Whey protein clumping in shakes?

[dagrandmastah]

Hey all, new to the forums. I've been going to the gym consistently for about a year. My main goals isn't really to bulk up but to tone up, get cut and just get in overall good shape. I usually go to the gym between 3-4 times a week and I typically get there around 6 AM so I'm dealing with morning workouts. Now with those introductions out of the way, let's get to my issue.

I usually make a protein shake when I get home. I used to use Syntha 6 protein but I read that whey protein is much better for an after workout shake so I purchased 1 pound of chococal Optimum Nutrition whey protein. I like the taste of the protein but I can't seem to prevent it from clumping in any shake I make. I use a blender. I never had this problem with Syntha 6 so I'm no sure if I should just go back to using that. I know Syntha 6 tends to be absorbed by the body at a slower pace so not sure if that works to my benefit being that I go to the gym earlier in the morning. I'd like to figure out what the issue is with the whey protein as I'm due to buy a new can of protein and have to figure out which one to get.

[NickTurbine]

I used to use Syntha 6 protein but I read that whey protein is much better for an after workout shake so I purchased 1 pound of chococal Optimum Nutrition whey protein.

charcoal ON?
must be a new flavor...

For the record, you are splitting hairs when deciding upon "which" or "what kind" of protein powder to use following training.
It really doesn't matter, for where you are in your development.
Stressing over this choice will likely be more negative than any amount of positve choosing the right food will give you to begin with.
And FYI - real food would be better than any kind of powder you can buy anyway.

[king8654]

Hey all, new to the forums. I've been going to the gym consistently for about a year. My main goals isn't really to bulk up but to tone up, get cut and just get in overall good shape. I usually go to the gym between 3-4 times a week and I typically get there around 6 AM so I'm dealing with morning workouts. Now with those introductions out of the way, let's get to my issue.

I usually make a protein shake when I get home. I used to use Syntha 6 protein but I read that whey protein is much better for an after workout shake so I purchased 1 pound of chococal Optimum Nutrition whey protein. I like the taste of the protein but I can't seem to prevent it from clumping in any shake I make. I use a blender. I never had this problem with Syntha 6 so I'm no sure if I should just go back to using that. I know Syntha 6 tends to be absorbed by the body at a slower pace so not sure if that works to my benefit being that I go to the gym earlier in the morning. I'd like to figure out what the issue is with the whey protein as I'm due to buy a new can of protein and have to figure out which one to get.

if your using water, could be the issue. with milk, add couple ice cubes in and should take care of it.

[NickTurbine]

if your using water, could be the issue. with milk, add couple ice cubes in and should take care of it.

I use water in all of my shakes, and do not experience this at all.

It is not the form of liquid that is the problem.
If anything, it would be the amount (rather: lack thereof) of whatever liquid is being used.
Try more fluid.

[king8654]

I use water in all of my shakes, and do not experience this at all.

It is not the form of liquid that is the problem.
If anything, it would be the amount (rather: lack thereof) of whatever liquid is being used.
Try more fluid.

"Could" be the issue is the key. when i use milk, it never clumps. when i use water, it clumps about 10% of the time, regardless of amount, since i measure it out. also, casein in water clumps alot more too. so if syntha has a high % of casein, maybe it is the issue.

[shoefanatic23]

Try adding water to your blender bottle first and then add the protein.

[NickTurbine]

Try adding water to your blender bottle first and then add the protein.

Seriously? Now there is a certain "order" we should all follow when making a shake?
Huh. Interesting, the things on this site.

Bottom line:
There is no proper format or specific you have to follow to make "clumps" go away.
Use enough liquid, and use enough force when shaking. Period.

[Mikeikes]

I use a blender bottle, try that op!

[xStevenx]

I have never had a clumping issue with Isoflex.
Powder first or water first, mixes flawlessly

[unforgiven118]

Try adding water to your blender bottle first and then add the protein.

I had to do the same thing with my blender bottle. If I put the power first, it would clump up and some would stick to the bottom. It's a lot less clumpy if you add the liquid first then the power.

[shoefanatic23]

Seriously? Now there is a certain "order" we should all follow when making a shake?
Huh. Interesting, the things on this site.

