Refreshing Protein Water
Product Review: Designer Whey Protein Water
- Protein Popart ©GastricBypassBarbie
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need a refreshing little protein pick-me-up that isn’t a shake, a bar or a bag of chips. Sometimes, I just want to crack open a bottle ‘o something that isn’t Crystal Lite, Propel or IsoPure (not that there’s anything WRONG with those). Sometimes, I just want to feel like I’m cheating, when I’m not!
That’s where a product like Protein Water (from Designer Whey) rocks my world.
But, wait — since this *IS* a review, let me get the legal crap out of the way:
My new friend, Summer Dean (a delightful customer service rep for Designer Whey) was generous enough to put together a thoughtful carton of some of their new and wonderful products for my sampling pleasure. I did not pay for any of these items, but my review (as always) is impartial and honest. I’m a lot of things, but I’m a product-reviewing-pushover. Thank you, Designer Whey for providing me with 4 bottles of Protein Water for this review.
Okay, I’m back.
Where was I? Oh yeah, I was starting to tell you about a new product that is rocking my world: PROTEIN WATER. Let’s start with the gritty details, and then we’ll move into the taste test.
COMPANY INFORMATION:
DESIGNER WHEY was created by NEXT Proteins, Inc., a company founded in 1988 to develop and produce superior whey products for fitness-minded Americans. DESIGNER WHEY has been the top-selling whey protein since its introduction in 1993. They are located in Carlsbad, California.
DESIGNER WHEY is the result of one of the most extensive privately funded ongoing whey protein research and development effort in the world. Since 1993, they have spent more than $10 million dollars in innovative Research & Development, clinical testing and product development.
DESIGNER WHEY is unmatched in its level of quality and innovation, with several cutting-edge features that no other protein product offers. In fact, research shows the synergistic effects of these one of a kind ingredients produce outstanding clinical test results like no other protein ever:
Read more about the company here:
PRODUCT OFFERINGS:
You may be familiar with the Designer Whey name from “The Biggest Loser” — or, you might have seen their “Aria” (Women’s Protein) on store shelves at places like Trader Joe’s. As a matter of fact, that is where I first learned about their original Designer Whey blendable protein product (100% Designer Whey in Chocolate or Vanilla). Of course, I had no idea they made “Sports Drink” type products until I visited their site a few weeks ago. Silly me! I do recall seeing their “Biggest Loser” Protein2Go packets, but I guess I just didn’t think that product was right for me, because it doesn’t have enough protein.
PROTEIN WATER PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Comes in a handy, 16 oz., plastic bottle with a screw on cap.
Nutritional Info:
Serving Size = 1 Bottle
Protein = 12 g
Fiber = 5 g
Sugar = 1 g
Calories = 60
Flavors:
Orange Mango
Cranapple
Blue Raspberry
Pomegranate Fruit
Taste:
- Not overly sweet (like those Citosport drinks are – yuck!)
- Non-carbonated
- Crisp and refreshing
- No overwhelming protein smell (like sour milk or dirty socks), so you don’t have to “sneak up on it” just to get the stuff down.
- Can’t decide which flavor is my favorite — Sometimes, I think “Blue Raspberry”, but then I say, “No, It’s GOTTA be that Cranapple!”…other days, it’s “Orange-Mango” — I guess I like them ALL!
- Satisfying and filling (two, very important factors!)
- Perfect size (especially if you’re Goldilocks!) — Not too big; not too small; Jusssst right.
Use:
- Not intended as a meal replacement
- Good during your workout
- Satisfies thirst when plain water won’t do
- Great way to get in some additional protein (without really trying)
- Portable — even drinkable at room temperature, which we ALL know is a consideration for us bariatric types!
Cost:
$$$ DesignerWhey.com = $35.99 for a case of 12 + Shipping
That makes it $2.99/bottle before you even spend a penny to ship it to your door!
I understand from Summer that they are looking to expand distribution channels of this product, but I haven’t a brick and mortar found a resource near me YET. They do sell the packets you can add to bottled water at places like GNC and Vitamin Shoppe, but not the RTDs. That could be a consideration in your decision. However, if you plan to keep these on hand for convenience, it’s not an awful investment. Hey, there’s so little we really eat anymore, it’s important to be good to ourselves and find treats that work.
Bottom line: B
Protein Water has an exceptional taste. It is crisp and refreshing, not too sweet, doesn’t smell bad, and is perfect for people on-the-go. The packaging and labeling are top notch (gorgeous graphics and design), which means the bottles don’t look like typical “healthy” products (that are trying too hard!) The product quality is excellent, but I’ve gotta admit that the price is prohibitive. 
If they were under $2.00/bottle, I’d have given it a solid “A” — but still, two yums way up from Barbie!
Tags: after life, Bariatric Supplements, Before and After, Healthy Eating, WLS Mentor
Whey proein as compared to all other protein types (egg, standard milk, soy, etc) is the best across the board and should (and usually does) have a cost to match. It is the easiest on your stomach, fastest into your system, and best for muscle tissue gains/ weight maintenance (it’s what doctors have used to get HIV and wasted chemo/radiation patients to hold the line and even re-grow). It has immune system enhanceing properties that make it almost medicinal. It has anti cancer properties beyond its immune enchanceing ones, but especially for those who are about to undergo radiation/chemothereapy
@Max: You are so right — you get what you pay for
My comment about the priciness really refers to the AMOUNT of protein you get — the bang for your buck, as it were. We bariatric types only have so much room in our teeny pouches, so if we can get 30 grams of quality protein in 20 oz. of fluid for $2.50, or 12 grams of quality protein in 16 oz. for $3.00, which one do you think we’ll probably go for? 
Of course, taste and availability are critical considerations, but it all just goes into a big hopper (like one of those bingo ball things). I spin and spin and see what comes out. B52? Lo-Carbs, Lo-Sugars, Lo-Fats, Hi-Protein…hi-price. Pass. C17? Higher-Carbs, great taste, hi-carbs, zero sugars, great price? Sold! See what I mean? We all just have to juggle our criteria to see what works best for our tastebuds, pocketbooks, lifestyles and health! Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I hope to *see* you again soon!