Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder Review - Less Processed?

Ascent’s Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder is made with an extremely unusual filtration process that has led many to call it one of the cleanest, least processed protein powders on the market. What’s all the hype about? Let’s take a closer look.
Get all the details in our full review here: barbend.com/as...
(Note: We receive free products to review and participate in affiliate programs, where we are compensated for items purchased through links from our site. See our disclosure page on BarBend.com for details.)
* Nutrition*
One scoop contains:
120 calories
25g protein
3g carbohydrate (1g sugar)
1g fat (none saturated)
Cholesterol: 7% RDI
Sodium: 4%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 4%
FOR OUR FULL ROUNDUP OF THE BEST WHEY PROTEINS, GOOGLE: BARBEND + BEST WHEY
** Ingredients **
Native Whey Blend (Whey protein isolate, Native Whey Protein Isolate), natural flavors, soy lecithin (for mixability), sea salt, monk fruit extract. (Note that only the Chocolate flavor also contains stevia leaf extract and cocoa.)
** Benefits and Effectiveness **
So is Native Fuel Whey Isolate less processed? Yep.
Most whey isolate is made by using acid or enzymes to separate the two proteins in milk, whey and casein. Then you process that whey into whey isolate, which is lower in carbs and fat. Native Fuel Whey Isolate is made by lifting the whey isolate directly out of the milk: there’s just one step in the process.
So if you like less processed whey, this could be great for you - although it’s worth remembering it still contains regular whey isolate and concentrate, so you’re not avoiding conventional whey, you’re just reducing your intake. Native Whey is advertised as being higher in leucine than regular whey, though the dosage in Ascent - 2.7 grams of leucine per 25 grams of protein - is about the same as Dymatize Iso 100 and Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHEY AND CASEIN? CHECK OUT OUR FULL VIDEO: • Whey Vs Casein: Which ...
** Price **
About $1.45 - $1.65 per serving, or 6 to 6.5 cents per gram of protein.
That’s relatively pricy, about what you’d pay for a pure whey isolate, especially a grass-fed one, and Ascent doesn’t fit that category. But the whey is a bit less processed and Native Fuel Whey Protein Isolate has also been tested by Informed Choice for banned substances, so you may find that price worth it.
** Taste **
For a naturally sweetened whey protein, I was blown away by how good it tastes with water. Chocolate flavor tastes like chocolate flavored candy (as opposed to actual chocolate) and the Lemon Sorbet flavor tastes like Froot Loops.
Taste is a huge part of what we value in protein powders and Ascent is very remarkable in this respect.
** The Verdict **
Pros
* No artificial ingredients
* Lots of protein per calorie
* Tested by Informed Choice
* Contains no gum
* Less processed than most whey
Cons
* A little pricy
* Contains soy
* Made in a facility that processes egg, fish, tree nuts, wheat, and peanuts
* No digestive enzymes

[@superiorspencer7532]

I have been using this protein for about a year and it is the best I’ve had. Makes you feel really clean after.

[@minah5841]

I just started using this protein, lucky for me they are selling it at Costco so I got a bit of a price break for a large bag. Thank you for the review, it was very helpful!

[@withthesun13]

I purchased this product yesterday and there’s no soy. They must have recently eliminated from its ingredients. I really like this protein power it doesn’t give me any stomach discomfort at all.

[@stitchLUVr]

I have Crohn’s disease and pretty much all other protein powders give me major stomach problems. Just had this with water today and so far no digestive upset! That for me is more than worth the price

[@Barbend]

Great! Glad to hear it. I wonder what the deciding factor was that made it easier on your belly, maybe the natural sweeteners. In any case, it's good to hear you're feeling good! - Nick

[@RbFerrer2011]

Good review! I think this is one of the cleanest protein due to the fact that it has no harmful added ingredients such as sucralose, etc which messes up your metabolism.

[@UU-eo2ul]

Tastes amazing and no stomach issues. Would recommend

[@eddiedorame2499]

Thanks for the review I will try it out

[@BLAZINGSTR8DANK420]

This protein replaced my protein at Costco. I get 4lbs instead of 6lbs. I don't mind because it is better and I was looking for a more pure protein. I can't wait to try it after I run out of muscle pharm combat. Also, I'm thinking of getting a glass jar for my protein.

[@TheMartialMix]

Mixed 2 scoops and some almond milk with pea protien in it and it tastes awesome, no grit at all.

[@101darklover]

Going to be demo-ing this tomorrow, this was super helpful!!!

[@anneirving3041]

this was so helpful. i was getting confused on products and just needed to get the facts that were clear.

[@kissy666]

Thanks for the review and great explanation ❤

[@nicholasscifo9906]

Great video! I just bought the chocolate peanut butter flavor today and having never heard of this brand I stumbled upon your video which gives me a piece of mind and helps cement my choice in trying this protein.

[@Barbend]

Glad the review was helpful! Its a solid choice. 💪

[@felicitybartek9479]

Very informative review!

[@BrotherLeon302]

Thanks for this video on Ascent.

[@kevinfowlks7351]

Amazing product does exactly as advertised

[@jmjacobs0569]

Thanks for the breakdown on this protein!!!

