If you’re someone who reads ingredient labels carefully, you’ve probably noticed whey protein concentrate listed in our Muscle Up Bars. And you might be wondering — does that mean there’s lactose in our bars?
Let’s clear it up.
What Is Whey Protein?
Whey protein is one of the two main proteins found in milk (the other is casein). It’s a complete protein — meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs to repair and build muscle. Because of its high quality and quick absorption, it’s one of the most popular sources of protein for athletes, gym-goers, and anyone looking for a nutritious boost.
Does Whey Protein Contain Lactose?
Yes, whey protein concentrate naturally contains a small amount of lactose. Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. During the production process, much of the fat and carbohydrates are removed — but not all of the lactose goes away.
A typical whey protein concentrate contains about 3–6% lactose by weight, which means a scoop of whey protein might include roughly 2–4 grams of lactose.
How That Compares to Whole Milk
To put it in perspective:
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An 8-ounce glass of whole milk contains around 12–13 grams of lactose.
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A serving of whey protein concentrate contains less than one-third that amount.
So yes, whey protein has lactose — but far less than milk.
What If You’re Sensitive to Lactose?
Most people tolerate the small amount of lactose in whey protein concentrate without any issues. However, those who are highly sensitive may prefer whey protein isolate, which is filtered even more thoroughly and contains less than 1% lactose — practically lactose-free.
At Muscle Up Bars, we use whey protein concentrate because it offers a great balance of nutrition, taste, and texture, while still being low in lactose compared to milk or other dairy products.
The Bottom Line
If you can enjoy small amounts of dairy without discomfort, you’ll likely have no problem with the lactose in our bars. Each Muscle Up Bar is made with clean ingredients, high-quality protein, and no unnecessary fillers — because we believe in protein bars for people who read labels.