Emrald Labs Whey Protein - Vanilla Creme
Emrald Labs Whey Protein: independently scored 8.5/10 on Protein Score and 7.8/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
22.6g protein per serve · 119 cal · 3g sugar · 47mg sodium · 31g serve.
Overview
For shoppers wanting to back an Australian supplement company, this Gold Coast-made powder is a straightforward choice. It's built around a blend of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey protein isolate (WPI), with concentrate taking the lead role. This positions it as a daily driver rather than a top-shelf, high-purity isolate for the most discerning lifters. On the numbers, the 72.8g of protein per 100g is a solid figure for a WPC-dominant blend, though it sits just shy of the 74g category average. The more notable figure is the sugar content, which at 9.6g per 100g, is significantly higher than what we typically see in this aisle. This suggests a formula geared more towards taste and palatability, a common trade-off for a sweeter, creamier shake. The mixability is handled by a trio of common additives: soy lecithin (322), xanthan gum and guar gum. These are included to ensure the powder dissolves easily in a shaker with minimal clumping, a practical touch for anyone mixing their shakes on the go. It's a simple, locally-made formula that does the job without chasing the high-purity, low-sugar numbers of premium isolates.
Protein Score: 8.5/10
As an entry from Australian brand Emrald Labs, this whey blend delivers a protein density that lands just below the category average. The 72.8g of protein per 100g is a respectable, if not chart-topping, figure for a whey concentrate-led formula, earning it a 6.6/10. The protein source tells the main story here. By using a blend of whey protein concentrate and a smaller amount of whey protein isolate, the protein-per-scoop reality is a direct reflection of that choice. A 31g scoop delivers 22.6g of protein, which is a standard return for this type of blend but trails the leaner hit you'd get from a pure WPI. This isn't the powder for a lifter chasing maximum protein with minimal filler. Instead, it serves the everyday gym-goer who wants a reliable, decent-tasting shake from a local brand and isn't sweating the last few grams of protein purity that a more expensive isolate would provide.
Clean Score: 7.8/10
This Gold Coast brand's formula lands with a total of nine ingredients, which sits right on the category average for protein powders we've scored. The use of a single artificial sweetener, sucralose (955), and three gums or emulsifiers to aid texture moves the final number to a 7.7/10. The ingredient list is a familiar one for a flavoured whey blend. Emulsifiers like soy lecithin (322), xanthan gum, and guar gum are common tools used to ensure the powder mixes smoothly in a shaker without clumping, which is a practical trade-off for those who prioritise convenience over a shorter ingredient list. Ultimately, this isn't a powder for the ingredient purist chasing an unflavoured, single-ingredient whey. It's a mainstream formula built for taste and texture, reflected in an additive list that's typical for this end of the market. The absence of artificial colours or preservatives keeps the list contained.
Wins
- Australian-made on the Gold Coast.
- 22.6g of protein in a standard 31g scoop.
- Includes gums and lecithin for smoother mixing.
Watch outs
- Protein purity is lower than the category average.
- Sugar per 100g is almost double the category average.
- Uses artificial sweetener sucralose (955).
Ingredients
Whey Protein Blend (87%) (Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk)), L-Glutamine, Flavour, Sweetener (Sucralose), Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum).
9 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How much protein is in Emrald Labs Whey Protein?
- A single 31-gram scoop of Emrald Labs Whey Protein delivers 22.6 grams of protein. Per 100 grams, the protein powder contains 72.8 grams of protein, which is a key metric for comparing powders in Australia. This protein level is typical for a whey blend but sits slightly below the average for the broader protein powder category we track as of 2026. The protein source is a combination of Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) and Whey Protein Isolate (WPI).
- Is Emrald Labs an Australian brand?
- Yes, Emrald Labs is a Gold Coast-based Australian supplement brand. The company makes its range of sports nutrition products, including this whey protein, locally in Australia. For shoppers who prioritise supporting local brands and Australian manufacturing, this is a key feature of the product. We haven't independently verified the full corporate structure, but the brand's origin is confirmed as Australian for 2026.
- Is Emrald Labs Whey Protein good for building muscle?
- We can't give specific nutritional advice, but the data shows this protein powder provides 22.6 grams of protein per serve, sourced from whey concentrate and isolate. Whey protein is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle protein synthesis, which is the process behind muscle repair and growth after exercise. The formula also includes added L-Glutamine, an amino acid popular in recovery supplements. It's a solid foundation for a post-workout shake.
- What is in Emrald Labs Whey Protein?
- Emrald Labs Whey Protein is built on a base of Whey Protein Concentrate and Whey Protein Isolate, which make up 87% of the formula. The full ingredient list contains nine items in total, including L-Glutamine for recovery support, flavouring, and the artificial sweetener sucralose (955). For mixability and texture, it uses a combination of soy lecithin (322), xanthan gum, and guar gum.
- Will this protein powder mix well in a shaker?
- This protein powder's formula includes three ingredients specifically to help it mix smoothly: soy lecithin (322), xanthan gum, and guar gum. These act as emulsifiers and thickeners, designed to prevent clumping and create a more uniform texture when shaken with water or milk. While individual results can vary based on the liquid and shaker used, the presence of these additives is a strong indicator that it's formulated for good mixability.
- What's the difference between this and a pure whey isolate (WPI)?
- The main difference is protein purity and absorption speed. This is a whey blend, meaning its primary ingredient is Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC), with some Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) added. WPCs typically offer 65-80g of protein per 100g, while more filtered WPIs deliver 80-93g. This blend sits at 72.8g, reflecting its WPC base. Pure WPIs are also lower in lactose and fat, and are often preferred by lifters wanting maximum protein with minimal extras.
- How does ProteinScore rate this whey powder?
- We don't give nutritional advice, but we do score products based on their data. This protein powder's protein density of 72.8g per 100g sits just below the category average for protein powders. This is largely because it's a whey blend led by concentrate, rather than a more filtered isolate. It provides a solid 22.6g of protein per scoop, but its overall protein-per-100g figure is what determines its position relative to the rest of the market.