Dymatize ISO100 vs Isopure Zero Carb

Overview: Dymatize ISO100

Released in 2009 and now a permanent fixture in serious lifters' kitchens, Dymatize ISO100 set the modern bar for hydrolyzed whey protein isolate. Each scoop delivers 25g of protein from hydrolyzed and cross-flow microfiltered whey, with 0g to 2g of carbs and roughly 5.5g of BCAAs naturally occurring. Hydrolyzation pre-cleaves long protein chains into smaller peptides, which is why ISO100 has a reputation for fast absorption: ideal for post-workout windows when you want amino acids in circulation as quickly as possible.

ISO100 is also among the most flavor-forward isolates on the market. Gourmet Chocolate, Fudge Brownie, Birthday Cake and Cookies & Cream are perennial top sellers, and the powder mixes cleanly into water without the foam or chalk that plagues many isolates. The catch is price: ISO100 routinely sits in the $60-$75 range for a 5lb tub, putting it well above whey blends like Gold Standard. The trade-off buys you faster digestion and cleaner macros, which matter most for cutting phases, lactose-sensitive users, and athletes optimizing recovery.

Overview: Isopure Zero Carb

Glanbia's Isopure built its name on one promise: a whey isolate with zero carbs, zero fat and zero sugar. Each 25g serving comes from 100% ion-exchange whey isolate, processed to remove virtually all lactose, carbohydrates and fats. The result is one of the cleanest macro profiles you can buy in protein powder form, and it's a long-running favorite of bodybuilders during prep phases.

Isopure is sold most commonly in a 3lb tub ($45-$50) and a value-leading 7.5lb Costco-format tub that crashes the cost per serving when you're willing to buy in bulk. Flavor-wise, Isopure plays it conservative: Dutch Chocolate, Creamy Vanilla, and fruit-water flavors like Alpine Punch dominate the lineup. Texture is thinner than ISO100 (because there are no carbs or fats to round it out), which fans actually prefer for mixing into water on cut days. Critics note that the flavor range is narrower and dessert-style flavors are largely absent.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Value Score Comparison

Our Value Score measures grams of protein per dollar across every retailer we track, normalized to a 0-100 scale. The higher the score, the more protein you get for every dollar spent. Across the catalog right now:

• Dymatize ISO100 averages in the low-to-mid 30s, driven by the 5lb format. Sale prices at iHerb and Tiger Fitness can push individual SKUs higher.
• Isopure Zero Carb averages in the mid 20s for the 3lb tub but jumps when you size up: the 7.5lb Costco format hits 33+ on Value Score and is the cheapest way into an Isopure habit.

Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Pick Dymatize ISO100 if:

• You want the fastest-digesting whey on the market for post-workout
• You value dessert-style flavors (Birthday Cake, Fudge Brownie, Cookies & Cream)
• You buy 5lb tubs and want a low per-serving cost without going bulk
• You're moderately lactose-sensitive but not eliminating it entirely

Pick Isopure Zero Carb if:

• You're on a strict cutting or keto phase and need zero carbs
• You prefer thin, water-like mixability (great for Crystal Light-style shakes)
• You can buy the 7.5lb bulk tub at Costco for the best per-serving cost in the entire isolate category
• You want a clean-tasting vanilla or chocolate with no novelty flavor experimentation