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Protein powder is one of the most popular supplements in the fitness industry, and there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Whatever your fitness goals and dietary preferences are, one of the best protein powders should meet your needs.
However, this means that choosing the right protein powder for your goals can feel confusing, especially with so many different ingredients, additives, and marketing claims. Protein powder isn’t always cheap, so it’s important to make sure you’re making the right choice before ordering anything.
In this GNC AMP Wheybolic review, I’ll be taking a closer look at GNC’s whey protein isolate, breaking down the ingredients, formulation, third-party testing, tasting notes, and everything else you need to know.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Tested by a Certified Nutrition Coach
The GGR testers are a group of protein fanatics, including certified nutrition coaches, registered dietitians, certified personal trainers, and even an Olympian. Many of us use protein powder regularly to help reach our nutrition goals, and as a team, we’ve tried and tested more than 120 protein powders.
As with all protein reviews we write, we used our supplement testing methodology to assign a rating on a scale of 1 to 5, which scores the most important categories, including:
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Side Effects
- Third-Party Testing
GNC AMP Wheybolic
GNC AMP Wheybolic
Product Highlights
- 40 grams of protein per serving
- 17 flavors
- Includes extra leucine, digestive enzymes, and Velositol®
- $2.80 per serving, making it one of the more expensive protein powders
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 40 grams of protein serving
- Uses fast-digesting whey isolate
- 17 flavors available
- Some flavors include digestive enzymes
Cons
- Expensive
- More artificial sweeteners than other options
Bottom Line
GNC AMP Wheybolic contains whey isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein, and several other additives, like extra leucine and digestive enzymes. Each serving contains 40 grams of protein, but it's expensive at $2.80 per serving.
A Quick Look at GNC AMP Wheybolic
GNC is one of the most popular supplement retail stores, and in addition to carrying many of the top supplement brands, it also sells its own line of dietary supplements. AMP Wheybolic used both whey protein isolate and hydrolyzed whey protein, additional leucine, and Velositol®, a patented ingredient designed to increase muscle protein synthesis.
RELATED: Whey Protein Isolate vs Hydrolyzed
The macros are similar to what you’d expect to see in a regular whey isolate supplement, though some flavors may be slightly higher in macros due to additives like creamer, cookie bits, and other additions depending on the flavor.
The company also sells GMP AMP Wheybolic Ripped, which is the same protein marketed toward weight loss goals, with added caffeine and capsicum to provide a thermogenic effect and raise the body’s temperature. The caffeine is also a nice boost for those who use protein powder as a pre-workout beverage.
GMP AMP Wheybolic is available in 17 flavors to match any taste preferences, including traditional flavors like Classic Vanilla, Chocolate Fudge, and Creamy Peanut Butter, as well as more unique flavors like Banana Milkshake and three licensed Girl Scout cookie flavors.
Before You Buy
- This protein powder is expensive but includes additional ingredients that may be beneficial for muscle protein synthesis.
- The formulation includes a gum blend, multiple sweeteners, and different additives depending on the flavor, which is more ingredients than many other whey isolates.
- Each serving contains two types of digestive enzymes, making this a great choice for those with sensitive stomachs.
Is GNC AMP Wheybolic Worth It?
At $2.80 per serving, this is one of the most expensive protein powders we’ve tested, but you’re paying extra for the added digestive enzymes, leucine, and Velositol®. If you want these beneficial ingredients, it might be worth it to you, but this formula isn’t for everyone.
Great for:
- Those with sensitive stomachs who struggle with dairy-based protein
- Anyone looking to build muscle with a high-protein supplement
- People who don’t mind artificial sweeteners and gum blends in exchange for great flavors
Not recommended for:
- Anyone on a tight budget
- People who want to avoid artificial sweeteners
- Those who prefer a more minimalist whey protein isolate without many additives
GNC AMP Wheybolic Specs
| Price per serving | $2.80 |
| Serving size | 2 scoops (54.5 g) |
| Type of protein | Whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein |
| Protein content | 40 g |
| Carb content | 4-7 g |
| Fat content | 1-2 g |
| Notable ingredients | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein), l-leucine (from micronized l-leucine, whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein), velositol® amylopectin chromium complex, enzyme blend (a blend of lactase & bromelain), cocoa powder (processed with alkali), sunflower creamer (sunflower oil, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, mono & diglycerides, natural tocopherols, tricalcium phosphate), natural and artificial flavors, salt, gum blend (cellulose gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan), sucralose, acesulfame potassium, sunflower lecithin, silicon dioxide |
| Flavors | 17 flavors |
| Third-party tested? | Yes |
Experience Using GNC AMP Wheybolic
For this review, GNC AMP Wheybolic was tested by GGR’s Head of Content, Nicole Davis, a certified nutrition coach and protein powder expert. She tested this with both milk and water, paying close attention to the solubility, flavor, mixability, side effects, and more.
