How casein differs from whey
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Slower digestion: casein forms a gel in the stomach and releases amino acids over several hours.
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Thicker texture: casein makes a thick, pudding-like shake, especially with milk.
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Same goal: like whey, it helps you reach your daily protein target.
Most people use whey during the day and casein at night, but either works if it fits your routine. Compare all protein powders.
Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $100 or more, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare tubs in person and taste flavours before you buy. Members can use our price match guarantee on full-priced items.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.
Is casein good to take before bed?
Casein is a popular bedtime protein because it digests slowly. Research suggests a protein serve before sleep can contribute to overnight muscle recovery, but total daily protein matters most.
Can I use casein instead of whey?
Yes. Casein is a complete protein. It is thicker and digests more slowly, so most people prefer whey straight after training and casein at other times.
Where can I buy casein protein in Melbourne or online?
You can order casein protein online from Supps247 with delivery Australia-wide, free on orders of $99.99 or more, or buy it in store. Our casein range includes
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein,
Rule 1 R1 Casein micellar casein and Max's Anabolic Night slow release casein. Casein is a smaller range than whey, so not every store carries every tub and flavour. Check the product page or call your nearest store, such as
Craigieburn, Clyde North or Carrum Downs, before you make the trip, or use our
store locator to find casein near you.
Is casein protein safe, and does it have side effects?
Casein is the main protein in milk, so it suits most healthy adults but not anyone with a milk allergy, which ASCIA describes as an immune reaction to milk protein. Lactose is less of an issue than many people expect:
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein lists 1 g of sugars per scoop and
Rule 1 R1 Casein less than 1 g. Both list soy, from lecithin. Casein makes a thick, filling shake, so start with one scoop and see how it sits. The AIS suggests keeping protein supplements to one or two serves a day.
Does casein protein actually work?
Casein is a high-quality protein, so it counts towards your daily target like any other. The ISSN notes that 30 to 40 g of casein before sleep raises overnight muscle protein synthesis. In a 12-week study of 44 young men who lifted weights, those given a 27.5 g protein drink each night gained more strength and thigh muscle than a placebo group, although the placebo group also ate less protein overall. The Australian Institute of Sport adds that research showing casein beats other proteins at night is still lacking, so your total daily protein matters most.
Is casein protein a good choice for beginners?
It can be, especially if you want a shake that keeps you full between meals or before bed. Most beginners start with whey because it mixes thinner, but there is no rule against starting with casein. Begin with one scoop a day:
R1 Casein gives 25 g of protein in a 35 g scoop, mixed with 300 to 355 mL of cold water or milk, and
Gold Standard 100% Casein gives 24 g per scoop. Both come in 2 lb tubs, a sensible size for trying a flavour before you commit to a bigger tub.
What is slow release protein?
It usually means casein. In the stomach casein forms clots, so its amino acids reach the blood gradually. A classic 1997 study found casein produced a moderate rise in blood amino acids that lasted for hours, while whey gave a fast, short spike.
Max's Anabolic Night is sold as a slow release casein with 24 g of protein per serve. Some powders mix fast and slow proteins instead, such as
Rule 1 R1 Source7, a multi-source blend that includes casein. Slow release does not mean more muscle. It simply suits longer gaps between meals.
Optimum Nutrition2 sizes · 4 flavoursFrom$89.95
