When we started U-RAAW! back in 2013, our goal was to hand-pick the highest quality products and ingredients we could find.
Initially, we didn’t offer whey protein isolate as an independent product in our online store. We did however use it in many of our protein bar and smoothie recipes, so it was particularly important to find the perfect whey.
We were looking for a product that was both ‘clean’ (ie. no GMO, fillers, heavy metals, pesticides, etc.), and also produced in an ethical/sustainable manor.
After significant research into both the dairy industry and more specifically how whey protein is manufactured, we quickly determined that New Zealand whey was the only viable option.
How Whey Protein is Made
Before we get any further, it’s important to understand how whey protein is made.
The whey protein manufacturing process:
- Milk Collection & Transport
Milk is collected from the cattle at the farm and transported to processing facilities in refrigerated tanks.
- Pasturization
The milk is pasteurized to kill potentially harmful bacteria and pathogens.
- Milk Separation
Enzymes are added to the milk in order to separate the liquid whey from the solid curds. The curds are used to make cheese.
- Filtration
The filtration process removes fat, carbohydrates, and water from the whey. The type of whey determines how thoroughly the whey is filtered. Whey isolate uses ultra-filtration which not only removes all fat, but also all lactose.
- Drying
The filtered liquid whey is spray dried until no more moisture is present. The process ensures no nutrients are lost.
- Nutritional Testing
They finished whey powder is tested for potency.
- Blending & Packaging
The raw whey protein powder is either packaged at this point, or mixed with other ingredients to enhance its flavour.
Why New Zealand Whey is the Healthiest Option
There are two reasons why whey protein manufactured from New Zealand milk is the best option.
Diet & Environment
New Zealand’s unique climate provided the perfect growing environment for nutrient-rich grass 365 days a year.
In fact, it’s one of the few places in the world where cattle are able to graze on pastures year-round.
Simply put, cattle that are able to live in a stress-free natural environment and consume pesticide-free nutrient dense grasses will produce the healthiest milk.
Stringent Dairy Industry Standards
New Zealand has the highest standards in the industry when it comes to dairy farming, which ensures that the milk will be clean and free from growth hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides.
Additionally, and importantly, it ensures that cattle are cared for and treated ethically.
Putting it all Together
Our decision to choose New Zealand whey protein over a North American manufactured product was simple, as it was the best way to guarantee a clean/quality product that was ethically produced.
It’s important to note that while quality grass-fed whey protein that is manufactured in North America absolutely does exist, it is much harder to source.
Although NZ Whey does demand a price premium over domestic whey, we believe it’s worth it.