Overall, she enjoyed the flavor and texture, which was surprisingly good, and she was impressed by the high protein content. However, this protein is certainly expensive at $2.80 per serving, so while you’re getting plenty of protein with each serving, there are cheaper options if you’re looking to save some money.
Price Per Serving
Each tub costs $69.99, and while the nutrition label includes macros for both one and two scoops, the instructions say to use two scoops, which means the tub has 25 servings.
At $2.80 per serving, this is one of the more expensive protein powders we’ve tested so far, and earns a 1-out-of-5 rating based on our protein testing standards.
RELATED: Understanding Protein Powder Labels
Formulation
The formulation earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating, with 40 grams of protein per serving, 1 to 2 grams of fat, and 4 to 7 grams of carbohydrates depending on the flavor.
Wheybolic uses a blend of both whey isolate and hydrolyzed whey protein, which are two of the fastest-absorbing protein sources. It also contains added l-leucine (though whey is naturally rich in this amino acid), as well as Velositol®, a patented blend of amylopectin and chromium that may improve muscle protein synthesis1 when paired with whey protein. There are no other BCAAs, creatine, or other ingredients besides flavors and sweeteners.
RELATED: Whey Protein Benefits
Even though many people with dairy sensitivities find whey isolate easy to digest, like me, GNC has also added the digestive enzymes bromelain and lactase to select flavors, though not all flavors contain these enzymes for some reason.
Taste and Solubility
Taste and solubility are two of the most important factors to consider, as nobody wants a chunky protein shake that you have to force yourself to drink. Nicole gave this a 4-out-of-5 score for the taste, noting that it has a unique chocolate flavor with a distinct fudge taste and very little artificial taste.
Solubility earns a 5-out-of-5 rating, as this protein dissolved very well in both milk and water.
Side Effects
Nicole didn’t experience any side effects, giving this category a score of 5 out of 5 stars, and I didn’t see any user reviews that mention side effects. Of course, as with any supplement, individual responses vary, so those sensitive to dairy may experience side effects.
RELATED: Whey Protein Side Effects
Third-Party Testing
For third-party testing, GNC AMP Wheybolic earns 4.5 out of 5. The label says “Banned Substance Tested,” but it’s not clear who does the testing.
To further test this protein, GGR hired an independent, accredited lab, Ellipse Analytics, to conduct our own unbiased third-party testing. We had over 150 protein powders tested for purity and label accuracy. For GNC AMP Wheybolic, we tested the Chocolate Fudge and Strawberries and Cream flavors, both of which were rated as “Meets Standard,” a passing score for our rigorous quality control.
We always recommend that you look for third-party testing when choosing a supplement, which ensures the product is safe from contaminants and contains what it claims on the label. Our testing also checks for heavy metals, but just because something is detected doesn’t mean the quantity is high enough to do harm.
For more information about our testing standards, you can read our Independent Supplement Testing Glossary.
GNC AMP Wheybolic vs Jacked Factory Authentic Iso
Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
Jacked Factory Authentic ISO Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Product Highlights
- Three flavors
- 25g per scoop
- 110 calories per serving
- Under 1g of fat per scoop
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 25g of protein
- Only 110 calories per scoop
- Under 1g of fat per serving
- Subscribe-and-save options
Cons
- Ultra-sweet taste
- Sweetened with sucralose
- Leaves clumps and floaters
Bottom Line
The Jacked Factory Authentic ISO Grass-Fed Whey Protein comes very close to being pure protein, making it a great choice for those who are trying to meet their macronutrient goals. Plus, the price per serving is where this ISO shines. Keep in mind our testers found this whey isolate to be a little too sweet but it was not a dealbreaker.
If you’re in the market for a good whey protein powder and want to save some money, Jacked Factory Authentic Iso is another great option.
