Ascent - Clear Whey Protein Isolate

This isn’t what you asked, but I’d try a sample of expensive but really high quality whey protein with no crappy fillers like Optimum Nutrition has in it. Transparent Labs is what I would use if I could afford it. I personally use Ascent, which is mostly whey protein isolate. It does have some concentrate, thus contains some lactose and makes me a little farty lol. But for a pretty good protein that is at Costco for $50 in 4lb bag, it works. I also eat a ton of Oikos Triple Zero yogurt (also sold at Costco in a multipack) I add a half scoop of Ascent with some fruit, honey, walnuts, plain cheerios and cinnamon. F-ing delicious. Around 30 grams of protein.

Ascent from Costco. 4lbs for $50. (I’ve gotten it for $40 on sale.) You won’t find a better quality protein for the price and quantity. No artificial sweeteners or junk like Optimum Nutrition, which they also have at Costco. It’s mostly isolate but does have a little concentrate, so if you are sensitive to lactose it might not be for you but I like it.

Fairlife is considered the best by many of us, specifically this one: [https://fairlife.com/nutrition-plan/chocolate/](https://fairlife.com/nutrition-plan/chocolate/) they are not all the same. However, it gets expensive. To save money I buy a protein powder (Ascent on Amazon is good and not too expensive for a good whey protein powder) and mix it with fat free Fairlife milk. If I want to spend even less money I will buy regular grocery store fat free milk.

Do you know why you’re having gut issues? Are you lactose intolerant? Do you have a problem with artificial sweetners? Is there too much liquid when you’re mixing the powder? Trying to narrow the reasons for the bloating can help with finding the right protein. Or trial and error. I tend to have issues with artificial sweetners like aspartame, Splenda, Ace-k but am fine with stevia so I mainly used “natural whey” products from optimum and met-rx the last 10 years or so until they stopped making them. Ascent whey uses stevia so I tried that but didn’t like the taste. Realized that I’m actually ok with the Splenda and Ace-k as long as I mix in a tablespoon of psyllium husk and flaxseed. Too much psyllium can also cause cramping and bloating so it was about finding the right balance. Maybe start with a non whey based protein powder with no artificial sweetners first and see how you react, then change one thing up. Do whey with no artificial sugar or do non whey with artificial sugar. Vary the amount of liquids. Kind of like an elimination diet until you hit the right mix/combo.

Iv been liking ascent whey. Already went through like 3-4 bags of it already…everything else is just so damn expensive.

Ascent from Costco, it’s a lot cheaper than it is direct from them or Amazon.. I do add in a smaller bag from Amazon of one of the other flavors so I’m not stuck with just one flavor..

This & Ascent have been good

Levels without a doubt. And it’s often on sale for $15 off. I’d say Levels >>> ON > Kirkland >>>> Ascent.

I like Ascent! Their vanilla and chocolate are good

Agreed. Very tasty and available at Costco for a fraction of the price

Me too! I used to see it in stores but now I can only find it on their website. It’s bothersome to order because of the up charge but I still do it sometimes to avoid the flavor fatigue

I use Ascent protein powder from costco. Cleanest stuff you'll find for the price.

Commented this before reading. Great brand for money.

Healthiest I’ve been able to find for the money is the ascent brand at Costco.