How is whey protein made?

Whey protein is a co-product of the cheese making process. The steps generally involved in making whey protein isolate (WPI) are as follows:

• Fresh milk is tested, approved for quality and pasteurized.
• The casein, or "curd", and a portion of the milk-fat are separated out to make cheese.
• The remaining liquid whey goes through a series of fine, specialty filters separating the whey protein from the lactose and other ingredients in the liquid.
• Concentrated liquid whey enters an ion exchange tower to further concentrate and purify the whey protein. Ion exchange is a gentle process and does not denature, or "break down", the whey protein.
• The product then enters a drying tower to remove water.
• Once complete the final product (pure whey protein isolate powder) is packaged for use.