[@bretsjournel6685]

Im taken my first shake now

[@MrJoe1627]

Great review!!

[@Barbend]

Thanks Joe! - Nick

[@tyleredwards9382]

I bought some real cheap at a spartan event. I will say it was great for no bloating and really mixable. The flavor is tolerable but that's the best I can do. I got vanilla and used it in water. I didn't go back though because the price went up and it isn't near my favorite nor is it an isolate. Good product over all though

[@Raw.milk1]

It's actually not bad even with just water (vanilla) taste like caramel popcorn to me

[@j.gyamayaka5826]

I just had the mint chocolate chip flavor.. it's good! Mixed it with elmhurst unsweetened oat milk

[@davidponce6132]

That’s the one I bought a week ago although they were half off at the vitamin shoppe

[@skitzoo242]

very nice explanation and in depth video.

[@Barbend]

Thanks a ton, Vlado! - Nick

[@ampstudios]

I just started using this this week, I have to say the fact there isn't as many other ingredients was key for me. Yes it is more expensive, BUT the fact that it comes in this bag, makes it easier to transport as well and you only use 1 scoop and if you don't use everyday, I till last. The chocolate flavor is on point. I usually have a banana about an hour or two after drinking it, as I play basketball, so I have two bananas in a span of 2 to 3 hours, depending at the gym, and the other thing I like about it, I don't feel very gassy like I was with Gold Standard protein. They hit the ball out the park with this in my honest opinion, @@Barbend

[@Mari-ng4ip]

Good review

[@Barbend]

Thanks!

[@beenadickarnold5666]

The bag I bought today doesn't have soy, I'm assuming they switched it for sunflower!

[@vlmxs]

Thank you guys for these awesome vids! Thanks to you I discovered Dimatyze ISO 100 and will try it instead of BSN Syntha 6 ;) (just my comment here ;)

[@Barbend]

BSN is super tasty but I can definitely see Iso-100 being a better choice if you're trying to maximize protein per calorie. - Nick

[@nicksardelli890]

maybe i missed it but i didn't hear you talk about that there are no enzymes in this product. you have it on the cons list

[@bretsjournel6685]

Vanilla 1st one great

[@gaboliz1610]

Is this a good protein whey? I am thinking of buying the chocolate powder. Why its a good combination for the chocolate powder?

[@curtiscuen7468]

if i make protein shakes for the day and store them in those canning jars do they stay fresh all day or do they alter in texture?

[@mannysandoval9546]

Good review!

[@Barbend]

Glad you liked it, Manny! - Nick

[@mannysandoval9546]

Which protein would you best recommend for someone trying to gain muscle mass but stay lean? Also would you ever consider doing a review over FNX protein? And which would you prefer FNX or Ascent protien?

[@tonyagalloway9662]

I'm thinking about getting this due no antiofficial flavor and not a lot of goot in it

[@farrellism2809]

Thanks

[@kaib281]

Trying out for the 200$ gift card! Bit also awesome video love ascent products

[@braydenbiermann5053]

Good video! Lots of straightforward info to help with possible purchase. Future reviews for ascent casien and pre workout?

[@Barbend]

Yeah I've got the pre workout on the docket next! - Nick

[@Jakeypoo-di6hy]

@@Barbend - Does this product can help you bulid muscles ?

[@Zx2Nick]

But it's only 75% protein, the other 25% is all filler. There are better brands offering over 80% protein.

[@kylehooker3710]

Hmm, this is definitely good! I like Dymatize ISO100 though. Maybe I'll try this.

[@Barbend]

I really think Ascent a solid option if you're avoiding artificial sweeteners and don't want to sacrifice taste. Iso-100 is also delicious and a lot cheaper though! - Nick

[@kaib281]

They also got rid of the soy in the product!!!

[@raymondxadrian]

Gonna try! If i get gift card i'll try more.

[@robertthompson5501]

Available at Walmart 👹🙏

[@G_sodevoted]

Soy free?

[@monkeymuggs]

I still haven't tried one better tasting than Optimum Nutrition and eat the bear.

[@bozgaming333]

$200 gift card?

[@matteomcgill5779]

Enter me for that $200 lol

[@stevemcguffey148]

Looks like a sponsored advertisement more than review thumbs down.

[@Texasbroski512]

Fuuuuuuuuuuu#k I was in love with it then u said soy I like my manhood :(:(:(:(

[@Barbend]

There's more estrogen in a cup of coffee, an apple, oatmeal, and a bunch of other foods than you'll get in a scoop of this. The estrogen really isn't a big deal anyway, check out this article I wrote barbend.com/soy-and-strength-athletes/ - Nick

[@TheRichiedaggs]

BarBend just had for the first time the cappuccino with Rice Dream. Just ice cubes and shaker cup

[@TheRichiedaggs]

BarBend subscribed

[@withthesun13]

Dakota Valdes I purchased this product yesterday and there’s no soy. They must have eliminated from its ingredients.

[@ronaldboodram8563]

Sounds like a scam protein. Kaha protein is better