We all know — and if not, now you do — one of the best ways to support your work in the gym is by consuming enough high-quality protein. (1) But when there are only so many hours in the day, a product like Transparent Labs Casein Protein, which is among the best protein powders we’ve tested, can aid with protein supplementation to help build muscle — even as you sleep.
We had our team’s registered dietitian give us the lowdown on what you can expect from this slow-absorbing protein powder, while I — in the midst of working to increase my vertical jump and improve ballistic core strength — added the product into my nighttime routine while adhering to the BarBend supplement testing methodology. Overall, we think this casein powder is a delicious and texturally unique alternative to standard whey protein, and believe anyone looking to shake up their protein intake could benefit from giving this product a shot. Read on for more of our thoughts on Transparent Labs Casein Protein.
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Casein
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Casein
Free of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Casein is an incredibly straightforward supplement without fillers. It’s also remarkably low in fat and carbohydrates.
Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Main Takeaways
- Unlike whey protein, casein protein is absorbed by the body at a slower rate, and studies have shown it can improve protein synthesis and muscle recovery while sleeping. (2)
- There are 25 grams of micellar casein protein per serving.
- Transparent Labs uses third-party testing to keep the consumer informed about the quantity of ingredients and any contamination or presence of heavy metals.
Transparent Labs Casein Protein Specs
| Price | $59.99 |
| Price Per Serving | $2 |
| Protein Per Serving | 25g |
| Calories Per Serving | 120 |
| Protein Source | Instantized grass-fed micellar casein |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes |
| Flavor | Chocolate |
While you may be more familiar with whey protein, one of the most popular types of protein you’ll find in supplements, the casein protein found in Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Casein Protein is also a milk protein. However, unlike whey proteins, casein protein is broken down more slowly in the body, which can help fuel your muscles when you haven’t had a meal or a nosh in a few hours. A serving size of rapidly-digestible whey, as opposed to casein, gets broken down and used by the body in about two hours, while a serving of casein can take about six hours. (3)(4)
This is why Transparent Labs Casein Protein is marketed and often used as a pre-night-night protein supplement, so that while you’re catching some shut-eye, your body can continue to process and use protein for muscle protein synthesis, a key part of recovery after a workout.
Each serving size provides 120 calories, with those calories coming primarily from protein. “With 25 grams of protein and only 0.5 grams of fat and 4 grams of carbs per scoop, you’re able to boost your protein intake without skewing your other macros,” says BarBend expert contributor and registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois.
While the flavor offerings are limited — you can only get this in Chocolate— it tastes so good that perhaps they thought, “Why mess with perfection?” I mixed in a blender bottle with water and blended some up with tofu to make a high-protein late-night-craving pudding, and let me tell you, this chocolate flavor is where it’s at. However, knowing how protein-flavor fatigued I can get, especially when I’m focused on hypertrophy, I can see myself wanting to eventually switch up flavors down the line. At that point, I’ll need to look at other brands to get my fix.
Pros
Slow-digesting casein protein ideal for nighttime use
No artificial sweeteners, coloring, or added sugars
Cons
Only one available flavor
Pricey compared to other options
May not be suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or milk allergies
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Transparent Labs Casein Protein
While the studies on slow-digesting casein protein when used before bed are mixed, there’s no denying that elevated protein content in your diet (along with training) can support muscle growth, weight loss, and post-workout recovery. (5)(6)(7) With that in mind, here’s who we think is best-suited for this product.
Recommended for:
- Bodybuilders and fitness fans wanting a slow-digesting protein before bed
- Health-conscious athletes looking for clean ingredients
- Anyone wanting high protein but low fat and carbohydrate macro splits
Not Recommended for:
- Those who have milk sensitivities or are lactose intolerant
- Anybody who doesn’t like chocolate
- Individuals on a tight budget
Our Experience Using Transparent Labs Casein Protein
We got our hands (and countertops) dirty while testing Transparent Labs Casein Protein by adding it to our bedtime routine. While I usually indulge in the best greens powders, creatine, pre-workouts, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) during the day, I’d never tried downing a casein protein shake at night to support my recovery. However, as someone who’s always trying to put on more muscle mass, I was more than willing to extend my wind-down ritual, all while scoring this product on a scale of 1 (not good) to 5 (we love it) in categories such as taste, formula, solubility, and side effects.
