Ascent Whey Protein Review: My Personal Experience (2024)

In This Review:
Overview | Taste | Mixability | Cost | Nutritional Value | Brand Reputation | What Other People Are Saying | Comparisons | Other Proteins to Consider | Who it’s for | Who it’s not for

Prefer to watch than read? Check out our full review on YouTube:

We Test a Lot of Proteins:

We’ve been testing protein powders and nutritional supplements for years. We are coaches, athletes, doctors, and dietitians. We care about what goes in our body and we know you do, too.

To learn more about our testing process, see here.

To see more reviews, visit our Protein Powder Reviews page.

Just before diving into the taste test!

Ascent’s Native Whey Protein at a Glance:

My Experience with Ascent’s Native Whey Protein:

Taste Test (7.3 out of 10)

I tasted both the chocolate and vanilla flavors, giving them 7.4/10 and 7.2/10, respectively. The chocolate was better than vanilla, IMO, delivering a solid taste despite having a clean ingredient profile and no artificial flavoring.

The vanilla, while not the best I’ve tried, was solid, but I’m sure would be even better with milk or a dairy-free alternative like oat milk instead of water.

Ascent’s whey protein flavors provide a clean, genuine taste that aligns with the brand’s commitment to using high-quality, real ingredients. If you’re looking for natural ingredients and appreciate subtle, authentic flavors, you’ll probably like Ascent’s chocolate and vanilla whey proteins.

Mixing up the vanilla flavor

Bang for your buck (8 out of 10)

I scored Ascent an 8/10 for bang for your buck. It costs anywhere from $1.25 to $1.50 per serving depending on which size and flavor you get. And you’re getting 25 grams of protein in every scoop, which nets out to between $0.05 and $0.06 cents per gram of protein, which is competitive with the rest of the market.

They use a “native” whey protein which they claim is a purer, less processed form of protein, which is fast and easy to digest. A great option if you’re looking to quickly fuel up after a workout. \

Plus, there are no artificial additives which means you’re likely getting a cleaner protein for the price point.

Just before tasting the chocolate flavor

Nutritional value (8.5 out of 10)

I gave it an 8.5/10 for nutritional value. You get 25 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, 1 gram of sugar, and 4 grams of carbs, in 120 total calories per serving. This nets out to a protein density score of 83%.

The short, simple ingredient list is a standout feature, with only 3-4 ingredients per flavor. If you’re on a gluten-free or soy-free diet or all-natural diet, i.e. no artificial flavors, Ascent is an excellent choice.

As a whey protein isolate, Ascent is low in lactose, which is good if you’re trying to avoid or minimize your lactose intake. However, it does contain milk, so if you have severe lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, it’s best to avoid.

Close up of the ingredients

Mixability (7 out of 10)

I gave Ascent a 7/10 for mixability. During my taste test, I found a small amount of leftover powder after shaking for 20-30 seconds, which changed the texture a bit.

To get a perfectly smooth drink, you might need to shake it longer or add more liquid. Play around with how you mix it to find what works best for you.

Even with the small amount of leftover powder, Ascent mixes pretty well overall. It’s not too thick, clumpy, or foamy. The short ingredient list likely helps give it a smooth texture.

If you like your protein shake completely smooth, you may need to put in a little extra work when mixing Ascent. But the 7/10 score means the mixability is still good, and with a few tweaks, you can get it to your liking.

Mixing up the vanilla flavor

Brand reputation (8 out of 10)

Ascent has built a solid reputation as a brand committed to using clean, high-quality ingredients in their protein powders. They’ve been around for over 30 years, which speaks to their staying power in the competitive supplement market.

They don’t hide behind proprietary blends or make outrageous claims. Instead, they let their simple ingredient lists and commitment to clean processing do the talking.

Ascent’s use of “native” whey protein, which they filter themselves to maintain the protein’s natural integrity, showcases their dedication to quality. And they don’t use artificial flavors, colors, and additives, which aligns with their clean label approach.

While Ascent may not be as well-known as some of the biggest brands in the industry, they’ve carved out a niche for themselves as a trusted source of clean, effective protein powders.

NGL, big fan of the packaging…

What Are Other People Saying?

Here’s what other people are saying about Ascent’s whey protein elsewhere online:

Positives:

• Customers rave about the delicious taste, especially the vanilla and chocolate flavors, noting that it blends smoothly without any chalky or artificial aftertaste.
• Many appreciate the clean, minimal ingredient list and the absence of artificial additives, making it a great choice for those with dietary sensitivities or who prefer a more natural protein powder.
• Several reviewers report noticeable improvements in muscle recovery, energy levels, and even weight loss when incorporating Ascent into their fitness routines.
• Users praise the easy mixability of the powder, which blends well with water, milk, or other beverages without leaving clumps or a gritty texture.

Negatives:

• Some customers find the flavors, particularly chocolate and vanilla, to be too sweet, artificial-tasting, or lacking in authentic flavor, which may be a turnoff for those seeking a more natural taste.
• A few reviewers express concerns about the lack of third-party testing information, questioning the purity and quality of the protein powder.

Ascent Whey VS The Market: How Does it Stack Up?

Here’s how Ascent’s whey protein compares to other protein powders on the market.

Personally, it’s one of my favorite proteins:

Price and spec comparisons:

Other Whey Proteins to Consider

If you’re not sold on Ascent, here are some comparable options to consider:

Final Thoughts

Ascent is a good choice:

• If you’re a fitness enthusiast searching for a clean, high-quality protein to help you bounce back after tough workouts and build lean muscle, Ascent whey protein is a great choice for you.
• If you’re following a gluten-free or soy-free diet and need a protein powder that fits your nutritional needs, this one’s got you covered.
• If you value transparency and natural ingredients in your supplements and don’t mind investing in a premium product to get the best results, Ascent is definitely worth considering.
• If you’re looking for a protein powder that tastes good, mixes well, and gives you the nutrients you need without the hassle, this one checks all the boxes and can easily fit into your daily routine.

Ascent is not a good choice:

• If you’re on a tight budget and need the most affordable protein option out there
• If you have severe lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, you’ll want to skip this one since it does contain milk ingredients, even though it’s low in lactose.

You can check the latest price of Ascent’s whey protein on Amazon by clicking here or on the link below. And if you liked this review, be sure to join us over on YouTube.

Thanks for stopping by,
Coach Big C