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Jun 17, 2023

WH Editor Review: Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder™

A WH editor's review of Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder™ When the new

A WH editor's review of Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder™

When the new year rolled around, I had the best of intentions to list out my goals for 2023. Most of my ideas were too vague to write, so they floated in my head as February came and went. (Anybody else?) The one that made it onto paper: calculate and hit my optimal protein intake daily.

I simultaneously got the opportunity to taste test and review Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder™. Meant. To. Be. I hoped the extra aminos would level up my lifts and make satiating my constant hunger a bit easier. This was not intended to be a "diet," nor was it a weight-loss goal.

When tubs of protein powder arrived at my door, I was so excited to kick off my nutrition intention. There was more than enough for me to hit my optimal protein intake for many, many weeks. The tubs of protein powder are massive, with a whopping 20 servings in the "small" size. I cleared out a dedicated protein cupboard to keep them within reach.

Each serving packs 25 grams of protein, so hitting my goal of 35 to 40 grams of protein per meal would be easy. FYI: The recommended daily allowance for protein hasn't changed for 30 years—it's a modest 0.8 grams per kilogram of total body weight—but researchers are now saying someone like me who sweats on the reg needs way more, 1.2 to 2 grams per kilogram, to support muscle repair and growth.

While most of that macro would come from whole foods (eggs, chicken, salmon, yogurt, and beef), whenever I didn't have time to cook a hot breakfast or make an afternoon snack, I now had an easy way of measuring my intake to stay on track.

Flavor is near the top of my must list when selecting a protein powder. I’ve tried plenty of brands that channel cardboard or chalk in every scoop. That was not the case with Dymatize. With so many flavor options (a dozen for me to choose from during testing), there's something for everyone. Even the pickiest of palates won't be disappointed.

As a lifelong chocoholic, I opted for two chocolate options (Gourmet Chocolate and Cocoa Pebbles). I added a Gourmet Vanilla for more mixing opportunities.

The Gourmet Chocolate reminded me of hot cocoa packets and snow days growing up. It made a surprisingly good mix-in with my morning coffee. The vanilla produced the fluffiest smoothie texture, similar to an egg white protein or an old-fashioned milkshake, no matter what I mixed in.

I also ventured out of my comfort zone and gave Fruity Pebbles a go. If that cereal was part of your morning routine as a kid, this tub will take you right back to those happy memories. I'll admit I wasn't a Flintstones breakfast fan then, and Fruity Pebbles standalone wasn't my fave. However, it made an excellent addition to recipes. (More on that in a sec.)

Not all protein powders are created equal, and it's the high-quality proteins that separate a meh supplement from a great one. I vetted the ingredients list and claims with some of my go-to story experts. I’m also still breastfeeding, so I cleared it with my daughter's pediatrician before the first taste. Plus, I conveniently just learned about the different types of amino acids and the crucial role they play in protein synthesis and muscle-building while studying for my NASM-CPT exam.

What stood out to me on the Dymatize label:

In recent years, I’ve opted for plant-based protein instead of whey products. I noticed more blemishes popped up whenever I consumed whey in the past and pea protein helped me avoid that unwanted side effect. I worried the pimples would reappear, but none did with this formula. (Likely because ISO100 is whey isolate.)

There are a few mystery ingredients in the mix, though. The exact details of what natural and artificial flavors used isn't clear, so research on any potential risks or benefits is also unavailable. I like to know everything that I’m eating, so I generally cook most of my meals at home and minimize processed/prepared items.

Before the tubs arrived, I scoured the website for recipe inspiration. I didn't want to be limited to shaking up a bottle day after day, and I didn't have to be.

I started by adding a half scoop of Dymatize's Gourmet Chocolate to my morning homemade latte. I mixed a shot of espresso with warmed milk and the powder. It dissolved quickly and transformed the coffee into a protein coffee. I didn't need a blender or whisk to combine into a frothy #proffee, a fave of many trainers.

I got more adventurous as the days went on. I created new smoothie concoctions to fight off afternoon hunger pangs. Multiple days I grabbed the vanilla and dumped in whatever aging bag of spinach sat in the crisper or slightly freezer-burned mixed berries I had on hand. Try as I might, I couldn't taste the spinach even though I added so much the smoothie was a brilliant green hue.

Then, I made Fruity Pebbles crispy treats. The recipe was essentially the same as the ones with melted marshmallows, butter, and cereal, plus a couple scoops of protein powder. The supplement mixed right in and added bright colors to the squares. Yes, it fell into the dessert category, but I didn't get the typical sugar crash, largely thanks to the increased protein content.

While I can't know with certainty the protein powder is the driving force behind my heavier lifts, I can't deny there seems to be some connection. I grabbed heavier dumbbells for all my lifts, upper body and lower body, after months of hitting the same weights. Chest presses with 20-pound dumbbells felt hard but not impossible for a few sets, and I surprised myself with 15-pound shoulder presses. I even had to switch to single-leg deadlifts because I maxed out my at-home dumbbell stash.

I’m excited to eat my way through the remaining tubs (with a little help from my husband) until I have the empties...and a bunch of new strength gains.

Jennifer Nied is the fitness editor at Women's Health and has more than 10 years of experience in health and wellness journalism. She's always out exploring—sweat-testing workouts and gear, hiking, snowboarding, running, and more—with her husband, daughter, and dog.

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