So, how did it go? Did I build a monster dump trunk? Did my vertical jump increase so that I could finally become a blocker in beach volleyball? Sadly, no — these things take time — but there’s plenty to love about this product. Read on for more details about our experience with Transparent Labs Casein Protein.
Ingredients and Formulation
“Transparent Labs Casein Protein scores a 4.75 out of 5 for its formulation, with high marks for its ingredients list and macronutrient ratios,” says BarBend expert contributor and registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “I’m a fan of the macro breakdown that Transparent Labs offers with their Casein Protein powder. You get a whopping 25 grams of protein without an overwhelming amount of carbs or fat. It helps you meet your protein needs without overdoing it in other areas.”
While there’s some discussion about casein powder being more difficult to digest for those with milk sensitivities or a lactose intolerance, both myself and an additional tester experienced no bloating, GI issues, or stomach discomfort after use. (8)
You won’t find any preservatives, fillers, or artificial ingredients here. The gluten-free ingredient list is simple: instantized grass-fed micellar casein, sweetened with stevia, and flavored with cocoa powder, natural flavors, and Himalayan rock salt. However, one thing to note is that the inclusion of Himalayan rock salt provides about 13% of what the FDA says is the maximum amount of sodium an adult should consume a day. (9) “This protein powder contains 300 milligrams of sodium per scoop, which is a significant amount of your day’s recommended total,” says Bourgeois.
Additionally, while amino acids aren’t necessarily ingredients, they’re essential nutrients worth noting since casein protein is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids — in fact, more histidine, methionine, and phenylalanine than you’ll find in whey protein —and BCAAs. (10)(11) You’ll also be consuming 60% of your daily recommended calcium intake with this supplement — we love this, as it’s higher than the average 10% you’ll find in many whey proteins.
Solubility
This Transparent Labs product is soft, light, and fluffy, and mixing it in a blender bottle is super easy. Unlike some of the best vegan protein powders, which can sometimes leave a ton of product that settles to the bottom of your drink, this powder stayed smooth from the first sip until the last. Solubility scored a 4.5 out of 5.
However, due to how light and airy this powder is, it also made a wee bit of a mess on my countertops. Thankfully, the plastic bin kept the mess mildly contained — except for a couple of poof explosions that occurred when I dug into the bin too hastily — but if this product had come in one of those upright bags, there would have been more powder on the floor and counter than in my cup.
Third-Party Testing
Rest assured that what you’re putting into your body is exactly as advertised. Not only does Transparent Labs pride itself on the transparency of ingredients — no proprietary blends here — but each supplement is also third-party tested for purity.
On their website, you’ll find a certificate of analysis that gives insight into contaminants and tests for heavy metals, as well as a certificate of composition detailing the actual ingredients and amount of ingredients within the product. For fitness professionals needing to avoid banned substances, this is the easiest way to know exactly what you’re putting in your body. This third-party testing scored a perfect 5 out of 5.
Taste
I’ve tried some of the best-tasting protein powders, and as a self-proclaimed protein savant, I was a little peeved that Chocolate was the only flavor available. Bourgeois agrees, “I wish Transparent Labs offered their Casein Protein in more flavors. If you’re not a fan of chocolate or vanilla you’re out of luck.” (Transparent Labs previously offered the Vanilla flavor, but at the time of this writing it’s not available.)
To be honest, I’m sick and tired of chocolate-flavored protein shakes. I need spice in my life, or at least a unique flavor that’s going to make me excited to wash out my blender bottle from the previous day’s fix. However, not only did Transparent Lab’s Casein Protein Chocolate flavor not disappoint, but it impressed. Flavor scored a 5 out of 5. While I wouldn’t use this powder in a smoothie, I did mix up a high-protein tofu pudding with it, which was fab-u-lous! I could eat this stuff every night. It tastes that good.
For those interested in my tofu pudding high-protein snack, here’s the recipe:
- Put tofu block into blender.
- Add two scoops of Transparent Labs Casein Protein Powder.
- Add in some water, milk, or milk alternative when the blender refuses to do its job well.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add in chia seeds and a little peanut butter if you like being extra.
- Let sit in the fridge for an hour to let the chia seeds plump up and the pudding to chill.
- Enjoy and give your partner a taste before telling them it’s made out of tofu.
