Package
The type of package in which the protein is supplied.
Proteins up to 4.54 kg (10 lb) can be supplied in boxes, cans or bags. The first option has not received much distribution, and the choice between the remaining two depends mainly on how often you have to carry the product with you. So, the package takes up less space (and decreases in volume as the contents are consumed), which makes it easier to pack it in a bag; the jar is more stable on the table, shelf, etc. Also note that it is usually easier to “climb” into the package with a spoon or hand, taking out the powder or tablet, respectively, and it is more convenient to pour out / shake out the contents from the jar.
With a product quantity of more than 4.54 kg, buckets are used exclusively, their capacity can reach 7 kg. Although the bucket usually has a carrying handle, it is still more convenient to keep it in one place, and collect the necessary portion of the protein for carrying “with you” in another container, smaller, for example, in a bottle or jar. Moreover, the large width of the bucket makes it easy to collect the contents — you can even lower the container directly inside.
Weight
The weight of the protein supplied in this packaging option (excluding packaging).
Knowing the amount of protein and the size of the daily portion, you can estimate how long this amount will last. And since different situations require a different supply of product, the same brand is often produced in several weight options. At the same time, larger packages, usually, are cheaper in terms of a kilogram of weight. However, it cannot be said unequivocally that it always makes sense to buy large volumes — for example, it is convenient to take a small package “for testing”, at the end of a training programme or for the duration of a trip if the main stock is left at home.
Note that many manufacturers traditionally tie the weight of their products to pounds: for example, the weight of 4.54 kg, popular among large cans and packages, corresponds to just 10 pounds.
Number of servings
The number of servings contained in this packaging option. For more on the meaning of the term "portion", see the relevant paragraph below; here we only note that the recommended serving size may differ from that indicated by the manufacturer, respectively, and the actual number of servings may be less or more than the claimed one. Nevertheless, according to this indicator, one can at least approximately estimate how long the package will last. The most modest packaging options include
up to 25 servings, in the largest this number can
exceed 100.
Serving
The size (weight) of a standard serving of protein; most often we mean a portion for one dose (there may be several such receptions per day). This indicator is indicated depending on the packaging features: for example, for products in individual packaging (bags), the weight of the contents in one bag is given.
Anyway, note that in the characteristics the manufacturer indicates a certain conditional portion, designed for a “standard” athlete and an average level of loads. In fact, the optimal serving size may differ markedly from the standard one depending on weight, metabolic characteristics, training programme, dietary specifics, etc. Detailed recommendations for such calculations can be found in special sources, but anyway, these calculations are based on the size of a standard servings claimed by the manufacturer.
Protein amount per serving
The amount of pure protein in each serving of protein.
Not a single protein (as a type of sports nutrition) can consist of 100% protein — even the purest products inevitably contain aromatic and flavoring additives, preservatives and other "service" substances. Therefore, the amount of protein itself will inevitably be less than the total weight of the serving. And this amount needs to be known for accurate calculations that provide the right diet. In addition, knowing the ratio between the weight of the protein in the serving and the weight of the serving itself, it is possible to assess the degree of purification and the overall quality of the concentrate (see "Type").
Calorie portion
Calorie content per serving of protein (see "Serving").
Correct determination of the optimal number of calories and compliance with these requirements is an integral part of a complete sports nutrition. Accordingly, specialized sports nutrition, including proteins, necessarily contains information on calorie content. In general, higher calorie brands are useful mainly for weight gain, lower calorie brands for fat burning, although in fact a lot depends on the characteristics of the athlete and his training programme.