Compared to Wheybolic, Authentic Iso is a very simple protein, with whey protein isolate as the main ingredient, and only a few other ingredients on the label.
Each serving only contains 25 grams of protein, but even if you take two servings to get 50 grams, you’ll be spending less money for two servings of Jacked Factory Authentic Iso than you’d spend on a single serving of AMP Wheybolic.
Overall, GNC AMP Wheybolic is the better choice for those who want the added leucine, Velositol®, or digestive enzymes, while Jacked Factory Authentic Iso is better for those who prefer a simpler, more affordable option.
To read more about Authentic Iso, be sure to check out our complete Jacked Factory Authentic Iso Whey Protein review.
| GNC AMP Wheybolic | Jacked Factory Authentic ISO | |
| Price per serving | $2.80 | $1.33 |
| Serving size | 2 scoops (54.5 g) | 1 scoop (30.1 g) |
| Type of protein | Whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein | Whey protein isolate |
| Protein content | 40 g | 25 g |
| Carb content | 4-7 g | 1 g |
| Fat content | 1-2 g | 0.5 g |
| Notable ingredients | Protein blend (whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein), l-leucine (from micronized l-leucine, whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein), velositol® amylopectin chromium complex, enzyme blend (blend of lactase & bromelain), cocoa powder (processed with alkali), sunflower creamer (sunflower oil, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, mono & diglycerides, natural tocopherols, tricalcium phosphate), natural and artificial flavors, salt, gum blend (cellulose gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan), sucralose, acesulfame potassium, sunflower lecithin, silicon dioxide | Grass-fed whey protein isolate, natural & artificial flavors, Himalayan rock salt, sucralose, stevia extract. |
| Flavors | 17 flavors | 9 flavors |
| Third-party tested? | Yes | No |
Customer Experience
For customer experience, which looks at the return policy and customer support, GNC earns a rating of 4 out of 5. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, but the cost of return shipping will be removed from the refund. If you need to reach customer service, GNC offers both live chat and phone support options.
Ordering GNC AMP Wheybolic
Any GNC product, including Wheybolic, receives free shipping on orders over $59, so unless this protein goes on sale, shipping will be free. You can also order online and take advantage of free in-store pickup if you live near a GNC store, and you can use Klarna to split your order into four payments.
Customer Reviews
At the time of writing, AMP Wheybolic has over 1,200 reviews with an average rating of 3.8. Most users love the taste and solubility, though many of the negative reviewers weren’t happy with the flavor, as taste is always a matter of individual preference.
On Amazon, AMP Wheybolic has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, with 1,653 reviews.
Final Verdict of Our GNC AMP Wheybolic Review
Overall, GNC AMP Wheybolic has a great texture and flavor, passed our third-party testing, and uses high-quality whey protein isolate. However, with multiple added ingredients, the price is pretty high, which may deter some.
This is a very solid protein powder and a great choice if money is no issue, but those on a tight budget may want to look elsewhere.
Full Rating
GNC AMP Wheybolic
GNC AMP Wheybolic contains whey isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein, and several other additives, like extra leucine and digestive enzymes. Each serving contains 40 grams of protein, but it's expensive at $2.80 per serving.
Product Brand: GNC
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 29.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.03
GNC AMP Wheybolic: FAQs
What is Wheybolic protein good for?
As a complete protein source, GNC AMP Wheybolic can be used to help improve recovery and muscle protein synthesis when consumed post-workout, which supports building lean muscle mass or preserving muscle in a calorie deficit.
Is GNC AMP Wheybolic a good protein powder?
Yes, Wheybolic contains high-quality sources of whey, along with digestive enzymes and several other ingredients, like leucine and Velositol® to support muscle protein synthesis.
Is there caffeine in GNC AMP Wheybolic?
No, Wheybolic does not contain caffeine. GNC AMP Wheybolic Ripped contains caffeine, but the standard Wheybolic does not.
Is Wheybolic good for muscle growth?
Muscle growth comes from resistance training and adequate protein intake, so Wheybolic can certainly support muscle growth along with a proper resistance training program.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
References
- Ziegenfuss TN, Lopez HL, Kedia A, et al. Effects of an amylopectin and chromium complex on the anabolic response to a suboptimal dose of whey protein. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:6. Published 2017 Feb 8. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0163-1
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