- For those without any tofu on hand (how do you live this way?), you can mix this casein protein powder with a little bit of water (about a 3:2 ratio) for a quick and simple protein pudding.
Price Per Serving
At $59.99 for a tub that provides 30 servings, that comes out to about $2 a serving — yes, I mathed. This price per serving scores a 2.25 out of 5. This is on the higher end of what we think most users are comfortable spending on a single supplement, though it’s worth noting that casein protein powders tend to cost more than most whey protein powders. Additionally, this price can be partially attributed to the extra cost of third-party testing.
What to Consider Before Buying Transparent Labs Casein Protein
We’ve gotten our hands on nearly 150 protein powders — from whey protein isolates to plant-based options — and have dabbled with casein protein, trying and testing more than 10 different options from top brands. After scoring various categories, Transparent Labs Casein Protein Powder came in third place with a 4.18 score out of 5, following on the heels of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Casein (4.53 out of 5) and Legion Casein (4.5 out of 5). While we think it’s a top choice, the following are key areas you should consider before bringing this product into your rotation.
- Type of Protein: While whey protein is typically best-suited for post-workout shakes and plant-based protein an option for vegans, casein protein is “a slow-digesting milk protein that can help to prevent muscle breakdown when consumed at bedtime, [or]… can promote satiety throughout the day when consumed as part of a meal or snack,” says registered dietitian and BarBend expert contributor Austin Bou. Consider which type of protein is most conducive to your diet and training regimen.
- Price: This isn’t a budget-friendly option, and at $2 per serving it’s at the top range of the $1 to $2 per serving cost of our favorite casein protein powders. If you’re looking for budget supplements, you may want to consider another protein powder.
- Flavor: Currently Transparent Labs only offers this casein protein in Chocolate, which may not be ideal for those who tend to suffer from flavor fatigue.
- Solubility: Unlike whey or plant-based proteins, casein powder turns into a pudding-like substance with the addition of a small amount of water, milk, or milk substitute. If you’re looking for a new texture or a way to diversify your protein intake, this could be a good option.
Transparent Labs Casein Protein Vs. Competitors
The best casein protein for you depends on your personal preference and your susceptibility to particular side effects, including bloating or GI distress. As such, we’ve put together a little chart with how Transparent Labs Casein Protein stacks up against the competition, so you can see what’s what from brand to brand.
| Transparent Labs Casein Protein | Legion Casein+ | Naked Nutrition Micellar Casein Protein Powder | |
| Price Per Serving | $2 | $2 | Starting at $1.05 |
| Protein Per Serving | 25g | 25g | 26g |
| Flavor(s) | Chocolate | Dutch Chocolate, Cinnamon Cereal, French Vanilla, Strawberry, Banana Cream Pie | Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla |
| Third-Party Testing | Yes | Yes | No |
| Calories | 120 | 110 – 140 | 110 – 150 |
| Reported Side Effects | No | No | No |
We chose a similarly high-end product, Legion Casein+, and one of the most budget-friendly options, Naked Nutrition Micellar Casein Protein Powder, to go toe-to-toe with Transparent Labs Casein Protein.
Each option provides a similar amount of protein per serving, with Naked Nutrition squeaking out a win in this category with 26 grams compared to Transparent Labs and Legion’s 25 grams. Legion and Naked also provide a wider range of flavor offerings over Transparent, so if you’re not a fan of chocolate, you may want to consider these other options.
However, Transparent Labs scored a perfect 5 out of 5 for taste with our team, while Legion Casein scored a 4.5 and Naked Casein scored a 4 out of 5. Additionally, while Naked Nutrition’s Micellar Casein Protein Powder does provide gluten testing, this limited testing doesn’t compare to the breadth of third-party testing done by Transparent Labs and Legion, which may mean that these two brands provide a higher quality casein supplement over Naked.
Places to Buy Transparent Labs Casein Protein
Transparent Labs Casein Protein is available for purchase from the Transparent Labs website.
Customer Experience and Brand Reputation
I’ve ordered from Transparent Labs twice before, and each time my order has arrived with standard shipping in about a week. Once you’ve added everything to your cart, and have input your email and shipping address, your shipping total will be calculated. Standard shipping takes between 5 and 7 business days. When you spend at least $99, you’ll also receive free shipping from the company.
