Whey and whey isolate comparison
Ascent Native Whey Protein Powder vs Thorne Whey Protein Isolate
Ascent Native Whey scores higher on our standard, 92/100 to 82/100. It earns more points for label transparency (fully disclosed vs proprietary blend). We could not verify a current price for Ascent Native Whey, so we can't compare cost.
Both are scored out of 100 against our published standard: protein density, third-party testing, label transparency, sugar, ingredient simplicity and verified label data. Every number below is from the manufacturer's label; last checked 2026-10-13.
Ascent
Native Whey Protein Powder (formerly Native Fuel Whey)
Thorne
Whey Protein Isolate
Side by side
Per serving, from each label. Bold marks the better score, protein density, sugar and cost where the two differ. How we score
| Compared | Ascent Native Whey | Thorne Whey Isolate |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 92/100 (better) | 82/100 |
| Protein density | 22 / 3076% of each scoop is protein | 22 / 3070% of each scoop is protein |
| Third-party testing | 25 / 25Lot-tested for banned substances | 25 / 25Lot-tested for banned substances |
| Label transparency | 20 / 20 (better)Fully disclosed formula, no amino spiking | 10 / 20uses a proprietary blend |
| Sugar | 10 / 101 g sugar per serving | 10 / 102 g sugar per serving |
| Ingredient simplicity | 10 / 10Natural flavors and sweeteners | 10 / 10Natural flavors and sweeteners |
| Verified label data | 5 / 57 of 7 label values verified | 5 / 57 of 7 label values verified |
| Type | Whey Blend | Whey Isolate |
| Protein per serving | 25 g | 21 g |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (33 g) | 1 scoop (30.2 g) |
| Protein by weight | 76% (better) | 70% |
| Sugar | 1 g (better) | 2 g |
| Calories | 120 | 100 |
| Cost per 25 g protein | Not verified | $2.58 |
| Price per serving | Not verified | $2.17 |
| Third-party certifications | Informed Sport | NSF Certified for Sport |
| Sweeteners | Stevia Leaf Extract | Evaporated Cane Juice Sugar, Rebaudioside A (Stevia) |
| Allergens | Milk, Soy | Milk |
| Proprietary blend | No | Yes |
| Added free amino acids (amino spiking) | No | No |
| Last checked | 2026-10-13 | 2026-10-13 |
Which to choose
Only the differences in our records. A value we couldn't verify never counts as a difference.
Choose Ascent Native Whey if…
- You want more protein per serving (25 g vs 21 g).
- You want more of each scoop to be protein (76% vs 70% by weight).
- You want less sugar (1 g vs 2 g per serving).
- You want a fully disclosed formula (Thorne Whey Isolate uses a proprietary blend).
- You want more flavors to choose from (13 vs 2).
Choose Thorne Whey Isolate if…
- You want fewer calories per serving (100 vs 120).
- You avoid soy: Ascent Native Whey's label lists it as an allergen and Thorne Whey Isolate's does not.
The two powders
Good to know
Labels and prices change, so check the package before buying, especially if you have allergies. If you are pregnant, nursing, buying for a child or managing a health condition, ask your doctor before adding a supplement.