Bottom line:
There is no proper format or specific you have to follow to make "clumps" go away.
Use enough liquid, and use enough force when shaking. Period.

http://thedailycricket.com/2011/12/1...-to-serve-her/

No there isn't a certain order, I just noticed that I'd have clumps When I would add the protein first. Just letting op know worked for me to get rid of the clumps.

[shoefanatic23]

Seriously? Now there is a certain "order" we should all follow when making a shake?
Huh. Interesting, the things on this site.

Bottom line:
There is no proper format or specific you have to follow to make "clumps" go away.
Use enough liquid, and use enough force when shaking. Period.

No there isn't a certain order, I just noticed that I'd have clumps When I would add the protein first. Just letting op know worked for me to get rid of the clumps.

[slimwealthy1]

My main goals isn't really to bulk up but to tone up, get cut and just get in overall good shape.

I love this statement

[x-trainer ben]

Hey all, new to the forums. I've been going to the gym consistently for about a year. My main goals isn't really to bulk up but to tone up, get cut and just get in overall good shape. I usually go to the gym between 3-4 times a week and I typically get there around 6 AM so I'm dealing with morning workouts. Now with those introductions out of the way, let's get to my issue.

I usually make a protein shake when I get home. I used to use Syntha 6 protein but I read that whey protein is much better for an after workout shake so I purchased 1 pound of chococal Optimum Nutrition whey protein. I like the taste of the protein but I can't seem to prevent it from clumping in any shake I make. I use a blender. I never had this problem with Syntha 6 so I'm no sure if I should just go back to using that. I know Syntha 6 tends to be absorbed by the body at a slower pace so not sure if that works to my benefit being that I go to the gym earlier in the morning. I'd like to figure out what the issue is with the whey protein as I'm due to buy a new can of protein and have to figure out which one to get.

you said:" I use a blender"
add water( 8-`12 oz) and ice then 2 scoops, then blend on high for 2 min + = problem solved

[NickTurbine]

No there isn't a certain order, I just noticed that I'd have clumps When I would add the protein first. Just letting op know worked for me to get rid of the clumps.

No there isn't a certain order, I just noticed that I'd have clumps When I would add the protein first. Just letting op know worked for me to get rid of the clumps.

It's like dejavu, all over again.



It's like dejavu, all ov -- err, wait.




All good man. I just get a mental picture of some guy tweaking out over his sink, wondering to himself "now which one comes next?" when he's trying to make a simple protein shake, and producing cortisol worrying about it.

Whatever you think works, by all means share.
(just one time should suffice however.)

[NickTurbine]

I love this statement

Yes. Quite an oversight, in hindsight.
All of this could have been avoided, if only we'd paid attention to OPs wanting to get "toned".

[shoefanatic23]

It's like dejavu, all over again.



It's like dejavu, all ov -- err, wait.




All good man. I just get a mental picture of some guy tweaking out over his sink, wondering to himself "now which one comes next?" when he's trying to make a simple protein shake, and producing cortisol worrying about it.

Whatever you think works, by all means share.

Haha Darn iPhone... Thing was tripping out. Haha i know what you mean with things becoming over simplified.

[dagrandmastah]

damn that's a lot of replies. thanks for all the help guys. I wrote that OP before a meeting I had at work so I was racing to get it out...thus the typos. I do love this charcoal flavored protein though. lol

Anyways, seems that maybe adding milk will alleviate the issue so I'll try that (i've been using water otherwise). If it doesn't then I'll just go back to the syntha protein after I finish the little bit of whey i got left.

As for all the other posts, I'm not going to quote reply anyone but I agree with actual food being a good substitute. That being said, these are basically my breakfast protein drinks right after a morning workout so it's not like I'm skipping dinner and subbing in a protein shake. Plus I genuinly like these protein shakes I make (minus the clumping).

Not sure what the issue is with me saying that I'm just trying to get "cut and toned" as opposed to "bulking" up. I'm not trying to add an exponential amount of mass so I'm working out and eating with that in mind.

[Kadisha]

Dude it could also be that the water you're using is too cold. I find that I have trouble mixing the stuff with water that's too cold during the summer, but honestly I've had no problem with ON Whey ever.