“Dry Basis” vs. “As Is” Protein: Understanding Whey Protein Efficacy

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Whether you are a fitness enthusiast or a person who is not quite into gym and fitness, you will still know the importance of protein in your diet. When a person does not get sufficient proteins through their diet, they resort to protein supplements like whey protein or casein protein.

But with so many different brands in the market, people find it extremely difficult to choose one that provides maximum benefit. Most people go after brands instead of checking how the critical protein component is estimated, which is where the problem lies.

Once you realize what to look for in a protein supplement, then you are on the right track to achieve the correct daily dose of proteins. Today, we will be discussing what you should look for in the protein bottle label, whether it is “Dry Basis” or “As Is.”

 

What Is “Dry Basis” And “As Is” Protein?

What Is Dry Basis Protein?

As the name suggests, “Dry Basis” protein is the end powdered result that denotes the percentage of the pure protein found in the supplement after it is heated. In simple terms, upon heating, the water content is removed from the supplement, leaving a dry, powdery residue. The total dry matter percent includes proteins, fats, fibers, minerals, and so forth, except water.

Equation:

Total Dry Basis Protein Estimate = 100% – Percentage Of Moisture Content

The value of the protein content is roughly around 93-94% in this estimation. This will definitely be higher than the “As Is” basis protein estimation since the only residue here is a pure protein (without water/ moisture content). For the same reason, most companies prefer to showcase their “Dry Basis” protein estimate instead of the actual amount that our body can absorb, i.e., “As Is” basis protein estimate.

We consider the “As Is’ basis protein estimate as the more reliable one because, in real-life situations, we do not consume any type of supplement without water. So, it makes sense to consider this as the correct estimate that people are entitled to know.

 

What Is As Is Protein?

Unlike the previous one that shows the percentage of the pure protein, “As Is” protein shows the usable protein estimate found in the protein supplement. In “As Is” protein, there is some water content. This makes it the most authentic way to access protein estimation since we generally consume supplements with water. 

Equation:

Total As Is Protein Estimate = The Actual Nutrient Content Including The Water In The Supplement

However, it is worthwhile to remember that if the water content is higher in the supplement, then the protein level will be lesser, i.e., it is less effective. So, invest in a supplement with less water content (but there should be some water content) to achieve your fitness goal or to simply gain the missing protein content.

It is recommended to buy a protein supplement with at least 75% “As Is” protein value, so even if the water content is 5%, you receive at least 70% of the proteins, which is quite a good amount.

 

Understand With An Example

Take a supplement with an “As Is” protein estimate ranging around 88% (including water content). When you heat this product, the water content evaporates, and we are left with the pure protein, which is the “Dry Basis” protein.

The protein value for “Dry Basis” protein will always be higher than the “As Is” protein since the former is pure protein while the latter has it mixed with water. So, the value for “Dry Basis” protein is higher and roughly comes up to 93-94% since the water is removed.

 

Difference Between “Dry Basis” And “As Is” Basis Protein

Listed below are some of the critical differences between “Dry Basis” and “As Is” basis protein.

Sl. No. Area Of Difference “Dry Basis” Protein “As Is” Protein
1 Moisture or water content Upon heating, the water content evaporates. The remaining content is a pure protein which is the Dry Basis protein. “As Is” basis protein has water content. The higher the water/ moisture content, the less the protein level.
2 Estimate value The value is higher and comes around 93-94%. This is the main reason why the Dry Basis protein is found on the label of most of the supplements. Even though the value is lower (around 88%) than the Dry Basis protein, it is considered the more reliable estimate since we generally consume water with supplements.
3 Represents It represents the pure protein level in the supplement. It represents the actual amount of proteins that we consume.
4 On the supplement label Dry Basis protein is usually written on the supplement label since it shows more protein content. Unlike the Dry Basis protein, As Is basis protein shows the actual/ usable protein level, but it is generally not written on the label since it’s lower than Dry Basis.

 

You May Also Like To Read:

Best Casein Protein Supplement In India

Best Mass Gainer Supplement In India

Best BCAA In India

 

Takeaway

While purchasing a protein supplement, look for an “As Is” basis protein estimate. Most companies provide the Dry Basis protein on the supplement label to show a higher protein composition. However, to know the correct amount of protein absorbed by our body, we should check the “As Is” basis as it includes the total solid component and the water content.

I hope you got a better understanding of “Dry Basis” protein and “As Is” protein. If you have any doubts or queries, please feel free to reach us through the comments below.

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