Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein
Athletes who want Informed Sport-certified native whey with clean, natural ingredients
NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate
Value seekers who want the most protein per dollar with Informed Sport certification
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein
Athletes who want Informed Sport-certified native whey with clean, natural ingredients
Ascent differentiates with its "native" whey process — extracting protein directly from fresh milk rather than cheese manufacturing. Informed Sport certified with zero artificial ingredients makes it a strong choice for clean-label athletes. The native whey distinction may not justify the premium over standard isolates.
Strengths
- Informed Sport certified and uses native whey isolate processed from fresh milk (not cheese byproduct)
- Zero artificial ingredients with only natural flavors and sweeteners
- 25g protein per serving with strong amino acid and BCAA profile
Limitations
- Native whey process marketing may overstate benefits vs standard isolate
- Limited flavor range compared to larger brands
- Pricing at $2.00/serving is mid-range but not budget-friendly
When to Choose NOW Sports Whey Protein Isolate
Value seekers who want the most protein per dollar with Informed Sport certification
NOW Sports delivers the best value in this comparison at $0.89/serving for 81 servings. The unflavored single-ingredient isolate is as pure as it gets. Informed Sport certification adds credibility. The trade-off is taste and aesthetics — this is no-frills protein at its most practical.
Strengths
- Best protein-per-dollar value — 81 servings at $0.89/serving
- Single-ingredient unflavored option for maximum purity
- Informed Sport certified with GMP-compliant manufacturing
Limitations
- Unflavored version has a bland dairy taste — best mixed into smoothies
- Lower protein per serving (25g) in unflavored compared to some competitors
- Basic packaging and branding lacks the premium feel of boutique brands
