in a much higher range, from 76% to 82%.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not disclose the complete amino acid spectrum of the protein, which is a minor minus, however it's not a big problem, I wouldn't worry about the quality of the ingredients used in this brand.
Nutrition table:
|
Grammage: |
100 g |
100 g |
|
Flavour: |
Chocolate cupcake |
cookie & cream |
|
Energy value |
1498 kJ / 385 kcal |
1488 kJ / 351 kcal |
|
Fats |
4,5 g |
4,2 g |
|
- of which saturated fatty acids |
1,5 g |
1,6 g |
|
Carbohydrates |
4,5 g |
4,5 g |
|
- of which sugars |
4,5 g |
4,2 g |
|
Protein |
72 g |
74 g |
|
Salt |
627 mg |
636 mg |
|
Calcium |
1036 mg (130 % RHP*) |
1036 mg (130 % RHP) |
|
Grammage: |
100 g |
100 g |
|
Flavor: |
Snickerdoodle |
vanilla |
|
Energy value |
1533 kJ / 362 kcal |
1594 kJ / 377 kcal |
|
Fats |
4,5 g |
4,5 g |
|
- of which saturated fatty acids |
1,5 g |
1,7 g |
|
Carbohydrates |
4,5 g |
8 g |
|
- of which sugars |
4,5 g |
4,5 g |
|
Protein |
77 g |
76 g |
|
Salt |
677 mg |
1850 mg |
|
Calcium |
1103 mg (130 % RHP) |
1333 mg (167 % RHP) |
We weren't too impressed with the flavour of the protein
Finally, we get to the reason why this protein is so well known and so highly touted. Finally, we're on to the flavor. To be honest, I was really looking forward to tasting this protein. I was expecting an absolutely amazing taste experience.I was expecting it to be the best flavors I have ever tasted, but unfortunately I was disappointed. I don't know if it was too much expectation or the fact thatthat people in America are used to completely different flavors than we are, but I wasn't too impressed with the protein.
At the beginning I have to tell you that all the flavors are very oversweetened for my tasteI wouldn't recommend Select Protein to people who don't sweeten enough or are used to less sweetened proteins. Let's now move on to the evaluation of each flavor:
- Snickerdoodle (8/10) is a flavor that was initially impossible to find, I read all positive reviews on it, how great this protein is. That's why I couldn't wait to taste it myself and I have to say that this flavour is probably one of the best ones the manufacturer offers. I would compare it to the cinnamon roll flavor, but I have to warn you that it really is extremely sweet. I honestly can't imagine consuming it every day, but you may definitely feel differently.
- Chocolate Cupcake (8/10) is a classic chocolate flavor. I'm not big on chocolate proteins, but this one is definitely my favorite. Out of all the flavors tested, chocolate cupcake is the best. I would compare it to a very sweet granola that reliably took me back to my childhood years, just awesome.
- Strawberry Cheesecake (6/10) was so special. I didn't detect any hint of strawberry at all, which was disappointing. On the contrary, I could smell a chemical aftertaste that reminded me a bit of cottage cheese. I know it must sound very strange, but this is exactly the combination I would compare the protein to. Moreover, it was again very sweet for my taste.
- Mint Cookie (7/10), personally I'm not a fan of mint or mint flavours, so I wasn't too impressed with this flavour. But in the final analysis, at least compared to the other flavours, it wasn't bad at all. For the most part, there's a cocoa note, which is eventually complemented by an undertone of mint. The protein is definitely consumable, but I wouldn't buy it again.
- Peanut Butter Cookie (4 /10), I was really looking forward to the peanut butter flavor, especially when I saw that peanut flour could be found in the ingredients. However, after tasting it here came the biggest disappointment of all. The taste of peanuts is absolutely nowhere to be found. I don't even know what I would compare the protein to, in short, I absolutely did not like it.
A versatile protein for every situation
Select Protein contains easily and quickly absorbed proteins as well as slowly absorbed proteins. Select Protein can be taken at any time of the day between meals, for breakfast or before bed. It is also very suitable for use immediately after training, when it will provide you with immediate delivery of protein to the muscles, as well as the gradual release, which is called. The ideal blend.
I usually tell you that I don't recommend cooking the protein in any way, which I still stand by. However, with Select Protein, the manufacturer recommends this supplement directly on the official websiteto use for baking or other heat treatment, so presumably it will not be depleted of any substances. Still, for baking it will be more suitable to buy some cheaper WPC protein.
A very high price that may put you off
The largest package you can get the protein in is 1710 grams. For this package you will pay , which corresponds to the price of per serving. This is the absolute standard among premium proteins.
When you factor in the regular testing of proteins for protein content, it is quite clear that the price of the protein becomes slightly more expensive.So if you like very sweet flavors, Select Protein will be a great choice for you and you'll probably love it. Otherwise, we'll recommend some suitable alternatives.
Cheaper and at least as good quality alternatives
If Select Protein is too expensive for you and you'd like to recommend a similar alternative that fits the bill for use at any time of the day, then I would definitely recommend MPS-5 Pro from the Czech brand Czech Virus.
MPS-5 Pro will cost you less and the effect will be exactly the same. This protein has absolutely perfectly tuned flavours and you will definitely enjoy them. At the same time, it is a multi-ingredient protein, so there are more sources in the formula protein, which will ensure a gradual release of protein into your body and that's a big plus. You can read a more detailed review here:
Czech Virus MPS-5 Pro - The absolute top in the multi-ingredient protein category? (Review)
Another alternative I would recommend is the plain whey concentrate CFM Evolution from the proven Czech brand Prom-IN. You can also use this protein at any time of the day, but it is best suited for post-workout use.
The reason I chose it as an alternative is because you can choose from a wide range of flavours and you definitely won't go wrong with any of them. For the price, CFM Evolution is much better and the quality is definitely not lagging behind. A more detailed review can be found here:
Prom-IN CFM Evolution: the best protein not only for students (Review)
Final Review
This brings us to the end of the review itself. My overall feeling about the protein is quite mixed. I definitely won't be buying the protein again, as I'm very bothered by the over-sweetening of all the products. However, I believe that a lot of people can and will enjoy it, which is why the proteintry it for yourself, because it's possible you'll fall in love with it.
And if you were put off at first by the higher price tag, that's why I've put you across the throughout this review, I've recommended suitable alternatives for those of you on a budget.
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