INTRODUCTION
VP2 is arguably one of the best whey protein isolates (WPI’s) around. Due to the hydrolyzation process, this protein is ‘pre-digested’ and therefore will be absorbed into one’s body quicker than standard WPI’s. With a high biological value (BV) and a full spectrum of amino acids, this product is great for recovery and protein synthesis (muscle building), especially following a very intense workout.
MIXABILITY
This protein is, from my experience, one of the better dissolving powders around. Simply throw a scoop of protein into a shaker bottle with 250mL of water, shake a few times and you’re away.
Under the directions on the tub, they state “Add one heaping scoop to 8 ounces of your favorite cold liquid (water, milk etc.). VP2 starts dissolving instantly. Just a few turns with a spoon or shakes in a shaker bottle and it’s completely mixed and ready to drink”. When I was testing this powder, “a few” (I understood to be less than 10) turns of the spoon in a glass didn’t dissolve this supplement completely. Instead, it clumped on my spoon and in the bottom of the glass. My advice is to stick to a shaker bottle.
TASTE
Browsing around the internet there seems to be a very common theme when it comes to VP2 – the poor taste. Relative to many other protein powders, this powder really doesn’t make the mark.
When mixed with water, there is a bitter edge to it, from what little taste there is - personally I didn’t find this very refreshing following a workout. I really don’t agree with the title “double rich chocolate” – I’d go more for “bitter, boring and brown”. The taste is a bit better with milk – but still nothing compared to other chocolate shakes.
However at the end of the day, it is drinkable. So long as you don’t rely on great tasting products, chances are that the taste really won’t be a problem.
EFFECTIVENESS
The science behind hydrolyzed WPI is sound – and this is no exception for VP2. Whilst trailing this product I would consume a shake prior to my workout and immediately following my workout. I found I had no bloating or cramping, along with some good, consistent gains. Many other people I have spoken to have had similar results.
So whilst I have given this product a 5/5 for effectiveness, don’t get fooled into buying this product with the expectation that it will double your lean muscle mass overnight. Yes, it is an effective product but it ISN’T a magical product (as some have been led to believe). At the end of the day, I feel that this powder is only very slightly better than many other competitors on the Australian market for consumption before or after a workout.
NUTRITIONAL
A great nutritional breakdown. This product is packed with hydrolyzed WPI as the major source of protein. Negligible fats and carbohydrates make for a very quick digestion rate. Ideal for consumption around a workout.
VALUE FOR MONEY
This is another downfall of the product. Yes, it is effective and yes it is good quality. However, retailing at $90.35 ($2.82 a scoop) this product isn’t cheap (you can find it for around $60 ($1.88 a scoop) if you look hard enough).
Looking at this product from a financial point of view, you could consume 1 scoop of VP2 for a similar price to 1 scoop of another hydrolyzed WPI along with 5g creatine and possibly even 5g L-Glutamine. I have found that I will definitely obtain better results by consuming the other hydrolyzed WPI/creatine/glutamine as opposed to just VP2.
CONCLUSION
Overall, I am impressed with VP2 - so I have given it a 4/5 overall.
The nutritional breakdown, along with the effectiveness of this product outweighs many of its’ competitors. The biggest pitfalls - value for money and taste - do bring the product down somewhat. At the end of the day, you need to decide your priority – taste, finance or results.
