I've been getting a lot of inquiries about protein from Vayu lately. The most frequent questions were whether the protein is really worth buying, or why the manufacturer used calcium caseinate if the public thinks it is such a bad source of protein.
Instead of writing everyone off individually, I decided to try the protein for myself and write down all the answers to the above questions. So let's review the Vayu 2C+ multi-ingredient protein.
Content of the review
The Vayu brand has only recently appeared on the Czech market. Their products are definitely interesting in their own way and they present themselves as a hardcore brand for real fitness enthusiasts. But isn't it just marketing talk? So let's get down to the review itself and find out how the Vayu 2C+ fared in our test.
A quality formula supplemented with the controversial calcium caseinate
Whey concentrate is used as the main protein source , taking up 75% of the total protein. A minor minus is that it is not apparent how the whey concentrate was processed, whether it was a CFM method or another method. However, according to the available amino acid spectrum published on the manufacturer's website, I am inclined to use the CFM method.
The whey concentrate is supplemented with the controversial and demonized calcium caseinate. However, it is important to say that this source of protein is not as bad for our body as it is often written. A body hungry for protein replenishment will gladly reach for calcium caseinate. It is true that it behaves completely differently in the body compared to classic micellar casein, but this is not a bad thing. Calcium caseinate is more similar to whey protein and the usability is practically identical. For my part, I see no problem in adding calcium caseinate and the product should not be discounted in any way because of it.
There are flavour enhancers used in the protein , but it is not specified whether these are natural or chemical flavourings, so I have to assume that the manufacturer has used chemicals. The prebiotic fiber xanthan gum was used to thicken the protein , which is healthy for our gut. Last but not least, digestive enzymes, specifically lactase and protease, are also present for better usability of the product. Unfortunately, the exact amount is not disclosed by the manufacturer.
The protein is sweetened with sucralose, which is nowadays a smart and healthy choice to sweeten the product.
Nutritional values
The amount of protein ranges from 71% to 78% depending on the flavor you choose. The lower protein value is usually due to the addition of cocoa or other flavouring ingredients. When comparing the protein content with competing whey proteins, this is an absolute standard, so you definitely can't go wrong with this protein.
As far as the amount of fat and carbohydrates per 100 grams of product is concerned, here too we find absolutely identical CFM Evolution from Prom-IN, Pure Elite Whey from Czech Virus or others.
Unconventional flavours that have been successful
Taste-wise, all the flavours I tested are absolutely perfect. In fact, I haven't tasted a protein this tasty in a long time, and I didn't notice any chemical aftertaste. After mixing in the shaker, a nice creamy consistency was created and even the protein kept me full for a longer time. If you add a piece of fruit to the mix, you have the perfect post-workout snack.
When mixing the protein in water I followed the manufacturer's instructions, 30g of protein per 300ml of water.
- The peach yoghurt (10/10) is an absolute bomb. I only mixed the protein in water and still got literally the same taste as the real peach yoghurt you get in the store. I really couldn't tell much difference between the flavors. I enjoyed the protein very much, the flavor is not overly sweet, the consistency is slightly creamy, in short one of the best flavors I have ever tasted.
- I boughtthe coconut cream (9/10) because I am a sworn coconut lover. Despite the fact that the protein tasted very good, I had to give a lower rating due to the fact that I could hardly smell the coconut at all. True, the taste is pleasantly sweet, not artificial in any way, almost perfect, but unfortunately not coconutty. Rather, the protein reminded me of the taste of vanilla, but this is only a minor minus. In the end, I really enjoyed the protein.
- The double chocolate (9,5/10) is absolutely delicious. At the very first sip, I detected a very noticeable and unadulterated chocolate flavour, which I also developed an addiction to during my testing. The protein is not over-sweetened and is quite creamy, so it can thicken oatmeal, porridge or buckwheat very well. It reminds me of the Chocolate Praline flavour of this Czech Virus protein, which tasted very similar and which we also rated 9.5 out of 10.
Slightly less digestible, but perfect solubility
When I stirred the protein in my shaker , it didn't foam, no lumps formed and it was fully instant. As well as when mixing the protein into porridge or white yoghurt, all without any problems.
I was a little surprised by the poorer digestibility of the product. My stomach can be very sensitive to certain stimuli and here I registered mild stomach cramps and gas after consuming it. I don't know how much digestive enzymes are in the product, but I think the manufacturer could have used a little more.
Anyway, for individuals who are not sensitive to their stomach these problems will not even be noticed.
When is the best time to take protein?
Vayu 2C+ protein contains very easily and quickly absorbed protein, but also slower digesting protein in the form of casein. This makes it an ideal choice at any time of the day between meals or as a snack. You can also use it after training or immediately after waking up.
You can conveniently mix the protein in porridge, yoghurt, cottage cheese or just mix it with water or milk in a shaker. In all cases, you will enjoy it perfectly.
Higher price than I expected
A minor drawback for a lot of people may be the higher price. You can get the protein in a pack of 1500 grams for . This is roughly per serving, which is about the same as a regular whey concentrate.which is also supplemented with cheaper calcium caseinate, a very high price.
For comparison, one dose of high quality native whey isolate BiotechUSA Iso Whey Zero costs which is shocking to me, because I consider whey isolate to be the best source of protein.
Unfortunately, the logic of the manufacturer's reasoning escapes me here and I don't understand how Vayu could get to such a high amount.
Final evaluation
So is it worth investing in Vayu 2C+? For me, unfortunately, no.
Although I enjoyed testing the protein, although the taste was absolutely great, I was very put off by the inferior digestibility of the product and especially the extremely high price, despite the fact that it is such an ordinary protein.
My overall feeling about the product is very mixed. I think it is worth testing the protein from Vayu at least once to know how it will or will not suit you and whether you will be willing to pay extra for it. However, I'm pretty sure I won't be getting it again.
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