Whey is the liquid left over from milk during the production of cheese. Everything from the milk that does not end up in the cheese is found in the whey. It consists of approximately 94 percent water, 4.5 percent lactose, 0.8 percent proteins, 0.7 percent minerals and vitamins, and is virtually fat-free. Depending on the type of cheese produced, the whey can vary, particularly in flavour.

Since Switzerland produces a very large amount of cheese, a correspondingly large amount of whey is generated β€” around 1.3 million tonnes per year. Wheycation uses this surplus Swiss whey to create high-quality Swiss whey protein: a sustainable upcycling product made from one of the most valuable natural protein sources available. More on this in our blog post "Whey What?! Everything you need to know about whey, protein and Wheycation."

From a nutritional standpoint, whey is one of the highest-quality protein sources available. According to the latest findings, whey protein is the most nutritionally valuable protein currently available. It is therefore widely used in sports nutrition, clinical nutrition and infant formula. Whey proteins are highly satiating, yet quickly digestible and easily absorbed by the human body, with many positive functional properties. They are particularly significant for recovery. In the field of nutritional supplements, whey protein is most commonly known by its English name β€” whey protein, or simply whey.

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How do whey proteins work?

The functional properties of whey proteins are wide-ranging. They contribute to muscle building and the inhibition of muscle protein breakdown, have antioxidant effects, and strengthen the immune system β€” particularly in combination with increased physical activity. Whey proteins also have a positive effect on gut flora, cardiovascular health and bone metabolism.

Protein quality is typically measured by biological value β€” an indicator of how effectively a dietary protein can replace body protein. Whey proteins have a very high biological value due to their high content of all essential amino acids: the protein building blocks the body cannot produce itself, yet requires for a healthy metabolism.

Whey also contains the minerals potassium, calcium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and pantothenic acid in nutritionally relevant concentrations. Additional minerals and trace elements found in whey include magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and iodine. This list is not exhaustive β€” whey contains many more valuable, naturally occurring nutrients.

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What makes Swiss whey special?

We work exclusively with Swiss whey. The Suisse Garantie certified whey protein we use in our Swiss protein powder is a concentrate derived from Swiss whey produced during cheese manufacturing. To produce this whey protein concentrate, the whey is gently filtered through membranes and then dried. The resulting concentrate consists of 80 percent protein, while still retaining the natural minerals and vitamins from the whey.

Buying Swiss whey protein from Wheycation means: regional, certified and free from artificial additives. Our protein powder from Swiss whey is available in our online shop in a range of flavours β€” for every active lifestyle.

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Frequently asked questions about Swiss whey and whey proteins

What is whey and why is whey healthy?

Whey, also known as "Schotte" in German, is a yellow-greenish liquid and the part of milk that does not become cheese during the cheese-making process. It is particularly valued for its whey proteins and individual amino acids, including a high proportion of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are known for their significant health benefits.

Whey also contains essential vitamins and minerals. As a natural product with a complex composition, whey has long been recognized and well-researched for its positive effects on health and well-being.

And what is the difference between whey powder, whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate?

When the entire whey is dried, it is referred to as whey powder. If part of the whey is separated before drying in order to increase the protein content in the powder, the result is known as whey protein powder. There are different types of whey protein powders.

For powders used in the preparation of shakes, whey protein concentrates and whey protein isolates are most commonly used. Depending on the degree of processing and the concentration method, different solids from the whey remain in the final product.

Whey protein concentrate contains up to 80 percent protein but still retains some milk sugar (lactose) and minerals. To achieve a protein content higher than 80 percent, the concentrate must undergo further processing, resulting in whey protein isolate, which consists almost entirely of pure protein.

What is whey?

In everyday language, "whey" is often used to refer specifically to pure whey protein. As a result, many suppliers of whey protein powders for nutritional supplementation simplify - though not entirely accurately - by labeling their products simply as "whey."

What is the difference between whey protein and casein?

Milk contains two main types of protein. Around 80 percent is casein and 20 percent is whey protein. During cheese production, the casein becomes the solid component β€” the cheese itself β€” while the whey remains in the liquid, known as whey. Whey protein contains all essential amino acids, is particularly rich in BCAAs (especially leucine) and is rapidly absorbed by the body. This makes it ideal for muscle building and recovery directly after training. Casein is digested slowly and is well suited for sustained protein supply over longer periods, such as overnight.

What distinguishes our whey protein from the protein in other powders?

We are the first company to work exclusively and consistently with Swiss whey. Very few whey protein-based products are actually made from Swiss whey. Many other products on the market are labeled as "developed and manufactured in Switzerland," but this typically refers only to the blending of ingredients. They do not use Swiss whey protein.

This is legally permitted, and there is a special exemption under the Swissness regulation. The reason for this lies in the limited availability of whey protein powders from Swiss whey. For example, there is no whey protein isolate made from Swiss whey (as of January 2023).

We are working closely with the Bern University of Applied Sciences and our production partners on further developments and research. Our aim is to make better and more holistic use of Swiss whey - not just the whey proteins - and to optimize and diversify the properties of protein powders and other whey products. We also strive to further enhance their health benefits, all through natural methods.