Transparent Labs is a trusted brand in the sports nutrition industry, praised for their choice and transparency of ingredients in products ranging from protein powders, greens powders, mass gainers, pre-workouts, and even the best creatine supplements. There are thousands of positive reviews on the website, and Transparent Labs doesn’t appear to remove the good, the bad, or the ugly — so you can see any reviews whether it has 5 stars or 1 star.
Our Final Verdict on Transparent Labs Casein Protein
The worst part about this job is being introduced to products that you now know you don’t want to go without. Ignorance is bliss! Transparent Labs Casein Protein tastes good, has 25 grams of protein, and caused me no GI issues or bloating throughout my testing.
While my heart wants to repurchase this product once my bin runs out, my head may argue that the $2 per serving price tag is a little too pricey to maintain. However, for those of you who value third-party testing and are willing to spend what it takes to support your muscle gain goals, this casein protein powder may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Transparent Labs Casein Protein FAQs
How much does Transparent Labs Casein Protein cost?
A one-time purchase of Transparent Labs Casein Protein costs $59.99, which comes out to about $2 per serving. You’ll also need to pay for shipping and handling, which can vary based on where you’re located. However, if your order is over $99, shipping is free. With a Subscribe & Save order, which signs you up for recurring shipments, you’ll save $6 off of the product and score free shipping.
Does Transparent Labs Casein Protein contain nuts?
This product is processed in a facility that processes coconuts and peanuts. However, Transparent Labs uses an allergen control program where equipment is sanitized and cleaned between allergen and non-allergen use.
Is Transparent Labs Casein Protein good for you?
Yes. In addition to providing extra protein for your diet, Transparent Labs Casein Protein Powder also has 60% of your daily calcium needs. However, if you have a dairy or casein allergy, or are sensitive to lactose or dairy, you may not process this product well.
References
- Camera D. M. (2022). Evaluating the Effects of Increased Protein Intake on Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy and Power Adaptations with Concurrent Training: A Narrative Review. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 52(3), 441–461. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01585-9
- Kim J. (2020). Pre-sleep casein protein ingestion: new paradigm in post-exercise recovery nutrition. Physical activity and nutrition, 24(2), 6–10. https://doi.org/10.20463/pan.2020.0009
- Trommelen, J., Weijzen, M. E. G., van Kranenburg, J., Ganzevles, R. A., Beelen, M., Verdijk, L. B., & van Loon, L. J. C. (2020). Casein Protein Processing Strongly Modulates Post-Prandial Plasma Amino Acid Responses In Vivo in Humans. Nutrients, 12(8), 2299. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082299
- Hudson, J. L., Paddon-Jones, D., & Campbell, W. W. (2017). Whey protein supplementation 2 hours after a lower protein breakfast restores plasma essential amino acid availability comparable to a higher protein breakfast in overweight adults. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 47, 90–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2017.09.007
- Chapman, S., Roberts, J., Roberts, A. J., Ogden, H., Izard, R., Smith, L., Chichger, H., Struszczak, L., & Rawcliffe, A. J. (2023). Pre-sleep protein supplementation does not improve performance, body composition, and recovery in British Army recruits (part 1). Frontiers in nutrition, 10, 1262044. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1262044
- Trommelen, J., & van Loon, L. J. (2016). Pre-Sleep Protein Ingestion to Improve the Skeletal Muscle Adaptive Response to Exercise Training. Nutrients, 8(12), 763. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8120763
- Carbone, J. W., & Pasiakos, S. M. (2019). Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients, 11(5), 1136. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051136
- He, M., Sun, J., Jiang, Z. Q., & Yang, Y. X. (2017). Effects of cow’s milk beta-casein variants on symptoms of milk intolerance in Chinese adults: a multicentre, randomised controlled study. Nutrition journal, 16(1), 72. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-017-0275-0
- Sodium in Your Diet. (2024, March 5). fda.gov. Retrieved October 7, 2024, from https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
- Dangin, M., Boirie, Y., Guillet, C., & Beaufrère, B. (2002). Influence of the protein digestion rate on protein turnover in young and elderly subjects. The Journal of nutrition, 132(10), 3228S–33S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/131.10.3228S
- Van De Walle Ms Rd, G. (2023, July 3). What’s the difference between casein and whey protein? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/casein-vs-whey#absorption
