Whey, protein, whey protein—these terms are popping up more and more frequently in the world of nutrition. But what's behind them? Why is whey so special, and why did we name our company "Wheycation"? Let's shed some light on the subject.
Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and the part of the milk that doesn't end up in the cheese. In Switzerland, many people automatically associate the term whey with fitness and protein powders, or understand whey as a synonym for protein—and not without reason: Whey contains high-quality protein, whey protein.
Whey: From waste product to superfood
Whey was once considered a waste product of cheese production. In Switzerland, this mentality is still deeply rooted. Outside of Switzerland, whey has become a sought-after raw material. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, lactose, and, above all, valuable proteins that the body can easily absorb. Whey protein is one of the highest-quality protein sources available: It provides all the essential amino acids our body needs to build muscle, strengthen the immune system, and support regeneration.
Whey protein vs. protein: The subtle difference
Protein is the general term for proteins found in various foods such as meat, eggs, or plants. Whey protein is a specific type of protein derived from whey. It stands out for its high bioavailability and rapid absorption by the body. This makes it particularly popular among athletes and health-conscious individuals.
Why are we called “Wheycation”?
The name "Wheycation" is a playful combination of "whey" and "vacation." It stands for enjoyment, relaxation, and conscious consumption—all based on whey. Our mission is to use whey in innovative ways and create products that are both healthy and sustainable—and, above all, enjoyable. We practice upcycling with whey. Upcycling refers to the utilization of byproducts or residues that would otherwise be disposed of or used substandardly to create new, high-quality products. For whey, this means using the milk resource more efficiently, minimizing waste, animal feed, and biogas production from whey, while simultaneously developing innovative and nutritious products. In Switzerland, only around 25% of whey is currently used for food.
Whey upcycling products: Sustainability meets innovation
Our products are therefore more than just protein products – they are a statement for sustainability. By using whey that would otherwise often be thrown away, we are helping to conserve resources. We go one or two steps further than many other companies that also offer whey products. We not only use the protein from the whey, but also look for new solutions to enhance other components. In our Refuel sports drink, for example, the minerals from the whey are used. And we are working on new raw materials from whey to also use the lactose in a high-quality and easily digestible way. We are also involved in projects to improve the reputation of Swiss whey and to ensure that it can be used in larger quantities. We also support other institutions that are committed to reducing food waste and promoting more sustainable food production with a portion of our profits.
How do Wheycation products differ from other whey products?
Many companies see whey primarily as a source of pure protein and as a means of increasing muscle mass. Wheycation is about more. Our product range is designed to make it easier for everyone to eat healthier and more consciously, have more energy for an active everyday life, and our products are designed to bring joy. Our products stand for:
- Holistic enjoyment: We develop products that are not only functional, but also taste good – natural and subtly sweet – and are well tolerated.
- Naturalness: We use as few processed ingredients as possible and we avoid artificial additives, especially artificial sweeteners. In addition to the whey components, our products contain genuine, high-quality ingredients such as Fair Trade vanilla, fruit powder, and Finnish birch sugar.
- Sustainability: Through our upcycling concept, we contribute to reducing food waste. We focus on sustainably produced ingredients, short transport routes, and optimized packaging solutions.
See whey as an opportunity
For us, whey is much more than just hype. Whey is a high-quality resource that uniquely combines sustainability with healthy, enjoyable nutrition. With Wheycation, we are setting an example for a future in which whey is viewed not as waste, but as a valuable raw material.
Try it out – your “Wheycation” is waiting for you!
You can find out more about the differences between animal and plant proteins in our blog post https://wheycation.com/the-difference-of-animal-and-vegetable-proteins/
You can find out more about upcycling Swiss whey in our blog post https://wheycation.com/upcycled-molke-unsere-proteinquelle/
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